White Center Now: The blog about White Center

(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.

Two weeks from tonight, it’ll be the first Fourth of July in North Highline since the fireworks ban took effect in unincorporated King County. As county officials have said previously, the first year is educational – violators will get warnings rather than citations. So here’s what you need to know:

With this year being the first that fireworks aren’t permitted, King County is emphasizing community education about the new rules and is deferring issuing citations for a year. However, that doesn’t mean folks will be able to light fireworks without repercussion. As of June 14th, residents have been able to report violators to the King County Permitting Division:

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

-Phone: 206-848-0800

King County will issue a warning to violators and include them in our records. If the behavior continues, these violators will likely be the first to eventually receive citations.

Local Services is finalizing the details of how violators will be cited beginning in 2023.

That’s the 2021 White Center Christmas tree in all its splendor, in the mini-park outside Mac’s Triangle Pub at Delridge/16th/Roxbury. Mr. and Ms. Claus were there for the occasion:

So were some excited kids:

The actual lighting – before dark – had a few stops and starts, but good cheer all around:

For the icing on the cake, the pub was showing the Seahawks game, and they were on the bring of their 30-23 win over the FortyNiners.

P.S. The tree is sponsored by not only Mac’s but also Center Tool Rental and Meat The Live Butcher.

That’s the White Center Christmas Tree in 2019. What will it look like this year? Be the first to see by attending the tree lighting this Sunday (December 5th), 4:20 pm outside Mac’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW).

Your local firefighters want to bring holiday joy to 25 families around their coverage area again this year. All they need is some help from you – starting today:

It’s been a tough year for White Center businesses but they aren’t letting that get them down – look how many plan to participate in this year’s White Center trick-or-treating! Get your costume on and get ready to show it off as you make the rounds on Sunday, starting at 3 pm.

Best way to avoid the supply-chain snarls – shop local, handmade! You can do that right now at the first holiday bazaar of the season, at the White Center Eagles‘ HQ (10452 15th SW) until 6 pm.

They’re selling lunch, too – grilled-cheese sandwiches and soup. P.S. With road-work closures at 15th/Roxbury and 15th/107th, you’ll want to access 15th by taking a nearby cross-street like 102nd or 106th.

We know, Halloween isn’t even here yet. But the first holiday bazaar of the season is just days away. Here’s the announcement:

Holiday Bazaar

October 23rd, 2021
10 am-6 pm

White Center Eagles
10452 15th Ave SW

Open to the public! Free Parking!

The last season of legal fireworks-selling in unincorporated King County has begun. That stand by Roxbury Lanes is one of multiple fireworks stands that opened today. The rules allow sales 9 am-11 pm daily through the 4th of July (Sunday), and the 4th is the only day you can legally set them off (9 am to midnight). Starting next year, fireworks will be completely banned in unincorporated King County, as they are in jurisdictions neighboring White Center – Burien, Seattle, and Tukwila.

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree … time to take you out before you dry out. If you have curbside service from Waste Management, you can put yours out with your yard waste – just be sure it’s cut into sections no longer than four feet. Or if you just want to drop off the entire tree, here’s an option the next two days:

Annual Scout Troop Christmas Tree Recycling will be Jan. 2 & 3

January 2, 2021 – January 3, 2021

Burien Eagles, 920 SW 150th Street

9 am-4 pm both days

Local Scout Troop 375/8375 will be holding their annual Christmas Tree Recycle the weekend of Jan. 2 & 3, 2021. Bring your tree to their recycling station at the FOE Burien Eagles Lodge parking lot, located behind the Countryside Cafe. No flocked trees please. Suggested Donation $5.

If you can help – local firefighters who serve North Highline and Burien are looking for assistance in this year’s donation drive:

Whatever you can give, District 2 will use to buy food to donate to the 25 families it’s helping this season.

Hope you’re having a safe Halloween! Many residents found creative ways to facilitate no-contact trick-or-treating. Tom sent this candy-chute photo from his White Center porch.