Here’s the lineup for Saturday’s White Center Third Saturday Art Walk, which goes from 6pm – 9pm Saturday night, Aug. 21st:

August 21, 6 PM – 9 PM
White Center Third Saturday Art Walk

Dubsea Coffee (9910 8th Ave SW): Jeannette Jones – oil paintings. Jeannette’s oil paintings are a complex tapestry of images that require second and third looks to discover the hidden portraits contained within.

Proletariat Pizza (9622-A 16th ave SW): Terry Peart – acrylic paintings. “17th and Roxbury”. Come see this series of paintings of a local landmark in White Center. have you tried the tiramisu?

Salvadorean Bakery (1719 Roxbury): Heather Mathias – Photographing Color and Design: An Exhibit by Heather Mathias
Heather Mathias’s artwork is an exploration of color and design. She photographs everyday objects, then through “reverse process” discovers their essence – their visual essence; whether it be a specific color, a specific design, or both.

Dzul Tattoo (9622-B 16th Ave SW): The Dzul Family – Tattoo, airbrush, cool urban art. Check out the shop, get that long-desired tattoo!

Cafe Rozella (9434 Delridge Way SW): Another month of good ART!!

Full Tilt Ice Cream (9629 16th Ave SW): Check for updates.

Big Al Brewing (9832 14th Ave SW): Adam Schmidt – Metal Art -Precision-cut metal art.

This week, our decision to “take the pledge” to the TAO of Journalism came to fruition, and we’d like our Readers to know about it.

The “TAO of Journalism” is, quite simply, a “promise to your audience that you will be Transparent about who you are, Accountable for your mistakes, and Open to other points of view.”

Here’s how this concept originated:

At a Journalism That Matters conference in Washington, D.C., in 2008, John Hamer of the Washington News Council was thinking about how journalists demand that everyone they cover be transparent, accountable and open — but what about journalists themselves? Isn’t it a two-way street? He realized those three words spelled “TAO” and proposed a breakout session on the “TAO of Journalism.” About two dozen conference attendees showed up to discuss the idea and help refine it.

In 2009, at another Journalism That Matters gathering at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, Hamer floated the idea again and convened another breakout session. Several attendees came and talked it over — including Tom Stites of The Banyan Project, who encouraged Hamer to pursue it.

At a third Journalism That Matters event at the University of Washington in Seattle in January 2010 (Editor’s Note: this is where we first met John and learned of this concept), the “TAO of Journalism” was informally launched. Several attendees took the “TAO pledge” and/or bought T-shirts displaying a TAO logo. Others signed up at a Society of Professional Journalists convention in Seattle in April 2010.

We now proudly publish the pledge we took for not only The White Center Blog, but for our five sister sites as well:

Transparent
We will fully disclose who we are, our journalistic mission and our guiding principles. We will post information on our background and expertise, including education and experience. We will list advertisers, donors, grants, and any other payments that support our work. If affiliated with a political party or special-interest group, we will disclose that. If lobbying for any particular legislation or regulation, we will disclose that. If we are being paid to promote a product or cause, we will disclose that. If other factors could be seen as potential conflicts of interest, we will disclose them. (NOTE: The principle of transparency does not apply to confidential sources, who may still be protected.)

Accountable
If we get any facts wrong, we will admit that promptly and publicly. We will post/publish/print/podcast/broadcast a correction or at least a clarification. We will fully explain what happened to cause the error or mistake. We will do a follow-up story if that is appropriate, putting the original material in better context. We will apologize and promise to be more careful next time. We will show a little humility.

Open
If there are credible challenges to our point of view or simply differences of opinion, we will be open to contrary positions. We will give the other side(s) opportunity and space to express their views and engage in open public dialogue through comments or other means. If we are primarily engaged in opinion and commentary, rather than news reporting, we will make that clear – while inviting others to express their opinions through comment and feedback means.

We do not necessarily agree to abide by any particular code of journalism ethics or professional standards, although we may choose to do so. If we do, we will declare that publicly. If we don’t, we will declare that as well. We understand that this will not be enforced by any outside organized group. It will be overseen by everyone on the Internet who wants to see high standards of transparency, accountability and openness in journalism – through whatever media platform.

