White Center Now: The blog about White Center

The state and county indoor-masking requirements end for most establishments and venues after tomorrow. So here’s what the Highline Public Schools policy will be, as announced today:

On Tuesday, the Washington Department of Health (DOH) issued updated guidance for COVID safety in schools. These changes reflect declining COVID case rates and hospitalizations in King County and Washington state.

As we have since the beginning of the pandemic, we will continue to follow DOH guidance. Here are some key points in the updated guidance, effective Monday, March 14:

-Masks: Masks are no longer required for staff, students and visitors in schools in most circumstances. Some staff and students may choose to continue to wear masks. Masks provide an additional layer of protection and are especially important for those who are or who live with someone at higher risk for severe COVID disease.
-Quarantine: Students and staff who are exposed to COVID are encouraged to get tested and monitor for symptoms. They are not required to quarantine unless they show symptoms.
-Positive COVID cases: If you test positive, you must stay at home (isolate) for at least 5 days. You can return to school if you test negative on or after day 5, are fever-free for 24 hours, and have resolving symptoms. Masking is strongly recommended upon return through day 10. If you do not test, you must isolate for a full 10 days.

Keeping our staff and students safe and healthy is our priority. Highline will continue to follow all DOH requirements and maintain current safety practices, including:

-Stay home when sick: If you have symptoms, stay home and get tested.
-Care rooms: Schools will continue to isolate students with symptoms in a care room until they can be picked up. PPE is required in care rooms and nurse clinics.
-Positive case notification: We will continue sending notifications of positive COVID cases.
-COVID testing: We will continue to provide access to COVID testing.
-Staff vaccination: Staff must be vaccinated for COVID unless they have an exemption. Boosters are not required.
-Student vaccination: We strongly encourage all students over age 5 to be vaccinated. We will continue to host vaccination clinics for students. Please visit our vaccination web page for vaccination opportunities.
-Ventilation: We continue to maintain upgraded ventilation systems.
-Physical distancing: We will maintain distancing to the extent possible.
-PPE: We will continue to provide appropriate PPE to staff and students

We recognize that while other safety measures remain in place, going to optional masks is a significant shift. We will respect each individual’s decision on masks. A mask or lack thereof will not limit a student’s participation in school, although masks may be required in some specific situations like athletics and instrumental music.

Please remember that if you want your student to wear a mask, they will be responsible for keeping their mask on. Staff will not be expected to remind students to put on or pull up their masks.

We know students will have a range of questions and reactions, from excitement to worry. We have developed class lessons to help students navigate this change.

We also encourage you to talk with your student. Here are some key points to discuss:

There are many reasons why someone may choose to wear or not wear a mask. We should not judge or question another person’s choice. We are still in this pandemic together. It is important to show concern and kindness to one another. Schools will not tolerate harassment of any student over masks or anything else. Encourage your student to tell an adult if they witness or experience mistreatment or bullying.

As we have learned over the past two years, circumstances can change unexpectedly. Public health leaders may reinstate masking or other measures if cases or hospitalizations increase. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your principal.

To the north, Seattle Public Schools also will make masks optional as of Monday.

Highline Public Schools is offering COVID-19 vaccination and testing around the district this week. Here are the White Center times, dates, locations:

TESTING: From the full list – Evergreen High School (830 SW 116th), 3-4:30 pm Tuesday (January 4th). According to the district, “Testing is available to students, families, household members, and staff.”

VACCINATION: From the full list – Cascade Middle School (11212 10th SW), 9-11 am Saturday (January 8th). HPS students only. According to the district, “Vaccines will be available first-come, first-serve. No registration is required ahead of time.”

2-5 pm Friday (December 17th), the White Center Community Development Association and King County Public health have another COVID-19 vaccination clinic in WC. It’s at the Bethaday Community Learning Space building (605 SW 108th).

Two chances to get vaccinated in White Center this week, if you’re not already:

WEDNESDAY (September 22): 1-6 pm, get vaccinated at the library (1409 SW 107th).

FRIDAY (September 24): The White Center Community Association hosts a pop-up at 605 SW 108th, 10 am-1:30 pm.

2:23 PM: Ready to get vaccinated? Until 6 tonight, you can do it at the White Center Library (1409 SW 107th). Single-dose and two-dose vaccines available, KCLS says, so people 12+ are welcome.

ADDED WEDNESDAY EVENING: Miss this one? They’re doing it again September 22nd.

