Mount View and White Center Heights Elementary Schools will both celebrate back-to-school by giving out new backpacks full of school supplies to students courtesy Qwest, World Vision, Community Schools Collaboration (CSC) and Highline Public Schools.

In addition to giving out the free backpacks, families of students are invited to a free barbecue as well.

Here are the details:

• Tuesday, Aug. 31st at Mount View Elementary, located at 10811 – 12th Avenue SW, between 10am – 2pm.
• Wednesday, Sept. 1st at White Center Heights Elementary (10015 – 6th Avenue SW) from 5pm – 7pm.

Record numbers of attendees are expected tomorrow, August 14, at the seventh annual White Center Pasefika festival, taking place at White Center Heights Elementary School.

“Pasefika” is the community faith-based organization hosting the festival, which is free to the public.  Local Pacific Island musicians, artists, and groups will put on musical and cultural performances, and numerous vendors will offer delectable island dishes.  “Island-style” games will be offered, including coconut husking, and gifts will be awarded to festival attendees in a drawing sponsored by vendors and community partners.  Vendors will also be selling an assortment of beautiful arts and crafts, including island clothing and jewelry.

Festival organizers promise “this family-oriented cultural event is a wonderful opportunity for Washington residents to experience the culture and diversity of the Pacific Islands that is available to them right here in the Pacific Northwest.”

WHAT: Pasefika Festival, a free celebration of Pacific Island Culture for all ages.

WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

WHERE:  White Center Heights Elementary School, 10015 6th Avenue SW Seattle, 98146.

INFO: See the festival flier below for more information, or read more about it on the White Center CDA’s blog.  You can also contact festival organizer Edna Noga at 206.280.6098 or edna.noga@gmail.com.

White Center’s Holy Family Parish is holding a Community Street Fair on Sept. 11th and 12th on Roxbury with food, fun vendors, both a chili and salsa cook-off, live music and much more.

They’re also looking for vendors, so if you’re interested you’re asked to please contact the parish office at (206) 767-6200 or via e-mail at office@hfseattle.org.

Here are the event details:

WHAT: Holy Family Community Street Fair.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 11th from 9am – 6pm and Sunday, Sept. 12th from 9am – 4pm.

WHERE: 9622 20th Ave SW & Roxbury in White Center

INFO: Principal Frank X. Cantwell says:

“The theme of our Street Fair is ‘honor the diversity of our community.’

So many of the events in the community tend to honor only one nationality at a time.

We are trying to get everyone together at once.”

Here’s the poster:

More info available at their website here.

White Center’s annual Jubilee Days is underway, with the opening of the Carnival and fireworks Wednesday night.

One of the oldest summer festivals in King County, Jubilee Days will be celebrating its 87th year of providing free great family and community entertainment. This classic summer festival features participants from neighborhood schools, businesses and other organizations. This year’s parade (Sunday at 10am) will feature several well known performing groups, including the Charros Association of Washington, which will have a performance Charros showing the training skills and agility of the horses and horsemen alike.

There will also be a Kids Parade, which begins staging at 9am at McDonalds. It will start first, then will be followed by the Grande Parade, which runs down 16th starting from 112th Street (at McDonalds), and heads North to 100th.

• THUR. 7/15: Carnival
• FRI. 7/16: Carnival
• SAT. 7/17, 7:30am: White Center Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast, 9615 20th SW, Holy Family School
• SAT. 7/17, 10am: Street Fair
• SAT. 7/17, 10am: Food Vendors Open
• SAT. 7/17, TBD: Beer Garden Open
• SAT. 7/17: Carnival
• SAT. 7/17, 10am: Car Show and Shine
• SUN. 7/18, 10am–11am: Parade
• SUN. 7/18 – Street Fair
• SUN. 7/18 – Food Vendors
• SUN. 7/18 – Beer Garden Opens
• SUN. 7/18 – Carnival Opens

Here’s the detailed entertainment schedule:

SATURDAY, JULY 17:

• 7:30 am – Noon: White Center Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast at Holy Family School, 9615 20th SW
• 11:00 12:30: Perfect Weather
• 1:00-2:15: The Middle Age Crisis Band

The M.A.C. Band (Middle Age Crisis Band) was founded as a way to deal with the stresses of middle age life, raising teenagers, and to make some fun music. With members Reiko, Paul, Einar and Caius, the M.A.CThe Middle Age Crisis Band is a hard pumping, fun and punkish/ J-pop style band that plays all original music (sometimes in Japanese). With songs like “Parent Teacher Conferences on Lithium” and “I’m not your Maid”, the MAC Band delivers music with lyrics that adults of any age can relate to, and that appeals to “all ages” audiences as well. Among the bands influences are The Presidents of the United States, Ramones, B-52’s, Blondie, and Shonen Knife. Band members: Reiko- Lead vocals (Japanese and English), keyboard, guitar, Einar – Lead guitar, vocals (English), Caius – Drums, Paul- Bass.

