White Center Now: The blog about White Center

EDITOR’S NOTE: On Sunday, we extended an invitation for anyone – organization, business, private citizen, etc. – to submit for publication their pitch for why voters should go their way in the vote on whether Burien should annex most of the rest of North Highline. No negativity about the opposition or why the other view is wrong – just, why you believe your view is right. We have received four essays so far, all from Burien-annexation supporters, nothing yet from any opponents. On Sunday, we published one from Barbara Dobkin and one from four White Center businesspeople. Here’s the third; the fourth is in queue for later this afternoon, and we’re still accepting essays (that follow the rules) through Tuesday afternoon. Please send to whitecenternow@gmail.com – thank you!

By the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Special to White Center Now

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) urges a YES vote for annexation of “Area Y” to Burien (Proposition 1 at the end of your ballot). Our support is based in large part on the positive impact of Burien’s 2010 annexation of our neighbors to the south. Roads have been paved, long neglected parks have been improved, and the people have been given a voice and a say in their future.

A Burien annexation will ensure that the White Center and Boulevard Park Libraries will not be moved out of the communities they currently serve. Without Burien’s advocacy these essential community resources would have already been lost, but without annexation, according to the King County Library Board, they will be closed.

Staying Unincorporated is not an option. At NHUAC’s October 4 Annexation Forum, State Senator Sharon Nelson and Karen Freeman from King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s office made it clear that the State Growth Management Act and King County Policies, require that we join a city. King County does not have the same taxing authority that cities do to provide continued services to urban unincorporated areas. Under the county, services will continue to be cut and diminish our quality of life.

Our King County Council Representative, Joe McDermott, noted that the county’s new road service plan will eliminate any maintenance or repair to approximately 36 miles of our residential streets. Additionally, he discussed other ways that remaining unincorporated would negatively impact us.

King County Sheriff Steve Strachan, Burien’s Assistant Police Chief Carl Cole, Fire Chief of Burien and Normandy Park and acting Fire Chief of North Highline, Mike Marrs, and Burien City Manager Mike Martin also shared pertinent information and answered questions. We highly recommend if you have any doubts about voting YES for annexation that you view the video of the forum that can be accessed on the NHUAC website northhighlineuac.org.

If we join our neighbors who annexed to Burien in 2010, we will be slightly more than half the population of Burien. Our taxes, which will be invested in our community, will increase approximately $10 a month. A small price to pay for the opportunity to live in a safe healthy community, where we will finally have a say in the issues that directly impact our quality of life.

As the late Deputy Steve Cox, a proponent of our annexation to Burien, often said, “What you see is what you get.”

Vote YES for a brighter future, vote YES for Burien.

-North Highline Unincorporated Area Council

EDITOR’S NOTE: Earlier today, we extended an invitation for anybody – organization, business, private citizen, etc. – to submit for publication their pitch for why voters should go their way in the vote on whether Burien should annex most of the rest of North Highline. No negativity about the opposition or why the other view is wrong – just, why you believe your view is right. We have received three essays so far, all from Burien annexation supporters, nothing yet from any opponents. We published one from Barbara Dobkin earlier; here’s one from four White Center businesspeople. The third will be published tomorrow morning, and anything else we receive, after that. Please send to whitecenternow@gmail.com – thank you!

By Doug Harrell, Justin Cline, and Michael & Elizabeth Gordon
Special to White Center Now

As White Center business owners, we support annexation to Burien.

Burien does not have a problem with vandalism, open alcohol, drug dealing, or prostitution in its commercial district, and we think that’s a good idea for White Center, too. Burien is in better fiscal shape than 90% of Washington cities and wants to maintain our public library and parks rather than having them closed or fall into disrepair with the county. Burien wants to maintain the uniqueness of White Center and give us an active voice in shaping the future together, including economic development and zoning. A coordinated, sustained effort for community economic development (not piecemeal) is an exciting opportunity for business owners and commercial property owners.

These are real benefits for local families and businesses. The residents of the area annexed in 2009 overwhelmingly prefer Burien and having a voice to being unincorporated. According to Mike Martin, Burien City Manager, the City Council is committed to welcoming all White Center residents and working with the same agencies that are providing services now to the community. The school district will benefit from being supported by a unified community as well. To quell the concerns of those anxious about the soundness of Burien’s fiscal calculations, our state legislators have even pledged to endorse legislation for a safety net for the annexation if and when one is ever needed.

