West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
Here’s what we have in Crime Watch so far today:
DEADLY BRIDGE CRASH FOLLOWUP: We’re continuing to watch for the next steps in last Wednesday morning’s West Seattle Bridge crash, which took the lives of two 18-year-olds. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says the preliminary investigation has been forwarded to them for review for potential charges. The suspect has yet to appear in court, though, because he remains in the hospital, and a KCPAO spokesperson says their understanding is that it might be “a week or two” before he gets out – at which time police say he will be transferred to the King County Jail.
CHARGES IN ANOTHER VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CASE: The KCPAO has charged a 21-year-old man in another crash that killed two people – this one on snowy southbound I-5 by the West Seattle Bridge around 3 am February 26th. The two men who died were in a car that had hit another car, and after those two cars came to a stop on the freeway, the victims’ car was hit by a third car whose driver is identified by prosecutors as Antonio M. Lopez of Renton. He and his girlfriend were in the car, investigators learned, but walked away from the scene while responders were tending to the victims – 34-year-old Skyler Thorton and 38-year-old Terrell Aaron – and to another driver who survived but had injuries. Lopez, believed to have been driving 70 mph at the time of the crash, is now charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and one each of vehicular assault and felony hit-run. And it turns out he was charged in a vehicular homicide case – a crash that killed a teenager – six years ago, when he was 15 years old. (The court documents do not say how that was resolved but we’re researching it.) His current whereabouts remain unknown.
PARKING-RAGE HATE CRIME: This happened Friday, but we didn’t hear about it until the police summary was made available today. Around 7 pm Friday, two drivers collided while trying to park on Alki Avenue SW near 54th. Police say the two got out of their vehicles and that “the suspect attacked the victim (who) left in his vehicle, and the suspect followed in their own vehicle. While the suspect was chasing the victim, they yelled, ‘You are not a citizen’ and ‘Go back to your country’.” Police say the victim, who they describe as being “of Mexican descent,” believes he was assaulted because of his race/ethnicity. The suspect was pulled over near Don Armeni and then booked, police say, for hate crime and DUI. The 31-year-old suspect is not yet charged; the jail docket indicates he was there from Friday night until Sunday morning.
Your next chance to get up and dance – while helping local students – is just four nights away! In case you haven’t seen it the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar listing yet, here’s the invitation:
The Madison Music Boosters would like to invite students, their families, and community members to a Swing Dance & Auction on March 31st, 2023, from 6-9 pm at Madison Middle School! We have a lively event lined up, featuring performances by our very own Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Choir, and Orchestra, with a special performance by guest West Seattle Big Band! Tickets include a free Swing Dance lesson. Pizza and drinks available for purchase as well as an abundance of bake-sale treats, thanks to our Madison parents! The silent auction and Raise the Paddle will fund most of the Music Department expenses throughout the school year. Tickets are $15 presale or $20 at the door. Ticket link here.
An ADA accessible entrance is on the south side of Madison Middle School, nearest to the U-shaped parking lot outside of the gym structure. Elevators will be made accessible for the event, which will be held in the Madison Commons, one level below the main floor.
If you already know you can’t attend OR you’d like to simply donate to the Madison Music Program, please do so here.
Questions? Email the Madison Music Boosters at madisonmusicboosters@gmail.com
The school is at 3429 45th SW.
Three more students have been honored by the Rotary Club of West Seattle as Students of the Month – here’s who won, and what’s next:
The West Seattle Rotary conducted its fourth and final 2022-23 SoM Awards event.
Above is Chief Sealth International High School‘s SoM Kyler Blanton, with counselor Chelsey Thomas and Rotarian Alan Mitchell (who’s in all three photos). Below from Summit Atlas are counselor Keenan Grayson, SoM Ethan Anderson and his parents:
And below are West Seattle High School SoM Indie Oleson and her mom:
Now, each of the three West Seattle high schools will pick their nominee for the 2022-23 West Seattle Rotary Student of the Year (SoY) Scholarship from their 2022-23 SoM Awardees. The Youth Services Committee of West Seattle Rotary will select the winner from those three nominees. On May 9th, the West Seattle Rotary will conduct its 2022-23 West Seattle Rotary SoY Scholarship Award event. The winner will receive a scholarship worth up to $6,000 and each of the two runners-up will receive a scholarship worth $1,000.
