White Center Now: The blog about White Center

You shop, the library benefits! The White Center Library Guild‘s next big fundraising sale is set for this Friday and Saturday (July 25-26), 11 am to 4 pm both days:

The weather should be perfect for browsing and buying!

(Reader photo, early Sunday)

The 23-year-old man arrested after Sunday morning’s double shooting at 16th/98th remains in jail with bail set at $2 million after his first court appearance today. He is not yet charged; what’s below is the police narrative from the hearing document, with names of suspect, victims, and witnesses redacted:

King County Deputies responded to the location of 9808 16th Ave SW, Seattle for a reported non-injury accident. While the reporting party was on the phone with King County 911 Dispatch, multiple gunshots were heard in the background. The reporting party advised that shots had been fired, and the suspect was getting into a blue sedan vehicle.

Deputies arrived on scene and observed one male on the ground with a gunshot wound to the abdomen, who was later identified as (victim #1, 52 years old). Another victim was located inside Whateke Sports Bar with a gunshot wound to the shoulder area and to his back, this male was later identified as (victim #2, 26 years old).

Witnesses on scene informed Deputies that the shooter, who was later identified as (suspect, 23 years old), was inside the blue Honda Accord. Deputies contacted (suspect) who stated his gun was under the seat and was placed into custody without incident.

(The victims) were both transported to Harborview Medical center, where (victim #1) was later pronounced deceased and (victim #2) was listed as stable condition.

(Suspect) was later transported to Burien Police Department and placed into a holding cell until Detectives could arrive. Det. McGrath and I conducted an interview with (suspect), where I advised that he was being audio and video recorded and also read (suspect) his rights from my department issued card. (Suspect) stated he understood his rights and wanted to talk to Det. McGrath and I.

(Suspect) stated that he was hanging with his two cousins throughout the day and later in the night had followed his cousins to the location of 9808 16th Ave SW. (Suspect) said he was driving the blue Honda Accord, and his cousin was driving the Chevy Malibu, which his cousin had pulled over by the Whateke Sports bar. (Suspect) said he looked over and saw that his cousin in the Chevy Malibu had fallen asleep at the wheel and crashed his car into a parked vehicle.

(Suspect) said he got out of the Honda Accord to check on his cousin because (victim #2) was trying to wake his cousin up. (Suspect) stated (victim #2) had grabbed the key to the Chevy Malibu and was demanding (Suspect) wake his cousin up. (Suspect) stated he woke his cousin up and made his cousin get into the back seat and (Suspect) got into the driver seat. At that time, (Suspect) stated (suspect #1) started to reach into the Chevy Malibu trying to get (Suspect) out of the vehicle by grabbing on his shirt and “throwing punches”. (Suspect) stated the males were telling him that they were going to “beat his ass” and one stated he was going to “Blow him away”. (Suspect) stated he opened up the center console of the Malibu and retrieved his Glock 23.40 cal handgun and exited through the front passenger side door. The males were on the driver side area of the Malibu and then (Suspect) stated both males started to run away towards the Whateke Sports bar and that’s when (Suspect) fired multiple rounds from his gun, unknowing if he struck anyone. (Suspect) said that he then got into the Honda Accord and put his gun under the driver seat and that was when Deputies arrived on scene and placed him into custody.

Later, (a 31-year-old man), who is the son of (victim #1), returned to the scene and spoke with Det. Cougan and Det. P. Thompson. (He) stated he was working as a security guard at Whateke Sports Bar and his father and brothers came to hang out. (He) stated he was told that there was an accident outside in the street area and went outside to find his father and brother (victims #1 and #2) trying to wake up the driver in the Chevy Malibu, because the Malibu has crashed into (victim #2)’s vehicle. (He) stated he observed (Suspect) walking from the Honda Accord and towards the Chevy Malibu. (He) stated that (Suspect) help remove the driver from the driver seat to the back seat and (Suspect) then got into the driver seat of the Chevy Malibu. (He) stated that (victim #2) punched (Suspect) as he was in the driver seat because (Suspect) was trying to leave the scene and was yelling at them. (Suspect) then tells them to back of or he was going to “pop” them. (Suspect) then pulled out a gun from his waistband and put the gun on his lap. (He) stated that (victim #1) was standing by the driver’s side door taking photographs and that’s when (Suspect) starts firing his gun and strikes (victim #1) first. (He) stated that (victim #2) started to run away, and (Suspect) started firing multiple rounds in the direction of (victim #2), striking him in the back area. (victim #2) was able to get inside of Whateke Sports Bar where Deputies were later able to provide AID until fire and medical arrived on scene.