Visit our Myspace page for music samples http://www.myspace.com/macbandsea A partial list of places played in the Seattle Area: Funhouse, The Central Saloon, The Skylark, Merchants Café, 88 Keys, Poggie Tavern, Blue Moon, Beacon Pub, Rainier Valley Cultural Center, L.A.B. at the Seattle Drum School, S.L.A.B. at the Seattle Drum School in Georgetown Partial song list (all original songs): Parent Teacher Conferences On Lithium, Alpha Boy, The Bromance of Bert and Ernie, I Am Not Your Maid, Mom + Me, Up and Down, Time Traveler, Old Like Me, What?, Taken for Granted, and more on the way.

• 3:00-3:45 Gadzooks

We are a pop punk band hailing from the mean streets of Seattle.

• 4:30-5:15 Blue Ribbon Boys

• 5:15-6:00 Rat City Ruckus
• 6:45-7:45 20Riverside

20 Riverside is a six-piece band playing a unique and infectious mix of hip-hop funk infused with lively and mature instrumental solos. To quote one a 20 Riverside song, the music is “funk, blues, jazz, rock, reggae and hip-hop.” All six met in high school but didn’t start playing music together until several years later. They are now one of the stand-out up-and-coming funk and hip-hop bands in the Seattle area.

• 8:15-9:15 Khingz

If punk rock and blues met in a dark, cigarette smoke fogged speak easy in Gotham City and were overwhelmed by jazz-induced lust and bore a child they raised in a ghetto to an alternative soundtrack out would come Khingz.

One-half of the Seattle-based group Abyssinian Creole, Khingz offers his highly anticipated 2009 debut, From Slaveships to Spaceships, on Fresh Chopped Beats / MADK Productions. …Spaceships is Khingz’ first release since 2001′s Vitamin D helmed production Mi Vida Negra, written under his alias Khalil Crisis.

As Khalil Crisis, he was torn between a life of crime and his desire to be a force for change and control of his own life. From Slaveships to Spaceships is the culmination of Khingz’ transformation from a youth with a crime-haunted past, to a man of honor. The actualization of his higher self was inspired by his motivational and self-esteem building work with youth programs in Seattle (King County), Washington. Khingz also ventured east where he provided similar service for youth in Brooklyn (Kings County), New York. This move proved to be life-changing. In addition to his tales of hood antics and experience, he began to include rhymes about liberation and has inspired his listeners to think past the corners.

In recent years Khingz has embraced a nomadic lifestyle, as evidenced by long stays in Brooklyn, Oakland, and Vancouver, BC. …Spaceships, reflects these travels, sharing Khingz’ broadened perspective without losing the fire that formed him into an emcee originally. His live performances have been praised as reigniting showmanship and raw emotion as key elements in moving the crowd, earning him the respect and following of his peers and fans. The education that Khingz has extracted from both the streets and scholars has proven invaluable as his lyrics and philosophy reflect. Khingz pushes the boundaries of conscious thought-provoking Hip-Hop with his feet planted firmly in his experience as a battle-tested reality MC. He gives credence to his commitment as an elite and original artist successfully (and often tortuously) forging his own path rather than follow in the footsteps of others.

…Spaceships is a window into Khingz’ actual journey past the imprisoned mentality plaguing some of the communities he’s lived in. He has a message for oppressed people everywhere – “You are the prize over which everyone is fighting, seize yourself.” With …Spaceships he is extending a hand to his people – all of you – and asking you to step off the slaveship and step on board the spaceship. See you there.

• 9:45 Gabriel Teodros

Gabriel Teodros is an intimate storyteller with an electrifying stage presence; smart, soulful, South Seattle raised with roots in the Horn of Africa. One of the most innovative and influential MCs to come out of the Northwest region, Gabriel Teodros has been making noise internationally with his classic debut “Lovework” The long-awaited follow up LP “Colored People’s Time Machine” is due Fall 2010!

