West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Closure

    LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE: Continues today

  • Street

    ALKI HEALTHY STREET: SDOT starting work

  • Sale day

    WS GARAGE SALE DAY 5/11: Register by Thursday 4/25!

West Seattle Holidays updates: More info; more ways to help
November 23, 2009 1:15 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays

We’re updating the WSB West Seattle Holidays page daily – everything holiday-related in West Seattle and vicinity that we’ve heard about, seen, been told about, etc. – and wanted to mention some of what’s been added: For starters, the West Seattle Junction Association now has more details about what you’ll find at Hometown Holidays celebrations in December – our links are updated, and this one takes you directly to the HH info page on the WSJA’s newly remodeled/expanded website. Also, the events we’ve added – thanks SO much to everyone who’s sent information! – include not only more holiday fun (more holiday-music performances, for starters) but also additional ways to help: Two involve Barnes and Noble, which has the ongoing Page Ahead drive (buy and donate at the store) and also a Bookfair this Friday-Sunday to raise money for West Seattle High School Grad Night (voucher # is on the Holidays page); Dec. 2, you can make tree ornaments in a drop-in workshop that’s benefiting Scholastic Journeys, helping educate Third World kids; Dec. 6, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle has a St. Nicholas Faire, a fundraising bazaar on behalf of West Seattle Helpline and West Seattle Food Bank. And did we mention the Full Tilt Thanksgiving potluck, in addition to The Hall at Fauntleroy and West Seattle Eagles free dinners on Thursday? Keep checking the Holidays page for new highlights – and let us know what we’re missing – our whatever-works-for-you contact options (e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, phone, text) are all here. (2008 photo of a Pigeon Point hummingbird, from Jim & Laurie)

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West Seattle Crime Watch followup: Burglar pleads guilty
November 23, 2009 11:52 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

It was one of this fall’s most memorable Crime Watch stories – a Gatewood burglary victim (who subsequently identified himself here as “burglarbustindad“) gavel.jpgfollowed a hunch to a supermarket Coinstar machine, where he found the 19-year-old who’d broken into his house, cashing in the change from BBD’s son’s coin jar. Commenting on another story last Friday, BBD disclosed that the person he caught, Kenneth Shouting, had pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Checking court records this morning, we found that indeed, Shouting pleaded guilty last month to residential burglary and was sentenced to 12 months plus 1 day in prison, which is within the “standard sentencing range.” According to court documents, Shouting’s past record included a conviction for attempted burglary almost two years ago – a case from Normandy Park, in which he also pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to serve less than 3 months behind bars.

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Update: Demolition starts at Link site in The Triangle
November 23, 2009 9:22 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Development | Triangle | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Harbor Properties)
As reported here yesterday, construction is beginning for Link, Harbor Properties‘ 200-unit, 14,000-square-foot-commercial building along a block of 38th running north from Alaska (map). Harbor says the former school building in the photo above and the former auto shop on the site’s south end will both be demolished over the next 10 days; other equipment, including excavation gear, will arrive within a week; the big “tower crane” should be up by mid-January; construction is projected to last about 17 months. ADDED 1:30 PM: Teardown work started on the north side almost simultaneously – here’s how it looked by midmorning:

We have a few more project details to add shortly, after a followup chat with Harbor execs.

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Today/tonight: Snow plan, food donations, Delridge Playfield …
November 23, 2009 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on Today/tonight: Snow plan, food donations, Delridge Playfield …
 |   Delridge | Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | West Seattle weather

(December 2008 photo)
SNOW BRIEFING: Not sure you completely have a handle on what the city will do differently if snow falls again this winter? This morning at 10, the City Council gets a briefing on SDOT‘s newest snow-removal plan – you can watch live via Seattle Channel, online or cable 21.

FOOD BANKS: They’re running out of time to get your donations for pre-Thanksgiving distribution. West Seattle Food Bank is open to take donations 9 am-7 pm today (here’s their full holiday-week schedule); White Center Food Bank, 8:30 am-5 pm. Both need turkeys, too!

DELRIDGE PLAYFIELD IMPROVEMENTS: Second of two meetings tonight, 7:30 at Delridge Community Center, and the focus will be on reviewing the design and getting more input before the project approaches the work stage. Go here to see the design and review notes from the previous meeting last month.

