White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Just in case you hadn’t heard yet – Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says the air’s expected to clear with wind speed picking up and maybe even some precipitation, so the burn ban put into place at noon Sunday is now OVER.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has announced a Stage 1 burn ban, in effect throughout King County as of noon today. Here’s what that means:

*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.

Toplines from Thursday night’s meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council:

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: NHUAC heard from two of this area’s three state legislators – Sen. Sharon Nelson (D-Maury Island), recently elected Senate Democratic leader, and Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, who succeeded her in the state House. Two key topics in their briefing: Transportation and annexation.

Sen. Nelson began by noting that for the first time in five years, the Legislature doesn’t have to focus on making budget cuts – while the state isn’t getting rich or amassing a major surplus, its economic health is stabilizing.

Rep. Fitzgibbon did most of the talking regarding whether progress is being made toward a transportation-funding package. Work is under way but nothing’s settled yet. Though Metro bus service faces “devastating” cuts in the North Highline area among others – with Route 113 facing elimination in the first round – it’s not all about transit; he reminded attendees about the dire straits of King County Roads, from unfunded maintenance to inability to get snowplows out if needed.

Even before anyone could ask about the state tax credit for annexation – a perk that will expire before too long – Sen. Nelson said that while the issue’s not dead, it would be difficult and contentious if brought back up in the near future.

In Q/A with attendees, Rep. Fitzgibbon said the building that is home to DSHS in White Center apparently has a buyer (we had reported the real-estate listing here last week). He didn’t identify the new owner but said they’ll be expected to take better care of the property and address issues such as its use by transients sleeping in the doorway and stairwell.

Speaking of which …

GREENBRIDGE CAMPERS: King County Sheriff’s Deputy B.J. Myers said he had just gone on a walkthrough at the Greenbridge-area greenbelt with King County Parks, and a general cleanup of the area is expected to start next week. He said campers had been provided with information about the impending cleanup and where they can go once it starts.

He also recapped the news conference on Wednesday with the family of the victim in the recent murder. (Our report now includes KCTV video of the entire event.)

EVERGREEN POOL MONEY WOES: NHUAC heard from a rep of Evergreen Pool, which is trying to raise $25,000 by mid-January (look for a separate story on that here this weekend). Most of it would go to Puget Sound Energy for overdue gas bills, which could lead to a shutoff by then, and a resulting shutdown of the pool, if the money’s not raised.

REMEMBERING STEVE COX: As the meeting began, president Barbara Dobkin led a moment of silence in memory of Deputy Steve Cox, killed seven years ago this week.

Watch for information on NHUAC’s next meeting on the council’s website at northhighlineuac.org.

(Also published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

In the blue cap and gown is Michael Delfin-Rodriguez, celebrating his graduation from New Start High School on the Evergreen campus, with his dad Sergio. Michael is the young man shot and killed the day before Thanksgiving, at 2nd SW and SW 108th, while he and his brother Saul were out for an early-early-morning walk to a store. This morning, members of Michael’s family were at the King County Sheriff’s Office headquarters downtown, meeting the media to make a public plea for help in finding his killer. Saul spoke for the family today:

Investigators have called this a case of mistaken identity – Michael and Saul were confronted by two people, believed to be teenage boys, who accused them of being members of a gang; they denied it, kept moving, then one of those boys pulled out a gun and fired, killing Michael. (added) Here’s video from the news conference:

If anyone saw anything or has heard any talk about it, there’s a Crime Stoppers reward in the case, and investigators are eager to hear from anyone with information that might help solve the murder. Crime Stoppers has multiple ways to report tips, including anonymously, or call KCSO at 206-296-3311.

Your community council for White Center and vicinity, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, hopes to see you on Thursday, 7 pm at NH Fire District HQ (1243 SW 112th). Here’s the agenda:

7:00 pm Call to Order – Flag Salute – Roll Call –
Approval of Agenda – Approval of Minutes

7:05 pm Public Announcements

7:10 pm Public Comment
3minutes for Individuals
5 minutes for Groups

7:15 pm Richard Wells, Sustainable Works
7:35 pm Mark Cross, Director – Evergreen Athletic Dept.
7:45 pm Senator Sharon Nelson
Representative, Joe Fitzgibbon
8:10 pm Deputy BJ Myers (White Center Storefront)
8:30 pm Committee Reports

8:35 pm Old/New Business
• December 10 Board Meeting
• January meeting
• CSA Grant application

All welcome.