We understand that if someone using the “TAO Seal” starts violating its basic principles, they will be admonished, criticized, reprimanded and embarrassed in public through the awesome power of the Internet. Call it “crowdsourcing” ethics and accuracy. In summary, we believe that Transparency, Accountability and Openness are keys to our personal credibility and public trust.

So…what the heck does this mean to our Readers?

• It means that you can rest assured that if we have a bias or agenda, we’ll do our best to openly disclose it.
• If we make a mistake, we’ll do our best to correct it.
• And, as we’ve showed in the past by allowing anonymous Comments and Forum Postings, we’ll continue to allow contrary points of view, as long as they’re not libelous, or contain naughty words.

by Ralph Nichols

After a second day of counting ballots cast in the Aug. 17 primary election, Joe McDermott maintains a lopsided lead in the King County Council race from District 8.

McDermott has almost 60 percent of the votes counted in the district with the release of updated totals by King County Elections on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 18).

Diana Toledo appears headed for a second-place finish with 19.69 percent of the vote. The top two finishers qualify for the Nov. 2 general election ballot.

Normandy Park City Councilman and former mayor Shawn McEvoy is third with 13.14 percent of the vote. Tim Fahey, a South Park carpenter who based his campaign on getting a new bridge there, has 6.89 percent.

The totals for McDermott and McEvoy increased slightly, while those for Toledo and Fahey slipped a little – but all changes were well under 1 percent.

Ballots cast by 26.62 percent of voters in the district have been counted. Unreported is how many of its 109,557 registered voters mailed in ballots:

METROPOLITAN KING COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT NO. 8

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: *

28,466

/

109,557

25.98%

County Council District No. 8 Unexpired 1-year Term

Diana Toledo

4,879

19.63%

Tim Fahey

1,711

6.89%

Joe McDermott

14,859

59.79%

Shawn McEvoy

3,265

13.14%

Write-in

136

0.55%

“I’m surprised with how high [his vote total] was,” McDermott told The B-Town Blog. “I thought I would place first, but had no idea it would be with numbers as high as I received last night. I’m very pleased.”

Toledo said she is “very excited and looking forward to working very hard over the next few months to close the gap [with McDermott] and to win in November. I’m encouraged by my numbers given the fact that I came into the race so late.”

If Toledo holds her primary position, which now appears likely, the election for this seat will take on a pivotal dimension for the King County Council despite the fact that she is a long shot.

McDermott, who has served 10 years in the Legislature, seven in the House and the last three in the Senate, will continue to run on his record as a liberal Democrat from West Seattle, which he points to with pride.

“I think voters will continue to have a strong choice and I look forward to continuing to knock on as many doors as I can and talk to as many voters as I can about transit and transport, environmental protection, human services and public safety, as I have thus far in the campaign,” he added.”

A political newcomer from West Seattle, Toledo, who worked for King County for 15 years, campaigned on conservative themes – government reform, reduce spending and taxes, cut waste, and public safety as the top priority.

She planned to hit the ground running the day after the primary to increase her visibility and “tell voters who I am and point out the differences between Joe and me. I have a lot of people supporting me and I believe that that number is going to grow.”

They are running to fill the council position vacated by Dow Constantine when he was elected county executive last year. The winner will serve one year, then must run for election to a full four-year term in 2011.

Both highlighted their opposing positions in interviews with The B-Town Blog.

McDermott:

“I’ve had the opportunity over the last 10 years to demonstrate my priorities and my values in my service in the Legislature. They have meshed well with the district I represented and they mesh well with the larger 8th County District. It is those priorities and those values that I took to the voters, asking them to support me in yesterday’s primary.

“Certainly the council positions are now non-partisan and I have a track record of working with a variety of people in Olympia and I look forward to continuing to do that if elected to the county council. At the same time, I think the voters have a right to know what my values and priorities are and a party label is an initial indicator of that to the public.”

Toledo:

“Shawn McEvoy ran a great race. I’m very honored that I have been able to make it through to the general election. I’m grateful for the support from all the people who believe in the issues that are part of my campaign – who want change in King County government, who want reform in King County government.

