White Center Now: The blog about White Center

(Adapted from an announcement first published earlier this week on partner site West Seattle Blog)
White Center-headquartered WestSide Baby has accepted car seats for recycling before – but usually, just the ones in good enough shape to reuse. Starting tomorrow (Saturday), they will accept ALL used car seats – 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, bring yours to their donation HQ, 10032 15th SW (map) – so if you have one, in any condition, in the basement, the attic, the closet, the garage, bring it over! For the new campaign Re-Ride: Car Seat Reuse and Recycling for Local Children in Need, WS Baby is now partnering with recyclers Total Reclaim to enable acceptance of any and all car seats. If yours can’t be reused, they request a $5 minimum donation to help cover the cost of recycling its materials. WS Baby says they are only able to fill about HALF the requests they currently get for car seats, so widening the recycling program will hopefully help them fill more. P.S. If you can help them dismantle car seats in preparation for recycling, please contact Shana Allen at shana@westsidebaby.org or 206-767-1662.

WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz sent that photo with news that the tennis courts at Steve Cox Memorial Park are dug up, as work starts on a renovation project. She checked with Darlene Sellers from King County Parks, who tells WCN it’s a two-phase project:

Phase I of the project began on Monday, September 12th and is expected to run 45 days, until around October 31st. At that time the courts will be temporarily lined, and should be playable again in early November. Phase II is scheduled to begin in May and should last for about three weeks.

The money is from a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant (process explained here) obtained in 2009.

At one point a few months back, some observers had wondered whether the Burien City Council was hell-bent on rushing forward with annexation of most of the rest of North Highline, since Seattle had basically said, hey, we’re not even ready to think about this again till next year, so if you want it in the meantime, it’s yours.

Those observers need not have worried.

Going into Monday night’s Burien council meeting, city staff recommended that councilmembers at least set a date for making a decision on whether to pursue annexation.

They didn’t, saying they still need more information and more time.

First, the public comment period was dominated by annexation comments – concerns voiced mostly by Burien residents who have spoken against annexation before; support voiced mostly by North Highline residents who want to be part of Burien.

Later, when the item formally came up on the agenda, councilmembers listened to presentations from reps of the special districts that currently serve the area – and then talked about whether they were ready to take a step toward signaling whether they might proceed or not.

Those who were – like Councilmember Gerald Robison, who quoted what he said was a real-estate-business saying, “If you sleep on it, you’ll never sleep in it” – were not in the majority, so in the end, the council decided to keep fact-finding and keep talking.

(One of those who said moving ahead now feels “premature” was Councilmember Jack Block Jr., who countered Robison’s real-estate saying with, “We’re not buying a house, we’re committing 48,000 residents of Burien .. and the health and welfare and public safety of 17,000 residents of North Highline.”}

So the council asked for more data to be brought to them at an extra council meeting next Monday night, though there were so many questions that City Manager Mike Martin said he would have to get back to them sometime in the next few days regarding how much of the requested data he’d be able to procure.

You can watch the discussion for yourself, since the meeting video’s available online – find it here.

The Pledge of Allegiance, led by 9/11 first-responder Rudy Alvarado, and the national anthem, led by Holy Family School assistant principal Anca Wilson, started this morning’s tribute at the HF Community Street Fair. Alvarado then said the Firefighters’ Prayer:

Alvarado is a retired Redmond fire captain; his memories were featured in a Redmond Reporter story last week – note the bandanna around his neck in today’s video is like the one he was shown wearing during his work at Ground Zero ten years ago.

P.S. The Holy Family fair continues until four this afternoon:

It’s at 20th/Roxbury, on the south side of the school/church campus.

(Photo taken this morning by Patrick Sand for WCN)
On this tenth anniversary of 9/11, tribute is being paid not only to those lost on that day, but to those who have served, before and since, to keep our country free. The White Center area’s most visible tribute is days away from rededication, and Mark Ufkes has shared the invitation to all veterans – and the rest of the community – for the event one week from today:

Calling all Veterans! There will be a re-dedication of the White Center Triangle Veterans Park, scheduled for Sunday, September 18 at 4 pm. Veterans and the entire community are invited. We have invited Medal of Honor Recipient Joe M. Jackson from Kent to help us install a new American flag, a plaque, and re-dedicate the park.

The park is located at the corner of Roxbury, Delridge and 16th Ave. SW. in White Center. (9200 Delridge). The park and flagpole were dedicated well over two decades ago by the now defunct Glendale White Center Veterans of Foreign Wars. The White Center Chamber of Commerce, working with Seattle City Light, installed flagpole lighting at the site and use the site each year to install the White Center community christmas tree.

