White Center Now: The blog about White Center

In the midst of the ice and snow, the advisory arrived … instead of happening tonight as usual, the White Center Art Walk will happen one week later than usual. January 28th will be the night, this time around.

From Metro:

While King County Metro Transit bus routes remain on snow routing through the end of Friday, the agency hopes to begin returning to normal operations over the weekend.

People riding the bus Saturday and Sunday should check the Metro website before traveling, and do not expect all routes to return to regular service at the same time. Some parts of the county are still dealing with slushy and tree-covered roads, and snow routes or detours for the buses may be necessary for a few days in those areas.

It continues to be very important for Metro customers to watch for updated information online or through Transit Alerts.

Metro uses an online color-coded map to keep riders informed of the status of its bus service during storms. All bus routes are assigned into one or more of seven geographic areas within King County. When there is snow or ice on the roads, the service status of each area will be color coded and displayed on the online map.

Green indicates buses are operating on normal routes; yellow that some – but not all – routes in the area are on snow routes; and red tells you that all bus routes in the entire geographic area are on snow routing.

People can also call the Customer Information Office at (206) 553-3000 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Due to the volume of calls, there may be longer-than-normal waits on the phone.

Once again, Metro would like to thank its customer for their patience in dealing with service disruptions and delays caused by this week’s series of storms.

*Metro will remain on snow routing – Friday morning details here

*Seattle Public Schools already have announced they’ll be closed
*Highline Public Schools are closed Friday.
*So is West Seattle Montessori.
*Holy Family closed too.

(White Center snow fun photo courtesy of Gill)
UPDATED THURSDAY MORNING:

Highline Public Schools have now announced they’ll be closed Thursday too.

ADDED 8:07 PM: Holy Family School and West Seattle Montessori are closed too.

ADDED THURSDAY 8:29 AM: White Center Food Bank closed.

Most trash pickups around the region are also canceled for today. And King County government is opening late, 10 am.

ADDED THURSDAY 10:29 AM: Via Facebook, we see the White Center CDA office is closed.

We also have received word that the White Center Kiwanis‘s Key Club dinner tonight is postponed – since the school’s closed! We’ll update the calendar listing with the new date (note – that’s 6:30 pm February 16th).

Any other closures/changes, please let us know – whitecenternow@gmail.com or you can call our 24-hour phone line (at West Seattle Blog HQ), 206-293-6302.

As we continue to wait to see what the weather brings overnight, Highline Public Schools has now announced it’s closed on Wednesday. Holy Family School is, too.

ADDED 12:18 AM: White Center Food Bank also will be closed Wednesday:

In order to ensure the safety of the food bank volunteers and clients, the White Center Food Bank will close Wednesday, January 18 due to forecasted snow. We follow the decisions made by the Highline School district so will remain closed as long as the school district remains closed.

Audrey Zemke
Volunteer and Food Drive Coordinator

ADDED 5:51 AM: The snow arrived a few hours ago, and we have more closures: West Seattle Montessori/West Seattle Academy closed. Kennedy High School (Burien) closed.

ADDED 8:25 AM: No trash pickup today, per Waste Management.

ADDED 9:09 AM: Metro Route 54 is having trouble getting uphill through Fauntleroy and for now is NOT making it all the way to White Center. This could change at any time, if road conditions improve.

11:01 AM: Any White Center restaurants that are open are free to let us know, whitecenternow@gmail.com. So far, we’ve heard from Zippy’s Giant Burgers – open!

1:37 PM: We’re told the 54 is back on its regular SNOW route. Meantime, we’re testing this live list of what’s changed with King County during the storm:

Sorry it’s taken so long, but that’s the challenge with holiday weekends … We received several questions from White Center and Highland Park about helicopter activity on Saturday night. King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says today that Guardian One was up while trying to help solve a “beer theft” from the White Center Mini-Mart. No luck catching the suspect/s, though. (We are following up to seek more details about the theft.)

11:25 AM UPDATE: From Sgt. West, more information about the theft case: Deputies were on “random foot patrol” in the WC business district just before 11 pm Saturday when, according to the report, they:

…observed two males, late teen’s in age running diagonally from the SE corner of 16th / Roxbury toward the Tri-Angle Pub. One of the males was carrying what appeared to be a six pack of what I assumed to be alcohol.

Believing the nearby White Center Mini Mart at 1505 Sw Roxbury had been the victim of a beer theft, I ran to the business to check things out. Deputy kept visual contact with the two subjects who were still running north on 16th Sw from Roxbury.

