(North shore of Lincoln Park, photographed last weekend by Jim Clark)

Weekend time! Your options for today include:

WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT TRAILS WORKSHOP: 9:30-11:30 am, you’re invited to a workshop at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) “to discuss what the future trail system in the West Duwamish Greenbelt might look like,” including “potential connections to destinations such as South Seattle College, the Duwamish Longhouse, Pathfinder School, Riverview Playfield, and others.” The workshop will be at the Chan Center on the north side of the campus, next to the Arboretum – all welcome. (6000 16th SW)

COMETA PLAYSCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon, open house at Spanish-language-immersion preschool Cometa Playschool. (4402 SW Walker)

FIRE STATION 29 OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-1 pm, come see the recently completed upgrades to the North Admiral firehouse, as previewed here. (2139 Ferry SW)

WEST SEATTLE MONTESSORI OPEN HOUSE: 1-3 pm, prospective families are invited to the West Seattle Montessori School & Academy (WSB sponsor) open house for “a chance to meet our staff, teachers, and tour the facilities. You’ll be able to view samples of student work and pick up application materials.” (11215 15th SW)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM: 2-7 pm Saturdays, the tasting room is open at Viscon Cellars (new WSB sponsor) – find out more about the winery here. (5910 California SW)

SOUTHSIDE REVOLUTION JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: 5:45 pm at Southgate Roller Rink, come cheer for Southside Revolution during its second bout of the season – a Harry Potter-themed doubleheader, with the SSR Cadets and Friends mixup at 5:45 pm, the SSR Rebels and Cherry Bomb Brawlers mixup at 7:10 pm. Admission $10 adults, $5 children 6-12, free 5 and under. All proceeds, including 50/50 raffle and bake sale, go to a medical-funds benefit for the Brawlers’ coach, who lost her fight with cancer days ago. (9646 17th SW)

NOT DEAD YET: West Seattle favorites! Not Dead Yet is live tonight at The Skylark, 9 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SCOTT M.X. TURNER: West Seattle’s Scott M.X. Turner “is joined by bluesman Zach Rourke for a night of rousing tunes” at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District, 9-11:45 pm. No cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(Photo by Long Bach Nguyen, looking south over the peninsula from north of The Junction)

The weekend’s in view and here are the Friday highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Seattle Lutheran is the only local high school with home games tonight: Quilcene is visiting. 6 pm girls, 7:30 pm boys. (4100 SW Genesee)

AMAZING RACE: “Race” around the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) with your family, complete challenges, and get your “passport” stamped. Free fun, 6:30 pm. (4515 36th SW)

LIVE ’60s-’70s ROCK … with the Five Buck Band at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

CLASSICAL CONCERT: 7:30 pm, The Girsky Quartet performs works by Beethoven and Schubert at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)

ROCK ‘N’ SOUL: DJ & Mrs. Plantkiller, 8 pm at Parliament Tavern. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

BOWIE, WHO, ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE BANDS … at The Skylark, 9 pm. Details in our listing. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

And a reminder …

PORT TEST PLANNED TODAY: Somewhere around “midday” (last week it was early afternoon) the Port of Seattle plans the second of nine potentially noisy tests related to its planning for modernization at West Seattle’s Terminal 5. Here’s the alert we published earlier this week.

(Northern Flicker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Much to consider for the rest of your West Seattle Thursday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

COASTLINE TURNS 1: 11 am-9 pm today, Junction burger joint Coastline celebrates its first anniversary with a variety of giveaways and promotions throughout the day. (4444 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 11:30 am, the annual meeting of the West Seattle Chamber starts at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction. (4736 40th SW)

FILM FESTIVAL AT EMERALD WATER ANGLERS: 6-10 pm, a fishing-film extravaganza at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, including “film fest with works from a variety of filmmakers including Waist Deep Media, Caldwell Rohrbach, Zangs Films, Sundance Award winner Greg Hamilton and more.” Call ASAP to see if there’s still room. (42nd SW & SW Oregon)

