White Center Now: The blog about White Center

The application period is over, and the state is narrowing the field of those who have applied to produce, process, and/or sell recreational marijuana. We took a look at the newest version of the spreadsheet listing retail applications, and found multiple applicants for certain locations. Here are all the retail applicants for White Center (and reminder, in our reporting, White Center means strictly the nonincorporated area – nothing in the Seattle city limits) – 19 applications for 8 locations:

*7 applications to sell at 9819 16th SW: Greensmart Northwest, Marijuana Mercantile, Northwest THC Outlet, Sound THC, THCInSource, THC Supermarket, Total Access THC

*6 applications to sell at 9640 16th SW (current home of NW Cannabis Market): Washington Total THC, Greensmart Northwest, Northwest THC Outlet, Simple Choice THC, Sound THC, THCInSource.

*1 application to sell at 9809 16th SW: Magic Herbal Market

*1 application to sell at 9802 18th SW: Chameleon Enterprises

*1 application to sell at 9823 15th SW: Kronic LLC

*1 application to sell at 9831 16th SW, Stuart Thomas Holding

*1 application to sell at 9835 16th SW, NLM Lucky LLC

*1 application to sell at 11030 19th SW, Just Hemp LLC

A few of those might already be out of the running; our partners at The Seattle Times report that applicants with residential addresses or other disqualifying factors, such as the buffer from places frequented by youth, are already being disqualified. And even if a location qualifies according to the rules, the applicant will have to show that they actually have an agreement with the building’s landlord, if they don’t own the location themselves. So when will licenses be issued? No timeline so far.

Every week during the one-month application period for state marijuana-business licenses, the Liquor Control Board – they’re in charge of this – is publishing an update list of who’s applied. For the first time, a White Center applicant is on the list. At 10834 10th SW, a firm calling itself RXXX is applying for a producer license and a processor license. The latter is for “Tier 1,” the lowest level, described on the LCB site as “to produce marijuana for sale at wholesale to marijuana processor licensees and to other marijuana producer licensees. Tier 1 allows for two thousand square feet or less of dedicated plant canopy.”

At least two places in White Center are already selling holiday trees – McLendon Hardware is one. Store manager Tony Barnes e-mailed to say they have received their first shipment of almost 500 trees and are selling them now:

We (are) carrying four varieties and trees as tall as 10’. Our selection will include Noble Firs, Nordman Fir ( replaces Frazier Firs), Douglas Firs, and lastly Grand Firs, all from local suppliers.

“The Seasonal Help” at Village Green Perennial Nursery has cut and live trees on sale now too – more on them later today! From Thanksgiving events to Christmas tree lots to New Year’s celebrations, if you have holiday-season information to announce, please send it to us at whitecenternow@gmail.com. Thanks!

Two great reasons to get down to downtown White Center right now – and they’re just a few doors apart from each other:

You’ll find Lonjina and Nina inside the Center Studio space at 9611 16th SW, it’s the first edition of their monthly pop-up stuff-for-children shop Cattywampus Kids, with clothing, toys, and more, until 7 pm.

We first told you about Cattywampus here a week and a half ago. A few doors down at Full Tilt Ice Cream, until 10 pm tonight, you’re invited to bring a donation for local families in need – formula or baby food, in particular – and you’ll get a coupon for a free scoop of FT’s fabled ice cream. Ashley (left) and FT co-proprietor Ann are spearheading the “Save the Babies” one-day collection drive:

Take the kids and go meet cool people doing cool things!

Why wait until Thursday for candy? 2-5 pm, get those costumes on and get down to participating businesses for trick-or-treating! The Facebook event page includes a list of who’s participating.

Need to set aside some time to shop for your family? We can tell you exactly what time to set aside: Noon-7 pm on Saturday, November 2nd. That day will mark the debut of Cattywampus Kids in downtown White Center – “the first children’s pop-up shop in White Center,” as co-proprietor Lonjina Verdugo describes it.

It’s happening once a month inside her Center Studio space at 9611 16th SW, “new and resale clothing & accessories for children 6 months to 12 years as well as toys with a unique and vintage twist.”

Lonjina and co-proprietor Nina Hufford say they “have hunted and handpicked all of our inventory, constantly searching for that perfect toy, coat or piece of art that brings back memories of our childhood” – so you can “share stories and create more memories with your own children.”

