White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Thanks to Josh for the tip: ESPN.com takes an in-depth look at the tale of Tyrone Curry, whose election as Highline Public Schools board member is about to be certified – though of course, with his coaching achievement and post-lottery philanthropy, that’s only a sliver of his story. Read it here.

From North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin, we have word of what’s on the agenda for Thursday’s NHUAC meeting. The Comprehensive Plan item is big: “Karen Wolf from the Department of Development and Environmental Services will be providing information in regard to the King County 2012 Comprehensive Plan, some of which affects the North Highline area. The public comment period for the comprehensive plan review draft will end on December 23. If you cannot make the meeting you can review the plan at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/property/permits/codes/growth/CompPlan/2012_PublicReviewDraft.aspx
All public comment can be sent directly to Paul Reitenbach at: paul.reitenbach@kingcounty.gov or by mail at:
King County Comprehensive plan 2012 Update, Department of Development and Environmental Services, 900 Oaksdale Avenue, SW. Renton, WA 98057-5212, attention: Paul Reintenback.” Now, the entire 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 Mike Martin, Burien City Manager
7:20 pm Deputy BJ Myers
7:30 pm Rose Clark

7:40 pm Karen Wolf, Sr. Policy Analyst, King County Office of Performance
Strategy and Budget
Report and update on King County Comprehensive Plan

8:00pm Major Graddon

8:10pm Treasurer’s Report
8:15 pm Corresponding Secretary Report
8:20 pm Committee Reports
1. Governance
2. Arts and Parks
3. Public Safety
4. Housing and Human Services
5. Public Outreach
6. Transportation

8:30 pm Unfinished Business/Old Business
• Flower Bed Planting (100 ST & 16th Ave, SW)
• Video editing
• Business Cards/Flyers
• Bylaws
• NHUAC Supplies
8:40 pm New Business
• January/February Agenda Items

The issue of potentially consolidating the White Center and Boulevard Park Libraries has resurfaced – five months after it was tabled – and you’re asked to speak up before it’s too late. Just got the word from North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin that it’s on next Tuesday’s library-board agenda:

The board has not revealed any specific sites for the new facility other than saying they are looking at property on 128th Street, SW, nor have they stated when construction might start, or how long they will keep the existing 2 libraries open in the meantime. There is opportunity for public comment at this meeting, which is being held in the KCLS Service Center, 960 Newport Way, Issaquah on November 29 at 5 pm. We would ask that all concerned residents of this community, who voted to pass the library bond levy in 2004 for a new expanded White Center Library which was to be built at the same site, and update and improvements to the existing Blvd Park Library, contact the Library Board by mail: Board of Trustees, King County Library System, 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah, WA 98027, or e-mail boardoftrustees@kcls,org, or show up a the meeting on Nov 29 and let the board know what you think about their plans.

The library system’s rationale for possible consolidation is outlined in this document.

That’s our photo from last year’s White Center Chamber of Commerce Heroes Awards/Toys for Tots Christmas Luncheon, and this year’s edition has just been announced. From Chamber president Mark Ufkes:

The White Center Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its White Center Heroes Awards and Toys for Tots Christmas Luncheon at the Salvation Army, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from noon until 1:30 pm. The Seattle/White Center Salvation Army is located at 9050 16th Ave. SW.

Annually, the White Center Chamber board recognizes three “White Center Heroes” who have gone beyond the call of duty to serve our community. We will also be collecting “Toys for Tots” (new, packaged, unwrapped toy) that will be given to at-risk families. Attendees are asked to make a $10 contribution to the Salvation Army to help cover luncheon food costs.

Guests include King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, as well as three White Center Heroes who will be recognized, and we will discuss Chamber plans for greater cleanup and graffiti removal within the business district and expanded business district marketing in 2012.

White Center Chamber of Commerce
White Center Heroes Award Luncheon and Toys for Tots Drive
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 (Noon to 1:30)
Salvation Army – 9050 16th Ave. SW

Everyone is welcome.

Please RSVP the number attending to Jimie at (206) 619-1029 or by email to markufkes@comcast.net.