1:10 PM: Big Seattle Fire response to the 3500 block of West Marginal Way [map], coded as a “confined-space rescue.” Firefighters have told dispatch that it’s an injured person in a 200-foot barge in a space that’s only accessible via a two-foot-wide opening. They say they’re “working on the water side of the barge.” The address cross-references to Island Tug and Barge, and the firefighters are using “Island” to describe the incident location in radio discussion.
(SFD photos)
1:49 PM: SFD reports firefighters have safely rescued the injured person, who will be taken to a hospital. They used an aerial ladder to lift the person out:
(File photo)
With longer days, more sunshine, and rising temperatures, you’ll likely spend more time outside. So Nancy is sharing an alert, intended for her neighborhood but a cautionary tale for others too:
I live at 48th Ave SW between Hinds & Spokane. Behind Madison Middle School. I wanted to warn neighbors … For the past week, a large raccoon has been showing up in my yard in afternoons, 1:30 pm (not usual nocturnal time).
He snarls & bares his teeth. He does not back down when I throw a handy object at him.
I’m a gardener & almost always outside these days. He then climbs trees to get on my roof. Two years ago,, raccoons killed all my 3 chickens in early 5 am time.
Nancy was planning to consult experts. We also suggested one of our favorite resources for urban-wildlife info, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s “Living With Wildlife” series. Check out this page and scroll all the way down to find the “preventing conflicts” advice.
Thanks to the texter who just told us about discolored water near 40th/Oregon. They’ve contacted Seattle Public Utilities – 206-386-1800 if this happens to you – and they aren’t working any breaks at the moment (none on the SPU map either), so they speculated it might be Seattle Fire Department hydrant testing. Tests, breaks, or other unusual demands on the system can stir up sediment in the lines, usually rust.
For going on two decades – since 2005 – West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day has been a spring tradition around the peninsula – sales of many sizes and types on one day of person-to-person recycling, second Saturday in May. We’ve been coordinating WSCGSD since its fourth year in 2008. It all starts with registering your sale to be on the map, and we’re now one week away from opening registration, on Monday, April 3rd. The actual Community Garage Sale Day this year is Saturday, May 13th. Official WSCGSD window is 9 am to 3 pm but sellers are welcome to start early and/or end late – just include that info in the sale description when you register! Next Monday, we’ll publish an announcement when we’re set to start, and it’ll include the link. The registration period usually runs a little over three weeks, and then we close it down so we can start work on the map/list, which as always will be ready to view one week before WSCGSD. P.S. We haven’t heard yet from anyone planning a site with spaces open for small individual sellers – we’ll mention it if and when we do!
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 27th.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The forecast for today: Mostly sunny, high in the 50s. Sunrise 6:58 am, sunset 7:32 pm.
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TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations remain possibl.
Water Taxi – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the camera at the top:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – looking southwestward toward it:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.
One more community meeting to recap for you before the weekend’s out – HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge, gathered online this past Wednesday, with HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick facilitating. Major agenda item: The South Delridge Action Plan, announced by the city when a survey was launched in January.
David Goldberg, who led the North Delridge Action Plan in the mid-2010s, is shepherding this one too. He noted that he’s worked on West Seattle neighborhood plans back in the late ’90s – Admiral, Delridge, Westwood-Highland Park – and on local park projects including Ercolini, Myrtle Reservoir, and Cottage Grove in the ’00s.
So why does South Delridge need an Action Plan? Goldberg listed multiple reasons including public-safety concerns, food insecurity, health inequities, and the fact none of its neighborhoods has had a new plan since 1999.
The desired goal: A vision shared by the community and city.
Though light rail is only going to North Delridge, buses from South Delridge will take people to it, so this planning is taking that into account, Goldberg said:
Longfellow Creek, whose historic headwaters are in Westwood, is another focal point:
So how is the plan going to be developed, if it’s to be a “shared” vision? Goldberg said they weren’t expecting to have “large” community events, but more direct engagement with smaller groups and institutions, and looking for other ways to reach people to ensure “all voices are heard.” Almost 300 people responded to the winter survey, he added.
After listening to the presentation, HPAC co-chair Craig Rankin observed, “This doesn’t feel community-driven.” Goldberg insisted it’s intended to be, and that right now they’re simply “trying to understand how to start the work.” He promised Rankin and HPAC that it would indeed be collaborative, and said he “will have failed” if when all is said and done they don’t agree it turned out that way. They do already have a “rough schedule,” though:
He promised to return to HPAC to talk more about the SDAP in May.
