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Summer look at Solstice Park, by writer you’ll recall from winter
June 15, 2009 11:38 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(December 2008 photo by Brian)
Six months ago, when Winter Solstice arrived on December 21st, skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing were rampant along West Seattle walkways and streets. If you didn’t have the equipment to try making your way around in any of those ways – you probably tried driving – and if you did, you may have used one of the maps made during our snow coverage, using WSBers’ road-condition reports, by Alice Enevoldsen. Now, half a year later, Alice is looking ahead to Summer Solstice this weekend, with an online exploration of West Seattle’s Solstice Park (the former Lincoln Park Annex, uphill from the Fauntleroy Way-fronting tennis courts). See her story (with, yes, a map!) here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: “All for a hubcap?”
June 15, 2009 10:19 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | High Point | West Seattle news

So asked Beth, leading into this report via e-mail:

In High Point tonight while sitting in the yard and enjoying the company of a neighbor, a woman we didn’t know/recognize pulled up to the curb. I said hello to her. At the same time, our neighbors husband pulled up to the curb. In front of all of us, the woman we didn’t know proceeded to take a hubcap off a vehicle owned by the neighbors we were talking with! The woman threw it in her trunk, refused to talk with any of us (who were by now asking her why she was stealing hubcaps!). The worst part? She did this with her kids in the car.

The Caucasian woman was about 5’3″, weighed about 175lbs, wore medical scrubs, and drove a bright blue Toyota Corolla with a dent in the front passenger door that was missing (wait for it!) a hubcap.

We know we’ve mentioned this multiple times already today – but once again, whatever West Seattle neighborhood you’re in, the WS Crime Prevention Council is the place to come share your concerns, ask police questions, and hear about crime trends, 7 pm tomorrow, Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster – the entrance to the building is off the parking lot on Webster west of Delridge). ADDED 11 AM TUESDAY: David just e-mailed this “sequel” (we are not publishing the entire plate because our policy is not to publish full identifying information — plates included — on people not charged with a crime, unless there is an immediate risk to public safety or law enforcers ask for assistance):

A car with this description parked in front of our neighbor’s house (32nd & Trenton) last night, around 8:40-8:45pm, and soon the driver was hammering something on their car (looked like a hubcap) then roared off down Trenton St eastbound. I got the license #: WA plate, 454-**D, a bright blue late model four-door Toyota Corolla. Didn’t see any dents on passenger side but it was traveling fast when it passed me.

This is not a 100% ID. I didn’t see the race/gender of driver; didn’t see the dent, or see any passengers in the car.

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In case you wondered: No fireworks = no July 4th roadblocks
June 15, 2009 8:30 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

61st.jpg

(61st/Admiral photo from 7/4/2008)
Less than three weeks — already! — till the Fourth of July, and by now you’ve likely heard, no Elliott Bay fireworks. So as not to assume, we doublechecked, while talking today with Southwest Precinct Lt. Steve Paulsen, to be sure that meant no Alki traffic restrictions like last year. He confirmed, that’s indeed the case – no roadblocks planned – but he promised that a special holiday “patrol” will keep close watch on the spots where people will be gathering, even without the Elliott Bay show.

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Legislators ask governor to let “Nickelsville” encampment stay
June 15, 2009 6:29 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Today we spotted that additional “no trespassing” sign stenciled onto a concrete barrier at the homeless encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville” (note the hand-lettered sign on the left side of the photo), now in its second week on state-owned land on the east edge of West Seattle (2nd SW/Highland Park Way; map). We had a request out to the camp spokesperson for comment on where things stand, when this arrived from a group of state legislators including West Seattle’s Reps. Sharon Nelson and Eileen Cody:

Dear Governor Gregoire,

As you know, the tent city providing housing for approximately fifty homeless men and women has relocated once again, to land in West Seattle owned by WSDOT and currently not in use.

We write today to respectfully request that WSDOT allow the residents to stay on this unused land temporarily while they work towards a long-term solution for their community.

Due in large part to our troubled economic situation, homelessness has sharply increased in recent months. The 2009 annual One Night Count, conducted on January 30, found 2,827 individuals without shelter in King County, in addition to the approximately 5,800 who found shelter at emergency shelters and transitional housing programs.

