White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Two months after Hicklin Lake got its first “floating islands,” its neighborhood advocates are pursuing a grant to make them more effective. Here’s their update:

Friends of Hicklin Lake are a small group of neighbors formed in 2004; our primary goal is to have clean water in our lake for the safety and health of our children, students and the community, including visitors from other areas. The following information shows how we are one step closer to our goal.

Hicklin Lake is located within Lakewood Park, next to Cascade Middle School and Technology Access Foundation Learning Center. This lake has a long history of polluted waters caused by inappropriate diversion of drainage that occurred in the mid 1960’s: all of the Salmon Creek Basin containing 750 water shed acres of drainage was diverted into 4 ½ acre Hicklin Lake, which has no natural outlet. Consequently pumps are required to keep the lake from flooding and unfiltered drainage is being pumped out of the lake and into an old government sewer line that discharges into Puget Sound. Historically, prior to the drainage diversions, water was directed through Longfellow Creek; the reason for the changes is unknown.

This year, 2013, a grant of $50,000 from the State Department of Ecology provided funding for two Floating Islands, (man made wetlands), containing a total of 1200 square feet. One manufacturer recommended 5,000 square feet for a lake of this size and the amount of drainage it receives. However it is at least a start in the recovery of Hicklin Lake’s poor water quality, which suffers not only from poor decisions about drainage, but from the loss of its original natural wetland, paved over to provide the west parking lot of the park. King County is funding research for two years on the effectiveness of the Floating Islands for water clarity and water quality improvement.

Friends of Hicklin Lake discovered this technology, and held meetings with the community and staff of King County to pursue the Floating Island technology project starting in 2011 (Floating Islands were launched July 2013). These Floating Islands also provide shelter and food for fish and the vegetation absorbs Carbon Dioxide and gives off oxygen, a win/win natural system.
We have now applied for a Grant through the Rose Foundation which handles the Puget Sound grass roots Grants for small groups that may be mostly volunteers.

Our purpose is to install three under water air diffusers powered by an air compressor located in the existing pump house. These aerators, strategically placed in the lake, will greatly increase the effectiveness of our Floating Islands by mixing the colder heavily polluted bottom layer of lake water with the upper, warmer water, and pushing a smorgasbord of contaminates toward the microbes, which are actively colonizing the roots of plants on the islands even as we write this. Recall that the microbes are the work horse of the islands, digesting pollutants. Also, aeration provides life-giving oxygen to fish and water creatures, and helps reduce Algae formations. An advantage of this particular system is that air lines are placed in the lake floor, but no electric line is directly in the water, thereby adding a safety feature. The water that is eventually pumped to Puget Sound should be much cleaner by the use of the Islands and the aerators, working in concert.

The Floating Islands require very little maintenance and the aeration system costs for power and maintenance is minimal for the results.

Friends thank all the local organizations that provided approval letters to help pursue the grant for the Floating Islands, proving once again that communities working together can make positive changes.

To help inform our community on various concerns and projects for Lakewood Park / Hicklin Lake, Friends of Hicklin Lake are providing a monthly E-Mail news letter titled Hicklin Lake Informer.

Dick Thurnau and Marcia Wollam
Friends of Hicklin Lake
hdthurnau@yahoo.com

We first heard about it from tipster Gill (who also shared the photo), while the work was under way – and now, not only is the North Shorewood Park play area open, there’s a dedication event planned tomorrow:

Everyone is invited to join King County Parks in celebrating the grand opening of a new play area at North Shorewood Park on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 5-7 p.m., with the official program commencing at 5:30 p.m. The park is located at 24th Avenue Southwest and Southwest 102nd Street in White Center.

The new playground equipment replaces outdated equipment that had reached the end of its lifecycle, and features a slide and other interactive elements for children aged 3 – 12 years old. The $117,000 project was funded by a grant from the Community Development Block Grant program and by the 2007-2013 Open Space and Trails Levy.

A man arrested in Oregon in connection with a bank robbery there is believed to be a serial robber – with his alleged crimes including the August 30th holdup at KeyBank on 17th SW in White Center. That’s according to multiple media reports out of Portland, including this one. Law enforcers were led to the suspect, according to the newest updates, because the 57-year-old man left his car keys behind and had to try to get away on foot. He is reported to have served time in prison for other robberies.