(King County Assessor’s Office photo)
A big new for-sale listing in White Center: The building best known as home to the DSHS offices in White Center, 9650 15th SW, is listed for sale. Asking price: $2,650,000. And that’s just for the building, not the land, according to the listing, which says the building is on leasehold property. It was a grocery store before Prium Development remodeled it almost a decade ago.

Evergreen Pool is “on the brink” of closure and needs community help, according to this announcement of a new fundraising drive:

A “Parents’ Night Off” swimming fundraiser the day after Thanksgiving is kicking off a major fundraising drive to keep the non-profit Evergreen Pool in White Center open.

For a $30 donation parents can drop off kids this Friday, Nov. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m., and then go shopping or on a date.

More than 3,800 children – and adults – have learned to swim at the Evergreen Community Aquatics Center pool since it reopened under new management three years ago.

“That includes a good number of kids who are served by a good swimming program in a community with limited youth recreation opportunities,” notes General Manager Joel Schweiger.

This 44-year-old facility, long managed by King County, has been operated “pretty close to breaking even for three years” by the WhiteWater Aquatics Management, Schweiger says.

But “pretty close” doesn’t balance the ledger – especially those utility and related costs necessary for operating the aquatics center that were unavoidably higher from the time the pool reopened until energy improvements could be made.

These improvements are making a significant positive difference. Energy costs have been reduced by 40 percent with the grant-funded purchase of a new boiler and a pool blanket to cover to cover the water and maintain temperature when the facility is closed.

In addition, new filters paid for with another grant and recently installed are reducing chemical purchases by 15 percent.

Still, $15,000 in outstanding utility billings and related expenses, most incurred before these upgrades were made, and have put the Evergreen pool on the brink again.

And if funds are not raised to pay these debts by mid-January the aquatic center will have to close – despite the fact it is busy almost all the time. Schweiger says the pool is filled to capacity when kids are out of school.

“The reality is that the pool’s costs of operating exceed revenue due to capacity, he adds. For example, kids who get free or reduced lunches at school also get swimming lessons free or at reduced cost.

“It’s important to find both immediate and long-term income to keep this pool open “because there’s not a lot of positive youth activities in White Center that are safe and fun.”

The non-profit group is continuing to work with King County, the City of Burien and the Highline School District to find resources as well as launching a corporate and personal giving campaign.

4:50 PM: An update from KCSO on this morning’s deadly shooting:

The King County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting and killing of a man in the White Center area … and is asking for the public’s help.

On 11/27/13 at about 2:15 AM, deputies were dispatched to the area of SW 108 St and 2nd Ave SW after a caller reported hearing at least one gunshot and said there was a man down in the middle of the street. Deputies arrived at the scene to find a young adult male lying in the street suffering from at least one gunshot wound. They attempted life-saving measures but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Sergeant Tony McNabb said, “Two young men were walking along SW 108 St. minding their own business when they were confronted by the two suspects. The suspects accused the innocent victim and his friend of being in a rival gang to which they both denied. As the victim and his friend began walking away, one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and began firing at the two, hitting and killing one of them.”

Deputy Charlie Akers is asking for the public to “Put themselves in the shoes of this innocent young man’s family. As we are entering the holiday season, this family is grieving the senseless loss of this young man. If this was one of your loved ones, you would want answers, you would want justice. A young man has lost his life because he was mistaken to be in a gang.”. Deputy Akers added a message to the suspects: “You took the life of an innocent young man for no reason; turn yourself in.”

If you know anything about this senseless crime, please call 206-296-3311.

Earlier versions of the story are below:

Read the rest of this entry »

Just got confirmation from Vy Nguyen at the White Center Community Development Association that this year’s Christmas tree lighting at Triangle Park is set – 5 pm December 7th. Keep track with this Facebook event page!

(Also published on partner sites West Seattle Blog and The South Park News)

As of 2 pm, King County will be under a Stage 2 burn ban, elevated from Sunday’s announcement. Here’s what the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says that means:

*No burning is allowed in ANY wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified) or pellet 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 and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 2 burn ban.

This might not last long – breezes up to 15 mph are in the forecast for tomorrow, and possible rain starting Thursday night.

(Also published on partner sites West Seattle Blog and The South Park News)

You’ve probably noticed, maybe even felt the effects of, the stagnant, murky air. It’s just led the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to announce a Stage 1 burn ban for King County as of 2 pm today. Here’s how the agency explains that type of 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.

More info? Go here. As for the weather – the long-range forecast doesn’t include rain any sooner than Friday night.