The grand-opening party on November 2nd will include “sips and sweets,” and they’ll also accept “new and gently used clothing for children 6 months and up as well as vintage toys and games,” as either donations or for store credit for future purchases. Donations are rewarded too, Cattywampus Kids says, with “goodies and coupons from us and our community, including future purchases at Cattywampus Kids, free classes at Center Studio, free Root Beer from Zippy’s Giant Burgers and more!”

The basics are online at cattywampuskids.com but you’ll see the “latest finds and shop updates” on Facebook here and Instagram here.

Just announced – the Rat City Business Association‘s Trick-or-Treat Festival, 2-5 pm Sunday, October 27th. Be there!

2:46 PM: Thanks to Gill for the tip on the signage that suddenly appeared on the former NAPA Auto Parts building at 9841 15th SW (our photo shows its west side facing 16th), sold to a Southern California buyer earlier this year. We’ve been working to track down information on Northmart, and the most information so far has come up in a help-wanted ad, which says the store is the company’s first in this state, and that it will be an 11,000-square-foot “retail warehouse” that will “sell a variety of products.” We’ll update when we find out more.

3:51 PM UPDATE: Just talked with the leader of the team setting up the store. He says so far, this company has one in Los Angeles, but in addition to the White Center store, is working on one in Shoreline, and then plans to set some up on the East Coast. It is both a wholesaler and a retailer open to the public – right now, while they are sending out merchandise to national customers, they are not yet open to the public; that’s still likely a few weeks away. They will stock and sell a variety of merchandise from luggage and backpacks to clothing, shoes, accessories, and the quantity of merchandise sold is up to the customer – they can sell you a trailer full or just one. No food – just manufactured merchandise, much of which is made by associated companies. This location is going to be their wholesale/shipping hub in this area as well as on-site retail, and that’s why it’s so much bigger, 11,000 square feet compared to the 2,000-square-foot store they’ll have in Shoreline.

Since opening two years ago, Caffé Delia has been based inside the Proletariat Pizza storefront, in a time-sharing/space-sharing environment – open during hours when PP wasn’t. But now there’s big news, announced on the CD Facebook page:

It is with legitimate excitement and some degree of “holy shit!” that we are posting to tell you all that Caffè Delia will be moving into its own cozy little space in the heart of White Center.

It’s going to be right next door to where we are now. It will be very easy to find.

We have said this many times, but it bears repeating: We love White Center, and love to work at making great coffee for you all.

We had one goal when we started: make delicious coffee in Rat City. That is what we are going to keep doing.

One thing, and you are going to have to bear with us on this one. In order to open up our new joint, we are going to have to close our little coffee stand. Caffè Delia, Inside Proletariat Pizza, will be open every day until October 13. Then we will be closed until we open again right next door.

We’ll see you around for the next 3 weeks. And then, we’ll see you in a few.

The new space is part of the former Dzul Tattoo storefront, immediately south of PP; Proletariat, as reported here previously, has already taken the other part.

The grand opening of Fitness With A Purpose, a new business in Greenbridge, is this Saturday. That’s according to an announcement published on a mailing list for nearby South Park. It’s at 9610 8th SW – you’ve probably seen the sign. They’re described as having all-new equipment and Zumba classes, among other things.

THURSDAY UPDATE: We’ve received more information about this:

WHAT: Grand opening of Fitness With a Purpose

WHEN: Saturday, September 14th, 1:00-9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Fitness With A Purpose, 9610 8th Ave. SW (corner of 8th and Roxbury)

DETAILS: New members will receive on full week free between Sept 14 and Oct 13. The 1,750 square-foot facility features an aerobics studio, personal training area and cardio equipment. Members can also take a wide selection of group exercise classes including step aerobics, Zumba, cardio strength, stretch and flex, core and more and TRX suspension strength training from experienced professional trainers.

About Fitness With a Purpose

Located on the corner of 8th and Roxbury near the Greenbridge community, Fitness With a Purpose offers an innovative and positive approach to living a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, Fitness With A Purpose offers a variety of inexpensive fitness groups for walking and running led by certified instructors. And to better meet the needs of the community, free women and girls-only classes will be held on Thursdays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 7 a.m.