(Suspect) was later transported to King County Jail and (held for) Investigation of Murder in the Second Degree and Assault in the First Degree.

A charging decision is expected by Wednesday, when the suspect is scheduled to return to court.

ADDED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as 52-year-old James E. Sears.

PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN FOR WCN AND WSB

Gleaming cars graced downtown White Center on Saturday, lining 16th SW in a new location this year for Eazy Duz It Car Club‘s show, under the banner “Chrome and Community.”

For WCN and partner site West Seattle Blog, photojournalist Dave Gershgorn shows us the people as well as the vehicles. First: Rigo DeLeon and son Rigo Jr. of the 206 Riderz, between a Chevy Impala and Cadillac on hydraulics.

From left, Serena, Sergio, and Carissa Henriquez of the Lifetime Car Club, in front of a Chevy Impala:

Next, another Chevy Impala – Lucy and Sonny Devera (also from Lifetime CC) show off their ’65, passed down from his dad and driven by everyone in his family:

Here’s Tony Chiodo (also Lifetime CC) with his Ford Mustang:

Next, Thomas and Patty Maciel (also Lifetime CC) in front of their recently purchased 1937 Chevy Master Deluxe. “We’ve got a piece of history,” Thomas remembers telling Patty when they loaded the car on their trailer after the purchase:

Emilio Villarreal and Mando Nunez from Hi-low Custom Hydraulics, in front of a Chevy Monte Carlo:

Brody Disciple brought his 1979 Cadillac Opera Coupe, a version of the Cadillac Seville. He estimates 200 are left of the 500 that were originally made:

Below, Daniel Tiburcio gets under the hood of the mid-century Chevy he brought to the event:

The all-day show also featured performances and vendors.

11:16 AM: Thanks to Kellie for the photo. That was the scene early this morning as King County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated a double shooting. KCSO tells WCN:

At approximately 00:40 am today, KCSO deputies were dispatched to a shooting incident in White Center. The initial dispatch was related to a vehicle accident and/or road-rage allegation occurring in the 9800 block of 16th Ave SW. Deputies discovered two injured adult males at the scene and rendered emergency first aid while the area was secured. Local medics arrived, continued medical treatment, and transported the victims to local hospitals. Their current conditions are unknown although at least one wound appeared serious. KCSO deputies were able to identify and arrest the alleged shooter who remained at or near the scene.

4:35 PM: KCSO’s update confirms one shooting victim did not survive:

KCSO can confirm that one of the shooting victims died soon after arrival at Harborview Medical Center. The second shooting victim’s injuries are not life-threatening. The incident began when an alleged DUI driver crashed into a parked car along the 9800 block of 16th Ave SW in White Center. An altercation (leading to shots being fired) began when the parked vehicle’s owner confronted the seemingly DUI driver. An associate of the DUI driver is the shooting suspect. Detectives have booked the sole shooting suspect in to the King County Jail for investigation of Murder and Assault 1st Degree. The DUI driver was cited and released for a DUI offense. The KCSO Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate this open/active investigation.

We’ll be following up with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office tomorrow, when the suspect is likely to have an initial hearing.

Next big event of the summer, the Eazy Duz It Car Club returns to the heart of White Center on Saturday (July 19) for the “Chrome and Community” car show and more. It’s set for 16th Avenue between 100th and Roxbury from 11 am to 7 pm. Advance registration is closed for cars but the Eazy Duz It website says you can show up and register on site! For spectators, entertainment and vendors will be there too.

The place to be for the next three hours … is many places in the heart of White Center (and south West Seattle too). The July 2025 Rat City Art and Food Walk is on until 8 pm; check here to see the list of participants, on both sides of Roxbury.

