The August 8 White Center Business District mixer held at the 3.14 Bakery covered a lot of ground in a short time with a strong reminder about a special day in the community Aug. 20 coming up in two weeks. Promotion, parking, medical marijuana, way finding signs and and a bike tune up plus concert were all discussed.

Carrying over from previous meetings Kathi Wheeler of Noise without Sound Design showed her mockup of a White Center Shopping Guide. The format includes a list of businesses and a walking map that highlights business in the area. Suggestions from the crowd (which numbered about 25 people) were to consider making it more pocket sized, to possibly use a cartoon version of a business map to portray the area in a friendlier light but there were also opinions voiced that the community should do more research into what has worked for other communities.

Others offered that White Center has a certain fear factor to overcome to get people into the community and patronize businesses. Patrick Robinson of the West Seattle Herald/White Center News offered his suggestion for adopting a single promotional day on a regular basis, specifically "White Center Wednesdays", a promotion centered around the use of standardized 8.5 x 11 sheet that would contain small ads from participating merchants, plus an editorial section that would profile a local business. That format could be used in print as an ad in the newspaper, printed as a flyer by and for local businesses, and used as a window poster to build awareness of the promotion.

Next up was Caption Joe Hodgson of the King County Sheriff's office along with C.S.O Peter Truong. Hodgson talked about the two hour parking law in White Center but admitted that parking enforcement in a time of tight budgets was "not the top of the list," for his officers.

People noted that there are people who "live in their cars" parked in the business district and others noted that owners and employees take up valuable parking spaces for many hours.

Hodgson urged people to call 911 if they found anyone threatening public safety but that he does not have the resources to pay daily attention to the matter.

He spoke about the nature of attempting to enforce the laws regarding medical marijuana with two businesses like that in the middle of White Center.

"Frankly it's a grey area," he said referring to the recent passage of the Washington State law regarding the subject. Hodgson stressed that his officers are paying close attention and said, "We are watching it and going in regularly," in reference to the G.A.M.E Collective marijuana lounge on 16th s.w. Justin Cline asked if there was something that could be done to police the "medical crack dispensaries," meaning open drug dealing the White Center business district, "It's just so obvious," he said. Some in the crowd suggested emphasis patrols on parking or on other issues might help. For his part Hodgson acknowledged and understood their concerns and said,

"It's not being ignored but our ability to react has been cut. I wish I could say more about it." Hodgson responded to a question about the marijuana businesses and agreed that they have been crime free and "pretty quiet."

The need for the return of a "Storefront Deputy" in White Center (a position that was not filled after Officer Jeff Hancock left last year) was stressed by many in the crowd and specifically by Barbara Dobkin of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. That group is circulating a petition, noting that other neighborhoods have used that method, to ask that an officer be assigned to that role. Copies were passed around and signatures will be collected and turned over to County Executive Dow Constantine's office.

Hodgson said he would like to improve enforcement on alcohol sales in the district but explained that it's difficult to enforce.

After the meeting he pointed out that certain Seattle neighborhoods have established Alcohol Enforcement Emphasis zones which has had the effect of causing some of those most likely to drink, to end up in White Center.

Nhan Nguyen of the WCCDA (who led the meeting) mentioned that volunteers from the Weyerhauser Corporation would be coming through the business district on August 11 to wash windows for businesses in the area. More information is available through the WCCDA.

Nguyen then reminded the group about a "very big day for White Center," August 20 which will feature several community events starting with a Fundraising Breakfast to help replace the tattered American flag at Holy Family.

The second event on the 20th will be the Hicks Lake BBQ, a community wide event during which various community groups will come together to share their views and enjoy a great meal. Going on all day at area merchants who sell vegetables will be the White Center Summer Shop Fresh promotion during which vegetable purchases made at participating merchants will for every 3 dollars spent be matched by a grant from King County, essentially giving shoppers a 2 for 1 discount.

There's a limit of course, you must shop in multiple stores to get more since the $3 is restricted to one store for each purchase.

The final event taking place Aug. 20 is the White Center Artwalk that evening.

Ellie Weiss rose to speak briefly about "Tunes and Tune-up" coming up August 24. This event is centered around bikes, is completely free, and will feature bike tune ups (including flat tire repairs, chain lube and break repair, and a concert all taking place at Greenbridge Plaza from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

Mentioned quickly in closing, but held for the next meeting was the idea of the installation of Wayfinding signs in the White Center area.