White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Two major effects of the windstorm this morning:

That 6,100-customer outage started with a fallen tree around 6 am at Delridge/Thistle in West Seattle, and stretches into White Center.

Meantime, Highline Public Schools are on a two-hour delay today.

We first noted here in June that BECU has been building a Neighborhood Financial Center in the new mixed-use development at 16th/107th, and the credit union says it’s now open. They’re planning a grand-opening community celebration at 3 pm Wednesday, March 19. Readers have asked if the Roxbury Safeway BECU mini-branch will close; a BECU spokesperson told us today, “At this time, we have not announced plans for our Roxbury location.”

If you haven’t already noticed the blustery weather, take note that it’s packing a potential punch of up to 60 mph wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service’s High Wind Warning alert, so be careful! Rain and even thunder has swept through the area too.

Third Thursdays always bring something lively to the heart of White Center. This month, on Thursday, February 20: The Rat City Bar Walk.

The Lariat Bar crew shares these highlights:

Join us and our neighbors for Rat City Bar Walk here in beautiful White Center. We’re running tag team specials with 2 Fingers Social throughout the event and our bar is featuring our Spam Musubi Eating contest with Patrick’s Cafe and Bakery starting at 6 pm. Our friends and neighboring businesses will also be participating. Tim’s Tavern has Jesse James and the Mob at 8 pm and Southgate Roller Rink and Boombox are running Karaoke starting 9 pm – Christopher Mychael with be here at Lariat for CM Funk Karaoke also starting at 9 pm. There is something for everyone!

Happening both days this weekend at Future Primitive in White Center (9832 14th SW):

Sauna & Sounds @ Future Primitive Brewing
When: February 15 & 16
=
We are kicking off National Sauna Week in proper form with our first-ever Sauna & Sounds event at Future Primitive Brewing in White Center! Join us for an unforgettable evening of soothing sauna sessions and soul-stirring live music by West Seattle’s own PatRiff. Tickets give you access to our woodfired sauna, cold plunges, lockers, and towel service. Book an entry window and arrive anytime during that hour. Live music will be from 3-7 pm both days.

As always, if you cold plunge for 60 seconds, we will buy you a drink.

The first 20 people who book will get a free hooded robe rental.

Tickets are $45

Where:

Future Primitive
White Center

Link to book: https://pnwmobilespa.com/events-6

Found running on the streets in White Center along 15th Ave near McLendon Hardware.

Dark gray/black with a white stripe in the middle running down the chest. Not fixed and no microchip. Very friendly, about 6-12 months.

Will be taking him to Seattle animal shelter tomorrow.

They can contact me at 352 262 0013 or 352 262 8994. My name is Russ.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

What didn’t happen at Thursday’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting was almost as interesting as what did.

NO NEW STOREFRONT DEPUTY YET: The King County Sheriff’s Office wasn’t represented, so the usual crime/safety briefing wasn’t given, because the storefront deputy position isn’t filled yet – and NHUAC has been told they are shortstaffed in other areas so they might not be filling this job any time soon. (We’ll follow up with KCSO on this.) NHUAC’s Barbara Dobkin said she did get a bit of news – there’s an assigned late-night deputy working with businesses to get trespass authorizations so that deputies can take action if there’s late night trouble; about three dozen businesses have signed those authorizations so far.

The biggest briefing of the night was from King County Roads, part of Local Services:

KING COUNTY ROADS: Broch Bender from Roads/Local Service was joined by several colleagues who brought news of White Center road projects. (Here’s the full slide deck, so you can see larger versions of what we show below, and more.)

Roads takes care of 1,500 miles of road! First up, the 16th Avenue 100th to 107th project.

The plan is for bike lanes and 46 parking spaces – a “road diet,” Bender acknowledged. “Studies have shown that putting in bike lanes slows traffic,” Bender noted, saying they got funding so they epect to go to construction this year and. pave while they’re at it. Curb bulbs, bike-lane striping, and the “road diet” are all part of it.

The funding is federal, Bender acknowledged, but – alluding to the chaotic D.C. situation – “right now we do have the funding.” While they’re at it, they’ll be starting with a pipe replacement project starting in early March:

First phase between 15th and 16th on 104th, second phase the north side of the intersection will close for about two weeks, third phase, work between 16th and 17th.

All the work is likely to take four to six weeks.

Other projects in White Center this year – paving on a section of 100th, about 700 feet, plus curb ramp upgrades at 11 spots on Roxbury, 15th and 16th, plus some sidewalk panels on 26th, saving the trees that caused them trouble.

Next part of their presentation was to explain how the Customer Service Request Process works.

