White Center Now: The blog about White Center

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.

(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WCN/WSB)
As first reported on partner site West Seattle Blog: The Roxbury/Delridge/15th intersection was closed for a short time tonight after a bus hit a woman. The response by Seattle Fire and Police was initially major because the woman was reported to be trapped under the bus, but it was determined that she was not trapped after all. She was taken to the hospital but not reported to have serious injuries. The intersection is open again now (as we publish this at 9:34 pm).

“This neighborhood will not be a safe haven for criminals. It belongs to the families and people who live in White Center.” – U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan

Story and photos/video by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan conceived the “proactive” idea to identify “persistent crime problems in White Center and address them head on” soon after one of her Assistant Attorneys attended a White Center/South Delridge Community Safety Coalition meeting earlier this summer.

Up until a few years ago, the federal Weed and Seed program had funded the small public-safety group’s civilian leadership as well as local law enforcement emphasis patrols to keep in check major “hotspots” in the White Center area along 16th Ave SW. But when the grant term ended, so did the assistance of the Seattle Neighborhood Group leadership and consistent hotspot law enforcement, both operationally dependent upon the grant monies. The volunteer “coalition” slowly dwindled in numbers, and soon not even law-enforcement representatives appeared at their meetings.

But the group persisted, even as the King County Sheriff’s Office made further reductions last year in the remaining coverage and the number of on-duty deputies covering the unincorporated area became two, sometimes three officers, to cover the unincorporated area of roughly 17,000 residents.

When Durkan’s office got wind of the desperate appeals of that languishing citizen volunteer group, as well as the overwhelmed concerns of the North Highline Unincorporated Area in the growing unrest and crime of White Center and environs, the federal prosecutor took a closer look. The decisive result was the swift implementation of the three-month investigation of “Operation Center of Attention.” Over the course of 90 days, 26 defendants have been charged federally and another 27 face charges in King County Superior Court while three federal defendants are still at large; sixty-eight guns were confiscated; fifty-one pounds of methamphetamine, two pounds of crack cocaine and more than 10 pounds of powder cocaine, as well as oxycontin and heroin.

The multi-agency teams’ work relied on KCSO undercover officers praised by Durkan for their “amazing” work. Their work focused on activity in two primary White Center businesses considered to be meeting grounds for illegal drug and gun sales, frequently from individuals coming into White Center from other areas. Overall, four White Center businesses were targeted by law enforcement following up on evidence suggesting drug dealing and promotion of prostitution on the premises. According to Durkan, Thursday’s sweeps resulted in two employees charged with crimes at the businesses, though the business names would not be released by the prosecutors. However, WCN was on the scene during the multiple searches at two of the four businesses when Thursday’s arrests were made. Following is a shot of new Storefront Deputy ‘BJ” Myers on his third day of work in White Center with two of the detained individuals in the back of his squad car and a third being held (identifying features blurred)

Durkan said that the next step is those businesses’ landlords will be sent notices regarding the suspected criminal activity on their properties and inform them of possible forfeiture of their property should the crimes continue. Two of the businesses have appraised total values between $438,000 and $521,000. WCN found that one of the other businesses (which has had a closed sign on it since Thursday’s search) was previously and similarly shut down over three years ago. It is located immediately adjacent to the current Storefront Deputy’s Office.

While the spotlight of the search was on the downtown business district in Thursday’s action, the actual geographic focus of the investigations has been broader and included parts of West Seattle, the rest of unincorporated White Center, as well as the cities of Burien, and Seatac. Dubbed “Operation Center of Attention”, White Center was the logistical bullseye of the task force teams’ undercover investigations, spanning neighborhoods as far north as the High Point area of West Seattle and as far south as Seatac. The map indicates the boundaries of the larger area covered in the investigations with White Center as the nexus. The federal prosecutors office told WCN that they were unable to provide an explicit list of locations where the guns and drugs were confiscated as evidence.

The multi-agency teams were led by ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (and Explosives), a division of the United States Department of Justice. The Anti-Violence Gang Unit spearheaded the operation after the federal prosecutors approached them, working with many other agencies (King County Sheriff’s Office, Seattle Police Department, The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation, the King County Metro Transit Police, Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington State Liquor Control Board and the Eastside Narcotics Task Force). Cooperative individuals were also involved with the undercover operations. An informant for the Liquor Control Board told WCN that they had been providing information to the LCB for months regarding numerous observations of illegal activity inside one of the businesses. This information and other community individuals’ provided information used in building the cases for investigation and was acknowledged by the task force as an element in the investigation’s success.