REMINDER: No school for elementaries and K-8 schools in Seattle Public Schools all week; they have parent/teacher conferences Monday-Wednesday – then Thursday-Friday are offdays districtwide.

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County budget: Local program endangered by 1 cut’s side effect?
November 23, 2009 4:00 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Later today, the King County Council is scheduled to adopt the county’s 2010 budget. One component of the most recent budget revisions could endanger programs the county doesn’t even pay for, according to a rep for the King County Food and Fitness Initiative – they explain that the county budget calls for the complete severing of King County’s ties to the Extension program (which also involves Washington State University), because the small amount of remaining funding was cut completely. (Originally, the budget called for 84% less funding than the year before – leaving about $100,000 – but that was cut late last week.) They explain that if Extension is left with NO financial relationship with King County, they will lose a $1.2 million grant just offered to the Food and Fitness Initiative (which has been sponsoring programs in West Seattle and White Center), and they will be unable to offer even volunteer-run programs such as Master Gardener and 4-H. They say even a tiny amount of funding will keep the county’s Extension ties alive and allow them to continue pursuing outside grants. So they’re asking for support in hopes the budget will be amended before this afternoon’s scheduled final vote by the council, whose contact information is here.

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West Seattle traffic alert: Bridge camera’s back!
November 22, 2009 10:28 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle online

(Latest image from city camera pointing east on The Bridge; refresh for updated image)
Just last week, when reporting on more new traffic cameras being installed in West Seattle (but not scheduled for activation till next year), we had asked SDOT for an update on when at least one of the cameras on the “high bridge” would be back. Hadn’t received a reply yet (two months ago, we were told “shortly”). But tonight, we notice – the one that’s pointed east is working again. We’re going to take a leap of faith and put it back in the sidebar, where it’s been gone for a few weeks once it was clear both “high bridge” cameras were out of commission. Cross your fingers.

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WSB guest opinion: Legislators take on health-care-reform claims
November 22, 2009 9:30 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Opinion

Opinion:
By State Rep. Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle) and State Sen. Karen Keiser (D-SeaTac)
Chairs of the Washington House and Senate Health Care Committees

Many senior citizens are concerned about the impact health care reform will have on them. They’ve been targeted by opponents of federal health care reform with false and misleading claims.

One fear is that reform will come at the expense of Medicare benefits or other current coverage. The fact is, Medicare was created by our government more than 40 years ago out of the belief that no one should go without health care once they reach retirement age. That commitment will not change. Neither will benefits.

Current reform efforts aim to improve Medicare’s finances so it will remain viable for generations to come. If we don’t take action now to reduce fraud, abuse and insurance company overpayments, it’s estimated that by 2017 the money Medicare spends on benefits will exceed its income. Seniors would then have to pay more or they would receive fewer Medicare benefits. Health care reform legislation will improve Medicare’s finances.

Reform legislation would also help older Americans who are not enrolled in Medicare by making it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. The bills in both chambers also require insurance companies to cover routine screenings for preventive care such as diabetes, osteoporosis and colonoscopies with no out of pocket costs. And both bills would end age discrimination by making it illegal for insurance companies to charge ridiculous rates for people just because they are older.

Read More

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West Seattle low-bridge woes: What the Port says about it
November 22, 2009 6:03 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news


View WS Traffic Issue in a larger map

In the past few weeks, we’ve heard from several people about a traffic problem on the “low bridge” during rush hours, involving truck backups, and Port of Seattle Police directing traffic. Rob was the first to e-mail, and he made the Google Map you see above (follow the “View Larger Map” link for more details on what it shows). Most recently, Desiree wrote the other day to ask about this. We inquired with the port – so here, for starters, is what we received back from Port spokesperson Peter McGraw:

A combination of factors has created the current congestion – we are aware that it is impacting the community and have been working to keep traffic moving in and around Terminal 5.

Like many other businesses, terminal operators are feeling the impacts of the down economy with lower cargo volume, and are scaling back hours of gate operation to reduce costs. Other ports in the region are experiencing similar issues at their gates, though it can be more pronounced here because of the proximity of our terminals to major thoroughfares like the West Seattle Bridge.

Also, there’s a surge in export cargo from Eastern Washington right now- so more trucks from across the mountains are lining up at Terminal 5 very early in the morning. They do so in order to make a second trip on the same day. On the bright side, this means that goods are moving to markets, which is a very good sign for the region’s economy. Each container represents men and women working in King County.

