West Seattle, Washington
24 Monday
Three biznotes tonight:
ANOTHER PROSPECTIVE WESTWOOD VILLAGE TENANT: Even as other future Westwood Village tenants like Total Wine & More (seemingly on the brink of signage) and Panda Express work on remodels, another prospective tenant has turned up in city permit records: F45 Training, a fitness chain, is penciled in for the former Massage Envy spot on the north side of WWV. Its current Seattle locations include the Central District, Queen Anne, Ballard, Eastlake, and Northgate.
BECU OPENS IN WHITE CENTER: As noted here last month, BECU (WSB sponsor) has been building a Neighborhood Financial Center in the new mixed-use development at 16th/107th in White Center, and the credit union says it’s now open. They’re planning a grand-opening community celebration at 3 pm Wednesday, March 19. Readers have asked if the Roxbury Safeway BECU mini-branch will close; a BECU spokesperson told us today, “At this time, we have not announced plans for our Roxbury location.”
WAXING CLINIC:: Skiing and boarding season continues! So Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is presenting an “Intro to Waxing” this Wednesday (February 26), 6 pm:
The workshop will provide attendees with the skills and knowledge needed to keep their ski and snowboarding gear in top condition. There is a $10 ticket but that ticket cost can be used as credit toward the purchase of personal waxing supplies at Mountain to Sound.
Get your ticket, and find out more about the clinic, here.
(WSB photos/video)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A new partnership blossomed today, as dozens of local Girl Scout troops picked up cases of cookies outside the WestSide Baby warehouse in White Center – and left behind gifts: Thousands of donated diapers!
It’s the first year of this new partnership – WestSide Baby’s back lot was perfect for delivering and distributing more than 5,000 cases of this year’s taste treats, from Samoas to S’mores, Lemon-Ups to Tagalongs.
It was an especially good fit as a “family-forward event,” WS Baby’s Will Owen noted. Volunteers of all ages were there to help distribute the cases of cookies, set aside for troops based on their advance orders as well as what they expect to sell when cookie booths open in less than two weeks. This volunteer group was from Troop 46282 – Emery, Sophie, and Rondy, plus helper August:
The Girl Scouts’ Service Unit, 550 – which includes 60 troops from West Seattle to Vashon Island – had planned everything perfectly – until a delivery delay almost threatened the pickup plans – but the trucks showed up a few hours later than scheduled, just in time for pickups to happen this afternoon after all:
This truck was particularly welcome – one volunteer looking at the boxes excitedly exclaimed, “I see green!” – that meant its load included the most popular Girl Scout Cookies of all, Thin Mints (“I need 34 cases!” declared one troop rep standing by):
Cami Allers, managing the day’s logistics, told us that if troops run out before cookie-selling season is over, there’s a designated “Cookie Cupboard” from which they can get more.
While cookie booths will open Friday, February 28 – look for your nearest one(s) here (or order online!) – WestSide Baby is launching a campaign of its own the day after that. Development and communications director Morgan McGinn told us the next donation campaign starts March 1st; watch for news of how to help. Diaper donations are always welcome, and the sizes most needed right now are 4, 5, and 6, plus pullups. Meantime, volunteers continued tallying thousands of Scout-donated diapers today even as the cookie pickups continued:
We’re waiting to hear who finished as the top troops on the diaper-donation list; everyone who brought some in got a goodie bag, which included information about the tens of thousands of children that West Seattle-founded WestSide Baby serves every year. (Here’s how you can help them too.)
Why wait till Friday to celebrate your Valentine, when you can do it a day early and a lot wilder, with your dollars going to the West Seattle Food Bank?
Love Rocks, Hunger Doesn’t!
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? The Lumberyard Bar invites you to its Alternative Valentine’s event featuring the local punk band No More Death Stars, promising an unforgettable evening of music, fun, and community spirit — all for a good cause – the West Seattle Food Bank!
Join us on Thursday, February 13th, at The Lumberyard Bar; 9619 16th Ave SW, White Center.
