North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting: Thursday, March 2, 2023 @ 7pm – via zoom

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where?    North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting

When?     Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84410074134?pwd=VnlDZytId3hPUkliWnZMSVJ3NmFudz09

             Meeting ID:     844 1007 4134                         Passcode:    NHUAC2023 (Case Sensitive)Unable to join via Zoom?  Please call:    253-215-8782

Meeting ID:     844 1007 4134                        Passcode:    598963166

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thursday’s NHUAC meeting will include introducing Amelia, a North Highline resident who also works at a local business.  Amelia responded to last month’s announcement that we are looking for people to join NHUAC’s board.  The current NHUAC members will vote  on Amelia’s membership at NHUAC’s April 6th meeting.  Join us as we look to NHUAC’s future with the addition of new members.

We will also be joined by Sandy Hunt, president of the Highline Teachers Association. The association is working to end violence and promote economic and social justice in the Highline School District.  The future of North Highline rests with our young people and NHUAC looks forward to hearing from Sandy.

Jim Chan, King County’s Director of Permitting, has also been asked to join us. The Code Enforcement Division falls under Permitting and we understand it has a new leader, Tom Campbell, who will also be joining us.  See you Thursday at 7 pm!

Knowledge is power.

Learn, share, and help make North Highline a healthier community.March 2, 2023 at 7 pm – Invite Your Neighbors

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Mtg: Thursday, 2/2 @ 7pm

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where?    North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting

When?     Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81763250231?pwd=b250di9SNFRaU0xhOXBXTVZndm1Edz09

             Meeting ID:   817 6325 0231                         
            
Passcode:    NHUAC2023 (Case Sensitive)

Unable to join via Zoom?  Please call:    253-215-8782

Meeting ID:     817 6325 0231                       
 
Passcode:     155949808

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The death of Tyre Nichols, the young father who died as the result of a traffic stop in Memphis is heartbreaking and points to the importance of police knowing the communities they are sworn to serve and protect.

Deputy Bill Kennamer of the King County Sheriff’s Office is a regular participant in NHUAC meetings because he is an important member of the North Highline community. This month we are going to expand the public safety discussion.  Deputy Bill will be joined by:                              

Undersheriff Jesse Anderson

Precinct 4 Commander Major Mark Konoske

Community Service Officer Nate Hammock

For the past 4 years, KCSO has supported the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) a/k/a “Let Everyone Advance with Dignity” program in North Highline.  At a 2019 NHUAC meeting, then Major Anderson said: 

‘The bottom line is, we want people to turn their lives around.…

It’s a great tool, like many other resources we bring in.”

To update us on LEAD’s work, we will also be joined by Reese Abram and Tanisha Davis-Doss of King County LEAD and Aaron Burkhalter, LEAD Program Manager with the Public Defenders Association.

Knowledge is power.

Learn, share, and help make North Highline a healthier community.

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting: Thursday, Dec 1 @7pm

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting – Zoom meeting

When:  Thursday, Dec 1, 2022 @ 7pm


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83024038714?pwd=NjNqZFA3allGQUpUZFlZajE1QzRJdz09

Meeting ID: 830 2403 8714
Passcode: NHUAC2022 (Case Sensitive)

Join by Phone:
253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 830 2403 8714
Passcode: 738468041

Mark your calendars and plan on joining the discussion at NHUAC’s December 1st meeting.  As noted at our November meeting, we were hoping to secure a site to end the year with an in person gathering.  Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate a suitable space, so for the time being we will continue to meet via zoom.

The last two years have been interesting and challenging.  We would like to extend a big thanks to all who continue to sign onto the monthly meetings and stay involved in community issues.  Even though we have not been together in person, we have managed to stay connected and are grateful for the support you all have shown. Our goal is to keep the community informed, involved and to give a voice to the decisions that impact our North Highline community.

With that said, we are pleased this month to welcome the Director of the Department of Local Services, John Taylor.  The Department of Local Services was established in 2018 to better meet the needs of unincorporated King County and is “the go-to agency” for the unincorporated communities. John will provide information as well as take questions regarding permitting, code enforcement and roads, to name a few. 

We are also happy to have Bong Santo Domingo, Program Manager/Community Liaison to provide updates and information regarding community issues.

Deputy Bill Kennamer will also join us with an update from the Sheriff’s Office.

