After family-fun celebration, White Center-based Educare Seattle has a party for you Saturday

September 20th, 2023 at 4:46 pm Posted in Fun, How to Help, White Center news | Comments Off on After family-fun celebration, White Center-based Educare Seattle has a party for you Saturday

Got plans Saturday night (September 23)? A quietly effective nonprofit helping countless area families invites you to a party that’s coming on the heels of a Family Fun Day last weekend. Here’s what it’s all about:

If you noticed an abundance of bubbles in the air last Saturday, that is because the UnPoppable Family FUNfest happened in White Center. Nestled in the community amphitheater courtyard between Educare Seattle and White Center Heights Elementary, children aged one month to 6 years were the focus of a joy- and music-filled gathering with activities, performances by the Highline Drill Team, a visit from a King County Fire District 2 engine and crew, and bubbles galore!

Educare Seattle hosts this event specifically for early learning families to acknowledge and celebrate the critical role the “whole family” has in child development.

Families joined from White Center Heights kindergarten classes, the White Center CDA’s Play and Learn groups, Heritage Head Start and Educare Seattle. Educare teachers and family advocates provided STEAM-based activities (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Math), Verity Credit Union provided financial management information, and the White Center CDA engaged families in crafts.

“As 85% of brain development occurs in a child’s first 3 years and there are only about 2,000 days between birth and kindergarten, there really is no more important time for little ones to receive superb care,” shares Nancy Woodland, Executive Director of the Learning Communities Foundation for Educare. “Everyone benefits when children and families receive what they need, especially from teachers who look like them and honor many cultures. At Educare, an equitable approach with low teacher:child ratios, holistic support for families and research and data informing every step impacts each child now and beyond the walls of Educare when in kindergarten or when research .”
Today celebrated they children and families. This Saturday, the Learning Communities Foundation invites you to join them for UnPoppable FUNdraiser. Serving mocktails, cocktails, appetizers from Greenbridge Café, sorbet from Seattle Sorbet and treats from Puffy Pandy, there is something for everyone. (Adults only please)

UnPoppable FUNdraiser
Saturday September 23, 2023
6:30-8:30 pm
@ Educare Seattle 625 SW 100th St,
You can reserve your space HERE – Tickets are just $25
Volunteers needed too – please email nwoodland@learningcommunitiesfoundation.org or call (206) 716-8840

“We’ll transform our bright and airy building into a festive evening venue with music, lots of fun activities to bring child-like joy in an adult setting,” shares Woodland. Guests will find opportunities to give in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for folks who are new to fundraising events or who wish to learn more about direct ways to address income inequality or invest in early learning.

About Educare Seattle: Educare Seattle is an early learning center in White Center offering Head Start preschool and childcare programs to area families. Income eligible (~less than $55,000 for a family of 3) families receive high quality, culturally relevant learning opportunities and care. First opened in 2010, Educare Seattle serves more than 140 children with a Whole Family approach that engages parents “as a child’s first and most important teacher.”

About Learning Communities Foundation: As the fund development partner of Educare Seattle and the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD), LCF raises funds for PSESD programs, like Educare, that strive to create a racially just and humanizing learning system from cradle to career.

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WHITE CENTER CRIME WATCH: Cannabis shop crash-and-grab

September 19th, 2023 at 11:38 am Posted in Crime, White Center news | Comments Off on WHITE CENTER CRIME WATCH: Cannabis shop crash-and-grab

Thanks to Zac for the tip and photo.

Zac noticed last night that the Mr. O.G. cannabis store at 9823 15th SW had the telltale boarded-up front. We checked with the King County Sheriff’s Office this morning. They say a vehicle was used to break into the shop early Monday and the burglars left the vehicle (no description given) behind.

