| Feb |
| 9 |
King County Elections reminds us that voters have until this coming Tuesday night (Feb. 9th) to get their ballots postmarked to be counted as part of the special election.
As we reported Jan. 28th, the ballot drop box that was located at the White Center KCLS Library is no longer there, so in order for your vote to count you have to either mail it in or drop it off at one of two area drop boxes (see addresses below).
Nearly 1.1 million ballots were sent to all active voters three weeks ago and ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday in order for them to count.
All voters should follow these guidelines when voting their mail ballot:
- Carefully follow all instructions, and review your ballot from top to bottom and front to back.
- Take your time when signing your voter oath. The signature on every ballot envelope is verified before your ballot moves toward being counted.
- Respond immediately if you are contacted by King County Elections. You may have forgotten to sign the return envelope or your signature may not match your voter registration record.
- Make sure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day (Tuesday, Feb. 9th). Ballots without postage can be returned to a ballot drop box until 8 p.m. on election night. Please note: King County Elections has reduced the number of available ballot drop boxes. The nearest ballt drop boxes are located at:
5. Ballots can be dropped off during business hours at one of King County’s three accessible voting centers, without the cost of postage.
6. Track your ballot! Visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections to track your ballot online at three points as it is processed.
Accessible voting options:
- Voters with disabilities can cast a private and independent ballot using an accessible voting unit at the following locations on Monday or Tuesday:
King County Elections, 9010 East Marginal Way S, Tukwila, 98108
Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Election Day: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Room 121, Bellevue, 98009 and
Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St, Seattle, 98104
Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Election Day: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Equipment at the accessible voting centers provides an audio and touch-screen ballot in English and Chinese. With large font, high contrast and a key pad device, voting is made easy for voters with disabilities.
For more information on Tuesday’s election, visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections or call 206-296-VOTE (8683).
| Nov ’09 |
| 17 |
| 6:30 pm |
Craig Grella, of Seattle-based Cornerstone Funding Services, sends us word that he’s teaching a $39 class at the Highpoint Community Center (located at 6920 34th Ave SW) on Nov. 17th that can help people “start their own business for under $100.”
We figured that in this economy, with many out of work looking for jobs and others seeking a new start, we’d go ahead and post the class info; plus, it’s sponsored by the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department so it’s got some cred.
Here are the details:
Taught by successful business owner Craig Grella, this course will show you the steps to start and operate a business in WA State. Topics included:
- Why Start a Business?
- WA State Business History and Statistics
- Planning Your Business
- Structure, Location and Legal Forms
- How much Money do you Need?
- Helpful Websites and other Resources
- Putting it all Together
Spots Available: 20
- Would you like to set your own schedule and be your own boss?
- Would you like to spend more time with your family?
- Do you have a product or service that is not offered in the market?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you have the same entrepreneurial spirit that has helped to create over 98% of all businesses in Washington State and over 95% of all new job growth in the last two years.
Whether you want to sell items from your garage on EBay, would love to open a spa and wellness center, or just have an idea for the next great product or service, starting your own business has its advantages and we’ll show you what they are.
Our course is designed to teach you how to break away from the daily grind and start your very own business in less than 24 hours and for less than $100.
We’ve partnered with the City of Seattle to offer this course for just $39. To register, click the link below:
What you’ll learn in this course:
- What you need to get started
- How to plan your business
- How to structure your business
- How to file the required forms
- How to finance your business
- How to get online in just minutes
- Resources for operating your business
Normally we charge over $250 to teach this material to entrepreneurs and sole proprietors. At $39 this is an amazing value and you will be able to put the information you learn to immediate use.
Sign up for this course now and be on your way to owning and operating your very own business.
The course will be held at the High Point Community Center located at:
High Point Community Center, located at 6920 34th Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98126
For more information call Craig Grella at 206-274-8336 or email cgrella@cornerstonesvs.com.
To download and print an informational flyer click here.
Wednesday, Sept. 9th is the first day of school for most Highline School District students, and since there are some serious schedule changes this year (like “early release Fridays”) we thought we’d share some info for parents wondering things like:
“There’s now early release every Friday???”
“I’m so confused – early release is exactly what time every Friday?”
“OMG early release means I have to change my schedule! WTF?”
Early release Friday will range from 1:40pm to 2:30pm depending on the school, so in order to help all our Readers who may have kids who are just jonesin’ to get back in class, below are two charts (download/view them here) showing the exact early release schedules (NOTE: click on each image to view larger version):
For more information, visit the Highline School District website here.
| Aug ’09 |
| 6 |
| 6:30 pm |
The City of Burien is hosting its final Annexation Informational Open House on Thursday, Aug. 6th at Beverly Park Baptist Church (located at 11659 1st Ave South), beginning at 6:30pm.