From Public Health-Seattle/King County we get word of a COVID-19 vaccination pop-up tomorrow (Wednesday, August 18th), noon-6 pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd) in White Center. All three authorized vaccines will be available. so this is open to everyone 12+ – no appointment necessary.

Just in – this announcement of a vaccination event noon-6 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, July 28th) at Steve Cox Memorial Park:

The Seattle Fire Department mobile vaccination team is making a stop in White Center. On Friday (May 28th), the MVT will be at Future Primitive (9832 14th SW), 5:45 pm-8 pm. SFD says getting vaccinated will get you a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage. They plan to offer all three vaccines,no appointment necessary, just show up.

If you’re a Highline Public Schools family, the district is asking for your decision for next school year – in-person or remote learning. They’ve set Thursday (May 27th) as the decision deadline. You can go here to make your choice; for more info on the 2021-2022 plan, go here.

The pandemic-update presentation from a King County rep at last week’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting included news of a regular “community partners” call, open to all. NHUAC president Liz Giba has sent info abut the call, which is happening at 4 pm today:

We have created a new link for our bi-weekly COVID-19 Community Partners’ Call and have extended the meeting by 15 minutes. Starting April 12th, the meeting will run from 4 pm-5 pm. The Community Partners’ call will now be Live Interpreted in Spanish and Somali. The Zoom link is below.

Join Public Health – Seattle & King County for local updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, recommendations for risk reduction, and information on COVID-19 vaccines. The webinar takes place every other Monday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Zoom (schedule and link below). The next webinar is Monday, April 12th.

All are welcome, and the information is most helpful for staff and volunteers at nonprofits, businesses, and community-based organizations looking for resources and information on slowing the spread of COVID-19 in King County.

Live interpretation is provided in Spanish and Somali. Additional languages are available upon request.

One tap mobile:
US: +16699006833,,97016766517# or +13462487799,,97016766517#
Meeting URL:
https://kingcounty.zoom.us/j/97016766517
Meeting ID:
970 1676 6517
Join by Telephone 253-215-8782

Last weekend marked exactly one year since the first King County cases of COVID-19 were reported. This Thursday, the pandemic is the focus of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s monthly meeting. Here’s the preview just in from NHUAC:

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where? North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting
When? Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 7 pm
How? Join Zoom Meeting: kingcounty.zoom.us/j/98750682577

​​​​​​Meeting ID: 987 5068 2577
​​​​​​Passcode (case sensitive): NHUAC2021

Unable to join via Zoom?
Please Call 253.215.8782
​​​​​​Meeting ID: 987 5068 2577 ​
Passcod​e 956569157

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been an exhausting and ongoing, yearlong natural disaster unprecedented in its duration, damage and pervasive impact on our lives.” (Dr. Jeff Duchin, King County Public Health Officer, 2.26.21)

North Highline has certainly suffered. According to the county’s COVID-19 Data DashboardDaily Summary, North Highline continues to have one of the highest positivity rates in the county. In recognition of the reality that the battle is not yet won, much of NHUAC’s March 4th meeting will focus on COVID-19, what we can do, what lies ahead, and the role social equity might play in crafting a winning response.

We will be joined by Matias Valenzuela, currently a Director with Seattle-King County Public Health and formerly Director of King County’s Office of Equity and Social Justice; North Highline Fire District Chief Mike Marrs; and Art Hendricks, manager of King County’s Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice Group. The Sheriff’s Office was busy in North Highline in February. Major Jeff Flohr and Deputy Bill Kennamer will join us for what is sure to be an informative meeting.

Have you heard? COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics will be held at Evergreen High School (830 SW 116th) in White Center on Wednesday and Thursday, March 3rd and 4th, from 10 am to 4 pm. These Vaccine Clinics are for White Center residents (and nearby neighbors) who fall into Phases 1A and 1B1 of the state’s vaccine prioritization schedule because they are: 65 or older; 50 or older and living in multigenerational households; residents of long-term care facilities; high-risk first responders; healthcare workers; or high-risk workers in health care settings. If a neighbor fits these criteria, please share this link and information with them.

kroger.com/rx/guest/get-vaccinated?vaccineGroup=ehs

In Step 1 (the location field), type 98146 to get to QFC-FM-CHAMBER-EVERGREEN HS(Clinic Event at 830 SW 116th St.) and make an appointment. If there are appointments available, walk-up registration will be done on-site.

​ Learn, share, and help make North Highline a better and healthier place.

March 4, 2021 at 7 pm – Tell a Neighbor!