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YOUR ANSWERS NEEDED: Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance survey

September 12th, 2023 at 10:20 pm Posted in Health, White Center news | Comments Off on YOUR ANSWERS NEEDED: Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance survey

The Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance circulates a survey each year to help shape programs aimed at preventing substance abuse. They’re hoping to get replies from a wide variety of community members, including people without youths in their households. Here’s the announcement:

The SW Seattle Youth Alliance, a school and community coalition formed to address the high rates of youth substance use in Southwest Seattle, would like your help in learning more about community concerns related to drugs and alcohol. The coalition will use these surveys to guide their work in selecting effective prevention programs and services for youth and the community. Please take a few minutes to complete.

You can answer the survey in English, or en Español. The survey’s open until November but if you have a few minutes to spare, earlier is always better.

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Welcome, Coach Cribby! New addition to DubSea Fish Sticks after record-setting season

September 10th, 2023 at 11:39 am Posted in Sports, White Center news | Comments Off on Welcome, Coach Cribby! New addition to DubSea Fish Sticks after record-setting season

Just announced by the DubSea Fish Sticks:

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team are excited to announce the signing of new Head Coach Elliott Cribby.

He has an extensive coaching resume including Associate Head Coach, Pitching Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Washington. He is currently the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Central Washington University.

“We had a lot of great applicants as we looked to fill this position. The organization has had a great relationship over the years with Coach Cribby as he’s sent us players in the past or would come to games to watch current PIL Players. His extensive coaching and recruiting background is impressive alone, but his past experience as a D1 college player, and having played in both the PIL and Cape Cod League give him a unique ability to connect and relate with players,” explained team President Justin Moser.

“I am extremely excited to be the Head Coach of the Fish Sticks. [The organization] are very professional and it is a great fit! Our players will be developed and taught the things that will not only help them succeed on the field, but in the game of life as well,” exclaimed the new Head Coach.

Prior to taking the role at Central Washington, Coach Cribby was part of the Husky Baseball Coaching staff, where 10 of his recruits would go onto be selected in the 2023 MLB Draft. Additionally, he spent one year with the Purdue Boilermakers helping the pitching staff put up record numbers in strikeouts. Prior to Purdue he helped Seattle University transform their recruiting, which resulted in draft picks in 2015, 2017, and 2018. While he was with the Redhawks, fellow coaches voted Cribby the best recruiter in the WAC in a D1Baseball.com poll.

“[Fans] can expect to see a high caliber level of talent on the field. It is important that we provide them with that every game,” explained Coach Cribby.

This past summer, the DubSea Fish Sticks took second place in the Pacific International League for a second year in a row. They also took second place in the PIL Round Robin behind the Seattle Studs. The team was home to players from over 25 different colleges across the country. The Sticks set record league and franchise attendance numbers, selling out five different games.

“Coach Cribby understands both our goals for developing players on the field, and bringing fun, affordable, family entertainment to DubSea both on and off the field. We’re very excited to have him join the Fishing Crew and help us continue to grow what we’re building,” said Moser.

The Fish Sticks’ 2024 season will run from June 1st – August 3rd at Mel Olson Stadium aka “The Fryer” in White Center. The team is currently looking for host families as it recruits college players from across the country. Season tickets and flex packs for the 2024 season will go on sale in October. For more information on the team, go to GoFishSticks.com.

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White Center Bartell Drugs employees tell customers their store will close

September 7th, 2023 at 12:37 am Posted in Businesses, White Center news | 3 Comments »

Also published on partner site West Seattle Blog

Three years after the national chain Rite Aid acquired Seattle-founded regional chain Bartell Drugs, it’s closing some Bartell stores. And employees of the White Center Bartell store (9600 15th SW) are telling customers theirs will soon be among them. We’ve heard from multiple readers who say they’ve been told in recent days that the store will close at the end of the month, and a visit to the store reveals many items on sale at deep discounts. We have inquired with both Rite Aid and Bartell corporate spokespeople via email and phone, but have yet to receive a reply or acknowledgment either confirming or denying. As we reported here last year, the White Center store’s building changed ownership a year and a half ago, purchased for $5.1 million by an LLC associated with a California electrical contractor (we have an inquiry out to the owner as well). King County permit records show nothing on file for the sizable site. When the 4th Avenue Bartell store in downtown Seattle closed in July, The Seattle Times reported that was the fifth Bartell closure in less than a year; since then, one more has been announced. All this is unfolding against a backdrop of financial challenges for parent company Rite Aid.

