Update: King County Library Board delays decision on White Center-Boulevard Park consolidation

November 29th, 2011 at 6:10 pm Posted in Libraries, White Center news | 7 Comments »

(TOPLINE: King County Library Board decided at about 7:52 pm NOT to decide, yet, on the re-proposed consolidation of WC and Boulevard Park libraries)

5:10 PM: We’re in Issaquah tonight with dozens of people including White Center community advocates, Burien city councilmembers, and King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, as the King County Library Board goes back to the issue of consolidating the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries in a new location, with a resolution on the agenda to initiate that process.

The meeting is beginning with public comment. First up: a man who says he doesn’t appreciate having had to travel “this far east” to talk about White Center and Boulevard Park libraries, and at an inconvenient hour, too. He says that contrary to something that he says someone said last night at the Burien City Council meeting, there are schools within blocks of the current White Center Library. “Your plan to consolidate and move the library is going to abandon all those schools distance-wise.” He talked about seeing a young boy outside the closed WC Library on blustery Veteran’s Day, with his laptop, saying he was just there because even though the library branch was closed, he could still get the wi-fi. … “We the users are very happy with our libraries- leave them alone, take the money if you have to, build new libraries (somewhere else), leave (these two) as they are.”

Next, White Center/North Highline community advocate Gill Loring. He says he sent a “pretty harsh” e-mail to county elected officials earlier today. The King County Library System is “one of the premier library systems in the United States,” he acknowledged, but it has to keep its promise of a new White Center library – “which I voted for in 2004.” He says he’s been tracking this issue closely for two years as a library patron, book lover, and Library Guild member. “We need those libraries. A consolidated library further south isn’t going to serve the community.” Loring says he is certain a new library would draw more people than the existing one. “I can’t really find any real reasons to consolidate the libraries – looking at all the financials … I still think it comes down to, we were promised two libraries, I would like to see them remain where they are or in the vicinity of where they are so they can better serve our community.”

Next is Butch Henderson, who says he lives “within walking distance of the Boulevard Park library.” He says the consolidation plan “makes no sense to the community.” He too brings up the 2004 vote on the libraries, saying the locations enable the two libraries to serve a diverse population that doesn’t always have access to cars. He accuses the board of “not listening … The people of these communities have spoken about what they want and what they need … but you’re not listening.” He too mentions the students who use the libraries are there for computers and Internet access, things they don’t have at home – and they don’t have convenient transportation. “Libraries help the students succeed in life and in school … We have to support the people in our communities, and I just want to know, are you listening to us?”

Fourth speaker is Joey Martinez, who says he lives in the southern part of Burien and “won’t be directly impacted by this … However, I do want to say, I grew up in East Los Angeles, in a poor neighborhood, and there are two types of kids:” gang-bangers and bookworms, which he says is the same in White Center, so “I’m here to speak for them.” He says those two types of kids are going to become three types of adults – in prison, blue-collar worker, white-collar workers. “I fear if we take these libraries away, we are going to have kids who have only the gang life or the blue-collar life” – stressing that he’s not knocking blue-collar workers, but thinks kids deserve to have the chance at more knowledge access for higher achievement, too.

Fifth speaker, a Boulevard Park Library patron who says he goes there four or five times a week. If the library promises made in 2004 aren’t going to be kept, he says, he wants his money refunded.

Sixth speaker, Barbara Zimmer of Boulevard Park, who says the library is a “priceless asset.” She wants the board to protect that asset. “By keeping the Boulevard Park Library at its present location, we have access to books, computers, and knowledgeable library staff.” She says Southern Heights Elementary students met their progress goal, and she believes partnership with the library helped make that possible.

She was followed by a Bellevue resident who says community libraries are important to her, and she has some questions about “the proposed resolution.” She mentions that the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries are each 3 miles or less from the new Burien Library, and wonders if the latter facility is being so used “past capacity” that a new one needs to be built closer to it. “Should we think about spending a lot of money on a new facility of 15,000 square feet that will be 8/10ths of a mile from a (larger facility) that might be serving the community, or that it might make more sense to spend your money at the current locations, even if you’re not building new facilities … but enhancing services at those locations?”

