White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Jesse Lovell of Company in downtown White Center says they’re celebrating their first anniversary with a “great big rock and roll party” tonight, and inviting you to join in. 8 pm-2 am, with music, drink and food specials – details on this Facebook invitation.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council’s meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of King County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Cox, murdered five years ago. Here’s what else happened:

ANNEXATION AND OTHER BURIEN UPDATES: City Manager Mike Martin took to the podium, as he does during most NHUAC meetings. “Nothing going on, as usual,” he joked. Annexation update: He noted that the governor’s budget now “gradually phases out” the sales-tax credit but would eliminate it for future annexations. “I’ve had conversations with the executive’s office as recently as last night,” he said, and mentioned that he went to Olympia “where I was mistaken for a member of the 99 percent,” he joked. He said he had talked to “a couple members of the House Ways and Means Committee” while there, explaining that it’s vital to keep the sales-tax credit. But even if they do, “that’s not enough,” he said, because of “the cloud of fear of having this taken away every year” — he said that’s the point he’s stressing to legislators. He says even though there is often the warning that “you can’t bind future legislators,” there are “ways of skinning that cat.” Bottom line, he says, “We’re working this very actively … Don’t despair; this is a long fight … we’ll hang in there and do what we can.” He doesn’t expect to know the outcome until next year, since “it’s all wrapped up in the whole budget proposal.” Burien isn’t the only city “in the same boat,” he acknowledged, when asked by NHUAC member Rebecca Lopes.

Also regarding annexation, Martin mentioned the Boundary Review Board hearing coming up January 9th. (You can see the board’s file on the Burien annexation proposal here.) Then that board will make its decision some weeks later. Asked by NHUAC member Ron Johnson if the board meeting is public, he affirmed that it is. (As it was back when the Boundary Review Board met to consider the previous Burien/North Highline annexation.) This time around, one big difference – the public hearing will be in this community, rather than elsewhere like last time.

Martin also mentioned that “despite all this budget drama all around us,” the City Council passed its budget in just two sessions. (You can find the budget documents on the Burien website, here.) And he says it’s the first time in his career that property-tax revenues are dropping because assessed valuations have dropped (which also means property-tax bills have dropped for residents). Cuts from the governor’s budget could mean as much as $400,000 in revenue lost for Burien, he said, but nonetheless, they have adopted a budget with no layoffs, among other things. He also congratulated NHUAC for its presence at the King County Library Board meeting (WCN coverage here) and getting the board to delay its vote. However, he said he wasn’t quite sure what the board was thinking in tying its action to whatever the Boundary Review Board is doing – since he’s sure that the board will approve the annexation. He says he still is hoping to sit down with the Library System “to fashion a solution that is acceptable to you and this community … we want to talk about it (with them).” He says it’s also important to not dig in, to have an intelligent discussion about solutions; without using the word “compromise,” he was clearly suggesting that may be needed. He mentioned the Lake Burien situation as an example. “It’s always helpful to take a wider view of these things.”

Burien Councilmember Rose Clark noted that in conversation after the Library Board action earlier this week, they also seemed to be waiting to see what would happen with the sales-tax credit as well as with the Boundary Review Board.

Rachael Levine of the White Center Library Guild said at that point that she agrees with Martin regarding finding an acceptable solution, but that she also appreciates all the support they’ve received (including the Burien Council letter read by Councilmember Clark during the meeting). She said she wished she could have gotten everyone to do a “mike check” as is done at Occupy demonstrations and chant “Save Our Library,” adding “I think the library problem has brought a lot of us together … strengthened us as a community, and helped us focus on what’s important.” People from other library districts, she said, advised her, “You’ll have to hang in there, as (the board’s) strategy is to wait you out.” She expressed optimism that a solution will be found. Martin then said, “The way this community has rallied around the libraries” was reminiscent of stories he had heard about Burien back in the third-runway-fight days: “We can organize, we can get together, we do have a voice, we are not helpless.” Giba said she was proud that the city of Burien had turned out to support them, as did County Councilmember Joe McDermott and a representative from County Executive Dow Constantine‘s office. “It felt good to have representation.”

KING COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: New storefront deputy B.J. Myers took the podium; he’s collected crime stats in a new format. Since other reps from the Center of Attention operation weren’t present, he summarized that “I haven’t heard much over the past month – a lot of what they’re doing has moved to the prosecution side.” He says Papa’s Pub is still appealing its liquor-license suspension, which apparently is now not scheduled to happen before next year. Also, he said, “we had several incidents at the GAME (medical-marijuana lounge)” this month, referring the DEA raids that happened in November. He says it appears that GAME has moved out of its White Center location, saying he has not seen the “open” sign nor has he seen “much left inside.” On the 17th, he says, deputies on foot patrol caught the Sorensen Marine business being broken into, “nice bit of work done by people just walking around our business district.” And he mentioned semitrucks parked on 4th SW long-term just south of Roxbury, some with refrigerated trailers “making noise all night long,” and says the deputies have been “out aggressively ticketing those” and hopes that will help take care of that problem. Back on the marijuana issue, councilmembers asked about the marijuana “farmers’ market” storefront on 16th SW supposedly having a “big (holiday) event” – he wasn’t aware. … Later in the meeting, Major Jim Graddon from KCSO talked about the commemoration tomorrow of Deputy Cox’s death. The major acknowledged that things are quiet.

