White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Kids and their families are invited to the White Center Summer Celebration at Greenbridge Plaza on August 17, 2-5 pm:

Students can start the year with a new backpack and have fun while at the event to get one.

According to a bulletin just heard on Seattle Police radio, King County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a holdup at the Roxbury Shell station (next to Roxy’s Casino). It was a robbery at gunpoint, reported at 10:19 pm, and the robber(s) were reported to have gotten away in a “blue Honda sedan.” No other descriptive information.

(WCN photos)

This was originally promoted as a “sidewalk sale,” but the White Center Library Guild‘s summer sale is actually happening inside the library (1409 SW 107th), a wise, air-conditioned choice on a very warm day.

Until 3 pm today, and again 11 am-3 pm Saturday, you can browse books and various housewares and other miscellaneous items – some toys too – we almost bought this friendly-looking frog:

Vintage sports figurines, too. Plus houseplants! The Library Guild raises money to support programming at WCL.

From the Shorewood Elementary PTA just over the line in Burien:

Attention Vendors: Join Us for the Shorewood Elementary PTA Bazaar!

The Shorewood PTA is thrilled to invite vendors to participate in our upcoming Craft Bazaar on November 9th. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for vendors to showcase their products and connect with the community.
Please fill out this form.

Though the state restrictions on police pursuits in 2021 didn’t change the number of pursuits in which the King County Sheriff’s Office engaged, it did have a dramatic effect on whether suspects stopped. That’s one of the stats in this KCSO announcement that its pursuit policy will change starting tomorrow:

The King County Sheriff’s Office has updated its Pursuit of Motor Vehicles policy. The Washington Legislature’s revision of law enforcement vehicle pursuit laws earlier this year prompted this change.

In June of 2024, Initiative 2113 lifted certain restrictions on vehicle pursuits, restoring the authority to pursue a fleeing suspect when there is reasonable suspicion the suspect has violated the law, but retaining many of the risk reduction requirements found in the previous legislation. This impelled the Sheriff’s Office to evaluate modifications to its policy.

Effective August 1, the revised policy continues to restrict vehicle pursuits to dangerous felonies and DUI, while modifying the definition of dangerous felony to include burglary. The policy also allows pursuits for felony crimes, and non-felony crimes against a person, under extraordinary circumstances where there is an imminent and ongoing threat to persons or the community at large.

The most important factor when deciding whether to engage in a pursuit remains the risk to the community. Deputies are required to continually weigh the danger of failing to apprehend a suspect against the danger to the community created by the pursuit.

“I have confidence in the good judgement of our deputies when weighing the dangers of a chase against the potential threat to the people of King County,” said Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “We have given these adjustments careful consideration. We understand the vital importance of striking a balance between holding people accountable for their actions and the well-being of the community.”

The more restrictive law, passed in 2021, only allowed law enforcement to chase suspects involved in a narrowly defined set of serious, violent crimes and required probable cause (a higher legal standard than reasonable suspicion) to chase.

Between 2018-2021, the King County Sheriff’s Office averaged just over 15 pursuits per quarter, compared to 14 per quarter from 2021-2023, after the more restrictive legislation went into effect.

In contrast, prior to the 2021 legislation, 41 suspects refused to stop for deputies every quarter, while 138 refused to stop after the 2021 pursuit legislation.

Additionally, the number of pursuits that resulted in injuries stayed static and vehicles damaged went down only slightly from almost 4 a year to 3 respectively.

The new policy lays out what factors deputies should consider when initiating a vehicle chase including communication protocol, supervisor responsibilities, when to terminate a chase, and training.

“KCSO’s vehicular pursuit policy has historically been more restrictive than the state law and that’s worked well for us,” said Undersheriff Jesse Anderson. “It was important for us to listen to community members asking us to go after dangerous criminals putting people at risk. That really helped drive our decision.”

The new policy covers all unincorporated King County, as well as the 12 cities that contract with the Sheriff’s Office.

The updated King County Sheriff’s Office Pursuit of Motor Vehicles Policy will be available in the public General Orders Manual here on August 1.

It’s an important fundraiser for the White Center Library Guild‘s support of library programs – visit them this Friday and Saturday, 11 am-3 pm:

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

King County Road Services expects to finalize a plan for the 16th Avenue SW street-safety project by the end of August.