It’s a sign of maturity in community leaders to present information in a balanced manner without undue emotional appeal so that a genuinely thoughtful and informed decision can be made by the individuals in a community for the good of the community. Burien has never hidden the fact that with annexation property taxes will decrease, utility taxes will increase slightly, and municipal business taxes will be collected and applied locally. (Currently, our taxes are applied throughout King County.) At public forums and at Burien city council meetings, Burien city officials have provided a willing ear to listen to concerns and clear explanations of complicated policies.

County and state representatives have let it be known that if Burien annexation fails, King County will push for annexation somewhere else. Seattle will be next in line with business taxes 3 times higher than Burien’s and little tax revenue staying in the neighborhood. No vote of the residents is needed for annexation – an interlocal agreement can be negotiated instead. Even in the unlikely event that Seattle does not step forward, continued unincorporation means continued uncertainty, little voice in government decisions, and declining county services.

Democracy means having a voice and, like it or not, democracy without some taxation fails (Aristotle). Vote yes on annexation to have a voice in the future of your community.

Doug Harrell, Roxbury Lanes
Justin Cline, Full Tilt Ice Cream
Michael & Elizabeth Gordon, Uncle Mike’s Superlicious BBQ

EDITOR’S NOTE: Earlier today, we extended an invitation for anybody – organization, business, private citizen, etc. – to submit for publication their pitch for why voters should go their way. No negativity about the opposition or why the other view is wrong – just, why you believe your view is right. We are happy to see that responses are starting to come in. First one in is from Barbara Dobkin, who says she is sending this as a private citizen, not in her role with a local community council. **One more important note, before we even start reading more essays – The same language, even if purportedly from different people, is not acceptable either. Cut-and-pasted resubmissions are not in the spirit of “tell us why you believe your position is the one that is best for this area’s future.” Thanks!**

By Barbara Dobkin
Special to White Center Now

Volunteers have been walking their neighborhoods and talking to residents about the benefits of annexation. Factual information about the annexation of North Highline has been provided at several community forums sponsored by the City of Burien, details of which are available on Burien’s website at http://www.burienwa.gov/index.aspx?NID=321.

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) sponsored an Annexation Information Forum on October 4, which was covered by whitecenternow and can be viewed on this site.

Understandably, questions still persist about what is one of the most important decisions that will impact the North Highline Community.

Why can’t we stay just like we are?
King County does not have the same taxing authority as cities, and is unable to continue to fund services to urban unincorporated areas like North Highline. To maintain adequate services (roads, police, parks, etc) state law and county policies say that urban areas need to join a city. We deserve quality services and local government – King County cannot offer that.

As part of Burien, most things will stay the same; those that do not stay the same will get better – parks, roads, police (see King County Roads website for information about changes to service levels in unincorporated King County)

Taxes:
Property taxes will go down and utility taxes will go up, for a net increase of about $10/month for the average household.

Our taxes will be invested in our community for parks, roads, police and other improvements. Under the county, our tax dollars are not invested directly in our community.

Property Values:
Tax values are set by the county assessor and based on recent sales in the
immediate area. Sale values are set in the same manner. Both tax and sales
values are about location, location, location.

Annexation does not affect home values or insurance costs except that better services may increase sale values.

Land Use/Zoning:
Annexation will cause no immediate changes. Existing county zoning will carry over until the community helps make future policies. Burien supports strong family neighborhoods. Building permits will be obtained through Burien (it is important to note that King County Building Permit Office has moved to Snoqualmie – if we do not annex, you will be driving to this distant office for permits)

Businesses:
Businesses that are legal under the county will continue to be legal in Burien, as long as they obtain and meet licensing, permit, health/safety and other regulations (King County will continue to provide health inspections for restaurants).

Existing businesses will not have to obtain permits or change their signage.

Code Enforcement:
Burien tries to stay out of the private lives of its residents. Enforcement is based on complaints. Many of the problem properties that have plagued the area will be forced to clean up, paint out graffiti, and otherwise maintain the property (eg – the former site of the El Chalan restaurant on 16th Ave). The county has no such regulations.

Animal Control:
Burien contracts with a local nonprofit to provide animal control services. Contrary to what you may have heard from a select group of individuals, many people are satisfied with this service.

Do I have to change to a Burien address?
NO. You can still use Seattle as your mailing address. Mail is delivered based on zip code.