“We can’t afford politics as usual. We can’t sustain unsustainable budgets. King County cannot afford to continue the excesses of career politicians and career appointees whose policies have devastated our communities, a projected budget deficit of $60 million next year, with talk of sales and property taxes and the slashing of law enforcement positions. We have to protect our senior citizens who are being taxed out of their homes.”

Can Toledo win despite McDermott’s lead? “I have to. We’ve got too much to lose.”

But McEvoy isn’t ready to concede the race. “It’s going to be one of those multi-day adventures,” he said about the continuing vote count. Elections will continue to update results at 4:30 p.m. every weekday through Aug. 31.

“I’d rather be in second place, but I’m not that concerned. I’m looking forward the late vote during the rest of the week. That’s where I’ll swing back.”

He added, “My goal always was to be in second place in the primary. The race is still on. It’s the first turn of the horse race.”

Fahey expressed hope that the second posting of votes would improve his fortunes. With that apparently not in the cards, “Diana has my complete and absolute endorsement. I agree with her platform, she’s bright, and I’ll be delighted to have her as my councilman. I don’t think there is any way I can come close at this point, and I will campaign for her.”

He added, “I’m happy. We didn’t make it but I’m happy. I did something I never thought that I’d do … I will continue to work to see that a new bridge is built and that things like this don’t happen again. This is a silly way to run a government.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine’s office announced Wednesday (Aug. 18) that an independent board charged with advocating for state funding to improve freight mobility has made a preliminary recommendation to contribute up to $5 million toward construction of a new South Park Bridge.

This brings firm pledges of funding to a total of $95 million so far. The estimated cost of the project is $130.8 million.

The recommendation from the Project Selection Committee of the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) will be considered at the Board’s next meeting in September, for action during the next state legislative session.

“This latest funding recommendation dramatizes just how important a new South Park Bridge is to the economy and mobility of our region,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “On behalf of all the stakehers who have been working tirelessly to obtain funding for this bridge, I want to thank the Freight Mobility Board for its support and for moving us another step closer to the finish line.”

“The support of the Freight Mobility Board is greatly appreciated. It adds to the incredible momentum we’ve built with our partner agencies, stakeholders and the community to get this bridge rebuilt,” said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jan Drago, who represents the South Park and Georgetown neighborhoods.

According to the statement:

The $5 million contribution approved by the FMSIB is the latest in a series of pledges from state and local governments over the past two months. The county estimates the cost of demolishing the old bridge and building a new structure to be more than $130 million. The county is about to submit its application for a federal TIGER II grant for the balance of the funding.

Meanwhile, county road engineers are moving forward with demolition and pre-construction work. Crews are currently in the process of removing vacant buildings on county-owned property adjacent to the bridge. The property will be needed to accommodate the staging of equipment and materials once construction begins on a new bridge. Crews will then prepare the bascule leaves for removal.

By Aug. 30 the Duwamish Waterway will be the scene of major activity as barges and a crane detach and remove the huge 225-ton leaves. This phase will likely require some nighttime work due to restrictions in closing the navigational waterway. The leaves will be barged to a remote site for further demolition and salvage.

The 81-year-old South Park Bridge has reached the end of its useful life and was closed earlier this summer for public safety. Engineers believe the bridge foundation buried beneath the Duwamish River is severely deteriorated.  Recognizing the crucial role the bridge plays in supporting the local economy and moving vehicles and freight, Executive Constantine has led an aggressive effort with agency partners and community members to assemble funding to get a new bridge built.

Firm pledges of funding total $95 million, with other funds pending:

• King County – $30 million
• State of Washington – $20 million
• City of Seattle – $15 million
• Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) – $15 million
• State Transportation Improvement Board – $10 million
• Port of Seattle – $5 million
• Federal DOT-HUD funding bill – $3 million (pending Congressional approval
• FMSIB – up to $5 million (pending approval by full board and state legislature)

King County Elections posted its “early returns” Tuesday night (Aug. 17) around 8pm, and with between 22 – 24% of the mail-in ballots counted, it looks like a neck and neck race between Mike Heavey and Joe Fitzgibbon (32.8%) for 34th Dist. State Rep. Pos. #2, and Joe McDermott (59.3%) and Diana Toledo (19.97%) for King County Council, Dist. #8.

Keep in mind that these are preliminary results, and the final tally won’t be released until Sept. 1st.

