The mailman delivered our latest gizmo gadget (a state of the art Ultra Flip HD Camera) a few weeks back and we thought “what the flip should we do with this ding-dang newfangled thingamabob?”
Out of the red, white and blue, it occurred to us that our third President, one Thomas Jefferson, who loved new gadgets and devices and inventions and discoveries, would have gotten a kick out of this powerful little digital camera, the size of a deck of cards, not much smaller than a hand-held booklet-sized copy of what is known as the Declaration of Independence.
It was 234 years ago right now, that our Founders were “cutting and pasting” their final draft of what became known as that treasured and precious document, the Declaration of Independence, whose primary author was the then 33 year-old future President Jefferson.
So someone said:
“Let’s take our camera around White Center and Burien (and Normandy Park and Des Moines) and ask our fellow neighbors and friends and passersby to read aloud the Declaration into our new little camera, piece the quotes together into one colorful video, and release it to the nation and world on our various neighborhood news blogs.”
And so we did – well actually Mark Neuman did, then Scott Schaefer edited it – see if you can find yourself, or a friend or two:
(…at the end of the video, look for some amusing outtakes as well as terrific “Happy Birthday USA!” salutations)
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY WHITE CENTER!
White Center’s Evergreen High School is at the center of attention again, and this time seems even worse – a Level 3 sex offender named Lashawn Jamar Ferguson, a convicted rapist, has been fired after serving as a volunteer for the football team.
This is the second sexually-related incident to taint the school’s athletics program. As we reported May 18th, another volunteer, Jayson Boehm, was alleged to have provided health care to student athletes without appropriate medical supervision, as well as possibly fondling some male athletes. He was fired and barred from school grounds. Ferguson was escorted off campus, according to the Highline School District.
Ferguson, convicted of rape in 1998, is now being held without bail in the King County Jail for failure to register as a sex offender.
Evergreen High School is located at 830 SW 116th Street.
Our friends at KING-TV produced this video report on this story:
UPDATE 3/31/10: According to KING5 News (see video below), King County Sheriff’s Officers tracked down and arrested three suspects from Tuesday’s wild burglary chase in White Center.
Police got a tip that led them to a motel where they found the suspects, a possible getaway vehicle as well as stolen merchandise.
As we reported from the scene Tuesday near the intersection of 18th SW and SW 107th, police had barricaded streets, brought in a K-9 unit and chopper, and were scouring the neighborhood in body armor while carrying some rather intimidating rifles.
Reports are that the burglars were caught red-handed in a house, then challenged by gun and machete-toting homeowners who chased them down.
Here’s KING’s report:
PREVIOUSLY:
Late Tuesday morning (March 30), the King County Sheriff’s Department and Seattle Police had a major show of force near the intersection of 18th Ave SW and SW 107th Streets in White Center, as they searched for two burglar suspects who were trying to rob a nearby home.
According to Sgt. John Urquhart of the Sheriff’s office, three burglars were caught red-handed when homeowners walked in and interrupted a robbery in progress. Two of them fled the scene and one was arrested.
Reports are that one of them may live in the area or may be hiding in a nearby home.
Streets were blocked off, the Sheriff’s “Guardian One” chopper hovered overhead, a K-9 unit was brought in and several police officers were seen carrying M-16 rifles as they combed the area searching for the remaining two suspects.
“I was on the phone with my homegirl,” said a bystander named Richard. “…they were driving through with a truck, got stuck in the mud, got out, started waving guns, she called the cops and stuff like that…”
Our own Bart Bryan was on the scene to capture the following video and photos:
Here’s a 15-minute video documentary we found that was shot, produced and directed by an Evergreen State College student named Tom Seyss, called “White Center: A Student Documentary.”
Along with historic photos and locations, the video features local historian Ron Richardson, Full Tilt Ice Cream’s Justin Cline, Aileen Balahadia of the White Center Community Development Association, Rick Jump, Executive Director of the White Center Food Bank, restaurant owners Niki Nguyen, Ana Castro and Leticia Martinez, and outgoing North Highline Fire Chief Scott Lavielle.
According to the blurb Tom wrote for the doc:
“This 15 minute film explores the neighborhood of White Center in late 2009 looking at the issues of; annexation, gentrification, and community collaboration through the eyes of local business owners and community leaders of this diverse neighborhood.“
White Center: a student documentary from Tom Seyss on Vimeo.
Good work Tom!
Our fave namesake sports team, The Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG), kicked off their 2010 season opener recently to raise money for various charities, including;
- Old Dog Haven, a small nonprofit group using a network of foster parents to provide a loving safe home for abandoned senior dogs.
