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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Suspect arrested; package thefts
January 6, 2021 6:26 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes:

SUSPECT ARRESTED: A big SPD and KCSO presence drew attention at the Dollar Tree store in White Center late this afternoon. We don’t have full details on this but officers at the scene told us they arrested the suspect they were seeking, wanted for using a knife to threaten people at one or more West Seattle locations before he was found at the store. Concerns about a standoff drew the big response but the suspect surrendered before long. MONDAY FOLLOWUP NOTE: The SPD “significant incident” summary published today indicates the person was in crisis and was taken to a hospital.

PACKAGE THEFT: Kendra says her building in North Admiral (44th/College) started having a problem with missing packages about two weeks ago. On Monday, she received a notice that a package had been delivered around noon, but returned home at 8 to discover the torn-open, empty box in the parking lot. A neighbor told her the package was seen in the lobby with another one around 6 pm. That same night, a suitcase belonging to a resident was taken from a locked storage area and dumped in the parking lot. Last night, Kendra saw a suspicion-stirring driver in the alley, in a dark sedan missing its front plate; when confronted, she said, the driver claimed to be an Amazon driver, but when she called to confirm, the company told her they were unable to look up anything more than package info.

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UPDATE: Crash causes power outage in West Seattle, White Center, South Park
December 20, 2020 8:15 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Utilities | West Seattle news | White Center

8:15 AM: We’re getting word of a power outage – Highland Park, Riverview, Greenbridge checking in so far. Apparently a crash on the Highland Park Way hill is related, per emergency radio. Updates to come.

8:19 AM: City Light map shows 2,100+ out. The outage also stretches into South Park.

8:50 AM: Police are still at the scene of the crash. No serious injuries reported. We are headed that way.

8:57 AM: Crashed car is off the road on uphill side, close to bottom of hill. Both directions of traffic still open. Signals are out at top and bottom of hill. Remember, that means all-way stop!

9:04 AM: Texters report power restored.

9:29 AM: Updated map shows 281 still out, mostly Puget Ridge.

10:19 AM: And now the map shows everybody’s back on.

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FOOD NOTES: Bizzarro, La Rustica, Shug’s
December 14, 2020 4:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | White Center

Eat local! Three West Seattle/White Center food notes:

BIZZARRO ITALIAN CAFE: We first reported last month that Bizzarro Italian Café, a north Seattle fixture, was adding a White Center location, in the ex-Noble Barton space at 9635 16th SW. Tonight is opening night; they’re offering takeout and third-party delivery 5-8 pm nightly for starters.

LA RUSTICA: While we’re talking about Italian food, we have an update from La Rustica (4100 Beach Dr. SW):

We at La Rustica just wanted to remind everyone in West Seattle that our covered, heated patio is open for dining. Our patio is super-cozy and we are making sure all tables are socially distanced. We can take reservations for 5 or 5:30 pm. We also offer online ordering for takeout at larustica.westseattle@gmail.com. There are delivery and pick-up options available.

We are open Tuesday-Sunday 5-9 pm, Friday and Saturday until 10 pm. We really appreciate all of the support we have received from the community. If you have aany questions or to take a reservation, please call us at 206-932-3020 or email us at larustica.westseattle@gmail.com.

SHUG’S: And now, for dessert:

I am having a Holiday Pop-Up at our Shug’s Mini spot – 3800A California Ave SW, at the corner of Charlestown. The Pop-Up starts on Thursday, 12/17-12/23. Hours are 2-7 pm, and then 12/24, 2-5 pm.

We will be offering ice-cream gift boxes, pints of ice cream, bottles of dessert wine, and a bonus Pike Place Market Favorite foods table of goodies!

Got a business note, food or otherwise? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Power outage in South Delridge, Westwood, White Center, Highland Park
December 12, 2020 2:34 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Highland Park | Utilities | West Seattle news | Westwood | White Center

2:34 PM: Getting word of a power outage – hearing from South Delridge and White Center so far. Not mapped yet. Anyone else?

2:37 PM: 3,760 without power – just came up on City Light map. No cause yet.

2:58 PM: The outage is affecting some traffic signals, including on Roxbury – remember that an out or flashing signal becomes a 4-way stop. Also reported to be affected: At least part of Westwood Village.

