White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Two announcements in one!

White Center Kiwanis will be honoring the student of the month from New Start High School Wednesday, April 18 at White Center Pizza. The meeting starts at 12:30 with the presentation to the student soon after. Honoring students at New Start is something that White Center Kiwanis feels is important to the youth of the community because it gives them recognition for their work. The nominations are made by the staff of New Start.

And coming up this Saturday:

White Center Kiwanis will be doing their One Day activity April 21 from 11 to 1 at the White Center Food Bank in conjunction with Key Club of New Start High School. They will be handing out food to clients on the regular 3rd Saturday food distribution. The White Center Kiwanis sponsored this Key Club starting the end of last school year. Two students from the club went to the Key Club convention last month. White Center Kiwanis along with the Key Clubs from Evergreen High School and New Start High School regularly hand out food at the White Center Food Bank on the second Wednesday evening from 6 to 8.

Huge day at Village Green Perennial Nursery – and the sun came out to cooperate. While proprietor Vera Johnson had scheduled a beekeeping seminar and a Master Gardener clinic, the day’s headliner was TV/radio gardening guru Ciscoe Morris, and more than 100 people showed up to see/hear him. In case you missed it, we have the entire hour on video, above, starting with Vera’s explanation of how they met, and then a few minutes later, his explanation of his trademark exclamation, “Oh la la!”

Though the presidential candidate is not in question, the 34th District Democrats say local D’s have plenty of reasons to join in the official precinct caucuses today. 1 pm is the start time; here’s how to find your meeting spot, though from clicking around a locator map on that same site, it appears the Evergreen High School campus at 830 SW 116th is the main caucusing spot in the White Center area.

2:51 PM: Almost two months after we brought you first word that Anthony Haroldlee Smith had pleaded guilty in the murder of 23-year-old Sweetheart Failautusi last August, he has just been sentenced at the King County Courthouse downtown.

First, Judge Mary Yu heard two of the victim’s close relatives – two of the dozens who packed the courtroom, many wearing shirts with her photo on the front – speak tearfully – not “to tell (the judge) how to do (her) job,” as sister Mona Failautusi put it, as she acknowledged that God is the ultimate judge – but because they wanted to be here for “Sweetie.” Smith briefly, mumblingly apologized. Judge Yu told him she hopes he will while in prison “find some source in your life that will give you hope.” She went with the suggested sentence of 184 months in prison and three years of probation, plus restitution to be determined. More to come, including video of the entire hearing.

3:21 PM: We have added a short clip of Smith right after the hearing, as he was taken past Sweetheart’s friends and family in the courtroom.

6:24 PM: Immediately above this line, video of the entire 28-minute hearing. In addition to Sweetheart’s sister Mona, relative Tiare Faletogo also spoke to the judge, heartfelt and wrenching, bringing gasping sobs from some in the gallery. She spoke of the horror of the night Sweetheart was killed – “I did not cry that night because I couldn’t, I was numb, it was August and it felt like winter,” as family members rushed to the scene and saw Sweetheart lying dead, face down, on the street. She and Mona both asked Smith why he left that night and came back, killing Sweetheart – why he didn’t just “walk away” from their conflict. He had no answer.

(Crossposted from partner site West Seattle Blog, since White Center’s part of the 34th District too)

“If someone [still] doesn’t know the caucuses are happening, we can’t help them at this point,” said 34th District Democrats chair Tim Nuse at Wednesday night’s monthly meeting, mentioning an awareness-raising campaign that he said has included 7,000 door-knocks, thousands of phone calls (including 10,000 robocalls Wednesday with a message from King County Executive Dow Constantine), and paid ads (including one here on WSB).

That would be the Democratic precinct caucuses – happening this Sunday at 1 pm at locations all around the district (if you’re a Democrat, find your location here). Even though the presidential candidate is not up for debate, the 34th DDs say there is much to talk about and many reasons to attend yours. But after that pep talk, Wednesday night’s meeting at The Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle moved on to many ways of looking ahead to August and November, including a surprise speech by our area’s Congressmmember, and three mini-campaign-forums – we have them all on video, ahead: Read the rest of this entry »

If White Center becomes part of Burien, its parks will become tobacco-free. In the meantime, they’re not, but a King County proposal might change that. Announced by the county:

King County would join a growing list of local parks, hospitals and schools with policies for tobacco-free areas under a proposed ordinance sent today to the King County Council to prohibit tobacco use in the busiest areas of the County’s expansive parks system.