5:33 PM: Burien City Councilmember Jerry Robison. “I’ve been a customer of the White Center Library since the early ’70s. My mother-in-law was a member of the library guild for many years.” When he grew up in a rural area, he said, the closest thing he had to a library was a Bookmobile. “What we’re looking at here is shutting down two libraries that serve two distinct communities.” He says the distances between the Burien Library and the two libraries is actually greater than a previous speaker mentioned – WC, he says, is more than 4 miles away from the Burien library. “If competition with the Burien library is a problem (then moving a community library closer) is just going to make it worse.” Regarding the “unresolved annexation issue,” he said, even if this does make more sense in an annexed world, “why not just wait” to see what happens? He is refuting other points in the consolidation rationale, one by one. “Frankly the whole proposal does not make any sense. It’s a disservice to Boulevard Park, a disservice to White Center, a disservice to Burien.”

After him, newly elected North Highline Fire Commissioner, and North Highline Unincorporated Area Council member, Liz Giba. She said earlier this year she believed this whole decision was on hold until annexation was settled one way or another. “I assumed some word would go out to the community if that changed. That didn’t happen. We really need you to communicate with us and be open and honest in terms of what you are doing and what decisions you are contemplating to make about our community and the future of the people who live in our communities … particularly young people.” She mentioned a petition signed by students. “Many of them signed the petitions on an ironing board in front of the libraries … This is a promise you have made to our entire community, and you may not understand how poverty affects not only today, but tomorrow and the next generation.” She mentioned the link between education and ending poverty. It’s about words, she said, citing a study showing that four times as many words are spoken in well-off homes as in not-well-off homes. “Words are important!” She says consolidation “will be cutting off a necessary resource” and urges them to put the decision on hold until after an annexation decision.

5:44 PM: Margaret Nelson, who lives in Federal Way, says “I came to support the people of Burien .. About five or six years ago, we went through the same situation, where we had voted to keep our library at its current location, where all of a sudden King County changed its mind” and decided to move the library. She says they got lots of support in fighting that plan. She wonders if the library board members “actually go to the libraries” and see what’s happening there. She notes that the library board members are not elected officials but should listen to the communities. “Do you not want to support us? We are the taxpayers, and we rely on you to listen to us.”

Karen Freeman from King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s office speaks next, conveying his regrets at not being able to attend. She says he too requests that no decision about the library sites be made until the annexation issue is settled: “A delay would be helpful to all parties involved until more insight about community governance .. and the community’s preference regarding the project, can be obtained.”

King County Councilmember Joe McDermott follows her. “I’m here again to do as I have in two previous occasions this year” – to urge them not to consolidate. He revisits the 2004 bond measure that so many have already mentioned. He cites a study about traffic and circulation being higher in libraries bigger than the current White Center Library, which he says voters expected in the 2004 vote. “Positive steps have been taken since the last time I addressed you – Burien is moving forward to annex (North Highline). Meantime, Seattle has not taken any steps .. I do not believe the service boundaries will change in that area.” He mentions a survey of library patrons about a consolidated library location, “done without any comparison to maintain Boulevard Park and expand the White Center Library – it had a single alternative. If you ask me if I want a sexy new library, I’d say yes. If you ask me if I wanted (an expanded White Center Library), the answer could be very different.” As with several preceding speakers, he gets a round of applause when he finishes.

Greg Duff, who ran for Burien City Council this year and has served on NHUAC, is next. He is implying that the Library Board’s pursuit of this option is based on the pursuit of a more affluent clientele. “If you close the libraries, kids will not be able to walk to them.” He also talks about some cost overruns on other KCLS projects. He says he agrees with the board’s notion to pursue construction while costs are still favorable – but regarding an expanded WC Library, not a new consolidated library. “Boulevard Park and White Center are two separate communities and need two separate libraries.” He concludes by asking the board to keep the promise made in the 2004 election.