Thanks to Tamsen for forwarding this notice circulated by the White Center Community Development Association:

Currently, a vaccination clinic is being set up in White Center for 3/4 & 3/5 (with the second dose 2 weeks after) to serve 900 of our people as we move into Phase 1B for Washington.

The ask that I have for you is to help distribute this information with intentionality to your network, as we work to sign up our BIPOC White Center community members. In consideration of the pandemic, we want to ensure a focus on our elderly, non-English speaking neighbors, and those that either may not have access to or high proficiency in online capabilities.

These vaccinations will occur at Evergreen High School (830 SW 116th St) in partnership with QFC and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Who this includes:

High-risk healthcare workers in health-care settings
High-risk first responders
Long-term care facility residents
All other workers at risk in health-care settings
All people 65 years or older
All people 50 years or older in multigenerational households (homes where individuals from 2 or more generations reside such as an elder and a grandchild)

Here is the link.

This link to COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics is reserved for residents in White Center and immediately surrounding areas that fall into Washington State’s current Covid-19 vaccine eligibility phases: 1A, 1B1 (healthcare workers, high risk workers in health care settings, high risk first responders, 65+, 50+ in multigenerational households). In location field, type 98146 for Evergreen High School Clinic to make an appointment. Please tell people to enter 98146 as the zip code for this clinic. If there are appointments available, walk-up registration will be done on-site. We will provide interpreters in multiple languages. Appointments will occur from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days.

Though the new statewide reopening plan still prohibits some things in Phase 1 – like indoor dining – it opens the door starting Monday for some indoor fitness and entertainment. Southgate Roller Rink has a plan under what’s allowed with the latter – here’s what they plan to do:

Reserve your space today! Under the new phase 1 guidelines for Entertainment Establishments, you can rent the rink privately for $78 per hour for up to 6 people beginning January 13th, 2021. Masks are required.

Reservations available 7 days a week from 12 pm-10 pm. Please give us a call at (206) 707-6949 or email us at info@southgaterollerrink.com!

Your dollars matter most when they are spent with truly local businesses. King County is reminding everyone about that, with this announcement:

King County Executive Dow Constantine kicked off a new social media campaign to encourage people to discover offerings from arts organizations, gyms, restaurants, and retailers as the region embraces new public health instructions. This effort follows the successful awarding of financial and technical assistance to hundreds of King County businesses.

As King County follows statewide temporary restrictions on public gatherings, Executive Constantine encouraged residents to patronize local businesses.

The “Keep it local King County” social media campaign launched today comes on the heels of $4 million in grants and technical assistance that was awarded to approximately 630 small businesses in unincorporated King County.Keep_It_Local_KC_Logo_FINAL

Businesses included restaurants, bakeries, spas, retailers, contractors, auto repair shops, farms, and others.

The last grants are expected to be awarded by the end of the year.

“The grant definitely helped me,” said Yulonda Rhodes of Texture Salon Studio in White Center. “Prior to COVID, I was in process of doing some remodeling. Then COVID happened, I got laid off from my part-time job, and this business slowed down. The grant allowed to get everything I needed to get done. It definitely helped.”

Many businesses around the region have changed operations to keep their employees and customers safe, and are open for business.

The “Keep it local King County” campaign seeks to highlight available offerings, and stress the importance of spending dollars locally.

“Keep it local King County” will promote different options each day of the week:

Monday: Memberships
The Executive’s Office will emphasize the importance of continuing or purchasing memberships in regional arts and cultural organizations.

Tuesday: Takeout
Restaurants are open and ready to serve. Executive Constantine: “Let the take-out box be a symbol of our resilience.”

Wednesday: Workouts
Even though in-door activities in gyms are currently not allowed, many offer on-line yoga and other services. In these stressful times, it is more important than ever to keep mentally healthy by being physically fit.

Thursday: Give thanks
For those who are able to work from home and maintain a steady income, remember to thank essential workers by leaving a little something extra as a tip, or a thank-you card.

Friday: Fun with family and friends
Even with heightened restrictions, there is plenty to do, such as farmers markets. It is also important to make sure residents know how to use video-communications apps.

Saturday: Shop safe
It is safe to patronize businesses in our neighborhoods and downtown, as long as we follow simple guidelines. Now is the time to show the love to local merchants.

“While I am heartened that so many have done so much to help us respond to this unprecedented crisis, I also appreciate the burden on and anxiety felt by many restaurants, retailers, arts organizations and their employees,” said Executive Constantine.

