White Center Now: The blog about White Center

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council usually meets on the first Thursday of the month, but not this month. From president Barbara Dobkin:

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council will not be holding a meeting in January. Please stay tuned for information regarding the February 7, 2013 meeting. See you all then.

NHUAC is online at northhighlineuac.org.

Thanks to Chris for the original tip – and it’s confirmed on the Southgate Roller Rink Facebook page: The rink is featured in tonight’s edition of “Top Chef” on Bravo. The Rat City Rollergirls are featured too. The show’s official webpage says it’s on at 10 pm.

If you’re taking Metro today, remember that it’s on “reduced weekday schedule” – that’s today, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, while on Tuesday (Christmas Day) Metro will follow the Sunday schedule.

Back on Tuesday, we reported on a drug investigation with search warrants served at locations including one in White Center, and King County Sheriff’s Office said more details would be forthcoming. Today, a news release and photos bring those details:

An 8-month investigation conducted by the King County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the seizure of narcotics, guns, money and the arrest of 8 people for trafficking narcotics.

The investigation started in April when detectives learned that about a narcotics dealer that had the reputation of selling high-quality cocaine and heroin in the Burien area. Detectives learned that the suspect had been sought by investigators before for dealing narcotics but would shut down his operation when he suspected police were closing in.

Detectives spent months conducting surveillance on the suspect’s residence and other locations they learned were connected to the operation. On Wednesday the King County Sheriff’s Office served search warrants on six locations including a residence in the 1600 blk of SW116 St. in Burien and a residence in the 1200 blk of SW107th St. The other locations included a residence and storage unit in Renton, and a house in Federal Way.

8 adults, 7 of them family members were arrested in the raids and 6 children were placed in CPS custody.

In total, items seized were:

1.25 pound of cocaine with a street value of $22,000

6 ounces of heroin with a street value of $2,000

$65,371 in US Currency

5 firearms all of which appeared to be packaged for transport into Mexico

5 vehicles valued at $60,000

We received multiple inquiries this morning about what looked like some type of SWAT operation near 12th and 107th – with a loud explosive-type sound at one point. Here’s what we were able to find out from King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West: She says detectives served five search warrants this morning, including that one, plus one near the 1600 block of SW 116th in north Burien, and the other three at residences in Federal Way and Renton as well as a storage facility near Renton. Sgt. West adds: “The focus was a narcotics ring involving family members … several people were arrested, some guns and money were recovered, as well as quite a few ounces of cocaine and some heroin.” One of the neighbors we heard from says a deputy told him the explosive sound was a “flash-bang” device often used in such situations to startle occupants and assist officers with carrying out the operation safely. Sgt. West hopes to get more information tomorrow.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is hoping someone can help solve a $2 million heist. From KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West:

More than 7,000 Wii game consoles were stolen from a distributing warehouse in SeaTac in the last 24 hours and detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating the van and trailers they were stolen in.

Employees at Seattle Air Cargo in the 19100 blk of Des Moines Memorial Dr said the theft occurred sometime between 9pm Saturday night and noon on Sunday. The suspects used forklifts on the premises to load up two 53’ trailers and a box van with at least 64 pallets of Wii game consoles.

Both Trailers are 53’ in length, white in color and have the name “McKinney” on the side:

The box van is a large International van with “Seattle Air Cargo” written on the doors. (Note: Seattle Air Cargo is NOT written on the side of the box, only the doors):

Trailer #1- California license plate 4HB3365 with a trailer number 533457

Trailer #2- California license plate 4EA5521 with trailer number 531841

Box Van- make “International” Washington license plate B40622K

Detectives believe the suspects drove two tractor trucks to the warehouse and used forklifts inside to load up the trailers and box van with the pallets of Wii games. Detectives estimate the value of property stolen including the vehicles is over $2 million.

If you have information about this crime please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 or 911 if you see any of the vehicles.

As of 10 pm, the National Weather Service’s wind advisory for our area will be in effect, till 4 pm tomorrow – see it here. The worst of the wind is expected to happen further south and much further north, but still be ready for a possibly blustery night. And then, the forecast for Monday night and Tuesday DOES hint at possible snow in the higher hills/ridges of the lowlands. Seattle City Light has updated its Power Lines site to say it’s prepared in case of outages, with extra staff. We’ll update with any more key information as we get it.

It’s a full house at Center Studio, with arts/crafts vendors from White Center and West Seattle during the studio’s first Blithe Bazaar, continuing till 8 pm. Most of the participating arts/crafts vendors are listed here.