A new plaque will be installed, and we will acknowledge the installation of lighting to allow the Chamber to fly the flag legally 24 hours per day at the park. The plaque will read;

Re-Dedication
Veterans Triangle Park
To all who have served
our American Flag

White Center Chamber of Commerce, Sept. 2011

All veterans are invited and we ask veterans to wear part of their uniform if possible. Light refreshments will be served.

SATURDAY MORNING: Under way now! Pony rides are just part of the fun!

ORIGINAL FRIDAY MORNING NOTE: Tomorrow and Sunday, 20th/Roxbury is the place to be – and the weather will remain perfect, forecasters say.

(Click the image to see a full-size version!)

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

After King County leaders’ move to restore funding for the White Center storefront sheriff’s deputy, the question immediately arose: Can Deputy Jeff Hancock come back?

(June 2010 WCN photo of Deputy Hancock speaking to North Highline UAC)
He held the job after the murder of Deputy Steve Cox, and became ingrained in the community. Then suddenly in summer of 2010, Deputy Hancock was out of White Center (WCN broke the news), and there was an uproar. The Sheriff’s Office insisted he had been reassigned to duties including Vashon Island because of family concerns, among other things (as explained in this July 2010 WCN story, which also noted that deputies were taken out of storefronts, period, at that time).

So now, the storefront deputy job will return in October. When King County Sheriff’s Office higher-ups appeared at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council last Thursday, they were immediately asked about the chances of bringing back Deputy Hancock. As we reported after the meeting, their answer was fairly cautious, including caveats that they hadn’t spoken with him, and that the formal application process hadn’t been opened yet.

Now, fresh off her successful campaign fighting a bank over a foreclosure threat, Village Green Perennial Nursery owner Vera Johnson is spearheading a letter-writing campaign to support returning Deputy Hancock to the storefront job. Co-publisher Patrick Sand dropped by the nursery for a quick interview this afternoon, and she told WCN he told her he’ll apply for it:

In case you can’t see the video – the address where she’s asking for letters of support is verajohnson5@comcast.net. She is in particular looking for actual stories of ways in which Deputy Hancock made a difference in the White Center community while working here.

As the KCSO leadership made it clear at the NHUAC meeting last week, the final decision is theirs – but they appear to be moving on a fast timetable, as the funding restoration was expected to take effect within weeks, and they hoped to have the deputy in place next month. So Vera is putting out the “call to action,” as she called it on Twitter, right now.

We first told you last month about the plan to shoot part of a new movie called “Eden” in downtown White Center. The dates were pushed back – and now, according to this news release just forwarded by Patricia Julio at the White Center Community Development Association, it’s scheduled for tomorrow:

“Eden,” an independent feature film directed by Seattle’s Megan Griffiths, will be filming scenes in the White Center area on Friday, September 9th. Filming will occur in the vicinity of 16th Avenue SW and SW 98th Street in the afternoon and into the night.

Sections of street parking on 16th Avenue SW and SW 98th Street will be reserved for production vehicles. With the assistance of the King County Sheriff’s Department, vehicle traffic on 16th Avenue SW between SW 98th Street and SW 100th Street will be rerouted between 7 pm September 9th and 5 am September 10th. The production company is coordinating with King County and the White Center Community Development Association regarding these parking and traffic revisions. Questions regarding the filming activity can be directed to Location Manager Dave Drummond at dave@drummondmedia.com.

Here’s more background, in an article about a recent session of filming “Eden” over in Kirkland.

WIth an online survey that has just one more week to go, King County Parks is hoping to hear from you. They hope to gain “a better understanding of the open space and recreation needs of King County residents and their perspectives of what makes really great parks, trails, cultural areas, and recreational opportunities, now and in the future.” Take the survey here; it’s open till September 14th.

(Standing, from left: Royce, Ashton, Quinn; sitting, from left: Latricia, Fatima, Allina)
By Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

Luso Food and Wine, owned and operated by Fatima Hemmons and family, is now open in White Center, at 9988 15th SW.

Fatima is bringing Goan and Portuguese imports to the neighborhood; that includes ports, Portuguese and Australian wines, Madeira and beer, as well as sausage, spices and store-label condiments. Fatima is originally from Goa, a former Portuguese colony on the southwest coast of India that was annexed in 1961. Goa is a coastal city heavily influenced by centuries of Portuguese trade and culture as well as Indian culture.

Eldest son Royce tells WCN that the scope of imported products will be expanded as the store gets underway.

In a unique twist, when the retail space is closed, classes for yoga, QiGong, salsa, ballroom, and perhaps hip-hop dancing classes will be scheduled. Fatima is a certified health/fitness coach and believes that offering good food and fun fitness opportunities makes sense for living a good life. Friends of Fatima told WCN that the instructors for these classes have more than a decade of experience and are well qualified to instruct on the studio floor in the newly built retail space.