DES MOINES MEMORIAL DRIVE: Burien Councilmember Rose Clark took to the podium to talk with the council about the road from 156th (Sunnydale Elementary) to 188th – regarding the Lake-to-Sound Trail that was planned for one side of it, and keeping improvements consonant with its historical status (which means even tree plantings, for example, need to be American Elms). “We are working very positively on the trail,” which is levy-funded, Lights are planned, and funding is still in the process of being obtained, like commemorative bollards, perhaps poppy plantings reminiscent of World War I, so they are forming a 501(c)(3) to help with that process. When they’re ready to raise money for the historical elements, Clark said, she is hopeful that people will join in and support the effort. Other areas of the drive, she added, are targeted for historical kiosks. Work on this section, she said, is expected to start in 2013.

KING COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Karen Wolf from King County said they’re currently in the once-every-four-years process of considering “major amendments” to this plan. She said they have come up with a “public review draft” of the plan – it’s a “pretty thick document” but it’s available in libraries and it’s online, “which is how most people apparently look at it these days.” She says North Highline is not proposed for any zoning changes or other kinds of changes in the plan overhaul that’s on the table right now (she did mention the new “tiered” system under which King County roads are being managed). “What if somebody wanted to come along with a major development?” asked NHUAC president Barbara Dobkin. Wolf explained that if a development required a zoning change that would change the comprehensive plan, it would have to wait till this type of process every four years, but they haven’t had any requests for anything along those lines so far. She also explained that unlike some jurisdictions (Seattle, for example), the county doesn’t have “single-family” and “multi-family” zoning; instead, its plan focuses on density. With that sort of classification, she explained, a piece of land that might allow three units could either have them evenly spaced, or all clustered together on one side (or something inbetween). Dobkin explained that she was inquiring about a 30-unit development that was categorized as three separate projects but was really one, in her view. Gill Loring asked how land zoned for “office” could be changed into residential, and Wolf said the code did have a way to accommodate that – if it were developed mixed-use, with office and residential in a single development. Wolf says the rules don’t count offices so much as square footage, in saying what percentage of the buliding could be used for office or residential.

LIBRARY CONSOLIDATION: Early in the meeting, community member Gill Loring described the King County Library Board meeting earlier this week as “fascinating.” He also noted that some NHUAC members had left early last time. Later in the meeting, Karen Freeman from the County Executive’s staff said that they are hoping to talk more with the Library Board in the coming weeks. Giba asked about the process for being appointed to the Library Board; Freeman said that nominations/potential candidates’ names often come from staff, but in this case, there is an online application form for anybody interested. And she mentioned the discussion sparked by the last meeting about possibly making it an elected board instead of an appointed board. (There’s more information about the library board here.) The question of a board vacancy has some urgency now because Judge Richard Eadie, who is the current board president, is expected to leave at the end of his term. Freeman said she didn’t know that anyone had expressed interest in joining the board. (According to the county website, board members serve five-year terms.) There was a general murmuring around the room that board terms “are too long.” Clark noted that Burien’s advisory boards have four-year terms. Freeman said she would get more information about the timeline for making an appointment. … Later in the meeting, Dobkin said another library petition will be started during this Saturday’s White Center Summit (see below).

TRANSITIONING: NHUAC is transitioning out of being a county-funded group, so had some financial logistics to discuss tonight. They have liability insurance for next year, it was reported. …Later in the meeting, there was discussion of how to handle council elections in the future, whether district positions or at-large positions would be best. Johnson also suggested, “I think we should make more of an outreach to the Boulevard Park area,” because it didn’t seem to be as well-represented as it used to be; even though some of it has been annexed to Burien, it still comprises 25 percent of the unincorporated area, it was noted.