As I approached the front door of the Mini Mart, the owner and clerk approached the door and pointed in the direction I observed the males running. I aske if he’d been a victim of theft, specifically beer and he said yes. Upon obtaining this information, I immediately radioed who was now in foot pursuit of the two subjects.

As the subjects ran, they dropped one 16 oz can of beer at the alley just west of the White Center Mini Mart.

I ran in the general direction of deputy and caught up with him near the 9100 block of 16th Sw; just south of Sw Henderson St within the City of Seattle.

The subjects were last seen just south of Sw Henderson St and had cut back west into several condominiums and apartment units within the block between Sw Barton and Sw Henderson Streets.

An area check for the subjects was conducted utilizing Guardian One and other foot units in the area. The subjects were not located and believed to be in one of several homes in the area.

The two subjects were described as follows:

1-Black male, late teens, 5-10, 140 wearing a black beanie, brow hooded jacket, and jeans.

#2-Unk race male, possibly light skinned black or Hispanic, 5-8/5-10, 135, black baseball cap with gold logo, black or dark colored jacket, jeans and white shoes. This subject was observed with the stolen beer in hand at time of on-view.

The second male suspect was wearing some form of hood up covering his head and face. This was determined via store surveillance system.

SCHOOLS: Highline Public Schools will open two hours late. From the HPS website:

* Buses will stop at their regular bus stops – two hours later than normal.
* There will be no breakfast, no morning classes for preschool, kindergarten, ECEAP, or PSSC. Afternoon classes for these programs will be on time.
* Schools will dismiss at regular times.

Also, Kennedy High School in Burien is closed.

TRANSIT: Metro remains on snow routes.

More updates to come.

We’re watching the forecast warning of even more snowfall on the way, particularly Tuesday night into Wednesday. In the meantime, with some snow expected overnight tonight, school districts are starting to make their decisions. We haven’t heard from Highline Public Schools yet, but Seattle Public Schools has made its call – 2 hours late tomorrow. We’ll be watching HPS as well as other local schools; if you get word of a school change you don’t see here, please let us know – whitecenternow@gmail.com. Thanks!

(Another photo from Gill – during the snowy afternoon)
A few things you should know about Monday: Metro was already on “reduced weekday service” because of the MLK Day holiday, and now they’re staying on snow routes for the day, too. School, of course, is out for the day. More snow is considered to be likely in the afternoon, and then on Tuesday, but the major concern on Monday morning, for those who do not have the day off, will be icy roads/sidewalks, since the temperature is falling below freezing tonight.

(Thanks to Gill for the snow-on-glass-sphere view!)
Any at your house? The National Weather Service now has the area under a Winter Weather Advisory till 10 pm tonight – see it here, and stay safe! If the snow gets photogenic where you are, we always appreciate photos at whitecenternow@gmail.com.

Thanks to Gill for the North Highline/White Center view of tonight’s incredible sunset. It closes a day in which many wondered if we are really going to see snow, possibly as soon as tomorrow morning. Meteorologists think it’s likely. So the county sent out this info roundup:

The National Weather Service is forecasting cold weather and likely snowfall within the next several days. The King County Office of Emergency Management urges residents and businesses to prepare now for possible winter weather emergencies.

Before the weather turns bad, make sure your family, home, and vehicle are ready for whatever Mother Nature sends. The following guidelines can help you prepare.

Family

Listen to weather forecasts regularly and heed any warnings.
Make sure everyone knows when and how to call 9-1-1.
Make sure you understand the emergency plans and expectations at your child’s school and your work.
Check your emergency supplies and restock outdated items. Be sure to include plenty of water and non-perishable food, first aid supplies, a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both. A checklist can be found at www.TakeWinterByStorm.org.
If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
Identify an out-of-state contact to call during a major disaster or emergency; it will be easier to call out of the area if local lines are tied up.
Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age, and older people are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. If you are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.
Monitor the weather forecast and adjust your travel plans if necessary. Know the snow routing for school buses and public transit.
Check on neighbors, especially anyone who might need help.
Subscribe to free regional alerts and news bulletins at www.rpin.org.

Home

Be sure you have sufficient heating fuel for emergency equipment in case the electricity is cut off (such as a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove).
Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. Test the batteries each month, and replace them twice a year.
Take steps to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator indoors, in garages, or in carports. Never use a gas or charcoal grill, hibachi, or portable propane heater to cook indoors or heat your home. Avoid combustion “space heaters” unless there is an exhaust vent.
Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent possible, weatherproof your home by adding weather-stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal-pane windows.
Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
Learn more tips for preparing your home at takewinterbystorm.org.

