White Center Now: The blog about White Center

We got a few questions about a sizable King County Sheriff’s Office presence around 2nd/108th this morning, and checked with KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West. She says it was related to a warrant for a suspected “illegal wrecking yard.” No major findings to report in the investigation so far.

The Olson/1st Ave. hill to/from Highway 509 at the east end of SW Roxbury is open again after an hour-plus shutdown following a one-car crash.

(First two photos courtesy Jason)
According to monitored radio communications, three people were taken to the hospital.

The red Lexus went off the road, and rescuers had to cut its top off. The crash was reported at about 6 am and they finished pulling the car out around 7:30.

(Photo by WCN’s Patrick Sand)
This crash comes less than a week after SDOT officially launched the SW Roxbury safety project with a meeting at Greenbridge. We don’t know the victims’ conditions.

A project to make SW Roxbury safer is finally becoming reality, after White Center and West Seattle community leaders, including the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council and (just over the city-limit line, Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council), joined forces to campaign for it. Seattle Department of Transportation is coming to Greenbridge tonight for the first of two meetings, and you’re invited to come speak out – help shape the project! 6:30 pm at Jim Wiley Community Center, 9800 8th SW.

In case you couldn’t make it, we recorded video of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting last Thursday. Here’s what you’ll see:

*Discussion of litter problems by Marcia Wollam and Dick Thurnau

*(14 minutes in) King County Sheriff’s Deputy BJ Myers‘ briefing. Highlights:

*He says that auto theft has continued to be “high”; he said it’s vital to report the theft as soon as possible but that won’t help if you don’t know your license-plate number – that information not only helps them watch for the plate, but also tells them something very specific about the car, from the state-licensing system. If you don’t think you can remember it, take a cameraphone picture and save it so you can refer to it if you have to.

*He also mentioned a warrant and arrest related to mail theft that led to the recovery of “bags and bags and bags of stolen property.” He said it sent the message “mail theft is something we will kick in a door for.”

*He also mentioned multiple incidents while people were filling up their cars at Roxbury Safeway and called it “alarming” – anywhere you’re filling up, keep an eye on your car, because brazen criminals might come right up to it.

*Sustainable Seattle‘s Hannah Kett spoke about the “Greening the Grounds” project at Holy Family Parish and School, with raingardens and a food garden in the works. They’re seeking “Greening Committee” members, greenblocks@sustainableseattle.org

*Weed Warriors – Grace Stiller from this nonprofit spoke about the noxious weeds that everyone should watch out for – for example, pretty as scotch-broom flowers are, their seeds are viable for 45 years!

*Board discussion of Seattle’s annexation intent for two areas of South Park, and the city’s stated intent to “discuss” the possibility of a North Highline annexation vote in the future

Coming up at future meetings: King County Assessor Lloyd Hara in March, when NHUAC also will (UPDATED – see comments) hear the latest on marijuana laws.

Following up on our report last week – the Seattle City Council approved the resolution a committee had OK’d last week, seeking to annex two unincorporated areas in South Park, known as the “Sliver by the River” and the “Duwamish Triangle.” They’ll take it to the Boundary Review Board, seeking the go-ahead to put the proposal on a ballot for voter consideration in those areas. The resolution – which you can see here – also says “the City Council and Mayor intend to continue discussions with King County regarding the City’s potential future annexation by election of the North Highline Potential Annexation Area, known as Area Y…” That’s the only mention of Area Y in this resolution, which does not trigger any action regarding North Highline, as clarified in Seattle Council discussion last week. We’ll add video of today’s meeting when it’s available on the Seattle Channel website.

1:05 PM: Just added the top photo (that’s Councilmember Larry Phillips at left), courtesy of the KCE staff – and here’s the full-speech text.

ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:34 AM: Here’s the State of the County speech as it unfolded via Twitter over the past hour and a half. If you don’t see the tweets and photos initially, you might have to refresh your screen once or twice:

Tweets about “#KCSOTC”

This afternoon, the King County Council is back in its HQ at the County Courthouse downtown, for the regular 1:30 pm meeting, which includes votes on whether to send the Transportation Benefit District measure – license-tab fee/sales-tax increase for buses and roads – to the ballot, as well as the Metro cuts that might kick in starting in June if funding isn’t found via a ballot measure or the Legislature.

ADDED 3:06 PM: Video of the SOTC speech, provided by King County TV:

Snow’s over – except for possibly a flurry – and the meltdown’s on. Thanks to those who sent photos; we’ll be adding a few more. Also, we discovered King County has more traffic cameras in White Center than we knew about – all showing main roads are bare and wet, but see for yourself here.