Library Services:
All libraries in Burien are part of the King County Library System (KCLS) and are not under the jurisdiction of Burien. Currently the libraries serving both White Center and Boulevard Park are situated just inside the Burien City limits. These two important community resources are threatened with closure if we do not annex to Burien. The KCLS is concerned that if we do not annex to Burien, we will eventually become part of Seattle, and then the Boulevard Park and White Center Libraries will sit on the border of Seattle. The KCLS has made it clear that it would not be prudent of them to maintain libraries with KCLS dollars that will most likely be serving residents of Seattle.

It is important to realize that we are not independent now, never have been, and never will be. King County dictates policy to our community, and we have virtually no say in land use, in how our tax dollars are spent, in the things that impact our quality of life. We represent 1% of the population of King County, and we share one representative with over 200,000 people.

In Burien we will be over 30% of the population, and have 7 council people representing the needs of our community. Burien City Hall will be no further than 3 ½ miles from any resident in North Highline, and easily accessible meetings are held on Monday evenings.

Our neighbors to the south who voted to join Burien in 2009 are highly satisfied. Parks have been improved, roads have been paved, and they have a say in their growth and government. Something King County could not offer them. Don’t we deserve the same.

Vote YES for Burien!

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EDITOR’S POSTSCRIPT: Again, if you have an essay about why your annex/don’t-annex position is right for this area’s future, please e-mail it to us at whitecenternow@gmail.com – Tracy Record, WCN editor

Speaking of elections – King County Executive Dow Constantine and Elections Director Sherril Huff had a media briefing at the West Seattle ballot-dropoff van this morning to deliver a warning: Don’t give your ballot to anyone unofficial. They’ve dealt with reports of ballots being collected door-to-door and dropoff vans run by the Republican Party, and while they were very careful NOT to allege any wrongdoing, they warned that the only way to ensure your ballot is counted is to mail it or take it to a dropbox or dropoff van. White Center is one of the areas without either of the latter; we asked if this situation might cause the county to reconsider for future elections, and Huff said no.

You might call this a White Center Now editorial, though we don’t take positions on political races or candidates.

With less than three days till voting ends and vote-counting begins – if anyone hasn’t voted, those who feel passionately about Burien annexation, for or against, have very little time to make their point one last time.

There are people on both sides, deeply invested in this community’s future, eloquent, caring, hard-working.

We invite anyone on either yes or no side, whether you’re formally affiliated with a group or not, to write a pitch for votes and send it in for publication here on WCN – a pitch why you believe your position, yes or no, is superior, and why it would mean the best possible outcome for a citizen of North Highline. As long as it doesn’t make an attack on anyone – in other words, your argument about why your side is best CANNOT include “our side is best because the other side XXX” – and sticks to what is positive about your position, we’ll publish it.

So far, we’re sorry to say, we haven’t received anything along those lines from anyone. We have been semi-bombarded, otherwise, with reports and contentions about signs and where they are and where they are not. We don’t have independent corroborations of anyone’s contention – no “caught in the act” video, etc. – nor do we have the time to stake out to see what’s really happening. We also have received a thing or two about some sort of past grudge or squabble.

We have covered elections for 30 years, big and small, in four states. What people want to know is “what will you/this do for me,” from your side, about your side.

This election is about the future of thousands of people. Not about what happened last night or last year.

If anyone wants to talk/write about the future, we’re ready and waiting to publish that. Short or long. whitecenternow@gmail.com

Thanks! – Tracy Record, White Center Now editor/co-publisher

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

Burien City Manager Mike Martin has spoken countless times at North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meetings. Thursday night, however, each word seemed to carry added weight – not just because of additional scrutiny (a TV camera was rolling), but because this was the last NHUAC meeting until voters in the area decide whether to join his city or not.

So here’s how the meeting unfolded:

ANNEXATION VOTE – THE BURIEN VIEW: Martin started with something of a valedictory as the annexation-vote endgame approached – “the good fight is worth fighting for its own reasons regardless of the outcome.” He cited a “task list that would start .. the day after the vote … We’re ready to go, and ready to move swiftly.” He said he “transmitted my strong hope that the county can move as swiftly as Burien can.” (Negotiations on that “move” would happen after the election, Martin said.) If North Highline residents vote to annex, he promised to talk with NHUAC and citizens “a lot … to make sure our plans include everything that needs to get done.” He would hope for implementation around April 1st, saying “it seems fast … but we had an August vote (last time) and were prepared to (finalize it) in February” aside from one last-minute snag that erupted. “I really look forward to having this area as part of Burien,” he said.