The Port of Seattle has been working hard to correct this traffic problem by working with the truckers, terminal operators, City of Seattle and the port’s own police force to find a solution. We recognize this is a problem for the truckers, for nearby businesses, and for the community, and we are looking for both interim and long-term solutions. We also need to ensure that the swing bridge can open and close to allow marine traffic from the Duwamish to move in and out of Elliott Bay.

While we work with other stakeholders in finding a workable solution, Port of Seattle police will assign additional officers to keep intersections clear and make sure the swing bridge is not blocked. Please feel free to call either of the port’s media officers, myself, Peter McGraw (206-787-3446) or Charla Skaggs (206-787-3235) if you continue to experience unusual amounts of traffic congestion and delay in this area.

Rush hour bridge opening, of course, is yet another issue; you may recall the city’s request to reduce the number of rush-hour openings, and last year’s rejection of that request.

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Happening now: Feedback Lounge’s first-ever Holiday Bazaar
November 22, 2009 4:47 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Feedback Lounge’s first-ever Holiday Bazaar
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Just a few of the artists/craftspeople/vendors you’ll find inside the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) till 6 pm, in its first-ever Holiday Bazaar. Get out of the wind – support local small businesspeople (and some nonprofits too, like Furry Faces Foundation, with pet gifts!). And after this one – lots more bazaars and other holiday-season events can be found on our updated-daily West Seattle Holidays page.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Mudslide behind Alki building
November 22, 2009 3:44 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Didn’t catch a name, but thanks to the caller who tipped us to this – a mudslide behind a residential building in the 1200 block of Alki Avenue SW (map). No injuries reported, and the residents we saw told us they had NOT been asked to leave – authorities reportedly showed up, checked it out and left. It took out part of a fence behind the building:

But it’s yet another reminder about potential perils of the soggy season – the city has landslide-awareness info here, including what to do if it happens to you.

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Followup: Brant return to West Seattle, right on schedule
November 22, 2009 2:54 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Alki Point wildlife watcher/writer Guy Smith shares that photo with news of the first brant sighting – just two days after we published his story about the small geese who return to West Seattle waters (and elsewhere in Puget Sound) Thanksgiving week every year (see Guy’s story here). So – just like clockwork, they’re back; Guy photographed these a bit earlier this afternoon.

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Update: Harbor Properties about to start building Link
November 22, 2009 2:35 pm
|    Comments Off on Update: Harbor Properties about to start building Link
 |   Development | Triangle | West Seattle news

One month after announcing it had secured financing for the project, Harbor Properties‘ Emi Baldowin reports that construction work is scheduled to officially begin tomorrow at the Triangle site where it’s building Link. There’s already heavy equipment staged on the north end of the site, as you can see in our photo (taken along Alaska, from which point the site runs north along 38th [map], with to-be-demolished buildings including an ex-Huling garage and the former home of West Seattle Montessori School [WSB sponsor, now at a new location]). Link will have 200 apartments and 14,000 square feet of retail; at last month’s Fairmount Community Association meeting, Harbor’s Denny Onslow said they expected construction to go “really fast” – which still means just under a year and a half.

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Crews work to raise tugboat that sank at Terminal 5
November 22, 2009 1:31 pm
|    Comments Off on Crews work to raise tugboat that sank at Terminal 5
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

Turns out a short-lived emergency incident on the 911 log in the 3400 block of West Marginal Way (map) last night involved a sunken tugboat at Terminal 5; one person went to the hospital (but is out already). The state Ecology Department has just reported it, as follows:

The state Department of Ecology, U.S. Coast Guard and NRC Environmental Services (NRC-ES) are actively working to raise the response tug Sea Born that sank Saturday night at Terminal 5 in Seattle .

The NRC-ES tug had an estimated 200 gallons of diesel fuel in its tanks when it sank around 10 p.m. last night after high waves inundated the stern of the vessel. This morning, responders found the tug upright underwater near the location where it sank at Terminal 5.

Earlier this morning, responders spotted a light, unrecoverable sheen of diesel fuel on the water near the location where the Sea Born sank. Oil containment boom and absorbent materials were placed on the surface as a precaution. All petroleum products, including diesel fuel, are environmental toxins.