DEALING WITH HOMELESSNESS: The new coalition of business and nonprofits was brought up briefly; so was the matter of younger homeless people being seen in the downtown WC area. Major Graddon says he has seen that in other areas of the country as well but is not sure why.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Regarding Parks, Christine Waldman said the tennis courts at Steve Cox Memorial Park are open now. Also mentioned, the Seola Gardens area has a prospective development offer from Quadrant Homes, to build 60 for-sale homes in stages, said Pat Price – maybe 10 or 12 a year. There was also some discussion of the status of the existing for-sale homes in the area. Dobkin said some property behind those sites had been acquired to keep it from falling into blight that might affect the sales of those homes. Greenbridge, though, is waiting for a developer, according to Price. There was also some discussion of the apparent tax-exempt status of the existing Seola Gardens homes; Dobkin said she checked the King County Parcel Viewer and that shows the homes are tax-exempt even though they have been sold – she says they were told the homes “would be taxed at normal rates” once they had buyers. … When the Transportation Committee’s update came up, Elizabeth Gordon from Uncle Mike’s Superlicious BBQ talked about trouble on the downtown 16th stretch, involving the light sequencing backing up traffic, so people are avoiding 16th and using 15th instead. “And as a business on 16th, that’s bad,” said Gordon. Dobkin also wondered about the relatively new raised divider in the middle of the street; Johnson said they might bring someone out from the county to talk about that at a future meeting.He also mentioned that cables are being laid for sequencing changes in the lights, involving some cameras that will help with that, which could lead to an “improvement in traffic flow … within the next month or two.” Also on the transportation front, the NHUAC letter to Metro asking for a review of the zone boundary has drawn a response – saying that the change could result in higher fares for many people. (Here’s the response letter, as posted to the NHUAC website.) Dobkin mentioned a traffic problem that could affect some area drivers – the closure, as of this week, of the Airport Way bridge in Georgetown. “It’s pretty horrible what they’ve done on this side of town,” regarding so much construction at the same time, she noted. … Dobkin says they’re still working on the planting beds (might not be able to get plants into them till after winter), including trying to find a way to keep people from driving over them, which she said has already happened once.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: First, from the council: The White Center Library Guild‘s Holiday Bazaar is this Saturday, Pat Price reminded everybody, 11 am-3 pm: “It’s a small little bazaar, but please try to support it.” At 2 pm, a magician will perform in the meeting room at the Library, for the kids who are in attendance … This Saturday also is the White Center Summit at WC Heights Elementary School, 10 am-3 pm … She also reminded everyone of the December 8th meeting of the White Center-South Delridge Community Safety Coalition meeting at 6 pm … Then from the audience: Gill Loring reminded everyone of the next North Highline Fire Commissioners’ meeting next Tuesday (including newly elected commissioner Liz Giba), 10 am at NH Fire District HQ (which is where NHUAC meets) … Aileen Sison also wanted to remind everyone of the business groups presenting the White Center Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on Sunday, December 11th, 5 pm at 16th and Roxbury (as reported earlier today on WCN) … There will be an Ugly Sweater party Saturday at Company, and White Center Heights Elementary students are making art for ornaments on the tree, she said, also during the sweater party/contest … She also told everyone about the “door-decorating contest” that is under way in White Center, using a polling feature on Facebook – you’ll be able to vote as the door photos go up. The deadline is December 23rd, she said.

After the DEA raids earlier this month at a dozen-plus medical-marijuana establishments around West Seattle, including GAME Collective‘s White Center lounge, we obtained and published details from the first search-warrant “returns” – what was found (or not found) in two cars belonging to the business’s owner and a person described by the government as being associated with it. Today, we have more of the “returns” – starting with this one listing what was seized at the lounge on 16th SW itself.

8 live marijuana plants with rootballs
miscellaneous items containing THC from kitchen standalone freezer
undisclosed amount of US currency
miscellaneous food items in plastic packaging, walk-in fridges
bottled drinks containing THC
small clear plastic bag with suspected hashish
spiral notebook
Glock 40 caliber and magazine with bullets
dried marijuana from multiple jars behind bar area
GAME telephone with charger (Boost mobile #——-)
white daily donation log
7 bottles of drinks containing THC behind bar
miscellaneous food items behind bar with THC
3 bottles of drinks containing THC behind bar in cooler
miscellaneous food items with THC behind bar in cooler
2 digital scales
plastic black film jar with marijuana seeds
black thumb drive
miscellaneous bongs from bar
memory stick from a camera
blue plastic container with documents and papers
large (item) containing packaging materials
external hard drive

More to come.

3:05 PM: In at least three counties, federal Drug Enforcement Agency officers are searching medical-marijuana businesses – and one of them is in White Center, the GAME Collective ‘lounge’ in the former Hang Around bar space. Thanks to a tip, we got over there around 1:30 to find unmarked law-enforcement cars outside and officers inside. Among those on the scene, DEA spokesperson Agent Jodie Underwood, who told us that they expect to have “a statement” before day’s end, but otherwise, she wasn’t commenting. Regional media organizations are reporting raids in several other counties including Pierce and Thurston, but so far we haven’t found an indication of others in this area – we went by White Center’s other establishment and the three openly operating dispensaries in West Seattle, and there was no sign of current police activity. The lounge has been open for seven months.

ADDED 6:13 PM: Though there are no specifics about indictments, charges, arrests, or even business names, the local DEA has issued this statement to the media, attributing it to Special Agent in Charge Matthew Barnes:

It has never been our policy to target individuals with serious illnesses. However, there are those operating commercial storefronts cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana under the guise of state medical marijuana laws and exploiting such activities to satisfy their own personal greed. The DEA remains committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in all states.

The coordinated enforcement actions of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and our state and local law enforcement partners involve violations of both federal and state law.

