White Center Now: The blog about White Center

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

An emotional tribute to the late Liz Giba opened this month’s meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, which she had long led.

Ms. Giba’s longtime fellow NHUAC leader Barbara Dobkin said that though her death in March followed “a long illness .. it was still a shock. Liz meant a lot to the community.”

(2010 photo by Dina Johnson for WCN)

Dobkin recalled Ms. Giba’s battle to recover from a “pretty massive stroke” almost a decade and a half ago. “She really was tenacious … I talked to her about a week and a half before she died, and she was talking about (coming to) this meeting. Nothing could slow her down.”

Her community service spanned beyond NHUAC, too, including service as a North Highline Fire District commissioner. Dobkin vowed that NHUAC would carry on, and also noted that the rest of the night’s agenda “is a wonderful tribute to her,” including causes and issues about which she cared deeply.

Here are the highlights of what followed during the NHUAC meeting:

DEFENDERS OF HIGHLINE FOREST: A representative of this group explained that it began as “Save North SeaTac Park.” The port was potentially going to build a parking garage in the middle of heavily treed land. That’s how the defenders got going, and they seem to have won, it was explained. Now they’ve rebranded as Defenders of Highline Forest to focus on other development/rezoning issues that she said pose a threat to “mature trees and tree canopy.” For example, there’s a Burien rezoning plan described as between 128th and 138th west of Des Moines Memorial Drive, with the possibility of an “industrial rezone” and a Planning Commission hearing coming up July 8, with a petition drive under way to oppose the rezone.

The group also wants to establish permanent protection for North SeaTac Park, believing that what they’ve won could change quickly, and sensing some reticence on the port’s part, so they’re seeking community support.

That includes keeping watchful eyes on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan, which includes dozens of future projects, some of which the group worries could affect greenspace as well as raise new noise issues.

Release of the plan this past Friday opened the comment period – you can read more about it here. The Highline Forest group an others are hoping to have an event of their own soon.

MARY’S PLACE: CEO Dominique Alex was a guest.

She briefly recalled the former White Center shelter site – part of the King County building that formerly stood where the HUB is now – and said they’re excited about their latest Burien project. She outlined what MP is doing now – they have two shelters in downtown Seattle, and are building one in Burien. Sixty percent of Mary’s Place clients are kids under 18; 88 percent are BIPOC; 54 percent of the moms they serve are single. The organization has behavioral-health specialists and outreach to families as well as prevention like rental assistance. MP operates an emergency intake line – 50+ families with children call daily – but there’s only enough shelter space for 2-3 families a night.

The Burien project, Alex explained, is their new campus at 130th/Ambaum, to include a 200-bed, 4-story shelter, as well as 90 units of affordable housing being built by Mercy Housing Northwest. The project is due to be complete next year. Placing housing, shelter, and wrap-around services with “many partners coming in” to provide will make it unique, she added. Even the food situation will be unique – culturally responsive meals provided as well as space for clients to cook their own meals. Best of all, Alex continued, they have raised $37 million for all this, with only $1.2 million left to raise (as of the meeting night in early May).

WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK: Randy Nguyen said they’ve paid off the “new” building, open five days a week for food distribution. They’re seeing about 300 customers a day. Also increased, staff size and their budget. They’ve gone through a strategic planning process, and they’re dedicated to the fact that “Food is a human right.” They cleaned 40,000+ pounds of produce last year! WCFB also buys 17 percent of its produce from local BIPOC farmers.

Current challenges: Federal cuts have affected the food bank – less meat, less AmeriCorps help. And with a lot of ICE activity, that’s meant fewer Spanish-speaking clients

Also, the huge jumps in gas prices have affected produce pricing – $800 to $1200 a day, double/triple what it used to be.

You can help in a variety of ways – events like the upcoming Taste of White Center (June 20), host your own food drive for WCFB, sign up to volunteer.

NHUAC meets many months on the first Thursday, 7 pm, North Highline Fire Station, 1243 SW 112th. They’re looking for volunteers too – potential board members!

