White Center Now: The blog about White Center

We noted yesterday that an interim King County Sheriff would be announced today, taking over after the term of elected Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht concludes at year’s end. Here’s the announcement, just in:

Executive Dow Constantine has appointed Patti Cole-Tindall to serve as Interim King County Sheriff while the County conducts a nationwide recruitment process for a new Sheriff to be appointed in mid-2022. Cole-Tindall will be the first person of color to serve as Sheriff in King County’s history. Executive Constantine also announced a new retention and recruitment bonus program for Sheriff’s officers.

Following the passage of a Charter Amendment in November 2020, the King County Sheriff’s Office is transitioning to an appointed, rather than elected, Sheriff. The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) has developed recommendations for the characteristics of the next Sheriff, focusing on a strong background in law enforcement, community leadership, and community partnerships; a reputation for integrity, honesty, and transparency; the ability to inspire and motivate change; and a commitment to equity, racial and social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues.

“Patti’s background and experience in the Sheriff’s Office and across County government – working with labor, serving her community, and demonstrating integrity and transparency – make her uniquely qualified to step into this interim role. She embodies the key qualities we’re looking for as we begin to rethink community safety, hire the next generation of officers and search for a newly appointed Sheriff,” said Executive Constantine. “I am confident she will ensure a smooth transition and provide strong leadership for Sheriff’s Office employees and the public.”

Cole-Tindall has a background in law enforcement, labor relations, human resources as well as service to the community. She joined the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) in October 2015, serving as the Chief of Technical Services Division for almost five years before being appointed to Undersheriff, where she is responsible for day-to-day operations with the team of three Division Chiefs. She currently oversees the development and implementation of the KCSO strategic plan and the examination and strengthening of the KCSO complaint and use of force review processes.

Prior to that, Cole-Tindall served as the County’s Director of Labor Relations, advising Executive Constantine and the County Council on strategic planning, labor policy, and employment law. She concurrently served as the interim director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, working with staff, the Sheriff’s Office, and the public to improve services and promote awareness of the role of civilian oversight in King County.

“I am honored to serve as the Interim Sheriff, and will be working closely with my management teams to support and lead the people of the KCSO until the new Sheriff is appointed,” said Cole-Tindall. “During this transition, my mission is clear: support our workforce, ensure a smooth transition, and listen to the communities we serve as we reimagine law enforcement in King County.”

Additionally, today’s appointment included the announcement of a proposal to be transmitted to the King County Council to, subject to ratification by the respective unions, appropriate funds for recruitment and retention bonuses for existing and new Sheriff Officers:

• A one-time $4,000 retention bonus to all commissioned Sheriff’s Office employees employed on Jan. 1, 2022
• A hiring bonus of $15,000 for lateral hires of Sheriff’s Deputies
• A hiring bonus of $7,500 for new Sheriff’s Deputies
• A $5,000 referral bonus for current Sheriff’s Office employees who refer successful candidates who are hired as Sheriff’s Deputies.

Last week, Executive Constantine announced the start of a nationwide search for King County’s next Sheriff. The recruitment process has worked to incorporate community identified priorities and qualifications for the next appointed Sheriff, using recommendations from PSAC and will include opportunities for input from community representatives, employees, and labor representatives. Cole-Tindall’s first day as Interim Sheriff will by January 1, and she will serve until the conclusion of recruitment in the summer of 2022 at which time a new Sheriff will be appointed.

Two notes from King County regarding public safety:

INTERIM SHERIFF: At year’s end, the term of King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht ends, and since voters approved changing the job from elected to appointed, it’ll be up to County Executive Dow Constantine to decide who takes over. His office says he will announce an “interim sheriff” tomorrow – someone who will start in January, with a permanent appointment expected at midyear.

‘REIMAGINING PUBLIC SAFETY’: A survey is open for people in urban unincorporated areas including North Highline – from the announcement:

King County is seeking ideas from residents of urban unincorporated areas of the county on how government can think differently about public safety. The survey—available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Somali—asks about residents’ experiences with 911 and emergency response. The survey will be open through Dec. 31.