2:49 PM: Governor Gregoire was scheduled to spend today touring the state to talk about her “supplemental budget” proposal – but canceled most of the stops because of the stormy weather. The exception: She’s scheduled to visit South Seattle Community College in West Seattle this afternoon. One of the budget components of most interest to White Center and vicinity: While the original list of possible budget cuts included potential elimination of the sales-tax credit that helped Burien afford the annexation of part of North Highline, she is now officially proposing cutting the credit by only 10 percent:

Reduce annexation sales tax credit by 10 percent – $1.4 million

Reduces by 10 percent distributions from a tax credit that benefits seven cities in King, Pierce or Snohomish counties. Under the credit, cities that annexed an area with a population of at least 10,000 are allowed to retain 0.2 percent of the state’s sales tax generated in the city to fund the cost of extending city services to the annexed area.

As Burien City Manager Mike Martin told the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council earlier this month, the idea of killing the credit was “no slam dunk.” However, the Legislature will have the final say on the governor’s suggestion – whether they accept, reject, or change it.

ADDED 6:35 PM: During a media Q/A session after the governor’s event with students, we asked what changed her mind about the annexation tax credit. On video, you’ll hear her answer – starting with what cities told her, and what she decided to do instead.

Out of the inbox:

This dog was found in a White Center parking lot this afternoon around 3:30 pm. Chris says it was taken to a vet, but had no microchip, and it was wearing no collar. Yours? Or know whose it is? Contact Chris at 253-334-5654.

UPDATE: Reunited!

Just got this from White Center Art Walk organizers – sorry we can’t hotlink the URLs immediately but wanted to pass the information on as fast as possible – it’s happening tonight:

This month seems to be themed towards PARTY MONTH. Seriously. There is going to be three different locations that are rockin kegs and art. How could you not want to come out for that? EddieGuyver and his birthday party at Big Al Brewing, Herban Legends and their always-rockin Art Walks and The Forge: Fire Pits Gone Wild. Really people. Come out even though it’s cold and damp and have a rockin’ good time in White Center. Where we are all currently living the dream.

3.14 (9602 16th Ave SW): Larry the Front Desk Guy (Sorry, Larry- I never heard back on what your last name is)- Ink on Paper: Intricate drawings with a tribal feel, these pieces pull you into a vortex of mazes. Small and intimate you have to get in close to really get a feel for what’s going on. Kind of like the cinnamon rolls, which you should eat and then tell me all about.

Big Al Brewing (9832 14th Avenue SW): Margaret Brown- Oil on Canvas: Margaret has created a series of paintings devoted to one black leather jacket. It is cohesive, thick, raw and reminiscent of suspended auto-parts. She definitely has a strong grasp of color and has explored different compositions to highlight them effectively. Stop by Big Al, drink a Winter Warmer or the Local Hero #11 (Stout) and get your art on. I recommend playing some darts and yelling at each other as well. In case you are normally in the hood- it’s local favorite bartender EddieGuyvers birthday and there will also be a smidgen of stand-up comedy goin down. Don’t miss it!

Café Rozella (9434 Delridge Way SW): TBA- Stop in for some rockin coffee and see what’s on their walls.

Company (9608 16th SW): Rafael Carraballo-Oil on Canvas: Rafael and his pomegranates are sticking around for another month. If you haven’t made it in to check out his playful compositions, you should. It is well worth it. Plus you could put a glass of rye in your belly. We all know you want to do that.

Dubsea (9910 8th Ave SW): Sarah Browning- Paper Stacking: Bold, chunky graphics that “explore themes of survival an nurturance”. Sarah layers different pieces of cut paper in such a way that the resulting image almost jumps off the page to punch you in the face (in a nice way… people… seriously. This is art) Sadly, there will not be an opening reception the night of the art walk but it will be up all month. Try and stop by to check it out. You will not be disappointed.

Dzul Tattoo (9622-B 16th Ave SW): Katie & Alex- Black & White Photography. Drop in for funky grooves and an eye-full of new body ink. Updated B&W photos of the newest generation of ink, dripping with permanence. This shop has spirit and enough eye-candy to chew on for days.

