White Center Now: The blog about White Center

White Center’s second recreational-marijuana store is open. It’s a franchised location of Uncle Ike’s Pot Shop, whose original location is in Seattle’s Central District. Proprietor Daniela Bernhard says the store soft-opened last week at 9822 15th SW “with little fanfare – we’ll plan on a grand opening of sorts at a later date.” They’re open noon-8 pm for starters, and Bernhard says the store “does have a medical marijuana endorsement and we will be serving patients as soon as there are medical products available on the market, and the kinks in the medical system have been worked out sufficiently. We do of course carry a number of recreational products that many patients are find helpful for their wellness needs. The shop has a great deal of parking, with exceptional ADA accessibility.” Her background includes four years of operating the dispensary Northwest Patient Resource Center at 35th/Roxbury.

The first recreational-marijuana store in White Center is Bud Nation at 9640 16th SW; to the east, the neighborhood of Top Hat has three, and to the north, West Seattle’s first licensed store, Origins, is at 15th/Roxbury, though it’s filed with the state to seek a move a few miles north into the West Seattle Junction area.

(Map of outage area, from Seattle City Light website)

12:56 AM: More than 3,500 homes/businesses are without power in parts of White Center and southeast West Seattle, according to Seattle City Light‘s outage map. No word yet on the cause.

1:33 AM UPDATE: 90 percent of those who lost power got it back around 1:15 am, after about 45 minutes. City Light’s map still shows almost 300 homes/businesses in White Center still without power:

Commenters here and on our partner site West Seattle Blog have mentioned the utility/emergency response centered at 8th/Roxbury; here’s what SCl just tweeted about the cause:

6:30 AM: Power has since been fully restored to the entire affected area.

Just out of the WCN inbox – the lineup for this year’s Rat City Recon, a music-and-more festival planned for September 17th at Southgate Roller Rink:

If you wanna rock, you gotta roll down to White Center for the 4th Edition of RAT CITY RECON! All the Recon action will be happening at Southgate Roller Rink. Eleven bands on three stages.

Rat City Recon and Monumental Undertaking present

RAT CITY RECON 2016

Saturday, September 17, 2016 – 6 pm-2am

Southgate Roller Rink, 9646 17th Ave SW

$10 at the door, or advance will call tickets available (here)

21+, valid I.D. required

THE BANDS:

Pink Parts
ex-Licks
Githyanki
Tough Times
Slow Elk
The Grindylow
Rat City Ruckus
Glose
Wild Powwers
Stallion
Heiress

Beer & cider available in beer garden outside and indoors at the bar; event is 21+, VALID I.D. REQUIRED!

Food vendors – Sweet Lou’s Wings, more TBA

If you want to roller skate: $4 skate rental fee or bring your own; everyone skates at their own risk

Public transportation/ride share: Metro buses 60, 120, and 128; Car2Go home area ends one block north of Southgate Roller Rink at SW Roxbury Street, so you can park and walk easily to the venue

Recon 2016 is sponsored by: Full Tilt Ice Cream, Mac’s Triangle Pub, Match+Gasoline LLC, Noble Barton, Proletariat Pizza, Rat City Bikes, Rat City Records, Southgate Roller Rink, Zippy’s Giant Burgers

Summer’s ending and community-meeting season is restarting. First up: The community council for White Center and vicinity invites you to its first post-summer meeting, 7 pm Thursday (September 1st). From the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council:

Mark your calendars and plan on joining NHUAC, North Highline’s volunteer community council, at the September 1st meeting. Through its “All Are Welcome!” community meetings, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) aims to add opportunity to our community’s equation:

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

The “Comp Plan” is King County’s vision for where and how growth should be located in unincorporated areas, including North Highline. The plan includes policies relating to land use, economic development, housing, parks, other services, facilities, and transportation.

This month’s meeting is an important one if you want to know what King County is planning for North Highline. We will be joined by Christine Jensen. Christine is a land use and regional planning policy analyst for the King County Council. She is the lead staff for the Council’s review of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan.