Gabriel Teodros is the everyday journeyman with more stories to tell than most people twice his age. Having seen both city and countryside through the eyes of a struggling artist and immigrant child, Teodros spins observations and wordplay into internationalism on wax. Linking first and third world people’s struggles, he is sincere when he says “we in this together son, your beef is mine.”

From ciphers at Westlake to spending months in Vancouver and Brooklyn, Gabriel’s story is one of trial, tribulation and a search for redemption. The contrast of his onstage ferocity with his offstage humility reveals a multifaceted spirit who understands that the political is personal. Whether addressing political repression and resistance in East Africa or reflecting on the effects of patriarchy in his relationships, Teodros captures each moment soulfully with his unmistakably (north)west coast delivery.

Teodros has left a mark in the underground NW hiphop scene as one half of the duo Abyssinian Creole (with emcee Khingz & DJ WD4D), and since the late 90′s has been seen rocking microphones from classrooms to theatres, clubs, stadiums, protests, prisons to street corners alongside the likes of Zap Mama, Kanye West, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, K’naan, Ozomatli, Barrington Levy, KRS-One, Digable Planets and Fishbone to name a few. Even before dropping his solo masterpiece, Lovework, Teodros already had love from a community who eagerly anticipate his next story to tell.

Since the release of ‘Lovework’ Gabriel Teodros reached #1 on the CMJ Hip Hop Charts, released 4 music videos, was featured on NPR and in URB Magazine’s “Next 100″, and has been recieving rave reviews everywhere from Rolling Stone to Okayplayer.com Gabriel has also been staying busy on tour in support of the ‘Lovework’ album, working with youth in South Seattle & doing whatever he can to help other artists get their voices heard while recording the future classics right out of his home.

Sunday, July 18:

• 11 am -12 pm Gary Allen May
• 12:30 pm -1:30 pm Wrecked Chords

The Northwest has always had it’s fair share of loud, obnoxious rock n’ roll from the introduction of the three chord anthem, “Louie, Louie”, to Mudhoney’s “You got it”, just to name a few. The Wrecked Chords don’t have any plans to change the scope of this long standing tradition. They play loud, three chord rock n’ roll that leans more towards bands like the Cramps, and Girl Trouble with a heavy 50’s undertone. Their live show consists of just enough “slop”, and punk rock attitude, making them one of Seattle’s funnest bands to shake your ass to. They’ve just released their debut album titled, “Hot Mess” for the Rockin’ Stan record label. The band spent 2 days recording with producer Chris Martin at Birdhouse Studios in June of 2009. The end result being a well put together pile of shit that has quickly become a favorite amongst our diverse music community. You can catch the bands live show at venues such as the Funhouse, Comet, and The Central Saloon. Their CD is available through www.rockinstanrecords.com and all local record stores. “It’s not garage, it’s garbage!” -JT

• 2 pm – 3pm Amateur Radio Operator

Somewhere between memory and echo lies the stories and sounds of ARO, living in the silence between the big parts; the reverb after the snare hit, the sound after the fall of a building, or wind through big big trees. We chase the ghosts stories of work, old dogs, broken radios, industrial rivers, rust, and death by knocking on the tops old guitars and rusty snare drums with a Big Muff running through eight seconds of delay.

• 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Rat City Brass

United by their mutual appreciation of classic mid-century instrumental pop – particularly the music of Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass – a group of seasoned Seattle musicians came together in the fall of 2009 to form Rat City Brass. Since then, the group has played to captivated crowds at numerous club shows and festivals in the Puget Sound area.

The Rat City Brass instrumentation consists of two trumpets, trombone, keyboard, guitar, bass, drums and percussion. It’s a big group that creates a big sound. RCB make it even bigger by throwing in just the right amount of contemporary kick for the modern listener. With top-notch musicianship, soaring melodies, rocking rhythms and cool breezy stage presence, Rat City Brass is guaranteed to raise smiles from old-school music aficionados and jaded hipsters alike. Rat City Brass is pleased and proud to come back home to play their first White Center Jubilee Days on July 17th.

• 5pm – 6 pm

Infused by a passion for American roots music in all its varied forms, The Dusty 45s’ sound blurs the line between genres to create a style that is, in it’s final distillation, entirely fresh and new. Singer/ Songwriter, Billy Joe Huels, paints his illustrative and personal stories with a signature ’65 Gibson steel string guitar, and combines elements ranging from honky-tonk and swing to pure rock. Enter in Seattle’s finest with top-notch vocal harmonies, twangy guitars, upright bass and drums, top it off with Huels’ fiery trumpet and The Dusty 45s’ unique sound is complete.