Vehicle

Make sure your vehicle is properly serviced and maintained. Ensure the electrical systems, brakes, batteries, lights, windshield wipers, antifreeze and heating and cooling systems are in good shape. Check fluid levels – antifreeze, windshield washer, and oil.
Keep tires properly inflated and make sure they have adequate tread. Replace any worn tires.
Build, or restock, a vehicle emergency kit, including flares, flashlight, extra batteries, ice scraper, tire chains, a blanket and warm clothing, sturdy shoes, first-aid supplies, water, and non-perishable food. You can find a detailed list at takewinterbystorm.org.
Keep your gas tank at least half full; the extra gas helps reduce condensation that can plug your fuel line with ice and stall your engine in cooler weather. It also helps you avoid running out of gas if you experience long traffic delays.
When driving in snow, stick to major arterials. Register for road alerts at www.kingcounty.gov/roadalert and transit alerts at www.kingcounty.gov/transit.

If snow piles up and roads become hazardous, postpone your trip if possible. Staying home will keep you and others safe. If you must travel, be aware of ice hazards, especially on shaded roadways, bridges, or in high elevation areas prone to freezing.

Hypothermia is a common problem during cold winter weather, especially with young children and older adults who are most vulnerable. Symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, slow or unclear speech, extreme tiredness, stumbling, confusion, semi-consciousness, or unconsciousness. If a person becomes unconscious, get medical help immediately. To prevent hypothermia, wear warm, multi-layered clothing with good head, hand, and foot protection. Avoid overly constricting wrist bands, socks, or shoes.

King County offices will be closed on Monday, January 16 for the Martin Luther King holiday. If closures or delays are necessary due to severe winter weather, they will be posted at kingcounty.gov and distributed by local media

We’re at the King County Courthouse downtown, where Cu Van Truong has just made his first appearance to answer the charge of first-degree murder in last month’s shooting at Seattle Roll Bakery. Truong is 25 years old and accused of murdering 24-year-old Jason Saechao in what court documents describe as an argument over jewelry and romance. Family members of the victim filled two rows in the courtroom.

During this morning’s brief hearing, Truong pleaded not guilty. Famliy members gasped and sobbed upon first sight of him walking into the glass-walled-off hearing area a few yards away from where they sat. Afterward, the victim’s aunt, Maeseng Chao, spoke with the media on behalf of the family, saying that today’s court hearing was the first time she had seen the victim’s mother cry. She said that they are having difficulty understanding why this happened, but she personally has faith in the justice system. We will add video from today’s hearing when we are back at HQ.

11:11 AM: We have added two video clips – first the hearing itself, less than two minutes long, which ended with a date set of January 26th for Truong’s next court appearance. The second is Jason Saechao’s aunt’s statement outside the courtroom after the hearing.

White Center Kiwanis Club president Bill Tracy is really proud of the Key Club they now sponsor at New Start High School. After just a few months, he explains, “They have already completed one service project, which was to sell Christmas Holly Wreaths, which they made, for $5. They raised over $300, which they donated to the White Center Food Bank. Now they could use some help so they can pay their yearly dues and perhaps if we are really successful, pay for two students to attend the yearly Key Club convention, which is held in Seattle.” So here’s how you can help: The Key Club’s first annual fundraising baked-potato dinner is set for Thursday night, January 19th, at the school, 614 SW 120th, 6:30-8:30 pm, baked potato bar, salad, rolls, dessert, and beverages, only $10/ticket. You can pay at the door or call Bill at 206-248-2441 for advance tickets. He says there’ll be student entertainment, too.

As for the Kiwanis Club itself – you’re invited to its meetings on first and third Wednesdays, White Center Pizza and Spaghetti House (10231 16th SW), 12:30 pm. Bill says, “We are a service club and concentrate on helping children in our own community. We do food bank service once a month at night so those who work during the day can get food also. Also we have interesting speakers plus we honor a student from New Start High School each month.” Want to know more? Call Nancy Tracy – same number, 206-248-2441.

Tonight and tomorrow are two more chances to learn about emergency preapredness – being ready to take care of yourself, your family, your business, no matter what – for free: 5-7 pm at the Salvation Army, with participants including the White Center Community Safety Coalition and West Seattle Be Prepared. There’ll be a mixer 3:30-5 pm there on Friday.