3:20 PM: There’s a multi-vehicle crash at an apparently affected intersection, 16th/107th, with one car reported on its side. King County Sheriff’s Deputies are on scene. Meanwhile, we have a message out to SCL seeking the latest on the outage’s cause.

3:32 PM: Via Twitter, City Light just said it’s “troubleshooting” the cause. But we just got a text that power’s back for at least some.

3:39 PM: The map shows just under 400 customers now still without power, mostly in the Greenbridge area. Adding the updated screengrab above.

3:51 PM: Here’s the crash scene at 16th/107th, east side of the intersection:

Deputies say three cars were involved and the signal (back on now) was out at the time. No injuries. They’re just waiting for tow trucks.

5:56 PM: SCL map shows everybody’s back on.

6:07 PM: SCL tells us that “underground cable failure” is what they believe was the cause.

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From White Center Now: 3 restaurant/bar changes
November 10, 2020 1:46 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | White Center

Over on partner site White Center Now, we have news of changes in three restaurant/bar spaces, all in the same block of 16th SW just south of Roxbury. See the story here.

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ART: WestSide Baby’s new mural, and current needs
November 4, 2020 2:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center | WS culture/arts

Thanks to WestSide Baby for the photo of that brand-new mural on the north-facing wall of the nonprofit’s White Center HQ. It’s by artist Angelina Villalobos, who painted it last weekend. The organization explains:

The mural is the end result of many conversations for many years, but was pushed forward by the organization’s desire to communicate their values of Humanity, Resilience, and Intention OUTSIDE of their huge warehouse walls in response to the murder of George Floyd in late May and the continued fight for justice in our community and beyond. The building has been tagged with graffiti a number of times over the last couple months, with messages of support for Black Lives and racial justice, and it was important for WestSide Baby to honor that sentiment.

The artist elaborated on her work:

I centered a circle and honed in on shapes growing out, emulating pages of an open book. From the open book I filled it with words of justice, love, and equity, and more words brainstormed by WestSide Baby staff, including their values of Humanity, Resilience, and Intentionality. This design color and type was pulled from 1960s-styled protest posters, reminding us of the fight for civil rights and love during that time, and now in 2020.

WestSide Baby has distributed more than 1.6 million diapers to local families so far this year, and says that’s more than during any other full year in the organization’s 20 years of work. You can support them in two ways: Donate dollars or diapers. For online donation info, go here; for in-person donating, they’re accepting boxes or packages of all sizes of diapers and pullups, plus wipes and other hygiene items, 10 am-2 pm Wednesdays at the White Center HQ (10002 14th SW).

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Why the Guardian One helicopter was over South Delridge/White Center
October 19, 2020 7:40 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news | White Center

7:40 PM: Thanks for the texts. Guardian One was circling South Delridge/White Center for a while earlier this evening; just as we were headed out to look on the ground for any signs of a related response, the online flight tracker showed that the helicopter moved on. Then Mike saved the day by tweeting that he’d seen a sizable response in the O’Reilly Auto Parts lot at 17th/Roxbury. We were able to talk briefly to a King County Sheriff’s Office sergeant there; he told us they’re looking for a “fugitive” but would not elaborate further, aside from confirming that the helicopter presence was indeed related. We’re trying to find out more and will update if we do.

9:09 PM: KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Abbott says the person they were seeking is “a homicide suspect wanted out of Seattle.”

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CRIME WATCH: About the SWAT raid at 17th SW/SW 107th
October 15, 2020 8:21 pm
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB/WCN photos)

Thanks for all the tips about this SWAT raid just west of the busy 16th/SW 107th intersection (Taco Bell, etc.), at the east end of a popular route between south West Seattle and White Center. We got there just as the operation was wrapping up. Some research revealed that it was NOT a King County Sheriff’s Office operation, though that’s their jurisdiction – it was led by Renton PD. They weren’t able to provide us information immediately – but we just got some from KCSO’s Major Jeffrey Flohr, speaking at the North Highline Town Hall that we’re covering right now for our partner site White Center Now. He said the operation was indeed in partnership with Renton PD – it started with officers pulling over a car last night (where, he didn’t say) and finding 10 pounds of meth, leading to warrants being served today, including this one.

Maj. Flohr said several people were taken into custody today at locations including this one, and that drugs and money were seized.

We’re hoping for additional info from Renton PD tomorrow.

