White Center Now: The blog about White Center

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

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

When the decades-old Gay Skate night at Skate King in Bellevue ended last year, it was the only organized skate night in the Seattle metro area for the GLBTQ community and friends. Partners Tim Kelly and Patrick Savedra (above), old friends of Southgate Roller Rink owners Erin and Josh Venables, began making the 15-minute drive from their Capitol Hill home when the newly renovated rink in White Center opened earlier this year. After months of conversations. deliberations and planning, they have all teamed up to begin a new era with “Pride Skate” on the first Wednesday of every month at Southgate.

The kick-off was last Wednesday and the crowd was good, according to Erin Venables, who told WCN that her “boutique roller rink” is proud to be part of the close-knit White Center neighborhood that she says she has learned is much different than what she used to think before going into business here. And she is proud of providing the venue for the GLBTQ community too. She’s confident the Pride Skate guests are going to discover all of the great things about White Center that she has.

As a tribute to the spirit of Pride Skate, Erin redesigned the Southgate logo incorporating the rainbow colors. Joining the team to welcome the Pride Skaters to White Center, The Company Bar on 16th, one block east, has begun holding a brand new karaoke night on the first Wednesdays for after-Pride Skate gatherings.

“It was one of these things where we saw that a lot of people wanted to still be skating once a month, especially as fall and winter approaches when there are fewer things to do outside. I think, for the community, it is along the lines of Gay Bingo or Gay Bowling. These things have always been there for everyone,” Patrick said.

“The unique thing about skating is you don’t have to be a champion level to skate; you can be at the beginner level and still have a really good time,” Michael adds.

Beyond the fun exercise, there is the oh-so-important music, which the team has been putting a lot of energy into selecting. “We want to make it for us,” Michael says. “So, it’s a mix of current stuff you will hear at the clubs and the more nostalgic disco – like Donna Summers and the Bee Gees,” Michael said. They are targeting music that will appeal to the 18-and-older crowd, as well as to the much-older skaters who will jam to the music of the ’70s. “We want songs which are fun to skate to and have everybody find something they will like.”

They’ve tried to get on every public calendar they could think of because they don’t have a lot of money for advertising yet, but posters that Patrick made (he’s a fashion photographer with his own studio at Pioneer Square 614) have been distributed around a few areas of town. The plan is for future posters with real skater models chosen on skate night as the event moves forward. They have also been networking the idea around town and received such great feedback about bringing back skating to a vibrant new venue that they were encouraged to forge ahead with the project.

The relocated skate night is the continuation of a legacy event within the LGBTQ community that offers socializing, exercise and a whole lot of fun at an affordable price. The $7 cost for the night includes two and half hours of skating, customized music, rental of brand new skates, as well as the snack bar with slushees and munchies.

Michael and Patrick say they have bumped into friends who remember skating at Southgate when they were younger and are thrilled that Pride Skate has landed in their old hood. “But we have noticed that there are assumptions from some people who haven’t skated at Southgate that all skate rinks are unkempt or smelly or haven’t been updated; but that isn’t the case here. These owners are young with very fresh eyes on an industry that is full of people who have been running their businesses for a long time. I think Erin and Josh are innovative. They are doing a lot which is appealing to younger people and that is what is bringing them here. They have a fresh perspective on music and how a place like this should run and look, “ Patrick said. “And they have brand new skates here! That’s really important,” Michael said with a laugh.

A Facebook “Pride Skate” page is set up so you can find updates on schedules, hours, costs, and special theme nights. Michael and Patrick say that next month’s Pride Skate will be a few days after Halloween but everyone is welcome to come in costume or get that second costume that you didn’t wear for the actual holiday, but nobody is pressured to do so. They are looking forward to meeting you and your friends, gay or straight, on Wednesday, November 2, 9-11 PM. As owner Erin told WCN, “It’ll be when we can all be fabulous together.”

4:25 PM SATURDAY: Just got the word from Stefanie at Proletariat Pizza in downtown White Center:

One of our lovely servers, Delia, will be space sharing with us, opening her own coffee shop in our space in White Center. She will be having a soft opening tomorrow beginning at 8 am. The coffee is really something special.

If somehow you have not been there … they’re at 9622 16th SW, across the street from Full Tilt Ice Cream. And that’s where you’ll find Caffé Delia, starting Sunday. It’s serving Spella Coffee – and hours are listed on its fledgling website.