As the city so carefully words it:
“Members of the Burien City Council may be attending a community informational open house held by the City of Burien for the purpose of discussing Annexation on Thursday, August 6, 2009, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Beverly Park Baptist Church, 11659 1st Ave South, Seattle WA 98168“
As with previous open houses, this one is intended to provide information about what annexation will mean for the people loving within the proposed annexation area.
The election date for residents of the area to vote yay or nay on being annexed is Tuesday, Aug. 18th.
| Aug ’09 |
| 1 |
| 10:00 am |
A “Customer Appreciation Block Party” is coming to SW 116th and Ambaum Blvd. SW on Saturday, Aug. 1st, starting at 10am, with free food, door prizes, discounts, drawings and more.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Customer Appreciation Block Party with food samples, grilled specials, serivce discounts, tons of items on sale, the works!
WHEN: Saturday August 1st starting at 10am
WHO: Geno’s Coffee & Bakery, Berry’s BBQ, Pinoy Grocery, Arsenio’s for Hair & Tiffiany Nails
WHERE: 11618 Ambaum Blvd & SW 116th St
WHY: Showing some love back to the community for being such great customers. Come get your nails done, your hair styled, a BBQ masterpiece, some fresh baked treats and shop a huge sale!
Detectives from the King County Sheriff’s Department are turning to the public in the hopes of identifying this pair of likely mail thieves who used a stolen debit card in several area cities:
This photo was taken in early June of the suspects using the stolen card in Puyallup.
The two suspects “hit the motherlode” when they stole mail which included a brand new debit card and PIN.
The stolen card was subsequently used in Federal Way, Tacoma, Tukwila, and Puyallup.
The fraud was discovered recently when unknown charges popped up on the victim’s new debit card account. The bank had supposedly mailed the card and PIN in separate envelopes, but both appeared to have been stolen from the mail.
The victim is a resident of SeaTac, and the loss is several thousand dollars.
If anyone recognizes the suspects they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.
| Jul ’09 |
| 18 |
| 10:00 am |
| Jul ’09 |
| 19 |
| 10:00 am |
White Center’s 21st Annual “Jubilee Days” Street Fair is coming Saturday and Sunday July 18th and 19th, celebrating our community this year with the theme, “Living The Dream.”
Here are the details:
WHAT: White Center’s 21st Annual “Jubilee Days” 2-day Street Fair
WHEN: Saturday, July 18th from 10am – 11pm and Sunday, July 19th from 10am to 6pm
WHERE: 16th Avenue SouthWest between Southwest Roxbury Street and Southwest 100th Street White Center, WA. 98108
COST: It’s FREE! Lots of FREE PARKING!
Saturday, July 11th at Noon: A Golf Event at Foster Golf Links in Tukwila
SATURDAY, JULY 18th – 10am to 11pm & SUNDAY, JULY 19th 10am to 6pm:
- Sat. at 1:30pm: A 1K “Microthon” Fun Run
- Saturday at 2pm: Parade, starting at SW 112th St, Heading North to SW 100th St
- Check In: Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 12:30 to 1:00
- Assembly Staging: at McDonalds in White Center
- Award Categories – Classic and antique Cars, Specialty, Novelty, Drill Teams, Marching Bands, and commercial groups.
- Walking, Marching and Dancing units (carried by the forward left-sided person)
- Distribution of objects, such as candy, flyers, etc.: Must be handed out curbside. Please do not drop objects in the street where children may be tempted to retrieve them. No silly string. Please use litter containers.
- FOR ENTRY FORMS CONTACT: AMANDA AMEND (253) 592-2048 or email your entry at amend2@comcast.net
- An Art Show. Wonderful Arts and Great Crafts
- Information and Food booths
- Beer Garden
- Two Stages with Entertainment!
- A Kids Center with free hands-on activities
- FREE PARKING!
INFO:
- Cleanliness – Please keep the area clean. Local businesses have supported this fun activity and with everyone’s help we can leave it as good as, or better, than we found it.
- Manners – Rude or threatening behavior will not be tolerated. Please be courteous to one another and volunteer staff as well.
- Food – Food is available in the parade staging area at Mc Donalds and from the Street Fair Food Court at the end of the parade route.