People of all ages showed up today for the second area Joiner Jamboree, first one in White Center, including (above) White Center Teen Program reps. Dozens of groups from all around the White Center/West Seattle area participated:

And participating is what this was all about – in-person involvement, not just spending your life in front of a screen.

Even roller-derby skaters were in the lineup:

Ukulele players too!

The newly rebuilt Evergreen High School served as today’s venue.

(REPOSTED FROM PARTNER SITE WEST SEATTLE BLOG)

FIRST REPORT, 11:16 AM: Thanks for the tips – house fire reported in the unincorporated area. More soon.

FIRST UPDATE, 11:35 AM: Our crew has just arrived. The fire is close to 26th and 104th. They’re seeing damage to a house and RV trailer. Photos added.

SECOND UPDATE, 11:43 AM: A PIO at the scene confirms to our crew that the fire is out – aside from a few hotspots – and no one was hurt. The fire is reported to have started in the trailer and spread to a house, damaging a second residential structure.

THIRD UPDATE, 2:46 PM: Here’s what PIO Pat Pawlak, speaking today for Fire District 2 (North Highline/Burien), told us at the scene:

SATURDAY MORNING: Rick’s family says he’s been found.

Earlier:

8:11 PM FRIDAY: This missing man – whose name is Gordon, though we’re told he goes by “Rick” – was last seen in North Shorewood:

His name is Gordon but goes by Rick.
He has dementia and we are very concerned about his safety.
Hasn’t been seen or heard from since 5/7.
If seen please call 911
OR
206-296-3311 and refer to case # C26013371
He was last seen driving his truck around crossroads 26th Ave Sw and 112 SW in Seattle – a 2006 Dark Blue Ford F350

The announcement is from the King County Department of Local Services:

Come celebrate new lights, tour road improvements on 16th Avenue SW during White Center “Glow Up” event Thursday, May 21:

King County Department of Local Services invites the community to a White Center “Glow Up” event – a chance to celebrate and learn more about several improvements along 16th Avenue SW.

The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, during the monthly Rat City Art Walk event at the corner of 16th Avenue SW and SW 98th Street near the community kiosk.

King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson, Road Services Director Tricia Davis, and local business and community leaders are expected to make remarks.

After that, the Department of Local Services – the local government for unincorporated White Center – will host a walking tour to highlight several recent investments:

Illuminate White Center: Decorative lights suspended over the sidewalk will brighten 16th Avenue SW from SW Roxbury Street to SW 100th Street, creating a brighter, more welcoming nighttime experience. This community-driven idea was selected and funded through King County’s Participatory Budgeting program (early estimate $100,000).

Pedestrian safety improvements and traffic calming project on 16th Avenue SW, between SW 100th Street and SW 107th Street: We are near completion of a multi-year project to make this busy road safe for everyone, including:
-Creating one lane in each direction with a center turn lane and bicycle lanes in both directions
-Modern ADA curb ramps
-Sidewalk curb extensions 
-Rapid flashing lights and new pedestrian crossing signs at intersections without a traffic signal

Rainbow Sidewalk: The curb cut-outs on both sides of 16th Avenue SW at the sidewalk between SW Roxbury Street and SW 98th Street will be painted in vibrant rainbow colors.

Organizers will also share how the county’s investments in the White Center Business Alliance are helping to boost business engagement, promote the district, support community events, and advocate for the small businesses that make “Rat City” unique.

“These improvements reflect what people have said loud and clear,” Director Richardson said. “They want a neighborhood that’s safe, more vibrant, and more connected.”

Spectacular day for a Block Party – which is exactly what’s going to happen on 16th SW between Roxbury and 100th from 2 pm to 8 pm today during the White Center Spring Fling. Music, food, fun, and a chance to stroll in the street, since it’ll be closed to motor vehicles! More info here.

(2019 WCN photo, John Taylor’s first NHUAC appearance as Local Services director)

He’s well-known to North Highline, having been the first-ever director of King County Local Services and then leading the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. But now, John Taylor is leaving county government. Here’s the announcement from the office of King County Executive Girmay Zahilay:

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay today announced that John Taylor, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, has accepted an appointment as the new CEO of the Cascade Water Alliance, a partner organization that contributes to safe, clean, reliable water supply in the Central Puget Sound region.