The DEA will exercise its investigative authority to pursue criminal actions for any violation of federal law, when warranted. This includes investigating organizations or individuals that grow, manufacture or distribute any illegal drug to include marijuana, and those who rent or maintain a property to facilitate drug trafficking.

After a couple weeks of being open, it’s time for Caffe Delia in the Proletariat Pizza space to celebrate the GRAND opening – and that’s happening today, 8 am-2 pm. From the official announcement:

9622A 16th Ave SW

Music starts at 11ish with performances by White Center/West Seattle stars:
Squirrel Butter, Casey MacGill’s Blue 4 Trio, Del Rey

Caffè Delia uses beans roasted by Andrea Spella (www.spellacaffe.com) who will be at the grand opening. Pastries by Macrina. Chai made from scratch by Delia.

Go say hi if you haven’t been there already – or even if you have!

4:25 PM SATURDAY: Just got the word from Stefanie at Proletariat Pizza in downtown White Center:

One of our lovely servers, Delia, will be space sharing with us, opening her own coffee shop in our space in White Center. She will be having a soft opening tomorrow beginning at 8 am. The coffee is really something special.

If somehow you have not been there … they’re at 9622 16th SW, across the street from Full Tilt Ice Cream. And that’s where you’ll find Caffé Delia, starting Sunday. It’s serving Spella Coffee – and hours are listed on its fledgling website.

ADDED 9:54 AM SUNDAY: We stopped by to say hi to Delia:

From WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz:

Miguel and Beatrice Canche, owners of Oro and Gold (currently on Roxbury between 16th and 15th), tell WCN they are moving their eight-month-old gold-buying shop to the larger space on the corner of 16th and Roxbury.

The space has stood empty since International Halal Market moved a few doors south.

Miguel says that business is good, but he’s thinking about additional uses for the space down the road. No decisions yet. They hope to open sometime in the next week or two. Oro and Gold’s phone number is 206-407-9844.

WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz reports that Jali Studio in the 9600 block of 16th SW was held up this afternoon. The store owner says the robbers were two men who appeared to be in their 30s, one black, one Hispanic or darker-skinned Caucasian, both with hoodies obscuring their faces. They got away with money, an iPod, and a cell phone. If you have any information, contact King County Sheriff’s deputies, who are investigating, via 911.

(Standing, from left: Royce, Ashton, Quinn; sitting, from left: Latricia, Fatima, Allina)
By Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

Luso Food and Wine, owned and operated by Fatima Hemmons and family, is now open in White Center, at 9988 15th SW.

Fatima is bringing Goan and Portuguese imports to the neighborhood; that includes ports, Portuguese and Australian wines, Madeira and beer, as well as sausage, spices and store-label condiments. Fatima is originally from Goa, a former Portuguese colony on the southwest coast of India that was annexed in 1961. Goa is a coastal city heavily influenced by centuries of Portuguese trade and culture as well as Indian culture.

Eldest son Royce tells WCN that the scope of imported products will be expanded as the store gets underway.

In a unique twist, when the retail space is closed, classes for yoga, QiGong, salsa, ballroom, and perhaps hip-hop dancing classes will be scheduled. Fatima is a certified health/fitness coach and believes that offering good food and fun fitness opportunities makes sense for living a good life. Friends of Fatima told WCN that the instructors for these classes have more than a decade of experience and are well qualified to instruct on the studio floor in the newly built retail space.

Royce will be leading the import side of their dual-business space while Fatima focuses on her health/fitness programs and coaching.

They’re not online yet, but the family says they’ll have a Facebook page and website up eventually.

Take a close look – WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz took that photo on Friday, and this photo exactly one week earlier:

You can see a bit of progress, as the iconic Marv’s Broiler sign on 16th SW gets a facelift, Deanie reports. She talked with manager/bartender Tammy, who says Marv’s owners will be restoring the sign’s neon and lights, with the help of White Center Community Development Association grants. Tammy also told Deanie that the rest of Marv’s exterior will get new paint in the coming year.

(WCN/WSB video added 7:20 pm)
(Cross-posted from partner site West Seattle Blog at 3:27 pm): Looks like tonight’s support rally will turn into a victory celebration. Just received from Bank of America, and confirmed by someone who answered the phone at Village Green Perennial Nursery (Vera was not available):

I wanted to make you aware of a final decision in regards to Vera Johnson’s mortgage modification.

As soon as we learned of Vera Johnson’s concerns, Bank of America employees at our Seattle Customer Assistance Center began working closely with her to understand her financial situation and collect the necessary paperwork. Based on the financial documents she provided and some last minute issues we identified and were able to help her resolve, Fannie Mae extended to Ms. Johnson a permanent modification.

We are pleased to be able to offer her this permanent modification that should allow her to stay in her home and keep her business.

Britney W. Sheehan
Media Relations

Again, as previewed on WSB this morning, the 5-9 pm event is at Big Al Brewing, 9832 14th SW in White Center.

ADDED 7:20 PM: We talked briefly with Vera toward the start of tonight’s event – she stresses that she hasn’t seen the documents yet; the video is now atop this story.