Martin also noted that Burien’s finalizing its next budget on November 5th – next Monday -and insisted that his city is in good financial shape, refuting annexation opponents’ claims otherwise, and hoping to reduce the amount of supplementary “fund balance” it’s been using. He recapped the “radical rejiggering of revenue in this state” as a result of the recession and said cities will need 15 years to recover from it, though he contends Burien is “head and shoulders” above most of its counterparts, thanks to “small things” as well as bigger decisions.

What about the library situation? asked NHUAC president Barbara Dobkin. Martin said an “appropriate resolution to the library question” (the future of the White Center and Boulevard Park branches) is on his list too. She also asked Martin about various contentions that opponents have made, and various issues that have been raised. One was, which Burien business-advocacy group would represent the area if voters approve annexation and it takes effect? “It’s not about competing business districts, it’s about the synergy of having two business centers,” Martin noted, while saying the issue of who will advocate for who, on behalf of the city, has yet to be settled.

Elizabeth Gordon of White Center restaurant Uncle Mike’s Superlicious Barbecue rose to ask Martin questions. One was his prediction. He thinks it’s going to be close but “I really don’t know who’s going to win.” She also asked about services such as animal control. “Ours is a heck of a lot better than the county’s. A heck of a lot better,” he declared, with “a much higher level of service and a much lower cost.” NHUAC member Stephen Porter said that he has had his dog in the care of Burien’s service twice now and is happy with it.

Gordon also had asked about services for senior citizens and refugees, and Martin said that the former is “getting more active” while the latter would probably have to grow and evolve; he says the Burien council is “very committed to the diverse communities.” Her final question was about the Roxbury/16th intersection and how it’s affected by the marijuana businesses in the heart of White Center; Martin’s reply veered into whether statewide Initiative 502 would pass and what that would mean for city employees. (Right now, Burien does not allow dispensaries at all.)

Asked about claims that annexation would bring more bureaucracy to simple acts like cutting a tree at a person’s own home, another point annexation opponents have cited, Martin declared it “consummate b******t.”

KING COUNTY ROADS, THE TIERED SYSTEM: Jay Osborne returned to talk about the current situation with the county and how roads will be dealt with in the unincorporated areas. “In the county, we have a dedicated property tax that can only be spent on roads,” he explained. (He had made a presentation to NHUACback in xx.) It’s an “antiquated funding structure,” he declared – to deal with a system the county says would take $39 billion to build in today’s dollars and conditions. Road revenues have dropped about 20 percent in recent years, as the county gets less road tax and less gas tax.

As the county had said in the last briefing, they don’t have the money to care for the entire system, so they expect to close some roads and bridges in the years ahead. Right now, none in White Center are failing, he said – “you guys are lucky.” Some storm damage from previous years has not been repaired yet. They are working right now to look at where they will be able to plow if it snows: “In 2014 we will not plow any category 2 or 3 roadways” and they will only have the resources to plow half of category 1 roadways. (That means roads that are important for safety, he elaborated in response to a question later – saying that “in this area, that may only mean Roxbury and 16th get plowed.”)

“We are in the process of selling off a number of facilities, of properties we own … and we’re reducing service out there to balance the budget as we go forward,” he summarized.

He also said the road budget has lost some money to the King County Sheriff’s Office in the service of traffic enforcement, by decision of the King County Executive and Council. And he noted that the County Council could choose to propose a Transportation Benefit District fee and ask voters to approve it, though even a $20 fee countywide would raise only $4.5 million, while “our hole is $55 million.”

They will be asking the state for help. (But, one person in the audience asked, aren’t they having “the same money problems?” Osborne said the legislature would be mulling an excise tax that might help ease the problem – “if they have the political will.”

Will any roads really be left to revert to gravel? Dobkin asked. Osborne said the first are three roads in a rural area; in the future, “the pothole issue” would help determine a road’s fate.

Osborne says there might be a problem with the South Park Bridge – specifically with a caisson – when asked about its expected completion (fall 2013) – so “conversations” are happening now. In the meantime, he says, demolition of what remains of the old bridge is scheduled to start “soon.”

BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD: Pat Price attended the recent Boundary Review Board meeting regarding the Duwamish Triangle annexation. She said the board will not deliberate until November 8th, hoping to hear by then how Burien annexation will turn out. She says that meeting will be held at Beverly Park School. It matters among other reasons because North Highline Fire District currently serves that area – which has “a big tax base,” as Dobkin noted.