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The Wash Dog: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!
August 19, 2020 3:35 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news | White Center

The Wash Dog has a spacious new home, and the “bath house and spa for pets” is sponsoring WSB to make sure everybody knows about the move. Here’s what they would like you to know:

The Wash Dog has moved! We are very happy to be able to welcome furry customers to our new and larger location: 10623 16th Ave SW in White Center [map].

At The Wash Dog, there’s a grooming service for every need:

*Self-Service Dog Wash Rooms – Walk-In Service

*Professional Bathing Service – by appointment

*Professional Grooming – by appointment

*Nail Trims – Walk-In Service

Customers can also drop by with their dog just to say “hi” and pick up a treat.

The Wash Dog is located at 10623 16th Ave SW, on the west side of the street. Hours for walk-in services are Monday–Friday, 10 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday/Sunday, 9 am to 5:00 pm. Holiday hours are always posted online at thewashdog.com or on The Wash Dog’s Facebook page.

We thank The Wash Dog for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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SCOOTERS: White Center arrivals; Seattle discussion details
August 17, 2020 1:19 pm
|      69 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | White Center

Suddenly, scooter-sharing is front and center, after a while on the back-burner.

WHITE CENTER PILOT PROGRAM BEGINS: We were in White Center as Lime delivered its first scooters this morning, on the first day of its pilot program, following Friday night’s announcement. More on our partner site White Center Now.

Meantime, Seattle is suddenly gearing up for its own launch, and we know more about the West Seattle component:

SEATTLE DISCUSSION WEDNESDAY: That is a page from the slide deck accompanying the agenda for Wednesday morning’s City Council Transportation Committee meeting, at which the city’s long-proposed scooter pilot will be discussed. Though it’s been in the works since long before the West Seattle Bridge closure, it’s now being partly spun as a WS mobility solution. The discussion of the overall plan and accompanying legislation is set for the committee’s 9:30 am Wednesday (August 19th) meeting; the agenda’s cover page explains how and when to sign up for public comment, as well as how to watch/listen to the meeting. The slide deck linked above, meantime, answers some FAQs such as where you can ride/park them.

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From White Center Now: Scooter program ready to roll
August 14, 2020 8:06 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | White Center


(Photo courtesy Lime)

8:06 PM: A year after first word that e-scooters would likely arrive in White Center before they showed up in the city, word came tonight that the North Highline pilot program starts Monday. Details are on our partner site White Center Now.

9:51 PM: Meantime, SDOT posted on its site tonight that it’s hoping the city’s pilot program will launch this fall. The post notes, “We also will require scooter share companies to pay special attention to West Seattle, South Park, Delridge, and Georgetown so that scooters can become part of the solution to the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge closure.”

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CRIME WATCH: Arson suspect charged; gunfire incident; bicycle found
July 20, 2020 8:58 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news | White Center

Three notes tonight:

(July 8)

ARSON SUSPECT CHARGED: A 35-year-old man is jailed in lieu of $200,000 bail, charged with arson and burglary, in the White Center fire that gutted a former funeral home almost two weeks ago. The full story is on our partner site White Center Now.

GUNFIRE INCIDENT: Several reports of “gunshots or fireworks?” over the weekend, but we found just one confirmed case of gunfire, early Sunday in South Delridge. Here’s the narrative we obtained from the police report:

The victim got into an argument at a local club with an acquaintance, the suspect. That suspect made a comment that the victim took as a threat. Later, on 7/19/2020 at about 0235 hours, the victim returned home (8600 block of Delridge Way SW) and was walking to her apartment. The victim observed a vehicle pull into the block being driven by the suspect. The suspect pointed a firearm at the victim and fired two shots before leaving the scene, then the victim called 911 to report the incident.

A spent shell casing was located in the street and collected as evidence. There were no reported injuries or property damage. The suspect was not located.

BICYCLE FOUND: Missing a green and black Specialized bicycle? Someone found one and posted in the WSB Community Forums.

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From White Center Now: 2-alarm fire
July 8, 2020 8:38 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | White Center

For the second time in three months, a fire callout at the former Yarington’s Funeral Home at 16th/107th in White Center – this time, much bigger, 2 alarms. We’re covering it on partner site White Center Now.