- The Pin Up Angels, who send care packages to our deployed servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
- The Lambert House, a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth that encourages empowerment through the development of leadership, social and life skills.
- Fisher House, who supports military and their families while recovering from illness or injury.
The first bout of the season Jan. 31st was an exhibition bout, which was set up like a mini-tournament. Our own Bart Bryan and Mark Neuman braved the dangerous sidelines of the bout to shoot this video, which was edited by Gina Bourdage:
This was a bout RCRG played for charities, and will not count toward their regular season team standings; however, at the end of the night the standings were
- Sockit Wenches
- Grave Danger
- Throttle Rockets
- Derby Liberation Front
Here are the points:
- Period 1, 1st Players: TR 62, SW 97
- Period 1, 2nd Players: GD 88, DLF 51
- Period 2, Grudge Match: TR 97, DLF 43
- Period 2, Champs: GD 66, SW 70
On March 6th, the RCRG set new records with attendance reaching 5,158 fans, the top attendance for a modern roller derby bout, packed KeyArena to watch the first regular home bout of season 6.
The Throttle Rockets smashed the skates of Derby Liberation Front, while Grave Danger drew first blood against the Sockit Wenches. Word on the street (direct from KeyArena folks), is that Rat City Rollergirl fans drink more beer than ANY sporting event at KeyArena! For more information and tickets visit www.ratcityrollergirls.com.
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Rat City Roller Girl? It’s more than a pair of skates and some lip gloss. To even be considered you need to commit to three 2-hours practices a week, work six committee hours a month and “Have a ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination, and a nice smile” just to name a few.
Beyond the eye-catching outfits these girls take some serious hits. Don’t believe us? Just check out the Hall Of Pain section of their website (there is a reason a disclaimer is posted to this page, this is no joke).
RCRG’s next bout is Saturday, April 10th, with Derby Liberation Front vs. Grave Danger, and Sockit Wenches vs. Throttle Rockets.
| Mar |
| 7 |
| 12:00 pm |
Our friends at White Center for the Arts are holding a very unique “Python-A-Thon” fundraiser this Sunday, March 7th, from Noon – 8pm at Big Al Brewing, where episodes of the classic “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” TV show will be shown non-stop.
Participants are encouraged to bring potluck food items, dress in costume (lumberjack anyone?), bring penguins to put on the telly, and walk like you’re in the Ministry of Silly Walks, all while donating to your neighborhood arts association.
Here are the details:
WHAT: “Python-A-Thon” viewing party of classic Monty Python TV episodes to help raise funds for White Center for the Arts.
WHEN: Sunday, March 7th from Noon – 8pm.
WHERE: Big Al Brewing, located at 9832 14th Ave SW; (206) 453-4487 (website here)
INFO: From a poster:
Big Al Brewing Presents Monty Python Video Festival
“Continuing Education”
Earn your letters in Pythonology
Finding it hard to get promoted even though you have a MM- Master of Monty?
Get your Doctor of Pythonology (DP), and silly walk your way to the top!
DP courses in:
- The Arts
- -Why lumberjacks sing
- Optical Sciences
- -How not to be seen
- Aeronautics
- -What makes sheep fly
- Military History
- -German humor and the demise of the Wehrmacht
- Veterinary Sciences
- – Learn to determine the difference between “Dead” and “Resting”
And much much more!
If you’re silly enough, you too could become a fully accredited Doctor of Pythonology, capable of answering such puzzling questions as…
- “Why is there a penguin on the telly”?
- “If she’s a go’er why is she with him”?
- And, “Did the Vikings invent spam”?
Classes begin on Sunday, March 7th
First class of the day starts at 12 noon
Location: Go to www.bigalbrewing.com for directions
Extra credit will be given for bringing pot luck and coming to class as your favorite Monty Python character.
To get you in the mood, here’s the classic “Ministry of Silly Walks” sketch:
| Feb |
| 27 |
| 1:00 pm |
The White Center Community Development Association’s blog reports that the White Center Teen Program’s Aztec Soccer team will be playing in the U15 championship game this Saturday (Feb. 27th) at 1pm at Starfire Sports Complex, located at Interurban Ave S. and Fort Dent Way in Tukwila.
Here’s the post:
This was sent to us from Darlene Sellers, White Center Teen Program Recreation Coordinator at King County Parks:
“Thank you all for your continued support of the White Center Teen Program Aztec Soccer Team! The program is continuing to grow with over thirty committed players and two competitive teams. We are pleased to share that the younger team is playing in the U15 championship game this Saturday at 1:00 at Starfire sports complex (Interurban Ave S & Fort Dent Way, Tukwila). If by chance you happen to be in the Tukwila neighborhood this weekend – we’d love to see you there. The game runs for a total of 45 minutes and will be played indoors on field 2. Admission is free but Starfire will most likely be collecting $5 for parking. Thanks again for your support and please have a great weekend”
Go Aztecs! Here’s the video:
The Aztecs from Heath Ward on Vimeo.