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Councilmember to propose $19 minimum wage for unincorporated King County

September 6th, 2023 at 2:40 pm Posted in King County, White Center news | Comments Off on Councilmember to propose $19 minimum wage for unincorporated King County

A growing number of cities have their own minimum wages, and now one county councilmember proposes the same for unincorporated King County. At an event tomorrow (Thursday, September 7th) in Skyway, County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay plans to announce “a proposal to raise the minimum wage across unincorporated King County to up to $18.99 per hour.” The event announcement says, “If passed, the proposal would bring unincorporated King County’s minimum wage to be more in line with cities like Seattle ($18.69) and SeaTac ($19.06) It would also set annual increases for the wage as well as lower tiers for businesses with few employees.” Full details will be made public at tomorrow’s event, with attendees listed as including our area’s County Councilmember Joe McDermott.

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North Highline Unincorporated Area Council skips September, reconvenes in October with County Council candidate forum

September 4th, 2023 at 12:43 pm Posted in North Highline UAC, White Center news | Comments Off on North Highline Unincorporated Area Council skips September, reconvenes in October with County Council candidate forum

Our area’s community council, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, has just announced its first meeting of fall – on Thursday, October 5th. Here’s the announcement:

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Will Not Be Holding a September 2023 Meeting

Hope everyone had a wonderful, restful Labor Day weekend. It is always hard to say goodbye to our beautiful NW summer. Fortunately, there are plenty of long days and good weather to enjoy as we move into fall.

NHUAC will not be holding a September meeting. Our meetings will resume on Thursday, October 5th at 7pm when we host a Candidates Forum with Teresa Mosqueda and Sofia Aragon, who are running for the King County Council’s District 8 seat. Joe McDermott, who has held this seat since first elected in 2010, did not run for re-election.

If you have attended any of our past forums, you know there will be plenty of time for attendees to address questions to the candidates (see links below to their websites).

Mark your calendars and plan to attend on Thursday, October 5th, 7 pm, over Zoom.

Hope to see you then!

Here’s our coverage of NHUAC’s most-recent meeting, in June.

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Encampment on east side of Myers Way to be cleared, WSDOT says

September 1st, 2023 at 2:38 am Posted in Myers Way, White Center news | 1 Comment »

(First published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

(July photo courtesy Diane Radischat)

WSDOT has just announced that the long-in-the-works clearing of the encampment on the east side of Myers Way is imminent:

After two months of state partners actively working with service providers, local partners, law enforcement and neighbors, WSDOT crews posted a notice to vacate the encampment at Myers Way this morning. Service providers with KCRHA (REACH and PDA/CoLEAD) have offered services and housing that would reasonably match the needs of the people on site. Over 80% of those who were staying at the site have been matched with shelter or housing that will work for them; many have already moved to those accommodations. Outreach workers will continue to help everyone who has accepted housing to move off site over the next several days. Next week, WSDOT will begin cleaning and repairing the site, removing excess vegetation and making other modifications at the site to help prevent resettlement.

Two weeks ago, in its previous update, WSDOT had said that one-third of the known 50+ people on the site had moved into housing. The last community meeting about the situation was in July, around the same time WSDOT said RVs and other vehicles needed to be removed before they blocked off access. (As is clearly visible to passers-by, some remain.) Three months have passed since West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold said the city and state – both of which are property owners in the area – were working on “resolution” of the encampment situation, following incidents including a murder. Even before that, Arrowhead Gardens residents across the street had been pleading for something to be done, citing crime and safety concerns at their senior-living complex.