STATE REP. DISTRICT No. 34 – POSITION 2:

Joe Fitzgibbon

Prefers Democratic Party

5,065

32.80%

Mike Heavey

Prefers Democratic Party

5,185

33.58%

Geoffrey Mac McElroy

Prefers Independent Party

2,910

18.84%

Marcee Stone

Prefers Democratic Party

2,191

14.19%

Write-in

91

0.59%

In the King County Council, Dist. #8 race, Joe McDermott is at 59.3% and former King County employee Diana Toledo is at nearly 20%. Normandy Park’s Shawn McEvoy is at 13%.

METROPOLITAN KING COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT NO. 8:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: *

23,990

/

109,557

21.90%

County Council District No. 8 Unexpired 1-year Term

Diana Toledo

4,182

19.97%

Tim Fahey

1,481

7.07%

Joe McDermott

12,421

59.30%

Shawn McEvoy

2,732

13.04%

Write-in

129

0.62%

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT NO. 7

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: *

90053

/

419100

21.49%

United States Representative Congressional District No. 7

Bob Jeffers-Schroder

Prefers Independent – No Party

5624

6.75%

Bill Hoffman

Prefers Democratic Party

3598

4.32%

Jim McDermott

Prefers Democratic Party

64258

77.16%

Scott Sizemore

Prefers Democratic Party

2034

2.44%

Don Rivers

Prefers Democratic Party

2814

3.38%

S. Sutherland

States No Party Preference

3150

3.78%

Write-in

1803

2.16%

Results can change of course depending on which areas get counted when, and we’ll be posting updates as they are released by the county.

In other interesting races (at least to us), here are some early returns:

United States Senator:

• Sen. Patty Murray: 140,192 • 57.98%
• Dino Rossi: 68,501 • 28.33%
• Goodspaceguy: 707 • 0.29%

United States Representative Congressional District No. 7 :

• Bill Hoffman*: 3,598 • 4.32%
• Jim McDermott: 64,258 • 77.16%

* We went to West Seattle High School with Bill Hoffman; note to Bill: next time, choose a weaker opponent!

If you forgot to mail your ballot in, you can still drop it off until midnight tonight at the Riverton Heights Post Office (located at 15250 32nd Avenue South Seatac, WA 98188-9996 – (206) 241-7061).

According to the Pierce County Emergency Management (PCWARN), the two loud explosions heard just before 2pm Tuesday (Aug. 17) were confirmed by the FAA to be from two F-15s intercepting an aircraft breaching the presidential no-fly zone (President Obama was in Seattle).

911 dispatch centers in Pierce County were temporarily overwhelmed by calls from citizens but were never off line. All dispatch centers remain fully operational.

Our sister site The B-Town Blog filed the following report:

Numerous Readers, along with this Reporter, heard two rather large explosions on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 17) around 1:50pm.

Initial Reader responses indicate that the sounds were heard in Eagle Landing Park, Three Tree Point, SW 148th and Ambaum (where it made a witnesses’ “door and window move”), Des Moines, and as far away as Federal Way.

Here’s what Rebecca Dare wrote us:

Around 1:50 p.m. there were two big booms (sort of like double-booms spaced apart). It shook our house and seemed like an earthquake. We headed out into the street and could hear a possible jet far away — don’t know if they were sonic booms or not. But I’ve never heard or felt anything like that that wasn’t an earthquake. Have you heard anything from anyone else?

Jm Branson wrote:

Two booms shook my windows near Eagle Landing Park. My friend said they rattled her house in Federal Way.

My guess is military planes in association with Obama’s visit.

Cassandra wrote:

I am at SW 148th and Ambaum and it was strong enough to make my doors and windows move!

Shelby wrote:

We are over at SW 114th and Ambaum and our doors and windows were shaken as well. No idea what it was though.

Our first thought was a series of short, sharp earthquakes, but the sonic boom theory may be more plausible, as President Obama is in town, which means that accompanying fighter jets may have cause sonic booms.

We just received word from the Washington State Patrol, which says:

Washington State Patrol is reporting the loud booms heard over the South King County area minutes ago is possibly resulting from a Sonic Boom. Residents are encouraged not to call 9-1-1 in regards to this event.