Doors open at 7:30 PM, and the show kicks off at 8:00 PM. Tickets are just $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Attendees can look forward to:
-Live music from No More Death Stars
-Raffles & door prize – all advance ticket holders will be entered to win the door prize
-Happy hour drink specials all night & a signature event cocktailAll ticket sales, raffles & signature cocktail proceeds from this exciting evening will directly benefit the vital programs of the West Seattle Food Bank, which supports food security, rent assistance, and other essential services for our community.
“This event is all about having fun, building connections, and supporting an organization doing the incredible work to strengthen our community,” said Mark Hardee of No More Death Stars. “We’re thrilled to celebrate love, friendship, and community spirit!”
Get your tickets now and don’t miss this chance to enjoy a night of great music and meaningful impact. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite online at: tinyurl.com/su622wed.
For more information, please contact Robbin@westseattlefoodbank.org or (206) 686-4
Today we’re welcoming a new sponsor, BECU, getting ready to open another Neighborhood Financial Center in this area, this time in White Center. New WSB sponsors have the opportunity to tell you about themselves – so here’s BECU’s message for you:
Hey, West Seattle, a new BECU Neighborhood Financial Center (or NFC) is opening soon near you! We’re proud to find a new home, right in the heart of White Center — on the corner of Southwest 107th and 16th Avenue Southwest — that will make financial services more accessible for over 16,600 residents in neighborhoods like Highland Park, Delridge, White Center, and Top Hat.
As Washington’s largest not-for-profit, community-driven credit union, BECU is committed to bringing better financial access and wellbeing to South King County. At our White Center NFC, you’ll find BECU member consultants who can provide personal guidance to help our members navigate their unique financial situation. The center will offer a full range of services; including personalized, account management, mortgages, support for small businesses, and ATMs. Members will also have access to digital tools like Video Banking, online savings tools, and free Financial Health Checks, where our team will review your finances with you one-on-one. In addition, the new NFC will provide a space for financial health classes, community events, and other educational programming. Our goal is for the NFC to become a valuable community resource that promotes financial empowerment through both in- person support and virtual solutions that meet our members’ ever-evolving needs.
In keeping with BECU’s mission as a not-for-profit cooperative, this new NFC also reflects our dedication to community support and philanthropy. BECU is proud to support the local White Center Food Bank. We previously awarded funds to the White Center Food Bank as part of our annual People Helping People Awards program, enabling initiatives like the BIPOC Food Distribution Project with the Silent Task Force. BECU has also extended support to other local organizations, including Freedom Church, Highline College Foundation, and the Renton Regional Community Foundation — all of which have an ongoing history of positive impact on White Center residents.
Through these efforts, BECU seeks to strengthen the social and financial fabric of your community, underscoring our commitment to creating lasting, meaningful change for our members. Visit us at BECU.org to become a member today. We can’t wait to serve you in person soon.
Federally insured by NCUA.
We thank BECU‘s new White Center NFC for supporting community-collaborative local news by sponsoring WSB. Interested in sponsorship? Please call us at 206-293-6302.
Nate Little from Lariat Bar does the honors at Rat City Tree Lighting
We close out this Friday with your next chance to demonstrate the West Seattle Giving Spirit. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn about, and support, some of our area’s unstoppable nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Tonight – the White Center Food Bank, whose mission stretches into West Seattle too:
Our mission is to minimize hunger while nourishing community, nurturing self-reliance and embracing our rich cultural diversity. The White Center Food Bank began unofficially in the mid-1970s as an emergency response to assist struggling families and individuals in the greater White Center and Highline areas during a major economic downturn. Much like today, many in the community were faced with difficult economic conditions that left them in need of food resources.
We were there then. We are here now.
Please consider a financial contribution, running a food drive or volunteering to help us keep the community fed!
We are also open for tours of our new facility. If you are interested, please contact Jefferson Rose, Development and Communications Director at jefferson@whitecenterfoodbank.org
Scroll through our archive of West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights here (newest to oldest), and watch for the next one on Monday!