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KATIE NEEDS YOU! Benefit Thursday for Southgate Roller Rink manager

August 28th, 2023 at 8:47 pm Posted in How to Help, southgate, White Center news | Comments Off on KATIE NEEDS YOU! Benefit Thursday for Southgate Roller Rink manager

If you’ve skated at Southgate Roller Rink, you might know manager Katie. She’s fighting cancer, and the rink is hosting a benefit 8:30-11 pm Thursday night (August 31st) to help her win that fight:

Let’s raise some money to help our good friend and manager Katie! This is a 21+ fundraising event. There will be A RAFFLE featuring donations by local businesses and artists! Music by DJ Josh and a special live music performance by MAN PLUS! The admission is $25 and free skate rental. 100% of the admission will go to Katie and will be matched by Southgate.

Katie has been taking care of everyone else and always puts their needs before herself. She will beat cancer and in the meantime let’s raise some money to cover her rent, living expenses, and medical bills!

If you are unable to attend, this is the link to the gofundme: gofundme.com/f/r9kgn-help-katie-beat-cancer

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HOLIDAY FREEBIE: Free burgers at Li’l Woody’s on Labor Day

August 28th, 2023 at 6:53 pm Posted in Restaurants, White Center news | Comments Off on HOLIDAY FREEBIE: Free burgers at Li’l Woody’s on Labor Day

The burger mini-chain with a White Center outpost is offering you a free burger next Monday:

It’ll be 2-5 pm on September 4th, with these ground (beef) rules:

*No other sandwiches
*Extras cost extra
*Limit 1 burger per customer
*Online and phone orders will be off during this time

Li’l Woody’s is right next to Beer Star on the southwest corner of 16th and 98th.

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YOU CAN HELP: White Center Heights Park needs you!

August 27th, 2023 at 10:09 pm Posted in How to Help, Parks, White Center news | Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: White Center Heights Park needs you!

Early heads-up to save a few hours on your calendar for this:

Here’s the direct link for registration.

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WEEKEND SCENE: White Center Block Party 2023

August 26th, 2023 at 3:23 pm Posted in Fun, White Center news | Comments Off on WEEKEND SCENE: White Center Block Party 2023

(WCN photos unless otherwise credited)

Been to downtown White Center yet? This year’s WC Block Party is hopping! You can browse booths with local businesses such as Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery:

The DubSea Fish Sticks‘ season may be over but they’re still pitching merch and awareness:

Entertainment continues until late tonight!

(added) Two more photos, courtesy Jason Grotelueschen:

The festival zone is on 16th between Roxbury and 100th.

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REMINDER: White Center Block Party on Saturday

August 25th, 2023 at 11:58 pm Posted in Fun, White Center news | 2 Comments »

The “no parking” signs we saw on 16th SW tonight are reminders that the White Center Block Party is happening tomorrow (Saturday, August 26th). 16th will be closed to traffic and open to fun between Roxbury and 100th – live music, live wrestling, and more! Here’s the detailed preview we published earlier this month. Festival hours are 11 am to midnight, starting with a “sensory hour.” Have tons of fun and support your White Center businesses!

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CRIME WATCH: Seen any of these stolen guitars and bikes?

August 24th, 2023 at 11:56 pm Posted in Crime, White Center news | Comments Off on CRIME WATCH: Seen any of these stolen guitars and bikes?

That security-camera image is from a theft in which Drew says he lost $10,000 worth of guitars and bicycles. It happened in his storage unit at 125 SW 112th and he’s hoping someone might spot some of the items. Here’s a full list – with more photos – of what was stolen, including contact info for Drew and for investigators, if you have any information.

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LAST CALL! Tell King County Local Services what you need

August 22nd, 2023 at 10:15 am Posted in King County, White Center news | 1 Comment »

Friday’s the deadline for this survey, if you haven’t responded to it already:

King County Local Services is asking people who live in unincorporated areas (areas that lie outside city limits) what would make their communities better places to live.

Local Services will work with communities to make a Community Needs List—a list of desired services, programs, facilities, and capital improvements—for each area. The county will use these lists to help make budget decisions next year.

► Online at PublicInput.com/CommunityNeeds
► By phone at 206-477-3800
► Questions? AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov

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LOST DOG: Willie, near White Center Heights Park – FOUND

August 19th, 2023 at 10:41 pm Posted in Pets, White Center news | 2 Comments »

UPDATE: Willie’s been found – info removed.