Divers from Ballard Diving have conducted an underwater assessment of the tug. The fuel vents are small and state, federal and private responders do not anticipate further leaks from the tug.

NRC-ES is planning to lift to the Sea Born out of the water with a crane barge as soon as possible today.

One person was on the tug when it sank Saturday night. That person was taken to Harborview Hospital and later released.

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West Seattle whale-watching: Orca sightings again today
November 22, 2009 1:27 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Have had a few reports in the past few hours of orcas passing southern West Seattle shores as well as Three Tree Point to the south – so it’s another day worth keeping your binoculars handy! (Here’s our Saturday coverage, photo included.) 3:36 PM: Note the comment a few minutes ago from G. Jones (who took yesterday’s great pic): “Just watched a pod of orcas – at least a dozen heading north past Alki Point over nearer to Bainbridge, now probably about due west of West Point.”

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Followup: Still looking for a new home for the holidays
November 22, 2009 11:41 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

After last weekend’s Morgan Junction Pet Adoption Stroll, somebody asked if all the pets looking for their forever homes found them. Not entirely … here we have Snoops from Saving Great Animals, whom Cheryl explains “was rescued off death row at the last minute, there solely due to over-crowding in a high-kill shelter. He is now ready for a loving forever home! Snoops is between 1-2 years old and weighs about 70 lbs and is a striking mix of shepherd and St. Bernard. He is tall and thick and healthy. He is GREAT with EVERYONE, and loves men, women, and children!!! He’s a little on the happy, spastic/rambunctious side, so he probably wouldn’t be suited for small kids without close supervision or until he learns to be careful moving around them.” She adds, “He is updated on his shots, micro-chipped and is going to be neutered this week.” There is an adoption fee; for more info, you can contact Cheryl at cherylrescue@gmail.com.

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Happening now: West Seattle Lions pancake breakfast/bake sale
November 22, 2009 10:47 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

That’s Al Watt at the griddle at Seattle Lutheran High School‘s gym on behalf of the West Seattle Lions, whose pancake breakfast continues till 1 pm (see this preview for menu/cost). C’mon, you’re going to The Junction anyway, stop by. They’ve got a table full of bake-sale goodies too:

West Seattle Lions fundraisers support projects including scholarship funds and the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight and Hearing, as well as local nonprofits. (P.S. – This is your last chance for a big somebody-else-cooks-’em pancake extravaganza till the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s event on December 5th.)

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Crime Watch: 2 theft cases – 2 violins, one truck
November 22, 2009 10:35 am
|    Comments Off on Crime Watch: 2 theft cases – 2 violins, one truck
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

STOLEN VIOLINS: Joan posted about this in the WSB Forums, and Ricardo has a story on our partner site White Center Now: 2 violins, in a rare double case, stolen from a truck on the Seattle side of White Center yesterday. The violins aren’t worth that much – but the sentimental value is high – and owner Mike teaches violin, so they’re part of his livelihood. This is a Seattle Police case; contact info is in the links above.

STOLEN TRUCK: @alpacadero via Twitter wanted to ask people to be on the lookout for a stolen truck used for work, stolen Friday night from the 9800 block of 18th SW (map). It’s described as a “white Ford utility truck w/ auto crane, welder, etc.” similar to this. That’s King County Sheriff’s Office territory but 911 should be able to help if you see it.

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Today: Pancakes with the Lions, Feedback Lounge bazaar, art …
November 22, 2009 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on Today: Pancakes with the Lions, Feedback Lounge bazaar, art …
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts


View Larger Map

WEST SEATTLE LIONS PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND BAKE SALE: Even if you wake up late, you’ve got time to get to this one – 8 am to 1 pm, Seattle Lutheran High School gym (41st/Genesee, Google Street View above). Menu includes three types of pancakes – buttermilk, “Judy’s Pumpkin Crunch,” gluten-free. Plus ham/sausage, coffee/juice/tea/milk – all for $8 adults, $5 kids 12 and under.

FEEDBACK LOUNGE BAZAAR: 2-6 pm today, shop at the first-ever Holiday Bazaar (well, it’s their first holiday season!) at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – jewelry, aromatherapy, handbags, more. Wine and cocktail specials too.