Professional, confident, and experienced, The Dusty 45s’ Billy Joe Huels (lead vocals, guitar, trumpet), Jerry Battista (lead guitar, vocals), Kelly Van Camp (drums, harmonica, vocals), and Jeff Gray (upright bass, vocals), play to packed houses from coast to coast. Six independent releases have earned the band regular airplay, glowing reviews, and sales reaching over 20,000 units in the U.S. and abroad. The band has appeared alongside countless other major artists and entertainers, and in 2008, The Dusty 45s were also honored to meet Barack Obama and perform for his campaign.

Just a few miles south of White Center, Burien’s annual Wild Strawberry Festival runs all weekend, with tons of FREE entertainment, music, arts, food, performance art, and much more.

The fest runs from 10am – 6pm today (Saturday June 19), and 10am – 5pm Sunday (June 20) at the Burien Town Square, on SW 152nd and 5th SW (map/directions here).

Be sure to come find our sister site The B-Town Blog near the intersection of SW 151st and 5th SW, where they’ll be “blogging live” all weekend.

Here are some of the weekend’s highlights:

Saturday, June 19:

• Anunnaki Project Trapeze Performances
• Stiltwalker Ellarella
• NW Parkour
• B-TOWN Bike Fair
• Kiwanis Pancake Brfst—8-10am, Burien Fire Station E
• lliott Bay Brewery Activities

Sunday, June 20:

• Abyssinian Dancers
• Manuela Horn—The Yodeling Wonder
• 5K Run/Walk— 150th & 4th SW
• Car Show
• Elliott Bay Brewery Activities

Here’s a map of the site:

To download and print your own copy of the event brochure, which includes a schedule, sponsors, site map and more – just click here for a PDF version, then hit the “Print” button.

There will be a FREE “Night of Swing” this Saturday night, June 19th beginning at 6pm at Grace Church, located at 10323 28th Ave SW.

Along with live music from the West Seattle Big Band, there will also be free professional Swing Dance instruction from F.J. Abaya, internationally know ballroom champion.

There will be dancing, there will be music, there will be refreshments and prizes…all FREE!

WHAT: Night of Swing

WHEN: Saturday, June 19th:

• 6-7pm: Free professional Swing Dance instruction from F.J. Abaya.
• 7-8:30pm: West Seattle Big Band will play. People will dance.

WHERE: Grace Church, located at 10323 28th Ave SW.

The King County Library’s White Center branches are inviting local families to “Make a Splash” at the library this summer, offering free programs for kids of all ages to take part in during the coming months off school.

In addition to a series of special events, ranging from “Draw and Paint Marine Wildlife,” “Creating Comics: Sea Monsters and Slimy Things,” “Fire and Ice,” and a pirate-themed puppet show, the Greenbridge and White Center branches of the King County Library will also be offering regular storytimes and prizes for summer readers.  Teenage readers have the opportunity to win their own Ultra Flip Camera.   All programs are free to King County residents, as is library membership. Becoming a member of the library is simple; visit the KCLS website to fill out your application online, or visit the White Center or Greenbridge branches with photo ID and proof of address.

Family story times for children ages 2 to 6 take place at the Greenbridge Library on Wednesdays at 2 pm, from June 16 to August 25.  Adult accompaniment is requested, and siblings are welcome.  Family story time at the White Center Library takes place on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm from June 30 to August 11, and Vietnamese family story time takes place at the White Center Library on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm from June 29 to August 10.

White Center kids who are interested in participating in the free Summer Reading Program at the King County Library can register starting June 14 at either the Greenbridge or White Center branches of the library.  The library will provide summer readers with a Summer Reading Log and as many book recommendations as they desire, and dedicated readers can earn prizes at the end of the summer.  Both the Greenbridge and the White Center library offer kids’ books in a variety of languages and all reading levels.  Teachers advise that student read every day during the summer so they’re ready to hit the ground running in the fall, and the library’s reading program is a great way for kids to entertain themselves and stay engaged in learning all summer long.

Teenage readers have their own summer perk at the KCL this year: the opportunity to win their own Flip Camera.  Contest rules are as follows:

You’re likely going to do what you always do during the summer: read lots of good books. So why not tell us about your favorite? You’ll be entered in a drawing to win excellent prizes!

