White Center Now: The blog about White Center

The application period is over, and the state is narrowing the field of those who have applied to produce, process, and/or sell recreational marijuana. We took a look at the newest version of the spreadsheet listing retail applications, and found multiple applicants for certain locations. Here are all the retail applicants for White Center (and reminder, in our reporting, White Center means strictly the nonincorporated area – nothing in the Seattle city limits) – 19 applications for 8 locations:

*7 applications to sell at 9819 16th SW: Greensmart Northwest, Marijuana Mercantile, Northwest THC Outlet, Sound THC, THCInSource, THC Supermarket, Total Access THC

*6 applications to sell at 9640 16th SW (current home of NW Cannabis Market): Washington Total THC, Greensmart Northwest, Northwest THC Outlet, Simple Choice THC, Sound THC, THCInSource.

*1 application to sell at 9809 16th SW: Magic Herbal Market

*1 application to sell at 9802 18th SW: Chameleon Enterprises

*1 application to sell at 9823 15th SW: Kronic LLC

*1 application to sell at 9831 16th SW, Stuart Thomas Holding

*1 application to sell at 9835 16th SW, NLM Lucky LLC

*1 application to sell at 11030 19th SW, Just Hemp LLC

A few of those might already be out of the running; our partners at The Seattle Times report that applicants with residential addresses or other disqualifying factors, such as the buffer from places frequented by youth, are already being disqualified. And even if a location qualifies according to the rules, the applicant will have to show that they actually have an agreement with the building’s landlord, if they don’t own the location themselves. So when will licenses be issued? No timeline so far.

By Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
White Center Now co-publishers

With no money solution in sight yet, the first round of Metro service cuts is rolling forward, and it was the centerpiece topic at Thursday night’s meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council.

These are the changes that would take effect in June, when the county runs out of money from the state meant to mitigate effects of Highway 99 construction – even though that construction is far from over, and county leaders suggest that transportation in this area will be affected through at least 2019, between the tunnel, the Viaduct demolition, surface Alaskan Way construction, seawall work, and more.

The King County Council’s Transportation Committee will look at the proposed cuts Thursday afternoon at 1:30 pm, and will also be briefed on proposed creation of a “transportation benefit district” to raise money locally to make up for some of what is expiring.

The June service-change proposal (eliminated and reduced routes) for this area, still pending council approval, includes total elimination of Route 113, whose service area includes White Center:

As noted by Metro’s Doug Johnson and DeAnna Martin at the meeting, other effects in this area would include service reductions for routes 60, 120, 121, 122, 123, 131, and 132.

Also at the meeting, County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who said the “transportation benefit district” – authorizing a car-tab fee and sales-tax increase – could go to voters as soon as April, and isn’t just for Metro money, but would also raise $50 million for roads. There’s been no good news from Olympia regarding a transportation deal, and that’s why this all is moving forward.

In addition to the County Council committee meeting this week, there’s also a big event with the West Seattle Transportation Coalition which, as WSTC board member Amanda Kay Helmick told NHUAC on Thursday night, considers North Highline to be an integral part of the area too. At 6:30 pm Tuesday at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), representatives from city, county, and state government will comprise a panel with Q/A about local transportation issues, and as WSTC has been noting, a big turnout will underscore local concerns.

Also during Thursday’s NHUAC meeting, the monthly crime/safety briefing with King County Sheriff’s Office Deputy BJ Myers. He mentioned an uptick in car thefts/prowls and auto-parts thefts around the Top Hat area in the past month, and said KCSO is targeting that with a special emphasis. But the heart of White Center itself does not have anything out of the ordinary going on, and December 2013 stats, Deputy Myers said, look a lot like December 2012. Several attendees asked him to check on graffiti-vandalism concerns.

For more information about NHUAC, check out its website at northhighlineuac.org.

Parts of White Center and elsewhere in North Highline are reported to be part of a Seattle City Light outage affecting almost 9,000 homes/businesses/etc. from West Seattle southward. (Parts of their coverage area to the north of Elliott Bay are out too.) It happened during a ferocious wind gust around 4:30 am. City Light is guesstimating repairs by 8:30 am. We’re continuing to cover on West Seattle Blog but you are also welcome to comment here if you’re out.

7 pm next Thursday (January 16) at the Evergreen campus cafeteria (830 SW 116th), it’s your chance to tell Highline Public Schools what you think should be done to deal with its growing crisis – old schools, overflowing. Here’s today’s announcement:

Facing serious challenges with school facilities, leaders from Highline Public Schools are asking citizens to weigh in on potential solutions.

“Last year the community came together to set bold goals for students,” said Superintendent Susan Enfield. “In order to meet those goals, we must provide a learning environment that allows students to experience excellent instruction and today’s learning technology.”