Live music tonight (Sunday, November 24) at Company Bar! Word comes from Matt Weiner, who’s playing there 7-10 pm with the Casey MacGill Trio (actually a quartet, Matt explains, with reedist Skerik Skerik). You might also know Matt as co-owner of Caffé Delia, whose new standalone home next to Proletariat Pizza is currently undergoing renovation work before the coffee shop reopens in the not-too-distant future. Matt reports that Company will have a dinner special, too, so make a night of it! (Company is at 9608 16th SW.)

At least two places in White Center are already selling holiday trees – McLendon Hardware is one. Store manager Tony Barnes e-mailed to say they have received their first shipment of almost 500 trees and are selling them now:

We (are) carrying four varieties and trees as tall as 10’. Our selection will include Noble Firs, Nordman Fir ( replaces Frazier Firs), Douglas Firs, and lastly Grand Firs, all from local suppliers.

“The Seasonal Help” at Village Green Perennial Nursery has cut and live trees on sale now too – more on them later today! From Thanksgiving events to Christmas tree lots to New Year’s celebrations, if you have holiday-season information to announce, please send it to us at whitecenternow@gmail.com. Thanks!

Received through our lost/found pets page at partner site West Seattle Blog, word of kittens found in White Center:

Found: Siamese Kittens
Location: 4th Ave SW & SW 110th St
Date: Saturday 11/23/13

These kittens and their mother have been wondering around my backyard the past few days. They appeared dirty and hungry. After they camped out under my back porch over night through these freezing temperatures, I brought them into my home until they can be reunited to their owners.

Please call: 360.621.5901 for more information.

Thanks to those who texted and called about the King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Guardian One over White Center/Shorewood a little earlier this evening. Absent specifics, we headed out and looked for the helicopter; just missed it, but the Air Support crew did tweet this:

Assisted KCSO Dptys with occupied stolen car in White Center.

— KCSOAirsupport (@KCSOAirsupport) November 23, 2013

Sorry, no specifics on the location of where that stolen car was found/stopped. If we get any more information, we’ll add it.

We’re continuing to collect holiday information – e-mail us at whitecenternow@gmail.com! – for reporting here as well as inclusion in the Holiday Guide published through our partner site West Seattle Blog (with WS, WC, and South Park info, updated daily as new additions come in). The latest announcement from White Center is from Holy Family Bilingual School, where Christmas trees will be sold again this year to benefit the school. First scheduled day is November 30th – the Saturday after Thanksgiving, starting at 10 am – and sales will continue through Christmas Eve, December 24th. Holy Family is at 18th/Roxbury.

One more reminder – if you want to be among the first to see (and comment on) the newest design renderings for the White Center Library project, be at Mount View Elementary School (10811 12th SW; next to the future site of the library) at 6:30 pm tonight. Architects and King County Library System reps will be on hand.

As announced – happening today and tomorrow at White Center Library:

Friday, Nov. 15th & Saturday, Nov. 16th!

Friday, November 15, 11 am-4 pm
Saturday, November 16, 11 am-4 pm

Free Activities

Friday
Beginning Crochet,starts at Noon
Beginning Knitting, starts at 3 pm

Saturday
Holiday Gift Towels Crochet Craft, starts at Noon
Beginning Knitting, starts at 2 pm
Holiday Crafts for Kids, starts at Noon in the meeting room

The White Center Library Guild uses the money raised to help fund programs at the library throughout the year. Most of these funds are used to support children/teen activities that can be life changing for those living in our great community. Come and support this community, find some great Holiday bargains, learn new skills and help your kids learn new craft making.

The library is at 11220 16th SW.

After regional coverage of its academic success, White Center Heights Elementary had a fun followup last night – with the third-graders of Community Room 145 taking centerstage at Dubsea Coffee in Greenbridge, telling the “True Stories” they’ve been writing. We were there to capture it on video:

If you missed the recent Seattle Times (WCN partner) story about WCH’s test-score improvements – read it here.

The final King County Budget has just been formally presented by our area’s County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who chairs the council’s Budget Committee, and colleagues. Here’s the official announcement, including details on added resources for the Sheriff’s Office, which provides law-enforcement services for White Center and vicinity:

Inside the Orion Center there are programs providing shelter and critical services to homeless youth. The members of the Metropolitan King County Council’s Budget Leadership Team said today that their proposed 2014 budget enhances services like these and protects housing throughout the County.

“Each night over 700 youth and young adults are homeless in King County. In response, we funded shelters, family reunification and employment and education resources in our budget. Protecting our youth and ending the cycle of homelessness prove worthy investments,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee.