The 2010 Read.Flip.Win Video Book Review Contest is here! It’s simple to participate:

1. You must be in middle school, junior high or high school.
2. Shoot a short video (up to three minutes long). Make it a Video Book Review (talk about why the book is so great) or a Video Trailer (think movie trailer – you get to be even more creative this way).
3. Post it to your YouTube account.
4. Tag your YouTube Video with RFWkcls2010
5. Enter your video in our contest here
6. Keep tabs on what your friends are doing – we’ll be posting some of the most recent submissions below.

There will be 2 Grand Prizes awarded!  They are one Ultra Flip Camera for the best book trailer and one Ultra Flip Camera for the best audio book review.

The contest runs June through July, so please enter videos anytime between June 1 and July 31, 2010. Winners will be announced in August.

Beginning June 1st, you can enter as many videos as you like – they just need to be have separate YouTube URLs and be entered separately.

Special events for younger readers, which will be reannounced here on the White Center Blog throughout the summer, are listed below.  Some require registration, so if there’s one your family would like to take part in, be sure to check.

Thursday, July 1, 7 pm: Fire and Ice, White Center Library. “Presented by Mad Science. Ages 5 and older.  From foggy dry ice storms and gravity-defying beach balls to a Mad Science burp-flavored potion, you will be dazzled and amazed by these impressive science demonstrations.”

Thursday, July 8, 7 pm: The Pirate and His Pet, White Center Library.  “Presented by Dragon Theater Puppets.  Ages 3 and older.  Ahrrr! Put your hooks in the air and salute Captain Snaggle Bottom! If you don’t, you’re in for a good looting.  Can a boy and his pet sea serpent stop this notorious pirate?”

Monday, July 12, 2 pm: Draw and Paint Marine Wildlife, Greenbridge Library. “Presented by Molly Hashimoto.  Ages 8 and older.  Learn to draw and paint beach favorites like Orca whales, sea stars and moon snails using colored pencils and watercolor.” Please register.

Thursday, July 15, 7 pm: Water, Water, Water, White Center Library. “Presented by Dan Crow.  All ages welcome.  Join this beloved family entertainer, recording artist and songwriter who composed and performed the title song for family classic, The Adventures of Milo and Otis, for a splashy musical revue.  He’s regularly seen on the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and the Learning Channel.”

Thursday, July 22, 7 pm: Wild, Watery Tales and Tunes, White Center Library. “Presented by Karen Haas. Ages 3 and older.  Take the plunge and dive into a wonderful water world filled with cannon balling penguins, daring sailors, talking fish, and splish-splashing songs.”

Monday, July 26, 2 pm: Creating Comics: Sea Monsters and Slimy Things, Greenbridge Library. “Presented by Elizabeth Guizzetti.  Ages 8 and older.  Create a slimy character and use simple steps to make your own comic spread to tell the monster’s story.” Please register.

Thursday, July 29, 7 pm: Oceans of Magic, White Center Library. “Presented by Louie Foxx.  Ages 5 and older.  Learn about oceans and the creatures that live in them with a captivating show featuring magic, comedy, and puppets.”

Monday, August 2, 2 pm: Sound Waves, Greenbridge Library. “Presented by Charlie Williams, the Noiseguy. Ages 5 and older.  See drippy stories come to life! Join this vocal impressionist who can imitate bubbles and flushes, splashes and slushes.  Learn to make water drips and participate in some nautical nonsense.”

Thursday, August 5, 7 pm: Swimmy! White Center Library. “Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest. Ages 3 and older.  Would you like to go exploring?  Use all your senses to jump right into this story and become one of the characters.” Please register.

Thursday, August 12, 6:30 pm: Summer Readers’ Celebration, White Center Library.  “Calling all pirates, mermaids, and other sea creatures! We spent the summer reading, singing, and learning many new things.  Now its time to celebrate with ice cream sundaes, a book give-away, and much more! Bring your whole ‘crew’ (family, that is)!”

With summer right around the corner, the Refresh Southwest event is a great opportunity for southwest Seattle residents to get out and enjoy some free live music, fun family activities, and workshops dedicated to everything from sustainability and urban gardening to Brazilian dancing.

Free and open to all ages, Refresh Southwest: Delridge Day and Sustainable West Seattle Festival will take place Saturday, June 5, at the Delridge Community Center and Playfield.  With two stages of live music, family potato-sack races, magic shows, a wide assortment of free workshops, and one-hundred plus community organizations and resource providers for SW Seattle in attendance, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

WHAT: Refresh Southwest Delridge Day and Sustainable West Seattle Festival.

WHEN: Saturday, June 5, from 1pm to 5 pm.