Now, Burien Councilmember Rose Clark. She is reading a letter from her council: “We are surprised and disappointed” that the consolidation measure is back. “We urge you to reject the idea again,” for the reasons cited back in May. And if annexation does not occur, she reads, the council will work with the Library Board to find a solution. “The King County Library Board is the only special district in the state whose members are not elected,” she notes. “One of the paramount reasons for annexation is to increase the access to resources (for residents),” she reminds, continuing. “Please keep your commitment to the voters.” She says the board had been asked to hold a meeting in the White Center community but “has chosen not to do that” and was asked to keep Burien “in the loop” but has “chosen not to do that.” She says it’s “reprehensible” that a decision like this would be made without holding a meeting in the community. She notes that the council talked about a possible lawsuit last night. She is asked a question by a trustee who wanted to confirm that the letter was an official letter from the city. Clark explains that Burien has mayor-council government and so the letter was sent by the mayor with council consent.

Burien Councilmember Jack Block Jr. follows. He says a journalist remarked to him that the consolidation “sounded like a done deal,” and to hear that from a journalist troubled him. He brings up the Puget Sound Park purchase plan from two years ago that stirred up consolidation concerns. He mentions the third-runway controversy. He says he remembers the 2004 bond-issue commitments and working to get the bond passed because of those commitments. He compares the attempt here to take two libraries away, with a new parking center being built in Bellevue. “If the library system doesn’t follow through on the promises that were made, there will be litigation,” he predicts. He suggests the board should be elected, because if “you don’t perform according to the wishes of the community, you should be un-elected.” He says doing the right thing would be not just tabling the resolution, but fully following through “with the commitments that were made to the community.”

6;09 PM: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin, who says she is speaking in her official capacity. She too mentions urging the board not to consolidate, back in June. “We heard rumors that perhaps the new library would beon 128th near Ambaum …” so, citing that location, she says the current bus system would require a 40-minute trip. She too mentions the petition signature gathering drive outside the library. “People are very passionate about these libraries. We don’t see how consolidating these ilibraries will” honor that.

6:12 PM: Rachel Levine of the White Center Library Guild, ow. “I am not a stranger to you,” she begins. She says “each one of you have the strength and the courage to vote agianst this.” She reads from the Capital Improvements Plan ” She says, “Itis my belief tat no member of this board. She implies feeling betrayed by the vote and s.” She exhorts them to “look into your conscience.” She addresses each member of the council in turn, starting with president Richard Eadie, who is a King County judge. She addresses each one by name and by occupation. “Be a risk-taker,” she iurges each on. Levine turns to the audience, then, and thanks them for coming out to “speak (their) truth.”

The next speaker offers a challenge on what public libraries are all about in our country right now. “24 million people do not have full time jobs (in the country). 50 million do not have health insurance. .. . These numbers are increasing as we see the divide between the rich and the poor increase. … The US is in a war of poverty,” and unless it’s fought, we will “spiral down,” she said. She says the White Center community has a higher percentage of free-and-reduced=lunch-eligible students – 81 percent in WC. She goes on to talk about the value of professional librarians helping students, who have increased motivation “to keep coming back to school,” and how the library plays a vital role in that situation. She says it’s important to everyone to help students succeed. She cites the national ALA policy about access to libraries “Poor people are not served equally well. Why is that? Because most of hte libraries are run by middle-class people. … We have got to make a difference in the lives of people who are moving down in the poverty levels. If we don’t, we are not going to have a very good country to live in. … We have to do this,” she says emphatically.”If you sign the authorization tonight, you are essentially closing an important door of opportunity for these students..”… The cost you think you are going to be saving pales next to the cost of (not working toward social justice).” Overall, she says it’s an exciting time for public libraries … exhorting the district to “take some risks here,” and concludes, “Don’t close the two libraries.”

Phillip Levine says he’s seen the culture grow into a “managerial society,” and under that structure, certainly, “one huge library” would make sense. But he says that concept also has caused destruction. He says library education is as important as food, clothing, shelter. He wonders why four communities have now objected to proposed loations for their libraries. “I’m really offended by living in a society that’s devoted to the bottom line” – there has to be other qualities that are valued.

Next, Judy Kistler, who says she lives “near the old Tukwila Library,” which is closing, but more importantly, she worked at the BOulevard Park Library until she retired this past spring. She says the libraries mean the world to community members,. She says other decisions have been made that are a “questionable use of taxpayers’ resources.”