The $8.9 billion budget proposed by McDermott and the members of the Budget Leadership Team—Councilmembers Kathy Lambert, Jane Hague and Larry Phillips—will be voted on today by the full County Council at its afternoon meeting.

“I’m pleased that our 2014 budget recognizes the importance of the county’s role as the local government for the unincorporated areas,” said Budget Leadership Team Vice Chair Lambert. “The budget adds two full Sheriff’s patrol units — 8 officers: 6 deputies and 2 sergeants—and this addition is a statement to all residents of the unincorporated areas that their safety is a primary concern of the county.”

“Our priority during this budget process was to continue King County’s legacy of delivering quality services that keep us prosperous, safe and healthy,” said Hague. “Using ‘LEAN’s’ continuous improvement principles, we have collaboratively done so, and in record time.”

“The water quality monitoring restored in the 2014 budget positions King County to effectively respond to threats like ocean acidification, while protecting our cherished lakes, rivers, streams, and Puget Sound,” said Phillips. “Unfortunately, and in striking contrast, a $75 million annual budget shortfall remains in transit funding. We must take action to avoid pending drastic transit cuts, either by the State Legislature coming through on a transportation package in the current special session, or by King County using other funding options.”

As the County completes its transition to biennial budgeting, the 2014 budget proposed includes the County’s last annual budget. The budget includes a $718 million General Fund Budget, of which 73 percent is directed toward public safety and criminal justice programs.

As the regional economy continues its climb out of the Great Recession, the 2014 Budget maintains the County’s commitment to the County Strategic Plan and its focus on equity and social justice. The budget also preserves King County’s AAA bond rating by not using the County’s cash reserves or tapping the rainy day fund.

“Today’s vote reaffirms the Council’s commitment to providing holistic services to the residents of King County,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “I applaud the Council’s budget leadership for addressing many of the needs in our community through this budget. However, the economic crisis is not over for so many and our resources are still not enough. We need a new source of funding to more fully address those needs.”

“I am very pleased with the budget that the Council has put together this year,” said Julia Patterson, Vice Chair of the Council. “This budget helps provide a social safety net in King County to ensure that many residents receive the human services and housing resources they need.”

The Budget Leadership Team came to Youth Care’s Orion Center to announce that the 2014 budget will contain $120,000 in funding to help keep the facility open. The grant that helps support the center is ending, and without the additional funding the Orion would have to close its doors early next year. This funding is part of a comprehensive package to fund key services to address the region’s youth and young adult homelessness problem. Emergency youth centers in Seattle, Redmond and Auburn, as well a program that reunites runaways with their families, will all receive county funding in 2014.

“We are grateful to the King County Council for their leadership and vision in supporting services for our community’s homeless young people. These are our children, and we know what we need to do to help them move out of homelessness and into self-sufficiency – meet their basic needs, connect them to safe shelter, get them into stable housing, and reengage them in education and employment opportunities,” said Melinda Giovengo, Executive Director of YouthCare, the organization that operates the Orion Center. “I am proud to see our community’s Comprehensive Plan reflected in this budget, and I am particularly grateful for the Council’s support for young adult shelter throughout King County.”

The 2014 Budget also works to protect sexually exploited youth. The King County Superior Court’s efforts to implement a statewide system to identify, engage and help prostituted youth become free and recover from their exploitation are funded.

King County is the “local” government for the 250,000 county residents who live in unincorporated communities. The 2014 Budget will include funding for additional staffing in the King County Sheriff’s Office—including funds to reopen the shuttered Hicks-Raburn Precinct in Maple Valley.

“Over 70,000 residents of unincorporated King County that I represent will soon feel much safer,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, who represents Maple Valley on the County Council. “This budget not only funds the re-opening of the Sheriff’s Hicks-Raburn Precinct in South East King County, but also funds eight new Sheriff deputy positions. I look forward to voting for a budget that clearly illustrates the importance of the County’s role as the provider of law enforcement services to our unincorporated area residents.”

The 2014 Budget makes a contribution to housing services for low-income families and seniors, allowing the preservation and maintenance of 147 units of affordable housing.

Protecting water quality for future generations continues to be a priority for King County. The 2014 Budget support waters quality monitoring in county rivers, to help provide the public with accurate data about the contaminates in King County waterways.

The full County Council is expected to give its unanimous support to the budget this afternoon. After the Council vote, the 2014 Budget will be sent to County Executive Dow Constantine for his signature.

To see all the budget documents, go here and put 2013-0422 in the search box – unfortunately there does not seem to be a way to link directly.