White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Special delivery for White Center-headquartered WestSide Baby!

The Jolly Rogers Motorcycle Club‘s Halloween party at the White Center Eagles’ HQ resulted in diapers and dollars for WestSide Baby’s work helping thousands of local families.

Another new White Center establishment is about to open – Lariat Bar at 9829 16th SW says it’s opening this Saturday (November 13th). Its theme: Pro wrestling.

P.S. They open at 4 pm Saturday.

A museum in Burien is inviting you to tell your story! Here’s the announcement:

Everybody has a story to tell.

South King County residents now have an outlet to share their unique stories with their community.

Their outlet is “7 Stories,” a monthly night of storytelling at the Highline Heritage Museum, 819 SW 152nd St., in Burien.

The concept is simple: Seven storytellers tell seven different stories in seven minutes each. Each evening has an overall theme, loosely interpreted.

The programs are introduced by the hosts for the evening who share a biography of each storyteller

From crass to delicate, told by wallflowers or clowns, these real stories are mesmerizing, raw, powerful or humorous. Don’t think fables, ghost or children’s stories. This is not a theatrical performance but true stories from friends, acquaintances or a community member you have never met. Storytellers are encouraged to use the language they feel most comfortable with. Stories are memorized and told from the heart. The event is livestreamed and later put on YouTube.

Storytellers are picked in advance. To apply, go to http://burienculturehub.com/7stories.

The mission of 7 Stories is to build community, strengthen our understanding and appreciation of our rich diversity and celebrate it, through the telling of our stories.

Organizers are seeking storytellers for the next event on Friday, November 19. The theme is “Plan B.”

We all had to have a plan B during Covid! Or maybe we didn’t. Or maybe our plan B was only developed when Plan A went sideways. Maybe on that vacation you wished you had a Plan B. You get the idea.

Upcoming themes include, “If Only I’d Listened,” December 17; “How Did I Get Here,” January 28; “My First Crush,” February 25 and “When I was a Kid,” March 25.

The concept for 7 Stories was imported down by Sybil Davis, who moved from Juneau to Burien in 2010. In Juneau, Sybil attended similar events, where they were called “Mudrooms,” to evoke people swapping stories on their front stoops.

Sybil felt the South King County and West Seattle area was ripe for a community building program that explores and shares the stories of its residents.

The Highline Heritage Museum, Burien Arts Association and Burien Culture Hub enthusiastically signed on as sponsors.

Your local firefighters want to bring holiday joy to 25 families around their coverage area again this year. All they need is some help from you – starting today:

From Thursday night’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council:

WHITE CENTER FIRES/SAFETY: Guests were King County permitting-division director Jim Chan, fire/building marshal Chris Ricketts, Fire Chief Mike Marrs, and Sheriff’s Office community crime-prevention Deputy Bill Kennamer. Marrs noted that six “large-loss” fires happened in the area in a relatively short time, but no, that doesn’t mean a firebug is on the loose – only one of the six fires (the July 5th fire that started in the Lumber Yard) was a “criminal act of arson.” The others were the result of “reckless” acts but not criminal. The Locker Room fires were both believed to be “discarded smoking material … in the front planter box,” while the Atlas Electric building fires were believed to have been started by trespassers. NHUAC’s Liz Giba wondered, do any of the businesses involved or nearby have fire alarms? Reply: Not that anyone present was aware – “they’re (the buildings) pretty old.” Marrs recalled some deadly fires in other parts of the country – “older buildings quite often have a higher fatality rate,” though so far no lives have been lost here. Giba asked, “Is there any talk about making the buildings in White Center safer?” Ricketts noted that laws often change after a catastrophe somewhere; he noted White Center’s former Club Evo, which was under orders to upgrade and add sprinklers, but ran into a problem connecting to water supply. To her question, it was noted that “we can only hold people accountable to (upgrading to) the code when there’s a change to the structure.” These upgrade systems are “extremely expensive.” Maybe some lower-cost actions – like an alarm – would make a building safer, though not as safe as newer buildings.

