White Center Now: The blog about White Center

From King County Road Services:

Upcoming Road Closure: 10th Avenue SW between SW 112th Street and SW 116th Street
Monday, August 17, to Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 7 am to 3 pm

Starting Monday, August 17, 2026, crews working for King County will close 10th Ave SW between SW 112th Street and SW 116th Street each weekday from 7 am to 3 pm through September 2, 2026*, to complete pedestrian safety improvements. A signed detour will be in place. Local access will be maintained during the closure. The road will be open during non-construction hours. Some evening and weekend work may occur, if needed.

Improvements will include:

-Sidewalk curb extensions to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians in the crosswalk
-Raised crosswalks to slow vehicles and increase pedestrian visibility
-Lane markings to help guide traffic and increase visibility
-Additional signage to remind drivers to be aware of the crosswalk

There will be one evening during construction when 10th Ave SW will close overnight near the project intersections. Local access will be maintained with detours in place. We will update MyCommute and project website when an exact date becomes available.

Following the closures, crews may need to complete additional work. A lane restriction will be in place with flaggers directing two-way traffic through a single open lane during construction hours. If this occurs, school buses will be allowed through the work zone. Construction for this portion of the work is expected to last through early September.

Additional work on SW 102nd Street at 13th Avenue SW will begin in early September and will primarily require work on the sidewalk and corner as crews install flashing lights and high-visibility signs.

Pedestrian-activated rapid flashing beacons and high-visibility signage were recently installed at 16th Avenue SW and SW 102nd Street in White Center. This project includes similar pedestrian safety improvements.

* Please note that crews are adjusting the construction schedule due to recent changes in the anticipated timeline and related impacts. To reduce effects on the upcoming school year, they are shifting work from a proposed lane restriction to a full closure. This change will allow crews to complete the work more quickly and shorten the overall duration of construction.

For the most up-to-date travel information for this project and others in unincorporated King County, visit MyCommute: KingCounty.Gov/MyCommute

This work may be rescheduled or delayed due to crew/equipment availability or weather. Learn more: https://KingCounty.Gov/White-Center-Pedestrian-Improvements

4:40 PM: Thanks to Gill for the tip about the big power outage that’s mostly affecting part of Burien but has also stretched into southeast White Center – the map above is our screenshot from the Seattle City Light outage map. SCL says the cause is “environmental,” so we’re hoping to get some elaboration on that.

6:27 PM: SCL’s Julie Moore tells us that the outage was caused by a pole fire.

King County’s unincorporated urban areas – including White Center/North Highline – have a new round of participatory budgeting under way. Here’s the announcement we received, explaining what’s happening:

King County’s Department of Local Services has launched the 2026 Participatory Budgeting process, an initiative that puts residents in Skyway/West Hill and White Center/North Highline in charge of deciding how $2.7 million in county funding will be invested directly in the communities.

A newly convened Community Advisory Board of 29 local leaders and residents is developing the framework for this year’s community-led grantmaking process. From setting funding priorities to designing the Request for Proposals (RFP), the Board will ensure that every dollar reflects real community needs, lived experience, and grassroots aspirations. Later this summer, additional residents will be recruited as paid Community Proposal Reviewers to evaluate submissions and help shape funding recommendations.

“The Community Advisory Board reflects what makes Skyway/West Hill and White Center/North Highline strong: diversity, lived experience, and a shared commitment to shaping a future rooted in community priorities,” said Leon Richardson, Director of the Department of Local Services. “We appreciate that community leaders and residents have stepped forward to help us put decision-making directly in the hands of people who live, work, and care for these communities every day.”

A proven model with real community impact

Since its launch in 2021, King County’s Participatory Budgeting program has invested more than $20 million in projects and programs chosen directly by residents. These investments have already developed visible, community-driven improvements.

“The true measure of success is not the dollars invested; it is the power returned to community,” said Gloria Briggs, Program Manager of the Participatory Budgeting program. “Over the past five years, Participatory Budgeting has shown that when residents are trusted to lead, $20 million becomes more than an investment; it becomes a legacy of equity, partnership, and lasting community transformation.”

Some examples of investments include:

-Speak With Purpose public speaking program: Funding to expand in-school training that empowers youth to advocate for themselves and their community; it is not being offered at all four Title IV schools in Skyway/West Hill.
-Skyway beautification: Funding for cultural art installations and community garden at the new Black Panther Park in Skyway.
-Khmer Community and Cultural Center: Support to complete construction of a new center that serves as a community hub for Khmer community’s cultural preservation, education, and celebration.
-Free swim classes: Funding so the Evergreen Aquatic Center in White Center could offer free swimming lessons for low-income youth.