That’s what county reps told us after last Wednesday’s meeting at the White Center Food Bank to re-explain the project and listen to community comments. If you weren’t there, you can still voice an opinion via the survey linked here, which will remain open into early August – an attendee asked for a one-week extension, and county reps said OK. At issue is whether or not to include bike lanes in the plan to remove two driving lanes on 16th between 100th and 107th.

The meeting was held by request of the community, and moderated by community advocate Kimnang Seng. First, here’s our video, which is in two parts, starting with the presentation and some Q&A/comments interspersed throughout:

The second part is entirely Q&A and community comments:

Seng explained the reason for the meeting – people felt they hadn’t been adequately heard regarding the project, which was first announced two years ago (here’s our report on the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting where we first learned about it). He said he and others started inquiring about it this past May and learned many felt they didn’t know about it, particularly BIPOC community members, refugees, and merchants. (During the meeting, a WCFB rep said they had contacted Road Services knowing they’d move to this area, and were told the department would get in touch when design was further along, but never did.)

On behalf of King County Local Services, parent department to Road Services, David Daw promised they were trying to fix that, insisting, “We’re here to listen … We are your city hall.”

Road Services director Tricia Davis said the project was rooted in a belief that “this area really needed to be safer for everyone.”

The county received grant money that “narrowed down the options” for how to achieve that, and affected the timeline too – they have to start building this project within a year or they’ll lose the money.

While much attention has been on whether the project includes bicycle lanes or not – Davis said they had decided in favor of them but could reconsider – county traffic engineer Wally Archuleta said the flashing lights and curb bulbs are important parts too. He stressed that the area had a “pretty high” collision rate, which is a major reason this stretch was singled out for changes.

County reps also reiterated that the options would result in more parking spaces than the stretch holds now. Davis said they’re aware how “meaningful” parking is to businesses.

An attendee said she felt the road was already “fantastic” and wondered if Road Services had counted current numbers of pedestrians and bikes, and whether they’d studied the “outcomes” of rechannelization projects on Ambaum in Burien and 35th SW in West Seattle. Overall, she felt the project was just “a federal money grab.” That declaration drew some applause.

Another attendee, after expressing his concern about adequate business parking, wondered how the survey results would be used. Davis clarified that the survey “is not a vote – it’s a gauge of community input … an important piece of data,” though, she added, “so is this conversation.”

To try to allay concerns about parking, they showed the before/after potential views, plus a slide showing how the numbers of parking spaces would change and compare:

Both options would increase the number of street spaces, the county said, though by a smaller number of added spaces than the design options presented two years ago.

One attendee voiced concern about “a lot of focus on the street parking,” since, he said, he had counted more than 700 offstreet spaces in the area.

White Center bike-shop owner Aaron Goss noted that bike lanes would improve safety for more than the riders: “People who ride bikes make the world safer for everybody.” That drew applause.

Another business owner countered by saying he felt bike lanes would lead to “a lot of people (getting) killed” and observed that “nobody bikes on this road.” He too drew applause.

The county delegation countered by saying that “road diets” cut the number of crashes “almost overnight.”

Another concern they tried to counter was the cost of bike lanes, which they said, if implemented in this project, would cost about $87,000.

More questions: Did Road Services consult the King County Sheriff’s Office? Archuleta wasn’t sure if they directly reached out to KCSO but said they routinely work with them closely. Did they notice the bike lanes along 16th would not directly connect to others? Davis replied to that by saying that 107th, at the south end of the project zone, is an east-west bike route, that there’s a north-end narrowed street that connects, and that this would be a springboard to growing the bike-lane network – in the “if you build it, they will come” vein.

That didn’t impress the next commenter, who suggested that “lofty goals” are being pursued over “daily life,” and that sidewalks in areas without them would be more useful than driving-lane loss.

Will any trees be planted? another attendee asked. Davis said no. The attendee said that’s bad news for White Center, which has too few trees as it is. But, county reps said, they do now have an urban forester to consult. Also, added Daw, a White Center “beautification survey” starts next month.