(Note, the public comment period has now run an hour and a half.)

The woman after her refers to the voting system in the country.and says that should be where the buck stops – if a body like this can ovdrturn a vote, then the ballot might as well “be trash.” She says they’ve already lost a lot of service in the libraries, and “we need you to see how we’ve lost it.”

Pat Price speaks now on behalf of the Boulevard Park library, saying she and her husband have lived in BP for four years. She says she’s lucky to have a job and a car, but that many of hte library patrons are seniors who live nearby and don’t have cars, so they rely on walking to the library. “These libraries are USED,” she says. “If you move the library away where they can’t reach them. Sure the new fancy libraries will get used by those with cars ..” but not by the others who need them. And if these libraries are closed, she says, the county will need a lot more “Library To Go” vehicles. “I hope you’ll make the right decision,” she concludes.

And at 6:42 pm, that ends the list of speakers, says board president Eadie, who asks if anyone else wants to speak. No one does.

After a quick consideration of the agenda, library system director Bill Ptacek says that the board is certainly not unresponsive to the issues raised by so many speakers tonight. He says this consolidation issue arose two years ago because of something brought forth by the community, uncertain about the annexation situation, and that led to a service-area analysis. “Some of the speakers say it doesn’t make sense, and frankly, it doesn’t make sense,” he said, but moves on into a defense of the rationale behind the proposal, including the availability of more library hours and square feet of library.

He talks about the service-area analysis, and “changed conditions,” for which he summons staffer Jennifer Wiseman to step up and elaborate – conditions that have changed since the 2004 bond measure. One, she says, is the impact of the big new Burien Library, which she says is drawing clients from North Highline, as well as other areas. “Wasn’t that expected?” asks Gill Loring from the audience. She doesn’t answer.

2nd factor, “distribution per capita” – she says North Highline was expected to have more growth than it has had – “we expected a population increase in those areas, and it hasn’t happened.”

3rd factor, “unresolved annexation” – that the unincorporated area has been split into two portions, and the White Center Library is “very near the boundary of the city of Burien.” Ptacek then says that they checked with both Burien and Seattle regarding the current status of annexation, as well as with the governor’s office regarding the sales-tax incentive (which she is now proposing reducing by 10 percent). Board member Rob Spitzer asks for more clarity on the process; Freeman, from the county executive’s office, mentions the Boundary Review Board meeting in January, and mentions that they believe everything will work out OK with the sales-tax credit, and then notes that an election would follow. Burien councilmember Clark says August is the earliest that there would be a public vote on annexation.

Library staffer Christine Anderson now says that “outreach” is being done in the White Center/Boulevard Park area by the library district – beyond its library bulidings – and a map is up on the screen. The map shows more than 30 locations, and a copy is distributed around the room, with a sheet labeling the types of “outreach services” – Traveling Library Centers with “monthly bookmobile service,” ABC Express, also a type of “monthly bookmobile service,” Library2Go, described as a “monthly mini-bookmobile service,” local librarians’ visits to schools, and the Techlab mobile computer lab. (So these sites are not continuous simultaneous services, but spots where KCLS provides services at least once a month.)

7:08 PM: After she speaks, Ptacek says they’re not suggesting these services will or could replace neighborhood libraries, simply that they are a “changed condition” offering a wider variety of services than they could offer in 2004, at the time of the vote for an expanded WC library. Staffer Wiseman returns and says there are budget constraints as the fifth changed condition. Ptacek says the amount of money isn’t necessarily significant given the size of the KCLS budget, but that consolidating/building a new library would enable operation at a “much higher level” than either of the two current libraries. Right now they have enough money, he says, to make a 15,000 square-foot library happen – and even though they haven’t done “feasibility studies,” he says they “think we’re in a position to be able to do that.” Councilmember McDermott then stood up to make sure that Wiseman’s allusion to a comment he made not be taken out of context as if it supported the proposal.