The two men who stood before the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council last month and reaffirmed their intention to open a new business in what was Club Evo appear to be moving forward.

Here’s one sign: Under the name “Club Reventón,” two applications are pending for King County business licenses, both filed in early August, both carrying the name of club partner Daniel Yarbrough (introduced here back in June). One is in the “dance” classification, the other in the “entertainment” classification. The process for public comments isn’t clear, but general DDES contact info is here.

State liquor-license application files also show a new filing by Yarbrough, under the establishment name Reventón, for a nightclub at a former restaurant site at 7047 East Marginal Way South. We found a Facebook page and website, with the latter indicating the grand opening of “El Reventón Nightclub” there is set for September 3rd. (Reventón, by the way, is translated as “party.”)

Its casino has been closed for a while – but now the Magic Lanes bowling alley in White Center is closed too. After a note from Michelle saying she had heard a rumor it was shut down, we came over to have a look. The door is padlocked and the signs, as you can see in our photo, say that it’s permanently closed, and refer people to the co-owned Roxbury Lanes bowling center. We called Roxbury Lanes and were told nobody can comment today because no owner or manager is present. We’ll let you know whatever more we find out!

Our friends at the Washington Beer Blog have the full lowdown on two days of third-birthday partying at White Center’s Big Al Brewing – read about it here. The grand opening in 2008 was among the first stories reported here on WCN.

WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz says more than 20 people joined in a protest this morning organized by Washington Community Action Network, demanding that megabanks like Chase and Bank of America stop foreclosures, among other things. One of those joining the protest was Vera Johnson, the White Center/West Seattle-area Village Green Perennial Nursery owner whose difficulties in dealing with B of A to fend off foreclosure have been reported this past week by WCN partners West Seattle Blog (story here) and the Seattle Times (Nicole Brodeur‘s column here). From Chase, where Deanie shot the video, the group walked along 16th to B of A – where Vera is at left in our photo below:

Washington CAN sent a news release after today’s demonstration – read it after the jump: Read the rest of this entry »

EDITOR’S NOTE: Our previous reports on the meeting are here – as-it-happened notes – and here (unedited video of the meeting). This is a closer look at the most contentious item of the night, and where it stands since then.

By Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

The owner of the downtown White Center space formerly known as Club Evo(lucion), Alfredo Lopez, appeared with new business partner Daniel Yarbrough at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) Thursday night before a standing-room-only crowd.

Invited to participate in a discussion regarding their proposed plans to reopen the club as an 18-years-old-and-under “banda” (Mexican country music) dance club, the two addressed council members’ and nearby neighboring business owners’ comments about their past experiences with Lopez as a nightclub owner and more than a few negative expectations for any future business there, which the partners say could include a remodel of the building into a restaurant/lounge (as first reported here).

The proposed business plans of the partners for the Lopez-owned property at 9625 16th SW are contingent on successfully meeting the compliance parameters required to allow the May 17 King County Superior Court permanent injunction to be potentially be lifted by the Court at a later date.

Having introduced himself to those who had not met him since he took ownership of the building in 2000, Lopez began by saying his original intent was to provide Latino teenagers a place to dance because at the time he opened the all-ages club, Club Evolucion was the only such club in Western Washington. Lopez explained that other Latino all-age venues have opened in the years since which serve the areas closer to where those minor-aged Latinos live and he thinks they will no longer drive that far to patronize his club. He said up until three years ago when he moved to southern California, he lived in Des Moines and before that resided in Burien and White Center. He asserted he was a member of the community because of that history.

Permits, Parking and Public Safety

According to Jim Chen and Chris Ricketts, both with King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES), the King County Superior Court injunction is on the building itself and cannot be removed until compliance is satisfied, regardless of any future DDES permit applicants’ names. Chen also told WCN the injunction restrictions hold even if a change of ownership of the property were to happen. When someone at the meeting pointed out that he believed Lopez has current warrants with the state of Washington for back taxes owed, Chen told him that DDES applications can be pursued, but if applicants have outstanding back taxes, permits would not be issued.

The matter of a lack of onsite parking for the club (with a potential occupancy range of 250 to 500) was another concern of a wide number of community businesses. Lopez said that in the past he had “informal arrangements” with Schuck’s Auto Supply on 17th and Roxbury, which is now owned by O’Reilly’s Automotive. But his first reaction was to say that he wasn’t going to worry about parking until all compliance issues were addressed. He said his patrons were a late-night crowd anyway and typically wouldn’t show up at the club until after 10:00 PM. Also, he said he was not concerned about a shortage of available parking because most other businesses would be closed by then.

However, the point was made a number of times that many complaints from the former club’s operations originated from property damage and desecration, littering, loitering, and violence — including fights, stabbings and gunshots– public intoxication of minors and overall concern for the public safety of clubs patrons and patrons of neighboring businesses owing to the walking distance between non-contracted properties’ parking lots and the club. Chen and Ricketts told WCN that applicants for a Tenant Improvement Permit might need to provide, among many other parameters, signed contracts for offsite parking for discretionary review by the Director. The number of parking spaces required is determined by the square footage and usage, they confirmed.

