White Center Now: The blog about White Center

(Photo by Katie Meyer for WCN)
4:07 PM (crossposted from partner site West Seattle Blog): Big emergency response to 3rd SW/Olson Place just past the east end of Roxbury – there’s a crash that went out as an “automobile rescue” call. Our crew is there and we’ll have more shortly – for now, though, avoid the area, which is a busy route to and from Highway 509. Ongoing updates in the story on WSB.

Just got word that White Center Eagles are having a Veterans Day dinner, 5-8 pm tonight, and Joleen Post says, “All retired and active duty military are free.” (Everybody else is $7.) Meat loaf and au-gratin potatoes are on the menu. 10452 15th SW.

Don’t let the need for bicycle repairs keep you off the road. Here’s free help, coming up Sunday:

Is your bike out of commission? Bring it to DubSea Bikes at Full Tilt Ice Cream, 9629 16th Ave SW, downtown White Center, on Sunday, November 13th, from 2 – 4 pm.

This free event will focus on minor repairs to get more bikes on the street in White Center and beyond.

At a time of year when those in need are most at risk, a benefit to help fight hunger and homelessness is planned for this Sunday. Here’s the announcement we received:

Light Under the Bridge, a Homeless Christian Ministry (non-profit), is joining Union Gospel Mission and the White Center Food Bank’s fundraiser for the hungry and homeless. Featuring “A Night of Giving with Joe Arrants,” November 13th from 5:30-8 pm, at Westside Foursquare Church, 11452 26th Ave SW. We will be serving soups, salad, & bread. Hurry and buy your tickets and invite family, friends, neighbors, etc. Tickets can be bought from Jon 206-941-4301 or at the door.

In tonight’s election, though the results won’t be final for weeks, some things are clear after just the first round of ballot-counting. White Center’s King County Councilmember Joe McDermott has won election to his first full four-year term, leading Diana Toledo, 67%-32%. … In the North Highline Fire District contest, Liz Giba leads Mark Ufkes, 52%-47% … In the only contest for Highline School Board, incumbent president Sili Savusa is losing to Tyrone Curry, who has gained some fame for his lottery win and subsequent donation, 55% for Curry to 44% for Savusa … Burien had three council races on the ballot, and one of the city’s most outspoken opponents of annexing White Center (and vicinity) has defeated an incumbent: Bob Edgar has 60% of the vote, to 40% for Gordon Shaw. In the other two races, incumbent Lucy Krakowiak – one of two “no” votes on last month’s annexation resolution – leads former North Highline Unincorporated Area Council chair Greg Duff, 64%-36%, while pro-annexation incumbent Jerry Robison leads Debi Wagner, 54%-46%. Next ballot count is due around 4:30 tomorrow afternoon.

The biggest threat to the Puget Sound ecosystem isn’t oil spills or other one-time catastrophes … it’s ongoing toxic runoff from homes, streets, drains, and more. But that means we can do something about it – if you know what to do, and what not to do. As a project of Sustainable West Seattle, presentations have been made around West Seattle to explain how to fight the Tox-Ick Monster – and the next one will happen in the White Center area, in Spanish – Saturday, November 12th, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., White Center Community Cultural Center (aka St. James Annex), 9421 18th SW. $500 in prizes available to participants!

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

Information and frustration both emerged from lengthy Operation Center of Attention updates at Thursday night’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting, particularly regarding the fact that one of the establishments considered a focal point of the law-enforcement operation, Papa’s Pub, apparently could still get its liquor license renewed despite everything that’s happened (including citations for alleged liquor-law violations).

The meeting included a number of high-ranking guests from the law-and-justice sector. Here’s how it played out:

OPERATION CENTER OF ATTENTION – KING COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY: “This is a place worth fighting for,” Dan Satterberg began, noting that his dad Dick Satterberg practiced law in the area for many years, which meant he spent a lot of time here in childhood. “It was a place that put food on our table, as a family.” He offered some background on his office/staff, including the fact that 230 of the 480 employees are lawyers, before launching into some words about “Operation Center of Attention,” and its origins a few months back as part of a national program targeting “hot spots.” … “For 90 days we had some outstanding undercover police officers and agents working the streets, and the epicenter was south of Roxbury on 16th … they came to town and started making friends … and very soon were led up the ladder to make” major drug deals. He says many of the 53 suspects are in custody and charged, and some are still being pursued. “Most are serious crimes … particularly being a felon in possession of a stolen firearm.” However, he said, a one-time operation isn’t going to fix things forever, so he’s glad there’s a new storefront deputy, for example. He said it’s the epitome of the old “Weed and Seed” – “we’re gonna weed some of the bad elements, at least 53 of them, out of the community, and plant Deputy (BJ) Myers here to do some of the work” that needs to be done.