The department completed major projects during Taylor’s tenure, including King County’s largest-ever floodplain restoration project, a unique onsite battery system that provides reliable power to West Point Treatment Plant, and the renewal of the King County Parks Levy.

Executive Zahilay appointed Mo McBroom – who has served as deputy director for the department since 2020, strengthening community partnerships while successfully leading climate and conservation initiatives – as interim director while his leadership team conducts a recruitment for the Cabinet position.

“Our frontline professionals reinforced King County’s reputation as trusted environmental stewards under John’s steady leadership, achieving ambitious goals that contributed to healthier, more resilient, more sustainable communities,” said Executive Zahilay. “I’m grateful for John’s 13 years of dedicated service at King County, especially his leadership during the unprecedented flooding in December. Going forward, we will build on this momentum and continue to drive meaningful progress in climate action, environmental sustainability, and clean energy for King County communities.”

Taylor was appointed department director in February 2024 after serving as the first director of the King County Department of Local Services. He previously served as a member of the Department of Natural Resources Parks’ leadership team where he led the creation of Fish, Farm, and Flood, a landmark accord that has restored salmon habitat, strengthened the local agricultural economy, and reduced flood risks along the Snoqualmie River.

He was one of the architects of the Land Conservation Initiative, a partnership that is protecting the last, best 65,000 acres of urban greenspace, forestland, farmland, river corridors, and natural areas while increasing access to the outdoors.

“It has been an honor to serve as a member of Executive Zahilay’s Cabinet and to work each day with a high-performing team of talented professionals,” said Taylor. “There are no final victories in environmental stewardship, but together with community partners, we’ve produced measurable, lasting results for people, fish, and wildlife.”

During Executive Zahilay’s administration, the Department of Natural Resources and Parks has achieved several milestones in urban communities, building on decades of progress in rural areas.

The department launched a study of the current condition of forest canopy in unincorporated areas, which will inform future actions with communities that promote equitable access to healthy tree canopy. King County Parks entered an agreement to purchase the location for Skyway’s first community center and is transforming the 1,000-foot-long Wilburton Trestle in Bellevue into a scenic trail bridge.

The department was a primary contributor to King County’s 24/7 emergency response during the historic December flooding, deploying members of its specially trained Flood Patrol who reinforced levees before they broke and mobilized rapid repairs when they breached.

The next director will lead a workforce of 2,300-plus employees who manage a diverse portfolio. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks restores habitat, reduces flood risks, builds and operates major infrastructure that protects Puget Sound, transforms waste management to cut carbon emissions, and expands and enhances regional parks and trails.

Taylor will begin his role as CEO for the Cascade Water Alliance on May 29. The organization works with seven member agencies – the cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, and Tukwila along with two water and sewer districts – to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for 400,000 residents in King County.

That’s a screenshot of the southernmost sales on the map for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, which we’ve been coordinating on behalf of our partner site West Seattle Blog since 2008, always the second Saturday in May. WSCGSD doesn’t have strict boundaries, and every year a few more North Highline sellers decide to jump in. You of course are welcome to shop everywhere else on the peninsula too – see the clickable map on WSB, and the printable list of sales linked from that page – a record 650+ this year! Sale day is this Saturday, May 9, official hours 9 am to 3 pm, though some sellers choose to start earlier and some to stay open later.

P.S. For sellers who might have leftovers – the White Center Library Guild is interested in books! Here’s their message.

This Thursday – May 7th – the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council reconvenes, and you’re invited. Here’s the announcement:

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard

At the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) Meeting!

When: Thursday, May 7th @ 7 pm
Where: North Highline Fire Station in White Center
1243 SW 112th Street (Parking and Entrance are in the Back of the Station)

Plan on joining NHUAC for an informative meeting where we will hear from the organizations who make a difference in the lives of North Highline Residents.

Noticed a need for more trees in North Highline? Sandy Hunt will share her perspective and the work that the “Defenders of Highline Forest” are doing to preserve and add to these precious resources.