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UPDATE: Police response after gunfire in White Center
July 2, 2020 6:30 pm
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police | White Center

6:30 PM: Thanks for the tips. Lots of SPD just south of Holy Family and Guardian One overhead. It’s a very active scene. SPD says one person was hurt in a shooting. They are questioning people at a house near 18th/98th and trying to get someone to come out. More…

6:52 PM: The possible suspect has come out. G-1 is gone. The sergeant at the scene tells us it turned out no one was hurt.

7:31 PM: SPD update via Twitter: “Officers investigating probable shooting at residence. No victims located at this time. One person contacted, but refused assistance. Officers collected evidence, this remains an active investigation.”

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White Center Pride raises Progress Flag in South Delridge
June 13, 2020 8:14 pm
|    Comments Off on White Center Pride raises Progress Flag in South Delridge
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB/WCN photo)

For a second year, White Center Pride has held a flag-raising ceremony in Triangle Park, where the south end of Delridge meets 16th and Roxbury. Tonight’s ceremony – streamed online – raised the Progress Flag, with organizers explaining that this enhanced Pride flag also “celebrates POC and Trans communities, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.” (The flag was created by Portland designer Daniel Quasar.)

P.S. The West Seattle Junction will display Pride flags June 27-28 – a few are still available for adoption.

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LOCAL PROTESTS, UPDATED: ‘Take a Knee’ at multiple locations tonight; family rally on Delridge & White Center march Wednesday
June 8, 2020 12:07 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle protests | White Center

(WSB photo from Saturday)

12:07 PM: Two days after Saturday’s huge demonstration in the West Seattle Junction, protests against racism, for justice and equity, continue around the city, region, and nation. For everyone asking what else s ahead, we have word of two more this week.

TONIGHT: ‘Take a Knee for Justice’ is something you are invited to do at 8 pm outside yuur own home – or, outside Alki UCC, which just sent this announcement:

Alki United Church of Christ invites you to a vigil tonight, June 8, to “Take a Knee for Justice,” part of the worldwide peaceful demonstration of support for people of color who have sustained systemic injustice for far too long.

At 7:50 pm, we gather at outside at 6115 SW Hinds in West Seattle; the church bells will be rung promptly at 8:00 and 8:08 pm.

For those who choose not to kneel, bring a lawn chair to sit on, or stand by/sit in your vehicle. Please maintain social distancing and wear face masks. Questions/information: office@alkiucc.org

ADDED 3:45 PM: Two more churches have let us know they are participating: Tibbetts UMC (3940 41st SW; WSB sponsor) is gathering outside at 7:45, kneeling at 8. Also Fauntleroy UCC Church (9140 California SW): “Park in the church lot and be sure to wear a mask. We’ll social distance along the sidewalk. Bring a folding chair if you cannot kneel or simply stand in support of a bias-free society.” (One more addition: Per comments, Admiral Church, 4320 SW Hill.)

UPDATED 4:04 PM – 2 ON WEDNESDAY: At noon, a family rally outside Louisa Boren STEM K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW), “to proclaim that Black Lives Matter.” You’re asked to wear masks and spread out along the sidewalk.

Also Wednesday, the Community March for Black Lives is planned, starting at Greenbridge Plaza:

People of White Center, we stand together in solidarity to fight for justice for our black brothers and sisters.

-We will gather at Greenbridge Plaza at 4 pm
-Hear from community members and leaders
-Begin Peaceful March towards 16th AVE at 5 pm .

Please bring your face mask.

The plaza is on 8th SW just south of SW Roxbury.

Anything else coming up in West Seattle, White Center, South Park this week? Please let us know so we can add it to the list – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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NEED FOOD? Get it Saturday at Holy Family
May 29, 2020 8:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | White Center

Tonight, more details on a Saturday food distribution we mentioned previously, briefly:

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW) is partnering with United States Department of Agriculture contract awardee Pacific Coast Fruit Company to distribute over 200,000 lbs. of Farmers to Families Food Boxes weekly through the end of June. CCSWW will partner with parishes across Western Washington to disseminate the food via 25-pound boxes of dairy, produce, and protein across 17 sites.

On Saturday, May 30, Holy Family Parish at 9622 20th Ave SW in White Center will host a pop-up pantry and provide 2,250 boxes from 10 am – 2 pm to the general public. Holy Family Parish is partnering with Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in West Seattle, local faith communities, schools as well as multiple St. Vincent de Paul Conferences to organize volunteers and ensure that families experiencing food insecurity are aware of the pantry.