(Live traffic cam from 16th/107th)
7:32 PM: It’s been an hour and a half now since snow moved into the south end of the metro area – and there’s no sign it’s stopping any time soon. The National Weather Service does NOT have any warnings in effect for the general area, since they don’t expect it to total more than an inch; at WCN/WSB headquarters on the south end of West Seattle, we’re up to about 3/4″. Drive carefully if you have to go out – here’s hoping you don’t! If any incidents to report or photos to share, you’ll find us at whitecenternow@gmail.com. Thanks!

2:50 AM: Snow’s stopped. Thanks to the person who texted a photo from 16th/Roxbury!

Just announced by King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s office:

For the first time ever, a King County Executive will deliver the State of the County address in one of the county’s unincorporated areas.

At White Center Heights Elementary School, Executive Dow Constantine will frame the policy agenda for his second term, including plans for confronting two of the generational challenges of our time.

Bookmark the State of the County website for infographics on the day of the address. Soon after the event, video, audio, the speech text, and policy papers will be posted.

The Twitter hashtag for the event is #KCSOTC.

This special meeting of the Metropolitan King County Council will take place on:

Monday, February 10
10:00 a.m.
White Center Heights Elementary School
10015 6th Ave. SW
(Street Parking is limited)

12:33 PM: Thanks to another tipster who called to report a sighting of fire and aid units. Driving around, we have found them on 20th SW, north of SW 102nd. Seattle Fire Department has again been called for mutual aid. More to come.

12:41 PM UPDATE: Nobody hurt, fire crews tell us, and nobody was home when it started. The fire’s under control but has done enough damage that nobody will be able to occupy the home immediately. Seattle Engine 11 wasn’t needed for long, so they’re headed back to their station in Highland Park.

No word yet on the cause.

1:53 PM UPDATE: Thanks to both Ron and DJ for pointing out that this house also had a major fire a few years back – August 2009, to be precise, as covered here on WCN.

10:21 AM: Thanks to Amanda (who also shared the photo) and Nancy for the tip – North Highline fire units are in the 10000 block of 14th SW (map) at a business fire. Amanda identifies the business as White Center Blacksmith and Welding. We’re on the way to find out more.

10:35 AM: WCN’s Patrick Sand reports firefighters tell him at the scene that this WAS White Center Welding, but is currently vacant, and apparently a new tenant was getting ready to move in. Nobody hurt; the fire is out. This is next door to WestSide Baby‘s headquarters, and executive director Nancy Woodland says smoke from the fire got into their building, so they’re dealing with the effects of that. No indication yet how this started; investigators will be working to figure that out.

11:01 AM: Do note that the public-safety turnout for this has 14th SW blocked at the scene.

12:13 PM UPDATE: From Woodland:

This morning there was a fire at about 10 am in the large building next to WestSide Baby’s donations facility. One of our staff made the initial 911 call. It was significant and luckily, due to the very quick response of the North Highline Fire Department and with support from surrounding departments, the fire was under control within about 30 minutes. WestSide Baby’s donation facility is closed today to assess the smoke damage. We also have to have all the doors open in the hopes of minimizing smoke impact on all of the clothes, diapers and equipment stored inside. It’s REALLY cold so our staff is all huddled in our Administrative offices nearby. Phones and e-mails work.

The building next door was recently re-occupied by an auto repair business. They had only received keys last Friday. The fire investigators are here determining the cause.

14th SW, by the way, is open again.

That’s the video of today’s Seattle City Council Education and Governance Committee meeting. The annexation discussion didn’t come up until roughly the last half-hour, and there were some interesting revelations. Last year, it was explained, a variety of meetings led to the county trying to get Seattle to agree to annex all three potential annexation areas – the South Park “Sliver by the River” and Duwamish Triangle, plus North Highline’s Area Y. Seattle did not want to commit to Area Y because of the cost. The county finally agreed, the explanation continued, to let Seattle pursue the South Park areas, if it would commit to continued discussions about Area Y. So what’s happening now is that Seattle wants to hold an election in the two South Park areas. And it is committed to keep talking about Area Y, but nothing more (it was reiterated that if Seattle DID pursue Area Y annexation, it would be by vote of the people, not any other way). The resolution passed unanimously today in the committee now goes to the full council next Monday.