Highline’s student population is growing for the first time in over a decade, and the district is projected to see an additional 2,100 students over the next 8 to 10 years. Elementary schools are currently full, and there is no room for growth. In addition, there are a number of aging buildings that must be replaced or undergo major renovations. A few facts:

· Elementary schools have no room to reduce class sizes, even though the state is offering additional funding for smaller classes in grades K-3 starting next fall. If the district is unable to create more classroom space, it will have to turn away up to $2.2 million in state funding.

· All but one of the middle and high schools are over 50 years old and in need of replacement or major repairs. As the buildings age, repairs and maintenance are becoming more and more expensive, draining money away from the classroom. Aging infrastructure prevents the installation of educational technology.

District leaders are working to come up with a responsible solution to both issues. Highline Public Schools is seeking community input on how to accommodate enrollment growth and address conditions in aging school buildings. There are a number of opportunities for the public to get more information, take a closer look at potential solutions and provide feedback, including:

An online survey covering key issues and potential solutions, available mid-January on the district’s website. This tool is easy to access and is a convenient way to learn more about the issues ahead and share input and ideas. The survey will be posted at www.highlineschools.org/yourvoice.

Citizens are invited to three community meetings being held to gather input from community members. These meetings are an opportunity for citizens to hear details about the challenges ahead, give input on the proposed solutions and join with district leaders in shaping a meaningful and lasting solution.

A few months ago, North Highline Unincorporated Area Council joined community groups on the Seattle side of the line in pushing for a safety study of SW Roxbury. This week, the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council provided an update. From WWRHAH secretary Joe Szilagyi‘s online summary of the group’s Tuesday meeting:

All the studies are done. SDOT has met with both King County Metro and their King County DOT peers several times now. They came up with an extensive list of minor to moderate modifications along the length of Roxbury from 35th all the way east to Olson & 4th that they believe can improve the flow of traffic, bring speeders in line with the posted legal speed limits, and significantly improve the safety of the arterial corridor. SDOT has not heavily detailed the solutions to us, but they emphasized that compared to other arterials, the work on Roxbury shouldn’t be particularly difficult or invasive, and would utilize simpler solutions.

SDOT will run outreach programs to White Center, Arbor Heights, Westwood, Roxhill, North Highline, Highland Park, including at least two public feedback meetings, one in the day and one in the evening, and will run outreach booths at the Roxbury Safeway. The public meetings will be coming in the February to March time frame, at locations and times to be determined.

Additional good news to come out of this: the missing link of the Roxbury sidewalk across the street from Roxhill Elementary School, on the south side of Roxbury between 30th and 27th, is in the process of being funded via a grant with the County. For the first time in as far as most people seem to be able to remember, Roxbury will have continuous sidewalks.

At this point, WWRHAH, HPAC, and NHUAC aside from providing additional feedback are done, and this is fully an SDOT operation now.

NHUAC meets tonight, if you missed our earlier reminder – North Highline Fire District HQ as always, with the agenda including Metro talking about the status of its potential cuts in the White Center/West Seattle area (and beyond) – that means the meeting starts early, with Metro having a mini-open house of sorts to answer questions and provide information.

Charmaine hopes you will be on the lookout for her stolen car, taken from outside her home near 4th SW and SW 106th:

My ’93 Honda Accord, beige in color, with license plate AGX7274 was stolen from my driveway in front of my house sometime between 12:30 AM and 3 PM (Tuesday).

Call 911 if you see it.

New year, new month, new list of fun and educational programs ahead at the White Center Library – here’s the flyer they shared:

White Center Library programs for January 2014

Beautiful Saturday night sunset – first weekend of 2014. Thanks to Gill for sharing the photo. Might even have another good one on Sunday, since the forecast suggests we’ll see another sunny day.

Thanks to the person who called our 24-hour hotline (shared with partner site West Seattle Blog – 206-293-6302) with a tip about a big King County Sheriff’s Office response at a building at 16th/110th. We headed that way to find out what was happening; our crew talked at the scene with KCSO’s Deputy BJ Myers, who says a man was arrested after becoming combative and assaultive. Everything’s under control now and winding down.

Still no solution to the Metro money mess – with some White Center/West Seattle cuts looming even sooner than the rest of the region – so the centerpiece item on next month’s NHUAC agenda is all the more important. From president Barbara Dobkin:

Just a reminder – The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) will be holding their January meeting on Thursday, January 9. We are pleased to be hosting representatives from King County Metro, who will provide information on potential service cuts. A total of 600,000 annual service hours, or 17% of the current Metro system could be eliminated. The impact from these cuts will be devastating to both drivers and Metro riders. It is important to let your voice be heard – so please join us for this important discussion.

Metro Representatives will be on hand starting at 6:30 – our regular meeting will begin at 7.

Stay tuned for more details.

NHUAC Meeting
When: Thursday, January 9, 6:30 pm
Where: North Highline Fire Station (1243 SW 112th)

From Kami, who is helping with the campaign to keep Evergreen Pool open:

PLEASE SAVE EVERGREEN BY TAKING SWIM LESSONS!