“When people come to a public park, they expect to breathe fresh air – not someone else’s cigarettes,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine, citing a survey of county residents in which more than 70 percent said they support smoke-free public places, including parks.

The proposed ordinance would mean visitors to County parks could no longer use tobacco in heavily-used park areas such as children’s playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic shelters and trailheads.

Compliance would be voluntary, much like for littering, failure to keep a dog on a leash, or alcohol use in a park; enforcement would occur only when problems are reported. A federal grant will pay for signs denoting tobacco-free areas.

“Our residents want healthy, tobacco-free parks,” said King County Councilmember and King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott. “Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death and illness in King County, and this ordinance would further expand our smoke-free spaces so children and families can be safe from second-hand smoke.”

Council adoption of the ordinance would align King County with 11 local governments representing more than 1 million residents that have already adopted rules prohibiting or limiting tobacco use in parks. They include Auburn, Black Diamond, Bothell, Burien, Covington, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Seattle, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, and the Vashon Park District. In Washington state, more than 45 cities in 15 counties have smoke-free parks policies, including Tacoma Metro Parks in Pierce County, and Marysville and Lake Stevens in Snohomish County.

A universal “tobacco-free parks” sign has been created for jurisdictions to post in their parks. Each jurisdiction that has adopted or plans to adopt a tobacco- or smoke-free policy will have the opportunity to post this sign as part of the regional partnership for tobacco-free parks. Tobacco-free efforts by local cities and King County are supported by Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW), a federal grant to address obesity and tobacco use.

Tobacco-free parks are part of a broad movement to create healthy and smoke-free areas, especially for kids and the most vulnerable. In recent months many hospitals, housing providers, and mental health and chemical dependency centers have also gone smoke-free.

In King County alone, tobacco causes almost 2,000 premature deaths and costs over $340 million in medical expenses and lost wages each year. In addition to the health effects, cigarette butts can account for up to 70 percent of litter in public places. Cigarette butts can take up to 15 years to decompose, leaching chemicals into the soil and posing harm to small children and pets if ingested.

“The U.S. Surgeon General has concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” said Carrie Nyssen, Regional Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific. “Even brief exposure to second-hand smoke can cause an asthma attack in a child, or increase risk of blot clots in healthy adults.”

Nationally, almost 600 jurisdictions have enacted laws that prohibit tobacco use in parks and on beaches, including New York City and Los Angeles County. Among the support from local cities:

· City of Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis: “The City of Auburn is committed to creating a healthy community. The Tobacco-free Park Policy is intended to assist recreational organizations and parents in their efforts to recreate in a tobacco-free environment. It is important that we recognize the effects of first and second-hand smoke and discourage tobacco usage at places where youth are gathered and healthy lifestyle activities are available.”

· City of Black Diamond Mayor Rebecca Olness: “Black Diamond has parks and open spaces that provide healthy recreational opportunities to its citizens. To ensure that these places continue to provide these benefits, limiting smoking makes sense and adds to the healthy experience. Our residents deserve parks where they can exercise and enjoy the natural environment smoke free.”

· City of Burien Mayor Brian Bennett: “We’re proud to have joined other cities in King County in declaring our parks smoke-free. This policy benefits the entire community and is in line with the City’s vision of promoting a healthy environment for people of all ages.”

· City of Covington Mayor Margaret Harto: “Covington established its tobacco-free park ordinance in 2002 because we knew that choosing to be tobacco-free in our parks meant choosing to provide a better quality of life for our citizens. We are proud to join King County’s initiative to bring light to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke in our public places.”

· City of Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson: “We believe parks should remain spaces that are focused on health. Having places where kids can go and exercise and enjoy the fresh air is what parks are all about.”

· City of Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan: “The City of Shoreline has made a commitment to being a Healthy City and has developed a Healthy City Strategy to make it a reality. Part of that effort is to make our parks tobacco-free. The Council is currently studying the issue and so far the community has been very supportive of the idea.”

The King County Parks system is comprised of roughly 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, 180 miles of backcountry trails, and more than 26,000 acres of open space.

For more information on CPPW, please visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/cppw and the campaign Let’s Do This that encourages residents to get involved in improving the health of their communities.