ADDED 9:54 AM SUNDAY: We stopped by to say hi to Delia:

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

A momentous meeting tonight for the North HIghline Unincorporated Area Council, at North Highline Fire District headquarters, including even a decision of its own future. Here’s how it played out:

BURIEN CITY MANAGER MIKE MARTIN TALKS ANNEXATION: “The work starts now,” he declared, toward the end of his appearance, which began with him saying it was “a real historic moment” when his council took the annexation-intent vote earlier in the week. In case you somehow have missed all the previous coverage, here’s the map of the area Burien is proceeding toward annexing:

(Click for larger version)
“It’s not a complicated process, it’s just tedious,” Martin said, regarding what happens from hereon out, mentioning that the Boundary Review Board would have to have a hearing. He said it’s not likely a vote could happen in February or April, possibly August or November of last year. “We’re talking internally about how we will approach the Highline area … our approach is not to advocate,” but rather to provide information. He said it “will be a much different engagement process” since the potential annexation area this time includes a significant number of businesses, unlike the area annexed last time. Any possible points at which the process might hit a snag? he was asked. He noted that stopping the annexation process at this point, following the council vote showing intent, would require action to be taken, and he voiced some concern that the state might pull back on the sales-tax credit at some point before annexation became final; he said that negotiations with the county also are a point of concern, since “we need them to step up and do certain things.” He expressed appreciation for having North Highline representation to speak out at the council meetings that led up to Monday’s vote. “It’s been really great. … I hate it when one side of an issue is presented and not the other.”

That was echoed by Burien Councilmember Rose Clark, who said she appreciated looking out and seeing North Highline “smiling faces.” She added, “I think we’re in a good position to move forward,” but reiterated that if there are financial concerns, they made a commitment not to proceed. Martin also was asked about a contention that he was going to get paid more if the city grew; he laughed it off, and said, “Frankly, at this point, I’m not as interested in my salary as in my pension.” NHUAC member Pat Price asked about the South Park “sliver by the river”; Martin noted that Seattle has shown new interest in annexing that area (which you can read about in this Seattle document). … Annexation comprised the entirety of Martin’s update except for a brief update on Puget Sound Park, saying that work is getting under way.

STOREFRONT DEPUTY HIRING PROCESS UPDATE, AND MORE FROM KCSO: King County Sheriff’s Office Captain Joseph Hodgson apologized for “failing to bring stats” again this month, saying a personnel situation had led to that. “I don’t have a lot to report tonight,” aside from one “big thing” – the interview process for the storefront deputy, which he said had taken place “all day today. .. The process is still ongoing, and the process is not going to be based solely on these interviews.” He said they are “trying to find the very best candidate we can.” He projects a decision before the end of next week. Six people have applied, he said, including former White Center storefront-based Deputy Jeff Hancock, with the others including a deputy who’s been working unincorporated patrol, a candidate from the city of Burien, one from the city of SeaTac, and one from Metro Transit Police (Capt. Hodgson said those three are currently working patrol). Asked when the new deputy is likely to be assigned to this area, he said it’s now more likely to be November than this month. And even that is a fast-track – “there’s an urgency to it,” he acknowledged, even those “these things normally take a couple of months.” … Later in the meeting, NHUAC member Giba read a letter she had written on behalf of her fellow councilmembers, supporting Deputy Hancock’s reinstatement to the position, describing him as a leader with “integrity and people skills,” among other attributes. “Deputy Hancock is the one person who can hit the road running” and jump into WC issues, the letter went on to say. The proposal to send it won unanimous approval.

THE FUTURE OF UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCILS, PART 1: County reps, led by “rural economic strategy coordinator” Julia Larson, brought an ordinance that sets out parameters for the “community service areas” (CSAs) that are being created now that it’s no longer going to fund unincorporated area councils. It says, among other things, that public meetings involving areas’ King County councilmembers will be set up at least once a year. And the county will work with any community-based organizations that exist, including unincorporated area councils, if they decide to continue operation absent the previous structure of county financing and interaction. Meantime, the county is coming up with a process for figuring out how to create boundaries for those CSAs – whether they should follow the boundaries currently used by UACs. Community meetings will be a part of that process, they said. As well as looking at geographic factors, they’re also looking at demographic factors.

