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Camp Second Chance’s first Community Advisory Committee meeting
May 8, 2017 11:00 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two months after Camp Second Chance became officially city-sanctioned, its Community Advisory Committee convened at the encampment on Myers Way in southeast West Seattle.

They heard updates from its operator, Polly Trout of Patacara Community Services, including her report that CSC’s population had more than tripled since it became sanctioned two months ago – from 14 to 49, counting three people who were reported to have arrived just as the Sunday afternoon meeting began. But that’s not yet the full capacity mentioned in the announcement last December that it would be one of three new sanctioned encampments in the city.

The committee – which the city decreed would be a required part of camp operations – includes a wide range of representatives from around the area, West Seattle to South Park to Top Hat to White Center, neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, neighboring senior-housing complex Arrowhead Gardens, and more. A city rep – Tom Van Bronkhorst from the Department of Neighborhoods – was at the meeting too. In all, more than 20 people were sitting in a canopy-covered circle before the meeting wrapped up.

Trout explained the camp’s operations – that it’s self-governed, with a Monday meeting where there’s a vote on decisions such as barring people who can’t follow its code of conduct, which includes “no criminal behavior, no stealing,” drug and alcohol free, being civil and ethical. The camp also has a grievance process if someone feels they’re not being treated fairly, and that can be pursued with Patacara’s board, but so far, she said, no one had done that.

She mentioned the services that have improved at CSC since signing a contract with the city on arch 8th – including: Read More

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Power flickers around north West Seattle; no word of outage so far
May 8, 2017 9:58 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

9:58 PM: Thanks for the tips/questions. We’re receiving reports that power briefly flickered around north West Seattle – The Junction, Genesee Hill, Admiral. So far no word of the cause, and no WS outage has shown up on the Seattle City Light map. (If you have completely lost power, please alert City Light, 206-684-3000 – and then let us know at 206-293-6302 – thanks!)

10:32 PM: We’ve also heard from Gatewood, High Point, and Alki – where one person says it’s been attributed to balloons getting tangled in a power line, and several report a loud noise preceding the flicker. We’re not likely to hear anything official tonight but will check with SCL in the morning.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Admiral Way ‘sinkhole’
May 8, 2017 7:47 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

ORIGINAL REPORT, MONDAY, MAY 8TH: Thanks to the anonymous reader who sent that photo, saying SDOT just blocked off a “sinkhole” right in the middle of the uphill (eastbound) travel lane on Admiral Way at 57th. We don’t know if a crew will be working on it tonight – if not, we’ll check on it first thing in the morning.

UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 12TH: After noticing last night that it wasn’t fixed yet, we asked SDOT today about the repair plan. At day’s end, they said the hole was scheduled for repair today; we drove by tonight and indeed, it has been.

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About the police response at Admiral/38th
May 8, 2017 7:29 pm
|    Comments Off on About the police response at Admiral/38th
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police


(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)

Several people have asked about a sizable police response on Admiral Way at 38th SW, which SPD blocked for a while, earlier this evening. Christopher Boffoli checked it out for WSB and here’s what he found out: It was originally reported as a possible “person in crisis” situation but police talked to the woman they were called about and eventually classified the call as a family disturbance, no crime involved, no one hurt. Police are no longer there and 38th has reopened.

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BIZNOTE: New in North Delridge – Muse Gallery and Studio rental space
May 8, 2017 5:30 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We often get asked about rental/event spaces in West Seattle. Here’s a new one: Muse Gallery and Studio, in North Delridge. It’s a new venture by the proprietors of The Skylark next door. Matt Larson explains:

We are trying to provide a space for artists and artisans to show/sell/teach their craft in West Seattle. It also makes for an affordable and spacious photo studio as it includes seamless backgrounds and tall ceilings.

Muse Gallery and Studio is available to rent for a wide variety of events. Pop-up art shows, photo studio rental, private parties, classes, recitals, etc. can all be held in this warm, open space. Gallery lighting, wood floors, open floor plan, and seamless backdrops make it versatile for a number of uses. There is also plenty of free parking, and catering available. First and foremost, Muse is about finding inspiration and making connections in our art community. Our goal is to draw attention to and promote artists, studios, and collectives from all the neighborhoods in Seattle by showcasing them here in West Seattle.