Dan Satterberg, the King County Prosecuting Attorney, said, “For a single operation to uncover this many offenders involved in the illegal sales of guns and drugs is truly remarkable.” Durkan told the assembled group, “We know that long-term solutions lie in the community, but we will continue to work with them.” The next step is the community meeting organized by the federal prosecutor’s office.

According to Major James Graddon of the King County Sheriff’s Office, the fact that the US Attorney’s Office is convening the upcoming community-wide meeting is unprecedented after a multi-agency task force sweep. The meeting will be held at the Wiley Center at Greenbridge Monday at 7 pm. Durkan and Graddon will be attending, as will elected and other law enforcement representatives. They realize this meeting is happening with very short notice but are hopeful community members will spread the word and attend if possible.

(Video by Deanie Schwarz for WCN)
From White Center Now contributor Deanie Schwarz at the briefing on yesterday’s big multi-agency law-enforcement operation in White Center – she was first on the scene as authorities were carrying out the raids yesterday:

50 arrested, 68 guns, 51 pounds of meth, two pounds of crack cocaine, more than 10 pounds of powder cocaine, and heroin were seized in a three-month White Center initiative.

(Photo by Courtney Blethen Riffkin, SEATTLE TIMES/Republished with permission)
Authorities at today’s briefing say two businesses described as “hubs for criminal activity” were searched yesterday. 26 people face federal charges in the “initiative,” another 27 face state charges, and three people facing federal charges are still being sought.

More to come.

12:40 PM: Following up on this, there’ll be a meeting Monday night at Greenbridge with participants including Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan, KCSO, SPD, and King County reps. Deanie reports that this is for those who want to help leaders and law enforcers work toward more solutions. This meeting is exceptional and unique in that “the US Attorney is organizing this community meeting after an ATF action,” said KCSO’s Major Graddon. “Normally task forces come in, do good work and then leave to other projects,” he said. Durkan’s office told WCN that the feds are not leaving WC – and hope residents and businesses attend. It’s at 7 pm Monday in the Wiley Center at Greenbridge.

(Photos by Deanie Schwarz for WCN)
1:55 PM: WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz reports that a major law-enforcement operation is under way in downtown White Center – we’re working to get more information. Multiple agencies, and a K-9 too. Officers on scene told Deanie they won’t have much to say before a news conference, likely tomorrow. We’re seeking any additional information we can get and will add it as we find it.

ADDED: A news conference has indeed been called for tomorrow. From the announcement, received from federal authorities:

U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan and King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg will be joined by members of federal, state and local law enforcement at 11:00 AM tomorrow (10/21) to discuss a major anti-crime initiative focused on the White Center neighborhood in South King County. The press conference follows three months of undercover work in the area, resulting in dozens of arrests.

Those participating in the news conference are listed as:

U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan
King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg
Kelvin Crenshaw, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Seattle
Representatives of the King County Sheriff’s Office,
Seattle Police Department, ICE Homeland Security Investigations and
Washington State Department of Corrections

The announcement describes the operation as an “anti-crime initiative led by ATF’s Violent Gang Task Force.” Authorities will talk to the media at the Log Cabin Fieldhouse at Steve Cox Memorial Park at 11 am tomorrow.

WCN was told at the scene of today’s operation that “multiple search warrants” were involved. Papa’s Pub and DK Café were two of the locations at which we saw officers/investigators.

Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

On the first day on his new job as King County Sheriff’s Office Storefront Deputy for White Center, Deputy Benjamin “BJ” Myers joined the White Center Community Development Association Business Mixer Tuesday night to meet a few of the businesspeople in the community.

“I don’t come in to this job with an agenda, “ he told the group, “I come here to see what the business interests are, to see what the concerns of the people who live here are, and then start prioritizing what this job is going to be about after I learn a little bit from you all.”

He suggested that folks e-mail him, call him or stop by the storefront some time when he is around (Deputy Myers’ current e-mail info is available below).

Deputy Myers’ normal days will be Tuesday through Friday. Though there will be some flexibility, most of the hours will be in the afternoons and evenings, but if there is something he needs to be around earlier or later for, perhaps such as the bars closing, then he might be out later.

Deputy Myers told WCN that his new role, just announced last week, this is his first non-patrol assignment. His most recent assignment for the past two-and-a-half years or so has been as a patrol officer responding to 911 calls for the city of Burien as a contract KCSO deputy. Before that, he worked the unincorporated area on patrol, “so I kind of bounced around from White Center to the Skyway area,” he said.