WANT LIGHT RAIL FOR WEST SEATTLE? Then be at the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s “call to action” meeting at 6:30 pm, The Kenney (WSB sponsor) – details here. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

SEATTLE LUTHERAN OPEN HOUSE: Prospective students are invited to visit and learn about Seattle Lutheran High School, 7-8:30 pm – details here. (4100 SW Genesee)

HOLY ROSARY INFORMATION NIGHT: Prospective parents are invited to the Holy Rosary School Hall at 7 pm – more info in our calendar listing. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

ARTS AND POP CULTURE TRIVIA: Geeks Who Drink host Trivia Night at Treehouse Lounge in The Admiral District, 8 pm – details here. (2206 California SW)

PUNDAMONIUM! 8:30 pm at The Skylark, it’s a pun slam! If you want to compete, signups start at 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

EVEN MORE … on our complete calendar!

(Thanks to Colin Bishop for the photo from a tree near Alki Avenue – click for larger view)

What’s up for the rest of your Wednesday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FITNESS ROOM DEDICATION: As previewed here last night, the Southwest Pool Fitness Room – one decade in the making! – has a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 pm, with gifts for attendees and discounted swims afterward. (2801 SW Thistle)

RV ‘SAFE LOT’ AT HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm at the Highland Park Improvement Club, HPAC has questions for city reps including Deputy Mayor Hyeok Kim and City Councilmember Lisa Herbold regarding the “safe lot” for RV/vehicle residents that the city plans at West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way SW. See the questions on the agenda posted here. (12th SW and SW Holden)

‘RAISING LILLY LEDBETTER’: Tonight at the monthly Poetrybridge reading/community-microphone event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), selections from this new anthology will be read by four women, three of whom contributed to it. Read all about it here. 7 pm. (5612 California SW)

BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN: 7:30 pm at West Seattle High School, it’s the biggest game in the region tonight – the undefeated WSHS girls-varsity team facing undefeated Bishop Blanchet. (3000 California SW)

TRIVIA: Wednesdays bring the big weekly games at Talarico’s Pizza in The Junction, hosted by Phil Tavel, 8:30 pm; details in our calendar listing.

YOU’LL FIND MORE … on our complete calendar.

(Click any view for a close-up)

6:03 AM: First note this morning: The Spirit of Kingston is on the West Seattle Water Taxi run today, because Doc Maynard is filling in for Sally Fox on the Vashon run.

8:06 AM: Still incident-free in and from West Seattle, with one hour of major commute time to go.

8:20 AM: SDOT reports a crash at 51st and Admiral Way. No SFD callout, which indicates no serious injuries.

8:36 AM: Several Seattle Fire units are responding to a call at an apartment building in the 9000 block of 35th SW, so that might cause some congestion for a while. (First units on scene aren’t seeing anything.)

8:49 AM: Call closed – units were leaving as we pulled up. Northbound traffic was getting around via the center lane.

(Photo by Jim Clark – goat out for a walk at Lincoln Park last weekend!)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – bring your toddler for free fun. (2306 42nd SW)

WATERCOLOR PAINTING: New class series at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) with Jennifer Carrasco starts at 6 tonight, as previewed here on Monday. Learn to paint, or work on advancing your technique. (5612 California SW)

HEART HEALTH: Free class at High Point Library with Miranda Taylor – 6:15 pm, healthy snacks and mingling; class starts at 6:30 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

WEST SEATTLE BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS MEETING: As previewed here last night, WSBWCN resumes its monthly meetings tonight, 6:30 pm, at the Southwest Precinct. You’ll meet SPD’s new local Community Police Team officers and hear about crime trends from precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis. All welcome – you don’t have to be a block-watch captain or even member! (2300 SW Webster)

FAMILY STORY TIME: For ages 1-5, at Delridge Library – details in our calendar listing. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

MAYOR’S SPEECH ON THE HOMELESSNESS EMERGENCY: As previewed here last night, Mayor Murray plans a 7:30 pm speech to be broadcast/webcast via Seattle Channel (cable 21 or seattlechannel.org), aimed at a citywide audience.