But we didn’t see the listing for proprietor Lonjina Verdugo’s son Adrian:

His duct-tape wallets are just one of many items you’ll find at 9611 16th SW in downtown White Center till 8 pm.

(SPD, KCSO cars near the scene)
Thanks to those who tipped us about Seattle Police out in force on the White Center side of 16th and Roxbury – and beyond. They’re involved right now with a robbery investigation involving the gold-buying store on the southwest corner of the intersection. Though that store is on the county side, the call apparently came first to SPD, according to King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West, who says this is all still unfolding, so full details won’t be available till later. A vehicle description went out and SPD wound up involved with stopping that vehicle in Burien, around 139th and Ambaum, where, Sgt. West says, at least two people are in custody. More later.

Less than a week after Seattle Police stopped West Seattle package-theft suspects in White Center, the King County Sheriff’s Office is reporting arrests for the same type of crime. Deputy B.J. Myers reports two people were arrested in Shorewood, in the 10700 block of 26th SW, around 9 o’clock this morning. They were seen “looking in mailboxes along 26th SW,” according to Deputy Myers, who describes them as a 31-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman. He adds:

Just before deputies arrived, the witness watched the suspects take packages from a porch and begin walking away. When the marked KCSO vehicle came around the corner, the suspects threw the packages over a wooden fence hoping they would avoid arrest. The suspects were arrested and the stolen property was returned to the owner. The US Postal Service also sent out an investigator to coordinate with KCSO. It is unknown at this time if these two suspects are involved in any other mail or package thefts.

As we reported Monday on partner site West Seattle Blog, three of the four men SPD arrested last Friday at 16th/Roxbury were released from jail the next day, while Seattle city prosecutors continue investigating that case.

Change is in the works for White Center Arts, according to this announcement from Shelli Park, and this might be your chance to help:

White Center Arts is at an exciting crossroads. We are opening a temporary gallery in the Greenbridge development, utilizing an available new storefront. Our goal is to host gallery shows, artist workshops, arts events, and fundraisers. WCA is hoping that this will eventually turn into a permanent space, either in the same location, or through fundraising, fund a different space. We have been working towards this goal of opening a community gallery for three years. We are partnering with King County Housing Authority in the current space.

WCA is also closing out an era. After years of service, the founding chair of White Center for the Arts and the merged organization White Center Arts, is ready to step down. WCA is looking for a new leader to continue the vision of our role in bringing greater art access and visibility to White Center, and support for our local artists.

WCA is looking to fill two positions:

CHAIR: a person with the vision to guide the organization with our mission in mind. A connection with White Center is preferred, as this is a unique neighborhood, and practical understanding of the challenges would be very helpful in establishing relationships and partnerships. It is also desired that this person understand the importance of art and culture’s impact on community and economic development.

WCA’s board is dedicated to our mission. We have faced and overcome many challenges. We feel the excitement of this new path and want to share it with someone who is as passionate about arts in White Center as we are.

RECORDING SECRETARY: a person to record the minutes and discussion highlights of board meetings. The secretary will summarize and e-mail the notes to the board members shortly after meeting dates.

Please contact Shelli Park at crimsonpark@hotmail.com

Highline Public Schools is among the regional districts that joined forces to seek – and win – a big federal grant. Here’s what our partners at The Seattle Times are reporting about it; here’s the reaction of HPS Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield, per district e-mail to media:

As many of you know, Highline joined with several South King County school districts to apply for a federal Race to the Top grant. I am thrilled to announce that our proposal has been granted full funding of $40 million. We are one of just two applications across the country to receive the full $40 million.

I want to thank Alan Spicciati and other members of the Highline team who contributed to developing our application. This was a regional team effort, and I am so proud to be part of the coalition that put together this successful application. Most importantly, this grant will give us the opportunity to make a significant difference for the children of Highline and the South King County Region. … Exciting times are ahead!

We know at least one White Center couple has been part of the history-making events in our state these past few days since same-sex marriage became legal: Gill and Alex. If it’s happening in White Center, they’re usually part of it – community meetings, neighborhood cleanups, graffiti patrols, block watch, you name it. They’ve been together going on two decades, and now they are married. Here’s how Gill tells it:

We met in 1995, purchased our house in White Center in 1998 and have lived here ever since. We “discovered” White Center and many of our neighbors while walking Mac (mixed beagle/basset) over the early years.