“A couple of years ago, I got to do a little bit of work with Sylvester Middle School, ” he explained, “teaching gang awareness which allowed me to have more community involvement than simply responding to 911 calls and patrol work. I really enjoyed that. … That [experience] is one of the many things that prompted my interest in this job. I am here because I am interested in doing things that are more community involved than patrol was.”

“I am going to be walking around quite a bit,” Deputy Myers told the group, “but those of you who aren’t right here in the business district, let me know and I’ll try to stop by your shop sometime and we can talk and I can hear from you what you want my position to be about.”

Deputy Myers can be contacted via e-mail at benjamin.myers@kingcounty.gov.

Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

A few highlights of the monthly Saturday night White Center Art Walk:

At Dubsea Coffee in Greenbridge:

Deanna Sonza (at left in photo) showcased her street photography work this month for invited guests and art walk patrons. Deanna is a San Francisco artist and says her work is influenced by Henri Cartier Bresson and his pursuit of the “decisive moment.” Deanna has no formal training and uses a Nikon D50 as she traverses urban landscapes capturing narratives with her shots. She has self-published two books which are not available for purchase, but updates her work at http://www.theafranco.blogspot.com. Her work (and books) will remain on display through the month at Dubsea.

—-

Southgate Roller Rink was the venue for the White Center Art Walk “skate sculpture” project. According to organizer Amanda Helmick, the project will continue with another call for artists to contribute wall art using old (very old, in some cases) skates the new rink owners found in their basement. The initial installation of the first round of sculptures might inspire you – have a look:

Helmick’s kinetic work uses what might be the oldest skates the rink has found, made by the Hyde Skate Company and probably pre-dating the early 50’s according to the rink experts. Other decades of skates are represented in the sculptures, including skates from the 60’s which used loose ball bearings and were made of clay – in the pre-urethane days!

Next: A sculpture that extracted some of the original rink floor, which had been removed at some point:

Meantime, Rat City Rollergirl Tammy Taeker (Serious Mischief) is a blocker for the All Star and Throttle Rockets teams as well as a New Media specialist at the UW. She really got into the spirit and submitted four sculptures! With the final touch of a pink bow, the skates with googley-eyes and flirty long eyelashes were transformed!

Blaine Carpenter submitted the named-in-the-interview piece “The Trophy.” Carpenter is a Microsoft design manager, and also designed the Throttle Rockets logo – for fun, too!

Keep an ear out for the upcoming next call for “skate sculpture” artists from the Art Walk organizers if you’ve been inspired. There are still a lot of skates in the basement, we’re told!

Just in from White Center Chamber of Commerce president Mark Ufkes:

The White Center Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and WestSide Baby, is planning a working summit of White Center service providers on Friday, Oct 21 from 9 am to 12 pm at Mount View Presbyterian Church – 10806 12th Ave. SW.

The summit will bring together front line service providers who are currently serving the estimated 45 people struggling with homelessness and chronic alcoholism who currently live on White Center streets. The goal of this summit is to find ways to help our homeless neighbors and to establish a 10-point plan that addresses their service needs, plan a budget estimating the costs to provide these services, and discuss possible policies needed to address the challenges they create for our community.

“We are finding that more and more people are in need in White Center,” said Mark Ufkes, president, White Center Chamber of Commerce. “We estimate that our community’s homelessness has grown by about 30% this past summer. While I’m concerned about their needs, Chamber members want a family-oriented shopping district. I’m hearing from business owners that several of the new faces are aggressive and congregate in groups that can be intimidating.”

Here’s the full roundup, from Art Walk organizers. Sorry the links aren’t active – we’ll have to tweak that later:

Southgate Roller Rink(9646 17th Ave SW): UNVEILING OF THE NEW SCULPTURES de ROLLER SKATES. Come on by for the unveiling of Southgate Roller Rinks newest edition of sculptures- MADE ENTIRELY FROM OLD ROLLER SKATES. We have high hopes for this folks. Local artists have taken their smattering of old roller skates and turned them into works of art. Come on down to be a part of the newest installation in White Center. Fun would be an understatement.

3.14 (9602 16th Ave SW): TBA. Surprises everywhere! Pop in and see what 3.14 is rockin this month. You can always put some yummy pastries in your tummy at the same time.