Full Tilt Ice Cream (9629 16th Ave SW): Sydney Smith- Photography: Landscape photography that’s not just black and white, if you know what I’m saying. I’m pretty sure that if you grabbed a scoop of Memphis King and played some skee ball, your soul would not be offended.

Herbal Legends-Medical Marijuana Dispensary– (9619 16th Ave SW): Featuring -Carlos Aguilar and other awesome artists- http://carlosgaguilar.com/works/-Urban Paintings: This guy seriously rocks that spot. Fancy, bright colored creatures that jump off the page with an enthusiasm that can hardly be matched. Most of his work is playful and bold with a tight use of color and an epic usage of the house-people. Stop by to party it up as these guys. There will be an artist reception- I’m talkin’ bout beer and snacks people. Let’s get together and do it the White Center Way.

Proletariat Pizza – (9622-A 16th Ave SW)- Zach Bohnenkamp “Matamuros”- Graphic Paintings: You’ve already seen his work spread out over White Center. He’s the proud artist of both the mural on the side of the New Angkor Market (98th and 16th) as well as the produce market on Delridge right by the CDA. Now is your opportunity to see some of the pieces you can buy right off the wall. Zach executes well thought out compositions with bold chunky lines. He doesn’t shy away from color either, which is more than OK in my book. Pop in for a slice a pizza and some arts.

Salvadorean Bakery (1719 SW Roxbury): Grace Rajendran- Watercolors on Paper: Playful pieces that host a variety of subjects. Grace manages to put a smile on your face with her whimsical use of subject and color. Combine that with a papusa and you have a guarantee of a good time.

Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th Ave SW): Stop by and check out the AWESOME ROLLER SKATE SCULPTURES! Round 1 has been installed and we are currently on the look out for participants for Round 2. Vintage-roller-skates-gone-art. Must-I-Say-More?

Tilton, Balaban (see? I can be taught) & McCallister– (9052 Delridge Way)-The Forge- White Center Style: A new forge that’s bloomed in White Center- these fantastic blacksmiths are opening their studio doors for foot traffic and a smattering of good times. Stop by and welcome them to White Center. Don’t forget to tell them that you think they’re very pretty. Because they are..

11:12 AM: Reminder that White Center Food Bank is now open, till 7 tonight, to accept frozen turkeys, chickens, and any other kind of holiday food you’d care to donate.

ADDED 2:30 PM: That’s WCFB executive director Rick Jump in the food bank freezer, which still has room for several hundred more turkeys! They’re at 8th and 108th.

Friends of the victim’s family are casting a net far and wide to try to help investigators solve an attack last night. First, here’s what the King County Sheriff’s Office says about it, in a news release just sent out:

A 21 year old man was severely beaten as he walked home from downtown Burien last night around 9 pm.

Joshua Sheen arrived home around 9 pm bloody and had to crawl to get into the house. He had “pretty much everything in his face fractured” said his sister Brianna Davey. Sheen also had teeth knocked out and according to Davey had “internal bleeding and had to have his spleen removed.”

Sheen was missing his cell phone, shoes and possibly his wallet. Sheen had no recollection of how he was injured.

King County Sheriff Deputies searched several blocks attempting to locate where the incident occurred but was unable to locate any evidence.

Sheen is 5’7” tall and weighs about 140 pounds. He was wearing a black jacket and dark jeans. “We are hoping that someone saw something and will come forward,” said his sister Davey.

If you have any information about this crime please call the King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 206-296-7530 or email us at MCUTips.KCSO@kingcounty.gov.

We received this through a mass e-mail sent to media all over the region by multiple people who are friends of Sheen’s uncle, comedian Derek Sheen. They forwarded this note from him:

My nephew, who is a special needs adult, was the victim of a hate crime. He is currently at Harborview Medical Center, in ICU on life support. There is a chance he may not recover. I’m asking residents in the area to please contact local media and ask them for help in gathering information and public support to assist in the capture and prosecution of the person or persons responsible. Any help or information is greatly appreciated.

