White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Nate Little from Lariat Bar does the honors at Rat City Tree Lighting

Story, photos and video by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for White Center Now

White Center neighbors gathered on Sunday night for the first annual Rat City Tree Lighting, to celebrate the holiday season in style. 

As we reported previously, the festivities happened at the intersection of 16th/98th, at the community billboard/kiosk location. In prior years, the event had a different name and had been held at 16th/Roxbury/Delridge. The new name and location were organized by the White Center Business Alliance, which posts events on Instagram at Rat City Events, and is a group largely comprised of bars and restaurants in downtown White Center. 

Here’s our video of the tree lighting, facilitated by Nate Little, co-owner of Lariat Bar, along with the crowd’s rousing rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas:”

Little joked that the modestly-sized tree, zip-tied to the top of the community kiosk, was a “very White Center” way to celebrate the holiday. He also pointed out that the tree topper was an action figure of pro wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (a nod to Lariat’s wrestling theme).

The festivities also included more caroling, drink/food specials at area establishments, and photo-ops with Puffy and Pandy (mascots of White Center’s own Puffy Pandy):

Thanks to Lina for the tip! The White Center Teen Program is hosting Winter Fest starting at 11:30 am – here’s the announcement:

Wishing families a Winterful time at the Log Cabin Saturday, December 21st from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm!

-The WC Teen Program is thrilled to host the Eazy Duz It Car Club for their Annual Toy Giveaway! (Please note toy giveaways are first come, first serve.)

-In addition, the Rec Aides will have several all time favorite winter themed art projects thawed out and ready for crafting.

-We’ve also heard from Vana that photo ops, gingerbread house making, festive snacks, balloon animals and letters to Sunny P are all in the polar plans!

Winter Fest at the Log Cabin
Saturday, December 21st from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Steve Cox Memorial Park
1321 SW 102nd St

Grab your rain hat and get ready to go to White Center for tonight’s fabulously festive Rat City Art and Food Walk, starting up at 5 pm. Here are the locations participating in the Holiday Market; here’s the list of vendors and where to find them.

(WCN photo, 2021 White Center Christmas tree after lighting at 16th/Roxbury/Delridge)

The White Center tree lighting has changed locations and names. This year it’ll be at 16th/98th, under the banner Rat City Tree Lighting – here’s the announcement:

The White Center Business Alliance Presents: The First Annual Rat City Tree Lighting!

When: Sunday, December 22nd, at 5:30 PM
Where: Intersection of 16th & 98th (bulletin board)

Join the amazing White Center community for an evening of holiday cheer featuring:
-Tree Lighting Ceremony
-Drink Specials at all participating venues
-A Caroling Pub Crawl led by none other than Jay Cates (Boombox)!
-Special Guests: Puffy and Pandy

As a prelude, you can check out this event during the Thursday Art Walk:

Free ALL AGES Ornament-Making Workshop @ Rat City Art Walk
When: Thursday, December 19th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Where: Blu Grouse, 9839 17th Ave SW

Diana from Blu Grouse will be hosting a free, all-ages ornament-making workshop during the Rat City Art Walk. Stop by anytime during Art Walk between 4-7 pm to create ornaments that will be proudly displayed on the tree during the lighting event.

By Eddie Westerman
Special to White Center Now

Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and lots of homemade desserts served up with whipped cream were among just some of the delicacies served at the Body of Christ SBC Seattle and Recovery Center in White Center today.

The lunch, originally spearheaded by longtime friend of the community Mary Anne DeVry, and ably cooked and headed up by Ellen Tester and Gretta Thode, allowed more than 50 people the opportunity to relax and break bread together.

“This is just something we have felt strongly about for a long time,” Tester says. “People in ourvcommunity who might not have a place to go need to have Thanksgiving, too.”

Tester and Thode have both been cooking up large meals for more than a decade. They were assisted, today, by several members of West Seattle’s progressive synagogue community Kol HaNeshamah. Parents, high school and college students and retirees were among those who served meals and enjoyed some time with those who came to eat.

“Where else would we be?” says KHN member Janel Lardizabal. “It’s Thanksgiving. This is just what we do on Thanksgiving.”

