White Center Now: The blog about White Center

This morning, the state announced King County can move to Phase 2 of the reopening plan. For more on what that means, here’s a detailed list on the King County Public Health website.

12:36 PM: King County’s own announcement just arrived. Before reiterating that same list, it begins:

Following approval by state Secretary of Health John Wiesman, King County has officially entered Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start recovery plan to allow limited business re-opening. Phase 2 allows for twice the capacity in retail, restaurants, and other businesses previously allowed in King County’s modified Phase 1 and goes into effect immediately.

“Moving to Phase 2 is another step toward economic recovery for our region, but it must go hand-in-hand with even more careful adherence to precautions from our public health experts,” said Executive Constantine. “Wearing face coverings, washing hands, and avoiding crowds and unnecessary contact can help make ours a one-way trip back to prosperity, and prevent the need to go back to stay-at-home orders.”

While there are no additional categories of businesses included in moving from modified Phase 1 to Phase 2, the operating capacity has doubled for those able to reopen. For example, restaurants can now operate with 50% of indoor capacity, and retail with 30% capacity. Businesses with questions on how to safely reopen under the state’s guidance are encouraged to call Public Health’s Business Compliance Line at 206-296-1608.

“We evaluated a number of factors to apply to move to phase two of reopening. Our healthcare system, perhaps the single most important factor, is currently well-prepared to care for COVID-19 cases as well as the other health needs of our community,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Public Health officials recommend that people keep 6 feet apart from one another whenever possible. Outdoors exposures are less risky than indoors, and improving indoor ventilation is recommended. In addition, people need to wear face coverings in public, wash hands frequently, and get tested at the first sign of symptoms.

“Our cases have declined significantly since the peak of the outbreak in late March, and are now hovering around our target goal,” said Duchin. “Over the past seven days, however, we have seen an uptick in the number of cases compared to the previous week. With re-opening, we anticipated more cases in the community. That is why it is now more important than ever keep 6 feet apart from one another whenever possible and minimize unnecessary activity, especially people at increased risk for COVID-19.”

“As we move into phase 2 and for the foreseeable future, our risk will be increasing, not decreasing,” said Duchin. “COVID-19 has not gone away and we must take the ongoing risk very seriously. If we are going to be successful continuing to reopen, it’s essential that we do everything we can to prevent COVID-19 spread as we have more contact in social, recreational and work-related settings.”

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

Business owners in unincorporated King County can call or sign up online to receive business assistance coaching. This service is provided under the $4 million Small Business Assistance Program, approved by the King County Council in May, to help businesses in the unincorporated areas recover from the impacts of COVID-19-related closures.

King County Local Services is contracting with two U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institutions, Business Impact NW and Ventures, to provide the technical assistance to small businesses in unincorporated King County that have been hurt by COVID-19 and related public health measures.

Over-the-phone coaching will be available to businesses directly, as well as to local chambers of commerce and other community business organizations that serve businesses in these areas.

If needed, language interpreters will work with coaches and business owners during the technical assistance sessions. To access services in a language other than English, businesses should leave a phone message including the name of the language they speak. They will receive a call back from a coach and interpreter within two business days.

If you own a business in unincorporated King County, technical assistance coaches can help you with:

Information about the latest (federal, state, and local) funding and loan resources
Assistance with utility bills
Filling out grant or funding application forms
Coaching to help your business survive the impacts of COVID-19 closures

To access this technical assistance, call 206-331-3275 and leave a message. A coach will call back within two business days.

To learn more about this program, visit www.kingcounty.gov/localbusinesshelp.

The Small Business Assistance Program will also include a grant program to help small businesses in unincorporated King County “keep the lights on.” That program is set to launch later this month.

Just in – King County’s “modified Phase 1” approval from the state. Here’s the announcement:

With new state health officials’ approval today, restaurants and retailers will be allowed to serve customers in their establishments, in addition to other modified openings for a wide range of businesses and activities. Public Health – Seattle & King County will monitor transmission trends, medical capacity and other key indicators to help inform further reopening decisions.

A plan drafted by King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, and King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott and approved today by state Department of Health Secretary John Wiesman immediately allows limited and modified openings for a wide range of businesses, recreation, and personal activities in King County.

Businesses are required to follow the state Department of Health’s specific guidance but must adjust their occupancy to the levels identified below. The State defines an establishment’s capacity as the fire code. The intent is to limit business operations to a level that allows for social distancing. Additionally, businesses in retail, professional services, and real estate must take steps to reduce indoor operations to thirty minutes. This is not meant to be timed to the second – no one is expected to have a stopwatch – but customers should be informed why it is important to limit close interactions.