BABY KETTEN KARAOKE: 9 pm at The Skylark – sing it! (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SOMETHING FOR OUR CALENDAR? Please send it to editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

(Sharp-shinned hawk hunting, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here’s what’s happening as the week begins – mostly highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LAST WEEK FOR FREE TREE-CYCLING: If your Christmas tree hasn’t been sent off for composting yet – this is the last week you can do it for free with curbside pickup or South Transfer Station dropoff. After January 31, you will have to cut it up and dispose of it with your yard waste.

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTEN TOUR: 9 am, meet in the school library. If you didn’t see this in time or hear about it otherwise – 9 am February 11th is your next chance. (4320 SW Myrtle)

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: 2 pm at Southwest Library. This month, they’re reading “Exit Ghost” by Philip Roth. (35th SW & SW Henderson)

SANISLO SCHOOL TOURS: 6 pm, prospective parents are invited to tour Sanislo Elementary with principal Bruce Rhodes. (1812 SW Myrtle)

UNDERSTANDING THE SCHOOL BUDGET PROCESS: From Seattle Public Schools: “Have you ever wondered how school funding, staffing and budgets are determined, but never knew who to ask? The Seattle Public Schools finance team is excited to present an evening dedicated to understanding the school budget process.” Your new school-board rep Leslie Harris flagged us on this to get the word out. 6 pm at district HQ. More info here. (3rd S. & S. Lander)

GAME NIGHT AT MEEPLES, BENEFITING SHELTERBOX: We’ve reported here before about ShelterBox – which brings needed shelter and supplies to disaster and crisis spots around the world. 6:15 pm-8:30 pm, tonight’s game night at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) benefits ShelterBox, and brings you a chance to learn about their work, too. (3727 California SW)

(Maybe you’ve seen this bald eagle at Alki Beach Park too! Photo by Laura Goodrich, shared via WSB Flickr group; click to enlarge)

Happy Sunday! If you have the time, we have the possibilities, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE ULTIMATE FAMILY FRISBEE: Get your disc on, 10 am at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point. (34th SW/SW Myrtle)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. Even in the heart of winter, you’ll find fresh vegetables and fruit, plus local cheese, cider, beer, more. Often music, too! This week’s spotlight: Fermented food. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

THUNDER ROAD GUITARS CLOSED TODAY: The team at Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is off getting new merchandise today, so the store in The Junction is closed, back open on Tuesday. (4736 California SW)

HELP BEAUTIFY THE CHILBERG LINK: Another work party for the volunteers we reported on earlier this weekend, who are beautifying a sloped median (with edible gardening, too), 10:30 am-12:30 pm, help, cardboard, and yard-waste-bin space all welcome. (Chilberg between Douglas and Genesee)

VISIT THE MUSEUM: The Log House Museum, HQ of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, is there on Alki, waiting for you to come see what’s inside – a trip back in time, featuring the Ivar exhibit! Noon-4 pm. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

FREE CLASS: “Attract Winter Birds to Your Yard” is the free class at West Seattle Nursery this afternoon, 1-2 pm. (California SW/SW Brandon)

‘REALLY REALLY’: First 3 pm Sunday matinée for the newest ArtsWest production. (4711 California SW)

DON’T KNIT ALONE: Knit at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5:30-7 pm. (5612 California SW)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our complete calendar!

(Black turnstone, photographed by Mark Wangerin – click for larger view)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and our other files, highlights of what’s up for your Saturday:

HELP BEAUTIFY THE CHILBERG LINK: 10:30 am-12:30 pm work party on Chilberg between Douglas and Genesee as Friends of the Chilberg Link work on transforming a sloped median – details in our story from last night.