The White Center Teen Program is part of King County Parks and Recreation, which founded the team in 2007 to provide alternative afterschool activities for “at risk” youth.
This short doc focuses on the strong personalities, the importance of the program and the activities of a season in the life of The Aztecs.
For more information contact heathward@hotmail.com.
| Nov ’09 |
| 21 |
| 6:00 pm |
White Center for the Arts‘ next event is an “Art Walk” this Saturday, Nov. 21st, from 6pm to 9pm.
Here are the details:
WHAT: White Center For the Arts 3rd Saturday Art Walk
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 21st, 6pm to 9pm
WHERE: Here’s what’s going on:
- SALVADORIAN BAKERY: RANDY NICHOLS – 1719 SW. ROXBURY ST.
- FULL TILT ICE CREAM: JILLIAN INGRAM AND DAVE RYAN – 9629 16TH AVE S
- PROLETARIAT PIZZA: MIKE MULLINS - 9622 16TH AVE SW
- CAFE ROZELLA: VICTORIA HEUMAN – 9434 DELRIDGE WAY SW
- BIG AL BREWING: BRIAN BARR – 9832 14TH AVE SW
- RANDOM STORE FRONT ON 16TH: STUDENT SHORT FILMS
- COME SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WHITE CENTER…
INFO: More info available at their website: www.whitecenterforthearts.org
Courtesy the White Center Community Development Association’s website come these two locally-produced videos that were shot back in March at a “Building Our Own Movement” (BOOM) youth summit at the White Center Salvation Army.
As a result of the summit, these youth have followed up on various projects, including these video projects put together during spring break.
You’ll notice that Virgil and Ian, both of the Community Building team at White Center CDA were interviewed for this project.
Enjoy both of the videos!
Here’s the world premiere of a Video Ad for longtime White Center Blog Advertiser White Center Glass & Upholstery, produced by your WCB Video Production Team of Mark Neuman, Bart Bryan and Scott Schaefer:
White Center Glass & Upholstery is located at:
9443 Delridge Way SW
Seattle, WA 98106
206-762-8088 main
206-762-6794 fax
www.whitecenterglass.com
[Are you a Business looking to make a major impact on the internet? Video is one of the most effective ways to market, and our experienced production team can produce one for you and post it here, as well as market it with YouTube, Facebook and Twitter! For more information, email us or call (206) 248-2565!]
The King County Sheriff’s Department announced Friday that they have arrested three of the four persons they believe are responsible for a brazen, rush-hour shooting in SeaTac on Tuesday April 7th.
One suspect, age 21, was arrested Friday morning nearby in Burien by detectives.
Two people were wounded in the shooting, one critically.
The driver of the getaway car, age 20, was arrested that day after he was dropped off at Riverton Hospital shortly after the incident. He had sustained a “very serious” gunshot wound to his groin area inflicted when one of his cohorts accidentally fired off a pistol he was holding.
The third suspect, 21, was detained in Idaho just before noon by local authorities. Sheriff’s detectives are currently in route to interview him.
Detectives are still investigating the case in hopes of positively identifying and locating the 4th suspect.
The shooting that precipitated these arrests occurred about 4pm on Tuesday, April 7th when a 2000 Cadillac was ambushed as it waited at a red light at South 188th and International Blvd in SeaTac. Numerous rounds were fired into the car from an AK-47-type rifle as the gunman stood near the sidewalk. The driver was critically injured and the front seat passenger sustained serious injuries from several gunshot wounds. Both remain at Harborview.
Three people were seen on this security video getting into the Taurus, driven by a fourth man, immediately after the shooting:
Charges for those arrested are expected next week.
The King County Sheriff’s Department released the above video Wednesday, which was taken from a security camera near the intersection of International Blvd. and South 188th Street in SeaTac, where a Tuesday shooting injured two, one critically.
Police are looking for help in identifying the suspects in the silver Ford Taurus, which can be seen about :20 seconds in.
If you have any knowledge about these suspects, please call the Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311.
Here are details directly from the Sheriff’s office:
The Sheriff’s Office is looking for any witnesses to yesterday’s shooting in SeaTac. Two men were wounded, one critically. In addition, a possible suspect was shot in the groin, and the circumstances surrounding that injury remain unclear.