7:17 PM: Board member Spitzer points out to the audience that “we all have a fiduciary duty … to the entire system.” He added, “I can only imagine how I’d feel if I lived just a few blocks from a library that is … that may be closing.” But he also says “When you tell voters you’re going to do something, you take it very seriously. … (But) the world does change.” White Center Library Guild’s Levine rises and asks to be able to provide some information. “Yes, you are all volunteers – but you have the full force of the law behind you, and you can take that levy and move it around any way you want to.” She reads from a resolution that did not make it into the levy that empowers the board. “What we did was give you carte blanche to move that $172 million around, which you have done successfully to create many beautiful libraries … but it doesn’t speak to what this community needs.” She calls the current proposal a “bait and switch” and says she hopes everyone on the board has personal liability insurance protecting them from “what someone like me (might do).”

7:23 PM: Spitzer says he wants to hear from colleagues if the case of “changed conditions” is so compelling that they would take this action. Trustee Jessica Bonebright says they have already waited a couple of years to see how annexation will go, and now, she says, they’re being told to wait another year? She also suggests those who have come to speak tonight are not representative of everyone in the community and cites the survey that was taken, which she describes as showing that a cross-section of the community supported the consolidated library. She adds, “the people who will be able to walk to the new consolidated library are not here tonight.”

Burien councilmembers Block and Clark step back up to the podium to say that the proximity of the current libraries to schools is not shown in their survey, and that they are advocating for low-income people close to the current libraries who would have to walk another mile, mile and a half to get to the theoretical new library. “You’re asking that of these students to fit into YOUR system? Are you going to write them a letter to say that you’re sorry, they fell off your radar?” A few minutes later, Duff returns to the mike, asking if low-income residents were solicited for the survey. The answer wasn’t clearly audible. Another man gets up and says he is reading board members’ body language and thinks he knows how they are going to vote – but wonders how they can do that without hearing from everyone who came to speak in support of the libraries.

7:34 PM: Bonebright then says, but if there’s not a decision in 2012, there are people not here tonight who would wonder, how much longer do we have to wait? (“They should be here, then,” says a woman behind us.) She repeats a point that if Seattle annexed White Center and vicinity, the current WC library would be “three doors down” from the city limit. Giba now steps to the mike: “Annexation is not a new issue.” She mentions that at one point while the library measure was under discussion, Seattle annexation seemed certain. That leads to a statement by board president Eadie, talking about boundary issues, and a discussion with Seattle some time back that did not end positively, regarding recovering costs of “cross-usage.” He and Ptacek go into a little more history. (The woman behind me mutters, “Call for a vote” and starts to speculate on who will vote yes and who will vote no.)

7:47 PM: Block is back at the podium to question the proposal again, wondering if the board’s policy suddenly has to change because construction costs are low, which was just cited by Bonebright, saying people in the area have been waiting for improved library services, while Block says, “Well, we have been waiting seven years for the board to make good on the commitment to build a new library.” They are going back and forth.

7:49 PM: Battery’s running out. If it’s gone before the vote’s in, we’ll update atop this story via iPhone. Spitzer moves to postpone the vote till the Boundary Review Board process on annexation. Board member Lucy Krakowiak points out she is recusing herself because she is a Burien councilmember. Rose Clark mentions the council will then have to decide on proceeding with annexation and she now says the public vote would not be likely before September.

7:53 PM: The motion passes. So the decision is delayed for at least a few months.

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DEA search followup: What was seized at GAME Collective’s White Center lounge

November 29th, 2011 at 1:59 pm Posted in Businesses, White Center news | Comments Off on DEA search followup: What was seized at GAME Collective’s White Center lounge

After the DEA raids earlier this month at a dozen-plus medical-marijuana establishments around West Seattle, including GAME Collective‘s White Center lounge, we obtained and published details from the first search-warrant “returns” – what was found (or not found) in two cars belonging to the business’s owner and a person described by the government as being associated with it. Today, we have more of the “returns” – starting with this one listing what was seized at the lounge on 16th SW itself.