A representative of the Khmer community echoed the request for more trees. She also said the previous project survey hadn’t reached her community, and that she feels driving-lane reductions would decrease safety, not improve it.

What about the cultural impat of bike lanes and the dynamics of gentrification? another person asked. Davis said they’re aware gentrification is a concern, but right now “the most important thing they’re thinking about … is safety.” The attendee countered that “economic safety and cultural safety” should be considered too.

What about making 17th a greenway and sending bike traffic there? suggested another participant. Then came a voice in support of bike lanes, someone who moved here seven years ago and gave up riding because it was so unsafe, and would be glad to see this start to move in the other direction: “The neighborhood needs to prioritize all modes of transportation.”

Back to cars – a representative of the Easy Duz It Car Club wondered about the cost of parking, and whether the county had considered the results of a national study on reverse-angle parking. Archuleta said they didn’t have the cost information at hand but would find it and get it out.

Speaking of money, another person asked if money would be available for anyone who had to make changes to offstreet parking or signage because of the eventual plan. Davis affirmed that federal rules might require property owner to pay for “encroachments.”

A question with an unexpected answer: Was reducing the speed limit considered? Archuleta said, “Reducing the speed limit doesn’t make drivers go slower.” The followup: “Is that a data-based statement?” No, he said, “it’s our experience – traffic-calming measures have been (what’s) most effective.”

Those measures will not included added stoplights, he said in response to another question, but there will be more push-button-activated flashing crossing lights. Will timing be improved for existing signals? Archuleta said timing is an “ongoing” matter, so if there’s a particular signal that you think should be examined, report it.

In conclusion, Davis promised her team would “continue to listen (and) read survey results,” and she promised those would be shown to the community. Granting a request to extend the survey would mean it’s open until August 7; you can take it here. But, she warned, “it’s late in the process … (we) need to make a decision and move forward pretty quickly.”

Allison at Cascadia Wicks tells us her candle-making business is among the vendors at a pop-up market happening right now in White Center. It’s at Future Primitive (9832 14th SW) continuing until 5 pm.

Summer weekend shopping time! Organizers asked us to share the plan for the monthly Rat City Bazaar, “showcasing a rotating group of local vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry and banana bread to vintage clothes and records.” Next RCB is this Saturday, July 27, 3-7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW). Bazaars will happen every fourth Saturday; if you are interested in becoming a vendor, email RatCityBazaar@gmail.com.

Two years after first word of a major rechannelization plan for part of 16th SW surfaced in a presentation to the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, it’s still moving ahead, and King County Road Services plans a community meeting this week to talk about the design status.

Planning on the project has continued, and the county now plans on construction next year (one year later than originally announced). County spokesperson Brent Champaco summarizes where it’s at now:

To reduce speeds and calm traffic, which makes the area safer for pedestrians, the project narrows the road from four lanes to two and includes a two-way center turning lane. It adds many pedestrian safety features like bumped out sloped curbs at corners and traffic crossing lights with flashing beacons.

The project does not remove the total number of parking spots in the project corridor. Currently there are 43 existing on-street parking spots between SW 100th and SW 107th streets. The design option with bike lanes on both sides adds a total of three spaces to bring the total number of on-street parking spaces to 46. It also moves parking spots around, depending on the block, to accommodate travel lanes and bike lanes.

The design option with no bike lanes brings the total number of parking spots to 67, again, up from 43. It also moves parking spots around, depending on the block, to accommodate travel lanes.

We did community surveys and outreach in 2022 and got to a 30-50% design. It was during the peak of COVID so in-person outreach was difficult. We are holding another meeting, at the community’s request, on July 24 to share updated information about the two options.

If you are interested in seeing the latest plans and asking questions, that meeting is happening this Wednesday (July 24), 6:30 pm, at the White Center Food Bank headquarters, which is in the future project zone – 10016 16th SW. The meeting will also be accessible online; the link is on this page. The project cost is just under $2 million, funded by a federal grant.

P.S. The latest online survey for the project is open, too – find it here.

From its beginnings on a stub of 17th north of the city-limit line, the White Center Low Rider Block Party has grown in a big way this year, moving to the unincorporated North Highline side of the line and spreading across multiple blocks of 17th between Roxbury and 100th.