Just one last reminder – 2-5 pm today, with a program at 3:30 pm, you can help celebrate the 75th anniversary of King County Parks with a party at the historic fieldhouse at Steve Cox Memorial Park – here’s our original report on the announcement.

Two volunteer opportunities coming up, according to Kari Kopnick from White Center-headquartered WestSide Baby:

*Volunteer at WS Baby on Thursday, September 19th, 7-9 pm

*Volunteer at WS Baby on Thursday, October 3rd, 5:30-7:30 pm

Spaces are limited so please RSVP to kari@westsidebaby.org.

(UPDATED Tuesday evening with correct map, re-sent by SDOT)

Since January, the Seattle Department of Transportation has been repaving Delridge Way SW in West Seattle, south of SW Orchard, in segments. The final segment will be just north of the White Center business district, so we thought you’d want to know. It’s set to start September 23rd, and here’s the announcement, with a map:
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(Updated map sent by SDOT)

The Seattle Department of Transportation’s Delridge Way SW Paving Project enters its fifth and final phase on September 23, 2013. The project rebuilds much of the roadway from SW Henderson to SW Roxbury streets, installing new storm water detention pipes, upgrading curb ramps to ADA standards and adding bike facilities on the northern end. The project began January 10 and is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.

To ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians and to allow enough space for the crews to complete the work on Phase 5, between SW Henderson and Roxbury streets, on-street parking will be inaccessible. Also, southbound traffic will be detoured at SW Henderson St to 16th Avenue SW (see map).

Currently crews are working to complete Phase 4, between SW Holden and Orchard streets. This includes rebuilding SW Orchard Street, between Sylvan Way SW and Delridge Way SW. Crews are constructing one side at a time, with SW Orchard Street closed to eastbound traffic through September 13 and to westbound traffic the following two weeks. Traffic is being detoured along Delridge Way SW and Sylvan Way SW.

In Phase 4 these next two weeks, weather permitting, crews will also stripe Delridge Way SW between SW Holden and Myrtle streets. The markings reconfigure Delridge, between SW Kenyon and SW Myrtle streets, to accommodate new 6’ wide bike lanes.

The southern portion of Delridge Way SW is an important West Seattle arterial that had deteriorated over time. Completion of this $6.7 million Bridging the Gap funded paving project provides a smoother roadway, greater pedestrian accessibility and a higher level of safety for all modes of travel while the new drainage detention pipes slow the rate of storm water flow into Longfellow Creek during periods of heavy rain.

The grand opening of Fitness With A Purpose, a new business in Greenbridge, is this Saturday. That’s according to an announcement published on a mailing list for nearby South Park. It’s at 9610 8th SW – you’ve probably seen the sign. They’re described as having all-new equipment and Zumba classes, among other things.

THURSDAY UPDATE: We’ve received more information about this:

WHAT: Grand opening of Fitness With a Purpose

WHEN: Saturday, September 14th, 1:00-9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Fitness With A Purpose, 9610 8th Ave. SW (corner of 8th and Roxbury)

DETAILS: New members will receive on full week free between Sept 14 and Oct 13. The 1,750 square-foot facility features an aerobics studio, personal training area and cardio equipment. Members can also take a wide selection of group exercise classes including step aerobics, Zumba, cardio strength, stretch and flex, core and more and TRX suspension strength training from experienced professional trainers.

About Fitness With a Purpose

Located on the corner of 8th and Roxbury near the Greenbridge community, Fitness With a Purpose offers an innovative and positive approach to living a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, Fitness With A Purpose offers a variety of inexpensive fitness groups for walking and running led by certified instructors. And to better meet the needs of the community, free women and girls-only classes will be held on Thursdays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 7 a.m.

Fitness with a purpose has a flexible schedule, opening its doors at 6 am Monday through Friday. The facility will be closed weekdays from 1-4:30 pm for personal training, but open after that until 9 p.m. Facility is also open Saturdays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Plus, Greenbridge residents receive 25 percent off their monthly membership fee.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

Community councils are back in session for fall, and last night, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council resumed its meeting schedule at NH Fire District HQ in White Center.

NEW MEMBER: The council has a new member! Since it is no longer county-sanctioned, its past process of community at-large elections no longer applies. For the first time since that change, a proposed new member appeared: Dr. Elizabeth Gordon from Uncle Mike’s Superlicious BBQ in White Center asked to join, and was approved by unanimous vote. She talked about her business’s concerns with the community’s well-being and said she perceived that NHUAC was a place to voice concerns and get things done. She believes it’s “important to be part of the council that carries …concerns” to county government, since North Highline has no direct government representation. Gordon took a seat with the council at the start of the meeting, participating immediately after she was voted in. Before the meeting ended, president Barbara Dobkin reiterated that they’re interested in adding other community members to the council – if you’re interested, contact her at bdobkin@northhighlineuac.org.