“I am thankful we were able to get financial help to hundreds of small businesses, but we must do more. I urge everyone to patronize restaurants, coffee shops, and other local favorites. As I have said before: If this pandemic is symbolized by the medical mask, let our resilience be represented by the take-out box. Our ‘Keep it local campaign’ over the next few weeks will highlight all that you can do to help our local economy, and enrich your health and well-being.”

From the inbox:

Neighborcare Health, in coordination with King County Housing Authority, Somali Health Board, and Neighborhood House, is providing free COVID-19 testing Tuesday, 11/17 from 12-4 pm at Greenbridge Main Plaza, 9839 Eighth Ave SW:

*Walk-up only. No appointment needed.

*Everyone is eligible for testing.

*Safe, quick, and painless. Test swab only goes part way in nose.

*Each individual will be registered upon arrival so we can process the test and follow-up with test results.

At registration, you will provide your name, date of birth, phone number, and insurance information (if you have it). Testing is FREE for everyone. We will bill your insurance if you have it. If you do not have insurance you will not be charged.

Questions: Call Neighborcare CAT Team at 206-333-2524,

From the WCN inbox:

The Khmer Health Board is organizing a COVID-19 Test Event on Saturday, September 19th from 9 AM – 3 PM at Evergreen High School, 830 SW 116th St.

In-person Khmer translators will be available to assist and insurance is not required for testing. Event is first come, first served. Giveaway items (health and safety supplies, Khmer groceries, etc.) are available until supplies last.

Announced by the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council:

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting
Thursday, September 3rd cancelled –

But mark your calendars for NHUAC’s virtual meeting on Thursday, Oct. 1st 7 pm –

Our NHAC board was hopeful that we would be able to resume in person meetings on Thursday, September 3rd, but COVID had other plans for us. Although statewide hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 have not risen for the past three weeks, they have not gone down. With that in mind and the continued directives that we limit the size and the frequency of our social gatherings, we are canceling the September 3rd meeting.

The good news is that we plan on resuming meetings on Thursday, October 1st when we will hold NHUAC’s first-ever virtual meeting. We are excited and look forward to connecting with the community.

As we get closer to the meeting date, we will provide information on how you can join us on your computer or by phone.

So stay tuned as we plan on having some important guest speakers.

Stay Safe – Stay Healthy

Questions- Please contact: bdobkin@northhighlineuac.org

Just announced by the King County Executive’s Office:

Customers at King County locations of Safeway will be able to take home free face masks with their groceries starting today with a new partnership between King County, Safeway, and UFCW Local 21. …

King County purchased more than 25 million face masks for county residents, and to date has distributed more than 14 million reusable and disposable masks through direct distribution and partnerships with local chambers of commerce and other community organizations. …

Starting today, customers at any of the 59 Safeway locations in King County can obtain two free reusable masks per person in their household, for up to 12 masks total, while at the checkstand. Disposable masks will also be available for customers who may have forgotten or misplaced their masks at all stores. All told Safeway will help distribute 750,000 face masks provided by King County.

The nearest Safeway stores are at 28th/Roxbury and at 1st Ave. S./SW 128th.

P.S. In case you wondered too – we checked: No purchase required to get your free reusable mask(s).

Highline Public Schools has announced that the 2020-2021 school year will start without in-person classes:

Highline Superintendent Susan Enfield announced today that Highline schools would begin the school year with distance learning, where students in all grades will learn from home. The district had been planning for in-person instruction on alternating days to allow for social distancing.

“I have been fiercely hoping to have our students back in our schools this fall,” said Superintendent Enfield. “But after reviewing all the data and feedback, and as the person who ultimately bears responsibility for the health and safety of our students and staff in our schools, I cannot in good conscience open schools for in-person instruction in September,”

In a survey of all employees, over 35 percent of staff reported they are in a high-risk group for COVID infection, and nearly 29 percent of teachers say they live with or care for someone who is at high risk.

This announcement comes on the same day as five other south King County districts announced similar plans.

Countries that have successfully reopened schools in-person have done so with declining infection rates. COVID-19 cases are rising in King County, and over half of all new cases are among people ages 20-39 according to Public Health – Seattle & King County.

When infection rates decrease, the district plans to move into a hybrid model. Families will have the option to continue distance learning, with students remaining with their teachers and classmates while learning from home, or choose in-person instruction two to four days a week, depending on grade level and special needs.

For more information, visit highlineschools.org/coronavirus.

Neighboring Seattle Public Schools made the same announcement today.

King County’s mobile pet-food bank is coming back to Steve Cox Memorial Park, for those who need pet food but are having trouble affording it. Look for it there (1321 SW 102nd) noon-3 pm on Friday, July 10th.