Any questions, you may call Normandy Park Police Department at 206-248-7600.

Also, KING5 is reporting on their Facebook Page:

If you heard/felt the booms this afternoon – the FAA says they are sonic booms from military aircraft in the area.

So…did YOU hear them? Where were you? And what did it sound like to you? Please leave a Comment below:

We stopped in to say Hi to returning WCB Advertiser White Center Glass & Upholstery, where, we found, things are hoppin’ as usual.

(Note: Within these very paragraphs is a tip for White Center Blog Readers on how to save up to $500 in actual cash money. Read on!)

White Center Glass & Upholstery started over 48 years ago at 9443 Delridge Way SW, just north of Roxbury in the historic Delridge Triangle.

They provide and install windows, mirrors, patterned glass, shower doors, tabletops and shelving, and can custom-size and sand them down for you right at the shop.

“We’re busy, doing great, and we just hired an additional worker,” Fern Falaschi, White Center Glass & Upholstery proprietor, said. She asked us to tell our readers: “Winter will be here before you know it. So get your Charlies in here!”

“What’s a ‘Charlie’,” innocently asked our naive WCB reporter.

“You don’t know what a ‘Charlie’ is? Shall I use a different word!?”

“Mom, let me handle this,” offered Abby, Fern’s highly capable daughter and office manager.

“Say, White Center Blog reporter, why don’t I show you some of our vinyl windows and tell you about some great savings we have going on,” Abby suggested.

She continued: “We have a wide variety of vinyl windows. Weathervane is the power player brand. These windows are locally made, and their warranty is excellent. They have outstanding customer service.

“Federal tax credits for installing new vinyl windows run out just after winter sets in. Some rules apply, but the potential savings are amazing. Call or stop by for details.”

Some things to think about now that Fall is just six weeks away: Cut down on energy waste by finding that snug fit for your fireplace door. Fern and Abby and the crew have the glass you need. Is your cat or dog clawing away at screens this summer? White Center Glass & Upholstery has the solution.

And now, the secret deal that will save our Readers $500:

“We’ll provide a 10% discount for customers who pay by cash or check, up to a maximum customer savings of $500. Just whisper the code words: ‘White Center Blog Special Savings!’” Abby said.

Or, just go in and say: “I’ve brought in my Charlies!”

White Center Glass & Upholstery
9443 Delridge Way SW
Seattle, WA 98106

206-762-8088 main
206-762-6794 fax

www.whitecenterglass.com

email: abbyf@whitecenterglass.com

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

“Wednesdays with WCELI,” a free parental educational gathering, will be meeting again this Wednesday, Aug. 18th from 9am – 10am at the Educate Early Learning Center, located at 625 SW 100th Street, next to White Center Heights Elementary School.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Wednesdays with WCELI” meeting.

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 18th from 9am – 10am.

WHERE: Educare Early Learning Center, next to White Center Heights Elementary at 625 SW 100th St. Seattle, WA 98146.

INFO: From a flier:

Join other parents over coffee/tea to discuss topics and resources in early learning.

Make it Fun! Watch Them Learn!

Get Ready for Kindergarten!

What you can do to make sure your child is ready for school.

• Coffee/tea and light morning refreshments provided
• Children welcome; activities provided for ages 2 – 5

Questions? Call (206) 716-8855.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued a warning for “high levels of ozone pollution (smog) for both King and Pierce counties, and are forecasting levels to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)” category this weekend as the region comes under the influence of a hot and stagnant weather pattern.

Here’s the warning:

High levels of ozone pollution (smog) are being forecast by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for the Cascade foothills of King and Pierce counties and are expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)” category this weekend as the region comes under the influence of a hot and stagnant weather pattern.

Exposure to ground-level ozone can trigger asthma attacks, make breathing difficult, exacerbate lung and heart problems and weaken the immune system. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65.

Smoggy conditions will mostly impact communities in the Cascade foothills of King and Pierce counties. These outlying suburban and rural areas accumulate pollution generated by traffic and activities in the urban areas of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma.

Fine particle pollution levels are also rising, and are likely to reach the ?Moderate? category in most areas throughout the Puget Sound region.

Elevated pollution levels are expected to last at least through Tuesday.