Royce will be leading the import side of their dual-business space while Fatima focuses on her health/fitness programs and coaching.

They’re not online yet, but the family says they’ll have a Facebook page and website up eventually.

In case you hadn’t heard about this one yet – latest announcement received – great way to help the White Center Food Bank:

White Center is putting the “fun” back in fundraiser with a second chance at prom the way it could have been, and this time it’s on roller skates. Who says prom is just for high school teenagers? We’re taking it back and adding a few grown-up enhancements. Formal attire is highly encouraged but that doesn’t mean you can’t get that baby blue ruffled tux you always wanted to have the nerve (and occasion) to wear. What else are you going to do with that hideously overpriced bridesmaid’s dress your sister/bff made you buy for her wedding? RJB Photo will be on-site to photograph you and all your friends as many times as you like and as silly as you want to be.

Tickets: $20 includes skate rental, 3 hours of skating/dancing, “formal” photo booth by RJB Photo and some adult beverages. 21+

Photos by RJB Photo
Proceeds to benefit White Center Food Bank

Wednesday 9/21/2011 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Southgate Roller Rink
9646 17th Avenue Southwest
Seattle, WA 98106

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com/event/190246
Facebook: facebook.com/RatCityRollerProm

Take a close look – WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz took that photo on Friday, and this photo exactly one week earlier:

You can see a bit of progress, as the iconic Marv’s Broiler sign on 16th SW gets a facelift, Deanie reports. She talked with manager/bartender Tammy, who says Marv’s owners will be restoring the sign’s neon and lights, with the help of White Center Community Development Association grants. Tammy also told Deanie that the rest of Marv’s exterior will get new paint in the coming year.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

Tonight’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council was packed with enough information for a year’s worth of meetings, from updates on some of White Center’s recent major news – like the plan to bring back the WC storefront deputy – to briefings on major transportation issues from the Alaskan Way Viaduct construction work to a new plan for handling road maintenance if a “tiered system” emerges from the next county budget plan. Here are the key points, noted as they happened, though not necessarily in this exact order:

KING COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORT: Capt. Joseph Hodgson delivered this month’s update. He apologized for not bringing crime statistics, saying the analyst has been temporarily reassigned. “I don’t know if there’s anybody in the room that’s not aware of the really big news, but thanks to some great work from the community … we’re getting our storefront deputy back; it’s going to be tremendous. I’m really enthusiastic about the possibilities.” He said it’s generating a lot of interest from deputies and they’re certain they’ll find someone “immensely qualified” for the position. He says they are still looking for two other suspects in the Sweetheart Failautusi murder.

Asked about the Club Reventon/ex-Club Evo situation, Capt. Hodgson says he’s been in touch with Liquor Control Board officials, and mentioned the “secondary club” application (East Marginal Way, as previously reported here). “It surprises me a little bit he would open two clubs under the same name so close together,” Capt. Hodgson observed. “I don’t know what that means to the effort that was occurring here … but it seems as though it is a separate application for a separate location.” Noting its industrial location, he observed it wouldn’t likely have the same kind of impact that the prospective club would have in White Center. He says KCSO has shared some information with the city of Seattle, in whose boundaries the other potential Club Reventon lies.

Major Jim Graddon, also in the room, shared more information about speaking with the city, saying “we’ve offered our assistance, the same information we prepared for DDES in King County. … We’ve already made the offer to share whatever information (Seattle) may want from us.” NHUAC president Barbara Dobkin asked for more elaboration on one line in the letter denying Reventon’s business-license application, mentioning a 64 percent reduction in crime. Capt. Hodgson said he looked at two areas, including one immediately around the club. “In looking at that data, whether you compare periods immediately before and after the club’s closure, or different years … there was approximately a 64 percent reduction in police activity when the club was closed.” That didn’t only involve crime, he clarified, but other requests for law-enforcement assistance. “I was really surprised .. but the numbers kind of speak for themselves.”