REOPENING DAY FOR CLICK! DESIGN THAT FITS: The two-week-plus winter break for Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) is over and the shop reopens today at 11 am. (4540 California SW)

ADOPT A PET! The Humane Society’s MaxMobile is expected at Mud Bay in The Admiral District, 11 am-1 pm. (2611 California SW)

VIETNAMESE STORY TIME: 11:30 am at Delridge Library, bring kids 3 and up for stories, songs, and rhymes in Vietnamese. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

CLIMATE CONVERSATION AT THE LONGHOUSE: 1-5 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, sponsored by the Green Party of Washington, intended to continue the dialogue that started at the Paris climate conference. Featured speaker, global activist Laurence Braham, also including local activist Sarra Tekola and members of the Tulalip, Lummi, and Saanich tribes. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

STUDENT SHOWCASE: 2-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), hear live music with the students of Rebeqa Rivers – more info here. (5612 California SW)

GIFTS FROM THE EARTH: 5 pm at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), annual celebration of SSC’s food, wine, and student achievement. Check to see if tickets remain. (6000 16th SW)

MIDNIGHT SERENADERS: 7:30 pm at historic Kenyon Hall, Portland-based band with “an infectious and irreverent take on the raucous and carefree music of The Jazz Age.” More info in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

TREEHOUSE LOUNGE SHOWCASE: Live music, 8-11 pm, at Treehouse Lounge in The Admiral District. (2206 California SW)

WEST SIDE GLORY: “Comedy, Music, Drag, Burlesque and GoGo Bears!” at The Skylark, 9 pm, 21+ – more in our calendar listing. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

(Photo by Don Brubeck)

Friday and the weekend is almost here! First, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: This month’s meeting is under way, but there’s still time to join some of the upcoming sessions. Info in our calendar listing. It’s happening in building 3 at Daystar. (2615 SW Barton)

LEGO EXTRAVAGANZA: 6:30 pm at the West Seattle Family YMCA (WSB sponsor), come build whatever you can dream up! Prizes in certain age groups. Free. The Y welcomes Lego donations, too, if you have some that are no longer needed. (4515 36th SW)

WANT TO TEACH YOGA? Informal information night at Sound Yoga (WSB sponsor), 7 pm – info in our calendar listing. (5639 California SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: The only team home tonight is Seattle Lutheran High School, hosting nearby Shorewood Christian – girls play at 6, boys at 7:30, at the SLHS gym. (4100 SW Genesee)

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Singer/songwriter Mitchell Mirande performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

CD RELEASE CONCERT: Daisy Day Band‘s CD release, plus Death Muffins, 9 pm at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

(Panorama from Harbor Island, by Jim Edwards)

Interested in development? Two local meetings might interest you. Lots of entertainment tonight too. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DESIGN REVIEW X 2: Two Alki projects are on the agenda for the Southwest Design Review Board tonight – 6:30 pm, second review for the 1307 Harbor SW mixed-use project that includes the ex-Alki Tavern site, details and project packet linked here; 8 pm, 1250 Alki SW, the ~100-apartment project known as Perch, as previewed here on Wednesday. Both meetings have public-comment opportunities; both are upstairs at the Sisson Building, home of the Senior Center of West Seattle. (California SW/SW Oregon)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Earlier meeting time tonight so that members can get to the aforementioned Design Review Board meeting for Perch. ACC starts at 6:30 pm in the parlor at Alki UCC, with topics including Statue of Liberty Plaza maintenance plus a discussion with the VP of real estate for West Coast Self-Storage, regarding a “new development that will involve a street vacation for 29th SW, east of Harbor and north of ActivSpace,” according to ACC president Tony Fragada. (6115 SW Hinds)

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: 6:30 pm potluck, 7 pm meeting at the Senior Center of West Seattle – perfect time to get involved with the West Seattle Timebank – details in our calendar listing. (California/Oregon)

DENNY/SEALTH CONCERT: 7 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium, free concert featuring the Denny Junior Bands, Denny Junior Orchestra, Beginning Orchestra, Denny Jazz, and Mariachi. (2600 SW Thistle)

OPEN MIC – UNPLUGGED! At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm. (5612 California SW)

BELLY DANCING: Monthly free, all-ages Alauda showcase at The Skylark, 7:30 pm. (3803 California SW)

OPENING NIGHT FOR ‘REALLY REALLY’: Official opening night at ArtsWest Playhouse for “Really Really” – details in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

‘GEEKS WHO DRINK’ TRIVIA NIGHT: 8 pm at Treehouse Lounge in The Admiral District – details in our calendar listing. (2206 California SW)

LOTS MORE ON THE CALENDAR – see it all here.