Curious about the construction going on off Ambaum at 130th Street. Well, the exciting news is that the family shelter, Mary’s Place, is developing a unique campus of co-located permanent affordable housing alongside a new shelter facility at this site. Chief Executive Officer, Dominique Alex will be on hand to provide updates and information about this exciting addition to the Highline Communtiy.

Food Banks play a key role in making our food systems stronger. They help provide a local food source for communities and, especially during tough times, make sure fewer people go hungry. After years of being located off 108th Ave, the White Center Food Bank moved to 16th Ave in the heart of White Center and continues to play an important role in the community. We are pleased to host Randy Nguyen, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager of the WC Food Bank, who will provide updates and ways that we all can contribute to this important organization.

Knowledge Is Power

Learn, share, and help make North Highline a healthier community.

Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7 pm

Big community cleanup on Saturday (May 2) – if you haven’t already signed up with the White Center Community Development Association to volunteer somewhere, go here to see what’s available. Volunteers will all meet at, and return to, the White Center HUB, starting at 8:30 am.

Thanks to Jissy for the photo. Crews are fighting this fire at 15th SW and SW 104th. Avoid the area.

The Pride Family Book Club meets tomorrow at the White Center Library. Here’s the invitation for families:

Last Thursday of the Month during the school year (Gatherings remaining: April 30, May 28) 4:30 – 5:30 pm

For families to participate in together.

Play board games, make a craft, and share your favorite rainbow family books celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride.

Thanks to those who tipped us to the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter circling the south end of White Center for a while this afternoon. We checked then-current and archived KCSO radio but no obvious incidents were working anywhere near the area; sometimes the helicopter flies in support of warrant or other operations, so we’re checking on that possibility.

14- to 24-year-olds are invited to this brand-new event:

Register for the First-Ever King County Youth Leadership Summit!

Designed by and for young people, this summit is a unique opportunity for leaders and aspiring changemakers (ages 14-24) to gather from across King County. Whether they are already active in the community or looking for a way to start, this event is built to amplify youth voice.

The Details:

What: King County Youth Leadership Summit

When: Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Where: The Museum of Flight (9404 East Marginal Way S, Tukwila)

Registration: https://beststartsblog.com/2026/04/15/register-for-the-first-ever-king-county-youth-leadership-summit/

Thanks to Gil for the tip, and apologies we didn’t have this sooner – if you haven’t already been to the Khmer New Year Street Festival on 98th east of 16th, you have until 5 pm – performances, food, more!

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for White Center Now and West Seattle Blog

Greenbridge has a place for brunch again, and for lunch and dinner, or just coffee or a cocktail. Zoco Cafe and Wine (9901 8th Ave SW) aims to be a neighborhood gathering spot that just so happens to have excellent food and a menu with local wines. “We want everyone to feel like they can come here and stay–catch up with friends and family,” says Amador Coyantes, who soft-opened the restaurant early this month with his sister and co-proprietor Silvia Camarillo and plans a grand opening starting May 1. Coyantes says he’s attended church just down the street for years, so this location just felt right.

(Server Nicole Macias with her uncle, Zoco co-owner Amador Coyantes)
The response has been far beyond what they expected. “Amazing! We didn’t do any marketing. It was a soft opening with all the neighbors around.” Camarillo’s daughter Nicole Macias says the first days serving guests made it clear how much the community needed a new restaurant after the Greenbridge Cafe closed last November after 14 years. “They’re seeing everyone, bringing their friends. It’s really welcoming. People say they’re super excited to have lunch and dinner here.”

The only thing obviously missing during the first couple of weeks of Zoco Cafe and Wine’s soft open was the wine. “We finally got the liquor license last week,” Coyantes says, and that means they are now polishing up a list of Washington state wines to feature along with their cocktail menu. That also means they’re ready to put on a grand opening celebration, scheduled for May 1st, 2nd and 3rd. “We want to bring some music, have gift cards and other surprises,” he says.