Were the guns and drugs from here? asked NHUAC member Patrick Mosley. Crime respects no borders, Satterberg said – mentioning some other areas like Delridge and Seatac. Where did they live? asked president Barbara Dobkin. “All over,” said Satterberg, but “the emphasis was in that area around Papa’s Pub.” The owners of that and other targeted businesses were not arrested, he confirmed, but mentioned a letter is going to landlords to make sure they are “aware illegal activities are going on .. and they have to take steps to stop it before some kind of abatement action can occur.” Now it’s time for the community to “replace some of the blights that allowed this to happen,” he noted. Dobkin pointed out that this kind of illegal activity had been discussed and reported for a long time, “so going forward, what do we need to do?” Satterberg replied, “That’s a great question – and I don’t have an answer for you.” He said high police visibility will be important, future undercover operations, and overall for law enforcement, “We have that resolve to be there.”

Asked if the murder of Sweetheart Failautusi had any connection to the activities targeted by Operation Center of Attention, Satterberg said no. He was also asked if anyone who’s been arrested and charged is out on bail, but didn’t have any specifics on that. Sheriff’s deputies said they’ve seen some of the suspects back in the area. “If they’re out and they continue to be committing crimes, we’d love to be able to” make a new case against them, he said.

On a separate topic, Dobkin asked Satterberg about medical-marijuana businesses’ proliferation in White Center. He recounted the ongoing state of flux in state/local law, and the fact that marijuana continues to be against federal law. Dobkin explained that the local businesses weren’t just “dispensaries,” but include a lounge where “you can go in and listen to jazz and smoke pot,” as well as a “farmers’ market.” Satterberg noted it’s not legal to smoke marijuana in public even if you have a medical certificate. NHUAC member Christine Waldman wondered why the crackdown in Eastern Washington, involving the U.S. Attorney on that side of the mountains, couldn’t be replicated here. “It could,” Satterberg noted, but said it’s also a matter of “police priorities,” which marijuana has not been in King County. Bottom line, he had no answer for the concern, and Dobkin said with some frustration that they feel as if they’ve been “left to fend for (themselves).” But he invited the Sheriff’s Office to talk with his office about “what you see on your tours.” He promised to return and “continue this conversation.”

OPERATION CENTER OF ATTENTION – U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE: As he had been at the briefing after the busts, as he had been at a community meeting days later, and then again at the White Center-South Delridge Community Safety Coalition days later, Thomas Bates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office was at tonight’s NHUAC meeting. He took on some of the questions that had been asked previously: “The task force that did this operation remains … (even though) the 90-day period has ended,” he said, urging people to continue to report what they see. That includes his office; he said “odds and ends are still coming up,” and in fact, just this week another suspect was arrested in connection with a “7-gun buy” and had made a court appearance. “Things continue,” he stressed, adding that landlords are indeed on notice about what’s going on in their buildings, and that other actions are being taken to make sure “the business core is flying right.” Where it stands now:

–“The cases have been split” – 27 of them are federal, such as “some of the bigger” drug and gun cases, with tougher penalties from the feds. “A lot of those people have already been indicted,” and trial dates are set, some as soon as next month, according to Bates.

–“I’m only aware of one federal defendant that is not currently in custody,” he said, saying the rest are in the federal jail in Seatac
–Information from last week’s Community Safety Coalition meeting is being passed along to detectives and the task force – reports “are not falling on deaf ears,” he promised
–What’s next: Fighting crime like this is a “three-legged stool” – enforcement, prevention, and “what we are all engaged in together, where do we go from here, what do we do to make sure the infrastructure of the community” can “collectively do to be sure we are moving forward, to make sure this is not ‘one and done’.” Bates says, “That’s the part I’m most focused on.”

–The #1 issue, he says, is how vital “law enforcement visibility” is. “No one wants to let things go back to how they were.”

–Another issue, legislative priorities, like working on a nuisance law similar to what Seattle has, enabling action to be taken if a property is continuously the site of nuisance activities.

–Another one – focusing on the business core. “We’re hearing about … other businesses engaged in activity that is not viewed as beneficial to the community,” he noted. In response to a later question, he declined to name them, saying ongoing investigations were in the hands of the Sheriff’s Office.

–And the “resources bucket” is important, he acknowledged – what else can they draw on? Additional drug counseling, for example, though some of that might not be available under terms of the latest state budget proposal, he said (while being clear that he was not offering any opinion about legislation, which is outside the purview of his role). But his office’s role is limited, he clarified – 70 lawyers, and “we’re not the boss of a lot of people” with whom they have to deal, or on whom their efforts might be contingent. “Continue to think of me as someone you can come to with ideas, and needs,” and he will do his best to “be very honest” in terms of whether there are connections to be made or help to be offered – or not.

OPERATION CENTER OF ATTENTION – LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD: The question kept coming up – so what can be done about the businesses involved, especially considering they had been the site of law-enforcement “service requests” over and over again (43 in 5 months in one case, said Bates). Captain Susan Blaker from the WALCB was on hand along with Lt. Woodrow Perkins, who has been a fixture at public-safety-related meetings in the White Center area (though, as he mentioned, the area he supervises is much bigger). He said they had been working several cases on 16th SW even before being asked to be part of Operation Center of Attention. He mentioned that Papa’s was cited for two more violations recently, one just last Friday, for providing liquor to intoxicated persons. “Right now we are in the process of reviewing reports,” but he’s not sure if other violations will be found. Burien, Tukwila, and East Marginal Way establishments were examined as well as White Center businesses, he said.