Call the Road Helpline for urgent problems at 206-477-8100. Someone answers 24/7. “When you see urgent issues, please don’t email,” because they don’t monitor 24/7. (It was reiterated later, PLEASE call for problems causing trouble on roads and sidewalks.) Email is for things more like overgrown shrubbery,

maint.roads@kingcounty.gov. That box is monitored 8:30-4:30 Mondays-Fridays. NHUAC’s Barbara Dobkin said it’s hard to find out who’s responsible for what; Road said they’ll start figuring that out, If you see a problem in the street, call them.

They showed a list of service requests from recent calls. They also showed a list of ways to stay connected with the department. (Presenters were Shunneia Long-Mattingly and Amy Bresslour).

More Q&A had to do with the 16th SW project. The bike lane won’t have bollards. There’ll be a two-foot buffer lane between the bike lane and the motor-vehicle lane. Also: What about adding sidewalks? Bender said, “What we’re focused on now is keeping our roads in working order.” The recently added sidewalks on 100th were part of Metro’s RapidRide projects. Dobkin observed that improvements all seem to happen on the east side of White Center, and on the west side, “we get nothing.”

One attendee thought that maybe instead of sidewalks, they could put up barriers between asphalt walkways and the rest of the street. Bender said it’s more complicated than that.

Another question: Any speed bumps? Long-Mattingly said king County no longer installs them, because studies have shown they don’t work. Someone else brought up that there are many in Seattle and things seem safer, so why is there such a difference between city and county? Long-Mattingly said she’d look into that.

P.S. They are taking demographic surveys to be sure they’re compliant with federal Title VI- or at least, Title VI as it’s been – you can respond via forms.office.com/g/FZgZuCPd8k

TIM’S TAVERN TO MAKE A CHANGE: Mark Rowe from King County Permitting was there to talk about “what the plan is” for this topic that’s been discussed at many previous NHUAC meetingsii – Tim’s outdoor music – “We’ve worked out an agreement – Tim’s going to be bringing the music inside,” because zoning indeed doesn’t allow for outdoor music, Rowe acknowledged, while noting that the County Council could always change the zoning. By mid-February, they’re going to bring the music indoors, Rowe said. He said the owners have some sewer work to do anyway so installing a small stage inside will be done at the same time. In the previous discussions, it had long been contended that the outdoor music was not allowed under zoning. Rowe underscored that he is not taking sides – he sees both the concerns and also the benefits that Tim’s “brings to the community.” Another resident said it’s not the music itself as the fact “it’s LOUD.” That attendee said they “like music in the community,” but six nights a week of loudness was too much. Why did it take two years to reach this? Rowe said they always try to get to “voluntary compliance” first. “The plan is now the music will move indoors and we’ll see” what happens from there.

Another attendee asked about odors from a laundromat; Rowe suggested reaching out to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. “They’re the same ones that deal with wood smoke, etc.,” he said.

FREE HEAT-PUMP SYSTEMS! First presentation of the night was about Energize, the King County heat-pump program. (First was a primer explaining that the pumps are both a heating and cooling system.) They’re hoping to install more than 150 in neighborhoods this year – 75 single-family homes, 60 adult family homes, 25 family day cares. “Heat pumps are generally very expensive to install – $20,000+ – the county can fund 80 to 100 percent of the cost” depending on the recipient’s income. Recipients must make less than 100 percent of the AMI. You don’t have to own your home – renters can be eligible too. But there’s a specific geographic area they’re focusing in. The income means less than $77,700 for a one-person household could be eligible for full-cost coverage, less than $116,500 for partial-cost coverage. If you’re interested in applying, they have workshops coming up 2/12 6 pm online for day-care providers, 2/26 6 pm at Seola Gardens Community Center and 2/27 6 pm online. The program’s website is kingcounty.gov/energize – which is also where you’ll find the map tool to see if you’re eligible, as well as info about the upcoming sessions.

NEXT MEETING: The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council usually meets on the first Thursday of the month at the North Highline Fire Station, 1243 SW 112th. We publish the invitations/previews as soon as they’re received, several days in advance.

Here’s the Thursday plan for Highline Public Schools:

Due to weather and road conditions, all schools are on a two-hour delay on Thursday, February 6. Buses will stop at regular stops–two hours later than normal.

There is some snow in the northern part of our district, and many staff members commute from neighboring districts that are also delayed. This delay allows staff time to arrive safely.

There will be no breakfast. There will be no morning or afternoon classes for half-day preschool and ECEAP. Full-day ECEAP/preschool is on a two-hour delay. There are no morning classes for PSSC. Afternoon classes for PSSC will be on time. All before-school programs are canceled, including clubs, activities and in-school daycare. No transportation will be provided to schools outside of our district.

