By Charles Ganong

(Publisher's Note: I asked son-in-law Charley Ganong to give me a list of what he likes about White Center. Charley was captain of the Evergreen High football team and a graduate of Harvard. He has not addressed the prolific empty stores issue. He lives in Gregory Heights. -Jerry Robinson)

1. The people are more friendly, "genuine" and unpretentious here than in other "trendier" places around town.

2. $200,000 houses with million-dollar views. Affordable housing.

3. Fun for all ages can be found at White Center Park: "Log cabin" Field House, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, handball court, playground, etc.

4. A highly diverse and multicultural community, which encourages interracial understanding, tolerance and cooperation.

5. Evergreen High School--a "Model United Nations." Students of every conceivable racial and ethnic background and ancestry.

6. The new track at Evergreen. Combined with the cross-country course, now a decent track and field complex.

7. The reopening of the Evergreen Pool (it was a shame to have closed it so long for lack of funds).

8. The number and variety of ethnic restaurants.

9. Westwood Village--seems to successfully reinvent itself every 10 years or so.

10. The Rat City Roller Girls.