One year after a Top Hat man disappeared, investigators are hoping someone has information on what happened to him. Here’s their news release:

The King County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a man missing since last year. Benjamin “Ben” Munoz was last seen by his father on April 29, 2011.

King County Sheriff’s Detectives believe Munoz is likely dead and foul play is a definite possibility. There does not appear to be any other reason why he may be missing.

Ben Munoz lived with his father in the 11000 block of 1st Ave SW, in the Top Hat neighborhood of unincorporated King County. On April 29, 2011, his father heard Ben come home about 2:00 AM and go to bed. He saw Ben briefly the next morning before leaving for the day. No one has seen or heard from Ben since. He was unemployed.

Ben is 5’5” tall, 200 lbs with black hair. He has numerous tattoos on his arms and across his shoulders. He did not have a car.

If anyone knows what may have happened to Ben they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 or 9-1-1 (24 hours)

Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS with information. Rewards are offered up to $1,000.

Dick Thurnau from Friends of Hicklin Lake invites everyone to come talk about the use of “floating islands to help clean Hicklin Lake waters,” during a meeting this Thursday, 7 pm, North Highline Fire District HQ, 1243 SW 112th. Dick explains, “We were told that a floating Island measuring 16 feet by 16 feet, 256 square feet, is equal to one acre of wetland that encompasses 43,000 square feet.” He adds, “King County’s Managing Engineer and two other engineers of surface water will update us on the White Center Regional Stormwater project started in 2008.”

“She did a lot for Rat City.” That’s what one of the new-generation White Center advocates, Full Tilt Ice Cream‘s Justin Cline, told WCN, as he relayed the news that longtime community advocate/volunteer Mickey Kraut had died. And according to what we’ve found in research, that’s an understatement; Ms. Kraut worked for decades to help make White Center a better place, including involvement in White Center Jubilee Days and the WC Chamber of Commerce, among other things. According to her memorial page on the website for Yarington’s Funeral Home in White Center, Ms. Kraut died last Friday, at 80 years old. Her visitation and funeral are both planned for next week – the former, 2-5 pm on Wednesday, April 18th, the latter, 11 am on Thursday, April 19th, both at Yarington’s (10708 16th SW).

Just a reminder – no White Center Chamber of Commerce lunch tomorrow. President Mark Ufkes shared this note:

Rather than have two White Center business gatherings on the same day, the White Center Chamber of Commerce is cancelling the April Chamber monthly luncheon and encouraging Chamber members to attend the White Center CDA Business Mixer … The Chamber web site committee will be reporting out on our progress to date for our planned web site. We will resume our normal monthly luncheons on Tuesday, May 8th. Also remember that we will have White Center Spring Clean scheduled for Saturday, May 19th and need volunteers and funding support for our several anti-graffiti mural projects.

The WCCDA mixer is at 6 pm Tuesday at Be’s Crawfish House, 9826 16th SW.

Just announced by Dubsea Coffee via Facebook – U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott will be there at 11 am April 28th – three weeks from today – for his next “Coffee with Your Congressman.” If you want to see what one of these events is like, here’s our West Seattle Blog coverage – with video – from his visit to C & P Coffee a year ago. (Dubsea Coffee is at 9910 8th SW in Greenbridge.)

If you see that sign up at a White Center business .. you’ll know it’s decided to cooperate with the new campaign in which King County Sheriff’s Office storefront Deputy BJ Myers is working – with the support of the White Center Chamber of Commerce, White Center Community Development Association, and North Highline Unincorporated Area Council – to crack down on chronic public drunkenness.

First, Deputy Myers worked with three beverage-distribution companies “to identify the problem and draft a ban that specifically targets the products most closely associated with the chronic public intoxication in downtown White Center.” The first phase, now under way, involves beverage reps asking retailers to join the program; Deputy Myers says some already have jumped in: “Over the next couple of weeks I’ll get an idea of which businesses are and aren’t participating.”

The original memo regarding the proposal was distributed at March’s NHUAC meeting; we had it in its entirety here.

1:06 PM: We’ve been checking with the King County Sheriff’s Office about an incident called to our attention by Malo’s Auto Body general manager Brad Truesdell. He e-mailed us to say he had just found out about an attack on a man named Fred – we do not usually use the full names of victims, unless they have given their consent – who he says is well-known on the local streets. Brad says Fred worked at Malo’s some time back and was known as a kind helpful person who now struggles with alcoholism. “When Fred was not drunk, he was always helping people, and the thought of him lying in a hospital dying and nothing being done or said about it really is sad,” Brad wrote.