NHUAC councilmember Patrick Mosley asked about Deputy Jeff Hancock possibly returning to the storefront deputy position; Capt. Hodgson said he hadn’t talked with him, but he did know that Deputy Hancock had been pleased in working “closer to home”. Major Graddon said he gets to make the final call, as precinct commander, and “certainly understand(s) the desires of the community to have someone who knows what’s going on.” Mosley said he’s concerned about somebody “starting” (from scratch) regarding a rapport from the area; Maj. Graddon said lots of officers already do have that, from working in this area. Capt. Hodgson added, “I see a lot of value in a new perspective. … We’ll see how it plays out.” NHUAC councilmember Rebecca Lopes wondered about the deputy who lives in White Center and has been working in Greenbridge, whether he had applied, and Capt. Hodgson reiterated that they haven’t even opened the application process yet; Maj. Graddon added that they expect to keep that deputy in that position for a while, as part of the contractual responsibilities with the King County Housing Authority. Capt. Hodgson and Maj. Graddon both said they hope to get the new WC storefront deputy in place by October 1st and will open the application process within days. The major said the community-service officer (Peter Truong, currently) should be staying in his role in downtown WC as well. Dobkin asked about specific hours and duties for the deputy; Capt. Hodgson said that’s “still up for discussion” right now, depending on “what’s going to work best for the community.” The Boulevard Park-area deputy works four 10’s, Tuesday-Friday, he noted, and “we would look at that as a possibility,” as well as whether a five-day, 8-hour-a-day schedule would work. (Later in the meeting, NHUAC members talked about the deputy restoration, and their appreciation for the business community and other residents for signing the petition that the council had been circulating since July to get the deputy back. Those petitions will still be submitted, for the records – “they were hard-earned signatures,” NHUAC president Dobkin noted.)

Capt. Hodgson mentioned the call at 16th/Roxbury last night first went out as a shooting, “but it was not .. it was essentially a bar fight.” They located “possible suspects” but the individual “did not want to participate in charges,” and everybody was “cut loose” .. the prosecutor could pursue charges, he said, adding, in response to a question from community member Gill Loring, that it did not appear to be gang-related. A community member then asked if there’s an overall increase in gang activity; Capt. Hodgson said, “It does seem as though there may be,” but has no numbers to quantify that. “It’s certainly rising to a higher level of public awareness.”

NORTH HIGHLINE FIRE DISTRICT CLOSE TO A CONTRACT WITH BURIEN/NORMANDY PARK (FIRE DISTRICT 2): Chief Steve Marstrom briefed NHUAC on the state of the district, after apologizing for not having been as visible as previous chiefs. “My charge has been to stabilize the organization and help set a course for the future of the organization, and that’s where my focus has been.” He said he felt he had inherited last year “a ship full of holes,” and people trying desperately to plug those holes while there was “nobody holding onto the rudder and steering the ship.” He said the problems had included the previous chief’s departure, the annexation by Burien, a failed attempt to get an administrative contract with another district – “the organization needed desperately for somebody to grab hold of the helm and right the ship.” He felt that has now happened, to some degree. And that’s led to a big decision ahead on one big issue: The Burien-Normandy Park contract is up for renewal at the end of this year, but they had told NHFD last year they didn’t intend to renew it as it stood, so an evaluation of options regarding what’s next for the fire district has been under way. One: “Become a completely independent fire district,” he said, operating out of one fire station, “becoming increasingly dependent on volunteers” and with service levels resembling those of 25 years ago. That was a “not very positive option,” he said. Another option: Contract with the City of Seattle. Or, change the terms for the contract with District 2. Or – get annexed. NHFD can’t control the latter, of course, he said, so they had to look at “what we could have some control over – and that was, contracting was the next best option, we felt.”

They talked with Seattle, considered briefly “until they told us how much they wanted us to pay them, and it was so far out of reach,” it was infeasible. Regarding renegotiating with District 2, he said that’s pretty much the only option, and they are “coming close to … negotiating an improved agreement from the current contract. This new approach combines the administration of both districts into one.” The District 2 fire chief would become the NH fire chief. It would be a four-station department, with a chief responsible to the citizens of both districts, and NH sharing in the cost of administration and support. Two NH battalion chiefs “would transfer employment to district 2,” as would one member of the clerical staff. He says that agreement “is expected to save the NHFD more than $200,000 a year over what we expect to spend in 2011. That’s pretty significant in my view.” Overall, he believes, “everybody comes out a winner.” He says “the timing is good” because the county assessor had recently said the assessed value in the district is dropping almost 10 percent, which would mean a drop in revenue for the district as it stands now – about $250,000 worth, in fact. He says the negotiations with District 2 have been under way for several months, and both districts’ boards will take their first look at the draft contract next Tuesday. It then would be an action item on the September 20th agenda, and the contract could take effect October 1st. No formal public hearing is scheduled but “interested citizens are welcome to attend either or both meeting.” The meetings will both be at North Highline FD HQ, 10 am for next Tuesday’s meeting, 6 pm for the Sept. 20th meeting.

NHUAC councilmember Ron Johnson asked Chief Marstrom, “So (if this all takes effect) you would get to retire again?” He said, after a brief transition period, yes – possibly as short as a week. North Highline FD would still have its own Board of Commissioners, and would be an autonomous district, Marstrom stressed.

ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT UPDATE: Matt Preedy, a West Seattle resident who is running the Alaskan Way Viaduct South End Replacement Project, briefed NHUAC and the standing-room-only audience on where things stand. In particular, Preedy wanted to make sure everybody knows about the upcoming 9-day Viaduct closure (October 21-31) as well as the Central Waterfront tunnel project. He went over the details of the south-end viaduct replacement, and also pointed out where the tunnel work will start at the south end. (You can check this all out through a series of graphics on the Alaskan Way Viaduct website.) If you haven’t already heard all about the 9-day closure – after which, the Viaduct’s speed limit will be decreased, 40 mph overall except for a 25 mph “advisory speed” through a detour replacing the section near the stadiums – we rolled video on the briefing and will add it once it’s uploaded. He also mentioned the answer to a frequently asked question – since the tunnel doesn’t have a mid-downtown exit, how will people from West Seattle get downtown? – it’s the King Street-vicinity exit, before the tunnel. Construction for the tunnel has officially started as of about nine days ago – no dirt turned yet, “about a month out,” said Preedy, but “we’re not that far away from a groundbreaking ceremony.”

SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT UPDATE: Paul Elliott from SDOT followed Preedy by discussing this project, involving the section of the West Seattle Bridge known as the Spokane Street Viaduct – between Highway 99 and I-5. He mentioned that the new lanes will be 11 feet wide, with a 7-foot shoulder, compared to the current 10-foot-wide, no shoulder lanes. Elliott also mentioned the relatively new 4th Avenue South ramp that has plenty of capacity for folks to use. (We can vouch for that, having used it almost daily for the past month, heading to the County Courthouse for a trial on behalf of our partner site West Seattle Blog.) Elliott reiterated that the 1st Avenue South on- and off-ramp on the westbound half of the Spokane Street Viaduct should be done by the end of the year, and the entire project by sometime next spring. But even once construction is done, he said, the old structure needs some work. The timing/sequencing of those hasn’t yet been worked out, he said, but for the duration of any closures, at least one eastbound offramp (either 1st or 4th) will remain open. In response to a question later, Preedy said that the new tunnel will not have any cargo restrictions beyond the ones that already exist for the Battery Street Tunnel. NHUAC councilmember Rebecca Lopes asked if there’s a tolling amount yet for the tunnel; Preedy mentioned that a Tolling Advisory Committee is being assembled, and will start work later this year to “study the correct method/rates for tolling” – enough to raise the funding that the project is relying on, but not so much as to discourage tunnel usage. Whether it will be a temporary or permanent toll, Preedy said, has not yet been determined.

AIRPORT WAY BRIDGE CLOSURE: Elliott was asked about this (officially the Argo Bridge Closure); it looks like it’ll start within a few months, and the bridge will be closed for at least a year. Simultaneous with the Viaduct closure timing? it was asked. Preedy said that regional transportation authorities are looking that to see if that should be delayed, if it doesn’t look like there is enough “capacity” to replace what’s being lost on 99 during the 9-day closure, though he stressed that there are reasons it’s not a good idea to delay the Airport Way work further.

KING COUNTY DOT: The next transportation person to go on the agenda was DeAnna Martin, a planner from Metro. She invited questions about Metro. NHUAC president Dobkin asked about bus service and the 99 closure. She stressed the importance of bus riders signing up for e-mail alerts. She noted that while some buses are getting additional service (as we reported on West Seattle Blog earlier this week), the West Seattle Water Taxi will remain at its current service levels (King County Councilmember Joe McDermott’s staff, though, tells us they will be working on accessibility issues – perhaps surrounding parking for the water taxi, which is challenging at its Seacrest Pier terminal in West Seattle). She also spoke about the “right-sizing” of bus service – possibly replacing fullsize buses in some areas with DART service, for example. She didn’t think that was going to have much effect on this area of the county, though. She noted that Metro will be out in the White Center area (we know this is also the case for West Seattle) starting in October to talk about future potential route changes as the West Seattle RapidRide Line kicks in one year from now. There was also discussion of the Congestion Relief Charge – $20 added to car tabs – approved by the County Council recently. CM McDermott rose from the audience to speak to an attendee’s question, saying they’ve always been clear that while the service hours won’t be cut, it doesn’t mean status quo for service – there may be changes, but not cuts in hours. A side discussion erupted over whether the county might consider reviewing whether to change the zone line – right now, it’s the Seattle city limits, and everyone south of them pays for two zones to travel to and from downtown.