Holy Family Parish serves 1,100 families across Greater Seattle. Pastor Fr. Alvarez expressed the profound need for the food boxes, “At Holy Family Parish, we are in the middle of the community that has been most affected by unemployment and we are happy to host the pop-up pantry. Due to the pandemic, many people lost their jobs or have had their hours of work reduced and are having difficulty paying their bills. Food is the last thing they should worry about and the distribution of food will help tremendously to improve their quality of life.”

With over 170 programs, CCSWW is the largest private social service provider in the state, serving nearly 100,000 people in need each year. Organizer and Network Builder at CCSWW, Erin Maguire expressed her deepest gratitude for all the partners that have made the event happen, “With great compassion our partners have enthusiastically united in service to their communities. We know that the need is great and I am proud that so many organizations have responded with even greater love.”

Physical distancing practices and masking will be followed during delivery and distribution.

This will be happening in the parish parking lot. All are welcome, no questions asked.

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HELPING: Special delivery for National Guard members deployed to White Center Food Bank
May 20, 2020 11:47 pm
|    Comments Off on HELPING: Special delivery for National Guard members deployed to White Center Food Bank
 |   Coronavirus | Transportation | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB photos/video)

Like the West Seattle Food Bank, the White Center Food Bank – which serves part of WS too – is among the food banks getting help from the Washington National Guard. And today, the helpers got some help themselves – eight bicycles!

That’s Stephen Rowley from Cascade Bicycle Club. Today, he delivered loaner bikes to the WCFB for the National Guard members to use. Their leader, Sgt. Aaron Smith, explained:

Rowley told us that these bicycles are usually used in activities at schools, but since those aren’t happening right now, they were available.

The borrowers are expected to keep them for several weeks.

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From White Center Now: County says Top Hat quarantine center ‘on hold,’ might never open
April 29, 2020 5:20 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | White Center

It’s been almost two months since King County sparked an uproar by announcing a site in Top Hat, surrounded by apartment complexes, would be set up as a quarantine/isolation site for COVID-19 patients. More than 30 modular units have since been set up there. But now the county says the site is “on hold” and might never open. The latest update is on our partner site White Center Now.

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ART: Brightening a boarded-up business
March 29, 2020 7:02 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | White Center | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo)

While out checking on a few things a little while ago, we stopped in downtown White Center, where West Seattle muralist Sarah Robbins is working on the boards covering the windows at Beer Star and its (also closed) co-housed businesses. She told us she’s working on the next panel (to the south) after this.

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QUARANTINE/ISOLATION FACILITY: Top Hat site not ready for occupants yet
March 18, 2020 2:37 pm
|    Comments Off on QUARANTINE/ISOLATION FACILITY: Top Hat site not ready for occupants yet
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | White Center

(ile photo)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Nobody’s in the Top Hat quarantine/isolation facility (206 SW 112th) yet. But the county is launching weekly community phone meetings for updates and Q&A. We participated in the first one this afternoon.

John Taylor from Local Services, Callie Knight from the Executive’s Office, Brad Binder from Public Health, County Councilmember Joe McDermott were among those on the call.

Regarding the timeline, Knight said the timeline for opening is still “at least a week and a half” away. April 3rd is the target date, to be open for 8 four-unit trailers, including one unit to be used as an on-site office, added Christina Gonzales of Facilities, who joined the call later. Read More

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CORONAVIRUS: New information about King County’s planned Top Hat quarantine/isolation site
March 6, 2020 12:07 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | White Center

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

New information on the King County quarantine/isolation facility planned at 206 SW 112th [map] in Top Hat, just east of White Center, first announced Tuesday. The new details emerged in a conference call meeting that county reps organized for community members; we were on that call, which just concluded, for WSB and partner site White Center Now.

The site will start up with two 4-room trailers, with up to six more when a vacant building on the site is demolished. (Above is our photo of the first trailer that was delivered Tuesday – the county had 14 in storage on Harbor Island.) The county has now decided NOT to open the site until utilities including water/sewer are hooked up to the trailers’ built-in bathrooms – they originally had said they would start with portable toilets and hand-washing stations but have scrapped that plan. They expect the connections will be complete by the middle of next week.