Meanwhile, 50 homeless men and women died outside or by violence in 2008, and 16 have already died this year. Our state’s willingness to be patient and compassionate towards those without homes will mean the difference between life and death for many of these individuals.

Please consider negotiating with the residents of the tent city to work towards a mutually agreeable solution.

Sincerely,

Sen. Karen Keiser, 33rd District
Rep. Maralyn Chase, 32nd District
Rep. Eileen Cody, 34th District
Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, 36th District
Rep. Bob Hasegawa, 11th District
Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney, 46th District
Rep. Sharon Nelson, 34th District
Rep. Jamie Pedersen, 43rd District
Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, 37th District

We note that West Seattle’s State Sen. Joe McDermott is not among the signatories and will be asking him for comment; the most recent statement from encampment organizers is on their website, noting the original trespass posting last Tuesday (WSB coverage here) and saying, “… The good news is that there has not YET been any time and date set for forcible expulsion, or d-day. …” 10:39 PM UPDATE: First – heard back from Sen. McDermott; he is out of state, in a study program this month at Harvard, so that’s the only reason he isn’t involved in this right now. Second, also heard back from Nickelsville spokesperson Revel Smith, who says “… nothing new tonight. Arranging hot food, donations and things like that.” Smith also shared this photo of the camp, beyond the barrier we showed above:

More of Smith’s photos from the camp can be found here.

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King County Water Taxi celebrates record May ridership
June 15, 2009 3:38 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

Just announced by King County Council Chair Dow Constantine‘s office – 20 percent more than last May — read on for the official news release:Read More

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“Emergency closure” of Southwest Pool tomorrow afternoon
June 15, 2009 2:23 pm
|    Comments Off on “Emergency closure” of Southwest Pool tomorrow afternoon
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The Parks Department asked that we share this: “Southwest Pool will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16, for emergency repair of the main circulation pump. The pool will reopen for evening programs at 5 pm.”

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12-year-old boy in the hospital after West Seattle attack
June 15, 2009 2:15 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

Also from our conversation with Lt. Steve Paulsen at the Southwest Precinct – and also thanks to Tony for letting us know that what sounded on the scanner like a call from outside this area actually DID happen in West Seattle: A 12-year-old boy is at Harborview Medical Center with a head injury after getting beaten with a “backpack full of rocks” at Southwest Community Center. Lt. Paulsen says police have spoken with the suspect, a girl “of similar age.” It happened this morning but no other details of the circumstances are available so far, nor do we know how badly the boy was hurt.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Two shooting arrests
June 15, 2009 2:12 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(June 2 photo by Christopher Boffoli)
We’ve just finished talking with Southwest Precinct Lt. Steve Paulsen for updates on several cases – and here are the first two you’ll want to know about: First, the suspect in the shooting outside the Westwood Village McDonald’s two weeks ago (photo above) has been arrested. Because, according to the police report, he was involved in a car deal with the victim, his identity was known — last Friday evening, Lt. Paulsen says, he was spotted in the 8100 block of 16th SW, and after a foot chase, officers arrested him. He’s still behind bars, according to the King County Jail Register. Second case happened early this morning in the 4100 block of 47th SW (map): A single gunshot was fired from inside a house, and the bullet (from a 40-caliber Glock) hit a next door neighbor’s house (no injuries reported). The suspect was booked into jail for reckless endangerment but is likely to face other charges because, according to Lt. Paulsen, a search warrant for the residence turned up cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, “numerous prescription narcotics,” and $700 cash – as well as the Glock. ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: We received this note tonight from someone identifying themselves as the person whose home was hit:

I live on the 4100 block of 47th Ave SW. In February, the house next to me was the target of a drive by shooting. Six bullets were fired and one struck my home. No arrests were made at the time. On June 15 at about 1:30 am I again heard gunfire. This time from inside the house next door. I called 911 and officers were dispatched. Once again my home was hit by gunfire as the bullet exited the neighboring house and entered mine. Officers issued a search warrant. The young man living in the home was arrested, and various drugs were found as well as the weapon that fired the shot. I am asking everyone in the neighborhood to PLEASE report any unusual activities in the area to the police. We are close to getting this ugly situation cleaned up, but still need the support of neighbors who are willing to watch over each other.

