White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

A White Center Now reader tipped us to the upcoming closure of Pony Express in White Center – concerned that WC is losing its last mailbox provider. After 22 years of operation — three at the current location, after 19 years across from McLendon Hardware on 102nd — owner Claire Denning confirms she will close the doors forever on June 30.

When Claire began operating the private mailbox shipping center, it was one of twelve original centers independently owned in the Seattle metro area known as Pony Express. She says only a few remain, as the need for shipping services, including postal services, declined in large part to the growth of Internet use. Business transactions are conducted digitally and people tend to purchase items for free shipping, which cut into the UPS service Claire had provided for years.

“I haven’t been on the main thoroughfare that everyone uses for three years, and that’s another reason why I’ve been struggling here. I never recovered financially from the move that took everything I had in retirement and savings. It was a 50% drop in business. I was never able to get a contract with the Postal Service because of cutbacks there. That might have guaranteed some income.

“But, before all that, the business was successful for all those years, in large part because of apartment dwellers who moved a lot, or for people who traveled. They wouldn’t have to change their addresses with a private mailbox and could just pick up their mail from here where everything was secure.”

The only other places in White Center which will provide mailboxes will be Stor-More (16th and 114th), though they do not provide postal services, like UPS, Federal Express, or Western Union.

The Westwood Post Office in West Seattle has mail boxes, but there is currently a waiting list for them. She is also referring customers to an independent shipping service shop, MailBox West, in West Seattle’s Morgan Junction, across from West Seattle Thriftway; it’s also a contract station for the post office. They are equipped to handle registered and international mailings.

Once Claire closes the store, the only blue mail drop box that will remain in White Center will be the box located at the Rainbow Grocery on 16th. The nearest post services will be the Westwood Post Office in the Westwood Village and the Burien Post Office on 152nd Ave. SW.

“I was the neighborhood secretary, “ Claire said proudly with a smile.

“It’s really a kind of pickle-barrel kind of place, “ chimed in the USPS letter carrier in the office, picking up and dropping off mail. “People run into each other here and know each other.”

Indeed, Claire has known the whereabouts, comings, and goings of a lot of folks over the course of 23 years. And she says that those customers have been very understanding of the necessity to close and supportive in her decision to start a new chapter in her life.

But it’s not hard to imagine how different life will be for those customers, without Claire and the White Center Pony Express.

Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

We’ve already reported that, when the King County Library Services Board of Trustees met Tuesday evening in the North Bend Library, board members voted to delay a potential vote on the Library Service Area Analysis for North Highline and related staff recommendations. Here are details of how that unfolded:

Speakers advocating for a delay in any vote to proceed with consolidation of the Boulevard Park and White Center Library’s included King County 8th District Councilmember Joe McDermott. He told the Board that the issue of potential annexation for the areas remained very much in flux, since Seattle’s councilmembers have said they will revisit the issue next February, but won’t stand in the way if Burien wants to pursue annexation sooner.

Considering that, and the indication that Burien’s council may start annexation discussion this summer, Councilmember McDermott encouraged the Board to delay any action or vote regarding the libraries for at least a year when such consideration might be more appropriate, or at least might provide enough time for the process to move forward more definitively.

Director Bill Ptacek said that the Board had already delayed a decision regarding the North Highline area and that the interim result of that delay was the Library Service Analysis recently conducted by surveying people online and over the phone. The surveys, according to Project Manager Jennifer Wiseman, provided a lot of feedback regarding much-needed improvements to the Boulevard Park and White Center Libraries which would be addressed by the now seven-year old 2004 bond funds. The survey also, she said, “tested” the consolidation idea via two questions and suggested there’s support for it – in the first question, about 65% support via the phone surveys (800 respondents) and 44% online. Then, when the second question was asked with specific details about consolidation, the support increased 5% on the phone interviews and 10% on the online questionnaires, yielding just slightly over 54% approval online). Wiseman also noted that the online respondents were not representative of the community and skewed the results because they were predominantly white female college graduates over 50.