HEALTH-INSURANCE CHANGES: Erika Nuerenberg from the Seattle-King County Public Health Department came to talk about the coming changes in health insurance – that department is leading enrollment efforts in the area. There aren’t specific rates for the unincorporated area but they estimate somewhere between 20 and 30 percent are uninsured – area rates for cities range from 15 percent in Seattle to 30 percent in Seatac. They are hoping to get the uninsured percentage down to four percent countywide, but are worried about people who will choose not to enroll even though the costs will be low, such as people under 30. There are two ways to become insured under the new system that starts open enrollment next month: One is Medicaid, which will be expanding eligibility. The other is through the “exchange” system, which will include subsidies for people whose income is up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level (currently around $11,000/person).

Right now, they’re working on education; next, “targeted enrollment,” which will focus on people with barriers such as culture or income that might keep them from getting enrolled. You can read all about the upcoming changes by going to this special county webpage.

COMMUNITY HEALTH INFO: Zachary Howard from the Puget Sound Regional Council talked about another aspect of health – trying to support healthier lifestyles through information that will be provided in an online toolkit meant to be especially useful for planners. A $120,000 grant is being used for this; it’s part of a bigger Community Transformation Grant program. The “grant intervention area” includes North Highline as well as South Park, Georgetown, Beacon Hill, and Southeast Seattle inside Seattle city limits, plus Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Kent, Renton, Seatac, and Tukwila. New member Gordon suggested that the toolkit include information specifically helpful to community volunteers, as well as elements that will ensure the information is presented in a lively manner, and reflects the community.

CRIME TRENDS: “Crime continues to be high as we often see in the summer,” began Deputy BJ Myers. Burglaries and car prowls have been running high all summer long, he noted. “We have more than usual going on in the Top Hat area, particularly,” so if you live there, you will want to make extra sure there’s nothing in your car, and you might also want to be sure that there are no overgrown bushes or ladders that would provide access to your house. “We think we know some of the suspects,” he added, and they are checking them out, “and we’re also trying some other more proactive methods to catch these burglars in the act or before they commit these crimes.” He believes numbers will start dropping soon since summer’s over, among other factors. Taking questions from the council and attendees, Deputy Myers was presented an item that he explained was a security cap from a liquor bottle.”There’s been a high dollar value of liquor theft since it’s been in the grocery stores,” he noted. When you find one, contact the store – which will usually be mentioned on the device – and law enforcement. There was also a discussion of evidence of drug use and camping at some local parks. Deputy Myers said KCSO detectives are looking closely at increased heroin use in the area.

SW ROXBURY SAFETY: Chris Stripinis visited from the Westwood-Roxbury-Arbor Heights Community Council and talked about their request to the Seattle Department of Transportation for a study. They’re still awaiting a response from SDOT and expect it sometime this month. Their original announcement of the request can be seen on the WWRHAH website. Council members and attendees asked about the 16th/Delridge/Roxbury intersection in particular, and noted the crash two years ago in which a woman was hit by a bus.

NORTH SHOREWOOD PARK GRAND OPENING: The new play equipment will have an official ribboncutting on September 17th. NHUAC president Barbara Dobkin joked that it’s so busy now, she can’t play on the equipment any more!

FIELDHOUSE’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY: As reported earlier this month on WCN, a big event is coming up on September 14th to mark the 75th anniversary of the Fieldhouse at Steve Cox Memorial Park.

HICKLIN LAKE: Dick Thurnau from Friends of Hicklin Lake was asked for an update now that the first “floating islands” have been installed. He says another grant is being sought, and the deadline is September 15th, but otherwise, it’ll take a while before they know for sure what the newly installed floating islands are doing to help the water-quality help.

NEXT MEETING – PUBLIC-SAFETY FORUM: That’s the next NHUAC-presented community meeting, set for Thursday, October 3rd, 7 pm, at the North Highline FD HQ. Sex offenders will be one topic, because residents have voiced concerns about how many offenders are living in this community, and how they are monitored. KCSO’s new Major for the area as well as a local Metro Transit deputy are expected, as well as Community Service Officer Peter Truong.