Thank you…
Your neighbor on 47th Ave SW

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Wheels of misfortune
June 15, 2009 1:18 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We’ve seen it before – and sadly we’ll likely see it again. Mariko just e-mailed to share the news of how she woke up to a car without wheels, in the 5900 block of 34th SW (map):

Just thought I would let you know that we awoke last Wednesday morning to find all 4 of my car tires stolen and my car on jacks. My neighbor reported seeing 4 Caucasian males leaning over my car with 2 vehicles blocking the street at 3 am… The police said it was really common for these people to cruise the streets looking for parts. It was pretty brazen to jack the car up on the street and steal the tires.

Just thought I would pass that along. Thankfully I have the club and they didn’t steal the whole car.

Concerned about crime, even if you’ve been personally spared? Tomorrow night’s your next chance to voice your concerns, hear about trends, and talk directly with local police, as the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meets @ 7 pm Tuesday, Southwest Precinct.

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You’ve been warned: Seafair Pirates Landing banners are up
June 15, 2009 12:53 pm
|    Comments Off on You’ve been warned: Seafair Pirates Landing banners are up
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Light poles along Alki Avenue are now festooned with promotional, er, we mean warning signs that a pirate invasion is near. The annual Seafair Pirates Landing is July 11th – and according to the Pirates’ website (yes, they sail the digital seven seas too), they’ll hit the beach around noon, with a variety of other events before and after turning it into an all-day party. Usually quite the turnout – here’s a pan of the crowd awaiting their landing last year:

This is happening on Day 2 of West Seattle Summer Fest (WSB sponsor), which will continue into the evening, so once you’ve snagged your treasure at the beach (the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle sponsors a kids’ pirate lookalike contest, for example), you can sail up the hill to the fun in The Junction.

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On Father’s Day, reach out to a family who’s missing their Dad
June 15, 2009 12:28 pm
|    Comments Off on On Father’s Day, reach out to a family who’s missing their Dad
 |   How to help | West Seattle news


View Larger Map

Less than two months ago, 40-year-old Pasha Phares, who lived just across the water in Port Orchard, lost his fight with cancer. This Sunday – Father’s Day – friends and relatives are throwing a party at Alki Bathhouse to help cover his family’s expenses, and you’re invited. Here’s the note shared by Brandon:

Father’s Day Fundraiser Party/Silent Auction on Alki Beach!! From 4 to 7 on June 21st (Father’s Day) at the Alki Bathhouse, bring Dad to raise money for the family of a great Dad who recently passed from cancer.

We are raising money for his 2 young daughters and wife to help pay medical bills that accumulated. We will have bellydancing, tarot card readings, food/beer/wine, and a great silent auction (autographs, events, dinners, etc.). Most of all, it will be a lot of fun for everyone! See the entire story at www.pharesphund.org. Hope to see you there!

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Want a cheap compost bin? Get one (or more) from the city
June 15, 2009 9:40 am
|    Comments Off on Want a cheap compost bin? Get one (or more) from the city
 |   Gardening | Utilities | West Seattle news

Compost bins for yard waste and food waste – plus rain barrels (it’ll rain again SOMEDAY) – are being offered at what Seattle Public Utilities calls “big discounts” – read on for details:Read More

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Happening today/tonight, in (and/or relevant to) West Seattle
June 15, 2009 7:11 am
|    Comments Off on Happening today/tonight, in (and/or relevant to) West Seattle
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

FIRST DAY OF THE LAST WEEK FOR SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: With a few days tacked on to make up for time lost pre-winter break during Snowpocalypse (flash back six months), Friday is the last scheduled day.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY – HENNA IN HIGH POINT: 3 pm today, “Hands-On Henna” at High Point Library. More here.

HOUSING LEVY, SECOND-TO-LAST COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: You’ll see it on the ballot this fall, provided nothing unexpected happens today (2 pm) or next Monday as the next seven-year housing levy finishes making its way through the Seattle City Council. All the fine print is here.

MAD CITY CHICKENS: As previewed on Sunday – Sustainable West Seattle is presenting a screening you can see for, well, chicken scratch ($3 suggested donation, Youngstown Arts Center, 7 pm).