We’re getting some questions about the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter flying over downtown White Center. According to a bulletin shared over the Seattle Police airwaves and subsequent discussion on KCSO radio, they’re investigating a robbery at 15th/100th. The robber “ran eastbound and linked up with (two other people),” according to KCSO radio. The robber took the victim’s cell phone. No description(s) yet.
The West Seattle Giving Spirit sustains thousands of people in our neighborhoods – and in White Center too. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn more about, and support, some of our area’s tireless nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Today – White Center Pride, whose work stretches into West Seattle, not just centered south of the city-limit line:
At White Center Pride, our mission is to foster a diverse LGBTQIA+ community in White Center through year-round events, grassroots efforts, and community initiatives, creating an inclusive space for all.
We strive to help create a vibrant and welcoming White Center where LGBTQIA+ individuals are embraced, valued, and empowered to live authentically, contributing to a community that thrives on diversity and inclusivity.
Our 5th annual Pride Street Festival saw record attendance, more than one hundred vendors, highlighting the strength and unity of our community.
Please join us in celebrating our community spirit at our Winter Fundraiser: Ho-Ho-Ho-Down at the Lumberyard from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday, December 6th, at the Lumberyard Bar. It’s a $20 donation and we’re planning a rocking good time with food, fun and friends.
We’re always looking for help for this and future events, so please reach out to info@whitecenterpride.org and let us know how you’d like to support us as a volunteer.
We are entirely community-sponsored, so please donate. It’s Your Pride!!!
DONATE HERE
VOLUNTEER SIGNUP – email info@whitecenterpride.org
LEARN MORE HERE
Scroll through our archive of West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights here (newest to oldest), and watch for the next one on Friday!
Today, we start our series of spotlights to tap into your West Seattle Giving Spirit. Last week, we invited local nonprofits to participate in this first-ever coordinated giving campaign – first-come first-served – and our partner in the campaign, Learning Communities Foundation, received enough applications to fill up the spots. Three times a week before year’s end, here on WSB, you’ll learn about a different West Seattle/White Center nonprofit and how you can support it. LCF is kicking off the campaign with a spotlight on its early-learning center Educare Seattle, as the first participant – here’s their story:
It’s Fire Drill Day @ Educare Seattle!
A fire drill with the 150 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at Educare Seattle Early Learning in White Center is no small feat. All of the little people, with all their little FEET, practice their listening, walking, and self-control under the care of their teachers to trek outside.
Educare Seattle is an innovative early-learning center in White Center, with a Whole Family Whole Child approach, where hiring decisions, curriculum changes, and even 1:1 learning plans are done with staff and families working together. Your gift as part of the West Seattle Giving Spirit campaign will support Educare Seattle’s early learning impact right here.
Because 85% of brain development happens before the 3rd birthday, high-quality early learning that partners deeply with families is vital. During the roughly 2,000 days between birth and kindergarten, a child’s mind and body are focused solely on growing and developing – inside and out.
Investing in Educare Seattle (624 SW 100th) means you are investing in a neighbor’s child during this important time as well as the future promise of our West Seattle and White Center communities.
With data and evaluation in hand and relationships built on trust, families meeting “income and circumstance” criteria receive child care and attend preschool in a setting built on four pillars that combine to lead to a Racially Just and Humanizing Learning Community.
Those are big words for a program focused on little children.
Daily, 150 children enter Educare Seattle’s 10 classrooms. They are greeted by teachers and school leaders who look and sound like them, honor their stories, and celebrate their traditions. Parents and caregivers are recognized as their children’s first and most important teachers and have access to family support services and leadership opportunities in equal proportion.
A mom of a recent “Off to Kindergarten” graduate says, “Our family has really grown with Educare the past 3.5 years. I left a really hard relationship, moved and didn’t have a job. With the help of my Family Advocate, I became a Parent Advocate. (This means) I was able to look at resumes of people who wanted to work here and that helped ME get more experience (so that) I also got a job (and was recently promoted!). I cannot say enough good things about Educare and how much they help families in need and how much they helped me.”
Real-time, equity-centered data and evaluation practices impact every family (100% of families have faced systemic obstacles grounded in poverty or oppression) and also inform both state and federal legislation beyond the walls of our building.