This first part will sound a lot like last night’s initial report: After a second three-hour of testimony, the Washington State Boundary Review Board for King County will meet for a third night – but no more public comment. You’re invited to their 7 pm January 23rd meeting at a location TBA, but it’s all about their deliberations, no more testimony. (Here’s who’s on the board, in case you wondered.) WCN co-publisher Patrick Sand recorded tonight’s meeting at White Center’s Cascade Middle School on video again and we’ll add that in the hours ahead, once it’s processed (unedited, but still takes time to upload). He says that after last night’s testimony was weighted toward opposition to Burien annexation of White Center and most of the rest of unincorporated North Highline, tonight’s went the other way, with more pro-annexation speakers than anti-.

Of note – this time around is VERY different than March 2009, when the Boundary Review Board’s hearing on the first Burien/North Highline annexation lasted for ONE night, less than two hours, and ended with a preliminary vote in favor of the proposal. Here’s our as-it-happened coverage from that night almost three years ago. Meantime, more to come on what happened tonight.

ADDED EARLY WEDNESDAY: The first video clip, almost 2 hours, includes all the Tuesday night testimony:

The second, a little more than an hour (following a break called by the board), includes the city of Burien’s rebuttal and replies to questions asked during the first night:

This might affect you, heading eastward toward Highway 509 the next few days. Announced today by the Seattle Department of Transportation:

Crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation plan to repair a hand rail this week on First Avenue (South) and Olson Place [map]. They will close the right lane of both streets at this location from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on January 11, 12 and 13. This work is subject to change in the event they are called to respond to an emergency at another location.

The Boundary Review Board‘s hearing on Burien’s proposal to annex White Center (and other parts of unincorporated North Highline) will go to a second night tomorrow night. That’s the upshot after more than three hours. 7 pm at Cascade Middle School again. Tonight’s highlights to come.

ADDED 1:15 PM: We are processing our video (which we’ll publish unedited for those interested) covering most all of tonight’s hearing. (Added – here’s the first hour and a half; second one still processing.)

(Added – the second half of the meeting. Both clips are unedited – just the meeting, as it happened)

Meantime, toplines from co-publisher Patrick Sand, who was there for WCN:

MAJOR POINT: Burien city manager Mike Martin said that if the Legislature (which just convened this year’s session) kills the annexation tax credit for cities, Burien will stop right there.

OVERVIEW OF SPEAKERS: Most of the more than two dozen speakers the board heard from tonight voiced opposition to annexation; no one spoke in support until North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin, the 13th speaker. She presented a letter from the council backing annexation. Other supporters included NHUAC member Ron Johnson, speaking as a private citizen, and Burien City Councilmember Jerry Robison. Opponents – including Burien City Councilmembers Lucy Krakowiak and Bob Edgar – cited concerns relating to the consultant’s report that Burien has used to project the cost of annexation, suggesting it was out of date, or too optimistic about the economy. Government reps who spoke, meantime, voiced support for annexation – Burien, King County, North Highline Fire District. For NHFD, Commissioner Liz Giba mentioned a few assurances the district would need, including job retention and pensions, and noted there are close to 200 acres that would remain unincorporated, including the “Sliver by the River,” so the board would need to give direction and seek a resolution of how those areas will be handled. (Seattle leaders have said that they are interested in pursuing annexation of the “sliver.”)

QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD: They were interested in hearing from a member of the consulting team that put together the aforementioned report; Martin said he would try to make that happen. Also,, they asked what the level of social services would be post-annexation, and they wanted to hear from local law enforcement regarding the crime situation. Again, they’ll reconvene at Cascade tomorrow night, 7 pm.

This banner that appeared on the former Club Evo(lucion) in downtown White Center turned some heads. But no, it does not portend another bid to reopen the controversial ex-nightclub space – which, as reported here previously, would run counter to the emergency moratorium passed last August anyway. It appears to be part of an attempt to let former Evo patrons know the proprietors’ new venture El Reventon at 7047 East Marginal Way (first mentioned here back in August) is now open. Posters on the storefront say the same thing:

And the attempt to link the shuttered White Center property with the new East Marginal Way club is evident when you browse Facebook, where the page for El Reventon on East Marginal declared for last weekend, “Club Revolucion is back” … and an earlier update said “our new name is El Reventon Nightclub – Two dance floors of the best latin music – Now with a full service bar for 21+. All ages welcome, just 1 mile from our old White Center location.”

Not sure exactly when the new look/location launched, but we looked at some Highline Public Schools webpages within the past few days and they didn’t have the new look or new domain. The district is finally at highlineschools.org and the website’s gotten an overhaul.

As mentioned earlier – today was another edition of Dubsea Bikes. We were in downtown WC checking out something else (story to come) and caught Stu Hennessey on camera just as things were getting under way. No rain, mild temperature, so a great day for 2-wheeling.