Evergreen could close if the community doesn’t start using it. This local nonprofit indoor aquatic center offers great swim lessons at competitive prices, lap swimming, and public swim. Please check out the website at www.evergreenpool.org for more information.

Current Promotion:
If you sign up for swim lessons starting January 6th, the registered swimmer and one adult may attend any of our public swim sessions in January for FREE! Please check our website or swing on by.

Let’s come together to save this valuable community resource. TOGETHER LET’S SAVE EVERGREEN!

Starting today, and running through only the first week of the New Year, you can sign up for the second annual White Center 5K – set for March 22 – and get a discount! Details and signups at the official website. The 5K benefits the White Center Community Development Association and the YES Foundation of White Center.

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has cancelled the burn ban, as of 11 am today, after just 18 hours, explaining that conditions change quickly this time of year.

Christmas Eve fires are OK, but that changes on Christmas night. Just announced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:

Due to increasingly stagnant weather conditions, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, effective at 5 pm on December 25, 2013. This ban remains in effect until further notice.

During a Stage 1 burn ban:

No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home’s only adequate source of heat.
No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.
Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

It is OK to use natural gas, propane, pellet and EPA-certified wood stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli)
8:20 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “heavy rescue” response to Myers Way/Olson Place, which is the busy intersection at the east end of Roxbury atop the hill from/to Highway 509. We have a crew on the way and will update when we find out more.

8:50 PM: Christopher Boffoli is there for White Center Now/West Seattle Blog and reports that three people were taken to the hospital with non-threatening injuries, “including an infant.” One car rolled over, he reports, and another appears to have been “clipped.”

As previewed here last night, “Winter Fire” reigned in the reign right after nightfall at Greenbridge Plaza, about seven hours after winter’s official arrival (9:11 our time this morning).

P.S. In nearby Highland Park, a fire performance is also usually part of the “Not So Silent Night” New Year’s Eve parade, which starts from and finishes at HP Improvement Club headquarters – 6:30 pm December 31st.

Out of the WCN inbox:

Winter Fire White Center

Bundle up and join us for a unique and delightful evening of community fun as we bring light and warmth to the longest nights of winter.

All around the world, for thousands of years, families, friends and communities have gathered around fires for light, heat and celebration. Traditions have emerged in many cultures around the Winter Solstice – many as a way to extend the light of the sun and hold back the dark of the longest night of the year. It’s also a time to celebrate the transition toward the longer days of Spring and Summer to come.

On this night, we will come together to celebrate with fire and dance – creating a new tradition unique to OUR community.

When: 4:00 pm
Saturday, December 21, 2013

Where: Greenbridge Plaza Community Space
8th Ave SW & SW 99th St

5:13 AM: It’s snowing, as predicted, and expected to continue into the late morning. We’ll publish major updates here, including roads, transit, and schools, as we get them.

5:53 AM: Trouble on Olson Place already, per the scanner – a bus partly blocking at 3rd.

6:07 AM: Highline Public Schools has just tweeted that it’s CLOSED for the day.

7:10 AM: Metro buses are all on snow routes.

7:27 AM: Remember that King County is plowing fewer roads – although the snow is not so heavy that this is likely to be a major problem, this time. Also – an added school closure in White Center: West Seattle Montessori is closed.

3:13 PM: Metro is back to regular routes.

Just announced:

Evergreen Pool in White Center wants to throw a party for the community – while raising a little fun for area children it will also collect toys and food for the less fortunate in the area.

Just bring an unwrapped toy, or food donation for White Center Food Bank and join in fun at Evergreen Pool from 3 pm-6 pm on December 21st. Lifeguards are on hand to watch swimmers who are still learning to swim; parents are encouraged to stay and enjoy the fun with their kids.

The White Center pool faces a Jan. 15 deadline to raise $15,000 to keep the facility open, and the fund drive is proceeding well, “ yet, we just felt we needed to have an event to celebrate the facility, our community and help bring holiday cheer to the area”, said WhiteWater Aquatics General Manager Joel Schweiger.

More than 3,800 children – and adults – have learned to swim at the Evergreen pool in White Center since it reopened under the new nonprofit management three years ago. It serves the greater Highline area, with 56 percent of the children who swim there coming from Burien.

Tax deductible donations can be made online via evergreenpool.org

Maybe you’ve been in Full Tilt Ice Cream‘s White Center shop with a wall-to-wall crowd on a sizzling summer day? Multiply that size of crowd times five or so – and that’s what filled the shop Wednesday night, with plenty of crowd spillover out front, for Mudhoney, whose members arrived via … crosswalk:

Full Tilt proprietor Justin Cline told us the shop filled to capacity way before showtime:

Back inside, this had all started as an ice-cream launch party, for new Full Tilt flavor Mudhoney, and yes, there was scooping going on:

But the spectre of grunge-rock legends at centerstage next to the counter, less than a week after sharing the KeyArena bill with Pearl Jam, was the main course. Now that the band’s played on, go check out the ice cream.