Educare was launched in 2010 with capital and operational support from the Gates Foundation; that funding source has now ended. Educare Seattle is a part of a network of 27 Educare schools all under the nationwide Early Learning Network. Its local impact has national influence through this critical partnership. Primary funding for Educare Seattle comes from federal Head Start and Early Head Start funds, in kind and backbone support from the Puget Sound Educational Service District and fund development support from the Learning Communities Foundation, the PSESD’s philanthropic partner.
Join us for a Tour tomorrow – Thursday, November 21, 10:30-12 pm – or at a date of your choice December 9-13 – email nwoodland@learningcommunitiesfoundation.org
Interested in learning about volunteering in 2025? nwoodland@learningcommunitiesfoundation.org
Enrollment information is here – or email Family Advocate Christina Monteith (cmonteith@psesd.org)
We are hiring teachers! Email Site Manager Johna Rhooms (jrhooms@psesd.org) to learn more.
West Seattle Giving Spirit, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation, will bring you the next spotlight on Friday – you’ll be able to learn about, and lift up, another local nonprofit!
A few blocks south of the city limit and west of White Center, a reader asked why deputies had blocked off 26th SW and SW 104th a few hours ago. King County Sheriff’s Office says it was “some sort of vehicle recovery – the car was possibly stolen and the driver was passed out or having some sort of medical emergency and was taken to Harborview.”
The first big event of the night has 16th SW closed to traffic between Roxbury and SW 100th, as White Center’s “Halloweentown” welcomes trick-or-treaters, among others – actually “trunk or treaters,” with decorated low-rider cars on the west side of the north block:
Go admire the decorated trunks and grab some candy.
Even well before dark, the ghosts and goblins were out marauding.
Individual venues have activities too – travel through the scary-clown inflatable arch at Big Mario’s Pizza/Alpine Diner (WSB sponsors) and you’ll find pumpkins to paint:
More grownup fun is part of the party later in the evening too – Halloweentown is in the spirit until 2 am.
The twice-yearly “Observation Blitz” campaigns at Nucor‘s West Seattle steel plant has benefits beyond worker safety. It also raises money for West Seattle-founded, White Center-based WestSide Baby to support its work helping babies, kids, and their families. Here’s how the “blitz” is explained: “Nucor challenges their teammates to complete as many safety observations as possible and donates $5, for every observation completed.” Nucor team members stopped by WS Baby on Thursday for a ceremonial check presentation from this year’s campaign, making a donation of $15,800. WS Baby spokesperson Morgan McGinn tells WSB, “Nucor has supported WestSide Baby for going on 11 years now … Our team is so grateful for their commitment to community and giving back.” (You can help WS Baby too – this page will point you to six possibilities.)
This came up in comments on the report about this afternoon’s Army helicopter sightings. Unrelated but just to close the loop – we were finally able to confirm that the 3:30-4 pm-ish helicopter sighting was Guardian One helping with the search after a robbery reported at Taboo Video in downtown White Center (9913 16th SW). We have a short story on partner site White Center Now and will add anything else we find out from the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Got books you don’t want/need any more? Many donation-accepting organizations aren’t interested in books … but here’s an exception: The White Center Library Guild. In addition to their sale events, guild volunteers maintain a “for sale” shelf at the WC Library. The guild says, “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!” It’s at 1409 SW 107th; days/hours are here.
FIRST REPORT, 4:22 PM: Highline Public Schools – the district serving communities including White Center and Burien – will be closed again tomorrow. It’s the third day without classes since the district disclosed it was dealing with “unauthorized activity” in its technology systems. Highline is an out-of-district draw for its Raisbeck Aviation High School and Maritime High School, so the closure’s effects reach beyond the district’s borders. Today’s announcement is here.
7:41 PM: As noted by K in a comment, Highline says it’s expecting to reopen schools on Thursday because they’ve “taken steps to allow us to restore certain segments of our digital network in a secure manner.” Details of how they’ll reopen are on the district website.