KING COUNTY ROADS: Strategic Planner Jay Osborne brought a presentation with which he says they’re making the rounds. He says unincorporated King County has a million daily trips on its roads – with only half of that by residents who are paying taxes for them. Osborne noted that they are affected by the mentioned-earlier drops in property assessments – his own home, he noted, is worth $60,000 less than its assessed value a year earlier, on the notice that he just received. Overall, he says, they’re now working with a “Strategic Plan for Road Services” (you can see it here), which sets out the division’s priorities. He says the cameras/signal regulation going in on 16th, by the way, are funded by a grant. He says White Center and Skyway are getting sidewalk projects because there is funding based on “social equity” – asked by NHUAC councilmember Liz Giba exactly where they are, Osborne admitted he didn’t have that information handy. The county has 1,552 miles of roads, and has had to project potential bottoming-out of revenues, which means they would have “tiered service levels.”

Theresa Canfield stepped in at that point to explain which North Highline road (out of about 54 miles of them) fits on which tier. Osborne then said that some roads may even have to revert, if they are determined to be Tier 5, to gravel. But principal roadways like 16th SW and the south side of SW Roxbury are Tier 1 and will always be kept in “good condition,” he said. Tier 2 roadways will get attention too (SW 107th is in this category). Tier 3 roadways might have to be allowed to deteriorate, he said. Other examples sown: 26th SW is Tier 3; 24th SW is Tier 4; 28th SW is Tier 5. There will be less ability for snow/ice removal in the future, he noted, as revenues decline. Interesting stat: From 1996 to 2006, there was 1 event that qualified for federal assistance regarding King County roads, said Osborne; since 2006, he said, there have been 12. (Wind, snow, ice, etc.) Osborne said they’re out talking about this now because it’ll be part of the budget process that is coming up this fall – and the tiered system theoretically would kick in next January. Regarding the current work on 16th, Osborne was asked about the sidewalk cleanup following the current work, and he said that since the paving has just been finished, the cleanup should follow. For the next 20 years, he said, there are about $1.3 billion dollars worth of needs – and funding projections falling about $1 billion short of that.

NHUAC’S FUTURE: President Dobkin wants to hear from the community how they would like to see the council continue – given that the county’s way of dealing with UAC’s, and funding, will change as of the end of the year. “We have a lot of things to think about,” she said, adding that, “since we’re a community council, we want to hear from the community.” Dobkin says she believes the council should continue, even without formal county support/financing. She asked other members to talk to the people they encounter, to find out what they think. (If you would like to chime in via e-mail, contact information is on the NHUAC website.)

GRAFFITI PROGRAM REMINDER: NHUAC councilmember Christine Waldman reminded all present about the NHUAC Graffiti Management Program, with resources for fighting it – there’s more information on the NHUAC website (scroll to the lower left), if you know of graffiti that needs to be taken care of.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: FALL RECYCLING EVENT on September 10th at Evergreen High School (info link is on the NHUAC website) … North Highline Fire District Commissioners meet at 10 am Tuesday, September 6th (and as noted above, they’ll have a big issue on their agenda).

PUBLIC COMMENT: None tonight.

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 pm, North Highline FD headquarters.

Just two days after King County Councilmembers approved an emergency moratorium on dance-club-type businesses in this area, White Center’s KCCM Joe McDermott sends word that the business license application for Club Reventon at the ex-Evo location has been denied by DDES. We had first reported last week about the business-license application. We’re likely to hear more about this – or at least some discussion – at tonight’s meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council; it’s at 7 pm at North Highline Fire District HQ.

P.S. WCN has tried repeatedly to reach the prospective Reventon partners for comment on recent developments, and so far, our messages have gone without reply.

Here’s a unique way to experience today’s first day of school in Highline Public Schools – and 49 more days after that: Interim Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati is planning to visit “50 sites in 50 days,” and he’s writing about it here. He started with writing about his Tuesday Madrona Elementary in SeaTac, and it looks like he plans to write about visiting a few more schools on this actual first day of classes. (In case you’re wondering, on the other side of the line, Seattle Public Schools don’t start till next Wednesday.)

11:08 AM: Sarah took this photo before King County Sheriff’s Deputies had even arrived, so we have no other details, but we’re en route to check. 28th/106th, taken just before 11 am Thursday. More to come.

UPDATE: Nobody hurt; the crash was only blocking part of the intersection, and since a tow truck had already arrived by the time we got there around 11:20, it was expected to be cleared quickly.

9:11 AM: We’re at the King County Courthouse, where Anthony Haroldlee Smith, charged with second-degree murder in the August 16th shooting of 23-year-old Sweetheart Failautusi, has just appeared for arraignment. Two members of Sweetheart’s family were in the courthouse, but an advocate asked media reps – regional TV and radio were here too – not to photograph them. Smith has just pleaded not guilty, in a very brief hearing. The defense asked Judge Ronald Kessler to order the media not to photograph his face; the judge denied the motion, after a TV reporter (speaking for us all) pointed out that a surveillance video showing Smith (and two other, as yet not arrested, suspects) has already been widely shown.