Regarding license revocation, Capt. Blaker stepped in. She says the “request for non-renewal” has been forwarded back to local investigators who are sending a report for possible action, and that there was something of a timing problem, since Papa’s had recently renewed its license. The issue of what kind of review and notification ensue when a license is up for renewal generated some additional discussion. Karen Freeman from King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s office – which has a role in reviewing license renewal requests – said they don’t know “which licenses to flag … to start to renew” unless they hear from community members “that this place is a problem.” That brought a heated response from community member Gill Loring, who says that meeting participants have asked over and over for that kind of information, “we’ve been out there and been asking you and telling you … but we’re not getting information, so we can’t react to it. This thing about Papa’s was out of the blue … it was mentioned at the last Community Safety Coalition meeting that the license was up for renewal but we thought we had a month or so, and next thing we know, we hear it’s renewed.” The executive’s rep said that a “very long list” is circulated and they have to be able to appeal “at just the right moment,” which is difficult to determine, and observed that the laws are very specific and difficult to work with. She also said that her office even encountered some confusion in what their role in the liquor-license-renewal-review process is – “was it zoning, or …” She said they are “learning a lot” about how it all works.

NHUAC member Liz Giba expressed frustration at that point regarding responsiveness of the County Executive’s Office in general, saying she had left a message after the August murder – and only got a call back this week, from Freeman. “We need a better contact in the King County Executive’s Office,” Giba declared. “Fair enough,” said Freeman.

Captain Blaker offered the fact that her officers carry massive caseloads, each responsible for 452 licensed premises.

Waldman then asked – what about DK’s, also mentioned in “Operation Center of Attention”; is its license up for renewal any time soon? Reply: That’s being doublechecked.

(Here’s how the renewal process works – from a licensee’s standpoint, anyway.)

“If the owner/licensee has knowledge (of crimes) or participated in it,” the license could be in jeopardy, Lt. Perkins said.

But, asked Waldman, the LCB was involved in the 90-day Center of Attention operation, so certainly they knew about Papa’s being under investigation? That wasn’t enough for the liquor license not to be renewed, Capt. Blaker said, since no violations had been found. She said public-safety violations have to be adjudicated – and in this case, they weren’t. (That was a key point – even though arrests have been made and items have been seized, nothing has been proven yet, no one has been convicted, so that means what’s happened doesn’t exist for the purposes of deciding a license renewal.)

For the future, KCSO insisted, “I think we have something that’s going to work.”

How are complaints filed? Through law enforcement or a hotline to the LCB.

As for what happens once there’s a violation – “It’s administrative, it’s due process, hearings have to be held if the licensee requests them” – and in the case of Papa’s, there are five public-safety violations on record, with hearings requested in all of them. Even though a suspension date might be set when a violation calls for it, Perkins says, that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen on that date. If a business has requested a hearing, they can continue to operate while awaiting it, “just like being out on bail,” Perkins said. Even once there’s a hearing, the judge has a month to issue a ruling. And even if a liquor license is suspended, he noted, an establishment could still continue operating as a restaurant – just without selling alcohol.

WELCOMING STOREFRONT DEPUTY B.J. MYERS: “We’re quite proud of him,” said Capt. Joe Hodgson, recounting his background including two military deployments, service with KCSO since 2007, “well-respected, high-performing deputy who’s earned the respect of his supervisors and his peers … The thing that probably impressed us the most about him is his wide perspective on White Center … (He) recognized that while there’s a time and a place for heavy law enforcement, you have to get to root causes .. that’s the one strength we latched onto.” He promptly introduced Myers, who discussed what he had learned so far. “I hope I am bringing a perspective to this job that makes sense for White Center,” he began. “I’m encouraged by how many people are invested in this community as evidenced by this council and many other committees that I’ve bene invited to,” even people he says have “stopped their cars in the middle of the street” to say hi and welcome him. “That’s a big reason I’m excited to be here … I’m not alone in trying to combat some of the challenges in White Center. Working with other people is going to be the key to my success in this job. I hope that WC is a safe place to raise kids, that has a robust business environment …” He says he’ll focus on “using traditional law enforcement as well as working with other agencies, maybe doing creative problemsolving on specific issues around here …” He says he’s “excited … it’s a little bit of a different hat than the traditional law enforcement I’ve been doing in Burien.” He wants to know more about recurring issues. He was asked about “shoes thrown over wires,” and whether that meant anything. “I’ve never gotten a good answer about exactly what that means,” Myers said, but Capt. Hodgson said he is only familiar with “lore” that says that might mean a drug house and “couldn’t answer with any specificity” about what it might signify these days.

What’s the best way to get information to him, if someone sees or hears something? he was asked. “Right now I love as much information as I can get because it’s all new to me right now … if there’s something happening on your block that seems unusual … if you see evidence of drug crimes in a certain area … I love to have that information because it lets me know where to focus some of my attention to.” He promised he’ll follow up on those types of reports, to see what he sees at the locations he’s told about. In the business district, “whatever it is … you’re feeling,” shoplifting or whatever else, he wants to hear about it. Right now, bottom line, any and all information is good, “I appreciate all the information I can get.” His e-mail is benjamin.myers@kingcounty.gov. NHUAC had a cake for him, by the way.