White Center Library Guild President Rachel Levine and North Highline Unincorporated Area Council members Pat Price (a Boulevard Park resident) and Barbara Dobkin (a White Center resident) also spoke. Price pointed out to the Board that White Center has a high percentage of people without vehicles, as well as little east-west bus service, so the walking distance from schools and homes to libraries is important. Dobkin told the Board that she and other voters who supported the 2004 bond did so with the understanding that bond funds would be put toward improvements as designated within the bonds, not a closure or consolidation. “This isn’t what we voted for.”

Ptacek, in addressing the reallocation of the 2004 bond funds, said that the recommendation to reallocate the bond funds to a new library are based on the “good bids we’ve been getting” for construction. The Library Guild’s Levine expressed her concerns about the impartiality of the agency that conducted the surveys, but also read a letter on behalf of the Guild vowing to continue to work together with the KCLS Board.

A community member and retired teacher who now volunteers at Cascade and works with White Center youth in service projects held up a photograph of the kids “to whom we have a moral responsibility.” Kids in the Highline area are out of school on Fridays early and they need a safe place to study, away from crowded, noisy homes and where they have access to resources, she said, imploring the Board not to forget the children of White Center.

Board Trustee Bill Spitzer moved that any decision be postponed until the next Board meeting in June (to be held in Issaquah at the Library Services Center). He said that he was reluctant to vote with only three of the five Board members present. He also said he was sensitive to the logistical dilemma for White Center residents who might not have been able to attend a meeting 45 miles away, even though more than a dozen community meetings have been held on the matter.

With that, the motion was seconded, and the action item to address the North Highline Library Service recommendations was delayed until at least next month’s meeting. Board President Eadie asked the staff to provide the Board a list of potential sites, if any are known, for a new North Highline location at that meeting.

Greg Duff had to leave the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council when annexation put his home inside Burien boundaries, but he continued public service by joining the Burien Planning Commission. And now, according to a news release we received this morning, he is running for Burien City Council Position 2. Read on for the announcement in its entirety: Read the rest of this entry »

From WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz in North Bend: The King County Library Board has decided tonight to put off consideration of White Center/Boulevard Park library consolidation till next month’s meeting. Details to come.

Will the King County Library Board vote to consolidate the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries? It’s on the agenda today for their 5 pm meeting – at the North Bend Library. Find the agenda linked here. White Center Now will be there and we’ll let you know what happens.

Story and photos by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

Southgate Roller Rink hosted the Rat City Rollergirls All Stars‘ bout vs. the visiting Texacutioners today – a fast and furious sport spectacle which ended with the All Stars slamming to victory in their namesake neighborhood’s recently reopened rink, 132-110.

This was the first bout that the All Stars have held at Southgate in a number of years. RCRG told WCN that White Center holds a special place in the hearts of the team members. This morning’s bout was scheduled quickly and was a trial run for future bouts for the All Star team, which is composed of members from all four Rat City teams. RCRG held the bout for their season ticket holders (also known as the Rat Pack) – it was not open to the general public.

Southgate Roller Rink will continue to host bouts with an emphasis on Junior teams, but also with adult teams on the horizon. More information about the All Stars and tickets for Rat City Roller Girls public bouts at KeyArena can be found at ratcityrollergirls.com and general skating hours and upcoming Southgate bout announcements can be found at southgaterollerrink.com.

The winners of last Thursday’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council elections are now announced on the NHUAC website – the four incumbents:

Congratulations to the winners of the May 19th Election.
District 3: Liz Giba
District 4: Ron Johnson
At Large: Doug Harrell and Patrick Mosley

(Work by Jimmy Gersen, who’s showing at Salvadorean Bakery)
Tonight! Here’s the announcement of the highlights:

White Center 3rd Saturday Art Walk
May 21st, 2011 6 PM to 9 PM

Company (9608 16th SW): Eric Edwards -Collages from found material. This man-rocks-the-k(c)asbah! While we would never outlaw his goods or wall him in, he definitely pushes the envelope in an awe-inspiring package. Using found goods to make inventive, funky creatures; Eric takes collage to a higher level. Never uninteresting, never underwhelming, his art is much like his personality. Come check out his creations and enjoy wine specials until 10pm!

Dubsea (9910 8th Ave SW): Eric Edwards– – Collage out of found material—the family friendly version. Didn’t see enough of Eric at Company? Oh, good- me either. Dubsea will be sporting his animal-esque goodies for the May Art Walk.