Participants wondered about certain kinds of grants or government funding to pay for safety upgrades; not as available as you might hope, said Local Services director John Taylor, though he mentioned the “participatory budgeting” $3 million. He also said Road Services is looking at a potential redesign for 16th SW, and another longer-term effort to look at “building back” in the WC core. Meantime, Marrs said a fire-safety mailer is going out to downtown businesses soon, Are there regular inspections? Short answer, no, as the Fire District doesn’t have a dedicated inspector. All they’re doing is “tactical surveys” so they know what they’d have to do if there’s a fire, Marrs said. Chan recalled an annual-inspection program in the past “but we prioritized the larger structures” – schools, multi-family residential buildings, for example. But they’ve since had to “re-focus” funding on other things, like permit work. Taylor agreed to take a look at what can be done. Ella Williams from County Councilmember Joe McDermott‘s office said they’re looking at ways to help, including through the budget process. Regarding trespassing by unhoused people seeking shelter, Deputy Kennamer said that with LEAD‘s help, many people have gotten housing – but not everyone will accept services, and they’re worried about people breaking into the burned-out building on 16th.

Moving to the topic of help for fire-affected businesses, Taylor noted that a dozen businesses have received $108,000 total do far, and recapped the recent federal disaster declaration making July 5th fire victims eligible for low-interest loans, Giba asked how long the burned-out buildings can stand. It’s up to the businesses and property owner(s), Taylor said; Chan said that if it’s secured and not a safety hazard, “it can stay for a while.” They keep watch on health/safety concerns such as rodents. Deputy Kennamer said he’s been contacted by the building’s owner three times already to clear people out (they were gone before deputies arrived). “We do not have the right to order a property owner to redevelop, or sell,” Chan noted. All the affected businesses are currently going through the insurance-claims process right now, Taylor added. He also said that the county plans to waive the permit fees for rebuilding.

OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN: Asked about other areas of concern, Deputy Kennamer said the Empire Hookah Lounge in Top Hat has been linked to more than a dozen crimes of violence – including four shootings – and 69 other “calls for service.” He would like to see it get a fire inspection because it draws big crowds. It’s been cited for code violations already, Ricketts said. Erick Thomas from the Liquor and Cannabis Board said if they don’t comply, their license could be in jeopardy. … Kennamer also mentioned a Beverly Park house that’s been a hub of criminal activity – recently in one day alone, three stolen cars were recovered. One of the tenants now has an eviction notice because of the criminal activity.

NORTH HIGHLINE SUBAREA PLAN: Jacqueline Reid was there with a reminder that the plan draft is up for public review through November 28th. As point person for the plan, she replaced David Goodman, who moved on to another job. Here’s the timeline for the plan:

The draft is two parts – both a written document and a package of map amendments:

Here’s how to comment:

Part of the proposal is for upzoning to higher density.

How would the resulting loss of yards and trees be dealt with? asked Giba. There are some landscaping requirements, said Reid. NHUAC’s Barbara Dobkin said that’s a surprise to hear because she’s seen many smaller homes built recently “with absolutely no landscaping.” Chan noted that the intent was to pack in the density where there is urban infrastructure. “But we don’t have that infrastructure,” protested Dobkin. Sidewalks are missing, drainage is poor, there’s no way for kids to walk safely to parks. Taylor said that should all be on the “community needs list.” When Reid continued with her presentation, she mentioned that development height between Roxbury and 100th would be limited to 40 feet to keep within scale. She also called attention to the Draft Inclusionary Housing Program, which sounds a lot like the HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability program in Seattle, an incentive for affordable housing, either developed outright or supported by developer fees. Giba urged everyone to take the time to review the draft and comment – in hopes that’ll lead to a healthy White Center in the decades ahead.