Thanks to the tipster who texted us about a big overnight fire (including the photo above). It was at a home in the 10000 block of 26th SW in the 2 am hour. TV outlets report the people in the house got out safely but a firefighter was treated for injuries.

If you got an Amber Alert early this evening about a child taken in Greenbridge, then canceled with word she was found, the case is not closed yet: The person who stole the car containing the child hasn’t been found yet. The car was found at 6th SW and SW 102nd, with the child inside, safe, about an hour after the theft/kidnapping.

Just in from King County Local Services – the big 16th SW project is about to begin:

King County Road Services will start night work on July 16 to repave roads and add safety upgrades in White Center. Crews will work overnight for about three weeks to reduce daytime disruptions. The project includes new safety features on 16th Avenue SW to support safer crossings and calmer traffic.

White Center is getting a much-needed road refresh this summer as King County Road Services, a division of the Department of Local Services, begins construction on the 16th Avenue SW Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project.

Crews will repave sections on three roads and add new safety features to 16th Avenue SW over a three-week period, starting Wednesday night, July 16. Crews will work Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., so businesses can stay open, and parking will remain available during the day.

“This project is about more than fresh pavement,” said Tricia Davis, Director of King County Road Services. “We’re improving safety for everyone who uses the road—whether they walk, roll, bike, or drive—and doing the work in a way that supports local businesses and keeps daytime traffic moving.”

Where we’re working:

16th Avenue SW between SW 100th and SW 107th streets
SW White Center Cutoff between SW 100th Street and 17th Avenue SW
SW 100th Street between 14th Avenue SW and just west of 11th Avenue SW

At all three locations, crews will grind out the old pavement and repave the full width of the road. On 16th Avenue SW, they will also install a new road design layout that includes bike lanes, a center turn lane, and one travel lane in each direction. The other two roads will be repaved but keep their existing configuration.

Once the new pavement and striping are in place on 16th Ave SW, crews will return to add safety features such as curb extensions, flashing lights, and high visibility signs. On-street parking will increase slightly, from 43 to 46 spaces. These final touches will roll out later this summer and into early fall.

Why night work?

Paving at night reduces daytime traffic delays, helps businesses stay open, and keeps street parking available for customers and residents.

What to expect:

Construction may be noisy. Residents within a few blocks may hear equipment and feel vibrations.
Work could take longer if crews face bad weather, equipment problems or unanticipated issues.
Outreach staff will go door-to-door on July 10, and 12 to provide information and answer questions.

Free earplugs available

While supplies last, community members can pick up free earplugs at:

White Center Library
The Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park
The White Center Food Bank
Or request a pair by emailing AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov. Be sure to include your mailing address.

King County Sheriff’s Office investigators say they have no suspects yet in a deadly shooting early today in Boulevard Park. KCSO says the call came in around 1:45 am regarding a shooting at Glen Acres Golf Course (1000 S. 112th). KCSO says:

The caller reported sounds of multiple gunshots and arguing.

One person was pronounced dead at the scene, another had gunshot wounds to his arm. A deputy used a tourniquet in an attempt to stop the bleeding; the victim was taken to Harborview. Our Major Crimes Unit is investigating.

If you have tips, call 911 and refer to KCSO case # C25020035.

10:50 AM: 11 am-3 pm today, you’ve got a chance to help the White Center Food Bank while trying food and drink from more than 30 local purveyors during the Taste of White Center – just look for the WCFB booths in the heart of downtown, buy your $5 tickets (each one gets you a small plate, or beverage, or treat, depending on what a venue’s offering) and get started! We’re headed there soon and will add updates.

ADDED 12:36 PM: Our report!

Even if you’re not hungry – yet – you should be at the Taste of White Center! It’s a street party that, yes, is primarily to raise money for the White Center Food Bank, but there’s a lot of entertainment and information to be had too!