- Parade Route – Starting at SW 112th St, Heading North, to SW 100th St. Leave the area via 15th for easiest departure. You can leave your car at the beginning or end of the parade route to avoid any unnecessary walking. Please do not leave valuables in your car and lock your doors. Jubilee days is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Announcer’s Stage – Hosted by First Choice Espresso.
- Awards – Amanda Amend will contact the winners and send out the awards accordingly
- Activities – The Street Fair offers food, crafts, the Kid’s Center, entertainment on two stages, and the carnival.
- HAVE FUN!
If you’d like to volunteer, click here: http://www.jubileedays.org/Volunteer.htm
If you’d like to become a sponsor, click here: http://www.jubileedays.org/2.htm
Maps/Directions: http://www.jubileedays.org/6.htm
More information available at www.jubileedays.org.
According to The Seattle Times, two counts of third-degree assault were filed Monday (July 6th) against a 16-year-old Burien girl who allegedly sicced a pit bull on two women in SeaTac.
The female suspect remains at large. Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department said a warrant has been issued for her arrest, and that she is being sought by deputies. She is slated to be arraigned on July 14th.
In addition to the Burien girl, the Times also reports that three White Center boys, ages 11, 12 and 13, who were with the girl during the attacks will not face charges because the girl is believed to be responsible.
The suspect, who is not being named because she is underage and is being charged in King County Juvenile Court, had trained “Snaps,” the pit bull (pictured above), to attack, according to charging papers.
Court documents (view/download PDF here) allege that the female and a group of boys were found abusing the animal on June 21st before the two women were attacked by the dog.
A 63-year-old woman says she saw four youths kicking the dog and pulled her car over to see if they were okay. The girl cursed at the woman and told her to butt out.
When the woman threatened to call 9-1-1, the female suspect leaned into the car, grabbed the woman’s hair and took her cellphone. The girl then beat the woman with her own phone, court papers said.
All this was witnessed by a 41 year-old Seattle woman, who followed the group to nearby North SeaTac Park. When the 15 year-old figured out they were followed, she walked up to the woman and head-butted her, then threw punches to her head and body.
Next the dog joined the fray and became increasing violent as the rest of the group egged the dog on. The woman suffered serious bite injuries, including wounds to her head and face, as well as serious gashes and puncture wounds to both arms. Her left forearm was flayed open and the bone could be seen.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived and found the four nearby, still with the dog. All were taken into custody without incident.
To read the full story, click here. To read the court documents, click here for a PDF file (warning: contains mature language).
| Jun ’09 |
| 18 |
Thursday, June 18th is National “Dump The Pump” day, an annual event sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association to raise awareness of the benefits of public transit.
Everyone is concerned about saving money and cutting down on expenses these days. And as local gas prices again begin to creep up to $3 a gallon, one of the easiest ways to keep more money in your wallet is to park your car at home and hop on public transportation.
Once again this year, the region’s transportation agencies are urging residents to ride a bus, train, boat, bike, take a walk, or share the ride this Thursday.
National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and improve our quality of life. APTA’s monthly Transit Savings Report consistently ranks the Seattle metropolitan area as one of the top ten regions for potential transit savings.
Community Transit, Everett Transit, Intercity Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit and the WSDOT Ferries Division (Washington State Ferries) are joining agencies across the country to ask those who’ve never tried public transportation to get on board with saving and take a new ride on Thursday. Regular transit users are encouraged to make it a “zero drive” day, and only use transit.
“Puget Sound residents have so many great alternatives to driving—buses, streetcars, vanpools, trains, the iconic ferries, and in less than a month we’ll be adding 16 miles of light rail to that long list,” said Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl.
The agencies in the Puget Sound region share a common goal of offering safe, reliable, and low-cost transportation choices. Yet, each offers a unique array services that interconnect with other agencies to create a very useable transportation network for the region.
Some are hosting special activities for Dump the Pump Day, and others are featuring regular services that can help you save money every day.
King County Metro Transit:
Dump the Pump Day also coincides with the start of summer, and King County Metro Transit wants people who are “staycationing” close to home this year to see how much farther their vacation/holiday dollars stretch when they travel by bus.
In addition to bus routes serving the big-city attractions in Seattle and Bellevue, Metro also has regular service to parks, beaches, malls, movie theaters, ball parks, and hiking trails. There are discounted fares for children and families to help make summertime fun more affordable.