Yarbrough outlined a few details of their security plan. He says they have received rate sheets from the Sheriffs’ Guild, which handles hourly rates and varying level of services by off-duty KCSO officers who might be hired for security. Council member Mosely noted previous community concerns regarding a conflict of interests by off-duty sheriffs working at the club. Capt. Joseph Hodgson of KCSO interjected that though the Guild handles initial arrangements for off-duty officers, the KCSO has the final determination of whether such arrangements will be approved. Hodgson mentioned, for example, that if alcohol were going to be served at a contracted location, then KCSO has the authority and discretion to decline off-duty work by their sheriffs.

Neighborhood activist Gill Loring asserted that contrary to the owner’s comments that KCSO deputies were trimmed down and then eventually discontinued last year as a budgetary matter, the King County Permit at a Glance website showed that the KCSO stopped off-duty coverage because it was “not a legal business and was operating in a substandard building.” The King County DDES Permit At a Glance site for Permit Enforcement E1000445 states the County’s determination: OPERATION OF A BUSINESS IN A SUBSTANDARD BUILDING WITH MULTIPLE FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS AND OPERATION OF A BUSINESS WITHOUT A KING COUNTY BUSINESS LICENSE.

And to that, Lopez conceded that perhaps it actually was more of a concurrent decision by both himself and KCSO.

Lopez said he made a mistake last year when he changed the format of his club to include a Friday night event with a hip-hop promoter, which he says is where all the trouble started, though there was much disagreement with his assessment of where and what the trouble was and when it began. He realized, he said, that trying to run the club from out of state became more difficult. His new partnership with experienced club owner and developer/manager Yarbrough — who will act as operating manager — will alleviate the previous problems, he said. He told the crowd that that hip-hop promoter had lied to him last fall when the Sheriff’s officers confiscated alcohol inside the club and he had no control over it because he was out of state. He went on to say to the crowd that his “family’s safety is his number one concern” because he, his wife, his 25-year old son and 19-year old daughter will be working there. However, Lopez did not say he was changing residency to White Center or the state of Washington, though he did say he is licensed to practice law in Washington and the state shows his law office is located in White Center.

The issue of alleged gang-related activity associated with the previous club operations was a point of concern to many in attendance. Lopez and Yarbrough said that because the dance club will no longer cater to minors, the number of gang-associated juveniles will decrease because gangs are predominantly, though not exclusively, under the age of 18. Yarbrough reiterated the police-agency training and certification requirements of any security personnel who will work at the club.

Neighboring tavern and bar owners said they had seen plenty of traffic away from and toward the bar on 16th Ave. with fights the off-duty officers standing by did not control, numerous observations of 18-year olds consuming alcohol in cars illegally parked in neighboring parking lots, litter and the overall creation of a gauntlet of public safety insecurities to be negotiated by other 16th Ave. business customers.

WCN attempted to contact Lopez and Yarbrough for an interview after the meeting to determine if they had any new insight into their plans based on the discussions, but calls have not been returned. Also, we sought comment from the White Center Community Development Association and the White Center Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber was the only agency to respond immediately and its official statement follows in its entirety.

“Creating a safe, welcoming, family-oriented venue for the Latino community to come dance their hearts out in White Center is a wonderful business model. We love it, we endorse it and we would welcome it to White Center. But past actions are a predictor of future actions. Mr. Alfredo Lopez is an absentee landlord whose previous business management style and operation of Club Evo, in our view, drastically increased the threat of violent crime on that block when his business was operating.

The two most common complaints we hear from White Center business owners are 1.) The increasing public drunkenness on our streets; and 2.) The aggressive, marginally monitored crowd attracted by Club Evo on Saturday nights.

Until the Chamber sees a management and public safety plan from Mr. Lopez that is approved by the majority of businesses in the core White Center business district on both sides of 16th SW, and is fully funded by Mr. Lopez, our Chamber would take the highly unusual action of not supporting a new business in White Center.

Mark Ufkes, President
White Center Chamber of Commerce

The WCCDA informed WCN that the matter is being discussed amongst WCCDA leadership and WCN will be notified when an official statement is available.

Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

Harlem’s World Children’s Boutique is one of White Center’s newest businesses, open less than a month in a retail space that is part of a live-work unit in the Greenbridge community directly across from the Greenbridge Plaza on 8th SW in White Center, not far south of Roxbury.

Owner Danté Mitchell is a first-time business owner at 30 years old. He is a graduate of the StartZone small business program at Highline Community College and is ready to make his mark as a specialist in new and lightly worn, hard-to-find children’s clothing.

Dante shared his vision for his small, nicely stocked store, tucked between the King County Sheriff’s Greenbridge Office and another live-work unit housing a hair salon.