TRANSPORTATION: The recent Metro bus changes are a concern here too, since White Center has been affected. There’s talk of setting up a focused discussion in the future.

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meets first Thursdays, 7 pm, North Highline Fire District HQ.

On behalf of the pro-annexation campaign, Liz Giba wants to get out this message: She says some annexation-support signs have been moved – by parties unknown – to places they shouldn’t be, like trees and utility poles. “We didn’t do it,” she says, and they want to help get those signs down. So if you have seen a pro-annexation sign in a place like that, please e-mail vote4burien@gmail.com.

You’ve seen the preview – now, here’s the agenda for Thursday’s monthly meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, at North Highline Fire District HQ (1243 SW 112th):

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
3 minutes for Individuals
5 minutes for Groups

7:15 pm Mike Martin, Burien City Manager

7:25 pm Brenda Bauer, Division Director and Jay Osborne, Road Services Manager – King County Department of Transportation

7:50 pm Treasurer’s Report

8: 00 pm Committee Reports
1. Governance
2. Arts and Parks
3. Public Safety
4. Housing and Human Services
5. Public Outreach
6. Transportation

8:10 pm Unfinished Business
• King County Grants

8:15 pm New Business
• Metro changes route 560/120/125
• December Agenda

We got a note from Beth in Shorewood, asking about a search that her neighbors heard might involve “a man with a gun.” King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says it started around 4:30 pm when deputies tried to stop “two suspicious subjects … in the area of 117th/Ambaum. Apparently when they were attempting to pat one of them down deputies saw a gun in his waistband. The subject ran. We are looking for him. I understand we know who he is and he is NOT a convicted felon.” So that’s what the search is about. No reports of any injuries related to this.

Tomorrow night brings the second-annual White Center Pumpkin-Carving Contest – bring your pre-carved pumpkin to Mac’s Triangle Pub (Delridge Triangle, just north of Roxbury) as early as 5 pm for dropoff; the official contest hours are 6-8 pm, and you don’t have to be present to win. More info on the contest’s official Facebook page.

New page launched for the White Center Chamber of Commerce just hours ago, to complement their new website. You can add the FB page to your “likes” list – just go here.

Shared with us by Kristine via Facebook:

If you see a 5′ 9″ 150 lb white man with sandy blond hair and bad teeth on a red scooter covered in a lot of duct tape in the West Seattle/Burien area, please call 911. Last night, my neighbor helped this person fix their scooter in his garage when it broke down on the road on our street (18th and 112th). When our neighbor, who is always a good samaritan, went to the gas station to get some gas for the man, the man stole 2 computers from him. Later that night, someone tried to jimmy the locks to the garage, the dogs barking apparently scared him away. We assume it was the same guy. Police report # is 12-251593. My neighbor, David, is literally one of the most kind and generous people on the planet; it breaks my heart that someone would take advantage of him like that. Please spread the word, I’d love to help track down this slimeball.

Thanks to Mikel Davila of the White Center Community Development Association for e-mailing us with the news about this: The long-long-long-awaited successor to Top Hat’s Bernie and Boys, Meat the Live Butcher, is finally about to open. There’s a grand-opening party this Friday night at the White Center Eagles. From the flyer Mikel shared:

OPENING SOON @ 9432 16TH AVE. SW
www.meatthelivebutcher.com

GRAND OPENING PARTY & FOOD DRIVE

· November 2ND 6:00 pm Start WHITE CENTER EAGLES 10452 15th Ave. SW

· FOOD PROVIDED BY THE LIVE BUTCHER

CANNED FOOD OR CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR – PROCEEDS TO GO TO THE WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK

JIM KING AND THE SOUTHENDERS WILL PLAY @ 8:30

You can read all about Meat the Live Butcher on its website.

Sweet treats for some local kids, thanks to a regional union – here’s the announcement:

Halloween will be a little bit sweeter for children in Seattle’s White Center neighborhood, thanks to members of Machinists Union District Lodge 751.

Union members across Puget Sound collected more than 500 pounds of candy for the Salvation Army of White Center, to support its annual Halloween party.

“That much candy should get them through Halloween and their Christmas party too,” said Ron Coen, the president of Machinists Union Local Lodge 751-C and one of the organizers of the union’s annual candy drive.