So here’s what we have found out, from KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West: It apparently happened just south of White Center, in north Burien. She says that around 11 pm last Saturday night (March 31st), in the 1000 block of SW 117th, “A person passing by saw a subject on the ground, bleeding from the face and called the police. … The victim appeared to be severely intoxicated and could not tell us exactly what happened. All he could say was that he was trying to get in his mobile home that was parked at this location when he was attacked from behind by two unknown males. He could not describe the males at all. He had no race, age, height, or clothing description. He said that after the attack they took his wallet and ran off in an unknown direction. The victim said that he never lost consciousness during the attack. He also said that there were no weapons used in the attack. The victim was treated at the scene by aid personnel and later transported to Highline Medical for further treatment. We were not able to locate any independent witnesses. There is no suspect information in this case at this time.”

Brad says he saw Fred in the hospital yesterday and “it was a sad sight to see.” If you have any information on what happened to him, let the King County Sheriff’s Office know – you can call 911.

3:30 PM UPDATE: Sgt. West says at last report, Fred was said to be in serious but stable condition.

There’s new information today about the outreach program that the county announced when it cut money for Unincorporated Area Councils (North Highline UAC, for example, is operating wholly under its own power now, without county support). Here’s the news release we received:

King County Executive Dow Constantine has named one of his top advisors to lead the opening of new channels of communication with residents of the county’s unincorporated areas through creation of Community Service Areas.

“This reform will harness the work of County employees who already have good connections with residents in the unincorporated areas, so that residents can have a single staff link to specific projects in parks, roads, land use, public health and public safety,” said Executive Constantine.

The Executive has named Alan Painter as Manager of the Community Service Areas (CSA) program for unincorporated King County, consolidating three staff from other agencies to improve public engagement in the unincorporated areas.

“Already we’ve brought together staff who have been working with residents in the same area of the county but had never met,” said Painter.

Painter said the interdepartmental teams will hold public meetings at least once a year in each CSA, in close collaboration with the King County Councilmember for that district and with other countywide elected officials.

The CSA program was approved last fall by the County Council to reach out to residents in the areas where they live, and better reflect the diversity of the county.
The Executive will send a proposed ordinance to the County Council later this month to formally define boundaries for the CSAs that encompass all of unincorporated King County, including areas without previous representation by an Unincorporated Area Council.

The new program provides a conduit for greater participation by all residents in an annual work program for each CSA, and enables County staff to work closely with an expanded group of community councils and civic organizations.

Under the new program, community organizations in each CSA can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to promote the engagement of local residents in community or civic activities.

As Manager of the Community Service Area program, Painter and his group will:

· Develop a schedule for annual public meetings in each CSA,

· Develop CSA work programs that are linked to the annual budget cycle, and

· Establish the new community grant program.

“I look forward to listening to residents, solving problems, and help them to play an active role in shaping the future of their communities,” said Painter, who reports to the Executive’s office.

Painter previously advised the Executive on human services, health, and housing policy, and is a former director of the Department of Human Services for the city of Seattle.

The first open house for the new program is set for the Vashon-Maury Island CSA on Tuesday, April 10, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the McMurray Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, 9323 Cemetery Road, Vashon Island. At the open house, residents can offer feedback on the draft Vashon-Maury CSA Work Plan and the new CSA program, discuss community priorities, speak with program staff, and obtain information about County programs and services in general.

Open houses for other CSAs will be announced throughout the year.

For more information please contact Alan Painter, manager for the Community Service Areas program, at 206-296-8734 or alan.painter@kingcounty.gov.

(TOPLINE: Burien councilmembers have voted 4-3 in favor of an annexation election for residents of White Center and environs – but after changing the plan so that it would go on the November ballot, not the August ballot.)

(ADDED TUESDAY – WCN video of Burien councilmembers speaking before the vote. Unedited but starts about two sentences into CM McGilton’s remarks)
7:05 PM: We’re in the Burien City Council chambers, where Deputy Mayor Rose Clark is presiding in Mayor Brian Bennett‘s absence as the council starts its regular meeting. We’re here because of one particular item on the agenda – whether to set the date for a vote on annexation of most of the rest of North Highline. The meeting is beginning with a special guest appearance by King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, who says she is “delighted” to have part of Burien back under her wing as the result of the recent redistricting. We’ll be updating as this meeting proceeds – mostly about public commenters speaking about annexation, and then the council agenda item, unless something else inbetween seems to be of White Center interest. More to come!