Christine will provide information and updates on the Council’s review of the Executive’s proposed 2016 Comprehensive Plan. Her presentation will include a summary of key policy issues that the Council is evaluating, an update on the review and adoption schedule, and provide opportunities for comments.

If you have felt a little out of touch over the last 2 months, this is your opportunity to reconnect with the community. Storefront Deputy Bill Kennamer will be back as usual. We are Deputy Bill’s first and main responsibility with the Sheriff’s Office. In addition to updating us on what has been happening in North Highline, he is sure to be listening to comments and concerns made by our community members, and offering his perspective about how we can work together to make North Highline a safer and healthier place.

This will be our first community meeting after our summer break so please take this opportunity to reconnect, learn and share what is happening in North Highline. Hope to see you on September 1st at 7 pm!

NHUAC meets at the North Highline Fire Station,1243 SW 112th Street in White Center; parking and entrance are in the back of the building.

Just in case you were wondering:

It’s back to school this week for most students in the Highline Public Schools district. First- through twelfth-graders resume classes this Thursday; kindergarteners don’t go back until September 7th.

With a two-phase announcement this week, Caffé Delia in downtown White Center is changing hands after 5 years. First its owners Delia and Matt announced that they had sold the shop – then a few days later, Burien Press announced itself as the new owner, saying a new name and other details are forthcoming. The shop will close for at least some part of September, the new owners say, as they create its future, adding in their announcement: “Our intention is to create something that is both honoring to the people and history of White Center and part of wherever White Center chooses to go in the future.” If you want to wish Delia and Matt well before they move on, they say this Monday (August 29th) will be the shop’s final day as Caffé Delia.

Be on the lookout!

Percussionists and string players are being sought by The Orchestra of Flight. Here’s the announcement:

The Orchestra of Flight, a community orchestra based in White Center, invites string players and percussionists to join us for our new season, beginning September 12, 2016. We rehearse Monday nights from 7:30 to 9:30 PM at Mt. View Presbyterian Church in White Center. No auditions are required. We are a noncompetitive, friendly organization. Our mission is to bring live orchestral music to communities whose members may have difficulty attending concerts in traditional venues. Come and have fun while improving your musical skills and sharing the gift of music with others. For more information, please visit our website, www.orchestraofflight.org, or contact us at info@orchestraofflight.org.

(WCN reader video)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 5:42 PM: Maybe you saw the smoke – that RV caught fire on SW 100th by 14th SW in downtown White Center this afternoon.

(WCN photo by Patrick Sand)

North Highline Fire responded, and Seattle Fire sent an engine to help. Our crew at the scene was told nobody was hurt, and the cause is under investigation. You’ll want to avoid the intersection a while longer as they work to get the damaged RV in a position where it can be towed.

ADDED 7:06 PM: Thanks to the reader who sent the video we’ve added atop this story. You can see why the side of White Center Square (which opened six years ago) was scorched; at least one window shattered from the heat, at Aaron’s Bicycle Repair, reader Gill tells us – you can see it behind the RV in Gill’s aftermath photo:

Cory sent this photo from the other side of the burned RV:

Gill reports Fire District 2 (Burien) was on scene too and investigating.

Just announced by the county:

The King County Fire Marshal today issued a burn ban in unincorporated areas of the county to prevent wildfires during the hot, dry conditions. In addition, the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for this weekend.

This is a Stage 1 burn ban and applies to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the owner’s permission. Recreational fires can pose a hazard so please use extra caution and consideration this weekend.

Recreational fires must:

-Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds; and not be used as debris disposal

-Grow no larger than three feet in diameter

-Be located in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including at least 25 feet away from any structure and allow 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches

-Be attended at all times by an alert individual and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire.

For properties located within cities, contact your local jurisdiction for requirements. This ban remains in effect until further notice.

The King County Fire Marshal will post updates on the burn ban on the Department of Permitting and Environmental Review website.