The brunch menu is a mix of traditional American and Mexican dishes, and for dinner, many American and Italian options, a natural choice given Coyantes and Camarillo’s 30 years of restaurant experience, much of it with Italian food. The options are tantalizing. For brunch, options include a Dulce de Leche french toast with a Mezcal sauce, walnuts and caramelized banana; a gluten-free Avocado toast with eggs, and a fried chicken and waffle dish. But it’s the Chilaquiles Verdes with a house-made poblano sauce that they say has some customers coming back daily to order. For dinner, there are appetizers, burgers, salads, pastas and even a ribeye steak. Coyantes says the Italian dishes in particular have been a hit. “People love the pastas. We want to keeping going in that direction,” he says. “Eventually we want to do homemade fresh pasta.”

For those who come in regularly, Zoco is offering a loyalty rewards program to earn discounts off future meals. Food can be ordered to go through Toast, Uber Eats and DoorDash. While their website is being developed, they are keeping customers up to date on Instagram. Zoco Cafe and Wine serves their brunch menu 8 am-3 pm Tuesdays-Sundays and stays open for dinner until 9 pm Thursdays-Saturdays. They are closed Mondays.

It was a huge hit in West Seattle, and now the Joiner Jamboree has a sequel in White Center on May 16, with a pre-func the night before. Here’s the announcement!

White Center Joiner Jamboree & Film Screening: Two Events, One Inspiring Weekend of Connection

Community is better in person. For those looking to find their people or their purpose, mark your calendars for May 15–16, when two back-to-back events invite White Center area residents to gather, connect, and be inspired to get involved.

This unique weekend pairing features a documentary film screening and a community fair, both designed to spark civic engagement and deepen local belonging.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 — White Center Joiner Jamboree
Continue the momentum on Saturday at the White Center Joiner Jamboree, a vibrant community fair bringing together over 40 local clubs and organizations from White Center and West Seattle, co-sponsored by White Center Solidarity, West Seattle Timebank, and the White Center Community Development Association.

From service groups and social clubs to creative collectives and outdoor organizations, this event is your one-stop opportunity to explore local involvement and meet new friends.

Event & Registration Link: hactionnetwork.org/events/joiner-jamboree?source=direct_link&

Location: Evergreen High School, 830 SW 116th Street

Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Admission: Free (pre-registration appreciated but not required)

Experience the film (info below) Friday, then explore the connections Saturday. Together, these events offer an inspiring invitation to rediscover the power of joining in—and to make a difference right here in White Center.

Email: westseattlejoiners@gmail.com

Confirmed Clubs/Groups at White Center Joiner Jamboree

34th District Democrats

A Cleaner Alki

Acts on Stage

Buy-Nothing Groups–West Seattle & White Center

Campfire

Democratic Socialists of America DSA

DNDA (Bog Project)

Dubsea Coffee

Feeding the Cauldron

Girl Scouts of Western Washington

King County Office of Emergency Management

Kiwanis Club of West Seattle (White Center Kiwanis)

Morbidly Curious Book Club

Mountview Elementary PTA

Mr. B’s Mead Center

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council

Rat City Art Walk (3rd Thursdays)

Rolling Scones Ukulele Group

Rotary Club of Burien/White Center

Salvation Army White Center Corps. & Community Center

Seventh Day Adventist Breath of Life

Shark Garden

Shorewood PTA

Steve Cox Park Log Cabin Teen Center

Voter Registration Table–Staffed by LWVSKC

Weed Warriors

West Seattle Amateur Radio Club

West Seattle Book Club

West Seattle Home Depot Adopt-A-Corner (NDLON)

West Seattle Indivisible

West Seattle Rock Club

West Seattle Time Bank

Westside Interfaith Network

White Center Business Alliance

White Center Community Development Association

White Center Food Bank

White Center Heights PTA

White Center Pride

White Center Solidarity (& their working groups as follows):

WCS–Block Buddies

WCS–Community Care
WCS–Community Skill Share
WCS–Immigrant Support

WCS–Rapid Response

The night before, a pre-func of sorts – a film screening:

Friday, May 15, 2026 — Film Screening: “Join or Die”

Kick off the weekend with a thought-provoking documentary hosted by West Seattle Timebank, White Center Solidarity & the White Center Community Development Association. “Join or Die” explores the importance of participation in clubs, organizations, and civic groups—and why community connection is key to both a longer life and a thriving democracy.