CRIME TRENDS: Deputy Kennamer said auto theft is up, probably related to the aforementioned house, but the real story is commercial burglaries, which “really spiked last month” – 19. They’re looking for a suspect who they think is linked to most of them. Firearms calls were up. Dobkin mentioned a huge trash pileup outside the house where Seattle Police shot and killed a man earlier this year, in the 10000 block of 21st SW; Kennamer and Taylor promised to see what could be done.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, December 2nd, 7 pm online.

(WCN photos)

Meet Anu and P.K., proprietors of The Roll Pod. They opened the doors on their new White Center restaurant (9602 16th SW) tonight. We stopped in for photos, including the mural wall:

This is the Indian fast-food restaurant’s second bricks-and-mortar location; the other is in Bellevue.

See the menu here. The Roll Pod will be open 7 days a week, 11 am-8:30 pm.

If you’re interested in the tiny-house encampment just inside the Seattle city limits on Myers Way, take note – its Community Advisory Committee meetings are changing to a new day/time starting this week, as of Tuesday (November 9th):

Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee Meeting Announcement

Take note! The day and time for our recurring meetings will now be the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm! The Zoom ID and password will be the SAME as we have used previously. Please update your calendars!

The next meeting of the Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee will be Tuesday November 9th at 6:00 pm.

Due to concerns and limitations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings are being conducted virtually until further notice.

Topic: C2C CAC Monthly Meeting
Time: 6:00 PM Pacific Time
Location: via Zoom

Join Meeting instantly:
us02web.zoom.us/j/85855234269?pwd=aG1yeDkzTWtmS0MyVENLUzRsYXNBQT09

Or by phone:

One tap mobile
+12532158782,,85855234269#,,1#,9701# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 858 5523 4269
Password: 9701

Thanks for the tips! The sign’s been up for months at 9602 16th SW – now finally The Roll Pod is about to get rolling. The Indian fast-food mini-chain says its White Center location will open its doors this Saturday (November 6th) at 6 pm. It’s also offering 15 percent discounts with the promo code WESTROLL. Hours will be 11 am to 8:30 pm, 7 days a week. You can preview the menu here. This will be the fifth incarnation for the space in less than five years – 3.14 Bakery, Brass Knuckle Bistro, Biscuit Bitch, and Bloom Bistro.

From the election-night results count, a few races of particular note:

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Dow Constantine – 169,087 – 57.3%
Joe Nguyen – 122,573 – 41.5%

HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS PROP. 1
Yes – 8,946 – 60.1%
No – 5,933 – 39.8%

These are just the first results – next round, tomorrow afternoon.

8 pm is your absolute last moment to turn in your ballot for the general election – and that’s only if you’re taking it to a King County Elections dropbox – White Center has one at the library, 1409 SW 107th; if you are intent on using the US Postal Service, hurry – the ballot has to be postmarked today. The two major decisions for White Center-area voters are King County Executive and the Highline Public Schools levy. First results will be out around 8:15 tonight.

Thursday night, the hottest current White Center issues are in the spotlight at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s online monthly meeting:

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where? North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC)
When? Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 7 pm

Join Via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85207092084?pwd=QW5tRFArUjhkcEhwTXRaOWh0Q1NoQT09

Or By Phone: 253-215-8782

Meeting ID: 852 0709 2084
Passcode: 010580

________________________________________________________________________

AGENDA – November 4, 2021

7:00 pm – Safety: Hazards, Precautions and Prevention in White Center’s Business District

Jim Chan – Divisional Director
Permitting Division — King County Department of Local Services

Mike Marrs – Fire Chief
North Highline Fire District

Chris Ricketts — Fire Marshal
Permitting Division — King County Department of Local Services

8:10 pm – Planning Our Future: King County’s Proposed Subarea Plan for North Highline
Jacqueline Reid — Project/Program Manager
Permitting Division — King County Department of Local Services

8:40 pm – Community Updates and Crime Statistics from Our Community Deputy
Bill Kennamer – Deputy – King County Sheriff’s Office