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4 days till overnight cancer-fighting Relay for Life of West Seattle
June 15, 2009 2:02 am
|    Comments Off on 4 days till overnight cancer-fighting Relay for Life of West Seattle
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

That’s our video from the survivors’ lap that started last year’s Relay for Life of West Seattle at WS Stadium — an 18-hour event to raise money (and awareness) to fight cancer. It’s coming up this Friday night-Saturday morning, with dozens of your West Seattle friends and neighbors participating (some listed here, including members of the team from WSB sponsor Sound Yoga). They encourage people to come down and cheer on the walkers – there are people on the track continuously throughout the 18-hour duration, 6 pm Friday till about noon Saturday. You can also make a pledge, to an individual, team, or the event in general, by going here. (For a taste of what it’s like, check out the Seattle PostGlobe story about this past weekend’s Relay for Life in Tacoma.)

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Congratulations, Dolphins: West Seattle Girls Softball 10U champs
June 14, 2009 11:59 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Jersey Jill shares that triumphant photo of a winning team from the West Seattle Girls Softball playoffs, and explains:

Friday night, the West Seattle girls’ 10U Fast Pitch softball team Liberty Tax aka “The Dolphins” took home the Championship Title for the season. The Dolphins entered the tournament as the team to beat with only one loss for the season. After losing the first game, they rallied back and beat the Steelers 10-6 in the second game to become the league 10U Champions!!!!

Here’s their official team photo:

(Back Row- Coach Dave Turpen, Carynia Smith, Taylor Picinich, Bridget Haney, Elise Turpen, Emily Schuster, Coach Brandon Pedersen
Front Row- Ashley Raines, Isabella Johnson, Sydney Page, Natalie Pedersen, Isabella Sarkies, Regan Nagle, Coach Jimmy Picinich
Not Pictured- Brett Smith, Pitching Coach; Albert Raines, Batting Coach)
Got a success story to share? Sports, athletics, business award, whatever? We’ve got a place for it. editor@westseattleblog.com any time.

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2 days left to nominate a West Seattle volunteer for recognition
June 14, 2009 7:47 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Another weekend in its waning hours — and once again, so much of what happened couldn’t have been done without volunteers – like the many who put on the Morgan Junction Community Festival that we very much enjoyed being part of on Saturday (our reports: here and here). A sign on our table (above) was a reminder about the West Seattle Volunteer Recognition campaign we’re helping promote right now – and you have two more days to nominate someone for recognition. The Southwest and Delridge District Councils, along with WSB, want to shine a spotlight on some of the people whose volunteer efforts make this a great place to be; your role – send in a nomination (or more than one!). Here’s the quick ‘n’ easy online nomination form – deadline is Wednesday (June 17); a community panel will review the entries, choosing three for recognition during one of next month’s big events, the July 14th Hi-Yu Concert in the Park. Thanks – to you, and to all of West Seattle’s tireless volunteers!

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Don’t chicken out: Sustainable West Seattle movie tomorrow
June 14, 2009 5:04 pm
|    Comments Off on Don’t chicken out: Sustainable West Seattle movie tomorrow
 |   Environment | Sustainable West Seattle | West Seattle news

Spend two minutes to watch that trailer for “Mad City Chickens” — which Sustainable West Seattle is screening tomorrow night at Youngstown Arts Center — and you’ll even see chickens on skateboards. It’s a reminder that the locally grown food movement isn’t just about produce – it’s even about poultry. 7 pm tomorrow; more on Sustainable West Seattle‘s website.

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Lincoln Park owl family update: Watching over “Wollet”
June 14, 2009 1:37 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

Thanks to Minette for sending new photos of the Lincoln Park barred owlet and its family (previously featured May 23, May 27, May 31), along with the story of what was happening while she observed them (including this watchful adult):

Minette wrote:

Last night I went to visit the owl family in Lincoln Park and I’m happy to report that as of yesterday they’re all alive and doing well, including little Wollet.

While I was observing them, the crows were of course going crazy cawing at them and dive-bombing the family, but the owls didn’t seem overly concerned. The male and female spent a good deal of time together grooming each other while little Wollet sat on a branch in a tree about 40 feet away making his funny little screechy “feed me” sounds. At one point he made a very good, controlled flight to a tree that was nearer the adults, so his skills are definitely improving.

If you missed the link in a previous report – here’s Seattle Audubon info about barred owls.

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West Seattle Farmers’ Market: What you can expect today
June 14, 2009 7:02 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Strawberries and cherries should be available today, according to the latest fresh sheet from the West Seattle Farmers’ Market (10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska). See it here.