You’ll also find art/vendor booths, two DJ stages (with live music 5-8 pm), community groups, and a food court, but the cars are the stars:

Some with accessories:

If you remember the Jubilee Days car show, same streetspace:

A few motorcycles and bicycles too!

The Low Rider Block Party, presented by Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW), is on until 8 pm.

Thanks to Jon for sharing the video of what he saw in White Center near 14th/98th after 11:30 Friday night. The fire briefly burned big and bright, but was extinguished quickly enough that it wound up logged as a “minor fire.” There was some concern it could spread to a building, but it apparently did not, at least not in a major way. We’ll check on the aftermath later today.

(WCN/WSB photo, August 2023)

Since its inception, the Low Rider Block Party presented every summer since 2021 by Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery has been near the gallery in South Delridge, and it’s been in August. This year, it’s moving to White Center proper, and moving up to July. A reader just tipped us that the block party is this Saturday, July 20, 11 am-8 pm, on 17th SW between SW Roxbury and SW 100th. The cars are just part of it! Art, music, food, more.

Just out of the WCN inbox:

The sponsors of this are hoping to get the word out far and wide about this screening event for uninsured or underserved women:

Two years ago, when Corry’s Dry Cleaning/Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning took over the former Northmart building in downtown White Center, they told us the plan was for an “expanded cleaning facility.” In recent months, that’s been taking shape, and now the opening date is set. Here’s the announcement:

Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest brand, Revolution Laundry, on July 8. Located at 9840 16th Ave SW, this state-of-the-art laundromat is set to redefine laundry services in the White Center neighborhood, offering self-serve laundry, dry cleaning, and Drop N Go wash, dry, and fold service.

As part of the Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning family, which includes Graffiti Busters and Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning Company, Revolution Laundry is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. The new facility is designed to cater to the needs of a rapidly evolving community, providing residents with modern, efficient, and reliable laundry solutions.

Owners Corry and Simon Bakker are enthusiastic about the launch. “Revolution Laundry is a state-of-the-art facility and will provide exceptional service. This is going to be a game-changer for the neighborhood and the residents who are going to have real options now when it comes to these types of services,” said Corry Bakker.

White Center is experiencing significant growth and transformation, with new businesses and amenities enhancing the community. Revolution Laundry is poised to become a cornerstone of this development, offering unparalleled convenience and service to its customers.

Revolution Laundry is equipped with the latest technology in laundry care, ensuring a superior experience for every customer. Whether you prefer to do your laundry yourself or take advantage of the Drop N Go service, Revolution Laundry promises efficiency, cleanliness, and excellent customer service.

According to the Revolution Laundry website, they’ll be open 7:00 AM-10:00 PM weekdays, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM Saturdays, closed Sundays.

A new director for the King County department that most directly impacts communities such as White Center, the Department of Local Services, has just been announced:

Leon Richardson has been appointed the new director of King County’s Department of Local Services. He was previously at the County Department of Community and Human Services, where his achievements include helping stand up vital assessment and recovery centers at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a matter of weeks, he built out King County’s vaccination infrastructure, ensuring equitable access and distribution. Additionally, he administered a $400 million eviction and rent assistance program as well as overseeing the renewal of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.

Richardson – whose appointment requires King County Council confirmation – succeeds John Taylor, the department’s first-ever director, who moved to the Department of Natural Resources and Parks earlier this year.

DJ, also known as Dave or Dennis, is missing, last seen in the White Center/West Seattle area three weeks ago.

Family and friends say he was last seen at or near The Blu Grouse (9839 17th SW), and was in his 1970s-vintage VW bus:

His missing-persons case was filed with police in Thurston County because he had been staying at a friend’s property there, but White Center was the last sighting – please call 911 if you’ve seen him or his vehicle. The Thurston County (Yelm area) police case number is 24-002682.

16th SW from Roxbury to 100th and SW 98th from 17th to 15th are closed to traffic right now for the Taste of White Center, benefiting the White Center Food Bank. Until 3 pm, you can visit any of the WCFB’s ticket-sales booths along 16th SW and buy $5 tickets good at participating venues for specific “tastes” – while they last!

It’s an all-out street fair, even a DJ, plus bouncy toys on 16th near 100th. Lots of places to sit and enjoy your “tastes.”