Schools will dismiss at regular times. After-school programs are on time, including clubs, activities and in-school day care.

After some overnight snow, Highline Public Schools has just announced its plan for today:

All schools are closed on Wednesday, February 5. All scheduled activities, athletics and meetings are canceled, including the school board meeting. No transportation will be provided to schools outside of our district.

District administrative offices are open.

To our north, Seattle Public Schools is doing remote instruction today, late start.

From the district website:

Two Hours Late – Regular Bus Schedule – Monday, February 3

Due to weather and road conditions, all schools are on a two-hour delay on Monday, February 3. Buses will stop at regular stops–two hours later than normal. We will continue to monitor conditions in the morning.

There will be no breakfast, no morning or afternoon classes for preschool and ECEAP, and no morning classes for PSSC. Afternoon classes for PSSC will be on time. All before school programs are canceled, including clubs, activities and in-school daycare. No transportation will be provided to schools outside of our district.

Schools will dismiss at regular times.

Continue to monitor our website for updates. Please stay safe and warm.

Staff Instructions

Staff are expected to report to work as close to on time as possible. Please use your judgment on whether it is safe for you to travel to work. See an outline of expectations for employees for inclement weather on the Staff Hub.

Just in from the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council:

You are Invited to Experience

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard

At the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) Meeting!

When: Thursday, February 6. 2025, at 7 pm

Where: North Highline Fire Station in White Center at 1243 SW 112th Street
(Parking and Entrance are in the Back of the Station)

-You are invited to get “Energized!” At NHUAC’s first meeting of 2025! The meeting will take place at 7 pm on Thursday, February 6. 2025 in White Center’s fire station at 1243 SW 112th. The meeting will begin with a presentation about Energize! by King County’s program manager, Neil Larsen. King County is expanding its heat pump program in the North Highline community. The program is open to single-family homeowners and renters. Join us and learn how to qualify for a free or discounted heat pump!

-Conversations at recent NHUAC meetings have included many concerns about safety issues, particularly those involving walking or driving in North Highline. King County’s Broch Bender will respond to some of the questions and concerns about roads that were discussed at NHUAC’s November 7, 2024 meeting. Broch will also tell us about the King County Road Services projects scheduled for 2025 in North Highline.

–Tim’s Tavern has been discussed at many NHUAC meetings since it moved into Drunky Two Shoes’ location in White Center in March, 2023. A representative of the Department of Local Services will join us with a status report on Tim’s outdoor concert venue.

-The King County Sheriff’s Office is a vital member of the North Highline community. At this month’s NHUAC meeting, you will hear about the status of a new Storefront Deputy and a project that KCSO has started with the White Center business community.

Do you have questions or something you want to share? Join the conversation and bring a friend!

Knowledge is power. Learn, share and help make our community a better place.

February 6, 2025 at 7 pm

Bring a Neighbor!

Thanks to Gill for the photo as snow fell this morning in White Center and vicinity. So far the forecast continues calling for showers, not sustained snow, but those showers can bring briefly heavy snowfall, so be careful, especially on the sidewalks and streets!

Since King County is the “local government” for White Center, this appointment is of note even though it involves a council district south of ours. Here’s the official announcement:

The King County Council on Tuesday voted to appoint De’Sean Quinn to fill the District 5 council seat vacated when Dave Upthegrove was elected as Washington State Lands Commissioner.

“I am thrilled to welcome our new colleague, Councilmember De’Sean Quinn, to the King County Council! With his strong, steady leadership and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region, he’s ready to hit the ground running,” said King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay. “Together, I look forward to partnering on the critical issues impacting South King County, ensuring that workers and families have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference, and I’m eager to partner in creating a stronger more prosperous feature for our communities.”

Quinn is a current Tukwila City Councilmember who has served in that role since 2008. He is also a King County employee, working as assistant general manager of Partnerships and Strategies for King County Metro. He will resign both these positions before he is sworn in as a King County Councilmember. Quinn also previously served as community relations manager for former Executive Ron Sims, as council relations director, and as regional relations manager under Executive Dow Constantine.

District 5 represents the cities of Renton, Kent, Des Moines, SeaTac, and Normandy Park. Quinn will serve until the results of the November general election are certified.

(Photo credit: City of Tukwila)

(First published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

(Images via King County TV)

After a process that started less than four weeks ago when new Gov. Bob Ferguson chose then-State Sen. Joe Nguyen to become Commerce Director, our area has a new State Senator and State House Representative, appointed this afternoon by King County Councilmembers. Above is newly appointed State Sen. Emily Alvarado; below is her subsequently appointed successor as State House Rep., Brianna Thomas, who is a policy adviser in the Seattle mayor’s office.