The site will NOT have medical staff – but the county plans to “check in” with people at least twice a day. They also plan to deliver food and other supplies. And they will have 24-hour security who will “notify” county reps if someone leaves the site.

Who will be there? Criteria are still being developed, the county reps said. Three scenarios were mentioned for starters – people who are traveling and have nowhere else to go, people who are unhoused, people who can’t “self-quarantine” because of a situation at their home such as an at-risk person also living there.

How long will someone stay? If they’re being tested – until the test results are in, if those results are negative. If they’re ill, “until they’ve recovered.”

The call wasn’t strictly informational – strong opposition was voiced, primarily by people pointing out that the area is home to low-income people and other marginalized populations and should not have to bear this burden and risk. “10,000 people are opposed” was mentioned – apparently a reference to this online petition. But county reps were clear – this decision has been made and will not change.

Those on the call, besides several staffers from various county departments such as Local Services, included County Councilmember Joe McDermott and Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta. McDermott said County Executive Dow Constantine‘s request for emergency funding will be approved at next Tuesday’s King County Council meeting.

We have a few other details to add shortly.

ADDED 12:58 PM: First, for those wondering about the other two quarantine sites, the county has provided these addresses – 531 Elliott Avenue West [map] in Interbay and 1132 N. 128th Street [map] in North Seattle. The Top Hat site was formerly home to the Wilderness Technology Alliance.

Julie Hiatt of the North Highline Fire District, which serves the area, was on the call and said NHFD had not even had a meeting with the county to talk about this; one was promised. County reps also said they were not intending for NHFD to have to transport patients to/from the site; they are working with potential providers such as Tri-Med.

One community member on the call was aghast at the single-security-guard plan: “You’re bringing this into poor communties and telling us there’s going to be one security guard for people who might leave?” Security plans would be re-evaluated along the way, county reps said. Another community member: “If this is going to spread, this is not the community you want it to spread in – most (nearby) people don’t even have health insurance.” The site is in a densely populated area of North Highline, with neighboring apartment complexes including the huge new Southside by Vintage across SW 112th.

Another community member: “It seems like an experiment. … The community does not want this facility here. It’s going to cause death … There is death attached to this facility.” County reps countered that this was meant to save lives; Local Services director John Taylor countered, “The consequence to the community of not doing this could be disastrous.”

The call ended after an hour but more communication including an email list was promised.

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FOLLOWUP: Fireworks ban for unincorporated King County to be officially proposed Thursday by Councilmember Joe McDermott
February 26, 2020 8:18 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | White Center

(Reader photo: Solstice Park fireworks debris, July 2018)

After years of clamor for a fireworks ban in unincorporated King County – including White Center, just south of West Seattle – a deadly fire has finally ignited action.

As promised, King County Councilmember Joe McDermott – whose district includes West Seattle, White Center, and Vashon Island – is about to introduce legislation that would ban fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county. See a summary below (or here in PDF):

See the full text of the legislation below (or here in PDF):

We talked this afternoon with Councilmember McDermott, who will officially get it into the system tomorrow.

McDermott notes that 25 jurisdictions within King County – including Seattle and Burien, which bookend White Center – already ban fireworks. And in addition to the deadly fire in North Highline, he’s heard from constituents with other concerns, including wildfire worries on Vashon Island.

Yes, he’s heard the concerns raised before – what does this really do if there’s no extra enforcement? “It sets a new norm,” McDermott contends, and use will be reduced. What about the organizations that have raised money through fireworks sales? They’re going to have to find a new, not potentially deadly way to raise money. McDermott says the fundraising-related concerns were a factor in a related bill that has died for the year in the State Legislature, 34th District Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon‘s proposal to change state law so that fireworks bans could take effect faster. The stalling of that bill means that if McDermott’s proposal passes, it wouldn’t take effect until next year, so fireworks would still be legal in unincorporated King County this summer.

What are the chances it will pass? McDermott says he can count on support from at least a couple council colleagues, but he’s not taking anything/anyone for granted. If you have a strong opinion on the proposal, contact all the county councilmembers (here’s how). There also will be a committee hearing on the proposal, in the Local Services Committee chaired by Councilmember Reagan Dunn (no date for that yet).

P.S. Professional fireworks displays would still be allowed in unincorporated King County – as they are in the cities with fireworks bans – by permit.

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