Thanks for the tips. Highline Public Schools, the district immediately south of here, has announced its schools will remain closed for a second day tomorrow:
All schools will remain closed on Tuesday, September 10. All school activities, athletics and meetings are canceled. Central office will be open.
Our investigation into unauthorized activity on our technology systems is ongoing, and critical systems are still offline.
The message sent to Highline staffers, as forwarded to us, also says “We have not seen evidence of staff, family, or student information compromised.” The district so far is not commenting on the nature of the “unauthorized activity,” first disclosed on Sunday afternoon.
Thanks for the tips. Highline Public Schools – the district immediately south of here – has announced that a technology problem will close all its schools tomorrow (Monday, September 9) though some staffers are still expected to come to work. Here’s the full announcement from the district’s website:
All schools are closed on Monday, September 9. All school activities, athletics and meetings are canceled, including the vaccine clinic. Central office is open.
We have detected unauthorized activity on our technology systems and have taken immediate action to isolate critical systems. We are working closely with third-party, state and federal partners to safely restore and test our systems.
We understand this comes as an unexpected disruption, particularly on the eve of the first day of kindergarten for many of our families. We recognize the burden this decision places on both families and staff, but student safety is our top priority, and we cannot have school without these critical systems in place. …
School and central office administrators are expected to report to work. Central office administrators may be deployed to schools if needed.
The investigation is ongoing. We will notify staff and families by 2:00 p.m. on Monday if this disruption impacts schools on Tuesday.
Like most other local schools, Highline just started its 2024-2025 year this past week.
Thanks for the tip! The White Center KFC and A&W location at 10050 16th SW has suddenly shuttered, and that big banner explains why. This is WC’s second fried-chicken closure in less than three weeks, after Bok a Bok. We’ll be adding details on our partner site White Center Now as we get them. (West Seattle’s KFC closed six years ago; Habit Burger is at that site now.)
(Mia Tran painting outside Crawfish House)
5:46 PM: Thanks to Meghan for the tip on this new monthly event launching tonight in White Center and South Delridge! The first-ever Rat City Art and Food Walk – organized by the White Center Business Alliance – is happening right now, continuing until 9 pm and, at some venues, beyond. Here’s the list of participants as published by organizers:
1. 2 Fingers Social – Live Painting, DJ, Tattoos!
2. Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery – Vecinos Art Show
3. Nacho Mama – $5 Mini Native Tacos
4. Misfits Strength Studio – Circus Art
5. Boombox – Karaoke 9 pm-close
6. Lumberyard – Live Art, GameNite 8pm, Happy Hour 4-7 pm
7. Mynt – Gift with Mural Selfie and Social Media Post
8. Alebrijes Oaxacan Kitchen – Kids/Youth Painting & Food Specials
9. Big Mario’s Pizza and Alpine Diner – Live Music & Food Specials
10. Southgate Roller Rink Bar – Karaoke w/ Baby Metten
11. Tim’s Tavern – Live Music W/ Dusty 45s & Tropical Itch Art By Henry Ward
12. Sap Sap Lao Deli – Meatball Skewer Special & Tofu & Gluten Free Sauce Special
13. Que Chevere – Latin Music & Food Specials
14. Crawfish House – Live Painting by Mia
15. Puffy Pandy – DJ, Live Painting, Interactive Panda Mural, Artist Marketplace, $5 Ice Cream Puffys
16. Lariat Bar – Live Art by Nolan Harris & Market by John X Garaizar & Sing in the Ring Karaoke with Christopher Mychael
17. Blu Grouse – Gears N Beers
More photos to come.
6:46 PM: We visited what are essentially the north and south ends of tonight’s zone. Next to the artist in our top photo, MG Creations is at work outside Puffy Pandy:
Across 16th at wrestling-themed Lariat Bar, wrestling-themed art is being created by Nolanium:
At the north end, 2 Fingers Social was jumping – multiple artists, including Rosie Pringle with Super Nature:
Outside, a shave-ice pop-up with White Center’s own Patrick’s Café and Bakery:
You can wander until 9 pm – and make plans for the second Rat City Art and Food Walk on September 19.