WHERE: At the Delridge Community Center and Playfield, 4501 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, 98106.  Metro Bus Lines 120, 125.

INFO: This event is free and open to all ages.  For additional details on performers, workshops, and event sponsors, visit the event’s website, or contact Randy Engstrom at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 206-935-2999, or Christina Hahs with Sustainable West Seattle at 206-307-4860.

The White Center YWCA Learning Center is offering a series of free web design classes beginning Monday, May 24th, from 4pm – 6pm.

This will be at the YWCA Learning Center Greenbridge, which is located at 9720 8th Ave. SW.

Here’s your chance to learn how to start your own website or blog, for no cost!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Free web design classes.

WHEN: Starting on Monday May 24th, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

WHERE: YWCA Learning Center Greenbridge / White Center, located at 9720 8th Ave. SW.

INFO: From an email:

Free Web Design Class at White Center YWCA Learning Center

Starting on Monday May 24th at 4:00pm to 6:00pm the YWCA Learning Center Greenbridge / White Center will begin holding a series of classes for people that are interested in learning more about how the internet works, how to write basic code and create content using blog software.

The class is designed for people that have basic computer experience that wish to learn how to create websites / blogs for their business or personal use.

Limited space is available on a first come first serve basis.

More info on the YWCA Greenbridge is available at their website here.

Beloved children’s songwriter and performer Dan Cohen, known to his fans as Danna Banana, will perform a free show for local families at the White Center Library this Wednesday, May 12.

Children age three and older and their families are invited to the White Center Library Wednesday at 6:30 for award-winning singer/songwriter Dan Cohen’s MAD about Books performance, in which he’ll “take stories from the page to the stage” for the entertainment of all.  Cohen, aka “Danna Banana” has performed all over the country, and he’s popular with both young kids and their parents, as his songs are catchy, entertaining, and educational.

WHAT: Dan Cohen, aka “Danna Banana” performs MAD about Books.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 12 at 6:30 pm.

WHERE: White Center Library, 11220 16th Ave SW, Seattle, 98146.

INFO: This free performance is hosted by the King County Library System at the White Center Library.  For more information and video clips of Danna Banana, check out his website. From www.dannabanana.com:

danna banana, dubbed ‘best party entertainer’ by New York Magazine, is a singer by training and a kid at heart. He’s done shows in venues big and small all over this land, as well as parties for everyone from Ernie Anastos to Rosie O’Donnell.

He’s also a veteran tunesmith, with credits ranging from Disney (Jojo’s Circus show and cds) to country (‘Your Reward’ on Sara Hickman’s Motherlode). He’s been entertaining kids and families since his first cd, Bananappeal, won him a Grand Prize in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest. And he uses all that experience-as a writer, performer, husband, and father– to create his unique, hummable, hilarious songs.

The modern pop production and fresh, funny lyrics ‘make parents and kids hoot with laughter’ (New York Magazine)

With all the news of recent earthquakes, it’s no surprise that on Monday (April 5) King County’s Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) decided to offer citizens in unincorporated parts of the county free home earthquake retrofit permits on homes that meet specific criteria.

DDES has published a bulletin called Obtaining A Voluntary Home Earthquake Retrofit Permit, which is available for download here (PDF file).

According to the document, eligible homes must:

• be of wood-frame construction;
• have a light-weight roof;
• not be irregularly shaped;
• have a reinforced concrete foundation;
• not exceed two stories in height; and
• be on a relatively level lot.

Free earthquake retrofit permits at DDES can usually be issued over the counter if a complete application has been submitted. (Homes that do not meet these criteria can still secure an earthquake retrofit permit, however the process involves more review time and permit review fees are charged.)

“I hope more people will take advantage of this important program,” said DDES Director John Starbard. “Our region dealt with the impacts of the Nisqually earthquake in 2001 and, although that event was not of the same magnitude as more recent international earthquake disasters, modern building codes minimized the physical and economic damage of the 2001 quake for the benefit of the entire region.”

For additional information on earthquake retrofit permits at DDES, please contact Paula Adams, DDES Public information and Records Officer at 206-296-6682.

Low-income Seattle Public Utilities customers in and around White Center are eligible to get brand new, water-efficient toilets for FREE.

This free offer is open to all income-eligible customers (see table below) with older toilets, regardless of the customer’s age. In other words, you don’t have to be a senior to benefit.

Free installation is included.