RV ENCAMPMENTS: Brief update from outreach leader Michelle McClendon – she noted that the 2nd/Michigan (1st Avenue South Bridge) outreach work had just concluded (as we’ve reported, 30 people were said to have been placed in shelter or housing), so they have moved on to other areas, including RVs at Henderson/Barton.
DAY OF SERVICE: Kirkpatrick noted that May 20th is the One Seattle Day of Service this year and welcomed community ideas for what could be done.
NEXT MEETING: HPAC meets most months at 7 pm on the fourth Thursday, so that’ll be April 27th. Topics planned for the agenda so far include the SW Holden Natural Drainage Systems and West Duwamish Wet Weather Storage Facility projects. Watch hpacws.org for updates and meeting-access info.
You’ve probably heard the warning “one pill can kill.” Here in the fentanyl era, teenage substance use is riskier than ever. What’s a parent/guardian to do? How do you talk about it with the youngest members of your household? Westside HEY (Healthy Empowered Youth) and the Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance have announced a town-hall discussion for which you might want to set your calendar: 6 pm Wednesday, April 5th, in the galleria at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon). Speakers include UW prevention expert Dr. Kevin Haggerty. Youth Alliance coordinator Lensy Cordova says Mayor Bruce Harrell is expected too. No need to RSVP – just show up. Here’s the flyer in English, Spanish, and Somali.
Two main topics at the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s every-other-month meeting, held online this past Thursday night:
RECONNECT SOUTH PARK: Maria Ramirez from the Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition was the guest to talk about this campaign to either cover or remove the section of Highway 99 that cuts through South Park – and cuts it apart. The idea is picking up momentum, and money. Ramirez explained that this started with one person’s idea about a year ago, suggesting that removing the highway could undo some of the injustices suffered to people in the area. “For some reason, this became sort of a sexy idea,” and drew national attention as one of too-many highway sections that have resulted in environmental and other burdens on communities of color. The state allotted $600,000 for a feasibility study, and two weeks ago, the feds allotted $1.6 million for “modeling studies … and an equitable development plan.” (That was a grant for which the city wrote the application, Ramirez explained.) They’ve had South Park community engagement meetings to start developing a vision of what could be done (not necessarily simply closing the highway – maybe covering it). A bigger community meeting is planned for 1 pm May 13th at Concord International Elementary – the first of at least three such meetings. She’s working with a group of 20 people – from activists to writers, “all people who live and work in the area.” In Q&A, WSTC’s Deb Barker wondered “who are the naysayers” or people who aren’t necessarily on board (yet) with the concept? Ramirez said the port and truckers are high on the list of entities/people they need to talk more with. She also said she welcomes ideas of who to talk to, groups to talk with, who else could get involved. You can reach the coalition, and learn more, at reconnectsouthpark.org.
FERRY-DOCK PROJECT: Mike Dey from the Fauntleroy Community Association was there to ask WSTC to join the community organizations who have sent letters of support for FCA’s position that the ferry dock shouldn’t be expanded when rebuilt later this decade. Dey first recounted history including a 1997 city resolution against expansion. He said ferry traffic is growing p past what a state study decades ago said should be the maximum allowable traffic volume. And he recapped what Washington State Ferries has been looking at – not widening the dock, but potentially lengthening it. While the FCA supports rebuilding the dock/terminal, the group contends the expansion is unnecessary, and that it raises traffic and environmental concerns. Dey said the FCA believes expansion is unnecessary because the backups onto the street are largely caused by the tollbooth bottlenecks in the afternoon – automated fare collection (like Good To Go bridge-toll collection) could eliminate that. Street holding is already enough to hold projected traffic increase, he added, and an expanded dock would be a “very expensive parking lot” empty 21 hours a day. Regarding environmental concerns, he mentioned Fauntleroy Creek’s salmon runs; the creek’s mouth is just south of the dock. WSTC did not commit to sending a letter but will consider the issue.
NEXT MEETING: 6:30 pm May 25, since they’re meeting every other month. They’re still working on in-person arrangements so they can transition to hybrid meetings.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
HIT-RUN: Amanda is looking for witnesses:
My car was involved in a hit and run last night (3/25) between 9:45 pm and 11 pm on the corner of 42 Ave SW and College Ave.
They didn’t leave info so I’m trying to find out if anyone saw or knows anything. I rang neighbors’ door bells too but no one answered so I’m hoping someone might have a Ring cam or something in the area. Police case # 23-81847.