Here is an overview of what’s happening in key sectors across King County:

Restaurants
• Outdoor dining activities is allowed at 50 percent of capacity with all tables and chairs maintaining 6 feet of distance, though additional seating will be allowed provided it follows Public Health – Seattle & King County’s best practices. Restaurants will also need to go through the normal process within their city – or King County if the establishment is located within unincorporated King County – to seek approval to expand outdoor seating.
• Indoor dining services may operate at 25 percent of capacity, provided such tables and chairs are more than 6 feet away from each other.

In-store retail
• All non-essential retail activities may operate but an establishment’s occupancy may not be not be higher than 15 percent of capacity.
• Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to less than 30 minutes, with face-to-face interactions limited to 30 minutes.
• Essential retail activities may continue to operate according to the existing state regulations.

Personal services: Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Barbers, Estheticians, Master Estheticians, Manicurists, Nail Salon Workers, Electrologists, Permanent Makeup Artists, Tattoo Artists, Cosmetology Schools and Esthetics Schools
• All activities may operate but the number of clients served will be limited to no more than 25 percent of capacity or one person if it is a single bed/chair studio.

Professional services: Accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, financial advisors, information technologists, insurance agents, tax preparers, and other office-based occupations that are typically serving a client base
• All activities allowed but an establishment’s occupancy should not be higher than 25 percent of capacity.
• Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to be less than 30 minutes, with face to face interactions limited to 30 minutes.

Construction
• All construction, including those activities for which social distancing may not be maintained and the start of new construction projects, is authorized to resume.

We’ve been checking back at 16th/98th since Sarah Robbins‘ first panel of mural art outside the Beer Star (etc.) building – and today, we finally caught the second panel. Note the small message at right – “call your mom”!

While out checking on a few things, we stopped in downtown White Center, where West Seattle muralist Sarah Robbins was working on the boards covering the windows at Beer Star and its (also closed) co-housed businesses. She told us she’s working on the next panel (to the south) after this.

Seen on Sunday, downtown.

On our way to a late lunch in White Center this afternoon, we spotted these demonstrators on the sidewalk west of Uncle Ike’s, so we stopped for a photo and a few questions. They are members of Black Excellence in Cannabis, a group “protesting the exclusion of African-Americans from the economic opportunities created by the legalization of cannabis.” There’s more background here, contending:

The “Social Equity” proposal the LCB has recently submitted to legislators is completely inadequate. African-Americans are an endangered species in the cannabis industry and the LCB has stooped to a new low of over exaggerating and inflating their demographics to make this injustice look less shameful.

As an organization we are focused on achieving fair representation for African-Americans in the cannabis industry. Many of our members were medical providers in Washington, and were prevented from obtaining retail cannabis licenses from Governor Inslee’s, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Here’s a big-picture look at the inequity problem.

From the inbox, a new-business announcement:

White Center CoWorking is a shared office and event space, providing a beautiful, friendly and inclusive work environment for individuals and small businesses in the White Center area of West Seattle.

Occupying the West corner of the Rozella Building, White Center CoWorking (WCCW) is proud to be a part of the lineage of incredible businesses to thrive in the oldest standing commercial building in White Center. The team behind WCCW saw the potential in this gorgeous old building and with a little elbow grease and some community support have reinvigorated this space as a community hub.

Offering multi-tiered membership options, WCCW is available to members from 8 am – 6 pm with several open desks and meeting areas, as well as reliable wi-fi and free coffee! The space also includes a conference room available for rent to non-members.

“As independent business owners, both Katy and I needed a reliable place to be productive and connect with others,” said co-founder Stefanie Karlin. “You can only work from home so many days before you realize your dog doesn’t count as a co-worker.”

Keep an eye out for monthly member happy hours, small-business focused continuing education and community programming. A list of currently scheduled programs is below:

Nov 7 | 6 pm – New Buyer’s Event with Team Diva

Nov 12 | 6 pm – Bookkeeping and Financial Planning for Small Businesses

Nov 14 | 4:30 pm – Monthly Member Happy Hour

(Also posted to partner site West Seattle Blog)

Took a while to get the details on this but for everyone who asked why the Guardian One helicopter was looping over White Center and South Delridge for a while – it was part of the search for someone who robbed an employee of Proletariat Pizza (9622 16th SW) in the alley behind the business, says King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Abbott. He says a robber armed with a handgun took the employee’s wallet and cell phone “and fled northbound into Seattle on a bike.”

Almost two years after Big Al Brewing closed at 9832 14th SW, the site is dormant no longer … Future Primitive Brewing Company opened there today. Our friends at Washington Beer Blog have details. The new enterprise originally was to be called Unified Brewing, as reported here last year, but plans changed along the way. P.S. Hours for the new establishment are at the bottom of this page.

(Photo courtesy U-Haul and Northmart)

U-Haul sent this announcement that Northmart (9841 15th SW) is now offering its products and services:

U-Haul Company of Washington is pleased to announce that Northmart Furniture has signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve the Seattle community.