“This is some of the best food I’ve had in a very long time,” said one of the participants as he got a refill on his coffee. “I’m really grateful for the people who helped pull this together for us.”

Today’s volunteer organizer, Ilana Guttman, says it was easy to round up some folks to help set up and serve the meal. There are plans for another lunch on Christmas Day at the same location.

Just look for the signs – they’ll lead you to the White Center Library Guild‘s Holiday Bazaar and Book Sale on its second day tomorrow (Saturday, November 16). Thanks to Gill Loring for photos from the first day:

Merchandise of course includes holiday items as well as items you might give as gifts:

Tomorrow’s hours are 11 am to 4 pm; the library’s at 1409 SW 107th.

Announced by the White Center Library Guild for this Friday and Saturday:

All ages welcome.
Shop for books, gently used household treasures, and white elephant holiday gifts. All proceeds benefit the programs for the White Center Library.

(WCN photo from 2021 holiday bazaar at White Center Eagles)

Yes, already! First bazaar of the year. Here’s the announcement:

Annual Holiday Bazaar at the White Center Eagles

Saturday, October 19th, 10 am to 4 pm

10452 15th Ave. SW

Handmade items – Art, Jewelry, Accessories, Pottery, and Lunch

From the Shorewood Elementary PTA just over the line in Burien:

Attention Vendors: Join Us for the Shorewood Elementary PTA Bazaar!

The Shorewood PTA is thrilled to invite vendors to participate in our upcoming Craft Bazaar on November 9th. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for vendors to showcase their products and connect with the community.
Please fill out this form.

In case you’ve forgotten since last Fourth of July, fireworks are illegal in White Center and the rest of unincorporated North Highline, as well as neighboring jurisdictions like Seattle and Burien. King County sent this reminder today:

The use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County. Repeat violators will be issued citations with a $250 penalty, and education about illegal fireworks use will be issued to all reported violators.

As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area.

King County instead encourages residents to watch a public fireworks display, join a neighborhood celebration or find other ways to celebrate the holiday safely.

Fireworks enforcement will be managed by the Code Enforcement team in the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services. Code Enforcement will investigate complaints received about illegal fireworks use and/or sales in unincorporated King County.

Much like reporting a building safety or nuisance issue, reporting fireworks violations will require giving a specific property address. And if the person reporting the violation wants King County to take enforcement action, that person must be willing to testify in person or by written declaration at a hearing concerning the date, time, and location where they witnessed the illegal acts. If the complaint is anonymous or the complainant is not willing to testify, then the owner of the property where discharge of illegal fireworks is reported will be sent a letter with information about the fireworks ban.

“While the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, King County joins other communities in our region who agree that consumer fireworks pose too great of a danger,” King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban said. “For the safety of our family, friends, neighbors, pets, and personal property, we remind everyone that fireworks are not allowed in unincorporated King County. We encourage residents to instead watch a public fireworks display, attend a community event or enjoy countless other ways to celebrate July 4th safely.”

Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help residents determine whether/how they can report a fireworks violation during the upcoming season:

Q. Are fireworks allowed in unincorporated King County?
A. No, the sale and use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated King County are strictly prohibited. (Note: commercial displays by licensed pyrotechnicians are still allowed with a permit)

Q. I live in a city like Seattle or Renton. Can I still report violations to King County?
A. No. King County will investigate complaints only for properties located in unincorporated King County. “Unincorporated King County” means outside of city limits. There are two easy ways to determine whether you’re located in unincorporated King County:

-Find or enter your address on this map. The green layer shows unincorporated King County.
-Enter your address in King County’s Parcel Viewer and see what’s listed as the jurisdiction.

Q. I know people are lighting off fireworks, but I don’t have a specific address. Will you still investigate?
A. No. Code Enforcement will not investigate any complaint it receives for fireworks incidents on private property that does not include a specific address or parcel number located within unincorporated King County.

Q. I have an address, but do I have to give my name and contact information when reporting?
A. While the person reporting isn’t legally required to give their name and contact information, anonymous complaints about fireworks on private property will only result in an informational letter to the property owner.