Mariachi musicians played outside Pho Tai, next to the new Whateke Sports Bar …

Dancers are in the Tim’s Tavern lot … and there’s a kid zone just north of 100th:

Families were also drawn to the visiting North Highline Fire Station crews parked on SW 98th:

But back to the food. Maps show all 35 participating venues – including our partner site West Seattle Blog’s sponsors Alpine Diner and Big Mario’s Pizza:

Big Mario’s is serving up big slices of cheese pizza for your $5 ticket (buy tickets at the WCFB booth at 16th SW/SW 98th – each one gets you one of the designated dishes or drinks at participating businesses):

Desserts are available too – Puffy Pandy has ice-cream puffys:

Participants are on White Center’s side streets too – even north of Roxbury in South Delridge, Young’s Restaurant, Max’s Triangle Pub, Can Bar, Nacho Mama, and Meat the Live Butcher. You can get a map/list, but not tickets, at the WCFB table on 16th right off Roxbury if you want to decide. All the ticket revenue goes to the WCFB; the participants are being compensated with sponsor funding. This continues until 3 pm!

Last week we reported that the ex-KFC/A&W at 10050 16th SW is changing into a Wendy’s. We asked the company for more info and have finally heard back. They forwarded a statement from the franchisee:

WTC Ventures is excited to open our first Wendy’s restaurant at this location in White Center early this fall, bringing our fresh, famous food to more people in the community. This restaurant will be designed to meet the needs of our customers’ digital ordering preferences complete with kiosks, dedicated mobile and delivery pick-up points, and an enhanced drive-thru experience.

According to the franchisee’s website, WTC Ventures runs more than 90 Wendy’s in North America, including the one in Burien.

5:11 AM: That’s the area affected by a 4,200-plus customer Seattle City Light outage right now. We don’t yet know the cause.

8:36 AM: Though many got their power back within an hour, 1,700 customers are still out.

The King County Fire Marshal has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban, “restricting yard-debris fires and fires set to clear land in unincorporated areas”:

With the dry season fast approaching, King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for the unincorporated areas of King County. This ban, which prohibits yard debris fires and fires set to clear land, takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., June 30.

The ban is being issued in conjunction with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and King County Fire Marshals Association. It does not apply to recreational fires or gas/propane appliances, including grills, pellet smokers, or charcoal grills.

Expected periods of higher temperatures will expand the amount of dry fuel load and reduce the amount of moisture in vegetation in our communities. This in turn increases the risk of an uncontrolled fire when burning yard debris.

“Summer is a prime season to enjoy the outdoors, but summer also brings higher fire risks. Help prevent uncontrolled fires and potential wildfires by following the Stage 1 Burn Ban,” Urban said. “Your efforts make a difference, and both your neighbors and our first responders will thank you.”

Urban also encourages people who smoke to use extreme caution with their ashes or when they’re extinguishing cigarettes.

There are also rules for approved recreational or campfires:

-Firewood must be seasoned and dry.
-The fire must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, like those typically found in campgrounds.
-The fire must not be used to dispose of debris.
-The fire must grow no larger than three feet wide.
-The fire must be in a clear spot, at least 10 feet away from all vegetation.
-Overhanging branches must be at least 20 feet above the flames.
-The fire must be at least 25 feet away from any structure.
-The fire must always be attended by an alert person with equipment that can put out the fire (such as a shovel and a five-gallon bucket of water, or a connected and charged water hose).
-After use, campfires must be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil over them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
-No burning is allowed when the wind speed is greater than 15 miles per hour.
-If smoke or ash from the fire causes a nuisance to any neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.

Get the latest information on current burn bans by visiting the Department of Local Services’ Fire Safety Burn Bans page.

Received from King County – new information for you about the White Center Ponds project:

Project Overview:

King County is redesigning the White Center Ponds between SW 100th and SW Roxbury Street to improve water quality, increase public safety and improve the usability of the site. The County has reached 30% design for the project, which includes the proposed project elements:

Excavating the existing ponds to make them wet year-round 

Removing invasive weeds and replanting with native plants in a way that maintains sightlines  

Create a loop trail with lighting by adding a new multiuse pathway on the east side of the ponds  

The project team wants to hear from YOU! We would like to hear your thoughts on our early design plans and how a redesign of the White Center Ponds will benefit your community. The project team will be hosting various meetings with small groups, community organizations and programs, and one-on-one interviews.