Community-led investments in 2026

This year, residents will guide the investments of approximately $2.7 million in grants to community organizations and groups:

-Skyway/West Hill: $1.6 million
–White Center/North Highline: $1.1 million

These investments will support community-informed solutions, strengthen neighborhoods, and align with what residents say matter most.

Community voices at the center

This summer, the Community Advisory Board has been building the foundation for an equitable and transparent grant-making process. They have:

Grounded their work in the core values and principles of participatory budgeting and participatory governance.
-Developed a clear governance structure and decision-making approach.
-Formed committees to design key components of the grantmaking process, including the Request for Proposals (RFP), proposal review process, community outreach strategies, and funding recommendations.
-Begun crafting the tools, policies, and engagement plans that will guide this year’s participatory grantmaking process.

The Community Advisory Board is expected to complete the design phase this summer.

The Request for Proposals is expected to open near the end of August 2026, giving eligible organizations and community groups the chance to apply for funding shaped directly by local priorities. Free technical assistance also will be offered.

More ways for community residents to lead

This process does not stop with the Community Advisory Board. Later this summer, King County will ask additional residents to serve as paid Community Proposal Reviewers. These reviewers will evaluate project proposals using criteria developed by the Community Advisory Board—ensuring decisions remain community-rooted, transparent, and aligned with what residents have said they want.

Community Advisory Board members

White Center:

Carlisia Minnis
Carlos Jesus Fernandez
Carlos Roland
Claudia Veronica Guzman Gonzalez
Donna Chan
Frida Hernandez Perez
Heather Patrick
Irving Chu
Jennifer Landree
Jose Ortuzar
Quynh Trinh
Sam Townsend Jr
Sambath Eat
Sinina Moeun-Wildman
Sok Ouk

Thanks to Gill for the photos from a Night Out party in the 20th/104th vicinity, with visits from public-safety personnel.

Gill says the community turnout was good despite the smoke.

(WCN photos by Torin Record-Sand)

Thanks for the tips. Readers noticed a smoke plume, visible for miles, rising over south White Center just after 7 pm. We were delayed in checking it out and didn’t have an address but finally found the site at dusk, near 10th SW and SW 108th.

Fire and sheriff vehicles still had 108th blocked off.

We talked to a fire spokesperson who said no one was hurt and they were investiating, but also still putting out hot spots – we could see a glowing ember near the roofline:

Early responders on scene had described the house as “fully involved” in flames when they arrived. The plan was to keep some firefighters there through the niht to be sure it didn’t reignite.

The next phase of the White Center Pedestrian Improvements project will affet traffic at three intersections starting August 10th. Here’s the announcement sent today by King County Road Services:

Upcoming Traffic Impacts: Pedestrian safety improvements at three intersections in White Center

10th Ave SW at SW 112th St
10th Ave SW at SW 114th St
SW 102nd St at 13th Ave SW
Monday, August 10, to Friday, October 2, 2026, from 7 am to 6 pm

From Monday, August 10, to Friday, October 2, 2026, crews will complete pedestrian safety improvements at three intersections in White Center. This includes locations near Evergreen Senior High School, Cascade Middle School, and Steve Cox Memorial Park.

Improvements on 10th Avenue SW at the intersections of SW 112th Street and SW 114th Street include:

Sidewalk curb extensions to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians in the crosswalk
Raised crosswalks to slow vehicles and increase pedestrian visibility
Lane markings to help guide traffic and increase visibility
Additional signage to remind drivers to be aware of the crosswalk
Improvements on SW 102nd Street at 13th Avenue SW include:

Pedestrian-activated rapid flashing beacons and high-visibility signage to alert drivers to crossing pedestrians

Pedestrian-activated rapid flashing beacons and high-visibility signage were recently installed at 16th Avenue SW and SW 102nd Street in White Center. This project includes similar pedestrian safety improvements.

Crosswalks may close during construction, with pedestrian detours in place as needed. There will also be lane closures during construction to ensure crews can safely complete the work. When lane closures are place, flaggers will direct traffic through an open lane.