The Reimagining Public Safety initiative stems from King County’s 2020 declaration that racism is a public health crisis. Executive Constantine committed to investing in community wellness to combat the impacts of racism that have long been experienced by low income and BIPOC communities.

Go here to take the survey.

King County really wants to make sure you have time to say something about the North Highline Subarea Plan. The latest announcement is that it’s extending the deadline for comments again:

The comment period for the North Highline Subarea Plan Public Review Draft and Land Use & Zoning Map Amendments has been extended from Sunday Nov. 28 through Sunday Dec. 19*.

There’s still time to share your thoughts on the plan that will guide growth and development in North Highline for the next 20 years. There are several ways to share your comments, including by completing a survey HERE.

Or you can:

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
Phone/voicemail: 206-263-3000
The following resource, translated into several languages, has been added to the North Highline Subarea Plan website:

North Highline Subarea Plan Public Review Draft Reader’s Guide which also includes an explanation of key technical terms.

To see visuals that show examples of different forms of development referenced in project documents, go to this link:

A Residential and Commercial Development Examples Slide Deck

This slide deck, and other project information, can be accessed from the interactive project webpage at https://www.publicinput.com/northhighline

Also, be sure to check out the Draft Inclusionary Housing Proposed Ordinance that promotes affordable housing in new developments. Learn more at https://kingcounty.gov/legislation-review. The comment period for providing input on the draft ordinance has also been extended through Sunday Dec. 19*

(Also published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

What a relief! WestSide Baby has welcomed shipments totaling 1 million diapers this past week, partly thanks to pandemic relief – with $225,000 received from the City of Seattle’s Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Diaper Distribution program. We were at the nonprofit’s White Center hub this morning as the final installment arrived. Yet as impressive as a million diapers sounds, the need is even greater.

Last year alone, WestSide Baby provided families with a record-high number of diapers – 2.4 million. Executive director Sarah Cody Roth notes, “In King County, 23% of families could not afford enough diapers and the devastating economic impacts of COVID have only widened that gap.” The nonprofit has strong community support, but the city contribution has made a huge difference. West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who chairs the Public Safety and Human Services Committee, calls WS Baby “a regional treasure … helping low-income families survive through the pandemic.” Also invaluably helpful, WestSide Baby says, was its WC neighbor La Mexicana, which temporarily donated warehouse space to help store all those diapers. Now they’re racing to distribute them quickly!

(WestSide Baby photo)

That photo’s from a delivery in West Seattle’s High Point neighborhood. “We have never done anything this big before – we are coordinating the distribution of 700,000 diapers over the next 4 weeks, one of the quickest and largest distributions we have ever done, all in response to emergency need this winter,” said Will Owen, WS Baby’s donation and logistics manager.

Here’s how you can help: Support WS Baby’s holiday-season JOY campaign – have a diaper drive, donate to one, and/or donate money so the purchases – and distributions! – can continue. Follow the link to see what else is on their most-needed list – such as winter coats, warm hats and gloves, and baby hygiene items.

The King County Law Library invites you to this online event tomorrow:

RESEARCH THE LAW SERIES: ESTATE PLANNING
November 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm\
FREE WEBINAR WITH REGISTRATION
kcll.org/event/research-the-law-series-estate-planning/

Our “Research the Law” series takes a deep dive into legal research resources on a topic-by-topic basis. In this installment, we partner with attorney Evelyn Emanuel to explore resources that you can use when planning for your estate.

If you have financial assets or obligations and care about what happens to them when you’re gone, it’s a good idea to have a plan in the event that you die or become incapacitated unexpectedly. In this hour-long session, KCLL librarians and attorney Evelyn Emanuel will guide you through a number of helpful resources. This session is especially geared for those looking to start estate planning for the first time.

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.