Sen. Alvarado followed her swearing-in by saying, “Let’s get to work on making life better for Washingtonians”; Rep. Thomas followed hers hours later with a few rounds of thank-yous and “I’m having a ‘Miss America’ moment; I’m going to go before I cry,” noting that her dad was watching the livestream from out of state, and that she is looking forward to going to Olympia tomorrow morning.

The appointments were the culmination of daylong proceedings in the county council’s chambers downtown. The council had three appointments to make, these two for the 34th Legislative District, as well as one for the Eastside’s 41st Legislative District. They convened at 11 am for public comment on all the appointments, then interviewed the three candidates recommended for each position by the districts’ Precinct Committee Officers, and then made the appointments, each of which was immediately followed by a swearing-in. These are all interim appointments, until the positions can go to the full electorate.

Both women appointed today are West Seattle residents, but the 34th District stretches to White Center and Burien as well as westward to Vashon and Maury Islands. The third state legislator for this district is House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, who did not seek the Senate appointment. Alvarado was the only serious candidate for it, as noted in our Sunday report; the other two finalists for the House appointment were Seattle School Board president Gina Topp – who was the 34th District PCOs’ top choice, though that did not bind the county councilmembers – and Burien Deputy Mayor Sarah Moore.

The King County Volunteer Program hopes to see you at this volunteer event on Saturday:

Saturday, January 25th 9 am-12 pm at Glendale Forest

Join your neighbors for a fun day of planting native trees at this neighborhood pocket forest. More information about the King County Parks Volunteer Program here: kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/parks-recreation/king-county-parks/get-involved/volunteer

Register for a spot here: x.gldn.io/e/q5Ar8gor1Pb

Have questions? Email us at parksvolunteer@kingcounty.gov

That’s our video from Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby‘s first bout of the season, last month at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW) in White Center. They’re back on the rink tonight (Saturday, January 18) for “Battle of the Jams,” doors at 4:15, action wrapping up around 8-ish. Get your tickets online in advance.

Music, food, good company. That’s all happening until 8 pm at the White Center Food Bank‘s open house and early Lunar New Year celebration. It’s a chance to look around the WCFB’s spacious semi-new HQ if you haven’t been there yet.

Also a chance to have delicious food courtesy of White Center’s own Patrick’s Café and Bakery – including Spam musubi, veggie stir-fry, Asian chicken salad, and teriyaki beef.

Donna Chan from White Center’s own Puffy Pandy was creating a wishing snake chain with New Year’s wishes:

This continues until 8 pm at 10016 16th SW.

We checked with King County Sheriff’s Office after a TV report about a burglary at Tim’s Tavern in downtown White Center. Here’s what they tell us:

Monday morning about 5:40, deputies responded to reports of a burglary at Tim’s Tavern.

They observed damage to a fence as well as forced entry to a door.

Surveillance video from the business owner shows two people stealing money from three cash-register tills as well as a safe.

No suspects arrested and no real description to share at this point either.

You’re invited to visit the White Center Food Bank‘s semi-new HQ – and to celebrate Lunar New Year a bit early! – next Thursday. Here’s the invitation we were asked to share with you:

The White Center Food Bank is excited to announce an Open House and Early Lunar New Year Celebration on Thursday, January 16th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the White Center Food Bank.

This special event will feature live music from talented White Center musicians, delicious food catered by Patrick’s Café & Bakery and light refreshments. The evening will also include interactive activities like fruit carving and creating a wishing snake chain, led by local artists Mia Tran and Donna Chan from Puffy Pandy. The evening promises to be a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to connect, learn about the food bank’s services, and to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Date: Thursday, January 16th
Time: 5 pm-8 pm
Event Location: 10016 16th Ave SW

Both these King County Library System events are happening in Burien, but we were asked to share them with you in case they’re of interest and you (or the teen/young adult job/internship seeker in your family) can travel south:

Resume Writing and Interviewing Tips
Wednesday, January 15th at 6 pm
Burien Library

Starting to look for jobs or internships? This workshop will review basic resume types, and which ones are best for different jobs and experience levels. Review interview skills and best practices to be prepared for the current work environment.

On February 1, drop by the library’s Internship and Resource Fair with your refreshed resume! Ages 15 to 25.

Please register.

Teen and New Adult Internship and Opportunity Fair
Saturday, February 1st, 3 pm
Burien Library

Learn about internships, apprenticeships, community resources and more!
Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
Ages 16-25

Please register if you would like a reminder email. Walk-ins welcome.