This Thursday, it’s time for the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s next meeting. President Barbara Dobkin shares the preview:

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting
When: 7 pm Thursday, February 6
Where: North Highline Fire Station (1243 SW 112th)

We are pleased to be hosting Grace Stiller, President of the non-profit group “Weed Warriors.” Weed Warriors work with cities and communities to reduce the negative impact of invasive, noxious weeds in public places, like parks, trails, and open spaces. 
The program offers education about invasive weeds, methods for control or eradication, and provides opportunities where volunteers participate in “hands-on” restoration projects; thus improving the environmental health, and aesthetic and recreational qualities of our public places.

We are also pleased to have a presentation from Hannah Kett, Neighborhood Program Manager for Sustainable Seattle. Ms. Kett will be providing information on plans for the introduction of rain gardens and urban gardens at Holy Family School in White Center. She is also interested in ideas for where these types of projects could be located in the greater North Highline community.

White Center Storefront Deputy BJ Myers will be on hand to provide updates on crime trends.

Please plan on joining us for this informative community discussion – All are welcome –

Community Matters – Be Involved – Be Informed – Be Heard

(Photos by WCN’s Patrick Sand)
9:04 AM: We’re on our way to check out a fire response at the Windemere Estates apartment building on 16th SW just south of SW 107th. No details yet but Seattle Fire Department is sending mutual aid, which usually means something major. More as we get it.

9:23 AM UPDATE: We’re at the scene now. The fire is tapped – contained to one unit, one person treated for smoke inhalation, cause not yet determined. Traffic is blocked on northbound 16th just south of 107th and a Route 120 bus was waiting a while but now appears to have moved on.

11:09 AM: Of note for those continuing to wonder if Seattle will pursue White Center (and vicinity) annexation in the wake of the Burien rejection – we have just learned that a Seattle City Council committee is going to pursue an annexation vote for the two unincorporated sections of South Park, the “Sliver by the River” and “Duwamish Triangle.” Details are on our partner site The South Park News.

ADDED 11:18 AM: We didn’t catch it on first readthrough but the resolution DOES include a brief mention of North Highline’s “Area Y” – seventh paragraph:

WHEREAS, the City Council and Mayor intend to continue discussions with King County regarding the City’s potential future annexation by election of the North Highline Potential Annexation Area, known as Area Y…

That is mostly mentioned in support of why Seattle believes it should annex the Duwamish areas. But stay tuned!

If you have something to say in person about the proposed ballot measure to raise money to hold off Metro cuts and help roads, with a car-tab fee and sales-tax increase, be at Union Station (401 S. Jackson) in downtown Seattle on Tuesday, February 4th, for the only night hearing – 5:30 pm sign-in, 6 pm testimony. The County Council expects to decide February 10th whether to send a proposal to voters in April.

You’re invited to register now to be part of this year’s White Center Community Summit. Just received from WCCDA:

The 2014 White Center Community Summit will take place on Saturday, March 1st from 10am-2pm at Mt. View Elementary School. Registration and breakfast begins at 9 am. Organized by the White Center Community Development Association (CDA), this is a family event with workshops for youths and adults as well as free child care.

The theme for this year’s summit is “White Center: Past, Present and Future,” where we will explore and hear stories about how great things formed in White Center, what new things we have here now and plan with us how to keep White Center a growing place for the future. All attendees that register will receive a free I Heart White Center t-shirt, lunch, and an opportunity to have family pictures taken by a professional photographer.

“The event this year will be especially special because we will have community members come and share stories about how some of the great things we have here in White Center came to fruition. We will also take on some of the more challenging topics, in workshop form, that we are faced with here in White Center like: to annexation, transportation and education,” says White Center CDA Community Builder Marquise Roberson. “In addition to community coming together and providing context and voice behind various topics, it is going to be a great picture of community coming together and working together to gain mutual understanding and problem solve.”

In addition to the adult focused workshops, there will be youth focused workshops dealing with personal finance, career exploration and how they view the community. For the younger children there will also be free child care. Registered event attendees will also receive lunch from local community businesses. As in years past there will be a resource center along with onsite interpreters and translated materials. Registration information can be found at http://wccda.org/home

The mission of the White Center Community Development Association is to promote a high quality of life for White Center residents and stakeholders through the development of authentic leadership opportunities and community based neighborhood initiatives. This is accomplished through three lines of business: neighborhood revitalization, family development, and community building.

For more information please contact Marquise Roberson, Community Builder, at (206) 694-1082 or Marquise@wccda.org.

We’ve already mentioned that this year’s White Center 5K is on the way – but tonight, the official announcement has arrived, including word that you’re invited to dress up like a superhero!