Big Al Brewing (9832 14th Avenue SW): Christina Thomas- Acrylic paintings on Toilet Paper. Must see. You may not recognize the mediums for what they are. Christina takes a super fragile item and manipulates into something bold and unrecognizable. Come in and enjoy the new Summer Ale on tap and un-doubt your doubting eyes.

Salvadorean Bakery (1719 SW Roxbury): Jimmy Gersen–Reproductions of large scale paintings. Loud, bright, bold-lined figures that are mainly made during live-painting performances. These edgy prints are well balanced and will definitely draw you in for another take. Take down some pastry goodness while you’re there.

Café Rozella (9434 Delridge Way SW): Renee Bazino – Landscape Photography & Paintings. Re-visit the beautiful places you’ve never been. Perhaps you do it over a hot cup of delicious coffee while sitting in a cozy café place. Repeat from last month stop in if you haven’t had a chance to see what’s gracing their walls.

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.

3.14 Bakery (9602 16th Ave SW): Anna Hoychuck– . Anna does the three P’s: People, Pet and Product photography and she’s good at it. She pulls together relevant colors and subject matter into a crisp well-lit photo. Anna volunteers at the Seattle Humane Society taking photos of the newbies looking for homes, so she definitely scores in the cute-pup-photo-taking department. Come on down for a dollar ‘cakeball’ and some scrumptious photos!

Full Tilt Ice Cream (9629 16th Ave SW): Megan Thorberg- Prints. Boldlined B&W prints with an interesting twist. Blast from last month! This bold lined goddess will be gracing our visual ‘ceptors for another month. If you missed her last month, stop by for a waffle cone of Mexican Chocolate and a pint of delicious bubbly beer and soak in her graphic awesomeness.

Proletariat Pizza – (9622-A 16th Ave SW)- Mike Hipple. Pictures with a story. I’m not usually one for portrait photography but I have to say, Mike makes even me enjoy looking at pictures of strangers. He manages to make it all about the people, and not about the people at all. Each photo pulls you in through its composition and intense lighting. It’s almost like a free ticket out of here for as long as you wish to gaze. Oh, and do yourself a favor and order the ‘Ham and Egg’ Pie. It will make your life better.

ALSO! Please Welcome the Southgate Roller Rink to White Center!! (9646 17th Ave SW). They will soon be rolling into our growing artwalk family with rotating shows and a possibility for projected visual scrumptiousness! Stay tuned to see how they keep us groovy…

Last month, at the annual auction for West Seattle’s Holy Rosary Catholic School, attendees not only raised money for their own school’s needs, they also reached deep to help out White Center’s Holy Family School – as we reported in this story on West Seattle Blog, courtesy of journalist Gregg Hersholt, who emceed the HR auction that night. A followup: In WS last night, HF’s principal Frank Cantwell was invited to the Holy Rosary Parents Club‘s meeting for a check presentation. And it turned out to be not just the $20,000 announced the night of the auction – but a total of $25,000.

Just published the latest early today on West Seattle Blog. Zippy’s Giant Burgers thinks they’re down to one last inspection before they can open at 9614 14th SW – read the details here.

The future of the King County Library System branches in White Center and Boulevard Park has been discussed repeatedly during the debate over annexation. Suddenly, there is the possibility that the county may consolidate the two, and we have just received this letter from King County Councilmember Joe McDermott expressing opposition:

To Board of Trustees, King County Library System:

I am dismayed that the King County Library System Board of Trustees would consider consolidation of the Boulevard Park and White Center Libraries at this time.

To the best of my knowledge, a formal proposal to have staff pursue plans for consolidation first became public on May 12. To think that the KCLS Board might take action on May 24, a mere 12 days later, at a meeting scheduled to be held far from North Highline – in North Bend – is extremely dismissive of my constituents. Further, it fails to recognize their hard work in advocating for their community’s needs.

While the timing issue itself is enough to delay the vote, there is also the issue of boundaries and service. For years KCLS has failed to replace and renovate these facilities despite their specific inclusion in the 2004 bond measure, citing uncertainty over annexation and proximity to what may become part of Seattle. With Seattle showing no initiative at this time and Burien having the potential to advance a vote as early as next spring, to take action based on potential annexation by Seattle is shortsighted at best.