Take our survey to share your feedback and to receive additional information about the project as design progresses over the next several months!

Project Contact Details:

Project Webpage: tinyurl.com/bdwht6rs

Project Email: KC-WhiteCenterPonds@cascadiaconsulting.com

Don’t let your no-longer-needed books sit around and get dusty! The White Center Library Guild would love to take them, and asked us to share this announcement:

Time to make room for more books? The White Center Library Guild accepts donations of books for our sale shelf.

If you need more space for your books or have left over books from your yard sale, please donate them to the White Center Library Guild. We accept old books, new books, and everything in between.

Just take your donations to the library front desk.

Contributions help fund children and adult programs at the White Center Library! Thank you!

The library’s location and hours are here.

Just received from King County Parks:

Come join us at the Glendale Forest this Saturday, June 28th, for a morning of learning about the plants of the park and digging out species that are crowding out plants that are more beneficial for the health of the park. No experience needed, and we supply all tools/equipment and instruction, all are welcome!Click this link to learn more and sign up here!

If/when you sign up, you’ll get location info.

Tonight (Thursday, June 19) is the big night – the monthly Rat City Art and Food Walk! Dozens of venues this time around – here’s the list published by organizers:

Thanks to a reader tip, we finally have an answer to the popular question “what’s going into the old KFC/A&W?” Work has clearly been under way at the 10-months-vacant building at 10050 16th SW, but we hadn’t found a permit. When a commenter on partner site West Seattle Blog said “Wendy’s,” we almost thought they were joking. But no – according to a sheaf of job listings, it’s for real. We’ll check with the company later today.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

At the start of this month’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting, president Liz Giba said she was expecting it to be a less rambunctious meeting than May (WCN coverage here).

Eventually it was, but not after a somewhat chaotic start.

Though nothing related to it was on the agenda, the Tim’s Tavern outdoor-music situation – which has come before NHUAC off and on for years – arose, somewhat indirectly. A few attendees demanded an explanation of who NHUAC is, what’s their purpose, how are board members chosen, often echoing language that Tim’s has used recently in a social-media campaign, “small unelected group.” (The board used to be elected by the public, in fact, back when King County government formally supported the UACs, which ended more than a decade ago, as the county switched to a focus on “community service areas.” Some UACs, like this one, carried on as unofficial volunteer-powered community coalitions.)

Giba had invited her fellow board members to make statements as the meeting started. Amelia Cullinan wanted to explain that NHUAC is a board of volunteers that is meant to be a liaison with King County. “There’s a lot of deep history from the community in this room … everything NHUAC is about is about true community ..” She acknowledged that some meetings have been poorly attended (and some well-attended, other board members countered) and said the group needs to get the word out more about what it does. “I think we should look at …what the community wants overall.” She eventually addressed the ongoing controversy over outdoor music and said NHUAC is there to help people, depending on what they want or don’t want. “How we can function as a resource, I think there’s a lot we can do, be more of a hub for the community.”

What’s their website? asked an audience member. nhuac.org

NHUAC vice president Barbara Dobkin noted that the county formed the councils back in 1996 and supported them for some years. “We feel this is important because we don’t have city government. We don’t make rules, we don’t legislate …”

An attendee pressed the point of wanting to know how board members were selected. They explained, “We interview folks, we ask what their intentions are.”

“So the board decides who’s on the board?” somebody asked. (Basically, yes, after applicants come forward – it’s not an “invitation only” situation.)

Other attendees asked about bylaws, term limits, other things shaping the board composition; the tone was generally not friendly curiosity. Someone in the audience tried to clarify that NHUAC worked to help ensure access to King County reps and info. Attendees said they’re just trying to understand what’s going on here, because “there’s a situation and someone on your board started it. … We don’t understand what’s going on. … It’s gotten pretty messy where it’s been.” The word “transparency” was heard a lot.

A man in the audience said “There’s a fight happening now …” “The fight is between the county and Tim’s,” the board tried to clarify.

The people in the audience started stridenly demanding that NHUAC post bylaws.

Yet another attendee suggested that King County is not reaching out well enough to White Center’s diverse demographic groups, and also that King County Sheriff’s Deputies in 2018 were described in an audit as not well trained in the noise ordinance.