Q. Will I have to testify about the complaint I made?
A. You are not legally required to testify in writing or in person before a hearing examiner about your complaint. However, a citation with a penalty will only be issued if the complainant is willing to testify. Otherwise, the alleged violator will only be issued an educational warning letter.

Q. What about people who are lighting off fireworks in the street, park, or other public property?
A. Code Enforcement does not investigate complaints about fireworks use on public right-of-way or other public property like schools or parks. In those instances, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Q. Will King County actively patrol for fireworks violations?
A. No. Code Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office do not actively patrol for fireworks violations. Complaints must be filed through the regular code enforcement channels (see “How to report fireworks violations” below).

Q. What if I see actual or potential danger to people or property from fireworks? Who do I report it to then?
A. In instances where a threat to life, physical injury, or property damage may occur, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office by calling 9-1-1.

Q. Where can I find more information?
A. Go to kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks for more information (in the green fireworks section, click on the “Report violations online.” First-time users will have to sign up for our system). You can also direct general queries to our customer support email and phone number at asklocalservices@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3800.

Reporting fireworks violations

Residents can report violators to Code Enforcement (please note that reports made by e-mail or by phone will be responded to the next business day):

-Online by visiting kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks (In the green fireworks section, click on the “Report violations online.” First-time users will have to sign up for our system)
-Online via the King County Permits website. Select “File a complaint” in the Code Enforcement section. On the new screen, scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.
-Online via the Accela permit and complaint portal. Scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.
-E-mail: WebComplaints.CodeEnforcement@kingcounty.gov
-Phone: 206-848-0800

We received this notice from the contractor working on the White Center HUB project:

Upcoming Construction in Your Area – White Center Hub Housing

Community Roots Housing is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. The proposed project, White Center HUB Housing, is located at 10821 8th Ave SW in Seattle in King County. This project involves 2.81 acres of soil disturbance for Residential construction activities. The receiving waterbody is Hicklin Lake.

Any persons desiring to present their views to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding this Application, or interested in Ecology’s action on this Application, may notify Ecology in writing no later than 30 days of the last date of publication of this notice. Ecology reviews public comments and considers whether discharges from this project would cause a measurable change in receiving water quality, and, if so, whether the project is necessary and in the overriding public interest according to Tier II anti-degradation requirements under WAC 173-201A-320.

Comments can be submitted to:
ecyrewqianoi@ecy.wa.gov, or
ATTN: Water Quality Program, Construction Stormwater
Washington State Department of Ecology
P.O. Box 47696
Olympia, WA 98504-7696

(Photos by Gill Loring)

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for so much … like the community volunteers who work so hard to support local institutions and organizations – for example, the White Center Library Guild, which held its annual Holiday Bazaar and Book Sale this past weekend.

The Guild’s fundraising supports programs at the library – which in turn support the entire community.

Another reason to visit the library this coming week – holiday shopping!

As noted here in our coverage of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s June meeting, this is the second year for the fireworks ban in unincorporated King County, first year for enforcement. That does NOT mean deputies will be driving around citing people, however. Here’s the announcement with all the info you need:

The use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County. The county will begin enforcement of the fireworks ban and could issue citations to violators. Education about the ban and the reasons for it will still be provided.

Last year, the use and sale of consumer fireworks were officially prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood and the East Renton area.

The ban marked a big change for some, so King County’s initial enforcement goal was to inform and educate violators about the new rules.

This year, the county will begin enforcement of the fireworks ban, which could include issuing citations to violators. Education about the fireworks ban and the reasons for it will still be provided.

Enforcement will be managed by the Code Enforcement team in the King County Permitting Division. It will investigate complaints it receives about illegal fireworks use/sale only in unincorporated King County. Much like reporting a building safety or nuisance issue, reporting fireworks violations will require giving a specific property address. The person reporting the violation must have evidence and be willing to testify in person or in writing at a hearing in order for the County to take enforcement action.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help residents determine whether/how they can report a fireworks violation during the upcoming season:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are fireworks allowed in unincorporated King County?

A. No, the sale and use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated King County are strictly prohibited. Note: commercial displays by licensed pyrotechnicians are still allowed with a permit.