This work may be rescheduled or delayed due to crew/equipment availability or weather. Learn more: KingCounty.Gov/White-Center-Pedestrian-Improvements

(WCN photos by Torin Record-Sand)

As usual, the White Center Library Guild‘s summer sale is offering more than books. Our photographer visited in the first hour to take a look.

If you look closely at the rummage-sale-style tables, you might spot treasures like this:

Some plants are available too:

The sale continues until 4 pm today and 11 am-4 pm tomorrow (Saturday, July 25) inside the library at 1409 SW 107th, with proceeds benefiting library programs.

9:53 AM: Parts of White Center are affected by a 2,100-customer power outage that started right after a solid-waste truck hit wires in West Seattle, west of 16th SW and SW Myrtle. What’s shown above is a screengrab of the outage zone shown on the Seattle City Light map.

10:19 AM: City Light is on scene; the truck driver apparently left after the incident.

10:59 AM: More than two-thirds of those affected should be back on, the map shows – 647 customers remain out, and it appears none are in White Center.

11:29 AM: Down to 375 still out.

After spotting a mysterious no-parking sign in downtown White Center, we did a little research and discovered that tomorrow (Saturday, July 18) is the date for the annual Eazy Duz It Car Club “Chrome and Community” car show. We haven’t found the official info yet but expect street closures and gleaming cars in WC all day! (Here’s our coverage from last year.)

UPDATE: Here’s the official info; time, 11 am-7 pm.

Some scenes we saw in the heart of White Center (and a bit north) on the Rat City Art and Food Walk this past half-hour – first, Fern & Ore, outside Tim’s:

Arin Rae, also outside Tim’s:

Juju Draws Art at Mr. B’s Mead Center:

And Art by Ez, near Big Mario’s New York Style Pizza:

Get out there before 8 pm!

(updated Friday)

Another fundraising sale to help White Center Library programs is coming up!

As we’ve shown you many times during WCLG sales over the years, they offer not only books but an eclectic array of other items.

The White Center Food Bank and its counterpart in West Seattle benefited from a recent pickleballtournament – organizers sent this report on the J&R Hat tournament:

Our annual community pickleball tournament brought together players of all skill levels for a day filled with friendly competition, laughter, creative hats, and connection. More importantly, thanks to the generosity of our participants through registration fees and raffle donations, we raised $815 for the White Center Food Bank and $815 for the West Seattle Food Bank, for a total of $1,630 donated to support our neighbors.

Our team had the privilege of personally delivering the donations to both food banks, where the staff were surprised and incredibly grateful for the support from the local pickleball community.

This event continues to remind us that pickleball is about much more than the game—it’s about bringing people together, building community, and giving back to the place we call home.

For anyone who would like to relive the day, tournament photos are available through PickleShots Photography.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, and supported the event. We appreciate the opportunity to bring our community together while making a positive impact here in West Seattle.

3:02 PM: Lots of questions about Guardian One over White Center. King County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a report of gunfire. We don’t know yet whether anyone was hurt. The reports are centered in the 12th/106th vicinity.

Deputies have a command post set up at/near the Coronado Springs Apartments.

3:10 PM: No one injured, KCSO has confirmed, explaining they responded to “reports of what is possibly a reckless shooting in the 10000 block of 16th Ave SW. Guardian 1 is up trying to locate a suspect.”

3:19 PM: They reportedly have one in custody.

3:24 PM: KCSO confirms the arrest.

3:38 PM: SWAT officers were part of the response.

Deputies are looking for casings from the initial gunfire – which may have happened at multiple locations. So far they’ve reported nine 9mm casings, though we didn’t hear exactly where.

(Also published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

(WCN/WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand: County Executive Girmay Zahilay)

The street party that’s under way right now on both sides of Roxbury, from the south block of Delridge Way southward on 16th to 100th, is called “Gather For Goals.” And while its centerpieces are four huge screens showing World Cup soccer matches, the “goals” it’s meant to celebrate are also those of the local community. That was the message of welcoming speakers who talked for a bit between two of the screens right before the Norway-France kickoff – King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Local Services director Leon Richardson, Elliot Hills from White Center Pride, Chris Lampkin from County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda‘s team, and King County Local Services’s Brent Champaco, all in our video:

White Center Pride is co-presenting this with King County. Even if you’re not that into soccer, it’s an opportunity to wander the street and check out businesses like Wolfpack Cellars, which has an outdoor canopy right next to one of the big screens:

If you have one or more kids in tow, detour into the Tim’s Tavern parking lot at 16th/98th – steps from two of the big screens – where you’ll find free bouncy houses. This is all on until 7 tonight, rain or shine (all we experienced while there was a bit of mist).