3:23 PM: Police are converging on 15th/Roxbury for a report of someone “down” after a report of two people shooting, possibly “at each other.” This is reported to have started on the city side of the intersection near Walgreens but the possible victim is reported to be in front of the gas station on the unincorporated side. Suspect(s) and whereabouts haven’t been clarified yet – various conflicting descriptions. Updates to come.
3:30 PM: Officers told dispatch they’ve found casings outside Walgreens, and one person is reported injured – described as a 22-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the back – outside the gas station across the street.
3:43 PM: SFD medics are taking the victim to Harborview. Officers have just told dispatch that so far they’ve found “19 casings, a mix of 9 and 10 millimeter” by Walgreens. Our crew has arrived in the area and we’re adding photos of the investigation.
3:54 PM: A K-9 team from KCSO has arrived at the scene to see if they can track the shooters – they’re heading north on 16th for starters.
4:07 PM: The track ended at 16th/Henderson, officers told dispatch.
5:01 PM: SFD tells us the victim was in serious condition when transported.
5:50 PM: SPD spokesperson Officer Eric Muñoz tells WSB the victim is 23 and was found “suffering from two gunshot wounds to his leg and lower back.” He is expected to survive. No additional information on circumstances and no comment on whether the victim was targeted; regarding description, he says only that “Two suspects wearing masks, possibly in their late teens to early 20s, were seen fleeing the area.” If you have any information, the incident # is 24-224883, and you can call 911 or the SPD tipline at 206-233-5000.
(Added: WSB/WCN photo)
Thanks to Sue for the tip. Just published on our partner site White Center Now, the proprietor of the Bok a Bok fried-chicken mini-chain has just closed two locations, including White Center, where he founded Bok a Bok eight years ago. He says “third-party apps” took too big a cut. Details here.
We first reported two years ago on King County Road Services‘ plan to narrow 16th Avenue SW between SW 100th and SW 107th to improve safety on a stretch notorious for pedestrian deaths and injuries. The project is of interest to West Seattleites too, particularly with 107th connecting westward to Arbor Heights. Planning on the project has continued, and the county now plans on construction next year (one year later than originally announced). County spokesperson Brent Champaco summarizes where it’s at now:
To reduce speeds and calm traffic, which makes the area safer for pedestrians, the project narrows the road from four lanes to two and includes a two-way center turning lane. It adds many pedestrian safety features like bumped out sloped curbs at corners and traffic crossing lights with flashing beacons.
The project does not remove the total number of parking spots in the project corridor. Currently there are 43 existing on-street parking spots between SW 100th and SW 107th streets. The design option with bike lanes on both sides adds a total of three spaces to bring the total number of on-street parking spaces to 46. It also moves parking spots around, depending on the block, to accommodate travel lanes and bike lanes.
The design option with no bike lanes brings the total number of parking spots to 67, again, up from 43. It also moves parking spots around, depending on the block, to accommodate travel lanes.
We did community surveys and outreach in 2022 and got to a 30-50% design. It was during the peak of COVID so in-person outreach was difficult. We are holding another meeting, at the community’s request, on July 24 to share updated information about the two options.
If you are interested in seeing the latest plans and asking questions, that meeting is happening this Wednesday (July 24), 6:30 pm, at the White Center Food Bank headquarters, which is in the future project zone – 10016 16th SW. The meeting will also be accessible online; the link is on this page. The project cost is just under $2 million, funded by a federal grant.
P.S. The latest online survey for the project is open, too – find it here.
From its beginnings on a stub of 17th north of the city-limit line, the White Center Low Rider Block Party has grown in a big way this year, moving to the other side of the line and spreading across multiple blocks of 17th between Roxbury and 100th.
You’ll also find art/vendor booths, two DJ stages (with live music 5-8 pm), community groups, and a food court, but the cars are the stars:
Some with accessories:
A few motorcycles and bicycles too! The Low Rider Block Party, presented by Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW), is on until 8 pm.
ADDED: WSB contributor Jason Grotelueschen shared this highlight from an evening dance performance:
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