Q. I heard the ban went into effect last year – why weren’t citations issued then?

A. King County’s goal during the ban’s first year was to educate fireworks users about the ban. In many cases, potential violators received letters informing them that continued violations could result in citations.

Q. I live in a city like Seattle or Renton. Can I still report violations to King County?

A. No. King County will investigate complaints only for properties located in unincorporated King County. “Unincorporated King County” means outside of city limits.

Q. I know people are lighting off fireworks, but I don’t have a specific address – will you still investigate?

A. No. Code Enforcement will not investigate any complaint it receives for fireworks incidents on private property that does not include a specific address located within unincorporated King County.

Q. I have an address, but do I have to give my name and contact information when reporting?

A. Ideally, yes. While the person reporting isn’t legally required to give their name and contact information, anonymous complaints about fireworks on private property will only result in an informational letter to the property owner.

Q. Will I have to testify about the complaint I made?

A. Much like providing your name and contact information, you are not legally required to testify in writing or in person before a hearing examiner about your complaint. However, a citation with a penalty will only be issued if the complainant is willing to testify. Otherwise, the alleged violator will only be issued an educational warning letter.

Q. What about people who are lighting off fireworks in the street, park, or other public property?

A. Code Enforcement does not investigate complaints about fireworks use on public right-of-way or other public property like schools or parks. In those instances, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Q. Will King County actively patrol for fireworks violations?

A. No. Code Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office do not actively patrol for fireworks violations. Complaints must be filed through the regular code enforcement channels (see “How to report fireworks violations” below).

Q. What if I see actual or potential danger to people or property from fireworks? Who do I report it to then?

A. In instances where a threat to life, physical injury, or property damage may occur, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office by calling 9-1-1.

Q. Where can I find more information?

A. Go to www.Kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks for more information. You can also direct general queries to our customer support email and phone number at asklocalservices@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3800.

How to report fireworks violations

Please note: reports made by e-mail or by phone will be responded to the next business day.

Residents can report violators to Code Enforcement:

-Online by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks (Users will have to sign up for our system)

-Online via the King County Permits website (Permits – King County). Select “File a complaint” in the Code Enforcement section. On the new screen, scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.

-Online via the Accela permit and complaint portal: King County, Washington – Accela. Scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.

-E-mail: WebComplaints.CodeEnforcement@kingcounty.gov

-Phone: (206) 848-0800

11:41 AM: The balloon arch welcomes you to the return of the White Center Cambodian New Year Street Festival, happening on SW 98th between 15th and 16th. This is the 20th annual celebration, with Khmer music, dancing, games, contests, food, and more planned until 5 pm. More photos, and video, later.

Adding video and photos:

Community leaders spotted at the festival included White Center Community Development Association‘s Sili Savusa and 34th District State Senator Joe Nguyen:

Looking for an easy way to expand your holiday giving? Here it is!

We’re still not back to the safety level that would enable donation drives at fire stations, so here’s how you can support firefighters’ gift-giving for area families:

It’s that easy!

Thanks to Gill Loring for the photos – he reports the White Center Library Guild‘s Holiday Bazaar last Friday and Sunday was a success!!

Among the shoppers, Gill reports, was someone buying things to help Ukrainian refugees this holiday season.

Shoppers ranged widely in age.

And if you wonder what that room at the library looks like post-bazaar – here’s the scene after the cleanup on Monday.

The White Center Library Guild is an all-volunteer group, and its work supports programming at the library.

From a martini-themed plate to a cuddly plush octopus …

… gift ideas for all ages can be found at the White Center Library Guild‘s Holiday Bazaar and Book Sale, in its first of two days at the library 1409 SW 107th) until 4 pm. Lots of holiday stuff too:

If you don’t get to the library today, the bazaar’s second day will be on Sunday (the library’s closed Saturday), 11 am-3 pm. Proceeds help library programs.

Time to start holiday-season shopping! Next Friday and Sunday (November 18 and 20), the White Center Library Guild can help – with the Holiday Bazaar and Book Sale:

The library is at 1409 SW 107th.