After the film, stay for an engaging audience discussion about how participation can strengthen neighborhoods right here in White Center.

Event Details:
Location: Evergreen High School, 830 SW 116th
Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM | Film begins at 7:00 PM | Discussion until ~9:00 pm
Admission: Free (pre-registration appreciated but not required)
Tickets: Register via Eventbrite

Just announced by the White Center Food Bank, three events:

eApril 16, 5–7 p.m. — The White Center Food Bank will celebrate the debut of our first recipe book, “Bringing People Together, One Plate at a Time,” during the Rat City Art Walk.

The book features recipes from customers, staff, and community partners, showcasing the diverse flavors of the White Center community. Guests can enjoy light appetizers and beverages, preview the book, and place pre-orders at the event.

This event is a preview and pre-order opportunity. An official launch will be announced at a later date.

TASTE OF WHITE CENTER, PRESENTED BY WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK, JUNE 20, 12 PM-3 PM
You’re invited to White Center Food Bank’s 5 th Annual Taste of White Center (World Cup Edition) on June 20 th from 12-3 pm.

With 35+ restaurants participating, attendees purchase $5 tickets to try a variety of foods like banh mi sandwiches, tacos, bubble tea, shave ice, and much, much more. Join us for a fun-filled event with food, kids’ area, music and more!

More info coming soon!

White Center Food Bank Benefit Concert at Tim’s Tavern, May 8 , 6 PM – 10 PM
Join us for a White Center Food Bank Benefit Concert at Tim’s Tavern on May 8 th . We’ll start off the night with the rock and soul of Roxbury Saints, then we’ll move to the high energy ska of The Kings of Seattle and finish the night with the latin soul and warm-weather music of The Pazific.

Come dance with us and keep the community fed. Doors open at 6 pm, show at 7 pm, $25 (+fees). Tickets available here

Bring shelf-stable food to donate and all proceeds benefit White Center Food Bank.

Protesters gathered at 8th SW and SW 108th in White Center this afternoon, and sent us these photos. They say ICE activity, including detentions/arrests, is ramping up in the White Center/Burien/West Seattle area, and they want people to know, because they believe there’s a general perception that not much is happening around here so far.

They say the agents’ actions happen quickly and without warning, within a matter of minutes. We have no details yet of exactly what happened in the case people are protesting today but they say it was less than a week ago.

Now that it’s April, it’s almost Duwamish Alive! time. Support your local ecosystem – the official announcement explains how:

Duwamish Alive! Celebrate Earth Month by Caring for Our Duwamish River
Volunteer on Saturday, April 18, 10 am-2 pm

Join us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Duwamish Alive! while caring for Seattle’s only RIVER — the Duwamish, as we work together to improve its health. Volunteers will be restoring native habitat on in multiple urban parks and open spaces from Seattle to Kent in the ongoing effort to keep our river alive and healthy for our communities, salmon and the Puget Sound. Proving that by working together, we can make a substantial difference in improving the health of our region. We be working at sites, from Kent to Seattle to restore and preserve our areas of native habitat in the river’s watershed.

The river’s watershed includes forested areas such as the Duwamish Greenbelt, one of the largest in the lower section of the river, provides important air and water filtration of pollution, especially storm runoff one of the major sources polluting our waters. Tree canopy cover also reduces our summer heat domes, unequally affecting low income, communities of color to a greater degree. The river’s ecosystem supports 5 salmon species including the threatened Chinook salmon which is a critical food source for our Southern Resident Orcas; along with wildlife that includes river otters, beavers, bald eagles, and blue herons. Each of our habitat sites supports this web of life while providing important environmental benefits to our communities – we are all connected.

We are honored to help steward these locations which are the ancestral lands and waters of the Duwamish Peoples who have been here for thousands of years. Join us in caring for these special places. Family friendly, ALL are welcome. Tools and instruction are provided.

To volunteer, visit DuwamishAlive.org to see the different volunteer opportunities and register for the site of your choice.