Sound Transit:
Sound Transit, the regional provider of commuter rail and express bus service, has been calculating savings to help its customers “ride out the recession.” Riders have responded by sending in their personal savings stories. Here’s one:
“I live in Queen Anne and work for a non-profit in Redmond, about a 40 mile commute round trip each day. Last year, my employer purchased bus passes for employees and sold them to us for $30. Once I started taking the bus to work, I went from spending about $150 – $200 a month in gas to now about $30. I take the bus more than just to work now; I hardly ever even drive my car at all anymore.”
Sound Transit offers commuters throughout the region several ways to dump the pump to save money and help the environment. Sound Transit operates regional express bus service, Sounder commuter rail service, light rail in Tacoma, and on July 18, Central Link light rail line will launch service between downtown Seattle and Tukwila.
In the Puget Sound region, eight public transportation agencies carry more than 500,000 passengers every weekday and serve a population of more than 3.8 million in the five-county area.?c
| Jun ’09 |
| 11 |
| 10:00 am |
The King County Police Chief’s Association is hosting a County Executive Candidate’s Forum tomorrow (Thursday, June 11th), from 10am to 11am at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center located at 19010 First Avenue South in Burien.
The candidates running for King County Executive are invited to the forum, which is open to the public and press, and according to Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer, so far here’s who’s confirmed:
- Dow Constantine
- Ross Hunter
- Susan Hutchison
- Fred Jarrett
- Larry Phillips
The Police Chief’s Association is comprised of the 34 King County police chiefs, the Sheriff, corrections professionals, as well as state and federal criminal justice partners.
The goal of the candidate’s forum is for each candidate to present their vision for public safety and the criminal justice system in King County. Questions from the chiefs will be asked of the candidates.
WHEN: Thursday, June 11th, from 10am to 11:30am
WHERE: Criminal Justice Training Center, located at 19010 First Avenue South in Burien (map below)
INFO: This is an open forum, and both the public and press are invited.
View Larger Map
The revitalization of the White Center community received a major boost Thursday morning (May 28th) with the groundbreaking for White Center Square, an $11 million retail plaza in the neighborhood’s business district that utilizes a $6.25 million federal loan.
Here’s a photo slideshow of the ceremony as shot by Photographer Michael Brunk:
“There is very tight competition for these federal funds. This project won support from a review panel that includes representatives from across King County—and for several good reasons,” said Metropolitan King County Council Chair Dow Constantine, who represents the White Center neighborhood. “This project will create new retail space and new jobs, while providing a new home for a longtime community business, the Vong family’s Asian market.”
The White Center Square project will bring 60 new jobs to White Center.
Legislation approved by the King County Council in March authorizes the Executive to borrow $6.25 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and re-lend those funds to the White Center Investment Fund, LLC. The legislation also pledges the County’s Community Development Block Grants funds as additional security for the loans. The White Center Square project will also benefit from a federal tax credit.
The investment Fund will use the loan to leverage the additional funding needed to complete a new 26,500 square foot retail/office plaza near Greenbridge. Greenbridge is a mixed-income community built on the site of the former Park Lake Homes, the King County Housing Authority’s oldest and largest public housing development
“We have seen major public investments nearby—most notably in the form of Greenbridge project, White Center Heights Elementary School, and White Center Heights Park,” said Constantine. “King County has been a big part of this effort. I am proud to celebrate another step forward for the White Center neighborhood.”
The King County Council Monday announced that they’ve unanimously appointed Kurt Triplett as King County Executive, with members citing “his professionalism and knowledge of the issues.”
Triplett was unanimously approved by the council to serve in the role which he took on in early May in an interim capacity after Executive Ron Sims stepped down to join the Obama administration.
Triplett will serve until the results of the November general election for County Executive are certified.
Triplett was one of two nominees recommended last week by a Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee co-chaired by former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice and Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke. The Council interviewed Triplett and Royer in-depth Monday morning, along with former County Councilmembers Louise Miller and Steve Hammond.
“As Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, I look forward to working with Kurt Triplett in this time of transition and economic uncertainty,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “He will draw on his 17 years of experience and leadership in County government to inform the difficult choices before the Executive’s office in the next six months.”
“With the 2010 budget in the process of being written and many other extraordinary challenges confronting us, we need an interim Executive who knows the day-to-day operations of King County,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “We need stability now in preparation for the new direction that will come when voters make their decision this November.”
“King County will benefit from Kurt’s perspective and experience during this time of transition in the Executive’s office,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “I look forward to working with the Executive on giving King County’s unincorporated areas the attention and assistance that they deserve. In addition, I hope he will work closely with the district representatives on the Council both on budget and policy issues. At this time of economic stress, we need to weigh all costs carefully and be sure they are prioritized. It will take teamwork and cooperation to develop a budget within existing revenue.”