ANNEXATION, AND OTHER BURIEN UPDATES: Myers’ assignment is good news, Burien City Manager Mike Martin told NHUAC, mentioning a role that Myers played in the review of whether Burien should go solo in police services provision. “That’s a real score for you guys,” he said, while acknowledging Burien was sorry to see him go. It’s budget time for Burien – “no layoffs anticipated, no reductions in services, probably going to hire a couple more guys for our (road maintenance and drainage) services,” he said, expecting “no major plans changed” in the budget, and saying that he’s not recommending Cost-Of-Living Adjustments for city staffers. He says Burien is hiring Nhan Nguyen, who had been working with the WC Community Development Association as “the person I will be throwing all kinds of things over the transom too, including the work I expect to be doing up here” regarding annexation outreach. “He knows the area well and will be the go-to person I bring with me” when Martin speaks to groups about annexation. “I’m really pleased to have brought him on staff.”

Martin also has hired an economic development manager, Dan Trimble, from Issaquah. “I expect those two to be working closely together on economic-development issues,” including some in White Center. And he’s hired Maya Andrews as the new Burien public-works director. He says a decision is close on a proposed auto mall where the Lora Lake Apartments were, and he’s “cautiously optimistic.” It would “consolidate all (Burien’s) auto dealers in one area, would take them off 1st Avenue … means we would be reclaiming 30 or 40 acres on 1st Avenue for other retail development.” He’s working with the Port of Seattle on that. Another project: How could the city improve pre-K through 3rd grade? Martin says he’s been working with the principals of elementaries in Burien as well as White Center Heights Elementary, and feels it’s vital to the city’s future prospects. “There’s a feeling that some of the issues we confront, crime and poverty, have their roots in this level of education.” He has a group meeting with the principals set for the middle of this month.

Regarding annexation, he urged people not to be too worried about Governor Gregoire proposing to eliminate the sales-tax credit, and said that he has conferred with other cities that have been involved. “This involves changing the law … there’s a whole legislative process that must be surmounted to do this,” he said, “It’s by no means a slam-dunk.” He says 120 cities signed a letter to the governor saying they were disappointed in that proposal and “others that were in her budget.” … “In Burien we handle things without a lot of drama and we’re going to handle this the same way,” he declared. Burien cannot go forward with annexation without the sales-tax credit, however, he reiterated. Asked about a timeline for a decision on the governor’s possible proposal, Martin foresaw it happening during the regular legislative session. the governor has fulfilled her duty in submitting a balanced budget, he said, and now, he is meeting with legislators. He foresees a “torturous and tortuous process.”

He says that in the meantime, though, the annexation process is proceeding – they have filed their “notice of intent” with the Boundary Review Board. He urged the NHUAC to “let cool heads prevail … we don’t want to say or do anything that would reduce our options in the future.” Asked about the Boundary Review timeline, he said “it’s conceivable we could have a public hearing before Christmas” but isn’t sure the board will move that quickly, saying January is more likely. He thinks summer or fall are the most likely annexation election dates. “I myself would like to see a huge turnout.” He believes “Seattle is going to sit this one out” so that potential complication does not exist.

(Later, county executive’s office rep Freeman said that they had registered their concern with the governor’s office, since the county has three major annexations in the pipeline right now, including this one for North Highline. She said that the annexation proposal is “her project” – and right now what she’s doing is preparing the proscribed “response to Burien’s filing”; she added that her intention is to “write a brief that supports Burien’s proposal” – provided it meets all the criteria it needs to meet. She also warned that these types of things frequently include some sort of issue, however small.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 11/15 is the next King County Housing meeting at Greenbridge, according to NHUAC’s Pat Price … the Community Safety Coalition will meet on November 17th (a week earlier than usual because of the holiday) at the Boys and Girls’ Club at Greenbridge …the White Center Library Guild’s holiday bazaar is expected on December 3rd … president Dobkin says the county Comprehensive Plan is out and available for review …

OTHER BUSINESS: Steve Cox Memorial Park tennis-court renovations could be done this month, Waldman announced, and the courts are expected to be open to the public shortly, even if there are a few final touches remaining to be done in spring. … Council member Ron Johnson brought up the issue of the “tiered” plan for how roads will be handled – reviewed at a previous NHUAC meeting – and noted he had met a county employee who’s losing their job. He asked Freeman, on behalf of the county executive’s office, about problems that will be inevitable; she said it’s “regrettable” that budgetary matters have come to this, but that they’re working with the County Council on the budget right now, and once that’s finalized, they hope to be able to talk with groups like NHUAC about how things will really work in the future. … President Dobkin noted that the permit has finally been procured for flower-bed planting on 16th. She put out an early pitch for volunteers – “I’m going to need people; I can’t do it by myself!” NHUAC member Pat Price suggested student volunteers might be in order. … Toward meeting’s end, there was a lengthy discussion about whether to offer a nominal stipend of $200 to a photographer who has been rolling video on NHUAC meetings and other community events, potentially to create some kind of video about the organization. There wasn’t a quorum left by the time they might have voted, so that’ll come up again in the future.