Monitor current ozone levels at http://www.pscleanair.org/airq/aqiozone.aspx#.

To learn about the extended air quality forecast, read our forecast discussion at: http://www.pscleanair.org/fcstdisc.aspx.

Minimizing summertime ozone takes year-round effort. It’s changing everyday behaviors that can add up to cleaner, less smoggy air. To learn more about smog and what you can to lessen the pollution leading up to it, visit www.pscleanair.org/airq/basics/weather/smog.aspx.

The Seattle Police Department reported early Wednesday morning (Aug. 11) that they’ve arrested a 50-year old male suspect in the recent “smash-and-grab” crime sprees that hit small businesses in an area from Burien north into West Seattle.

The suspect is alleged to have been responsible for at least 40 similar burglaries since July 1st (we’ve been following these cases closely – read our previous coverage here).

Here’s the report from SPD:

On August 11th, at approximately 2:30 AM, Seattle Police and King County Sheriff detectives working in conjunction on a series of commercial “smash and grab” burglaries, arrested a 50-year old male for a burglary in the Burien area.

This suspect is believed to be responsible for at least 40 similar type burglaries in the West Seattle and Burien area since July 1st.

Detectives from the two agencies will continue to follow up on these burglaries as they put together their cases for prosecution.

The suspect was booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Burglary.

This came across our radar Tuesday morning (Aug. 10) – “Company,” a new bar/restaurant opening soon at 9608 16th SW (we first reported on April 20th – read our story here), is apparently looking to hire cooks, bartenders and servers.

According to a Craigslist Ad, they’re asking potential employees to drop resumes off this Thursday, Aug. 12th between 10am – Noon.

Here’s the text from the ad (link here):

Company, a new neighborhood bar and restaurant in White Center is getting ready to open and will be looking for cooks, bartenders and servers to fill part-time positions. Interested applicants should have 2+ years experience and professional references. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the team that will open the doors of a great new bar to an incredible, and anxiously anticipating neighborhood. Please stop by our location at 9608 16th Ave. SW on Thursday, August 12th between 10am and 12 noon to drop off your resume and to meet our current staff. We look forward to seeing you then. Thank you.

Company
9608 16th Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98106

Resume drop off:
Thursday, August 12th
10am-12 noon

To see more local job listings, check out our Jobs Page here.

The White Community Development Association (WCCDA) is holding two “Social Media” seminars – the first will be Friday, Aug. 20th at the Greenbridge YMCA’s Learning Center’s Computer Lab from 1pm – 4pm.

If you’re a small business owner in the Dub-C and you don’t know what this newfangled “social media” thingy is, then these are for you. If you do know what it is, but aren’t sure what it can do for you, then these seminars are for you as well. And if you use it now but want to get better, then these are for you too.

Here’s what the WCCDA says about the seminars:

What is social media and how does it help your business? It is an online medium of which you use to connect to potential customers/clients/general public for the purpose of putting out the words and advertise your business.

It is like a simple internet’s website. In our business district, we already have some savvy social media users such as Full Tilt, Proletariat Pizza, Dubsea Coffee, and they will tell you that it helps them tremendously with their marketing and sale.

Social media accounts such as Facebook, Yelp, Group-on, etc. are all free of charge to set up and use.

This workshop will cover:

• Gain knowledge and awareness about online social networking
• Gain online social networking tools and resources
• Practice dissemination of information via online social networking
• Share tips and experiences on the internet that have worked for them
• Build a stronger community through online interactions

Teachers for the first seminar will be Ian Dapiaoen and Virgil Domaoan. Jessica Estrada of Banyan Branch Marketing will teach the second (date and time to be announced).

Here are the details:

WHAT: White Center CDA’s “Social Media” seminars.

WHEN: The first seminar is Friday, Aug. 20th from 1pm – 4pm.

WHERE: Greenbridge YMCA’s Learning Center Computer Lab,  located at 9720 8th Ave SW.

INFO: From an email:

Hello everyone,

Based on popular request, we are bringing you free social media training seminars.