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West Seattle schools: Genesee Hill goodbye; Arbor Heights carnival
June 14, 2009 3:36 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: Genesee Hill goodbye; Arbor Heights carnival
 |   Arbor Heights | Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just days left to go in the school year for Seattle Public Schools. That means year-ending events abound – including one-of-a-kind events like the closure celebration Saturday at the Genesee Hill building that’s been the longtime “temporary” home to Pathfinder K-8, which is moving to the Cooper School building on Pigeon Point. As the photos above and below show – memory-sharing was a big part of the Genesee Hill event:

Also on Saturday, Arbor Heights Elementary drew crowds for its carnival – thanks to teacher Mark Ahlness for sharing photos:

Mark noted, “The streets were jammed with cars and the school and playground with happy families enjoying a beautiful day! The Carnival is an annual fundraiser sponsored by our PTSA (arborheights.wikispaces.com/AHPTSA).”

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West Seattle scene: Watching a submarine on the move
June 13, 2009 10:07 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to JMB for sharing that photo of a submarine passing Alki Point this morning, with a Coast Guard vessel and a Seattle-Bremerton state ferry in view as well. Northwest Navigator had a story a few days ago about the USS Ohio getting ready to leave Bangor to head back out to sea – so perhaps that’s what JMB caught on camera (we trust expert sub-watchers will correct us if you can tell from the photo it’s a different class of sub).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Hit-and-run driver on the loose
June 13, 2009 6:42 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Althea and Ryan called and e-mailed to say this happened within the past hour:

I’d like to report a hit and run that occurred just before 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 13th on SW Andover St. between 44th and 45th. Our vehicle is a dark blue 2008 Mazda5 and was side-swiped on the driver side while parked. The drivers’ side taillight was crushed and side view mirror was knocked off. Judging from the placement of damage to our car, the vehicle to be on the lookout for may be a white pick-up perhaps with some light blue detailing (a faint light blue line can be seen on our car, but the damage is mostly a white or tan color). There will be damage to the right side of their vehicle, most likely with significant traces of dark blue picked up from our car when they hit it. Neigbors said that they could hear the car screeching arond the corner, so if anybody has seen a light-colored pick-up truck driving around crazily with damage to the right side, please let us know!

ADDED EARLY SUNDAY: They wanted to add this to their story:

Perhaps I should not have stated that it may be a “pick-up truck” because I don’t want to narrow the search too much. It could be a large SUV – something that was tall enough to crush our back taillight (which is actually at the top driver’s side of the Mazda 5, rather than down low) with their side view mirror, most likely. We would like to offer a $250 reward for information leading to the location of the vehicle that hit ours. Thanks for your help!

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Morgan Junction Community Festival, report #2
June 13, 2009 5:05 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | West Seattle video

The West Seattle Teeter Tots (with kids born in – or “around” – 2007) are among the dozens of groups and businesses we’ve spent the day with here at the Morgan Junction Community Festival. Still an hour left before everybody packs up from the park and the booth area behind Zeeks/Feedback, where it’s been a perfect day – brilliant sunshine but not too hot, lots of people but not too crowded. Also here – the Lazy Locavores – edible-garden consultants (also known as the Shibaguyz) — that’s Shannon in the background:

We’ll be adding a few more pics and some video to one last report here; this is the first time in about two years that the Morgan Community Association has presented this festival, and it’s been a smash hit – particularly the “Bite of Morgan” food sampling, with 400 coupon books handed out (the entire stock) by midway through the festival – and the slate of local musicians, spanning a wide variety of genres, assembled by MoCA’s Chas Redmond. Here’s video of Soul Machinery:

(next clip added 7:54 pm) And here, a minute of The Slags:

(next clip added 8:30 pm) Last but not least, the cover band 4 outta 5, with the disco classic “I Will Survive”:

Special thanks to everybody who dropped by the WSB table to say hi – those we’d met before, those we knew only through e-mail, and those we hadn’t met yet either way but have been out there in WSB-land … thank YOU for being part of WSB. (Including MargL, who sent us this pic from Engine 37’s visit to the festival — Engine 29 was here earlier too – and apologies if we’re omitting any other fire teams who visited, but they were over by the park area and we’ve spent most of the day in the booth area.)

If we didn’t see you today, we’ll see you at the Westwood Village street festival in two weeks, and West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction July 10-11-12.

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