The White Center Community Development Association (CDA) is partnering with the YES Foundation of White Center and the White Center Food Bank to host the second annual White Center 5K Walk & Run. This community event will take place on March 22, 2014 from 9:00am to 11:00am at White Center Heights Park. The theme of this year’s 5K is a Superhero Run, all participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superheroes.

The 5K has an official start time of 9:00 am, with registration beginning at 8:00 am. Following the completion of the race there will be an award ceremony to recognize the fastest runners. The cost of participation is $25 for people aged 11 through 18, $30 for people between the ages of 11 and 54, $25 for those aged 55 and up, and free for children 10 years of age and younger. All proceeds from the event will benefit the White Center CDA, the YES Foundation of White Center, and the White Center Food Bank.

Almost 400 people participated in 2013 and similar numbers of participants are expected to walk and run at this year’s event. “I can’t wait for this year’s race,” says Tony Vo of the WC5K planning committee. “It was amazing seeing how everyone came together last year and our second 5K will connect this community even more with the addition of the White Center Food Bank.”

In addition to a free White Center 5K T-shirt, this event will provide attendees with free DubSea drip Coffee and a light breakfast. Also on site there will be music and informational booths from local organizations including Hope Heart Institute, Child Care Resources, United Health Care, and the three partnering organizations. Following the race, 5K attendees can receive discounts at participating local businesses if they wear their White Center 5K T-shirt.

Those interested in attending can sign up by visiting the White Center 5K registration page at whitecenter5k.brownpapertickets.com or visit facebook.com/WhiteCenter5kWalkRun for more information.

The mission of the White Center Community Development Association is to promote a vibrant neighborhood and high quality of life for White Center residents and stakeholders through the development of authentic leadership opportunities and community-led, neighborhood initiatives. This is accomplished through three lines of business: neighborhood revitalization, family development, and community building.

The YES Foundation of White Center exists to address the social, economic, educational, physical, and spiritual needs of youth in the White Center area. By developing programs and partnering with other organizations, they provide kids with positive role models and powerful life experiences to encourage their hope and vision for the future.

The White Center Food Bank (WCFB) began in the mid-1970’s as an emergency response to assist struggling families and individuals in the greater White Center and Highline areas during a major economic downturn. The Mission of the White Center Food Bank is to minimize hunger, while nourishing community, nurturing self-reliance and embracing our rich cultural diversity.

For more information please contact Tony Vo at Whitecenter5k@gmail.com

Though voters in our state approved the creation of charter schools more than a year ago, none have opened yet – would-be operators are going through a vetting process. Public forums are part of that, and one is happening tomorrow (Thursday) night in White Center. Three charter schools proposed for the South Seattle/Highline area will be pitched in a forum at the Tech Access Foundation‘s Bethaday Community Learning Space – Rainier Prep (middle school) at 5 pm, Summit Public School: Sierra (high school) at 6 pm, and First Place Charter School at 7 pm. The forums are explained in this Seattle Times (WCN partner) story. The state Charter School Commission is hosting the forums – here’s the full schedule, including another forum Friday night in Tukwila – and is expected to decide by month’s end whether to approve any or all of the applications.

We’ve reported on the financial crisis faced by White Center’s Evergreen Pool, saved by the community once and in need of rescue again – now, it’s been saved, supporters just announced:

The non-profit Evergreen Pool, which serves the greater Highline area, which had been threatened with closure, will remain open thanks to a combination of community and government support.

During December the volunteer community group that manages the pool successfully raised over $15,000 from the public, obtained a grant for reducing energy costs from King County Parks, and entered into a contract with the City of Burien to provide services to low-income residents there.

“We are so grateful to the community and our leaders who recognize the need for an aquatic facility in White Center and for coming together to help us continue our mission of teaching swimming and promoting fitness in the Highline area,” said Evergreen Community Aquatics Center Board President, Bryan Hastings.

“In particular we would like to thank King County Executive Dow Constantine and Burien’s newly elected Mayor Lucy Krakowiak for sharing our vision,” said Hastings. In addition there were many private donors, mostly giving less than $100, who helped reach the fundraising goal.

More than 3,800 children – and adults – have learned to swim at the Evergreen Pool since it reopened under new management three years ago. The pool is home to several swim teams – Whitewater Aquatics, Highline High School, Evergreen High School and Blue Wave Masters, as well as dozens of community groups.

To celebrate the continued operation of the pool, a free family swim pass is being offered with each lesson program sign up. More information can be found at www.EvergreenPool.org.