More than 30 restaurants, bars, and food stands are participating this year.

In case you’ve forgotten since last Fourth of July, fireworks are illegal in White Center and the rest of unincorporated North Highline, as well as neighboring jurisdictions like Seattle and Burien. King County sent this reminder today:

The use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County. Repeat violators will be issued citations with a $250 penalty, and education about illegal fireworks use will be issued to all reported violators.

As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area.

King County instead encourages residents to watch a public fireworks display, join a neighborhood celebration or find other ways to celebrate the holiday safely.

Fireworks enforcement will be managed by the Code Enforcement team in the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services. Code Enforcement will investigate complaints received about illegal fireworks use and/or sales in unincorporated King County.

Much like reporting a building safety or nuisance issue, reporting fireworks violations will require giving a specific property address. And if the person reporting the violation wants King County to take enforcement action, that person must be willing to testify in person or by written declaration at a hearing concerning the date, time, and location where they witnessed the illegal acts. If the complaint is anonymous or the complainant is not willing to testify, then the owner of the property where discharge of illegal fireworks is reported will be sent a letter with information about the fireworks ban.

“While the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, King County joins other communities in our region who agree that consumer fireworks pose too great of a danger,” King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban said. “For the safety of our family, friends, neighbors, pets, and personal property, we remind everyone that fireworks are not allowed in unincorporated King County. We encourage residents to instead watch a public fireworks display, attend a community event or enjoy countless other ways to celebrate July 4th safely.”

Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help residents determine whether/how they can report a fireworks violation during the upcoming season:

Q. Are fireworks allowed in unincorporated King County?
A. No, the sale and use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated King County are strictly prohibited. (Note: commercial displays by licensed pyrotechnicians are still allowed with a permit)

Q. I live in a city like Seattle or Renton. Can I still report violations to King County?
A. No. King County will investigate complaints only for properties located in unincorporated King County. “Unincorporated King County” means outside of city limits. There are two easy ways to determine whether you’re located in unincorporated King County:

-Find or enter your address on this map. The green layer shows unincorporated King County.
-Enter your address in King County’s Parcel Viewer and see what’s listed as the jurisdiction.

Q. I know people are lighting off fireworks, but I don’t have a specific address. Will you still investigate?
A. No. Code Enforcement will not investigate any complaint it receives for fireworks incidents on private property that does not include a specific address or parcel number located within unincorporated King County.

Q. I have an address, but do I have to give my name and contact information when reporting?
A. While the person reporting isn’t legally required to give their name and contact information, anonymous complaints about fireworks on private property will only result in an informational letter to the property owner.

Q. Will I have to testify about the complaint I made?
A. You are not legally required to testify in writing or in person before a hearing examiner about your complaint. However, a citation with a penalty will only be issued if the complainant is willing to testify. Otherwise, the alleged violator will only be issued an educational warning letter.

Q. What about people who are lighting off fireworks in the street, park, or other public property?
A. Code Enforcement does not investigate complaints about fireworks use on public right-of-way or other public property like schools or parks. In those instances, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Q. Will King County actively patrol for fireworks violations?
A. No. Code Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office do not actively patrol for fireworks violations. Complaints must be filed through the regular code enforcement channels (see “How to report fireworks violations” below).

Q. What if I see actual or potential danger to people or property from fireworks? Who do I report it to then?
A. In instances where a threat to life, physical injury, or property damage may occur, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office by calling 9-1-1.

Q. Where can I find more information?
A. Go to kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks for more information (in the green fireworks section, click on the “Report violations online.” First-time users will have to sign up for our system). You can also direct general queries to our customer support email and phone number at asklocalservices@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3800.

Reporting fireworks violations

Residents can report violators to Code Enforcement (please note that reports made by e-mail or by phone will be responded to the next business day):

-Online by visiting kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks (In the green fireworks section, click on the “Report violations online.” First-time users will have to sign up for our system)
-Online via the King County Permits website. Select “File a complaint” in the Code Enforcement section. On the new screen, scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.
-Online via the Accela permit and complaint portal. Scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.
-E-mail: WebComplaints.CodeEnforcement@kingcounty.gov
-Phone: 206-848-0800