30 new apartments have officially joined the White Center community, now that Unity Village has celebrated its grand opening. You might recall the affordable-housing project at 13th SW/SW 100th for its previous name, “Strength of Place Village”; the name change, says project sponsor White Center Community Development Association, came from its new residents as well as other White Center community members. Wednesday’s celebration included tours:

And of course, a celebratory cake:

Though the weather was a little too drippy for anyone to be using it, visitors got a good look at Unity Village’s sparkling playground.

Blessings for the ceremony were given by ministers from Seattle’s Choeizan Enkyoji Nichiren Buddhist Temple, Revs. Kanjin Cederman and Ryujin Sorenson:

Among the dignitaries on hand: White Center/West Seattle’s County Councilmember Joe McDermott:

Also involved in the $9.5 million development along with WCCDA are Capitol Hill Housing and Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association. You can read more about it here.

From the City of Burien’s latest newsletter:

The Washington State Boundary Review Board for King County has set the public hearing date on Burien’s proposed annexation of North Highline. The hearing will be held on Jan. 9, and if necessary, Jan. 10, 7 p.m., at Cascade Middle School, 11212 10th Ave. SW. The Boundary Review Board will determine whether to accept the proposal, modify the boundaries, or reject it. The annexation would increase the population of Burien by about 17,300 and add about 3.2 square miles to the City including the White Center area, Top Hat, Beverly Park, Glendale, and portions of Boulevard Park, Riverton Heights and Shorewood.

Boundary Review Board approval would be required before an election could be held in the potential annexation area. If you want a peek into how the meeting is likely to work, take a look at our “as it happened” coverage from a similar meeting held two and a half years ago before Burien’s previous annexation.

After the DEA search in downtown White Center earlier this week, news emerged (first reported yesterday afternoon by PubliCola) of a disturbance on Saturday night. From King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West:

On 11-12-11 at approximately 1130 pm, it looks like there was possibly a party at the GAME establishment that had a large number of youth in attendance. We had deputies patrolling the area. According to the police report, a couple of our deputies heard 2 gunshots coming from the area of 16th St between 9600-9800 blocks. The deputies went to the area where they heard the shots and saw that there were approximately 75-100 juveniles in the area. Some were coming out of the GAME establishment. The group of juveniles had separated and were posturing in the street, flashing gang signs and yelling. Deputies did not locate any victims. SPD had arrived to assist also.

(About an hour later) deputies heard several more shots, coming from the area of 15th-16th and Roxbury. It appears bullets struck the wall of the Walgreens, and a business identified as Pure Drop Water Purifier received damage to the buildings and glass at the business had been shattered. No suspects at this time.

The White Center-South Delridge Community Safety Coalition usually meets later in the month, but since the fourth Thursday this month is Thanksgiving, the meeting is tonight – 6 pm at the Wiley Center in Greenbridge (here’s where to find it), which is a different location than usual. Coalition chair Sean Healy says, “During this meeting we will discussing a possible action plan for our neighborhood to address safety concerns and more.”

One week till Thanksgiving! Here’s one place you might consider spending yours:

On Thanksgiving day (November 24, 2011), The Good News Christian Fellowship Church will serve a Thanksgiving Day Dinner with all the trimmings.

The dinner and fellowship will be held from 1:30 to 5:00 pm, at St. James Church, 9421-18th Avenue SW, in White Center, Everyone is cordially invited to attend, share a meal with neighbors and to give thanks.

Donations of food, cash, and clothing are welcome. Please contact Michael Spann at 206-854-2245 or michaelspann206@gmail.com to make contributions or to request additional information.

If you haven’t already seen it on our partner site West Seattle Blog, we’ve obtained and reported on the search-warrant affidavit related to the Tuesday raid on the GAME Collective lounge in White Center.