8 live marijuana plants with rootballs
miscellaneous items containing THC from kitchen standalone freezer
undisclosed amount of US currency
miscellaneous food items in plastic packaging, walk-in fridges
bottled drinks containing THC
small clear plastic bag with suspected hashish
spiral notebook
Glock 40 caliber and magazine with bullets
dried marijuana from multiple jars behind bar area
GAME telephone with charger (Boost mobile #——-)
white daily donation log
7 bottles of drinks containing THC behind bar
miscellaneous food items behind bar with THC
3 bottles of drinks containing THC behind bar in cooler
miscellaneous food items with THC behind bar in cooler
2 digital scales
plastic black film jar with marijuana seeds
black thumb drive
miscellaneous bongs from bar
memory stick from a camera
blue plastic container with documents and papers
large (item) containing packaging materials
external hard drive

More to come.

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ESPN.com features Tyrone Curry

November 27th, 2011 at 11:13 pm Posted in Highline School District, People, White Center news | 2 Comments »

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.

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North Highline Unincorporated Area Council’s December 1st agenda

November 27th, 2011 at 2:36 am Posted in North Highline UAC, White Center news | 2 Comments »

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

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No White Center Library? Consolidation issue revived

November 23rd, 2011 at 12:15 pm Posted in King County, Libraries, White Center news | 4 Comments »

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.

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White Center Chamber announces Christmas Luncheon for December 6

November 23rd, 2011 at 12:14 pm Posted in Holidays, White Center Chamber of Commerce, White Center news | Comments Off on White Center Chamber announces Christmas Luncheon for December 6

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.

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Update: Governor visits the area, explains annexation tax-credit change

November 22nd, 2011 at 2:49 pm Posted in Annexation, White Center news | Comments Off on Update: Governor visits the area, explains annexation tax-credit change

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.

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Anybody missing a dog? This one’s been found

November 20th, 2011 at 6:38 pm Posted in Pets, White Center news | Comments Off on Anybody missing a dog? This one’s been found

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!

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White Center Art Walk tonight: Here’s who’s participating

November 19th, 2011 at 12:20 pm Posted in Arts, White Center news | 1 Comment »

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..

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Happening now: White Center Food Bank turkey drive

November 19th, 2011 at 12:12 pm Posted in White Center Food Bank, White Center news | 1 Comment »

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.

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Man seriously injured in Burien attack; relative calls it a ‘hate crime’

November 18th, 2011 at 12:25 pm Posted in Burien, White Center news | 2 Comments »

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.

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Unity Village celebration: Now home to 30 families

November 17th, 2011 at 11:55 pm Posted in housing, White Center news | 11 Comments »

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.

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Boundary Review Board sets January hearing for Burien annexation proposal

November 17th, 2011 at 8:53 pm Posted in Annexation, White Center news | Comments Off on Boundary Review Board sets January hearing for Burien annexation proposal

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.

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White Center crime: Saturday night’s disturbance, gunfire

November 17th, 2011 at 6:44 pm Posted in Crime, White Center news | 9 Comments »

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.

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Reminder: White Center Community Safety Coalition tonight

November 17th, 2011 at 5:06 pm Posted in Greenbridge, white center community safety coalition, White Center news | Comments Off on Reminder: White Center Community Safety Coalition tonight

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.”

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Good News Christian Fellowship plans free Thanksgiving dinner

November 17th, 2011 at 7:13 am Posted in Holidays, White Center news | Comments Off on Good News Christian Fellowship plans free Thanksgiving dinner

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.

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DEA raid followup: From the court documents

November 17th, 2011 at 12:30 am Posted in Crime, White Center news | Comments Off on DEA raid followup: From the court documents

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.

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DEA agents search GAME Collective’s White Center ‘lounge’

November 15th, 2011 at 4:05 pm Posted in Businesses, White Center news | 4 Comments »

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.

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Wednesday: Learn about building a rain garden!

November 14th, 2011 at 8:52 pm Posted in Environment | Comments Off on Wednesday: Learn about building a rain garden!

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.

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Next Saturday, bring a turkey (or more than 1!) to White Center Food Bank

November 13th, 2011 at 1:41 pm Posted in How to Help, White Center Food Bank, White Center news | Comments Off on Next Saturday, bring a turkey (or more than 1!) to White Center Food Bank

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!).

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