“I just want to bring something to the community that is contemporary and fashionable, but at a reasonable cost to my customers. I know how it is sometimes for kids if you don’t have the right clothes or right “look” growing up. Children will tease each other. So I want to provide options to help build the children’s self-esteem, so they feel comfortable and confident,” he said. “And I want to help the parents as well by letting them know they can spend in a way that is not too strenuous for their pocketbooks for great clothing and merchandise.“

“But,” he continues, “this is about more than just making money in the community. It’s also about networking with other organizations, such as Cherish A Jewel, which assists single mothers throughout Seattle. We are partnering to impact the communities at large. I will offer her members discounts at our store. And you know, there are times when mothers can’t afford anything, so sometimes we just bless them with clothing for their children just to help them get started.”

Dante also points out an empty case that was to be filled soon with kids’ jewelry.

“I love kids and hope to be a parent one day — I am working on getting married,” he says with a smile. “But I am mentor to a lot of nephews and nieces and kids in my church. I volunteer at missions and homeless shelters with kids too. Harlem’s World is named after my god-daughter Harlem,” he says softly, pointing to Harlem’s picture, proudly centered on the store wall.

Harlem’s World carries sizes newborn to 18. Name brands such as Juicy Couture, True Religion and Baby Couture and Gap are crisply steam-pressed and meticulously arranged on racks in the small, clean and comfortable space. There’s a bargain table as well with stacks of even lower-priced items available to peruse.

Dante has been debating about whether to open the store to consignment agreements, but is not yet venturing in that direction. The hours are currently Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 am– 6 pm, 9830 8th SW, #104, and he invites you to stop by with your kids to say hello and have a look.

(Photo courtesy White Center Community Development Association, used with permission)
Next time you’re at 16th and Roxbury, take a close look and appreciate the freshened-up planting areas! Nhan Nguyen of the White Center Community Development Association shared the news today that a small group went out on Sunday to beautify the corner. He says that nearby Pho Lynna and Decoraciones Ely have ” volunteered to take care of regular watering.” The planting, according to Nhan, was led by Erika and Clark from Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle and WCCDA member Judy.

Want to be part of an occasional “mini-cleanup” in the business district? WCCDA would love to hear from you – and Nhan says they’ll supply the trash bags, trash pickers, and gloves!

As reported on our partner site WSB yesterday – B & D Aquarium will indeed move into the White Center Eagles-owned property identified as a possible new home. They’re planning a work party this weekend, but say they have all the help they need for to make the move. WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz is working on an update that will include the latest on the move and how long they might be closed during the transition.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

Business owners from around White Center gathered Monday night at the Salvadorean Bakery for the monthly meeting/mixer facilitated by the WC Community Development Association.

The bakery’s proprietor Ana Castro (right) offered words of welcome to the two dozen-plus participants: ‘Thank you for supporting the community.” (She had also prepared a dinner feast for those on hand, including the eatery’s famous pupusas.)

Business owners/reps have been convening for these gatherings for more than a year, said WCCDA’s Peter Chum, “and we have accomplished a lot as a community.” He and co-worker Nhan Nguyen facilitated the meeting.

One accomplishment – branding, with the new signs and banners around the area, and a poster unveiled at the meeting:

WHITE CENTER POSTER: The artwork for a new poster was unveiled by Kathi “George” Wheeler and artist Terri Sargent Peart, who was commissioned to create the artwork on which the posters are based. The image, it was explained, was someone weaving a basket together with different-colored cords, the community coming together, acrylic painting on canvas, the diversity coming together. The posters were printed by local business Graphics Plus. “To celebrate our place and our people, how we are pulling together,” said Nguyen.

WHAT ABOUT THE WHITE CENTER BRAND/LOGO? Wheeler showed two versions of the logo – one with the rainbow rings, one with the baskets inside the rainbow rings (modeled after the ones in the small park in the Delridge Triangle), and asked for ideas on how to use it. A brainstorming session ensued. (57 banners with the new logo are now up around Roxbury, it was noted.) Ideas included tying it into the forthcoming shoppers-reward card, or putting it on bumper stickers/window decals. However it plays out, the logo will be made available for businesses to use, Wheeler assured attendees.

SPEAKING OF THAT LOGO … SPONSORS SOUGHT FOR WELCOME SIGNS: Mark Ufkes from the White Center Chamber of Commerce said that two signs, 108th/4th and 16th/130th (near McDonald’s), need sponsors. He also talked about a plan for a White Center food guide that would probably launch in 2012, in connection with local business groups. He also provided an update on the “Good Neighbor” agreement for alcohol businesses; they’re hoping for more participation. And they’re looking for people to adopt trash cans in the business district.