________________________________________________________________________

Be Informed, Be Involved, Be Heard! www.northhiglineuac.org

4:42 PM: You have to laugh, or else you’ll cry. We were reminded of that old saying outside still-shuttered Bizzarro Italian Café in White Center this afternoon, where one of the people handing out candy wore a hat of fake flames. White Center’s annual businsss trick-or-treating event, which started at 3 pm, is bigger than ever, despite the fire closures. We walked down the block in the heart of the fire zone, where we also found the Full Tilt Ice Cream team offering treats outside their closed shop. Some businesses have found new homes, like La Tipica Oaxaqueña on the southwest corner of 16th/Roxbury, where a very lively trick-or-treat tent was swarmed. The fun continued southward – outside the 16th entrance to Southgate Roller Rink, and beyond – as well as the other side of 16th; good turnout.

8:12 PM: A few more photos – here are Full Tilt proprietors Ann and Justin’s kids Ruby and Moss helping out:

Christine was in charge of the candy outside Southgate:

And here’s the corner crowd outside La Tipica Oaxaqueña:

Trick-or-treating is over but Halloween revelry continues into the night at venues including Boombox, which has a karaoke costume party going on its patio until 2 am.

Two months after the second fire in two years at the former Atlas Electric (among other incarnations) building, what was left of it has been demolished and cleared. Thanks to Gill Loring for sending the photo after seeing the now-empty site. County records show the demolition permit was issued earlier this month, but no other development/building permits are currently pending.

(July 5th White Center Now/West Seattle Blog photo by Patrick Sand)

Following up on part of what was mentioned at the community meeting last week, King County sent word this week that the federal Small Business Administration has declared an Economic Injury Disaster. That means businesses and organizations affected by the July 5th fire can apply for low-interest loans up to $2 million if they have suffered from “substantial economic injury” (here’s the definition, and how to apply). If you’re not eligible, the county is promising “seek out more options for other fire victims.”

From King County:

The comment period for the 2021 Public Review Draft of the North Highline Community Service Area Subarea Plan, and Land Use and Zoning Map Amendments has been extended through November 28. Learn more about the Subarea Plan at this link: kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/permits/planning-regulations/subarea-plans/north-highline.aspx

Your feedback is vital to ensuring that the collective wisdom of the community is part of the development of the North Highline Subarea Plan. After the close of the comment period, King County will update the plan and map amendments based on the input received. The Executive will then send the revised plan and map amendments to the King County Council in early 2022. The Council is scheduled to review, revise, and adopt the North Highline Subarea Plan, including map amendments, in 2022. There will be a public hearing prior to Council’s adoption of amendments.

There are multiple ways to share your thoughts about the plan:

Dynamic web portal: Go to publicinput.com/NorthHighline and follow the process for providing comments on the Subarea Plan and Land Use and Zoning Map Amendments. This website also provides information and accepts comments in multiple languages.
Email to:subareaplanning@kingcounty.gov. Please make sure that the subject line contains “North Highline.”

US Mail:
Jacqueline Reid
King County Permitting Division
35030 SE Douglas Street, Suite 210
Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9266
Voicemail: 206-263-3000

The comment period for a draft inclusionary housing implementing ordinance that would apply in North Highline has also been extended through November 28. See the King County website for draft materials and ways to submit comments.

It’s been a tough year for White Center businesses but they aren’t letting that get them down – look how many plan to participate in this year’s White Center trick-or-treating! Get your costume on and get ready to show it off as you make the rounds on Sunday, starting at 3 pm.

That’s Crescent Calimpong, volunteer coordinator for King County Parks, who had quite a crowd to coordinate at Steve Cox Memorial Park on Saturday;

Crescent had 17 volunteers for a fall tree-planting event, mostly students, reports Gill Loring, who took the photos. This was a three-hour event – that’s all you need to give, a small amount of time to make a big difference! Other opportunities are coming up, including one at White Center Heights Park in less than two weeks – go here to sign up.