3:05 PM: In at least three counties, federal Drug Enforcement Agency officers are searching medical-marijuana businesses – and one of them is in White Center, the GAME Collective ‘lounge’ in the former Hang Around bar space. Thanks to a tip, we got over there around 1:30 to find unmarked law-enforcement cars outside and officers inside. Among those on the scene, DEA spokesperson Agent Jodie Underwood, who told us that they expect to have “a statement” before day’s end, but otherwise, she wasn’t commenting. Regional media organizations are reporting raids in several other counties including Pierce and Thurston, but so far we haven’t found an indication of others in this area – we went by White Center’s other establishment and the three openly operating dispensaries in West Seattle, and there was no sign of current police activity. The lounge has been open for seven months.

ADDED 6:13 PM: Though there are no specifics about indictments, charges, arrests, or even business names, the local DEA has issued this statement to the media, attributing it to Special Agent in Charge Matthew Barnes:

It has never been our policy to target individuals with serious illnesses. However, there are those operating commercial storefronts cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana under the guise of state medical marijuana laws and exploiting such activities to satisfy their own personal greed. The DEA remains committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in all states.

The coordinated enforcement actions of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and our state and local law enforcement partners involve violations of both federal and state law.

The DEA will exercise its investigative authority to pursue criminal actions for any violation of federal law, when warranted. This includes investigating organizations or individuals that grow, manufacture or distribute any illegal drug to include marijuana, and those who rent or maintain a property to facilitate drug trafficking.

Sustainable Seattle’s “Sustainable Rain” project will be in White Center this Wednesday night with information about how to build a rain garden as part of a “sustainable landscape” – and they’d love to meet you. According to the official announcement, the workshop “will include coffee, food, information about rain garden scholarships, pictures and stories from our rain garden projects, training on how to build a rain garden and Sustainable West Seattle’s presentation on polluted runoff and Puget Sound.” Just RSVP by going here. It’s at Big Al Brewing at 6:30 pm. Find out more here.

The White Center Food Bank has two holiday requests for you, received today as a news release:

On November 19 from 9 am until 7 pm, White Center Food Bank will be holding a Turkey Drive to collect donated frozen turkeys and chickens for their upcoming Thanksgiving holiday distribution. White Center Food bank expects to serve over 1,000 families for the holiday. This year’s turkey shortage combined with high wholesale prices (currently $1.25 a pound) make it difficult for the food bank to purchase turkeys at normally deep discounts. Starting (today), local sales and deals on turkeys will be posted on the White Center Food Bank’s Facebook page. Other meal items that are needed include: olives, cranberry sauce, pickles, cookie or cake mixes, cool whip or whipping cream, pumpkin, any type of canned milk, muffin mixes and pie crust mixes.

To donate, any turkey or chicken should be frozen. White Center Food Bank located at 10829 8th Avenue SW will be open November 19 until 7 pm to accept any donation. Other times to drop off are available; please call 206-762-2848. Volunteers are still needed to assist with holiday distribution as well including Monday through Wednesday, November 21-23 from 12:30-3:30 pm.

Here’s the WC Food Bank’s post this morning about turkey deals (if you have one to add, let ’em know!).

Just out of the WCN inbox:

Want to engage your restaurant staff on going green? ECOSS can help! We’re looking for 25 family-owned restaurants in SeaTac, Tukwila and White Center to compete in a 30 day going green challenge. You’ll receive a getting-started package and a road map on four different areas of focus. Work with your staff to conserve resources and cut costs. If you are interested in participating in this free program, contact Stephanie@ecoss.org (or) 1.206.767.0432 with your name, restaurant name, phone number, and address before November 25th.

After a couple weeks of being open, it’s time for Caffe Delia in the Proletariat Pizza space to celebrate the GRAND opening – and that’s happening today, 8 am-2 pm. From the official announcement:

9622A 16th Ave SW

Music starts at 11ish with performances by White Center/West Seattle stars:
Squirrel Butter, Casey MacGill’s Blue 4 Trio, Del Rey

Caffè Delia uses beans roasted by Andrea Spella (www.spellacaffe.com) who will be at the grand opening. Pastries by Macrina. Chai made from scratch by Delia.

Go say hi if you haven’t been there already – or even if you have!