White Center Now: The blog about White Center

10:47 AM: We’re at the Edgewater Hotel on the downtown Seattle waterfront, where the owner of the former Highline Bears has just announced the team’s new name: Dub Sea Fish Sticks. After a process that involved fans proposing more than 200 possible new names, followed by 5,400+ votes between this name and one alternative (Dub Sea Seal Slingers), this morning brought the official unveiling. Owner Justin Moser says they’ll also start calling Mel Olson Stadium at Steve Cox Memorial Park – the team’s home stadium – “The Fryer.” Temporary mascot, as seen above, but another contest will engage people soon in naming the official mascot. The team didn’t play the past two summers because of the pandemic but they’re planning games this year, starting June 4th. The team’s website is now at gofishsticks.com.

ADDED 11:54 AM: Here’s our video of the big reveal:

MONDAY REPORT: Tara Scott, proprietor of White Center’s Taradise Café, has died at age 51. After a reader tip, we found confirmation via this social-media post from one of her sons, Ohio State football player Gee Scott Jr. He wrote that “the woman whose smile lights up any room she’s in … who taught me what it is to unconditionally love … that brought me into this world” died this morning. Ms. Scott, a West Seattle resident, opened her restaurant five and a half years ago. It ADDED TUESDAY MORNING: A tribute to Ms. Scott is growing outside the Taradise Café:

The note on the bricks expresses gratitude and asks that people not leave candles, saying another memorial will be announced soon,

TUESDAY EVENING: The family has announced a Celebration of Life for 4 pm Saturday in the Taradise Café parking lot.

Just last Friday, we reported here on King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s proclamation of “Dick Thurnau Day” in honor of the longtime community advocate, recently diagnosed with cancer. Sunday morning, Mr. Thurnau passed away, according to North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin. No memorial information just yet but we expect to hear from Mr. Thurnau’s family soon. He was 89 years old.

One week from tomorrow, family and friends will celebrate the life of Ryan Lien-Shepard. Today, they share this remembrance:

On Monday, March 25th, we lost Ryan Lien-Shepard at the young age of 35. He was taken from this world far too early. He was a son, a brother, a uncle, a grandson, a nephew, and a friend that was loved by many. He leaves behind Marla, his mom, his siblings Ciaira, Shanna, Aaron, Jocelyn, his niece, and his son Luke. ;-) Ryan’s unexpected passing has left his loving family and friends mourning and heartbroken.

Ryan was born and raised in White Center. He went to Evergreen High School where he graduated in 1995. Ryan not only was a family friend of Burien Bark but also an employee for the past 4 years.

At this time we are asking for help in any way possible. Please consider making a donation in any amount, great or small. Donations can be anonymous or not (your choice) and 100% will go directly to Marla’s bank account. For those of you that wish to donate directly to the family and help during this tragic time, we have set up a memorial fund in Ryan’s name.

youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/ryan-lien-shepard-8-29-1977-3-25-2013/49791

You can also go into Sterling Bank in Burien or Burien Bark to make a donation in person.

Ryan’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 6th from 2 pm-6 pm at the White Center Eagles, 10452 15th Ave SW

Please keep this precious family in your thoughts and prayers as they process such a tremendous loss. Thank you so much for your love and support.