It’s hard to find out online where the unincorporated areas are, someone said.

Dobkin pointed out that there’s a Local Services newsletter monthly that recounts those

The woman in the back kept shouting about transparency. Eventually, it all calmed down somewhat, and the NHUAC board moved on into their agenda, which, as we noted, .

LIQUOR AND CANNABIS BOARD: Officer Eric Thomas was the first guest. He said his assigned area has recently changed – he’s now also covering all of Tukwila. He’s one of four officers “on the south team,” from the King/Pierce Counties boundary to SW Roxbury. There’s also the South Seattle team and the North Seattle team – each with five officers and a lieutenant. “Little known we also have a unit called FDA which works for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,” doing some compliance checks.

He addressed some specific businesses – Smoke Town, for example, had a 180-day tobacco suspension after failing a certain number of checks. They’re currently pursuing a discontinuance of the license; the owner hasn’t responded to attempts at contact. “They will not have a liquor license or a tobacco license.” Also, Lucky Liquor/Cannabis across 16th from the Southgate Rink Bar.”That owner voluntarily closed his business to move his license to another location.” Cocina Cocera opened recently, with South American food.

Lots of discussion ensued about businesses past, present, and future. Thomas said they don’t generally issue licenses more than 90 days before the business opens. He is supposed to do a “new licensee” inspection within 60 days of a license being granted, so it’s frustrating when the timeline stretches out.

Thomas said he loves working with new businesses and answering questions. In general, he explained, a big part of his job is education.

COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER MOSQUEDA: “I know I’ll see many of you at White Center Pride this weekend!” she exclaimed. She also said she and her daughter had dinner at Cocina Cocera and were wowed.

Her main goal – improving the community’s health. She mentioned the King County Sheriff’s Office representation in the area and says that communities “that may have been harmed in the. past” are feeling listened to. She said the job fair and basketball tournament at Steve Cox Memorial Park earlier in the week brought “an incredible sense of community.” She also said that she wants people to know that District 8 represents three unincorporated areas – North Highline, Vashon, and South Park’s “sliver by the river.” She talked about the Parks Levy “at a time when the federal government is cutting” those types of services – but she wants specific investments for this area, so she circulated a handout that listed various projects earmarked for part of the Parks Levy funding. A splashpark at Steve Cox Memorial Park is on the list. A covered play area for kids, too.

She also brought a one-sheet about North Highline roads in need of help, saying the county council, sitting as the Transportation Benefit District, heard a presentation about the county’s failing roads. The conversation began before COVID and then changed – but another conversation is coming up in less than two months, she said.

She also offered gratitude for feedback – like on the recent comp plan. She said a constituent expressed concern about new bigbox stores. North Highline doesn’t need those, she agreed. She also brought up stormwater infrastructure, which she said is needed to support an inreasing population. but she also expressed concern about empty houses awaiting Air BnB usage during the World Cup. “What we can’t do is having working families’ homes held empty,” so they’re looking at ways that they might address that in the ways that other counties in the state have.

Mosqueda also said she’s been looking into derelict properties – homes and businesses – and mentioned the Seattle Restored program. She would like to see something like that in White Center.

Other topics that came up – beer and wine sales are now allowed in the stands at DubSea Fish Sticks games.

Back to the Parks Levy, what about public art? Yes, there’s a policy directive for that, including $2 million for an art initiative including a pocket park in downtown White Center.”

Grants for public art? “There are tons of grants for public art,” she said.

Other questions ranged from “what does councilmanic mean?” (answer: the council gets to decide) to more elaboration on trees and lighting that are in the Parks Levy.

A question finally came up about the Tim’s Tavern live-music situation. “How can we help Tim’s?” asked an attendee. Mosqueda said the planning department is working on it. She added that White Center’s thriving arts scene is important, and she’s hoping the whole situation can find a “win-win solution.” She added to the questioner, “We hear you.” However, there is no proposal to change zoning, she clarified to us in a conversation at a West Seattle event two nights later.

WHAT’S NEXT: NHUAC will resume meetings in the fall.