Larson says you can get a firsthand look at Muse (3801 Delridge Way SW) during two upcoming events: Night Circus #5, an “art and social gathering” 6-9 pm this Thursday (May 11th) followed by music next door at Skylark, and a one-night art show May 20th by Casey Brookbush, with live acoustic music by Jake Carden, 6-10 pm May 20th, with music afterward at Skylark.

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FERRY TRAFFIC ALERT: Fauntleroy tollbooth changes to be tested for four days next week
May 8, 2017 2:39 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

That two-page flyer explains a test that Washington State Ferries will conduct with tollbooth procedures at the Fauntleroy ferry dock next week – Monday, May 15th, through Thursday, May 18th. It’s the next step in the process we’ve been covering since January, when WSF chose a citizen task force to help come up with “quick wins” aimed at reducing traffic backups and other delays, especially headed outbound from Fauntleroy in the afternoons and evenings. When the task force finished its first round of meetings in late March – as reported here – those “quick wins” were announced as a two-part plan, changing tollbooth procedures so four vehicles could be processed each minute instead of three, and a big public-information campaign to make sure everyone knows what’s going on (including encouraging ferry users to buy advance tickets).

They also agreed that the proposed changes should be tested in May before potential official implementation in June. So that’s what will happen next week – as detailed on the flyer above. WSF spokesperson Brian Mannion tells WSB that “WSF’s internal implementation team (comprised of experienced terminal staff, vessel crew and supervisors on the route), will be on site all this week to discuss the changes with WSF workers, drivers and passengers” before the test project starts next Monday.

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COUNTDOWN: 5 days to West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2017 next Saturday
May 8, 2017 1:25 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 5 days to West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2017 next Saturday
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

From north to south: Sale #145 in North Admiral to Sale #312 in south Arbor Heights …

From east to west: Sale #3 near Westcrest Park to Sale #136 near Constellation Park …

All around the peninsula, the 300+ sales of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2017, coordinated by WSB, are now mapped for your planning convenience, with the big day next Saturday, May 13th, official shopping hours 9 am-3 pm (but browse the listings for some starting earlier and/or ending later). See the online and printable versions of the map/list by going here.

The listings, searchable via the online map (as explained beneath it) or via your browser’s “find” feature on the PDF version, truly have something for everyone, whatever you’re seeking. Or, you’ll find reasons to visit no matter what the merchandise, maybe just seeing what your neighbors are selling, or checking out sales with special greeters (like Tough the tortoise). And no, it’s not all stuff that people are hoping to get out of their basement, garage, storage unit forever – one sale promises cut flowers, others have fresh lemonade and/or coffee and/or baked goods … and then there’s the one with “Delicious beverages sold by cute and earnest kids.” There’s even a big multi-seller site where you can buy lunch (hot dogs, barbecue). Are you a crafter? Fabric, yarn, beading and quilting supplies are on the list … We could go on. And will – for the rest of the week, we’ll be publishing lists, starting with the benefit/nonprofit sales. Updates will be here on WSB and on westseattlegaragesale.com.

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4 ways to spend your West Seattle Monday night
May 8, 2017 12:03 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Alki Beach last weekend – photographed by Anjanette Nelson-Wally)

As we head into Monday afternoon … here are four calendar highlights for tonight:

COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm, it’s the Monday Meetup – stop by, learn about the orchard, help out. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND PROJECT: 6 pm in the cafeteria at Gatewood Elementary, before the 6:30 pm PTA meeting, see the final draft design for the southwest corner of the playground, as previewed here. All welcome – and then see how to help make it happen! (4320 SW Myrtle)

SEATTLE READS ‘THE TURNER HOUSE’: This year’s “Seattle Reads” book, “The Turner House” by Angela Flournoy, is the subject of two book groups meeting at local libraries tonight, both at 6:45 pm – at Southwest Library and at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. All welcome. (P.S. – The author will be visiting SW Library on Wednesday afternoon!)