Of course, we wanted to get married as soon as Washington would permit it. Therefore, we braved the very friendly and enthusiastic crowds Thursday morning to get our marriage license. Yesterday we married in a civil ceremony presided over by King County Judge Judith Ramseyer. She and her friends helping her couldn’t have been happier to see us married. It was a truly remarkable event to be remembered and cherished for the rest of our lives.

Since 12:01 am Thursday, King County has issued 710 marriage licenses.

(Photos by Katie Meyer for WCN)
If you haven’t already noticed: White Center has a new Christmas-tree lot this season – at Holy Family, benefiting HF’s Parish School. It’s being run by HF parishioners the Calderons: Carlos, Tracy, and kids Andres and Tahlia, who are in our photo, and Marco (who was off at a sports practice when we stopped by).

Carlos says the idea came up at a Holy Family School board meeting – fundraising ideas were being brainstormed, and Carlos suggested a Christmas tree lot, recalling one run by an acquaintance in South King County. The idea was enthusiastically approved. Carlos was put in charge. He and his family bought the tree inventory, added fencing to the lot at 18th and Roxbury, built the wooden framework for the trees, and opened within days.

The Calderons are helping tree-shoppers in Spanish as well as English, and they’re open long hours – 9 am till 10 pm. P.S. Delivery’s available.

FIRST REPORT, 11:31 AM: We received multiple reports of gunfire heard in the early morning hours – and finally have some information, via a reader report. A neighbor writes:

In the middle of the night last night (midnight), 4 gunshots heard in front of my house on 14th Ave SW. Cops came within minutes, helicopter circled, neighbors all outside found nothing, and we went back inside. Around 2 am, 7 more shots. This time the cops were here hiding outside, and they say it was an AK47. It hit a nearby house, and the bullets went through 4 walls before lodging in the shower.

The neighbor, who is south of 114th, says deputies have been back and report no arrests yet, but last night, the deputies said they thought the suspects had headed north, and that they believe the specific residence was targeted. We have messages out to try to find out more directly from KCSO and will update with anything we get.

UPDATE, 9:29 PM: KCSO’s Sgt. Cindi West has been looking into this for us and here’s what she reports:

About 12:02 AM, numerous residents in the 11400 block of 14 Ave SW reported hearing shots. Deputies and Guardian one responded to the area and did not locate any victims or suspects. A couple people reported hearing a vehicle speeding away from the area.

1:58 AM – more 911 calls reporting shots in the same area. Deputies were in the area and heard the shots. One house in the area was struck multiple times. At least one of the bullets went into the interior living area of the house. One person was at the house at the time of the incident. No one was injured.

At around 4:18 AM, we received two more 911 calls of people hearing shots. The callers were calling from the area of the 200 block of SW 108th and 500 block SW 106th. No reports of injuries or damage on this one right now.

We do not know what kind of weapon it was. We did not catch anyone and we will have to process the evidence recovered on the second call to see what we find. One deputy reported that he thought it sounded like a rifle.

We don’t know at this time why that specific house was hit or if it was specifically targeted.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

Some differences Thursday night as the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council met for the first time since voters rejected annexation to Burien.

For one – Burien’s city manager Mike Martin wasn’t on the agenda; pre-vote, he had been a fixture for many months.

Someone who had been a previous fixture at meetings for some months did appear, unannounced, to start the meeting:

THOMAS BATES FROM THE U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE: Bates was a figure at NHUAC meetings during the aftermath of “Operation Center of Attention“ – and he showed up tonight to reiterate the feds’ commitment to safety a year later, saying “We want everyone to know they can call me, call our office,” though the committee was happy to see him. He noted that guilty pleas continue to emerge (including one reported here last week). So far, he says 21 defendants have pleaded guilty or being convicted, and another trial is set for next week.

Bates invited questions, and was asked about the federal position on the marijuana-law change in our state; he pointed out the statement that was released saying the federal government “continues to evaluate” while reiterating that possession and distribution remains illegal under federal law, which cannot be changed by states. Overall, he said, if problems are noticed, talking to local law enforcement is still the best course of action if you have concerns about something.