ADDED 9:31 AM: Video of the entire hearing, picking up after the lawyers (without Smith present) made the photography-related motion, ending just before several names of witnesses were mentioned, in an order for Smith not to contact them.

(Vera, daughter Johanna, White Center Food Bank’s Rick Jump)
Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

Supportive friends, businesses and well-wishers from White Center and beyond arrived through the evening at last night’s party/rally/benefit at Big Al Brewing – to listen to music, put in bids on generously donated auction items and congratulate Vera Johnson, a local hero to many and an inspiration to struggling homeowners well beyond White Center.

Her monthly payments have been reduced on her new Fannie Mae loan and in this economy, she says, it still will be a stretch and it will still climb every year for five years to cap at 6%, she believes, but she has yet to see the actual paperwork and is hoping that she will on Thursday. Even so, the burden has been lightened so that Vera can pursue strategies for increased revenue that she hopes will include regular events at the nursery, such as weddings and music performances.

(added Thursday afternoon) Co-organizer Aileen Sison (above) says the event raised more than $1,000, in addition to Big Al’s donating a portion of the proceeds.

(Dave & Christine Spencer (of Triangle Tavern with dog Peanut, Ronda Stapleton of Full Tilt and son Zeke share in the celebration)
Vera mentioned that the first time she went to the Bank of America Customer Assistance Center in downtown Seattle, she was the only person there. The next time she went there were only a handful of people getting assistance from the five or six people she believes work there strictly on loan modifications. “I am not convinced that people know that that Center is available to the extent that they should, “ wondering aloud why that information hasn’t been made more available to Bank of America customers.

(WCN/WSB video added 7:20 pm)
(Cross-posted from partner site West Seattle Blog at 3:27 pm): Looks like tonight’s support rally will turn into a victory celebration. Just received from Bank of America, and confirmed by someone who answered the phone at Village Green Perennial Nursery (Vera was not available):

I wanted to make you aware of a final decision in regards to Vera Johnson’s mortgage modification.

As soon as we learned of Vera Johnson’s concerns, Bank of America employees at our Seattle Customer Assistance Center began working closely with her to understand her financial situation and collect the necessary paperwork. Based on the financial documents she provided and some last minute issues we identified and were able to help her resolve, Fannie Mae extended to Ms. Johnson a permanent modification.

We are pleased to be able to offer her this permanent modification that should allow her to stay in her home and keep her business.

Britney W. Sheehan
Media Relations

Again, as previewed on WSB this morning, the 5-9 pm event is at Big Al Brewing, 9832 14th SW in White Center.

ADDED 7:20 PM: We talked briefly with Vera toward the start of tonight’s event – she stresses that she hasn’t seen the documents yet; the video is now atop this story.

Just talked with King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, following county leaders’ announcement today of a new plan to fight gang violence. As part of the plan, Councilmember McDermott says, they have found funding to restore the White Center storefront sheriff’s deputy – at least through the end of 2012.

The proposal requires official council approval, but he doesn’t expect that to be a problem. If this moves ahead as quickly as planned, he expects the storefront deputy to be back in place within about a month. He tells WCN that the White Center community deserves huge credit for making this possible (a “restore the deputy” petition started by the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council has been in circulation since July).

Here’s the official news release – in addition to the storefront deputy as #3 on the list, note #5, which involves nursing services for White Center:

The growth of gang violence in South King County will be targeted by a coordinated King County response of suppression, intervention, and prevention funded with $1.4 million from the Criminal Justice Reserve, under a proposal by King County Executive Dow Constantine developed in collaboration with Metropolitan King County Councilmembers and criminal justice leaders.

“The problem is emerging quickly and our actions must be swift. We cannot and we will not tolerate the criminal activities of gangs in our communities,” said Executive Constantine. “In the long run we know we cannot arrest our way out of this problem, so this proposal balances gang suppression with investments in tried and true solutions that give youth an opportunity for a healthy start, an education, and employment – known factors that reduce crime and gang involvement.”

The Council established the Criminal Justice Reserve fund as part of the 2011 budget in order to respond to emergent needs related to public safety and ensure the smooth functioning of the criminal justice system.

“Indicators that are most common in South King County– like poverty, unemployment, dropping out of school and teen pregnancy – all help to create a common denominator of hopelessness that often leads to a life of crime and violence. If we intend to effectively address these issues, we must take a closer look at how investments are made,” said Council Budget Chair Julia Patterson, whose district includes South King County. “Addressing gang violence requires law enforcement and it requires prosecution, but intervention and prevention are key pieces of the puzzle, and the Executive’s proposal calls for all of these things simultaneously.”