NHUAC usually meets the first Thursday of the month, 7 pm, at North Highline FIre District headquarters.

From the latest newsletter from Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, a partner in the project formerly known as Strength of Place Village:

As of November 2nd, the property is 100% rented! Thirty families are moving into beautiful Strength of the Place Village which the tenants have now renamed Unity Village. Please join us and our partners, Capitol Hill Housing and White Center Community Development Association, in celebrating the grand opening, Wednesday, November 16 from 3 pm to 5 pm. You will be treated to tours the first hour followed by a reception and program including remarks from King County Executive Dow Constantine. These new gorgeous units of affordable housing include rare affordable three bedroom units for the multi-generational families in our community.

Funding for this 30 unit project was provided by Impact Capital, King County, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Tax Credit Assistance Program, the State of Washington, National Equity Fund, Bank of America, the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound and the Bill & Melinda Gates Sound Families Initiative in conjunction with the King County Housing Authority.

Join us at Unity Village on the corner of SW 100th Street and 13th Avenue SW in White Center.

A similar announcement on the WCCDA website has additional details.

Last night, the pumpkins … tonight, the little punkins! Or, dinosaurs. This guy in green was moving along 16th SW with his adult chaperones during White Center merchants’ trick-or-treat event tonight – we caught up with him at Full Tilt Ice Cream, where proprietor Justin Cline, costumed as, well, an indie ice-cream mogul, had candy waiting:

Across the street, it was a trick-or-treating lull, but we caught two businesses with cool jack-o-lanterns – first, you’ll recognize the “power to the people” Proletariat Pizza fist:

And over at the T-shirt place, we couldn’t get the entirety of the carved “RAT CITY” in a single shot, but here’s the first half – and the obligatory rat:

Happy Halloween!

Just out of the WCN inbox, from Thomas Bates, executive assistant U.S. Attorney:

On Friday afternoon, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, and Sue Rahr sent a letter to the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) objecting to the renewal of the liquor license at Papa’s Pub. The letter, which calls for the revocation of the liquor license, cites numerous incidents of dangerous and criminal activities in and around the establishment, including 43 calls for service to the King County Sherriff’s Office in the last five months and activities occurring within the bar that took place during the “Center of Attention” operation. There is an administrative process for renewals and revocations, so we will keep you informed as things develop.

Secondly, on a separate track, the WSLCB issued what is known as an Administrative Violation Notice (AVN) to Papa’s Pub for service of alcohol to a minor. This is the third AVN for service to a minor since April and could result in a 30 day suspension of the liquor license (regardless of what happens on the revocation track). Again, there is a process for this that is separate from the renewal/revocation process mentioned above. We will get you as much information as we can. This is the information I received from WSLCB:

The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) on October 25 issued Papa’s Pub, located at 9635 16th S.W. in Seattle, an Administrative Violation Notice (AVN) for Violations Involving Minors (Sale or Service of Alcohol to a Minor / Minor Frequenting). The AVN comes with a 30-day liquor license suspension scheduled from 10 a.m. November 28, 2011 to 10 a.m. December 28, 2011.

The AVN was issued after the business sold alcohol to an investigative aide working with officers during a joint compliance check by the WSLCB and the King County Sheriff’s Office on September 30, 2011.

When a business receives a violation, it has 20 days to accept the recommended penalty, request settlement conference with the WSLCB, or request an administrative hearing before an administrative law judge.

Violations Involving Minors
Papa’s Pub’s also has two pending violations involving minors.

The business received an AVN for Sale or Service to a Minor on April 29, 2011. The business requested an administrative hearing. The case is pending.

The business received an AVN for Sale or Service to a Minor on July 15, 2011. The business requested an administrative hearing. The case is pending.

Recommended penalties for Violations Involving Minors in a two-year period (per WAC 314-29-020)
1st violation: Five-day liquor license suspension or $500 fine
2nd violation: Seven-day liquor license suspension
3rd violation: 30-day liquor license suspension

The 30-day notice was mentioned in briefings at last week’s White Center/South Delridge Community Safety Coalition, which WCN covered – here’s our story. And as previewed earlier, the conversation continues at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting this Thursday night, with Bates among those scheduled to be on hand.

Right outside Mac’s Triangle Pub in the Delridge Triangle, the first-ever White Center Pumpkin Carving Contest brought in a smattering of spirited entries tonight. Including that one with the Mac’s logo! Judging is still under way as we write this, but we’ll admit to a soft spot for the “Angry Birds” pumpkin, whose carver John Tarrant agreed to pose with his creation:

Two more of the entries glowing in the not-that-chilly air under a canopy in front of the pub:

The pumpkins will be on display during White Center business-district trick-or-treating Halloween night, 5-8 pm.

Bring your carved pumpkin(s) to Triangle Park at 16th and Roxbury starting at 6 tonight – judging starts at 7 – prizes! It’s the first-ever White Center Pumpkin Carving Contest, and do note that entries will be displayed in the park on Halloween night. More details on Facebook – here’s the event page.