“In the dire financial crisis we’re facing, Kurt Triplett represents what we need in King County in the short term – continuity and stability,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “New leadership will come this fall, but for now, we need someone who can ably steer our government through our upcoming budget and help transition staff from Ron Sims’ leadership to a new Executive this November.”
Before his designation as interim County Executive upon the resignation of former County Executive Ron Sims on May 8th, Triplett served as the Executive’s Chief of Staff. He has also served as deputy director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, and as Senior Legislative Assistant to former County Councilmember Cynthia Sullivan.
The appointment is the culmination of a selection process that began April 6 when the Council adopted legislation to establish the blue-ribbon selection process. Former Executive Ron Sims resigned his office following his swearing-in as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Obama Administration.
Triplett will be formally sworn into office as soon as Tuesday (May 19th). He will serve as County Executive until the results of the November general election are certified in late November
According to the King County Council website:
Kurt Triplett has spent 17 years in leadership, policy development and management roles in King County government, both in the executive branch and on the legislative side. He has served as Deputy Director of King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Senior Legislative Assistant to King County Councilwoman Cynthia Sullivan, and was a legislative aide to State Representative Judy Roland.
As Deputy Chief of Staff for two years when Sims first took office and most recently as Chief of Staff since July of 2003, he has been instrumental in implementation of major initiatives and served as Sims’ chief budget negotiator and lead policy advisor.
Triplett earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Stanford University and his master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Triplett and his wife Heather live with their three children, Matthew, Daniel and Meredith, in Seattle’s Crown Hill neighborhood.
Saturday’s White Center Clean Up was a resounding success, and not only did The White Center Blog cover it, we pitched in to help as well!
Here’s a great photo slideshow by Photographer Michael Brunk:
We here at the White Center Blog do our best to not only report on local news and events, but unlike other local websites, we also try to help our community (that’s right – we’ve gotten our hands dirty with fundraisers, helped the Rat City Roller Girls clean up the streets, and you’ll see some of us at this Saturday’s Spring Clean Up as well).
That’s why we’re posting this “Help Wanted” Ad for the White Center Community Development Association, which is seeking to hire a “Happy Techie” – but act fast as the deadline to apply is Monday, May 18th:
The White Center Community Development Association in SW Seattle is currently seeking a Data Specialist, responsible for gathering, entering and assuring the quality of data for use in our web-based database (as prescribed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation), as well as producing reports to funders and the association. The White Center CDA is a community development organization with three lines of “business” – neighborhood revitalization, community building and family development. Please visit our website at www.wccda.org
Minimum requirements:
- BA degree and experience with data and in quantitative analysis. Experience can be substituted for a degree.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with web-based databases.
- Ability to troubleshoot problems.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing funder expectations.
- Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.
- Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining positive working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
Compensation and Timing:
Hourly rate of $40 not to exceed maximum of $15,000 for 2009. Work is anticipated to be part-time with more intensive periods during reporting due dates (quarterly, mid-year and end of year).\Start date: ASAP but no later than June 1. Contract is expected through 2009, with 2010 to be negotiated. If interested, please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references to Kate Stannard, Administrative Director, kate@wccda.org or via mail by Monday, May 18 at 5 pm.
To see other job listings in the White Center area, please visit another part of our website you won’t see on other local sites: our Jobs Page.
| May ’09 |
| 16 |
| 5:00 pm |
This Saturday (May 16th) is the next White Center for the Arts Open Studio Art Tour, from 5pm to 10pm, at 9639 16th SW (map below), and here are the details:
Once again, it is time for the White Center for the Arts Open Studio Tour
This coming Saturday, May 16th, 2009 5 PM until 10 PM
Please join us as we present seven artists’ new work.
A wine and cheese event.
White Center for the Arts Building at 9639 16th Ave SW, White Center, WA
View Larger Map
On April 21st we reported that the city of Burien had requested August 18th as the day for the vote on its annexation of the North Highline area, and Monday (May 11th) it was made official by a King County Council confirmation vote.
Burien’s annexation attempts have been going on for several years, and this will give residents of the proposed “Area X” (seen in the map above in yellow) a chance to decide whether they want to officially become Burienites or not.
The proposed North Highline annexation area is bordered on the west by West Seattle, the south by South and SW 128th Streets, Tukwila on the east and a border of South and SW 107th to 116th Streets to the north.
Valuation has been assessed at $1.16 billion dollars, with 1,679 acres and just over 14,000 residents.
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