Here’s a press release from the city:

Save water, save money, with high efficiency toilets

Seattle Public Utilities provides free toilets for low-income homeowners

In this economy, everyone is looking for ways to save money. One way is to reduce water use. Toilets are the biggest water-user in most homes. Replacing old toilets is an excellent way to reduce indoor water use.

According to Seattle Public Utilities, replacement of older toilets with high efficiency models can save a family of four up to 24,000 gallons of water and $140 each year.

“For some homeowners, the cost of replacing old toilets is prohibitive,” says Irene Stewart, director of the Seattle Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens. “That’s why we’re collaborating with Seattle Public Utilities and Senior Services’ Minor Home Repair to provide low-income homeowners with free toilets. Toilets offered by Seattle Public Utilities flush well, help conserve water, and save homeowners money.”

If you meet the following criteria and income guidelines, you can qualify for free toilets and installation by a licensed professional plumber:

• You are a homeowner of any age with a Seattle Public Utilities account.
• You currently live in the home you own.
• Your existing toilets were manufactured before 1994.
• You meet income guidelines for your household size (examples below).

Household Size	Annual Income	Monthly Income
1	$ 28,560	$ 2,380
2	$ 37,344	$ 3,112
3	$ 46,140	$ 3,845
4	$ 54,924	$ 4,577
5	$ 63,708	$ 5,309
6	$ 72,492	$ 6,041

To sign up, or for more information, call Minor Home Repair at 206-448-5751 or e-mail UDP@seattle.gov.

The United Way of King County is offering tree tax preparation for taxpayers who make less than $50,000 per year, with two locations right here in White Center.

They also do sessions in either Samoan or Spanish.

According to their website:

We only prepare basic individual tax returns.

We do not prepare business taxes or returns that include sale of property or stock or rental income.

No appointments are necessary.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Free tax preparation for residents who earn less than $50,000 per year.

WHERE/WHEN:

• White Center Assembly, located at 10237 16th Avenue SW, 98146 Map
• Thu: 5pm – 9pm (Samoan)
• Sat.: 11am – 3pm (Samoan)

• YWCA Greenbridge, located at 9720 8th Ave SW, 98106 Map
• Tues.: 5pm – 9pm (Spanish)
• Wed.: 5pm – 9pm (Spanish)
• Sat.: 9am – 1pm (Spanish)

White Center’s new Dubsea Coffee is hosting a FREE, live music show this Saturday night, featuring Brandon Decker & Lets Get Lost.

Brandon Decker is a musician/singer from Arizona with a degree in Philosophy who sings about “romance, personal relationships and coming to terms with his sometimes checkered past.” His influences include Tom Waits, Portishead, Neil Young and PJ Harvey and his music has been called “gritty, soulful, acoustic rock,” and has also been dubbed “grunge folk.”

“My songs are my catharsis of everything I’ve been through, coupled with my empathy experienced from the different profound relationships I’ve had.” Decker said on his website. “In every song, I’m taking a moment and trying to work through it honestly.”

The show starts at 7pm and goes until 10pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Live, FREE music at Dubsea Coffee, featuring Brandon Decker and Let’s Get Lost

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 30th from 7pm-10pm

WHERE: Dubsea Coffee, located at 9910 8th Avenue SW in the Greenbridge ‘hood.

INFO: From Dubsea’s website:

This is going to be a great music show to come and check out at Dubsea Coffee, Free !!  Live music by Brandon Decker & Lets Get Lost .
Brandon Decker “vocals, guitar,and producer ” is on his Long Days tour from Sedona, AZ. accompanied by Nanci Mcdonald ” Cello Vocals “.  The duo will be playing his narrative work on redemption with poignant lyrics and resonating vocals.  This folk rock duo is something to witness, supremely you will not be disappointed.

Lets Get Lost is a local Seattle treat, Nick Shadel & Peter Kowalczyk frequent the cafe as they are White Center boys.  If you come to the show you’ll get to experience a flood of the groups indie-pop-rock-carnival aesthetic.  Their music is cotton candy for the ears, sweeter and bolder to the core the longer it resonates in your audible system.

Come to Dubsea Coffee and listen, witness this delectable feast for your temporal lobe.  Let your internal audiometer get the
frequencies and vibrations it deserves.

VIDEO: Here are two videos we found of Brandon Decker:

More info available at the bands’ websites:

• http://www.myspace.com/brandondecker
• http://www.myspace.com/letsgetlosttogether

The Highline School District will be offering up free meals all summer long, including both breakfast and lunch at 13 different locations, most beginning on Monday, July 6th.