Next Thursday at 7 pm, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meets at North Highline Fire District HQ, 1243 SW 112th. It’s always an info-packed meeting, but in light of “Operation Center of Attention,” it’ll be particularly momentous. NHUAC president Barbara Dobkin issues the invitation and sent the agenda:

The conversation continues regarding the recent arrests in the White Center Business District. The new White Center Storefront Deputy, BJ Myers, as well officers from the Washington State Liquor Control Board, and King County Prosecutor, Dan Satterburg, and Thomas Bates from the U.S Attorney’s Office will be on hand. Please attend and let your voices be heard on how to best address public safety issues in our community. All are welcome.

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
7:20 pm KCSO – Major Graddon/Captain Hodgson
Welcome Deputy BJ Myers

7:30 pm Dan Satterberg, King County Prosecutor
7:40 pm Thomas Bates
Executive Assistant US Attorney’s Office
7:50 pm Woodrow Perkins/John Wilson
WA State Liquor Control Board

8:10 pm Treasurer’s Report
8:20 pm Corresponding Secretary Report
8:25 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)
• Business Cards/Flyers
• Insurance
• Bylaws
• NHUAC Supplies
8:40 pm New Business
• December/January Agenda Items

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
NHUAC MEMBERS: Pat Price – District 1: Stephen Porter- District 2: Jessica Stoneback, Liz Giba – District 3: Ron Johnson, Christine Waldman – District 4: Douglas Harrell, Barbara Dobkin, Rebecca Lopes, Patrick Mosley, Richard Miller – At large.
COUNCIL OFFICERS: President – Barbara Dobkin: Vice President – Pat Price: Treasurer – Ron Johnson: Corresponding Secretary – Stephen Porter

Seattle Weekly has been digging into some of the court documents on Operation Center of Attention arrestees. Just last night at the White Center/South Delridge Community Safety Coalition meeting, as reported here on WCN, authorities noted a bartender at Papa’s Pub was among those arrested. Today, the Weekly has details on that arrest, and more.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

The monumental arrest/seizure sweeps of last week – and the well-attended meeting on Monday night – were the main topic at tonight’s White Center-South Delridge Community Safety Coalition‘s monthly meeting.

The coalition’s dedicated core group of 10 or so was joined by a few guests. First to introduce herself was Jill Otake, an assistant U.S. Attorney. There was also a couple who identified themselves as White Center residents.

The discussion started low-key. Elizabeth Gordon of Uncle Mike’s Superlicious Barbecue had warm words for the new Storefront Deputy BJ Myers – saying he’s out on the street every day. (He had been invited to the meeting, organizers said, but was not there.)

Also well-received – the news from earlier this week that the dance-club moratorium was reaffirmed by the King County Council.

The business district’s current state, and future, was a hot topic. What about the marijuana businesses? one person asked. What if we had a nuisance ordinance like the one in Seattle? chair Sean Healy wondered.

They all agreed to lobby County Councilmember Joe McDermott for possible laws that could help crack down on some of what is going on. What could be done about the proliferation in marijuana businesses, though, wasn’t clear. Gordon said property owners seem to be getting calls from marijuana entrepreneurs as soon as storefronts open.

“Alcohol, weed, alcohol, weed,” Rev. Timothy Rambo sighed, assessing how the heart of the business district might look as a result.

After that discussion, Otake took the floor, for a followup discussion on “Operation Center of Attention.” She said, “I just want to thank you guys” for their passion and activism, rather than having any prepared remarks to offer. She invited questions. Her colleague Thomas Bates was on his way at the time she stood up. “We’re still working on Papa’s Pub,” for starters, she said. She added that the lead King County Sheriff’s Office detective in the operation will be meeting with the property owners at the heart of the sting to say “You are on notice, if you allow further criminal businesses to operate, your property will be seized.”

Right after that, the marijuana businesses came up again. A debate ensued on whether they were all bad – or whether some were more tolerable than others. Herban Legends, for example, won some praise for not allowing smoking on premises and making sure the location was ADA-accessible. Another opinion: The problem is the density of the locations – with three in the heart of downtown White Center on 16th, and a fourth not that far away in West Seattle (35th/Roxbury).

Then back to the stings, and questions:

Was the owner of Papa’s Pub arrested? No. A bartender was, Otake said.

What are the chance the people who were arrested “are going to make license plates for a while”? Otake said she couldn’t comment, because “you never know.”

And then she had a question:

“A week after the takedown, what are you folks seeing, that we might be able to do something about?”

One woman said she wasn’t seeing “as many regulars” going in and out of Papa’s Pub, not the kind of “open-air drug dealing” she had seen previously. They may have moved to other places, though, it was noted.

Specific anecdotal sighting ensued – known street dealers, for example – and Otake took notes. Discussion veered over to “where do they sleep?” and attendees discussed among themselves. That was when executive assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Bates arrived. He revealed that the Liquor Control Board announced today that it served a third administrative violation notice against Papa’s, for serving a minor. That would result in a one-month suspension of their license – after a 20-day period for an objection and hearing, Bates said. That was verified by Liquor Control Board rep Lt. Woodrow Perkins. “They can take it all the way up to an administrative law judge, and even the state Supreme Court,” he elaborated, adding that the establishment could stay open through a suspension – just, without selling alcohol.