What is social media and how does it help your business? It is an online medium of which you use to connect to potential customers/clients/general public for the purpose of putting out the words and advertise your business. It is like a simple internet’s website. In our business district, we already have some savvy social media users such as Full Tilt, Proletariat Pizza, Dubsea Coffee, and they will tell you that it helps them tremendously with their marketing and sale. Social media accounts such as Facebook, Yelp, Group-on, etc. are all free of charge to set up and use.

If you think learning and using this kind of marketing is difficult, it is EASY but do require some time to sit down and learn.  We have two seminars for you. The first one is:

• Friday, August 20, 2010; Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  Trainer: Ian Dapiaoen and Virgil Domaoan
  Location:
  Greenbridge YMCA’s Learning Center Computer Lab, 9720 8th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106

The CDA’s very own social media experts Ian Dapiaoen and Virgil Domaoan will be on hand to facilitate and lead the workshop. Space is limited so YOU HAVE TO REGISTER! PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED FLYER ON HOW TO DO THAT!

The second social media training workshop will be facilitated by Jessica Estrada of Banyan Branch Marketing. Time and date to be announced later.

by Jack Mayne

The Seattle-Tacoma International Taxicab Association (STITA) lost another round in its fight to retain a contract with the Port of Seattle to be the sole provider of cab service leaving the airport, a contract it has held for about 20 years.

The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday (Aug. 5) declined to review an appeals court decision upholding the Port of Seattle’s award of the outbound taxi service contract to Yellow Cab. The Court also dissolved a stay preventing a new contract between Yellow and the Port and, within moments of the high court’s decision being announced Friday morning, the Port signed a new contract with Yellow that will take effect on Nov. 1

Chris Van Dyk, the principal of the Bainbridge Media Group and the person who authored the Yellow Cab bid, issued a news release Friday:

“You will be pleased to know that . . . the Washington State Supreme Court denied certiorari (review) of the STITA appeal of the temporary injunction that had been issued, blocking contract signing between the Port and Yellow, in this case,” Van Dyk wrote. “Accordingly, the Port of Seattle has signed the contract for outbound taxicab services with Puget Sound Dispatch dba Yellow Taxi Association, and Yellow will begin outbound on-demand (curbside pickup) taxicab service at SeaTac on Nov. 1, 2010.”

The original STITA contract was supposed to have ended on August 31, but was extended by the port for 60 days because of the legal battle, plus the fact Yellow would need time to redeploy cabs to the airport and to make other arrangement to take over the service, said Perry Cooper, spokesman for the airport.

Despite the setback, STITA attorney Michael Goldfarb of the Seattle firm of Peterson Young and Putra, said the case was still a long way from being over.

Goldfarb says he plans to file a motion in another suit involving cab service at the airport. STITA will allege the contract signed between Yellow and the Port is illegal because there were “significant changes: made after the contract outlined in Yellow’s original bid.

“Our position is that the Port negotiated wholesale changes to the agreement and any such changes were never approved by the Port Commission (in a public meeting),” said Goldfarb. “We will ask the (King County Superior Court) to nullify the contract,” the attorney said.

“Even though the important issues raised by this first case won’t be heard by the state’s highest court, we still have a strong position in a second case,” said Jesse Buttar, STITA spokesman. “We still look to the Port to restore the public trust in this contract and process.”

by Ralph Nichols

All four candidates vying to represent District 8, which includes Burien and North Highline, on the King County Council met in their last scheduled pre-primary face-off at Seattle First Baptist Church on Aug. 5.

The primary election forum, sponsored by The League of Women Voters of Seattle will be broadcast on King County TV, cable Channel 22. Check KCTV at the county website – kingcounty.gov – for program times.

Considered a pivotal race that could change the complexion of the County Council, the top two finishers in this non-partisan field of Tim Fahey, Joe McDermott, Shawn McEvoy and Diana Toledo will advance from the Aug. 17 primary to November’s general election.

[Note: Candidate comments appear below in the pre-determined order they answered the questions, which are paraphrased from the original wording.]

What is your position on the proposed King County sales tax increase of 0.2 cents per dollar to avoid cutting sheriff’s deputies, prosecuting attorneys, and a new juvenile justice facility? (Note: Half of the tax would be scheduled to expire after three years; the remainder would stay on the books for 20 years to pay for the juvenile facility.)