The district has been offering free summer meals for at least the last ten years, and the USDA-funded program has expanded significantly to include community sites as well as schools.

“Based on the estimation from our sites, we may serve up to 1,000 breakfasts and 2,000 lunches plus offer snacks to some sites,” said Brianna Smith, RD, Nutrition Services Manager.

Who is served by the Summer Food Service Program?

• All children 18 years and younger are eligible for the Summer Food Service Program. There is no registration or fee.
• All children are welcome to eat a meal at summer school sites, even if they are not enrolled in a summer program.
• The meal must be eaten at the site and be finished within 15 minutes of the final serving time.

Who pays for it?
The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded child nutrition program that feeds children nutritious meals during the summertime when school is out and children don’t have access to school meals. It was created to ensure that children in low-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations. Funding for the Summer Food Service Program is provided with federal dollars and is sufficient to meet expenses related to sponsorship of the program.

What is the purpose of the program?
Clearly, the nutritional needs of large numbers of children who depend on school meals during the school year are not being met in the summer. Good nutrition is essential for learning.

How are site locations determined?
Service sites for the Summer Food Service Program are determined based on:

1. Eligibility criteria.
2. Interest and need at the school building level.
3. Interest and need at community centers.

Here’s where and when the FREE Summer Meals will be available:

• Bow Lake School
  Breakfast: 7:30-8:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
  Lunch: 11:30-12:45
  18237 42nd Ave S SeaTac 98188
• Evergreen School
  Breakfast: 7:15-7:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
  Lunch: 10:45-11:15
  830 SW 116th Seattle 98146
• Gregory Heights School
  Breakfast: 7:30-8:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
  Lunch: 11:30-12:45
  16201 16th Ave SW Burien 98166
• King County Parks – White Center
  Lunch: 12:00-1:00 July 7-Aug 14 M-F
  Snack: 4:00-5:00
  1321 SW 102nd St Seattle 98146
• Midway Elementary School
  Breakfast: 7:30-8:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
  Lunch: 11:30-12:45
  22447 24th Ave S Des Moines 98198
• Mt. Rainier School
  Breakfast: 7:15-8:00 Jul 6-Aug 7 M-F
  Lunch: 11:00-12:00
  22450 19th Ave S Des Moines 98198
• Mt. View School
  Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 Jul 6-Jul 30 M-Th
  Lunch: 12:00-12:30
  10811 12th Ave SW Seattle 98146
• Schoenwald Park
  Breakfast: 8:30-9:30 Jul 6-Jul 15 M-F
  Lunch: 12:00-1:00
  16030 Sylvester Road Burien 98166
• Seahurst YMCA
  Breakfast: 7:30-8:30 Jul 6-Aug 14 Mon-Fri
  Lunch: 11:30-12:30
  14603 14th Ave SW Burien 98166
• Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission
  Lunch: 12:00-12:30 Jul 7-Aug 14 T-F
  Snack: 4:00-4:30
  15003 14th Ave SW Burien 98166
• Shannon South
  Lunch: 12:00-1:00 Jul 6-Aug 14 M-F
  Snack: 3:00-4:00
  3508 S 180th SeaTac 98188
• Southwest Boys and Girls Club
  Lunch: 12:00-12:30 Jul 6-Aug 14 M-F
  Snack: 3:30-4:00
  9800 8th Ave SW Seattle 98106
• White Center
  Breakfast: 8:15-9:00 Jul 6-Aug 7 M-F
  Lunch: 12:00-1:00
  10015 6th Ave SW Seattle 98146

• Food cannot be taken off the premises.
• The child does not need to be a Highline Public School student.
• There are no forms to fill out and no names are taken.
• Program is open to age 18 and under.

More information available at the Highline School District website.

Seattle Neighborhood Groups is now offering “Be Safe” presentations for White Center-area residents.

These presentations can include free translation, and contain important safety information, such as:

• “Calling 9-1-1” for police, fire, and medical emergencies
• “Protect Yourself” from Identity Theft and Fraud
• “Be Safe” – Personal Safety

Each safety presentation is free, presented by professional community educators, about 20 minutes in length, and includes a question and answer session.

SNG pays for interpretive services, if needed.

“Be Safe” presentations are intended to increase Seattle neighbors’ access and ability to use emergency services and reduce the risk of becoming crime victims.

For information and/or to schedule a presentation for your group, call or email SNG:

• Allan (ph. 323-7094)
• Kelly (ph. 323-7084)

Website: http://sngi.org/