If you think you see something wrong, be sure to call, it was reiterated. Whether it’s in a residential or business area, it was clarified. “I can’t tell you often enough how important that is,” Otake said.

With the LCB rep up front, he was asked about reports that the GAME Collective “marijuana lounge” was serving alcohol. He couldn’t comment.

Then came another question:

How big was this bust, really? Cheryl Bishop from ATF stood up. “This was unique, in that it lasted 90 days, and focused on a community. White Center doesn’t deserve (what was happening, involving) what I like to call ‘thugs and street slime’ …” She listed the agencies that “came together” to make it happen. “Problems like this cannot be addressed by a single entity – I think you have heard that multiple, multiple times, and that’s true … but the partner I didn’t list there is .. you guys, the community. We had people in the community willing to give us information. …”

She said a detective with whom she worked described this as “the one effort that has the biggest impact in a short period of time,” and that some other operations hadn’t been this successful in just 90 days. “The amount we got points to the obvious problem White Center was enduring,” she said, regarding the amount of guns and drugs seized. “We were all honored to participate in this operation … Our big hope is that we helped the community recognize a place where they can start to contribute themselves to addressing the problem … You see something, say something. Share that with your neighbors … that’s the only way you’re going to keep this down. We can’t arrest our way out of it. We just can’t.”

As a postscript, Bishop noted she’s a former White Center resident. She told the story of having her car broken into where she lives now – and then setting up a surveillance camera, because “they’re like cockroaches, they keep coming back,” and that indeed helped lead to an arrest of a suspect well-known to local police.

The coalition is working on a “long-range plan” about “how to improve White Center” and hopes to connect with other organizations in the area in the months ahead.

Bates said he hopes there will be some help organized regarding root causes – mental health, substance abuse – in terms of preventing future problems.

There were more words of thanks, and more generalized words about future plans. “Think big,” Otake advised.

As North Highline annexation proceeded these past few years – first with Burien completing annexation of the southern area, now with Burien pursuing annexation of the northern area – one refrain has been repeated: Money from the state tax credit for annexations is vital to their success. But suddenly – there’s a huge question mark over that money’s future availability. Governor Gregoire went public today with a list of potential cuts to balance the state budget, and one of them would kill that credit as of next May. Right now, the governor’s budget doc says, the credit “benefits seven cities” in metro Puget Sound, but killing it would save the state almost $18 million. The governor’s list has an alternative – cut it by half – but there’s a big star right next to the “eliminate it” option – and that means she has “tentatively chosen to include it” in the supplemental budget proposal she’ll send to the Legislature next month.

One more reminder – here’s another chance to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem (and apathy is a problem, too). Join the White Center/South Delridge Community Safety Coalition‘s meeting tonight, 6 pm at St. James Annex, 9421 18th SW. You can follow the group on Facebook, too – go here.

(Photos by Deanie Schwarz unless otherwise credited)
By Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

A gathering in Greenbridge last night was an offshoot of the dramatic events last week, when the U.S. Attorney’s Office promised to follow up with the community leaders and residents of White Center about Thursday’s multi-agency sweep netting dozens of arrests and seizing dozens of guns, while also confiscating drugs. The room was filled beyond capacity last night, with at least 70 people from citizen and nonprofit groups as well as business owners and local residents

This type of meeting was a first for the federal prosecutor’s office, convened to organize and forge alliances in White Center – an area near to where panel members were raised or their family ran a business. The meeting was also unique because the common concerns brought together nonprofit and citizen groups, businesses and residents – many who had never been in the same meeting room before.

The objectives were to answer questions about the investigations and ongoing concerns (here’s our most recent report), and then to strategically determine what the consequences of that multi-agency task force will be for the community. Durkan noted that that is ultimately up to the community members themselves and will require “follow-through,” but that the officials present – elected and law-enforcement – remain committed to working with the community leaders toward enlarging engagement and finding solutions.

Thomas Bates, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney, will be the point person from that office and will be communicating with those attendees who signed in at this meeting (his contact information is below for those who could not attend). Bates told WCN that the results of the meeting will be discussed and processed at their office. As Durkan suggested, an as-yet-to-be-determined advisory group of community members will execute “to do” lists with specific tasks to move forward with initiatives and objectives.

Elected officials from the county and state had not been informed in advance of the joint operation dubbed “Center of Attention,” nor had any of the community groups that interact regularly with local law enforcement. The confidentiality of the mission was essential in the pursuit of its undercover strategies to “dig deep” into the area, according to Durkan. Both Sheriff Sue Rahr and Major Jim Graddon of King County Sheriff’s Office spoke to the challenges of their obligation to keep the information confidential for the better part of six months.