Fitness with a purpose has a flexible schedule, opening its doors at 6 am Monday through Friday. The facility will be closed weekdays from 1-4:30 pm for personal training, but open after that until 9 p.m. Facility is also open Saturdays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Plus, Greenbridge residents receive 25 percent off their monthly membership fee.

Just announced by the White Center Chamber of Commerce and White Center Community Development Association – these are both happening tomorrow (Tuesday, August 13th):

Two agendas. One location.

Join us for lunch or dinner to discuss issues concerning the White Center business community.

August Luncheon guest speaker: King County Executive Dow Constantine

Evening Mixer topic: Changing marijuana laws and their potential local impact in White Center

Got something to discuss or share for the next meeting?
E-mail us!
chamber@visitwhitecenter.com
vy@wccda.org

Times & Locations:

12 p.m. @ White Center Chamber of Commerce Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park

6 p.m. at 3.14 Bakery

Can’t make it Tuesday? Join us for happy hour on Friday!
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/176949039133518/

Two events of note this week – first, the two-part White Center Chamber/WCCDA get-together on Tuesday. From the invitation:

One agenda. Two locations.

Join us for lunch or dinner to discuss issues concerning the White Center business community.

June’s discussion will include:
-Health care for Chamber members
-Chamber business

Times & Locations:

12 p.m. @ Young’s – 9413 16th Ave SW
6 p.m. @ Mac’s Triangle Pub – 9454 Delridge Way SW

And at 7 pm Friday, the WC BOSS happy hour:

Come join us for BOSS Happy Hour!!

Meet other business owners, mingle with the neighborhood, and stay for Salsa dancing! Lessons and music start at 9 p.m.

(no host bar)

Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Chemo’s – 10230 16th Ave SW

Something new is on its way to White Center – the “Mini Swap Meet,” starting tomorrow (Saturday, June 1st). That link takes you to a bare-bones Facebook page for starters, but we asked for more details, and received this from manager Lynch:

IWe are located at 9800 14th Ave SW Seattle (corner of 14th Ave SW and SW 98th St). We strive to be “Seattle’s Affordable Urban Marketplace.”

Our opening was planned to be later (we just got access to the property) but the weather is nice this weekend, so we are doing a soft opening,

This is not your traditional swap meet. Designed for anyone and everyone to sell their goods and foods (stands/trucks) any and every day.

We have daily rates starting at $15 with weekly, and monthly rates available. We came up with a strategy to manage low overhead in order to keep our rates affordable.

Benefits for those considering garage sales:
– less advertising and signs
– traffic from other sellers
– people don’t come to your house
– convenient in-city location

Craigslisters and Ebayers:
– get it all done in a day in one place

We combine technology with a physical presence:
– Encourage sellers to post items to Craigslist (they can search “Mini Swap Meet”) and our Facebook page.

We hope they follow our suggestion of posting some items for free. If you don’t want to donate and no time to sell? Want some pizza or beer money? Sell your load of stuff to one of our vendors.

Community support:

– We have spaces available at no charge for non-profits, schools, and churches/temples. We understand how hard it is to organize an event.

For example, Mrs. Teacher’s 5th grade class can have a camp fundraiser. Instead of asking for donations (aka pulling teeth) or child labor (car washes), students can ask “hey got any stuff in your house you don’t need?”.

Lynch says you can call 206-905-9828 if you want to know more – or check it out in person starting tomorrow: “We’re looking for vendors!”

The Bike To Work Day party is just wrapping up in downtown White Center – bet you recognize the renowned crew there to provide encouragement, incentives, and treats! Here’s a wider shot of the setup:

For downtown (and vicinity) events on the pm-commute side of Bike To Work Day, check this page on the Cascade Bike Club‘s website.

The White Center Chamber of Commerce and White Center Community Development Association are teaming up for a Power Lunch and Power Mixer today – two times, two locations, so that businesses can make it no matter what their schedule. At noon, they’ll be at Chemo’s (xx); at 7 pm, they’ll be at TT’s Soul Kitchen (xx). Topics will include business-district lighting and the push to make sure White Center doesn’t lose its Storefront Deputy. Speaking of which – have you signed the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s online petition yet? (It was first reported here, on Monday.)