MONDAY QUIZ: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, no cover, all ages, prizes! Details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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BIZNOTE: Sushi Samurai opening Alki Beach location this Wednesday
May 8, 2017 10:39 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Back in late March, we reported on Sushi Samurai taking over the ex-Subway spot at 2758 Alki SW, between Top Pot Doughnuts and Pegasus Pizza. Now, we have an update from co-proprietor Ray Maranonn, who tells WSB, “We are happy to announce that we will be opening on Wednesday, May 10th, at 11:30 am. Our hours for now will be 11:30 am-7 pm Wednesday-Sunday, and I anticipate those changing to Monday-Sunday in the next few weeks.” This is Sushi Samurai‘s second location; its first is on Queen Anne.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Big hit-run clue; car break-in
May 8, 2017 9:13 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

HIT-RUN DRIVER LEAVES BUMPER BEHIND: The photo and report are from Angela:

My family woke up this morning to our car totaled by a hit and run. We live on the increasingly dangerous street of 49th and Admiral. This is the SECOND TIME it has happened in 2 months! As much as we love paying $500 deductibles, this is getting ridiculous. The way people drive up Admiral from the beach and whip a right onto 49th is scary and reckless.

We have lived here for 6 years and have seen at least 7 or 8 hit and runs just on our block. I’ve reported it to the city before, but the fact that it’s a main arterial they said they can’t do anything about it?

We have called the police and are keeping an eye out for a Land Rover that has the front bumper gone this morning (photo above). … I would really love to catch this person!

We’ll add the SPD incident number when available. (ADDED 11:13 AM: 17-160911)

CAR PROWL: From Joe:

Our car was broken into during the early morning of 5/7 in the Gatewood area on SW Willow between 38th and 39th. No signs of forced entry. Various items including golf clubs were taken.

WSB crime coverage is archived here as well as on the Crime Watch page.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch
May 8, 2017 6:55 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:55 AM: Good morning! No traffic incidents in/from West Seattle so far this morning.

If you are passing Fauntleroy/Alaska and notice a Seattle Fire response outside Spruce/LA Fitness, with people standing outside, it’s a fire-alarm call but no fire. According to this photo tweeted by Cami, the units are on 39th SW so not affecting the arterials.

BRIDGE CLOSURE: Crews are back to working the westbound bridge for streetlight repair as of early today – we’ll be checking to verify whether another closure is planned tonight.

7:15 AM: The aforementioned SFD call at Spruce has closed, which means it’s over and all units have left.

8:05 AM: WSDOT reports a crash on the NB 1st Ave S bridge, right lane.

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WEST SEATTLE RESTAURANTS: Great American Diner and Bar on the way to ex-Shelby’s space
May 7, 2017 8:37 pm
|      139 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks for the tips! Four months after the abrupt shutdown of Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery at 4752 California SW in The Junction, a new restaurant is going to give the space a try. After a text about signage in the window, we went down and found what you see above – signage saying Great American Diner and Bar is on the way. We also talked very briefly to a man who said he’s the new proprietor; he was pressure washing out back and said all he could tell us right now is that he’s hoping to be open in a few weeks. We’re not finding a liquor-license application or business license online yet, but we’ll be going back in hopes of finding out more. Great American will be the sixth restaurant/bar in 10 years in the California/Edmunds space.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police search after gun incident in North Delridge
May 7, 2017 7:20 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police


(WSB photos, added 8:08 pm)

7:22 PM: Thanks for the texts. The big police response in North Delridge (and beyond) has to do with a search for a suspect and at least one of two vehicles reported to be involved in some kind of incident at Delridge and Findlay. The vehicles were described as a blue SUV and a Mustang. This is from the scanner – we don’t know yet what started all this but at some point along the way, one of the drivers was reported to be trying to run over officers. More as we get it.

7:48 PM: The search for one suspect who reportedly bolted toward the Longfellow Creek greenbelt continues, with K-9. (Other areas are being searched too.) The Mustang is being towed from the gas station on Delridge north of Findlay.