CAPT. PATRICK BUTSCHLI, KING COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: His appearance marked the first since the election of new Sheriff John Urquhart. He started by answering some questions he said he had received via e-mail – including one about the “14 deputies” staffing addition that was mentioned during the campaign. That involved filling vacant positions, not adding “additional deputies,” he clarified, much as he said they would like to. Most of the time, he said, the department carries about 20 vacancies – and they can’t start the process of filling a vacancy until the day the person who held the job departs. “It takes a year to (get) a deputy,” he said, including recruiting, training, and other parts of the process. Accelerating that process is what the campaign discussion was about, he clarified. As for how it’ll affect this area, they don’t know yet, he said, and they are waiting to find out from the new Sheriff about his plans for the agency – “no changes to the way you are staffed in this community … still two deputies 24/7 minimum,”he said, and during the day, usually more. He said he expected Deputy B.J. Myers to stay in the White Center storefront. Capt. Butschli also noted that Sheriff Urquhart spent a lot of time working in this area and feels warmly toward it – as well as understanding “the crime and disorder problems in this area” – so he expects the new sheriff will be a supporter of the area.

(In later questioning, the captain reiterated that it’s important to call for help if something happens – “PLEASE call,” he said. “You’ll be politely told if it’s not” (a police matter).

Regarding Club Evo, the club owner is still under injunction to prevent it from being put back into operation – and had to be “reminded of that,” as he put it, when a rave almost happened two weeks ago (as covered exclusively by WCN, here and here). “I think we’re still going to have a fight on our hands with Club Evo,” he warned – “the owners and operators are still paying taxes … and are going to try anything they can to legally get some income out of it.” The injunction has to do with sprinklers and no business permits, “and we’re going to continue to enforce that as we can … barring any legal maneuvering .. I think it’s going to be an ongoing tug of war.”

Regarding marijuana, he foresaw “some enforcement options if people are wandering the streets, lighting up.” He hoped that there will eventually be some clear law-enforcement guidelines. He reiterated what Bates had suggested – “I urge you all to continue to report that stuff. … You want to be the community that calls all the time. … If (sheriffs show up frequently) the people will move on to other areas.” .. “Our position has been to enforce what we know is still illegal, and to continue to agitate for clear guidelines on how to enforce the rest of it.”

(Speaking later, Deputy Myers said they weren’t made aware until the day before Thanksgiving [which is when we heard about it too, and published our first story] and it took a couple days over the holiday to get hold of anyone who could do something. Finally a copy of the injunction that prevented such events in the building was produced, and they spoke to the event organizers to make sure they knew about it – just an hour and a half or so before the event was scheduled to happen.)

Asked about crime trends, Capt. Butschli said the burglary problem continues to be “bad.” He said there’s a mini-trend of home invasions (though he didn’t mention it specifically, it appeared to include the Top Hat case). Deputy BJ Myers said there’s been some success this past month “catching burglars in the act.”

Casing typically involves knocking on doors and, if someone answers, making up an excuse to make it sound like they were legitimate. The captain said they definitely want to hear from citizens to whom that happens.

NHUAC member Jessica Stoneback asked what had brought out a significant KCSO presence near the Evergreen campus two nights earlier. The KCSO reps weren’t certain – surveillance, possibly.

METRO TRANSIT POLICE DEPUTY: Deputy Myers says there’s now a Transit Police deputy assigned primarily to the West Precinct – which includes Burien, White Center, etc. – and that he is spending a lot of time in White Center, especially 15th/Roxbury. “His presence out here is being felt a lot by us … it’s made a big difference,” said Myers.

COMPLAINT WITHDRAWN: President Dobkin noted that a complaint filed against NHUAC with the Public Disclosure Commission by a Burien resident accusing it of acting as a political action committee has been withdrawn, “and that’s good news for us.”

COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS: NHUAC member Liz Giba says the North Highline Fire District Board of Commissioners, on which she also sits, will meet again on December 17 and talk about budget issues … Giba also clarified that NHUAC has long worked to have the new White Center Library built on the site where it is now … Speaking of libraries, the White Center Library Guild Holiday Bazaar is today, 11 am-3 pm with a magician performing at 2 pm … President Dobkin noted that the county is going to start having open houses for the new Community Service Areas, though none is planned in White Center – Renton is the closest …

DEALING WITH FINANCES: Since the county no longer funds unincorporated-area councils, NHUAC is funding what it does out of its own pocket. The county did invite grant applications related to the new “Community Service Areas” and NHUAC did get some grant money to continue its Public Safety Forums, but needs to decide how to financially handle regular meetings. “I think (the council) is more important than ever, since we are going to stay unincorporated, and stay unincorporated for a long time,” Dobkin observed, adding that NHUAC will maintain county connections such as those with County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who she says has assured them that he’ll continue to be responsive to concerns, issues, and inquiries.