Looking for acupuncture treatment? A new community clinic is open in White Center – Sloth Around Community Acupuncture. Proprietor Lynn Bondi says, “Sloth Around Community Acupuncture exists to provide high quality, affordable, and accessible acupuncture to as many people as possible, and as often as necessary. It’s easy for friends and family to heal together in our comforting, calm, and relaxing community space. Our sliding scale fee of $20-$50 allows you to choose a fee that best fits into your budget.” You can make appointments online at slotharoundtogether.com, where you’ll also find the days/hours; the clinic is at 10223 17th Ave SW.

Happening tomorrow!

This Saturday, August 13th, 11 am to 3 pm, our White Center Library Guild will have its 1st Sidewalk Sale at our NEW Library, 1409 SW 107th St. The Guild sponsors extra programs for the Library that would not happen otherwise. There will be lots of books, plus many other donated treasures. We need your support, hope to see you there !!!

Hard to believe the library’s been open almost three months now – after so many years of waiting and anticipation.

Give a little time, make a lot of difference, this Saturday (August 13th)! From Lina Rose:

Join King County Parks staff and community members in improving the health and safety of North Shorewood Park.

We will be working together to remove some of the plants causing damage to the health of the forest and blocking some of the side trails in the park. We will also do lots of plant identification and learn about the wild plants and animals of the park.

Over the years, community members have made a huge positive impact on this park – join us! Event is from 9 am-1 pm; please contact Volunteer Coordinator Lina Rose at 206.491.5014 or lina.rose@kingcounty.gov before Saturday if you are interested in attending.

Here’s where to find North Shorewood Park.

It’s been more than a month since we first told you about this – and tonight’s the night!

King County Parks and the White Center Community Development Association invite you to Steve Cox Memorial Park tonight to see “El Gallo Con Muchos Huevos,” free!

More info here; the movie starts at dusk at the park (1321 SW 102nd), but you can arrive as early as 6:30 pm for games, music, food, and fun.

A new White Center business is having its grand opening this afternoon. Pacific Muay Thai (9654 16th SW) says it’s “one of the few schools in Seattle offering Authentic Muay Thai, (which) combines Muay Thai technique with a strength and conditioning program to help students achieve their goals and prepare them for competition.” Their classes all have multiple instructors, and “provide a comprehensive program that offers pad work, clinch work, heavy bag work, sparring sessions, and experience training in a ring.” Daily hours will be 5-9 pm; today’s grand opening starts at 1 pm, and, says proprietor Kim, “local grub is provided.”

In case you missed this in regional media – the Quick Stop Food Mart in Top Hat sold a winning Mega Millions ticket. The winner claimed their $25 million prize as a $16 million lump sum on July 20th, one day after the drawing, according to the Washington Lottery news release. That’s just four months after a 7-11 in south West Seattle sold a Mega Millions ticket good for a $150 million-plus jackpot. By the way, the Quick Stop owner gets a $50,000 bonus for the winning-ticket sale, per the state.

When Company Bar closed in downtown White Center earlier this year, its owner voiced hopes that it would be bought and reopened. That’s exactly what’s happening. We heard overnight from Zoe Mandels, who says she and partner Joseph Northrup are reopening it as The Company Store. Zoe is a Boulevard Park resident who grew up in West Seattle and has history in its hospitality scene, having worked at JaK’s Grill for six years. She invited us to share this information on what they plan to offer when they open, which they’re hoping to do in a little more than a month:

Here is a sneak peek of what you can expect:

The Company Store, 21+, set to open at the beginning of September 2016:
9608 16th Avenue SW

First:

~We want our LGBT friends to know that we always stand behind their community as an ally. We certainly stand behind respect being given to each and every person within our business here in White Center.
~Our restrooms will be GENDER NEUTRAL.
~We are a fun-loving, quality, neighborhood joint. We can’t wait to meet you!