Can you share some time to help the White Center Food Bank fight hunger? Here’s what we were asked to share:

We are in desperate need of a driver on Thursdays from 9 am-noonish for our grocery recovery program. Must have a clean driving record.

We are still also very short on regular volunteers during the week.

Contact Audrey Zemke at 206-762-2848 or audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org

Just out of the WCN inbox, from King County Parks:

As part of its ongoing 75th anniversary commemoration, King County Parks celebrates the historic White Center Fieldhouse with a community gathering on Saturday, Sept. 14, featuring games, activities, performances, memories and a special anniversary cake.

“The White Center Fieldhouse, and its home, Steve Cox Memorial Park, have long held an important place in the community,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “It is only fitting that we recognize and honor their enduring legacy as the final event of our 75th anniversary celebration.”

King County Parks hosts this free family-friendly celebration at the fieldhouse, at 1321 SW 102nd St. in White Center, from 2-5 p.m., with the official program getting under way at 3:30 p.m.

In addition to highlighting the unique histories of the building and park, the celebration will feature games, arts and crafts, cake and performances by special guests.

The fieldhouse, which is also known as the White Center Community Center, or the Log Cabin, was constructed between 1938 to 1940 and is one of the five original Works Progress Administration fieldhouses in King County.

Designed in the National Park Service “rustic style,” the fieldhouse features gabled wood shingle roofs, large covered porches with oversized log support posts, stone fireplaces, and half-log sliding. The building is a designated King County Landmark.

Community members are encouraged to share their memories of the White Center Fieldhouse with others by participating in the virtual scrapbook and video that King County Parks will assemble and make available to the public.

During the Sept. 14 event, King County Parks staff will record short video clips of any attendees who wish to share their memories of the fieldhouse. People can also share their photos and memories via e-mail by contacting Frana Milan, at frana.milan@kingcounty.gov.

In 2013, King County Parks has been celebrating its 75th anniversary with special events held throughout the county, including a volunteer “work and party day” at Tolt-MacDonald Park, backcountry trails celebrations at nine sites, a “King County Parks Day” proclamation by the King County Council, and the launch of the King County Parks Foundation in partnership with Laird Norton Wealth Management.

For more information on King County Parks’ 75th anniversary, visit kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/about/75th_anniversary.aspx.

It’s the first day of school for most students in the area, though some went back yesterday (which was Day 1 at Holy Family). Highline Public Schools is chronicling the day through tweets, including photos, and you can follow along here:

In addition to Highline Public Schools, today is also the first day for West Seattle Montessori School in White Center.

More details on a big event this Thursday:

Please join the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council on Thursday, Sept 5, 7 pm (North Highline Fire Station, 1243 112th SW), for two very important presentations.

As previously noted, we will be hosting representatives from Public Health who will provide information about eligibility for Medicaid and the Health Benefit Exchange. This is a great opportunity to get information about the new health-care laws that go into effect January 1, 2014, with enrollment starting October 1, 2013.

We are also pleased to be hosting Zachary Howard, Assistant Planner for the Puget Sound Health, Equity, and Sustainability Toolkit Program. Mr. Howard will present information regarding housing affordability, economic opportunity, land use and environmental justice as it relates to the Puget Sound Region and specifically to the unincorporated North Highline community (White Center, Boulevard Park, Top Hat, Glendale, Beverly Park). There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion.

Chris Stripinis, Infrastructure Committee Chair for the Westwood/Roxhill/Arbor Heights Community Council, will discuss the joint community proposal the council has been working on related to traffic-calming issues on Roxbury.

As always, BJ Myers, White Center Storefront Deputy, will be on hand to answer questions regarding community safety issues.

There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion. All are welcome.

And here’s the full agenda:

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council agenda, September 2013

3:49 PM: King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says the KeyBank branch in the 9600 block of 17th SW has just been robbed. She also sent the photo you see above – if you see him (and/or know who he is), call 911. More details as we get them.

4:04 PM: KCSO says the robber was described as white, in his 40s, wearing a blue shirt and jeans; bank employees reported that he came in just before 3 pm, gave them a note, implied he had a weapon (though it wasn’t seen), and ran away with an undisclosed amount of money, last seen eastbound on 98th SW.