“We specifically set aside these funds in the 2011 budget to allow us to tackle critical criminal justice needs as they occur,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Vice-Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “Increasing our efforts to fight gang activities in light of recent increased violence is exactly the type of situation for which this reserve was intended. By prioritizing these critical programs, we can continue to make King County family-friendly and gang-unfriendly.”

“To protect our kids and communities, we need to invest in additional resources to combat the gang violence problem,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, Chair of the Council’s Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee. “Law enforcement needs the tools necessary to combat the ongoing gang war in our region, which include prevention and intervention services that help provide better futures for our youth and prevent them from becoming involved in gangs.”

In a letter sent today to the Council, the Executive proposed $1.4 million from the Criminal Justice Reserve for seven programs that address gang issues and can be implemented quickly, starting in October and lasting through the end of 2012:

1. Expand the Prosecutor’s anti-gang unit ($456,000) by supporting a team of three deputy prosecutors and a paralegal who would focus solely on gang-related cases. The Prosecutor’s Office recently lost federal funds that were focused on prosecuting gang members.

2. Provide equipment for the Sheriff’s gang unit ($30,000), including ballistic vests, binoculars, video equipment, training and software for video enhancement, and supplies used in serving search warrants and arrest warrants.

3. Restore the “storefront” deputy in White Center ($179,000), a position in the Sheriff’s Office that was cut in 2011 following the lack of voter approval for revenues to maintain criminal justice services. Restoring the position will return proactive law enforcement to the White Center neighborhood.

4. Continue funding for the Sheriff’s Latino education outreach program ($15,000), which reaches young Latino mothers and other family members on gang prevention and keeping young children safe from gang recruitment and activity. Funding will support Spanish-language radio and TV spots, translated materials, and community and event coordination in east, south, and west King County.

5. Add two nurses to the Nurse Family Partnership Program focused on the White Center/Burien and Tukwila/SeaTac areas ($312,500). Many women in South King County are eligible for services but don’t receive them. Nurses in this very successful Public Health program connect high-risk mothers with services to improve health outcomes, resulting in demonstrably lower rates of involvement of these young women in the criminal justice system.

6. Restore two case managers for the Back to School and Employment Training Program ($309,000), which provides education and employment training for youthful offenders in South King County. Grant funding for five case managers expired earlier this year.

7. Continue funding for the Avanza project ($137,500), an education and employment training program for Latino youth at risk of dropping out of school or falling into the juvenile justice system. This program has been successful in engaging truant youth back into school and providing employment opportunities, and without the proposed funding it will shut down this fall when grant funds expire. Both this program and the Back to School and Employment Training program are managed through a partnership between King County Superior Court and the King County Work Training Program.

“I thank the Executive and members of the County Council for acting so quickly to our call for assistance. This comprehensive proposal to fund dedicated gang prosecutors is a rapid response to an escalating threat to public safety,” said Dan Satterberg, King County Prosecuting Attorney. “It will allow my office to build strong cases against the leaders of violent gangs and at the same time, fund programs for at-risk youth, so that we can offer them an alternative to the gang life.”

“The actions being taken by the Executive and the Council are a thoughtful approach to an ongoing problem, and we sincerely appreciate their working closely with the King County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Sue Rahr. “This will help our Deputies and Detectives do their jobs even better.”

“This is a well-rounded approach. Early childhood interventions, employment training and criminal justice resources will not only work to prevent violence but will also help many individuals become contributing community members,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott, who represents White Center.

“I was shocked and appalled by the shooting of 13 people in Kent recently. The incident started a gang war in South King County that is a very serious problem,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “These resources are desperately needed to respond quickly and forcefully. This kind of violence will not be tolerated in our communities. I applaud the leadership of Prosecutor Satterberg for raising the issue and to my colleagues for acting decisively.”

“South King County has become a battleground for some gangs from other areas of the Puget Sound region,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “We must present a unified front – urban, suburban and rural – to fight this growing problem.”

“Responding to the rising threat of gang violence is critical to protecting the safety of King County residents,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “This is the best use of the criminal justice reserve that the Council set aside for this type of emergency.”

“Gang violence affects our entire community, not just South King County,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “Programs like these give us the tools necessary to combat gang violence and provide positive opportunities for at-risk young people.”

Gang-related violence has increased over the past three years, according to the Prosecutor and Sheriff:

In 2008 and 2009 combined, King County had 29 gang-related homicides and 200 reported gang-related shootings.
As many as 10,000 gang members are estimated to live in the county, as part of an estimated 140 active criminal street gangs.
Crime related to gang activity has increased 165 percent since 2005, with some of the growth occurring in South King County.

The Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will discuss the anti-gang funding proposal at its meeting tomorrow (Wednesday), with Council action possible in early September.