More backstory about the party is on this King County webpage (which also lists the matches they’re showing).

While at the Taste of White Center, we discovered it’s Grand Opening Day for La Garrafita, the new ice-cream shop next to Wolfpack Cellars. We’ve mentioned before in North Highline Unincorporated Area Council coverage that county rep Phillip Le had told NHUAC an ice-cream shop from Boulevard Park would be opening there, and indeed it has.

If you want to be among the first to check out La Garrafita in White Center, they’re open until 9 tonight. According to an online description, they offer handmade ice cream, milk based but with water-base options for those who can’t have or don’t want dairy. They’re having a BOGO special for grand-opening day.

Two bans in one announcement from King County Local Services:

With warmer temperatures and a busy soccer summer in the forecast, King County is taking several steps to help remind the community the importance of fire safety.

The National Weather Service is predicting above-average temperatures this summer. That will create drier conditions and increase the risk of fire.

Given that forecast, Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated King County that will take effect Monday, June 22.

And with the July 4th holiday in a couple of weeks, Urban also is reminding the community that the use and sale of fireworks in unincorporated King County is prohibited.

“With the World Cup coming to King County, along with America’s 250th birthday on July 4th, we know this is going to be a busy and active summer,” Urban said. “We appreciate that people will want to celebrate with their friends and neighbors. We just want them to remember during this time of extremely dry conditions, the risk of fire is high. There are things they can do – and not do – to reduce that risk while still enjoying themselves. That includes adhering to the Stage 1 Burn Ban, not using fireworks, and adhering to a Stage 2 Burn Ban if called. It goes a long way toward keeping unwanted fires to a minimum.”

Stage 1 Burn Ban

The Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated King County takes effect at 12:01 a.m., Monday, June 22. It prohibits yard debris fires and fires set to clear land.

It does not apply to recreational fires or gas/propane appliances, including grills, pellet smokers, or charcoal grills.

The ban is being issued in conjunction with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and King County Fire Marshals Association.

Urban also encourages people who smoke to use extreme caution with their ashes or when they’re extinguishing cigarettes.

There are also rules for approved recreational or campfires:

Firewood must be seasoned and dry.
The fire must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, like those typically found in campgrounds.
The fire must not be used to dispose of debris.
The fire must grow no larger than three feet wide.
The fire must be in a clear spot, at least 10 feet away from all vegetation.
Overhanging branches must be at least 20 feet above the flames.
The fire must be at least 25 feet away from any structure.
The fire must always be attended by an alert person with equipment that can put out the fire (such as a shovel and a five-gallon bucket of water, or a connected and charged water hose).
After use, campfires must be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil over them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
No burning is allowed when the wind speed is greater than 15 miles per hour.
If smoke or ash from the fire causes a nuisance to any neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.

Get the latest information on current burn bans by visiting the Department of Local Services’ Fire Safety Burn Bans page.

Fireworks prohibited in unincorporated King County

This year, America is celebrating its 250th birthday. For many, the July 4th holiday means fireworks.

Urban 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.

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.

You can report violations online; you will be asked to sign in or create an account on our customer service system. You can also call 206-848-0800.

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.

The Fish Sticks’ second home game is off. In case you hadn’t already heard:

Unfortunately, due to a sewer issue within the stadium and park, tonight’s game (6/13/26), has been canceled. Ticket holders will receive an email about receiving ticket exchange. Your tickets will be valid for any remaining games in the Fish Sticks’ 2026 Schedule.

It will be determined later this week if a makeup game will take place at a future date.

We hope to see everyone back out at The Fryer next weekend!

Downtown White Center has another street party coming up – this time on June 26, 11 am to 7 pm, gathering in the street to watch World Cup matches and celebrate community – here’s the info you need to know about Gather for Goals:

As the soccer world descends on the Pacific Northwest next month, King County Department of Local Services and White Center Pride are teaming up to bring together community to celebrate in a way that’s uniquely White Center.

On Friday, June 26, they will hold a free community watch party and festival called “Gather for Goals” along 16th Avenue SW in the heart of White Center.

The watch party is a chance for community members to enjoy the world’s largest soccer competition without leaving their community or venturing into the neighboring host city.

It’s also a chance to remind the world that White Center respects and appreciates people of all backgrounds.