One more important piece of information –

on Tuesday November 22nd, the King County Council held a public

hearing on the proposed 2022 update to the King County Comprehensive Plan. This

followed 8 months of Council review of the plan, which includes the Skyway-West Hill

Subarea Plan and the North Highline Subarea Plan. The Council will consider the testimony received, and potentially take action at the December 6, 2022 meeting.

“The King County Comprehensive Plan is the guiding policy document for land use

and development regulations in unincorporated King County, and for regional services

throughout the County including transit, sewers, parks, trails, and open space.The North Highline Subarea Plan includes dramatic zoning increases in several of the North Highline Neighborhoods. NHUAC devoted several monthly meetings with county planners regarding the proposed changes.  If you were not able to attend any of these informative NHUAC meetings and would like to review the plans you can find a thorough report on NHUAC’s April meeting at “whitecenternow.com”  here. 

If you would like information on the King County Council meetings click here

We look forward to seeing everyone – Thursday, December 1, 7pm

North Highline Unicorporated Area Council Meeting – Thursday, 11/3

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where?    North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting

When?     Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83376874452?pwd=Z3JEMUYxQXM3WFN0d1N1aGVtdGZCQT09

            Meeting ID:     833 7687 4452                        Passcode:   NHUAC2022 (Case Sensitive)

Unable to join via Zoom?  Please call:    253-215-8782

            Meeting ID:     833 7687 4452                        Passcode:        742851493     

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Poverty is not an accident.  Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human-beings.”  -Nelson Mandela

King County Department of Public Health recently released its updated City Health Profile Report.  The report includes demographics, social and health indicators for 48 King County cities and communities.  The report’s data confirms that the North Highline/White Center community struggles with poverty, segregation, and their ramifications.  City health profiles – King County

What can be done to improve the health and opportunity in our neighborhood?  The job of planning belongs to our King County government. Joe McDermott, our representative on the King County Council, will be joining NHUAC’s November 6th meeting to update us on a variety of proposals and issues facing the North Highline/White Center community. They include the Proposed North Highline Subarea Plan, King County’s Proposed 2023-2024 Budget, and the White Center Microhousing Demonstration Project, which was approved by the King County Council over 2 years ago. How will these plans and projects improve life in our neighborhood?

We have also asked Jim Chan, King County’s Division Director for Permitting, to provide updates on the Microhousing Demonstration Project, the hookah lounge and other buildings in the area and the effect of the upcoming budget on hiring in the Department of Permitting.

Our Community Deputy Bill Kennamer will also join us with an update from the Sheriff’s Office.

Knowledge is power.

Learn, share, and help make North Highline a healthier community.

November 3, 2022 at 7 pm – Invite Your Neighbors!

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting- June 2, 7pm

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where?    North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting

When?     Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89722266403?pwd=ty1fe6OL4ZpmKewKueNIof31QX7XJh.1

            Meeting ID      897 2226 6403            

           Passcode (Case Sensitive):     NHUAC2022

Unable to join via Zoom?  Please call:    253-215-8782 

            Meeting ID:     897 2226 6403         

            Passcode:        008064836

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NHUAC’s June 2nd meeting will be the last before the summer break and it will be an important one.  You will have the opportunity to hear from and talk to the leaders of our local first responders, the North Highline Fire District (NHFD) and the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). 

Chief Mike Marrs of NHFD has been participating in NHUAC’s meetings on King County’s proposed Subarea Plan for North Highline.  Chief Marrs will join us to discuss the fire district’s perspective on the proposed plan, the upcoming 4th of Julyholiday and the new fireworks ban. 

There’s a new sheriff in town!  On May 24th. the King County Council unanimously confirmed Patti Cole-Tindall as King County’s Sheriff.  Sheriff Cole-Tindall will make her first visit to NHUAC at the June 2nd meeting.  She will be joined by Undersheriff Jesse Anderson, who you may remember as Major from his time as Commander of the Southwest Precinct in Burien and his  visits to NHUAC.  We welcome them both and, of course, Deputy Bill Kennamer!

Before NHUAC meets again, you can enjoy a tasty breakfast while helping the White Center Kiwanis support our young people!  The White Center Kiwanis’ 12th Annual Pancake Breakfast will be held on July  16thfrom 8 am to 12 noon at the White Center Eagles.  Tickets can be purchased from any White Center Kiwanis member, Bill Tracy (206-248-2441), or at the door.  

                You are invited to join the conversation because knowledge is power.

Learn, share, and help make North Highline a healthier community.