7:30 PM: The public-comment period is now under way. First person speaking is Goodspaceguy, who does not seem to be speaking about annexation. Roger Delorum speaks next, talking about “fiscally irresponsible” data regarding annexation. “If this annexation happens, someone is going to gain financially, and it’s not going to be the citizens of Burien.” His short remarks were followed by those of Doug Harrell, who says he’s urging the council to move forward with the annexation, saying it would bring “opportunities of scale.” He adds that he believes people in those area will “have a voice in their future as part of Burien, and I have no confidence they would have a voice as a part of Seattle.” Unlike many other local governments, he says, Burien is in good financial shape, and its leaders “would not consider going forward if it were not prudent for the citizenry” – himself included. He was followed by Joey Martinez. He notes that he works for Seattle and it has a lot to offer North Highline, but: “I feel that Burien is the superior option” for annexing what’s left of North Highline. He says he doesn’t mind which election the council decides to use, August or November, but he thinks they should make a decision on one or the other tonight.

7:38 PM: Next speaker, Elizabeth Gordon, who is a White Center business co-owner. She says she and her customers favor being annexed to Burien. She is talking about how businesses, citizens, and organizations in the unincorporated area are “coming together” to work on improving their area, and she thinks that “supportive network” will help bring a good turnout, even in the summertime vote. She is followed by Aaron Garcia. He says he grew up in White Center, went to Cascade Middle School, Evergreen High School, UW, and he is here “in support of the resolution” to send annexation to voters. “No matter where you lie in this, whether you think White Center is a problem or has potential, we need someone to hear our voices, we need someone to advocate for us … I really, really support moving forward for this and I am a huge advocate for this.” After him comes Sandra Hopp, who says she lives in the recently annexed area and wasn’t for it then but is glad to be part of Burien now. After her is Gill Loring, who lives in the unincorporated area, and is talking about his graffiti-fighting activities in conjunction with the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. He brings up the abandoned, overgrown, graffiti-covered former El Chalan restaurant – “We’re trying to get that taken care of.” He says he did a straw poll in his neighborhood, overwhelmingly in favor of being annexed by Burien.

7:48 PM: Next at the podium, Ed Dacy, who says he’s been coming to meetings about annexation for 10 years. “I’ve kept an open mind, I’ve looked at the studies …” He thinks the potential financial picture for annexation is even brighter than those studies have shown. “I can’t see a reason not to annex – I think we should go ahead with it.” He also noted that “one strong proponent of annexation … was not able to be here tonight,” referring to Liz Giba of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council and North Highline Fire District Board. After him, Chestine Edgar: She counters by saying that some people who speak about the financial studies, in her assessment, “clearly have not read” the reports, and cites some past reports she says forecast financial difficulty for Burien if annexation was pursued. She says annexation “is not an economically sound idea for the city of Burien,” and does not want to see it put before voters. Besides that, she talks about the lack of agreement between fire districts, a lack of a business plan, and the fact the “sliver on a river”‘s fate has not yet been resolved, and she criticizes NHUAC for “pushing annexation,” just as her time runs out.

7:56 PM: NHUAC president Barbara Dobkin is speaking now, noting that “questions continue to be raised” about NHUAC’s identity and purpose. She says annexation is an issue that affects them, “affects our future,” but it’s not “the only thing we are working on.” She says everyone is invited to their meetings – one’s coming up this Thursday, and will take a look at the Technology Access Foundation project under construction in Lakewood Park. She also speaks about NHUAC’s close relationship with the King County Sheriff’s Office. “The Seattle model of policing differs greatly from what would be offered in Burien,” Dobkin observes, and brings up the US Department of Justice investigation of Seattle Police. She says she feels the timing of the election should be left up to the Burien Council. The next speaker is Robbie Howell who says that she feels “the deck has been stacked against the citizens of Burien,” regarding its finances; she believes services have been on the decline and that Burien can’t afford to “acquire an area that has problems also.” Then Tina Holmes speaks, on behalf of Liz Giba, who she says suffered a stroke eight days ago, and is in Riverton Rehabilitation Center. She speaks of many people lost in recent years who were strong supporters of Burien annexation of North Highline. Holmes holds up a T-shirt she says her sister had made years ago – a blue T-shirt with white lettering, “Say No to Seattle.” She is the last speaker, and now the council moves to other business.