WHITE CENTER BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE: A draft version of this brochure was circulated, with information to help businesses find resources to assist their growth and operations. Some of the resources listed in the guide can even help businesses find financing, said Nguyen (left). It also lists media – not just the “mainstream” local media (including WCN), said Nguyen, but also area community/ethnic media, so that businesses can find people who will help them get the word out about their businesses. WCCDA is also looking for ideas on the resource guide – “what’s missing, how can we make it better, how can we make it more user-friendly?” First suggestion: Make it more photocopy-ready. Another suggestion: List more websites. Yet another: Make sure the information is accessible on the WCCDA website, as well as in brochure format. And: What about a list of businesses that might be willing to trade with each other? Plus: Categorize the types of listings – private, public. Host Castro suggested, “E-mail it to everybody.” Nguyen said the guide is “something to be proud of” as the first such resource for the White Center business district.

PLANTER BOXES: More than 20 were given out with help of a grant from the Seattle Foundation, but some are gone – stolen, vandalized – while others are kept “in great condition,” as Nguyen put it, like the one at the Salvadorean Bakery. A new City of Seattle grant for $500 has come in, and they’re brainstorming what to do with it. Mikayla talked about one idea of planting edibles – which was viewed skeptically by some, she said, considering that some planters have been used as makeshift ashtrays. Suggestions for the planter boxes included evergreens – “might be less trouble” — or maybe even replacing them with hanging baskets. Nguyen said it’s up to businesses to step up and take care of the planter boxes, or else businesses that don’t will lose theirs, and they’ll be moved elsewhere, as there’s a long waiting list, he said.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ‘MISHMASH’: King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s law and justice policy adviser Gail Stone addressed the issue, which also was a topic at the last meeting of the White Center group, since two medical-marijuana establishments have opened recently on 16th SW in the heart of the business district. She recapped what happened with the failed legislation in Olympia. “The legislature didn’t clean any of that up, and it has left state and local governments at odds about how do we deal with this mishmash law and regulation. .. We know that the current dispensary business models won’t fit under state law, but the county and the city have been working to figure out what’s the approach that’s going to serve the community.” She said she had no specifics about what that approach will turn out to be: “Do we license these things … what do we do, where should they be located, dealing with zoning and making sure these businesses are in one kind of an area or another … It would be really helpful for us at the county to have some input about what are your concerns about where these are sited, how they should or should not be regulated by cities and counties.”

One attendee asked about prospective shutdowns: “Can we expect an iron fist?” “We’re really trying to figure that out – we’re meeting every other day with (a group including prosecutors, sheriffs, Seattle officials),” she said. She indicated no decisions have been made but “hopefully soon after July 22nd, when the state law goes into effect” they will know what they are doing.

“It’s going to be interesting to find out what happens next year in Olympia,” she added. It was also pointed out that a legalization initiative is circulating as well. WCCDA’s Nguyen wondered if existing dispensaries would be grandfathered in, and all Stone could say is, “That’s a good question,” while musing aloud whether they could change their business model to fit the new rules for “collective gardens.”

Why doesn’t the county just go to the State Attorney General’s office and ask for a ruling? it was asked. “It’s an interesting question,” Stone said, again, adding that she will forward the suggestion. If you have any questions/comments/ideas, she said, contact her. All she could say they know for sure is that they know businesses, patients, and others involved need “clarity.”

King County Sheriff’s Community Service Officer Peter Truong, asked for comment by Nguyen, said he had none – “(people) complain about it, but .. (the way) the law is, there’s nothing we can do about it right now.”

BICYCLE SHOP FOR WHITE CENTER? Ellie Weiss delivered a presentation – asking rhetorically “Why should Ballard have all the fun?” – positing that White Center deserves a bike shop, and presenting a variety of reasons why. As a transitional point, she is suggesting a “regular repair clinic” to have “some kids come in and work on bicycles.” She pointed out that White Center is making strides into the bicycling world – with bike parking introduced to the central business district by Proletariat Pizza (whose co-owner Mike Albaeck was among those at the meeting). Nguyen challenged the group to see if anyone knows of a space “to put this idea into motion.” No particular space requirement, she clarified, “even if you can get in there with one bicycle and work on it” – they would just like a regular weekly or even monthly clinic space to start with.

WHITE CENTER ART WALK: Amanda Kay Helmick talked about the film festival – three 30-minute programs, starting at 6 pm at Southgate Roller Rink, then on to Full Tilt Ice Cream, then to Big Al Brewing – that is the theme of this Saturday night’s WC Art Walk. (Here’s the preview we published Monday.) “This is the first month we’re going to do something big for the community,” Helmick said. “(Before) there really wasn’t a lot to bring the outside in … we’re hoping to draw from a large area.” Next month, she said, they’re planning on live painting. “Every month we’re just going to do something bigger and bigger. … In September we’re going to have the White Center Weird Festival again – would love to shut the street down … not as easy as it sounds, but it would be cool to shut it down. We’re working toward that.”

KING COUNTY IN MOTION: White Center is getting involved with In Motion, partnering with WCCDA, with a goal of reducing car trips.

BUSINESS OWNERS’ HAPPY HOUR: Aileen Sison announced that her next Happy Hour for WC business owners is going to be at Be’s Crawfish Grill – while there’ll be a Family Happy Hour too, at Zippy’s Giant Burgers.