Big Al Brewing (9832 14th Avenue SW): Brandon Baker- www.narboo.blogspot.com. Acrylic on Canvas and Wood. NARBOO! This is some of the funnest work around. Bright colored creatures with a distinct sense of humor. You may have seen some of his pieces around town. Fun, bandaged creatures that are pasted in random places for your viewing pleasure-this man knows how to bring it! Come take a peek at his creations and grab a delicious pint of Big Al Fresh Hop Harvest Ale; it will make you warm and fuzzy, just like Narboo Art.

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- http://www.rafaelcaraballoart.com/ -Oil on Canvas. If I could pick keywords pertaining to his work I would go with women and pomegranates. Hereto forth referred to as W&P. The colors in his work reflect the heavy influence of Spanish culture and art that he spoke of when I met up with him. While he is of Puerto Rican descent he’s found a strong connection to Spain that he continues to delve into and explore. Some of the ‘P’ has taken on an almost heart-like depiction in some of his paintings that creates a sincere juxtaposition from female to object. While the ‘W’ have an almost claymation feel to them. Some of his work is very reminiscent of Frida Kahlos work. You should definitely stop by and visit his pieces. If you can’t make it during art walk come on a Sunday and experience their awesome Sunday night dinners. Worlds-will-be-rocked.

Dubsea (9910 8th Ave SW): Deanna Sonza- www.theafranco.blogspot.com – Photography. Solid composition with tight color choices. Deanna started her photography career in the Philippines when she was in high school. After a long stint of art stagnation, she’s back and she’s bold. Her ability to tell a story through her photographs is unwavering and keeps your eye coming back. Stop by Dubsea and soak up the awesome art display!

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): TBA. Eat Ice Cream and Drink Beer While Playing Pinball and Skeeball. It will make you happy and then you can also peruse the shop to find out who this months artist is, cuz we dunno…

Herbal Legends-Medical Marijuana Dispensary- (9619 16th Ave SW): Carlos Aguilar- http://carlosgaguilar.com/works/-Urban Paintings. Love.His.Art. Carlos does detailed, whimsical paintings; fun characters in random settings. His work is amusing and playful but not slapped together. This guy has a tight reign on the quality of application. Multiple layers of texture for a 3-d feeling full of funhouses. Pop in for some music, a snack and some raw, unadulterated talent; this kids got gusto.

Proletariat Pizza – (9622-A 16th Ave SW)- T.S. Pew- http://www.helloseattle.com/commons/pages/artist/tspew/33847/- Oil on Canvas: Ahhhhhh, Tim Pew, how I love thee. You can see his work smattered all over the city but his reigns normally stay close to West Seattle. He moves paint like a master magician. Tim’s compositions are usually overflowing with energy; Abstracted-Awesome-All-Over-You.

Salvadorean Bakery (1719 SW Roxbury): Devrim Ozkan- www.devrimozkan.com- Oil on Canvas: “Her oil paintings are bold and complex, equally engaging to the eye whether she chooses bright colors or works with muted tones. Fluid lines and intricate patterns draw you in closer and closer until you have to step back to reassess just what it is you’re looking at. Even then, you’ll likely be drawn right back in.”-(written by Sarah Fox- it felt a little cheap to plug my own work)

PLEASE WELCOME TILTON, BACADAN & MCCALLISTER TO THE WHITE CENTER ART WALK!! A new forgery to 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.TILTON, BACADAN & MCCALLISTER (9052 Delridge Way)- Forging the White Center Way.

The King County Sheriff’s Office has announced its appointment for the restored White Center storefront deputy position. North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Barbara Dobkin says NHUAC has received notification in a letter that includes this:

After a thorough review of the results of our storefront deputy selection process, and an in-depth discussion with my command staff, I have selected Deputy Benjamin (BJ) Myers for the storefront position. Dep. Myers comes from this precinct area and is very familiar with White Center. We will ask for time to introduce him at the November meeting. We have permission to move this selection along very quickly, so he should be on the job next week.

At last week’s NHUAC meeting, KCSO Captain Joseph Hodgson had said there were six candidates for the job, including the deputy that held it before it was eliminated, Jeff Hancock. County leaders had announced in late August that the storefront-deputy position would be restored.

Got word from Joleen of a benefit event at the White Center Eagles this Saturday:

Lung research charity dinner, comedy show & auction
Dinner at 6 pm, Comedy show at 7:30 pm
Silent Auctions – throughout the night.
Dinner & Show – $25
Dinner only – $12
Show only – $15

Chef Darrell’s cod dinner with all the trimmings.
Guest Speakers – Dr. John Olson, MD & Dr. David Mulligan, UW Lung Transplant Division
Profits go to the University of Washington Lung Research Division.

Comedians: Andy Kern and Vince Valenzuela