We just talked with police, who say the suspect they’re seeking was associated with the Mustang and is being impounded because there might be a gun in it. And that, they tell us, is how this started – a gun-flashing incident involving a confrontation between people in the 2 cars. No gunfire or injuries reported.

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GIVING BACK: Arborists’ gift to South Seattle College Arboretum
May 7, 2017 5:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news


(Roger Brown of Apical Tree Services, up in a giant poplar tree)

West Seattle’s own botanic garden just got a big gift from local arborists. Here’s the announcement from the South Seattle College Arboretum, accompanied by photos:

In celebration of Arbor Day, local arborists certified by Plant Amnesty took to the trees of The Arboretum at South Seattle College last week, providing some much-needed expert pruning services.

“I am so happy that this work is getting done,” says Mark Pollock, Arboretum Coordinator. “The value of these services is somewhere between $12,000 and $15,000. It’s a tremendous gift to us and we are very thankful.”

Plant Amnesty describes itself as “a 1000-member mock-militant nonprofit organization whose mission is to end the senseless torture and mutilation of trees and shrubs caused by mal-pruning.”

Established in 1987 by the late Cass Turnbull, the organization is devoted to educating the public about the proper way to care for trees and shrubs and to providing referrals to qualified arborists and landscape gardeners.

Every year in celebration of Arbor Day, Plant Amnesty arborists volunteer their time to prune trees for a good cause. This is the second year that they have chosen The Arboretum at South Seattle College for this benefit.


(From left, Roger Brown of Apical Tree Services, Darrin Kuebler of Thor Tree, Eric Matteo of The Tree Stewards, and Mark Harman, retired owner of Stonehenge Tree Services)


(From left, Dana Harper and Jory Virtue of Legendary Tree)


(L-R, Rich Appleton and Jack Bautsch from Plant Amnesty)

Arborists who donated their time this year were from:

Apical Tree Services
Fluent Tree
Grün Tree Care
Ira Ford Ecological Design
Legendary Tree Services
Major Tree
Symbiosis Tree Care
The Tree Stewards
Thor Tree

The Arboretum at South Seattle College is a 5-acre botanical garden that serves as a laboratory and workshop for students in the College’s Landscape Horticulture Program. The garden is also a destination for local residents both as an outdoor classroom and as a soothing escape from the city. The Arboretum has one of the best conifer collections in the United States and is designated as a Reference Garden by the American Conifer Society.

Find out more about the Arboretum by going here.

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle High School boys’ soccer team secures spot @ state
May 7, 2017 4:09 pm
|    Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle High School boys’ soccer team secures spot @ state
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Congratulations, Wildcats! The photo, video, and report are from Jason Woycke:

The West Seattle High School boys’ soccer beat O’Dea on Saturday to go to the Metro semifinals. The win also guarantees them a spot in state playoffs. After 90 minutes, the score was 2-2. They played overtime before ending the game with penalty kicks. Sam Carballo had a couple saves and Noah Woycke scored the final PK that sent the team into a frenzied celebration:

WSHS is scheduled to play Garfield in the semifinals on Tuesday night at Interbay – see the bracket here.

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SOCCER: Madison Middle School boys win again
May 7, 2017 1:43 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Thanks to Matt Prevost for the photo and news that the Madison Middle School boys-soccer team is having a great season. Latest win was on Saturday vs. Aki Kurose, at Garfield High School.

The boys go for their sixth victory vs. Whitman at 9:30 am next Saturday (May 13th) at Rainier Beach HS, which is also where they play crosstown rivals Denny at 11 am May 20th.

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NEW VIEW: Overlook open, now that fences are down at Murray CSO facility
May 7, 2017 11:07 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

In our most recent update on the Murray Combined Sewer Overflow Control facility across from Lowman Beach Park – now complete after more than three years of construction – King County mentioned that the fences would come down this week and the stairway through the site would be open to the public. We just checked back for the first time in several days, and indeed, it is.