June 2, 2022 at 7 pm – Invite Your Neighbors!— 

Barbara 

May 5th, 7pm – North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Mtg

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where?    North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting

When?     Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86184303928?pwd=VFNRSEtQVHhNMTVzTUZiWXFtYWo5QT09

            Meeting ID      861 8430 3928                        Passcode:   NHUAC2022 (Case Sensitive)

Unable to join via Zoom?  Please call:    253-215-8782 

            Meeting ID:     861 8430 3928                        Passcode:   538997120            

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

White Center has a colorful history. “During the Prohibition years (1916-1933), the trade was bootleg liquor.  Some members of local law enforcement were in on the smuggling.’  After Prohibition ended in 1933, bars and restaurants that serve alcohol became a significant part of White Center’s legal business community.   White Center — Thumbnail History – HistoryLink.org  

The legalization of alcohol put the newly formed Federal Bureau of Narcotics at risk.  It needed something to prohibit. Cannabis was chosen for a  number of reasons, including money. Companies such as DuPont and Ford feared competition from products that might be produced from hemp. Racism was another motivator. The ”name…’marihuana” painted cannabis as foreign and dangerously exotic, making it seem as though the criminalization of marijuana was necessary to keep the country safe.”  The History of U.S. Marijuana Prohibition – CNBS

In 2012, Washington voters legalized the recreational use and sale of marijuana.  Since legalization, cannabis shops have become a substantial part of the community.  With them came tax dollars and concerns ranging from the effect of such an abundance of these businesses on our young people to the recent rise in robberies of cannabis shops.

In 2015, the Liquor Control Board became the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB).  So, what is the state of the liquor and cannabis businesses in our community and state?  NHUAC will be joined LCB’s Lieutenant E.P. Hackenberg and Officer Erick Thomas at our May 5th meeting.  You may know Officer Thomas.  His territory includes North Highline, and he participates in NHUAC and Coalition for Drug Free Youth meetings.  We’ve asked Lieutenant Hackenberg to talk about maintaining safety in cannabis stores and other industry wide issues. We welcome them both and, of course, Deputy Bill Kennamer!

                                                           Knowledge is power.

Learn, share, and help make North Highline a healthier community.

May 5, 2022 at 7 pm – Invite Your Neighbors!

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Mtg : Thursday, 4/7 @ 7pm


The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where?    North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting

When?     Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85898466765?pwd=ays3cm4xQ2xJYTdZa0JjNEdJNUVGZz09

            Meeting ID:   858 9846 6765                          

            Passcode:   NHUAC2022 (Case Sensitive)

Unable to join via Zoom?  Please call:    253-215-8782 

            Meeting ID:   858 9846 6765                         

            Passcode:   887033793            

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Neighbor is not a geographic term.  It is a moral concept.”  – Rabbi Joachim Prinz

“Poverty is not an accident.  Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human-beings.”  -Nelson Mandela

Have you any idea how many kids it takes to turn off one light in the kitchen? Three. It takes one to say, “What light?” and two more to say, “I didn’t turn it on.”  – Erma Bombeck

Some thoughts to ponder before NHUAC’s April 7th meeting where we’ll learn more about the county’s vision for our community, a/ka the North Highline Subarea Plan. We’ll be joined once again by Jacqueline Reid, of King County’s Department of Local Services (DLS).  She will share the recommendations of Executive Dow Constantine. His proposal went to  the King County Council last week for discussion. deliberation, finalization, and ultimately a vote.  Councilman Joe McDermott, Fire Chief Mike Marrs and Deputy Bill Kennamer will also join the discussion.

According to a 2011 Opportunity Mapping Analysis, White Center is a “low opportunity neighborhood” with “some of the worst health outcomes in King County… ranking number one for diabetes-related deaths, infant mortality, and heart disease….”  The report also cites “academic achievement and poverty challenges.”  “School poverty has serious implications not just for students, but for districts, communities and the region.”

How will the Subarea Plan improve life in our neighborhood? In November of 2020, NHUAC was joined by David Goodman who shared some data the county had compiled from and about our community.  David is gone, but his presentation is worth reviewing.  http://whitecenternow.com/2020/11/10/newest-plan-for-subarea-plan-north-highline-unincorporated-area-councils-novem

                                Knowledge is power.

Learn, share, and help make North Highline a healthier community.

April 7, 2022 at 7 pm – Invite Your Neighbors!—