You can’t beat a free breakfast. And this Saturday is the day some pancake fans wait all year to see – and taste: The annual free pancake breakfast at White Center’s McLendon Hardware (as well as the company’s half-dozen other stores). 7:30-10 am, they’re welcoming you for the free flapjacks at 16th and 102nd, in honor of their 79th anniversary – more info online.

A new name and new night for White Center’s art walk – and tonight (Thursday), just hours away, is its debut. It’s now Rat City Art City, and you’ll find it at venues around White Center on the second Thursday of the month, 6-9 pm. The official Rat City Art City website has the lineup for tonight, with venues and artists. The venues listed as participating tonight:

Big Al Brewing (9832 14th Ave SW)
Center Studio (9611 16th Ave SW)
Company (9608 16th Ave SW)
Dubsea Coffee (9910 8th Ave SW)
Full Tilt (9629 16th Avenue SW)
GnuOrganics (9988 15th Ave SW, Ste G)
Herban Legends (9169 16th Ave SW)
King County Sheriff’s Office (9609 16 Av SW)
Meanders (9635 16th Ave SW)
Proletariat Pizza/ Caffe Delia (9622-A 16th Ave SW)
Salvadorean Bakery (1719 SW Roxbury St)
Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th Ave SW)
Zippy’s Giant Burgers (9614 14th Ave SW)

Rat City Art City is also on Facebook, here.

From the WCN inbox overnight:

You’re invited to our Grand Opening Fiesta! February 24, 2013 2-5pm.

This event is meant for all of Mago Signs’ clients, friends, family and anyone interested in learning about Mago Signs.

This is a time to celebrate the new year as we get ready for another busy anxiously hoping, successful summer. We are ready to show our fans our huge new space! Over 3000 sq ft!

So much more space to design and create signs for all of White Center and beyond! Join us on this festive day as we bring in the new year’s energy and excitement to be doing business in the White Center Community.

GRAND OPENING FIESTA ACTIVITIES:

FREE FOOD FROM TAQUERIA LA FONDITA TRUCK @ 2 pm
FULL MARIACHI BAND- MARIACHI FIESTA MEXICANA! @ 2:30 pm
MAGICIAN & MAGIC SHOW @ 3:30 PM
LION DANCERS W/ DRUMMERS! @ 4 PM
LOCAL ARTIST YAWNING GATES @ 4:30 PM
RAFFLE PRIZES, FACE PAINTING FOR KIDS, CHINESE NEW YEAR CEREMONY, HORCHATA DRINKS, PIÑATAS & MORE!

Did you know February 24th, is also Mexican national flag day?

We have a new showroom, new technology and equipment coming in and a garage for full vehicle wrap services!

“I’ve worked so hard to keep up the standards Jimenez Signs had for over 15 years. It was an undertaking that with my skills and passions it had to click in order for me to make it. And I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Making signs, helping other businesses and people, community organizing and art. It’s perfect. I invite you to meet us if you haven’t already at our Grand Opening. We are a sign shop… the mariachi, lights and magic show happens with my mexican roots and eclectic personality. My family is so proud of all I’ve been able to accomplish, and I couldn’t have done this without them! A special thanks to John, he became so vital in the business and in my life, both he’s helped so much, I’m so lucky! Also special thanks to his family, our past clients and everyone who believed in our aspirations. I wish we had more Mariachi around!” -Eduardo Brambila (Owner)

The shop is at 10032 16th SW.

Got a tip on this a few days ago but couldn’t confirm it till tonight: According to signage posted on its door, White Center’s Blockbuster is closing. Saturday is its last day of rentals; Sunday it’ll be closed; Monday, it’ll reopen for liquidation. That’s the same pattern followed by the two stores in West Seattle that closed a little more than a year ago. The sign on the White Center store’s door says that once it’s closed, the nearest Blockbuster will be in Kent.

In the heart of downtown White Center, Joe is playing guitar – in honor of a brand-new music store, run by his son:

Inside, behind the counter, here’s Joe’s son Brian, who just opened Rat City Records and Relics today at 9632 16th SW and is having a grand-opening celebration till 9 tonight. As noted in our original report two weeks ago, the relics include music memorabilia and old guitars:

You can find RCRR on Facebook, here.