OTHER NOTES ABOUT NHUAC’S FUTURE: Barbara Dobkin quipped that she didn’t particularly want to be “president for life” – but the council has to figure out how it will work going forward. It has a couple open seats, and another one as of now – she said Patrick Mosley is leaving the community and will no longer serve. They used to have community elections for NHUAC seats, but that costs money they no longer get – so they want to figure out how to open participation to other interested community members. They also want to keep their nonprofit certification, website and post-office box going – that means a near-term expense of close to $200 to cover the next six months or so. They intend to let their liability insurance lapse, though, since the county grant they applied for, to seek funding for continuing meetings, would have covered that, but was denied.

Council member Douglas Harrell wondered if quarterly meetings might be appropriate. “Given that we are a non-entity at this point, we can do whatever he want,” he observed, after wondering aloud whether Seattle might move to annex the area since the state sales-tax credit was only in effect for a couple years. Council member Giba didn’t think it likely. Dobkin also pointed out that the council actually is an entity – incorporated with the state.

Back to the money issue – Harrell (owner of Roxbury Lanes) thought they might consider a fundraiser at some point down the line. “I know a guy who owns a bowling alley,” he said, drawing laughter.

LIBRARY FUTURE: It was recapped that the King County Library System plan to build a new White Center Library has fallen into some turmoil – over where it would be sited. The committee’s position continues to be that it should be rebuilt “where it is.” NHUAC is hoping to have “a seat at the table” when the site is considered.

SIDE NOTE OF THE NIGHT: If you keep your registration info in your car, will that lead to burglary, with someone breaking into your car, seeing your address and heading there? Deputy Myers said that has not been a particular problem – but if you’re worried, register your car to a PO Box rather than your home address, as the law continues to require that you carry registration so you can produce it if pulled over.

The crimes happened in West Seattle and the suspects were stopped over the county line at 16th and Roxbury – so in case you’re wondering what’s happening there, it’s related to package-theft incidents. Here’s our ongoing coverage on West Seattle Blog.

Two days till a chance to shop for gifts while supporting the community group that supports your White Center Library: 11 am-3 pm this Saturday (December 8th), the White Center Library Guild Holiday Bazaar will include “cookies, breads, and gently used items” – plus creations by the Burien Knitters group (for the first time!) and entertainment by magician Jeff Evans at 2 pm. Find it in the meeting room at the library, 11220 16th SW.

Tim Healy, second from left, is one of the White Center heroes honored on Tuesday at the WC Chamber of Commerce‘s annual holiday luncheon at the Salvation Army Center. (With him in our photo are, from left, Sili Savusa of the White Center Community Development Association, and the Chamber’s Mac McElroy and Mark Ufkes.) His longtime community service sparked the honor; the others celebrated at the event were feted for their contributions to public art in White Center: Michael Todd Harrison, Xavier Lopez Jr., and Amanda Schmidt, adviser to the Evergreen Art Club. You’ll see the artist honorees in our video recording of most of the ceremony:

To find the White Center murals, follow the map on the Chamber’s website.

Dubsea Bikes gets a boost – from a longtime West Seattle bike-shop owner who says he’s moving to White Center. Posted earlier tonight on partner site West Seattle Blog, here’s the announcement from Aaron Goss of Aaron’s Bicycle Repair:

Aaron’s Bicycle Repair, Inc. says thank you and goodbye to Morgan Junction and West Seattle proper.

However, they are only moving 3 miles away to White Center!

This is very exciting news for White Center and we have been welcomed with open arms by the community.

For several years, Dubsea Bikes, a non-profit bicycle repair and ride group, has been lobbying for a bike shop in Rat City.

Starting February 1st, 2013 that will be a reality!

The bike shop will be located in the White Center Square, anchored by Hung Long Asian Market.

The new address is 9988 15th Ave. SW, Suite E.

Phone, e-mail and web will remain the same. Look for updates on the shop’s website soon. www.RideYourBike.com.

Manager Gregg Sundin said the economic downturn and increasing online sales forced the decision to downsize. The shop will re-focus on bicycle repair and service but will still sell bikes, parts and accessories.

Also offered will be community-building events like Full Moon rides, Free Flat Tuesdays and hosting Dubsea Bikes repair parties.

The space the store is leaving was a state liquor store until four years ago, when the state closed it, and the bike shop moved in from another space nearby.