District Lodge 751 represents about 33,000 people at 48 employers in three states, including ours. Last year, the union says, members of its Volunteer Program donated more than 10,000 hours of community service.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This story first appeared on our partner site WSB – today, Meander’s sneak peeks in downtown WC begin)
Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for White Center Now/West Seattle Blog

About Meander’s in White Center (opening this weekend and next Friday-Saturday-Sunday for sneak previews):

First things first: the ventilation is AMAZING. See for yourself:

(Miranda even turned on the vent so I could feel the rush of air into the hood.)

With her forthcoming opening in the former Papa’s Pub in White Center (here’s our original report from 6 weeks ago), owner and chef Miranda Krone continues the evolution of what has become a favorite diner in West Seattle: Meander’s — with breakfast served all the time except weekend nights, when it turns into a gourmet bistro.

With evolution comes change, and the first change you’ll notice if you’ve been to her WS café is all the space in WC:
Read the rest of this entry »

Some finishing touches are still in progress at the Technology Access Foundation (TAF)’s new headquarters in White Center – the Bethaday Community Learning Space. But it’s swinging its doors open to the public, with an open house this past Wednesday night allowing a look inside, as the second of three grand-opening events that are scheduled.

The new building in Lakewood Park is not only the headquarters of a vibrant education organization – it also has space to be made available to the public for rentals. And of course, it’s wired to the max:

Read more about it – and the organization’s programs – on the TAF website.

One week from tonight:

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council invites you to the monthly meeting, Thursday, November 1, 7 pm at the North Highline Fire Station (1243 112th Street SW). We are pleased to be hosting Brenda Bauer and Jay Osborne from the King County Department of Transportation, who will present an overview of current service delivery and “What to expect this winter and impacts from the diminishing budget”..

As noted at previous meetings by the County DOT, and King County Councilmember Joe McDermott at NHUAC’s Oct 4 Annexation Forum, the county has moved to a “tiered” level of service for unincorporated area roads. Under this plan, Tier 5 roads, 36 miles of which make up the residential streets in North Highline, will receive “virtually no storm and snow response. Maintenance will be limited and based on factors such as life safety and risk, resulting is a growing number of deteriorating roads. Users can expect to see some closures…these roads may also be downgraded to a gravel surface..”

Information on the new service levels can be found on the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council website, www.northhighlineuac.org. Follow the link to the DOT site and then the link under “Service Tiers”.

Hope to see you all there as we learn more about how this plan will impact our community.

The Technology Access Foundation‘s Bethaday Community Learning Space in White Center’s Lakewood Park is ready for its closeup – and tonight is your chance to take a look inside! The community grand-opening reception is 5-8 pm. Project details are here; it’s been 14 months since the groundbreaking celebration. Find the center at 605 SW 108th.

This Thursday (October 25th), Sound Transit plans a public meeting/open house inside a bus parked by Westwood Village, to answer questions and provide information about a change that would affect White Center, proposed for Route 560 next year:

Proposed changes to Route 560
• The weekday, peak-only segment of Route 560 between the Alaska Junction and White Center would be eliminated to avoid duplication with King County Metro’s RapidRide C Line.
• The terminus of Route 560 would be moved to Metro’s new transit hub at Westwood Village on SW Barton Street, where the C Line and Metro routes 21, 22, 60 and 120 converge.
• Route 560 service would operate from Westwood Village to Sea-Tac Airport and Bellevue all day, seven days a week.

Tradeoffs: In addition to simplifying Route 560, this change would make connections available to Sea-Tac Airport, Renton, and Bellevue/Overlake from West Seattle all day, seven days a week. However, existing peak period Route 560 passengers with origins and destinations north of Westwood Village would need to connect with Route 560 using frequent RapidRide C Line service or other Metro routes. Current service provides a “one-seat ride” from the West Seattle Junction to the airport and other Route 560 destinations during weekday peak periods, but multiple connections are required at other times of day and on weekends.

You can see a map here – in the online version of an ST newsletter explaining the proposal, which is part of its 2013 Service Implementation Plan. If you’d like to find out more, look for an ST bus parked at 29th and Barton, SW side of Westwood Village, 5-7 pm this Thursday, and that’ll be the site of the open house.

The West Seattle sensation who’s taking over the former Papa’s Pub space in White Center, Miranda Krone, says her WC edition of Meander’s Kitchen will have sneak-preview breakfast service this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. According to her Facebook announcement, she plans to open at 8 am Friday and Saturday, 9 am Sunday, staying open till 1 pm each day if the food lasts that long – as late as 3 pm if they can. Cash only, please!