I urge the King County Library System Board of Trustees to postpone any action that advances consolidation of the White Center and Boulevard Park Libraries. Further, I renew my call for KCLS to deliver on their 2004 promise to voters and take up replacement and expansion of the White Center Library.

-Joe

Joe McDermott
King County Councilmember, District 8

(Crossposted from partner site West Seattle Blog)

With three months till the primary, and candidate forums and campaign kickoffs starting to intensify, we’re stepping up coverage of the 2011 election. Last night at West Seattle’s Admiral Theater, Diana Toledo launched her second campaign for King County Council District 8 (which includes West Seattle and White Center), with an all-ages party, friends and family chatting in the theater’s loft, while little ones brought by partygoers romped down on the main floor. Toledo says she chose the venue to support a local business that could use more patrons.

Among those at the party was Tim Fahey, one of the three other candidates that ran for the office last year. You’ll see him in our clip from the short speech Toledo gave last night:

Toledo is a former King County employee who says her experience inside county government will help her reform it (here’s her online bio). The candidate to whom Toledo lost in last year’s general election, now-King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, is the only other declared candidate so far; he has a kickoff party scheduled next week. The official filing period opens this Friday for candidates filing by mail. (Wondering why there’s another election so soon after the last one? That was for the remainder of the term that had been won by Dow Constantine before he moved up to King County Executive two years ago, so this time a full 4-year council term is up for grabs.)

By M. Barrett Miller
Special to White Center Now

For three years, middle school students, from a slightly improvised local school, have reached out to cheer an elderly group at a local Salvation Army.

When these kids were sixth graders they thought it “nuts” that they would go hang out with a bunch of old people once a month. When the idea was introduced to them, many had had little exposure to the elderly, thinking the “old folks” would be the stereotypes they tried to avoid, rather than embrace.

These particular kids were that unique combination of kids that comes along once in a while as a gift to the unsuspecting. Within the group, most were full of intuition, inquisitiveness, empathy, excitement and the desire to reach out beyond their classroom or school.

When the idea of service to a group of elderly was presented, the kids were already involved in a number of social justice outreach programs. These outreaches were at a distance rather than the one on one offered by direct service at the Salvation Army.

It was the direct contact that had a few of them nervous. Because of the following successes, they had the internal confidence to trust themselves, and me, and plunge into hands on service.

In preparation, and to build confidence, for their lunch service, to the elderly, the students had written letters to young girls in Kandahar, Afghanistan, who had been attacked on their way to school because they were girls who wanted an education. Federal Express delivered their letters and photos, of the girls in the class, to Dexter Filkins at the New York Times in Afghanistan. He delivered them to the school he had written about in the Times that sparked this particular class project.

These kids drafted a petition to recognize the Duwamish Tribe, which was delivered to Congressman Jim McDermott in support of his work towards this tribe’s federal recognition. The Congressman wrote them a wonderful letter commending their efforts.

A number of the kids began visiting a man living in Bailey-Boushay House who is fighting loneliness, isolation and abandonment issues that so often accompany the struggles with AIDS. He has become their friend and looks forward to seeing and hearing from them when they have the opportunity to visit.

Children’s Hospital received hundreds of hand-designed Christmas cards for distribution to young patients staying in hospital over the holidays. Homeless shelters, hospitals, clinics and outdoor camps of homeless all received glad tidings from these students either in writing or by organized visits to various locations to share some hope and some support.

Once the kids had their first visit to the elderly under their collective belts, they couldn’t wait for their next visit.
As the years rolled by, relationships bloomed between the generations. The kids, and the “gray panthers,” shared holiday events, letters, short interviews and biographies, photos and best of all the love that developed through being together.

The State of Washington recognized the kids with a Resolution honoring all they have done for so many in their greater community.