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FOLLOWUP: Here’s what new owner of former White Center Chase Bank plans to do with it

August 18th, 2023 at 3:16 pm Posted in Schools, White Center news | 3 Comments »

(WCN/WSB photo, Thursday)

It’s been a year and a half since Chase Bank closed its White Center location in that distinctive round building at 1616 SW 100th. At the time, we reported here that Chase planned to put the half-acre site up for sale. This week, a reader asked us about fencing that has gone up around the site, and whether that indicated the building’s future had been determined. Our subsequent research revealed that the site has been purchased by the owner of West Seattle’s Evergreen Learning Center, a preschool and day care. ELC’s current location at 6007 California SW has long had a redevelopment plan – mixed use with ~50 apartments – so the center needed a new home. Contacted by email, ELC owner Cassie Ragsdale confirmed that the former bank building is ELC’s future home: “I just recently closed on this location to move Evergreen Learning Center to, since the location that we are currently in will be redeveloped. We are in the permitting stage but are hoping to begin construction this fall. We’re excited to be bringing our school to the White Center community!”

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BURN BAN: Unincorporated King County now in Stage 2

August 15th, 2023 at 4:58 pm Posted in Weather, White Center news | Comments Off on BURN BAN: Unincorporated King County now in Stage 2

This area was already under a Stage 1 burn ban – now it’s been raised to Stage 2. This announcement explains what that means:

King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts has issued a Stage 2 burn ban for unincorporated King County (areas outside city limits), which were already under a Stage 1 burn ban.

The ban goes into effect immediately and is extended into cities through coordination with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and Fire Marshals.

The forecast for the next few days calls for temperatures in the 90s for much of King County, where the fuel load in vegetation has been significantly increased by the dry summer and high temperatures. The winds that have created red flag warnings and an increase in recent brush fires warrant additional safety measures for our community—especially given that Washington has already stretched its wildfire fighting resources throughout the region.

During a Stage 2 burn ban, all outdoor fires, such as those in backyard fire pits or campfires that use chopped firewood or charcoal, are prohibited. Under the ban, any person with a recreational fire who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue such burning when ordered or notified to do so can be charged with a misdemeanor.

The use of manufactured portable outdoor devices is allowed, including barbeques and patio warmers that are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Approved fuel devices—including those that rely on charcoal, natural gas, or propane gas—are also allowed. Please use caution when disposing of charcoal remains. People who smoke should exercise extreme caution with their ashes and when they’re extinguishing cigarettes.

The county asks residents to be diligent and respectful of their neighbors, and to remember that this is a demanding time for first responders.

“During this time of the year—when there’s high temperatures and dry conditions—residents need to exercise extreme caution to not start a fire,” Ricketts said. “Something as simple starting an outdoor recreational fire or flicking a cigarette on the ground could result in something bigger and much more dangerous.”

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You might be eligible for a free cooling/heating system!

August 15th, 2023 at 1:50 pm Posted in King County, White Center news | Comments Off on You might be eligible for a free cooling/heating system!

Sent by King County:

Free Heating and Cooling Systems from King County!

Registration is now open for King County’s new Energize! Heat Pump pilot program, which will install 120 to 150 free or discounted heat pumps in the White Center and Skyway-West Hill unincorporated areas. Heat pumps are an energy efficient way to heat AND cool your home – and can help reduce your fossil fuel use and save on energy bills!

The program is open to single-family homeowners and renters; income-qualified residents may qualify for 80% to 100% cost-coverage.

Register to attend a one-hour workshop to learn more at www.EnergizeKingCounty.org.

Not Sure if You’re Eligible?

Look up your address and income limits here: www.kingcounty.gov/energize.

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MISSING: Robin – FOUND

August 14th, 2023 at 7:46 pm Posted in King County Sheriff's Office, White Center news | 1 Comment »

8:01 PM TUESDAY: Thanks to Alki Resident for mentioning in comments that KCSO has announced Robin’s been found.

EARLIER:

Read the rest of this entry »

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