Northmart Furniture at 9841 15th Ave. SW will offer U-Haul trucks, towing equipment, moving supplies, and in-store pickup for boxes.

The arrival of U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 is revolutionizing the moving industry through its more convenient, more secure way to pick up and return a truck. U-Haul live verification technology allows rental transactions to be carried out entirely on a smartphone at any hour – day or night. There are no membership fees. Simply visit uhaul.com to create an online account.

Normal business hours are 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling 206-686-2641 or visiting (this webpage) today.

Northmart Furniture owner Hussin Safi is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of King County.

U-Haul and Northmart Furniture are striving to benefit the environment through sustainability initiatives. Truck sharing is a core U-Haul sustainability business practice that allows individuals to access a fleet of trucks that is larger than what they could access on an individual basis.

Every U-Haul truck placed in a community helps keep 19 personally owned large-capacity vehicles, pickups, SUVs and vans off the road. Fewer vehicles means less traffic congestion, less pollution, less fuel burned and cleaner air.

It’s been almost five years since Northmart opened on the south side of downtown White Center.

Next to each other at 9823 15th SW, you’ll find:

GOOD DAY DONUTS: Husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Erik Jackson and Alison Odowski have opened Good Day Donuts in the former Golden House Bakery and Deli. They’re making and selling donuts, ice cream, and lunch:

Hours are Mondays-Fridays 7 am-3 pm, Saturdays 8 am-2 pm, Sundays 9 am-1 pm.

MR. BUDS: While checking out Good Day Donuts, we discovered another marijuana store has opened in White Center.

Yes, Mr. Buds is in the same strip mall as the new donut shop.

Founded in White Center, Taco Time Northwest is going all out, all across the chain, to try to bring in job applicants. The local restaurant is one of the places where you can be part of a mega-job fair this Thursday:

Northwest based and family-owned Taco Time Northwest, is hosting a one-day Job Fair on Thursday, May 17, where it is looking to hire 350 people and give away a car to one lucky new employee.

The job fair will be held at 56 participating Puget Sound area Taco Time restaurants, with open interviews for all positions from 7-10 a.m. and 2-5 p.m., on May 17.

In addition to the chance to win a brand-new Toyota Prius, employee benefits include:

Flexible schedule – supporting a healthy work/life balance
Competitive wages
401(k) retirement plan
Free shift meals
Generous paid time off package
Taco Time Cares Employee Hardship Program
Medical benefits (full time employees)
35% off for employees and family members during off hours

After 6 months of employment, all employees hired during this Job Fair will be entered into a drawing for the brand-new Toyota Prius

“We hope the excitement of giving away a new car to someone applying at Taco Time will cause them to visit one of our restaurants on May 17th and consider coming to work with us. Great restaurant employees at every level have made our company a leader in the Northwest in our commitment to serve simple, fresh, great tasting food with outstanding guest service,” states Robby Tonkin, co-president of Taco Time NW. “Whether you’re looking for a career and growth opportunities or to simply pay your bills and learn great skills, there is a place for you if you take pride in striving for outstanding service and quality.”

FIRST REPORT, 10:04 AM: King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht is visiting White Center this morning, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Our photo is from a discussion at Noble Barton that started the visit, which then was scheduled to move to the Beer and Wine Source, with a walking tour to follow.

ADDED FRIDAY EVENING: The sheriff got an earful as she was taken on a tour of the area.

She listened to the continuing concerns of businesspeople, and had some explanations of her own. Resources remain a challenge, and right now she’s working on budget-writing.

With White Center just on the other side of the city limits, collaboration with Seattle Police is important, and Sheriff Johanknecht said her department is working on that.

It’s been three months since Johanknecht, a West Seattle resident was sworn in as sheriff as the culmination of a 30+-year career with KCSO.

Last night, we reported briefly on a state Liquor and Cannabis Board action against The Smoke Shop in downtown White Center. Today, we asked the LCB for details; here’s the reply from spokesperson Brian Smith:

Enforcement received a tip that “The Smoke Shop”, an LCB licensed tobacco and vapor products retailer located at 9823 16th Ave SW in White Center, was illegally selling marijuana, including to minors. An LCB Officer entered the store yesterday afternoon and made an undercover buy from a clerk.

The officer paid $50 for 9 grams of flower. After the purchase, the officer obtained a search warrant for the smoke shop. LCB enforcement officers executed the search warrant yesterday afternoon. Three King County deputies also assisted. The officers located over 13 pounds of marijuana flower, concentrates and pre-rolled joints in the smoke shop. The retail value of the product was estimated at over $50,000.00.