LAST FARMERS’ MARKET BEFORE THANKSGIVING: 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska. It’s also your last chance to shop for the big contest – the most Farmers Market-sourced Thanksgiving feast – rules here. Today’s Ripe ‘n’ Ready list is here.

FAUNTLEROY ART SHOW/SALE FINALE: Last chance! 11 am-12:30 pm, Fauntleroy Church (9140 California).

BLOOD DRIVE: 10:30-4:30 today, walk-ins are welcome, Mars Hill Church in West Seattle (35th/Ida); more info here.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Wind advisory, again
November 22, 2009 12:15 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weather Watch: Wind advisory, again
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Could get really windy pre-dawn – so the National Weather Service has a “wind advisory” in effect again, through 10 am.

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Beer Church Turkey Bowl in West Seattle: And the winners are…
November 21, 2009 10:24 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle video

At West Seattle Bowl tonight, the big winner at the Beer Church‘s 11th annual Turkey Bowl bowling benefit was the West Seattle Food Bank – organizers Kendall Jones and Kim Sharpe Jones, above, reported easily double the food donations of last year; the event itself (with co-sponsors including WSB) sold out way in advance, and even had a waiting list! Then, there were the trophy winners in a couple of challenges – Elliott Bay Brewery took the brewers’ trophy – claimed here by proprietor Todd Carden:

And the Pub Challenge trophy went – for the third time – to West 5, announced by Kendall and accepted triumphantly by proprietor Dave Montoure:

Dave also took a moment to pose with Pete Spalding, who’s president of the West Seattle Food Bank‘s board (among many other things):

So what else does the Beer Church do, you ask? Find out at beerchurch.com. And if you didn’t get to the Turkey Bowl to donate food to the WS Food Bank – here’s its holiday schedule – and you can donate $ online. ADDED 2:02 PM: Kendall from Beer Church sent this note out to participants asking them to share with everyone “in their group” – so we’re sharing it with everyone in WSB’land – read on:Read More

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Think you know all about local bus service? How about this one?
November 21, 2009 7:23 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(The Kirkpatricks of West Seattle, shuttle riders – photo courtesy Senior Services)
West Seattleite Cindy Zwart, who directs Senior Services‘ Transportation Program, wants to make sure that everybody 55 and up – or younger, if you are disabled – knows about a service that’s been available here since July. She explains:

The Hyde Shuttle is a free door-to-door van service that will transport riders anywhere they need to go within the West Seattle city limits, including medical appointments, shopping, the library, to visit a friend, cultural and social activities, any local errands. The shuttle also provides rides on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to medical facilities on First Hill and on Wednesdays and Thursdays to Burien medical facilities. Riders sign up for service by phone; there is no long application to fill out or in-person eligibility screening. Shuttle hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, and all rides are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The Shuttle is lift-equipped for people who have difficulty using stairs or use a mobility aid. Service is free, although donations are accepted.

Senior Services’ Transportation Program also has shuttles serving communities from Burien to Shoreline, Beacon Hill to the Snoqualmie Valley. Senior Services’ other programs include Meals on Wheels, Minor Home Repair and one with which you’re bound to be familiar – at least on sight – the Senior Center of West Seattle (in The Junction). Money for the service comes from Metro, Aging and Disability Services, the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Puget Sound Regional Council. Want to sign up for the service? 206-727-6262 – same number you call when you need a ride. And if you want to ask Cindy any questions – cindyz@seniorservices.org.

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Another sports report: Congrats, West Seattle Junior Wildcats!
November 21, 2009 4:11 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

On the heels of our report a few hours ago about the Seattle Lutheran girls’ soccer team taking 3rd in the state, we have more big news about local youth sports – thanks to Michael Zuppe for sharing this news:

West Seattle Wildcat Seniors (13 and 14 year old) beat the Renton Rangers 12 to 8, at Husky Stadium, to win the South King County Jr. Football league title. Amazing game…the Wildcats came from behind and won the game on the last play with no time left on the clock. It’s only the second year of the program. Way to go, Wildcats!!

Find out more about the Junior Wildcats here.

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Happening now: The Little Gym of West Seattle open house
November 21, 2009 3:46 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: The Little Gym of West Seattle open house
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses

Thanks to Sabrina for the photo – The Little Gym of West Seattle, which opened earlier this month at California/Myrtle in Morgan Junction (almost next door to Caffe Ladro), invites you to its open house till 5 pm today.

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