McEvoy: “I’m not a big fan of raising taxes, but I will vote for it reluctantly … with my nose plugged … I think it stinks.” He committed to voting for the measure after talking with Sheriff Sue Rahr and Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, who said told him it is needed to avoid sharp cuts in public safety services.

Toledo: “I oppose this tax.” Public safety is the county’s top priority and “we can find money within the existing budget without raising taxes … this recession is not the right time to raise taxes” Some people in county government who aren’t qualified earn six-figure salaries and care only about collecting their paychecks. “First look within the budget we have.”

McDermott: Innovative programs like drug courts “that turn people’s lives around … would be the first to go in this round of cuts. Sixty sheriff’s [deputies] and 12 prosecutors would be laid off. This is only 2 cents on a $10 purchase … I will vote for it.”

Fahey: “I’m not in favor of the tax increase.” Several deputies have told him “there are plenty of places where savings can be found” in the sheriff’s office budget. “There is so much waste” throughout county government, why do they “always start cuts in my community?” In White Center and Boulevard Park?

What is your view on privatization of county services?

Toledo: Having worked with King County for so long … I’ve seen some of the benefits of privatization,” like private management of the county’s parking garage. “Good places to start” privatizing services can be found in any part of the county “where people are passionate to help.”

McDermott: “Of course there are important roles for privatization.” Some services can be provided better by government – people “coming together collectively” – and some provided better through privatization. The garage “with private management is a good example,” but public transit is done better by government.

Fahey: “Privatization in the current political climate seems to be a poison pill.” Yet there are some “functions of King County that never should have been made part of government in the first place.” Some social services could be privatized. “We must stand up and use our hearts because government can’t do it” and give tax dollars to private service providers.

McEvoy: Efficiencies can be achieved with privatization … one area is transit” with the use of smaller busses and shuttle vans by private operators. The West Seattle water taxi is an example of “how inefficient government can be. It costs three times more to operate under the county than when it was run by Argosy.”

How will your background help you on the King County Council?

McDermott: He served in the Legislature from 2000 to 2010 “when difficult decisions needed to be made.” This year “I voted for furloughs for state employees” and for funding cuts that resulted in layoffs for others. “I did support new revenue, including a tax on candy, gum and bottled water” that will benefit schools and teachers around the state.

Fahey: He has been an employee, run his own business, “and succeeded and failed … and as a carpenter I know how to build things and I know how to fix things, and I can find problems and rectify them … As a businessman I can recognize what business needs and help business grow.”

McEvoy: As the owner of two small businesses, “I know the pitfalls and rewards of small business ownership.” He is also a member of the South King County Economic Development Partnership and the Highline Forum, which encourage “small business growth, job opportunities, public/private partnerships, and less regulation, not more.”

Toledo: “I’ve seen first-hand how overregulation affects people … a small business owner in my community who no longer sells certain products based on the cost of increased taxes.” Unsustainable budgets passed by “career politicians,” taxes and regulations have impacts “we overlook” on those “who can least afford it” like senior citizens being taxed out of their homes.”

[Photo of King County Council candidates by Michael Brunk, taken at The B-Town Blog's July 20th Forum.]

The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce is reporting that Providence Health & Services of Washington has been awarded nearly $9.1 million to construct 65 apartments for low-income seniors and people with disabilities in the King County Housing Authority’s Seola Gardens community in White Center.

Read the full story here (subscription required).

The next White Center Business District Mixer meeting is Tuesday night, July 20th, starting at 6pm at Chase Bank, located at 1616 SW 100th Street.

There is no cost to attend, and according to a flier, there will be a light dinner provided.

On the agenda this week are two items:

1. Sibelle from White Center’s Dubsea Coffee and a StartZone representative will report on the fantastic results of a StartZone’s pilot project that connects Highline Community College students to help small business build and maintain an attractive and practical website. There will also be an announcement of a free social media seminar that the CDA will organize to teach WC businesses easy steps on how to set up online marketing accounts (Facebook, Yelp, Groupon, etc.) to attract more customers.
2. Mr. Javier Valdez from the City of Seattle and Luis Navarro from the Port of Seattle will talk about the process of how small businesses can register to become vendors/contractors for government’s businesses.

If you have any questions, or would like more info, contact Nhan Ngyung at (206) 694-1082.