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.2009-4652, by Representatives Cody and Nelson

WHEREAS, The people of Washington State acknowledge the community contributions and achievements of the student volunteers of Let Kids Be Kids, Inc. at Holy Family Parish School, West Seattle, Washington; and
WHEREAS, The members of Let Kids be Kids, Inc. have established a regular visitation schedule to the elderly at the Salvation Army in West Seattle, and provide meal service and offer heartfelt companionship; and
WHEREAS, The students have exhibited compassion, sympathy, and friendship by creating and delivering Christmas cards for children in Seattle Children’s Hospital; and
WHEREAS, The students have conducted a letter campaign in support of a girls school in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where girls have been attacked for attending classes, and have inspired courage, hope, and pride, and offered solidarity to the Afghan girls so that they might continue their path to acquire education and realize their own talents, dreams, and goals; and
WHEREAS, They exhibited their knowledge of local history, and empathy for treatment of
Washington’s Native Nations, by visiting the Duwamish Longhouse and drafting a petition supporting the tribe’s request for achievement of federally recognized tribal status (I); and
WHEREAS, Let Kids Be Kids, Inc. has planned a campaign to support the poor and the homeless and those affected by HIV/AIDS in the community, by providing letters, visitations, and meals to the most vulnerable residents of our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor Let Kids Be Kids, Inc and Holy Family Parish School, West Seattle, for its exemplary service to Washington State and to members of the global community, and commend the high standard it has set for all residents of Washington for its commitment to social justice and its legacy to our future generations.

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of Resolution 4652 adopted by the House of Representatives

Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk
Resolution 4652 adopted by the House of Representatives

These kids have humbled me more than once during these three years of watching them forge ahead, guided by their hearts.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to have the experience and the reconfirmation into what can be done when kids are honored and trusted.

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

Saturday’s annual White Center Spring Clean brought in nearly 600 volunteers to spruce up the White Center area with over 21 projects on the hit list for the day.

Teams of 30-60 people spread out in well-coordinated projects to put the shine on White Center under cooperative blue skies. Organized by the White Center Community Development Association, the annual event brings together folks from near and far who pitch in, build community and meet new neighbors.

In thanks, they are fed breakfast and lunch and receive the traditional I Heart White Center t-shirt – green this year!

King County Sheriff’s Office‘s new CSO Peter Truong worked with his team to add new flowers to all of the planter boxes on 16th SW in the main business district. Peter said, “I love the chance to work with our kids.”

New Angkor Market on 98th Ave SW at 16th now sports a fresh new mural on its wall, thanks to that team of participants.

With the croaks of native tree frogs audible from the White Center Pond in the background, this team worked on the hillside pulling weeds and picking up litter.

Over on 9th Ave SW and 108th Ave SW, the White Center Food Bank’s Volunteer Coordinator Audrey Zemke pulled weeds in the berm with her team of hard workers.

Looking up at his team, Mark Ufkes, president of the White Center Chamber of Commerce, evaluates the landscaping, painting, pruning and weed-whacking around the newly installed
“Welcome to White Center” sign at 10th and Roxbury.

Active WC resident Gill Loring led the way at North Shorewood Park, a somewhat hidden gem of a park with a swing set and gently sloping hillside trail under a canopy of native trees. Working with a King County Parks employee, the group planted about 100 native trees and plants in an area of former blackberries.

(Gill shared this photo of some of the other helpers at that site:)

One of the larger projects for the day was the breaking ground for a new P-Patch. Removal of brush and trees from the lot at 15th Ave SW and 107th prepare was the first step.

That’s Blair Johnson, former Highland Park Action Committee president, working alongside a church group from Wenatchee to reveal the lovely landscaping and bushes at the Delridge/18th triangle.

Working on Hicks Lake at Lakewood Park was Friends of Hicks Lake leader Dick Thurnau, who paused to pose with some of his team from West Seattle.

The ceremony presented by the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council this afternoon at Steve Cox Memorial Park was relatively short – but emotional, with tears flowing for some toward the start, as the murdered deputy’s son Bronson Cox led the Pledge of Allegiance, standing next to his mom Maria Cox. Our video shows the ceremony in its entirety; it was followed by refreshments indoors. Steve Cox was president of NHUAC when he was killed in the line of duty four and a half years ago. The memorial’s artist, Jay Haavik, was also among today’s speakers.

Dignitaries and community leaders including the sponsoring organization North Highline Unincorporated Area Council are gathered at Deputy Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center right now for the long-awaited dedication of the sculpture tribute to the popular law enforcer. Video from the ceremony later; the rain has lifted just in time!