King County Sheriff’s Deputies are still looking in White Center for a man who took off in a stolen car after a suspected domestic-violence incident in Burien. The search included Guardian One, as shown overhead, which we photographed near the Joint Training Facility on Myers Way just south of Roxbury (map) before sundown. KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West tells us that a plainclothes detective happened to be nearby when the incident was reported at a supermarket on 1st Avenue South in Burien; the detective saw the male suspect on the run, called for backup, and drove after the suspect, whose vehicle was determined to be stolen. The suspect abandoned the car and fled in White Center, and was believed to have made it to the JTF vicinity, which is where the helicopter was searching. Seattle Police were helping watch the perimeter of the search area. As of about 15 minutes ago, Sgt. West said, no arrest yet.

Free martial-arts class at the Salvation Army – here’s the official announcement:

The Salvation Army Seattle White Center is offering Indo-Kungfu classes known as Dara Dan Api Bela Diri or Blood and Fire Martial Arts. This character-building course not only shows self-defense techniques, but it also has character-building components to it that can shape young lives. This class is free of charge.

The concepts behind this martial art was born in Indonesia and has a history that is traced as early as 200 AD. The movements have been modernized to fit the American landscape, but it still has a unique Indonesian flavor. The philosophy is not from Lao-Tzu or any ancient philosophers, as the motto for the class is Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.”

All members of the White Center area are invited to attend a class on Friday nights from 4-5:30. Some schools charge as much as $150 a month for a class based on this art, The Salvation Army is offering it free. Drop by 9050 16th Ave SW or call 206-767-3150 Ext 109, and ask for Louiz.

Ten months after moving to White Center from West Seattle, popular Meander’s Kitchen has announced it’s downsizing – leaving the ex-Papa’s Pub space and heading south to 9809 16th SW. Proprietor Miranda Krone made the announcement overnight via Facebook, saying Meander’s will be “closed for the next couple of days” and expects to open the new location this Friday.

7:29 AM: Just went over to check the new address; it’s the now-former home of San Fernando Roasted Chicken.

Hanging out in a West Seattle coffee shop that just got a poster for this – so we’re sharing the word! Rainier Roller Girls at Southgate tonight – details here.

Announced today by the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council – a big topic at the next NHUAC meeting, in two weeks:

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council is pleased to be hosting representatives from Public Health at the Thursday, September 5 meeting. Information will be presented regarding the outreach and enrollment campaign, “Coverage is Here King County”. This is a county wide effort to enroll 180,000 newly eligible King County residents in Medicaid and the Health Benefit Exchange (WashingtonHealthPlanFinder) once enrollment starts on October 1, 2013. Coverage begins January 1, 2013.

All are welcome to this important presentation.

When: Thursday, Sept 5, 7 pm
Where: North Highline Fire Station (1243 112th Street, SW)

Seattle City Light is getting ready to switch to a new type of “two-way meter” involving wireless communication – no more human meter readers. It’s set up three community forums around its service area as well as a website for info and comments – the first forum is tomorrow; the third one, in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood on September 26th, is the closest SCL will get to White Center/West Seattle and vicinity. Here’s the utility’s official announcement:

Seattle City Light will host the first of three community forums Wednesday, Aug. 21, regarding the utility’s plans to replace its aging electrical meters with advanced meters that will provide two-way communication.

The forums will be one of the ways customers can share their thoughts and ask questions about the new meters during this early phase of the initiative.

Forums will be held:

North
Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Northgate Community Center – Multipurpose Room
10510 5th Ave NE

Downtown
Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Seattle Center – Shaw Room
305 Harrison St.
*Shaw Room is located on the corner of 1st Ave N and Republican St. (North of Key Arena)

South
Thursday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Seattle Housing Authority NewHolly – Gathering Hall
7054 32nd Ave S

Additionally, a website has been created where visitors can get information about the project and provide comments.

Seattle City Light has been converting streetlights to LEDs around its service area for a while, but the focus has been on non-arterial streets because of concerns about how the new lights would handle the needs of major streets.

Now, City Light is getting ready to start swapping out arterial lights too. We talked with SCL’s Scott Thomsen after we spotted a published notice about the call for bids. And he says the White Center business district will be one of the first places to get the new lights, by request of the WC Chamber of Commerce, starting sometime this fall, when 88 lights will be replaced there, as well as almost two-thousand elsewhere in SCL’s service area. Advantages of LEDs include that they last three times as long, use less electricity, waste less light on non-targeted areas (which means less “light pollution”), have a better “depth of field” so that more objects are illuminated, and show colors more truly.