King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, 34th District State Reps. Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon, and Gail Stone, a policy adviser representing King County Executive Dow Constantine were present and listening with County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg as Durkan told the gathering that there is “no magic wand” that can be wielded by the group of commited officials on the panel, but that everything is already present within White Center to become a successful community. Panelists spoke to the impressive amount of concerned attendees and though it wasn’t mentioned by anyone present that October happens to be the National Crime Prevention Council’s official Crime Prevention Month, the discussion was how to do just that – reduce crime in the unincorporated area of North Highline and the business district of White Center and completely take back the streets.

Sheriff Rahr acknowledged a daunting challenge: How to overcome the lack of financial resources available for law enforcement in unincorporated North Highline and how that fact affects when and whether deputies can respond to heavily prioritized calls. Durkan pointed out that as federal prosecutor, she is not bound quite the same way, but also said that regardless, citizens need to call 911 and report the crimes and suspicious behavior they are observing even if they do not receive the response they desire from the operator or from the deputies. The total number of calls are relevant and are used in the allocation of resources, according to Durkan. If nobody calls, then the call numbers are lower and fewer resources are allocated.

One of the first speakers suggested that another meeting be called immediately by the prosecutors strictly to “correct the media.” “White Center gets credit for every crime west of I-5!” he lamented. Another asked how to support the families of any elementary-school children who might have a parent incarcerated as a result of the investigation; another implored the officials to make sure that all levels of school administrators are contacted to ensure older children are assisted too.

The owner of Full Tilt Ice Cream in central White Center wondered how the deleterious presence of street people openly consuming alcohol can be addressed. It appeared to him to be one of the biggest deterrents to potential customers entering the business district. Also related to alcohol consumption, a member of the South Delridge/White Center Community Safety Coalition wondered if there could be a cap on the number of alcohol-related establishments, saying “Do we really need more than 14 alcohol-related businesses?” It was suggested by the prosecutor that there might be other alternatives to research beyond AIA’s (Alcohol Impact Areas) and they will be doing that. And the feasibility to establishing a Business Improvement Area (BIA) through the county will be researched, she added. A BIA could potentially offer tax incentives to make White Center attractive to the type of businesses the community wants to see move in.

(Photo by Dina Lydia Johnson)
Prosecuting Attorney Satterberg advised that public drunkenness is not itself illegal, but that the open-container issue may not be a high-priority item for the deputies who are prioritizing 911 responses on a tight budget. But the presence of the new Storefront Deputy BJ Myers, interjected Sheriff Rahr, can address these types of problems. Deputy Myers has only been on the beat a week and is still making the rounds to businesses to introduce himself and determine what his priorities will be based on those conversations. Beyond the Storefront Deputy, Major Graddon emphasized that future solutions, he thought, must be “holistic,” something more than simply putting chronic drunks into jail.

Another alcohol-related concern: How can one of the investigated businesses stay open after federal investigators searched the premises? Durkan said that the Liquor Control Board is still doing its separate investigation, which will soon be complete. It is her expectation that that business will not be conducting business in the same manner and that the community should be aware that law enforcement agencies can always weigh in on any future licenses.

(From left, Rep. Fitzgibbon, NHUAC member Liz Giba, KCPA Satterberg)

Finally, the organizers of two citizen groups implored those at this meeting to attend their meetings. North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin suggested that it was a great venue to address issues while the White Center Community Safety Coalition‘s co-leader said that their meeting typically only have seven attendees.

For further information:
thomas.bates@usdoj.gov for future followup meeting notices. (Here’s the DOJ summary of the meeting.)
North Highline Unincorporated Area Council: Next meeting November 3, 7 pm (info here)
White Center Community Safety Coalition: Next meeting this Thursday, 6 pm (info here)

When the dance-club emergency moratorium came up at the County Council meeting on Monday afternoon, nobody spoke against it. There was a show of support, though, including a representative of Burien city government, noting that they have a special interest in the area since they’re pursuing annexation, and North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin, who declared, “We should never again allow our community to be held hostage by clubs (like the former Evo, that) create the kind of havoc, weekend after weekend, going back 8 years … We fought a long, hard battle to have the establishment that was the impetus for this moratorium closed.” Liz Giba told the council that at least until the area is officially under Burien’s wing, “We need your help.” She also scoffed at the claims that the late Deputy Steve Cox would have been happy about the arrests and seizures detailed Friday at the park that bears his name; “People said Steve Cox would have been pleased. I tell you, he would not have been. Five years (have passed since) his death … and he (would have said), ‘Where’s my government?'” Councilmember Joe McDermott, who proposed the moratorium, read several letters into the record, from community activists including White Center Community Safety Coalition chair Sean Healy and North Highline residents Gill Loring and Rachael Levine, supporting the moratorium, which was affirmed by the council’s subsequent vote. Arguments were made to make it permanent – though that would require different action.

This afternoon, the King County Council will hold a public hearing – as required by law – on the emergency dance-club (and similar establishments) moratorium they approved back in August. Councilmember Joe McDermott proposed the law just as the former Club Evo was seeking to reopen as a new club. The moratorium is for one year, and it was effective immediately, but a public hearing was required within 60 days, so one is scheduled today to meet that requirement. If you would like to speak to the council, they’re meeting in their chambers in the county courthouse at 1:30 pm today.