A reminder from North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (which is, another reminder, presenting the Steve Cox Memorial dedication at 3 pm today):

BE INFORMED – BE INVOLVED – BE HEARD
Join us for the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Elections
WHEN: Thursday, May 19 – Between 6 and 8 p.m.
WHERE: North Highline Fire Station
1243 S.W. 112th Street, SW

CANDIDATES FOR THIS YEARS ELECTIONS:

District 3: Liz Giba – Is a proud resident of North Highline and a current council member. If re-elected, she will give back to the community by working to achieve the true potential as an area of healthy and diverse neighborhoods. (District Three: All unincorporated area bordered on the north by the City of Seattle, on the south by the City of Burien, on the east by 4th Avenue SW and on the west by 16th Avenue SW)

District 4: Ron Johnson – Is a long time council member who wants to continue his efforts to dispel the negative image of the White Center and North Highline area and work toward making it a more livable, family friendly community. He currently serves as chair of the Roads Committee and is a member of the Public Safety and Code Enforcement Committees. (District Four: All unincorporated area bordered on the north and west by the City of Seattle, on the south by the City of Burien, and on the east by 16th Avenue SW)

At Large: Doug Harrell – Is a current council member and business owner who would like to continue his work on the council to make North Highline a healthy, safe community.

At Large: Patrick Mosley – Is a current council member, who was drawn to the council with a goal to help make North Highline a family friendly community. He is a husband, father and musician, who lives in White Center.

At Large: Aileen Sison – Is a 25 year resident of White Center with 10 years collective experience in youth mentorship teaching fine arts, Video, and general education. She currently works in Real Estate development and property management. She is ready and willing to serve as a public resource to prioritize the advancement of education, Arts, and economic development of the NHUA community.

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) serves as the voice of the North Highline community to King County and as an advisory board to the community. NHUAC is composed of 13 volunteers who meet on the 1st Thursday of the month at the Fire Station on 112th in White Center. NHUAC is our council and everyone is welcome to the meetings.

All adult residents of North Highline and designated representatives of North Highline businesses are eligible to vote.

*If you are eligible to vote, you can vote for all “At Large” positions.

* Please bring identification or a letter of designation from an area business

In case you hadn’t heard, besides White Center Spring Clean day (more on that later) among other things, it’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, coordinated and presented by our partner site West Seattle Blog. Lots of south-WS sales on the map, plus WC-nearby Village Green Perennial Nursery, so if you’d like to check ’em out, find the online and printable maps here – sales continue till 3 pm.

When popular Zippy’s Giant Burgers closed in Highland Park almost a full month ago, they expected to need about a week and a half to finish getting their White Center location ready to open. Instead, Blaine and Rahel Cook have encountered a number of speed bumps and roadblocks – and if you went to the WC location at 9614 14th SW, you would have seen the sign shown in our photograph. This morning, Blaine had told WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz about passing most inspections but still having a couple hurdles to clear (including one that is dependent on their landlord) – this afternoon, we were passing by and spotted this sign on the door, which says it all. We’ll let you know just as soon as they finally get the go-ahead to open!

Two huge events this weekend – starting with White Center Spring Clean tomorrow (Saturday). More than 600 people are signed up to volunteer 8:30 am-2:30 pm at sites all over WC. And the official T-shirt is on display at the White Center Community Development Association website.

Then on Sunday, it’s the memorial dedication at Deputy Steve Cox Memorial Park. This invite is from the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council:

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) cordially invites you to the dedication ceremony for the Steve Cox Memorial at 3 PM on Sunday May 15th. The dedication will be at Steve Cox Memorial Park, 1321 SW 102nd St in White Center.

Deputy Steve Cox was killed in the line of duty on December 2, 2006. At the time of his death he was the White Center Storefront deputy and served the community as the President of the NHUAC.

The NHUAC led the community effort to rename the park for Deputy Cox and the fundraising to install a memorial. Artist Jay Haavik was selected to design and build a stone memorial to Deputy Cox.

May 15th is also National Peace Officers Memorial Day. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

For Further information contact Ron Johnson, rjohnson@northhighlineuac.org, phone (206) 767-3053.