8:33 PM: A long presentation about Seattle City Light‘s strategic plan ensued, with SCL superintendent Jorge Carrasco, who deputy mayor Clark noted is the first SCL rep she recalls seeing here in the years she’s been on the council. Councilmember Jack Block Jr. is grilling Carrasco, and now Mayor Brian Bennett has arrived.

8:45 PM: Not to annexation yet; the council agreed to City Manager Mike Martin‘s suggestion to shelve a discussion of the transportation agenda, but is going ahead with what several said they hope would be a “short presentation” by Discover Burien, whose leaders are talking about their increased outreach and programming.

8:51 PM: And now, they’re on to the annexation resolution. Councilmember Block moves to table the motion. A roll-call voice vote is requested. Bennett: No, Clark: No, Block: Yes, Edgar: Yes, Krakowiak: Yes, McGilton: No, Robison: No. So the motion to table fails. Bennett now moves to ask King County to set the date for November.

9:29 PM: After half an hour of discussion, the council has just voted 4 to 3 to send annexation to the ballot – but in November, not August. Yes votes were Bennett, Clark, McGilton, and Robison no votes were Block, Edgar, and Krakowiak. We have the half-hour of discussion on video and will add it to this story when we are back at HQ and it is processed. The King County Council will have to formally approve the annexation election, which would involve the prospective annexation area, NOT the people who already are residents of Burien.

King County has a new sheriff – Steve Strachan – appointed today to fill the job until the November election, in the wake of Sheriff Sue Rahr‘s departure. Here’s the official news release:

The Metropolitan King County Council today adopted a motion appointing Steve Strachan to succeed Sue Rahr as King County Sheriff.

Strachan, who was Rahr’s Chief Deputy, became interim Sheriff when Rahr left the Sheriff’s office on March 31 to become director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Under the King County Charter, the Council is responsible for appointing a new Sheriff until the vacancy has been filled at the next general election in November. The Council fulfilled that responsibility today by appointing Strachan.

Read the rest of this entry »

They can vote tonight … they can vote in two weeks … they can decide to not vote at all … they can decide to vote lots later and try for the November election instead … the possibilities are many; the agenda is here, for tonight’s Burien City Council meeting, 7 pm at council chambers (400 SW 152nd), which COULD result in a decision to put remainder-of-North-Highline annexation on the August 7th ballot. If you can’t be there, the live video feed will be on burienmedia.org.

From North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin, looking ahead to NHUAC’s Thursday night meeting (7 pm, North Highline Fire District HQ, 1243 112th SW):

NHUAC is pleased to have Sherry Williams, Deputy Director of TAF (Technology Access Foundation), provide updates on the soon to be operational Community Learning Center at Lakewood Park. Please join us to hear the exciting news and updates of this new addition to White Center.

Here’s the agenda:

7:00 pm Call to Order – Flag Salute – Roll Call –
Approval of Agenda – Approval of Minutes
7:05 pm Public Announcements
7:10 pm Public Comment
3minutes for Individuals
5 minutes for Groups

7:15 pm Mike Martin, Burien City Manager
7:20 pm Deputy BJ Myers

7:30 pm Sherry Williams, Deputy Director
Technology Access Foundation

7:50 pm Treasurer’s Report
8:00 pm Committee Reports
1. Governance
2. Arts and Parks
3. Public Safety
4. Housing and Human Services
5. Public Outreach
6. Transportation

8:05 pm Unfinished Business/Old Business
• Flower Bed Planting (100 ST & 16th Ave, SW)
• Flag Pole and Flag at SCMP
• Bylaws
• Jubilee Days

8:10 pm New Business
• May Agenda
• May 10 Public Safety Forum

Nothing says “summer” and “ice cream” like three people in jackets standing on a sidewalk in the chilly rain. Wait! Turn your attention to what’s in the photo with Full Tilt Ice Cream proprietor Justin Cline and the folks from Portland’s Icicle Tricycles … a brand-new ice-cream bike!

The tricycle that arrived on Saturday (we know, not the same kind you remember from preschool days) joins the one Full Tilt has had running for a few summers now.

You know them for bike repair … now join them for a ride! Today’s ride starts at 3 pm from Caffé Delia in downtown White Center. Check out the WCN White Center Events Calendar listing for more details.