Best way to avoid the supply-chain snarls – shop local, handmade! You can do that right now at the first holiday bazaar of the season, at the White Center Eagles‘ HQ (10452 15th SW) until 6 pm.

They’re selling lunch, too – grilled-cheese sandwiches and soup. P.S. With road-work closures at 15th/Roxbury and 15th/107th, you’ll want to access 15th by taking a nearby cross-street like 102nd or 106th.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

Eleven days and 750+ signatures after a White Center petition declared the community to be in a state of emergency, King County officials convened an online meeting to promise they’ll do something about it.

Tuesday afternoon’s meeting included one major promise: Extra King County Sheriff’s Office presence, via overtime spending. This, instead of the %175,000 worth of private security demanded in the community petition. KCSO presence at the meeting included the new Precinct 4 commander, Major Joe Hodgson. He brought updated crime stats for the heart of White Center, which are part of the slide deck used for the meeting:

A key community question for Hodgson and KCSO Patrol Operations Chief Jesse Anderson – how much money and time would the overtime investment in White Center total? And given community concerns about KCSO’s “ongoing unresponsiveness,” would the plan just bring “more of the same”? The department officials didn’t have exact numbers handy but insisted, “White Center is a high priority for us.” One business owner said words aren’t enough: “These issues, somebody has to do something about it … We need to take action now.’

Insistence that the county is already doing something was voiced at the very beginning of the meeting, when County Executive Dow Constantine spoke, trying to counter the petition’s pronouncement of a “lack of timely and effective action.” He said the county already had directed money to businesses affected by the fires, and made commitments – besides the KCSO OT – including providing the businesses with more “technical assistance.” He also said he’s seeking a disaster declaration that, if granted, would among other things qualify the fire-affected businesses to apply for sizable loans.

As for the fires themselves, investigator Tom Devine recapped what they believe so far – the July fire that started at the Lumber Yard Bar remains “under investigation … we’re actively pursuing all leads” and still very interested in community tips. The two Locker Room fires “weren’t criminal” but resulted from “reckless acts.” The fire at the old Atlas Electric building on 17th is believed to have been “not intentional” but rather related to “homeless people” and “some recklessness with flames.”

North Highline Fire District Chief Mike Marrs presented fire-prevention information, with specifics on how to make your property less fire-prone (you can see that advice in the slide deck above). He urged people to call and report even small fires, even if they’re already out.

The call for community tips and overall watchfulness was repeated by multiple meeting participants. For fires, crimes, even just something suspicious … report it. You might not get an instant response, but it will be on record.

Another theme: Cross-jurisdiction cooperation. Seattle Police and Fire leaders spoke at the meeting too. From the latter, SFD Chief Harold Scoggins didn’t give a presentation, but did answer a question about last month’s fire in South Delridge, noting that his investigators had ruled its cause “undetermined.” From SPD, the second in command from the West Seattle/South Park precinct, Lt. Dorothy Kim, brought crime stats from the West Seattle neighborhoods that border White Center (you can see those in the slide deck above, too).

The meeting, facilitated by Department of Local Services director John Taylor, hopped around to a variety of topics, including what the county is doing to “reimagine public safety” as it moves from an elected sheriff to appointed sheriff. But it circled back to community involvement toward the end, with KCSO’s Manny Apostol listing projects he’s coordinating – a community cleanup, a mural project, a “business block watch.” (No specific dates yet, but if you’re interested in any of the above, email him at manuel.apostol@kingcounty.gov.)

Taylor concluded by insisting again, “We heard you.”

(If you missed the meeting, you can watch the recorded video here:)

We know, Halloween isn’t even here yet. But the first holiday bazaar of the season is just days away. Here’s the announcement:

Holiday Bazaar

October 23rd, 2021
10 am-6 pm

White Center Eagles
10452 15th Ave SW

Open to the public! Free Parking!