That opens up Puget Sound views from atop the facility – which holds a million-gallon storage tank to prevent/reduce overflows during storms – and from the stairway landings (photo above). You also can get a closer look at artist Robert Horner‘s “rammed-earth” installations:

As mentioned in the last update, a community celebration is planned on June 10th, 10 am-noon.

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Options for your West Seattle Sunday
May 7, 2017 7:56 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Barred owls, photographed in Fauntleroy Park by Mark Wangerin)

Happy Sunday! Here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

COMMUNITY CLEANUP: Volunteers are cleaning up in Morgan Junction this morning starting at 9 am. Can you help? Details in our calendar listing. (California/Fauntleroy)

WESTSIDE PLANT AND GARDEN ART FAIR: 10 am-2 pm, the fair continues at WSUU in Gatewood. Here’s the event schedule. (7141 California SW)

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN PEONY AND BAMBOO FESTIVAL: This event too continues for a second day. 10 am-4 pm at the SCG on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. Here’s the activity/performance schedule. (6000 16th SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction – see what’s fresh and who’s returning! (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

POSTCARD-MAKING FOR NUCLEAR-WEAPONS CONCERNS: Noon-1:30 pm in The Junction, West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice invite people of all ages to help make postcards with messages of concern over nuclear-weapons spending: “Let’s tell our elected leaders we don’t need or want another nuclear-arms race. … Show (your elected representatives) how you would like to spend a trillion dollars!” (California/Alaska)

CAMP SECOND CHANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 2-4 pm, open to the public – it’s the next meeting of the Community Advisory Committee for Camp Second Chance, the city-sanctioned encampment on the Myers Way Parcels. Meeting details are here; a tour will be included. (9701 Myers Way S.)

LIVE SWING MUSIC: At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm, with Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifters. (5612 California SW)

‘FIRST DATE,’ LAST SHOW: 3 pm is the closing performance of “First Date,” the Twelfth Night Productions comedy at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

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From White Center Now: Deadly shooting under investigation
May 7, 2017 7:40 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

King County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a shooting that left one man dead along 16th SW south of SW 98th early today. The street remains closed between 98th and 100th. Our full report is on partner site White Center Now.

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GiveBIG on Wednesday: Is your local nonprofit part of it?
May 6, 2017 11:20 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

This will be the seventh year that we’ve put together an all-local (West Seattle/White Center/South Park) list for the annual GiveBIG donate-a-thon, which is happening next Wednesday, May 10th. We want to make sure we don’t miss anyone, though, so if your nonprofit is part of it this year, please send us the name and your special GiveBIG link as soon as you can – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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Motorcycle rider hospitalized after Admiral crash
May 6, 2017 9:31 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

California and Walker are closed for cleanup after a motorcycle-car collision this evening. We just talked with police, who tell us the rider was taken to the hospital. They’re finishing cleaning up the intersection right now, and the damaged motorcycle is being towed.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car vandalized
May 6, 2017 6:30 pm
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One reader report so far today, from Meredith:

Car window broken overnight on SW Austin St and 19th:

Broke my driver’s-side car window that was facing the street, sometime between 1 am and 11 am. No stolen property or other damage.

This is the second time this year. Neighbors across the street have had at least two car break-ins since August with stolen property but no vehicle damage.

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WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: 1 week away! See the map/list now
May 6, 2017 4:18 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: 1 week away! See the map/list now
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

In case you haven’t already seen it since we added the link to the WSB menu a few hours ago – the West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day map/list for next Saturday (May 13th) is ready for your review! It’s here, along with the link to download the printable PDF guide.

300+ sales are signed up, some with their own nicknames/summaries, like the “2 geeks and a painter” sale, the “aging hipster and 10-year-old son” sale, the “I’m too lazy to sell it on eBay” sale, the “glass artist clearing inventory” sale … moving sales, including moving out-of-state sales and moving out-of-the-country sales … block sales, nonprofit-benefiting sales, business sales … Be sure to read BELOW the online map for tips on how to use it, including how to search it for a specific type of item you’re looking for.

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