The process seemed unclear to everyone else in the room, even after it had been described. Dobkin noted, “It’s never been clear to me where (this process) leaves the UACs. (Councilmember) McDermott said, ‘I want the UACs to continue’ – but where do we stand? Nobody’s ever given us that information … Where do we stand? … You talk about (this process creating) a forum. We HAVE a forum, every month. This is going to be a top-down-type program, where it’s not going to come from the community itself.” The reply: Each CSA would have a “work program” and the meetings in the CSAs “would be set up to work on those ‘work programs'” – not necessarily issues that would bubble up from the community. County reps reiterated that they have no idea yet how the CSAs will operate, whether it will be like the existing UACs, or something different. “All the UACs have history,” Dobkin pointed out. “There’s a history of people on this council with knowledge, who have devoted a lot of time and energy. And now, I feel like, the county is kicking us to the curb, with no acknowledgment for years of work. I haven’t heard anything (from elected officials). It’s somewhat disheartening to put so much work into this community and we just go away in their eyes without recognizing everything that this council has done for the community.” Larson said nothing except that, it’s the same way for all six UACs.

County reps acknowledged it’s “confusing” that this “public engagement process change” is under way at the same time as strategic-plan discussions, though those, it was noted, are for the entire county, not just the unincorporated areas. This is also all tied up in the budget process, by the way, and county leaders are currently taking input on that. Meetings with existing UACs are under way this month, and a mapmaking process is under way to define boundaries. Public meetings are planned in February to go over some proposed boundaries, and a website is expected to be up by then. Once the boundaries are done, they will be out to seek public input on the “annual plan,” among other things. Burien Councilmember Clark – while stressing she wasn’t speaking for her colleagues – said it seemed like a bad time to disband a group like this. “If this goes away, it handicaps Burien’s ability to reach the people,” she said, suggesting this council should be preserved at least through the prospective annexation vote. Otherwise, “It seems shortsighted to me.” Larson said she couldn’t comment on Clark’s suggestion, but said the county does intend to invite potential-annexation cities “to the table” to be part of the forthcoming decisions. She also noted she is “newly appointed … to try to move this process forward.”

“We live in this community. People know us. … We’re going to lose that,” if the UAC goes away, Dobkin said. Larson’s reply, “There’s a lot of good and bad about this process.” The retorted question echoed around the room: “What’s good about it?” Larson, clearly uncomfortable, said that message would go back to the council and executive. One other point of concern: How the county would dole out money to unincorporated-area community-outreach projects in the future. “We are the only organization that has purely the interest of this community” in mind, said NHUAC member Liz Giba, voicing concern about the concept of Community Service Area-based county grants. NHUAC doesn’t have professional grant writers, pointed out NHUAC member Ron Johnson. He added that if the county “(kept) us around, functioning for another 6, 8, 12 months” would help the area get annexed, and dropping support for NHUAC would be “leaving us rudderless” at a critical time for the annexation process. Other words of disappointment and anger came from the audience.

“I hope that Julia will come back when (she has) some answers,” said NHUAC member Pat Price toward the end of the discussion, trying to end what she characterized as the council and public “berating” the county rep whom many recognized was “just the messenger.” It’s frustrating that “there are no answers,” Price said, “so go find us some answers.”

THE FUTURE OF NHUAC ITSELF: NHUAC members voted unanimously to keep going as a group, regardless of their status or funding. This followed a vigorous discussion immediately after the “frustrating” discussion with the county reps. Its contract with the county runs two more months, through December, as Dobkin had noted. Price said that she believes that the council should continue as a community group which might even have “some freedom we don’t have now.” Dobkin said she had consulted lawyer Jerry Robison and that he didn’t believe they would need to carry insurance – which was part of what the county funding expiring after December had paid for – “unless we’re going to have wild parties … We really have little exposure for what we are doing, and it’s just not necessary for the type of volunteer group that we are.” NHUAC member Douglas Harrell wondered what voice they really would have after December; Dobkin’s answer was that she believed they could and should “continue as an advocacy group for the community.” Despite the uncertainties, NHUAC member Giba, said: “We have a community that’s really in need of representation, and we’re the best they’ve got at this point.” She later added that her perception is that the runup to the transition “isn’t going as smoothly” as county leaders might have expected, so there’s hope that at least NHUAC, with annexation now officially pending, might have the chance for an extension. “Because they do need us to help this community transition to the idea of annexation, to get us adopted, and off their neck,” added Price.