“The Gather for Goals watch party and festival is a chance to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event while highlighting everything that makes White Center such a vibrant and special community,” said Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson. “This is an incredible opportunity for our community to be part of a truly global experience. We’re proud to showcase White Center and can’t wait to welcome the world to our doorstep.”

“White Center Pride is always game to help bring more joy, inclusion and togetherness in our community,” said White Center Pride President Eliot Hills. “We can’t wait to Gather for Goals!”

Between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., matches from the world’s largest soccer competition will be shown on one of five giant screens along a three-block stretch of 16th Avenue SW, starting north just past SW Roxbury Street and extending south to SW 100th Street.

The matches taking place on June 26 that will be shown include Norway vs. France; Senegal vs. Iraq; Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia; and Uruguay vs. Spain.

Aside from the watch party, event-goers will be able to shop dozens of local street food and merchandise vendors, as well as nearby restaurants and shops that will be open for business. There will also be plenty of family activities, including a kids area with face painting and balloon artists.

During the event, this portion of 16th Avenue SW will be closed to vehicle traffic. Attendees will be encouraged to take transit to the event. Organizers are also coordinating with nearby organizations for potential event parking. More information will be available closer to the day of the watch party.

Sent this morning by King County Roads:

Lane Restriction: 8th Avenue SW between SW 102nd Street and SW 108th Street
Thursday, June 18 from 6:30 am to 5 pm

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Road Services crews will reduce 8th Avenue SW between SW 102nd Street and SW 108th Street to one lane, from 6:30 am to 5 pm, to complete soil sampling. Flaggers will direct two-way traffic using a single open lane. All vehicles will be allowed through the work zone.

This work may be rescheduled or delayed due to machine, crew, or equipment availability or weather. Please expect delays.

(First published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

(WCN/WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

WestSide Baby‘s 25th birthday bash Friday night was held not in a fancy banquet venue, but in the heart of the White Center warehouse where the nonprofit stores and sorts supplies for the babies and children it assists.

For “A Night Out with WestSide Baby,” the warehouse was temporarily decked as a cheery space where serious work is done the other 364 days of the year – with stuffies in party hats tucked into car seats awaiting recipients, and diaper-bundle basket-tossing for guests in the mood for games:

History was honored, also cheerily, with garlands of past event invitations, stacks of cupcakes as a throwback to the days of the most-famous of those vents (WS Baby’s annual fundraising Tea), and the school bus that had been the centerpiece of many years’ “Stuff the Bus” diaper-donation drives, parked just outside the party:

But the most memorable throwback of the night was the appearance of WestSide Baby founder Donna Pierce.

Pierce was a West Seattle-residing new mom herself when she started the nonprofit – something she admits she had no experience doing – because while she had no trouble filling her child’s needs, like diapers, she became painfully aware there were other families who did.

She marveled at the magnitude of what that work has totaled so far – more than half a million kids helped – “this is what you and we together have built.” She was one of four speakers; the others included WS Baby’s current executive director Ally Lindsay Johnson, who said Pierce’s act of giving was proof that one person can make a difference; she was introduced by co-emcee and WS Baby board chair Nicole DeCario:

And partygoers heard from two people now working to help families, after rising from childhood challenges like the ones WestSide Baby helps with – one was WS Baby’s own distribution manager Manuel Duron, whose family immigrated from México two years before WS Baby was founded:

The final speaker was Rachel McKnight from one of WestSide Baby’s partners, Open Arms Perinatal Services, where she had been a client who rose to management:

Despite the unconventional surroundings, the program did have traditional nonprofit-gala features – a silent aucion, a raise-the-paddle challenge during the program also emceed by WS Baby board member Amy Biancofior.

But the program was fairly short and sweet, with that key point repeated – half a million kids helped, despite the White Center-headquartered nonprofit remaining relatively lean, with a staff of 10.

Donation amounts were framed with descriptions of what they’d enable – $2,500, for example, is what WestSide Baby had to pay to cover freight costs for a donation of $63,000 worth of car seats, $500 trains a car-seat mechanic who can help them prepare donated car seats for reuse, $250 would cover “emergency diaper bundles for 28 families,” and on down the line.

You can help WestSide Baby any time, incidentally – donate money here, or donate items to their hub (the party site) at 10003 14th SW (most needed, it was mentioned Friday night, are size 6 diapers and diaper cream). Volunteers welcome too!