A video is attached that shows the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The video starts just after about 20 rounds were fired from an AK-47 or similar rifle into a stopped car occupied by four people, include a 2 year-old boy.
About 8 seconds into the video the victim’s Cadillac can be seen trying to force its way through congested traffic after the shots were fired.
Then the suspect’s Ford Taurus comes into clear view as three suspects clamber back into the car and it flees northbound on International Blvd.
Detectives would like to speak with anyone who was stuck in traffic and may be able to identify the suspects.
Witnesses are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311.
Here’s a new Video Ad for WCB Advertiser Vision Collision, produced by Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer:
Vision Collision is located at:
803 SW 154th Street (just west of Ambaum) in Burien
Phone 206-244-2758
[Are you a Business looking to make a major impact on the internet? Video is one of the most effective ways to market, and when you buy a 6-month Ad on The White Center Blog, not only do you get a FREE video produced by a 3-time National Emmy Award winner, you also get our expert viral marketing push, which lands your video on YouTube and Facebook! For more information, email us, call (206) 248-2565 or check out our Advertise Page!]
The 34th District Democrats, who represent West Seattle, Burien, White Center and Vashon and Maury Islands, appear to have entered the 21st century, releasing both weekly videos and podcasts every Monday.
You can view/listen to them on Sen. Joe McDermott’s website here, or listen to their most recent podcast below, with topics ranging from the WASL to replacing the viaduct and more:
Here are a few videos we found on their YouTube Channel:
The video above (courtesy WCB Reader Hope Kerkof) shows how 24 students from the 5th grade class at the White Center-area’s Shorewood Christian School helped out the Burien-Highline Food Bank on Tuesday, Nov. 25th.
The 5th graders volunteered their time and helped hand out food at the Burien-Highline Food Bank in Burien. They came prepared and brought with them a huge collection of stuffed animals to hand out to children at the food bank as well.
Mike Werle, Director of the Burien-Highline Food Bank explained that the food shortage is growing worse:
“Food drives are down and there is less poundage of food coming into the bank. We’ve had about a 30% increase in the number of people that come in here per day. The number of people seem to grow daily. The number one reason people are saying they are coming to the food bank is they have been laid off from their jobs. With the current economic conditions, the food shortage at food banks are expected to grow worse as unemployment rises.”
Nicko Morris, a 5th grade student at Shorewood Christian told about his experience that day: “I like giving because I like to see the smiles on the children’s faces. They looked like they were afraid. But when Emily and I gave our toys to the children, you could tell that they were just filled with joy when they reached for the toy. That’s what we all should do! It’s better to give than to receive.”
Rachelle Kerkof, one of the 5th grade girls in the class, “It was fun to see the kids’ faces when I gave them toys. I really enjoyed this experience.”
Mrs. Mary Lesnett, the 5th grade teacher, explained, “This is our 4th year supporting the Burien- Highline Food Bank. The kids love to get involved and help others. The experience impacts them greatly. I’m sure we will be doing this for many years to come.”
“At Shorewood Christian School, our students are involved on a regular basis with giving back to our community and making a difference in this world. Our students help at food banks, visit nursing homes, clean up streets and yards, and are always involved in some sort of fundraiser for a cause other than themselves. These are lessons that these students will carry with them for a lifetime. We want these students to grow up to become world changers.”, says Tim Lorenz, Principal of Shorewood Christian School.
Shorewood Christian School, a ministry of Shorewood Foursquare Church, is located in West Seattle and is currently enrolling pre-K thru 10th grade for the 2009-2010 school year. For more information you can go to www.ShorewoodChristianSchool.org.
Volunteering at the food bank is a great project for families, schools, and churches to do together. Not only will you help someone in need, but as the 5th grade students at Shorewood Christian School would tell you, it will make impact your heart and make you feel good too.
The Burien-Highline Area Food Bank is located at 18300 4th Ave South in Burien (map below); phone: (206) 433-9900
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We at both the White Center and B-Town Blogs strongly urge all Readers to pitch in and help this holiday season, as there are more hungry and needy neighbors than ever before. It's easy to help too – we did it on Saturday Nov. 22nd and raised nearly $1,200 – if we can do it, you certainly can!]
Our “Turkeys N’Diapers” fundraiser ends at 4pm today, and so far we’ve raised over $400 in both cash and food donations for both the White Center Food Bank and WestSide Baby!
Here’s a little video shot by Mark Neuman and featuring Bart “On the Street” Bryan as pitchman, along with WCB friend Steve Costanzo and Rick Jump of the White Center Food Bank:
Some details:
- Our donation table is in front of store doors
- We’re there until 4pm, so come on down!
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