DANCE CLUB MORATORIUM: President Dobkin said she had received word from County Councilmember Joe McDermott that final action on the moratorium on dance-club licenses in the White Center area is set for 1:30 pm October 24th, and people who support the plan are invited to be there to speak in favor of it. Burien city manager Martin said he would have representation there to emphasize support, as well.

COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT MOVING: Dobkin also said that the county health offices that are next to the White Center Food Bank are moving to Greenbridge.

DISSONANT DISTRICT: Elizabeth Gordon from Uncle Mike’s Superlicious Barbecue in downtown WC explained that the South Delridge-White Center Community Safety Coalition is examining challenges getting in the way of the business district’s safety. She said that lack of a unified economic development plan is perceived to be one such factor, and that it’s noted the business district’s nature has evolved over the years – rather than people walking in, they are driving in, and there is more of an adult atmosphere than a community/family-safe atmosphere. Some property owners may just be getting businesses in, no matter what they are, as long as they can pay the rent. She says they’ve been advised to “take a more gritty image” in order to attract more business. Maybe the potential Burien annexation will help with an economic development plan for the area, she suggested. Dobkin asked if anyone has spoken to Stan’s Adult Superstore – which Gordon had not mentioned by name – regarding its displays. Gordon said, “There’s been some conversation,” but she thinks the lack of an authority to gather business owners together for a common theme or goal remains a challenge. The topic may come up when the White Center Community Development Association has its next business mixer at Gordon’s restaurant (6 pm October 18th), she said.

SPEAKING OF DOWNTOWN WC: NHUAC is seeking a permit for some beautification on two corners at 16th/100th, using remaining funding, but there are some questions about whether they can get it done before their funding expires at year’s end; the project would cost $510.

NEXT MEETING: In November, King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg will be a guest, Dobkin announced. That meeting will be on the first Thursday as usual – November 3 – 7 pm, North HIghline Fire District HQ.

Just in – a reminder about this big event ahead:

1971 was a bleak year in Seattle – large numbers of lay-offs, shuttered storefronts and billboards proclaiming “turn out the lights” if you were the last person to leave town. To address the immediate hunger needs in their community, members of several congregations quietly began food distributions – often on Mondays after congregation members brought their donations to services on Sundays. At first, just a few came – but as news of the food service grew – more people arrived to look for help. This humble service grew into the White Center Food Bank, as the community continued to reel from persistent economic challenges. Today’s services surpass what the original founders of the food bank could’ve imagined; in August 2011, 1753 families received service.

On October 15, White Center Food Bank will celebrate 40 years of service to the community at its annual Harvest Dinner and Auction at South Seattle Community College’s Brockey Center. Tickets and details are available online at www.whitecenterfoodbank.org, at $62 per person if purchased online. A great variety of auction items are available, and a great way to meet others in the community that care about hunger. White Center Food Bank serves a 12 square mile area of SW Seattle and into Burien serving over 64,000 individuals in 2010.

For more information on White Center Food Bank including how to volunteer or donate: www.whitecenterfoodbank.org.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

City staff says they still have multiple chances to turn back – but for now, the Burien City Council has taken the first official step on the road to annexing White Center and most of the rest of unincorporated North Highline, by approving a resolution declaring their intent to annex the area. The resolution was approved 5-2, with Councilmembers Jack Block Jr. and Lucy Krakowiak the “no” votes.

Most of the councilmembers didn’t speak immediately before the vote to explain why they were pro or con – but of those who did, Deputy Mayor Brian Bennett said he’s “optimistic” about North Highline’s future; Block said that while he didn’t think NH residents would want to be part of a city (Seattle) with (potential) $80 car tabs and “Taj Mahal libraries,” he did think there were issues that need to be resolved – such as, through negotiating with the county “for mitigation” – before proceeding.

The meeting began with a public-comment period that lasted almost 45 minutes, with all but one speaker addressing the “to move forward with annexation or not to move forward with annexation” issue. Our tally of the annexation speakers: 12 opponents, 5 supporters. The opponents all described themselves as Burien residents; four of the supporters were residents of the still-unincorporated area.

One of them was Barbara Dobkin, who spoke as a private citizen but also serves as president of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. “This is good news,” she smiled after the meeting. “Finally, we have something to start with.”

Though some in Burien had repeatedly expressed opposition by saying “what’s the rush?” Dobkin and others – including some councilmembers – noted that all this has been under discussion for years. New fuel was added to Burien’s fire when Seattle, which originally had dibs on this part of the unincorporated area, declared earlier this year that it wasn’t even going to think about a decision till early next year, so if Burien wanted to proceed, Seattle wouldn’t stand in its way.