PACKAGE TAKEN: Another reader report, this one from Jeff:
Here’s a video of someone stealing an Amazon package [Saturday] morning at 6:30 am. 39th Ave SW between Stevens and Lander.
No police report # on this one yet.
P.S. The dumped-likely-stolen tool boxes mentioned here Saturday have been claimed – thanks to both Jessica, who found them and sent us the photos, and the reader who quickly saw the post and knew whose they were.
(WSB photos)>
Baseball and softball season-openers continue this afternoon as West Seattle Little League‘s season-opening jamboree concludes, with more than 800 players and 68 teams participating. Saturday we stopped by the softball venue, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle); this morning, we visited the baseball venue, Bar-S (64th/Admiral) – the photo above is from a juniors (10-year-olds) game, below is from a seniors (12-year-olds) game:
Baseball is scheduled to continue until about 7 tonight, softball until 4:30.
In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, this year’s chance to visit a local fire station is Saturday, April 1st, noon-2 pm, when Fire Station 37 (35th/Holden) will roll up the doors and host a Fire Safety Fair. Here’s what SFD says you will be able to do:
-Learn about fire prevention & life safety at home
-Meet local firefighters
-Explore a working fire engine, ladder truck and fire station
-Watch CPR demonstrations
-Join Firefighter Story Time with the Fire Chief
-Get creative at the arts & crafts table and more!
-Light refreshments provided
Station 37 is West Seattle’s southernmost fire station, home to Engine 37 and Ladder 13.
10:06 AM: Thanks for the tip. Power is out for 122 customers southeast of The Junction, centered near Fauntleroy/Edmunds, according to the Seattle City Light outage map. SCL attributes it to “bird/animal”; a squirrel, to be specific, reports a texter.
2 PM: According to commenter Lauren, power came back on just after noon.
Family and friends are remembering Tyler Tomaselli, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Tyler Sinclair Tomaselli
July 24, 1985 – February 12, 2023Tyler was born and raised in West Seattle, the “Westside Bestside,” and he loved life with a passion. He loved baseball, football, and basketball and was an All Star athlete. He loved animals, was always kind and loving to everyone and was a very humble person. He is survived by his father Paul, mother Cathy, brother Jake, his turtle Melissa, many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, as well as many good friends from the West Seattle community. He is now resting at peace with his heavenly family, friends, his dog Jasmine, and the lord. We love you Tywu, we will miss you but will also see you again soon.
Please share memories, photos & condolences with Tyler’s family on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Tyler-Tomaselli.
A celebration of Tyler’s life will be held at a future date in West Seattle, please check the obituary page for details.
Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
(Oregon Grape at Lincoln Park, on its way to blossoming bright yellow – photo by Ann Anderson)
Here’s our quick lineup of highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TRAFFIC ALERT: Road work just east of the low bridge is expected to conclude today, 7 am-3 pm.
]ONLINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES: We’re continuing to update these – see today’s lineup here. (Got changes/additions? Let us know!)
WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE JAMBOREE: The season begins! A second day of baseball at Bar-S (64th/Admiral), 9 am-7 pm; softball at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 10 am-4:30 pm.
EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS: Second of three days with photo sessions at My Three Little Birds (4736 California SW) in The Junction, 10 am-4 pm. Our calendar listing has info and the signup link.
BINGO BRUNCH: Brunch at Box Bar (5401 California SW) hosted by drag queen Jolene Granby, 10 am-2 pm, with bingo at noon.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market offers early-spring produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)
MATZAH AT THE MARKET: Torah Learning Center of West Seattle will be at the WSFM, demonstrating how matzah – the unleavened bread eaten during Passover (which starts April 5) – is made.
WINTER CLEARANCE SALE: Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is offering end-of-season deals at its Winter Clearance Sale – details here. Last day today! Open 10 am-5 pm.
FREE PASTA: After four “soft open” weeks, Dué Cucina in The Junction is celebrating its grand opening today, including free pasta for the first 100 people in line when they open at 11 am. (4437 California SW)
TALK ABOUT THE CLASSICS: The West Seattle Classic Novels (and Movies) Club talks about “Light in August.” 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
MUSIC AT C & P: Singer-songwriter Alan Sobel 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover.
YOGA, MEDITATION, GONG BATH: Presented by Inner Alchemy, 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
LATIN SUNDAYS: DJ at The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), starting at 9 pm.
SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Have an event to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
We present volunteer opportunities when we hear about them, but some people have yearned for a central opportunity to connect with ways to help. A new one is coming up – West Seattle Nursery plans to present “Doing Good in the Neighborhood” volunteer fairs next month. Here’s how they announced it:
Are you bored? Lonely? New in town? Want to make a difference? Want to make new friends? Become a volunteer!
Come to West Seattle Nursery on weekends in the month of April, meet local organizations that are:
Doing Good in the Neighborhood
And find a place to share your time and talents.
WSN’s Marie McKinsey says a dozen organizations are already signed up to participate, and: “I would welcome inquiries from more local non-profits. Their work doesn’t have to be garden related. We will have a table and chairs set up in our tent on Saturdays and Sundays for them. Organizations have a choice of shifts, 10 – noon or 1 – 3 on a Saturday or Sunday.” You can reach Marie via the WSN contact info at the bottom of their home page.
47 years ago, the Rotary Club of West Seattle transformed a pocket of land at 35th/Alaska into a park. Members go back periodically to help tend it. They sent photos from their most recent work party:
The Rotary Club of West Seattle recently transformed Rotary Viewpoint Park into a beautiful green space. Led by Community Service Chair Gina Topp, the team weeded the garden beds, cleared out debris, and created an inviting space for both people and birds. Check out the stunning “before and after” photos to see their amazing transformation.
You can read about the park’s history here.
Four items in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ATTACKER ALERT: Reader report via emailer who says this person is likely still in the Junction area right now:
She has been talking loudly to herself, and has been seen carrying alcoholic beverages. She is violent and will escalate quickly.
Police reports have been filed, the tipster says..
PROWLER SEARCH: We received a few questions about a police search earlier this afternoon near the 3400 block of 37th SW. The call was for a possible residential burglary; police were told that the residents of the home, while away, got an alert about someone seen at the back door, possibly entering the house, before the video feed abruptly ended. We’ve listened back to police-radio audio but don’t know so far whether this ended with anyone being found, or whether a break-in was confirmed.
DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN TOOLS: Are you missing tools from a burglary or car prowl? Jessica says the two containers were dumped last weekend in an alley near California/Holgate. “Both boxes contain various tools and look like they belong to a contractor. We are keeping them safe until we can find the owner.”
If they’re yours, or you know whose they might be, please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.
(WSB photos)
This is the second year that West Seattle Little League has included softball as well as baseball, and that means this weekend’s season-opening Jamboree is happening at two sets of fields. We stopped by Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) this morning while 7- and 8-year-olds were playing softball, joyfully celebrating their first game of the year:
Everyone’s welcome to come show their support, for the softball and/or baseball players, who are playing at Bar-S Fields (64th/Admiral) in Alki. Softball games continue today until 5:30, and baseball until 7; tomorrow, the schedule is 10 am-4:30 pm for softball, 9 am-7 pm for baseball, same locations. (Concessions too!) And on Sunday, the Mariner Moose is expected to visit Bar-S – more on that and other Jamboree details here.
Did you know the West Seattle Food Bank helps pets as well as people? That’s why WSFB development director Breanna Bushaw is hoping people will fill that barrel (and more!) today, as Pet Supplies Plus in Westwood Village has a pet-food drive happening right now, until 2 pm. Bring food to donate, or buy some at the store. They’ll accept bags of kitty litter, too, for the WSFB’s Pet Pantry. P.S. You can help WSFB any time with monetary donations, too.
Spring’s here and get-out-on-the-water season isn’t far away. On one recent sunny day, in fact, kayaks arrived at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), where their winter clearance sale continues through this weekend, too. Here’s the announcement and photo sent by the shop in The Triangle:
Hey there sun-seekers,
Spring is here and kayaks have landed! Mountain to Sound has just received a shipment of new kayaks, including top brands such as Eddyline, Old Town, Current Designs, Epic, and Ocean Kayaks. These kayaks are perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, and we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect kayak for your needs.
We invite you to visit our store locally or online to get the first spring picks of our kayaks as this first shipment won’t last long. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to help you choose the perfect kayak for your needs and answer any questions you may have.
We also offer kayaking accessories and rentals, so you can make the most of your time on the water. As always, thanks for all the support!
Don’t forget, we are still doing our winter clearance until 3/26/23!
See you out there,
Mountain to Sound Team
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