HOURS
• We will be open from 4 PM-2 AM EVERY DAY of the week
• We will be open from 9 AM-2 PM for BRUNCH Saturday & Sunday
• We will have happy hour from 4 PM-6 PM
• Late night happy hour from 10-2

Weekday Specials:
~Migas MONDAY
~Puffy Taco TUESDAY
~Memphis Dry Rib WEDNESDAY
~Karaoke (or a Drag Show) will be performed every FRIDAY
~Your “Week-in-Review” will be featured at SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH

Brunch will feature:
~$4 Bloody Mary’s
~$14 Bottomless Mimosas
~Best Benedict in town
~Hand-pressed fresh juices
~Brunch cocktails
~Champagne TO-GO
~”Your Week-in-Review” Brunch Special
Each week at brunch, one dish with a paired brunch cocktail will be dedicated to the previous week and its political scene, celebrity gossip circuit, world news or other noted event. Think John Oliver in food form.

Our PRIMARY MENU will feature rustic and bold Southwest flavors using our family favorite recipes while refining them with innovative Northwest touches.

~Highlights will include our:
Chili
Memphis Dry ribs
Puffy Tacos
Cream of Spinach Hush Puppies

Our COCKTAIL LIST is all about having fun. We never compromise quality and we deliver cocktails that mean something!

~Highlights will include our:
“Cracker Jack Old Fashioned” – Infused Rye, Disappointing Toy Prize
“Roller Girl” – Vodka, Fresh Basil, Raspberries, St. Germaine
“Fantasy Shop Next Door” – Tequila, Habanero Cubes, Lime, Sugar

They’re also planning to sell wine and beer to go, including growler fills. Stay tuned for updates!

We received some questions about an hours-long King County Sheriff’s Office presence near 1st Avenue S. and 104th in Top Hat last night. By the time we were finally able to get over to the area, they were gone. We followed up with KCSO Sgt. Cindi West this morning:

Yesterday around 7:20 am deputies were flagged down by a woman in Burien who said they had their car stolen. ( 800 block of SW 122 St. )

The woman had pulled into her day care and left the vehicle running while she dropped her child off. When she went back out to the car it was gone. The woman had also left her iPhone in the car. We took a stolen vehicle report and about 15 minutes later, the woman and her husband flagged another deputy down and told him that they had a GPS signal from the phone showing it was in the area of S. 104th St and Occidental.

Deputies drove the area and found the stolen vehicle parked in front of a house in the 10200 block of 1 Ave S. When deputies tried to surround the car, the suspect sped off, striking a police vehicle as he fled. We did not find the suspect or vehicle but did find another stolen car at the house he had been parked in front of.

The annual Spoke & Food bicycle-to-dinner benefit is tonight – and Proletariat Pizza in White Center (9622 16th SW) is participating. 5-9 pm, Proletariat and other participants around the region are donating 20 percent of their proceeds; this year, the beneficiary is the Hunger Intervention Project. The first 20 bike riders at each Spoke & Food location get backpacks!

Just out of the WCN inbox:

WHAT: The Metropolitan King County Council will hear public testimony and possibly act on legislation impacting zoning for the production, processing, and sale of legal marijuana in unincorporated King County.

WHERE: King County Courthouse, 10th floor, 516 Third Ave, Seattle 98104.

WHEN: Monday, July 25th, 1:30 p.m.

BACKGROUND: In 2013, the King County Council adopted initial zoning regulations governing the production, processing and sale of legalized marijuana in unincorporated King County. Since adoption of these initial zoning regulations, King County has received and processed numerous applications for marijuana-related land uses.

Some residents have expressed concerns regarding the existing regulations for marijuana production, processing and retailing. In order to review these concerns in rural areas, as well as consider an Executive proposal to regulate clustering of retail locations, the King County Council voted to pass a four-month moratorium on the acceptance of applications for or the establishment or location of new marijuana producers, processors and retailers on April 25, 2016.

After two special meetings of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee, Councilmembers are scheduled to discuss and possibly act on two ordinances, 2016-0236 and 2016-0254, that would amend current marijuana regulations in unincorporated King County.