We will add highlights and summaries of the commenters’ key points later, plus what happens next in the process, as we continue adding to this story in the hours ahead.

ADDED TUESDAY: Here are the 8 steps required before annexation would become official, as laid out in the approved resolution:

GENERAL PROCESS FOR ANNEXATION BY ELECTION
1. City Council approves a Resolution calling for annexation by election.
2. City staff files a Notice of Intention with the King County Boundary Review Board (BRB) and invokes jurisdiction by filing a request for review with the Board.
3. The BRB sets a hearing date, holds a hearing and issues a decision. The BRB can accept the proposal, reduce it by no more than 10% or deny the request.
4. The BRB decision begins a 30-day appeal period (appeals go to Superior Court).
5. City Council indicates to the County Auditor its preferred date for the annexation election.
6. County Council sets the election on the date indicated by the City.
7. The election is held.
8. City Council approves an Ordinance providing for the annexation and establishing its effective date.

Just a reminder for those interested: Tonight’s Burien City Council meeting (7 pm, council chambers in downtown Burien) includes consideration of a resolution indicating intent to annex most of the rest of unincorporated North Highline. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll vote tonight – councilmembers might decide to delay a vote. Here’s our report from last Friday, previewing the resolution. Public comment will be taken, as is the case at most council meetings; if you can’t be there in person, it will be streamed live at burienmedia.org.

From WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz:

Miguel and Beatrice Canche, owners of Oro and Gold (currently on Roxbury between 16th and 15th), tell WCN they are moving their eight-month-old gold-buying shop to the larger space on the corner of 16th and Roxbury.

The space has stood empty since International Halal Market moved a few doors south.

Miguel says that business is good, but he’s thinking about additional uses for the space down the road. No decisions yet. They hope to open sometime in the next week or two. Oro and Gold’s phone number is 206-407-9844.

The “packet” is out for next Monday night’s potentially pivotal Burien City Council meeting discussion – and maybe a vote – on whether to officially get White Center/Boulevard Park/rest-of-North-Highline annexation off the launch pad.

The resolution is ready to go – Resolution 323, to be specific, and its subtitle is all of the following:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, CALLING FOR THE ANNEXATION, BY ELECTION, OF CONTIGUOUS UNINCORPORATED TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF BURIEN LYING IN AN AREA EAST AND SOUTH OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES, THEN GENERALLY WEST OF A LINE FOLLOWING 12TH AVENUE S. (IF EXTENDED) BETWEEN S. CAMBRIDGE ST. AND S. 96TH ST., THEN SOUTH OF S. 96TH ST., BETWEEN 12TH AVENUE S. AND SR-99, THEN SOUTH ALONG SR-99 TO THE CITY OF TUKWILA CORPORATE BOUNDARIES, THEN SOUTH ALONG THE CITY OF TUKWILA CORPORATE BOUNDARIES TO THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, REFERENCED AS THE NORTH HIGHLINE ANNEXATION AREA.

The text of the resolution calling for annexation ensues. It’s followed by this explanation of how the process would go, if the City Council formally sets it in motion (and their options include rejecting the motion or delaying it, so there’s no guarantee this all will be settled on Monday night):

GENERAL PROCESS FOR ANNEXATION BY ELECTION
1. City Council approves a Resolution calling for annexation by election.
2. City staff files a Notice of Intention with the King County Boundary Review Board (BRB) and invokes jurisdiction by filing a request for review with the Board.
3. The BRB sets a hearing date, holds a hearing and issues a decision. The BRB can accept the proposal, reduce it by no more than 10% or deny the request.
4. The BRB decision begins a 30-day appeal period (appeals go to Superior Court).
5. City Council indicates to the County Auditor its preferred date for the annexation election.
6. County Council sets the election on the date indicated by the City.
7. The election is held.
8. City Council approves an Ordinance providing for the annexation and establishing its effective date.

Read the entire motion toward the end of the packet. It is preceded by the traditional cover sheet for packet info, which includes this notation: “The city manager believes that all the significant, material information on the subject has been presented and discussed and encourages the council to adopt the resolution that would advance annexation of the North Highline Area.”

The meeting’s at 7 pm, Burien council chambers, on Monday (October 3rd).