The clerk was arrested by LCB officers and booked into the King County jail. The marijuana, a 12-gauge shotgun, and approximately $2,700 were seized as evidence. The shotgun was located in a backroom safe with the marijuana and cash. During the operation, officers also contacted a 19-year-old minor who purchased marijuana from the store. Officers will be recommending felony charges for unlawful possession and distribution of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401). LBC will also be serving a violation to The Smoke Shop for operating the tobacco and vapor licensed business in violation of chapter 69.50 RCW (RCW 70.155.150). The penalty of the AVN is revocation of both the tobacco and vapor product licenses.

It’s been almost six months since our first reports that Brass Knuckle Bistro was on the way to the former 3.14 Bakery space at 9602 16th SW. Now they’ve announced that March 6th will be the opening date, with a “friends and family” event this weekend for other local businesses. BKB will focus on sandwiches – you can preview the menu online. (Thanks to Gill for the tip!)

(Photo courtesy Gill Loring)

We first told you last month that A Dog’s Dream Natural Pet Supply was adding a White Center location. And now its doors are open. The announcement sent to WCN:

We are now open!

Our hours are 10-7, seven days a week.

We will be hosting a Grand Opening/12th anniversary weekend event March 3rd and 4th, where we will be offering 20% off all purchases at both stores.

The White Center store is at 9620 14th SW; the original location is at 5913 Airport Way S. in Georgetown.

In our coverage of last week’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting, we mentioned that the White Center Chamber of Commerce is relaunching. Today, a followup: First, there’s a survey for WC businesspeople, about your priorities – if that means you, you can answer it here. Second, the survey results are to be announced at an open house event on Wednesday, February 21st – Miss Sheryl’s Ballet, whose proprietor announced the Chamber relaunch at the NHUAC meeting, is hosting; from the announcement:

The White Center Chamber of Commerce, with support from the White Center Community Development Association, has an open house to share the results of a survey to see what the highest concerns of business owners are, gain feedback about White Center, and to develop interest of revitalizing the White Center Chamber. All business owners are encouraged to attend, and you can come anytime between 4 PM to 8 PM.

Miss Sheryl’s is at 9650 16th SW.

The proprietors of A Dog’s Dream Natural Pet Supply tell WCN they’re expanding to White Center. Their original location is in Georgetown; now they’re getting ready to add a WC store at 9620 14th Avenue SW, which is in the same mini-center as Zippy’s Giant Burgers. They’re hoping to open in about a month.

By Linda Ball
Reporting for White Center Now

If the ’70s vibe is your thing, then you are in for a treat when Dottie’s Doublewide opens in White Center.

Nate Rezac, the pit boss and co-owner of Drunky’s Two Shoes, has partnered up with his old bartending friend B.J. Kaiser, to create a new concept where Zanzibar briefly lived at 9609½ 16th SW. We mentioned Dottie’s briefly two weeks ago, and finally got the chance to talk with them this week.)

Imagine walking into a retro, sort of midcentury-modern-looking doublewide trailer with ’70s art and vintage neon signs decorating the interior. That’s Rezac and Kaiser’s vision. Rezac has an old vintage travel trailer that they plan to cut up. The side with the door will become the façade; so to enter the restaurant you’ll be opening the travel trailer door. The other side of the trailer will be used in the back between the restaurant and the kitchen, so the food will look like it’s coming from a food truck. The back of the trailer, where the taillights are, will be used for beer taps.

To add to the fun, they plan to have a CD jukebox as well as a turntable with real vinyl records to choose from – or bring yours, and they will spin them for you! They plan to have house DJs from time to time, mostly on the weekends.

Rezac has been in the restaurant industry since he was 15-years-old, and creates most of the recipes at his restaurants. With family in Mexico, he knows a thing or two about tacos, and Dottie’s Doublewide will feature more than 20 varieties of tacos. Of course there will be traditional Mexican tacos, but also some with smoked meats from Drunky’s, vegetarian options such as portabella-mushroom tacos, avocado tacos, and egg tacos. As Rezac put it, a really “wide net” of tacos. Additionally, the menu will feature Tex-Mex cuisine, marinated carne asada, and al-pastor (boneless pork shoulder with pineapple).

Happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. will be offered seven days a week with two-for-one margaritas. Rezac and Kaiser will have a full bar with an extensive tequila collection, in addition to beer and house wine, plus a selection of better wines. The retro-style bar will seat 20 patrons, with two 65-inch flat-screen TVs behind it. A projection screen will be positioned opposite the bar on a large wall. They plan to show sports or fun video loops – perhaps vintage themed.

Rezac will have a staff of five at Dottie’s Doublewide. He and Kaiser will be in the house as well. Monday through Friday hours will be 3 p.m. to close, with lunch on the weekends and hours of 11 a.m. until closing. Dottie’s will have a capacity of 80 customers.

Kaiser, who is also a general contractor, has built out several restaurants, and Dottie’s is moving along fast since they weren’t changing uses of the building, thereby avoiding many permitting and county headaches. That said, they expect to be open as soon as February 1.