Thanks to Don Brubeck for the view of the Duwamish from the Spokane Street fishing pier, photographed during what he describes as a “misty ride to work” today. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LAFAYETTE KINDERGARTEN TOURS: 9:30-10:10 am today. If you don’t see this until it’s too late, note that Lafayette Elementary is also having tours on February 4th, 1:15 pm-2:15 pm. (California/Lander)

LAST DAY FOR GENERAL STORE SEATTLE’S CLOSING SALE: 10 am-6 pm today, it’s the final day of the closing sale for the all-local-merchandise The General Store Seattle (WSB sponsor) – 40 percent off everything, both in-store and online. (3400 Harbor SW)

SWEET PEA COTTAGE OPEN HOUSE: 4-6 pm at Sweet Pea Cottage preschool/kindergarten; kids and parents welcome. (7141 California SW)

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: 4:15 pm at district HQ in SODO. Agenda includes vote to authorize possible closure of before-/after-school child-care programs around the district to make room for more school homerooms, as discussed at local board rep Leslie Harris‘s community-conversation meeting last weekend. (3rd S./S. Lander)

MoCA’S QUARTERLY MEETING: Special time, 6 pm, for the Morgan Community Association‘s quarterly meeting, so it’ll be done in time for the HALA discussion to follow (see next item). Agenda details here. At The Kenney (WSB sponsor), lower-level meeting rooms. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

ALL ABOUT HALA: The Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda is one of the biggest topics in the city right now and will be for a long time. What’s it really about, and what do you need to know? A West Seattle-wide briefing will be presented tonight after the Morgan Community Association‘s regular quarterly meeting. The HALA discussion starts at 7 pm – details here. At The Kenney. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

CYBERBULLYING: Parents from all over West Seattle are invited to tonight’s special presentation by the Madison Middle School PTSA with important information for families, 7 pm, as previewed here. (45th/Spokane)

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Discussion topics are expected to include the newly announced plan for a “safe parking” lot in Highland Park for people who live in their vehicles, and a discussion about the city’s forthcoming People, Dogs, and Parks Plan, with Citizens for Off-Leash Areas (COLA) providing a guest. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

LOTS MORE … on our full calendar.

MoCA HALA

MADISON CYBERBULLYING

BALLOTS GO OUT

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BLOOD DRIVE: Can you donate? Consider going to the Clock Tower at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), 10:30 am-4:30 pm, with a 12:30-1:30 pm break. (6000 16th SW)

ENCOURAGING BACKYARD COTTAGES: Not in West Seattle, but of interest: 6 pm at the Filipino Community Center, a city-presented gathering ” to get public input on potential land use code changes that would encourage greater production of backyard cottages (also called detached accessory dwelling units or DADUs).” More info here. (5740 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way S.)

LIVE MUSIC AT SALTY’S: 5-8 pm, Justin Kausal-Hayes performs at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) – more info here. (1936 Harbor SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUP: 6:30 pm at High Point Library; this month’s title is “Kindred” by Octavia Butler. All welcome. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Come hear from and talk with local police, and hear from an insurance-industry expert on the latest tactics used by car prowlers/thieves. 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct, all welcome. (2300 SW Webster)

TRIVIA NIGHT TO BENEFIT THE SENIOR CENTER: As previewed here on Monday, you’re invited to play trivia with host Phillip Tavel (the longtime Talarico’s trivia host) at, and to benefit, the Senior Center of West Seattle. Doors open at 7 pm, play starts at 7:30 pm. Here’s how to sign up in advance. (California SW & SW Oregon)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: 7:30 pm, the West Seattle HS boys-varsity team hosts Rainier Beach. (3000 California SW)

STARLIGHT SINGER/SONGWRITER NIGHT: 9-11 pm at Shadowland. (California/Oregon)

AND THERE’S MORE ... on our complete calendar!

Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for sharing the photos of Pacific Wrens she found near Pelly Place this weekend, “singing softly back and forth. They have a lovely mellifluous complex song; if you haven’t heard it, take a listen.” Perhaps a love song, she surmised. (And remember – you can now click most WSB photos to open a “lightbox” window with a much-bigger view.) Today would be a great day for bird-watching, park walks, other ways to enjoy nature … and here’s what else is up:

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: We usually only feature home games but since it’s a holiday, you might be interested in going crosstown to cheer on the West Seattle High School varsity teams, playing as part of an MLK Day slate at Garfield High School – boys vs. Eastside Catholic at 1:30 pm, girls vs. Rainier Beach at 3 pm. (400 23rd Ave.)

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE: MLK Day has long been a Day of Service, and Sustainable West Seattle invites you to honor that intention by getting involved with the group – at any level that interests you, including leadership. Here’s more on tonight’s meeting, 7 pm (following a 6:30 pm meet-and-greet) at Admiral Bird. (California SW & SW Admiral Way)

QUIZ NIGHT: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, free and all ages – info in our calendar listing. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA NIGHT: 7:30 pm at Christo’s on Alki. (2508 Alki SW)

.

Good morning! The Steller’s Jay photographed by Mark Wangerin is in honor of the Seahawks – we couldn’t find a bird in West Seattle that was blue AND green. As you can do with most of our photos now, click this one if you’d like to open it in a much-larger, “lightbox” view (then click outside that window to return to the page, no “back” button required).

TAILGATE PARTY: Doors just opened (at 9) at Highland Park Improvement Club. All ages welcome. (12th SW and SW Holden)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, on the street in the heart of The Junction. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm on Sundays. Working on a list of projects for the new year? Check it out, on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

CAT ADOPTIONS: Kitty Harbor is concluding a special mid-winter adoption weekend, noon-3 pm. (3422 Harbor SW)

JAMTIME, LIVE: At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 1-4 pm. (5612 California SW)

WEST COAST SWING DANCE: You’re invited to join the Seattle West Coast Swing Dance Club at Alki Masonic Center tonight. DJ/instructor is Andy Vanosdale; there’s an intermediate lesson at 4 and 5 pm, dancing 6-10 pm, newcomer/novice competition, too. $7 members, $11 guests. More at seattlewcswing.org. (4736 40th SW)

BUILDING HEALTHY CONNECTIONS: Find out how at the Emotional Fitness Zone‘s January meetup, 4-6 pm. RSVP/fee required – more info here.

FOOD DRIVE: The “ton-and-a-half” drive at Straight Blast Gym of Seattle (WSB sponsor) is extended because the West Seattle Food Bank isn’t picking up until Tuesday – so you have two days left to donate:

(5050 Delridge Way SW)

LIBRARIES ARE CLOSED TOMORROW … so if you need something, go today. If you’re new to the area, here’s a list/map of branches, including the five in West Seattle and South Park.

Thanks to Mark Wangerin for yet another beautiful West Seattle bird photo – this one’s a yellow-rumped warbler. Try clicking it to see a full-size photo in a “lightbox” frame – then click back outside the window to get to the page; that’s a new viewing feature enabled by our technical overhaul. Meantime, it’s a quiet Saturday, since it’s a holiday weekend, but we have a few notes and events, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HIGHWAY 99 TRAFFIC ALERT: Just north of downtown, southbound 99 is down to one lane on Aurora until noon.

OPEN HOUSE: The Community School of West Seattle preschool has an open house today – adults only – 10 am-2 pm. (9450 22nd SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Perfect time to go see the new Ivar Haglund display and what else is new at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum on Alki, open noon-4 pm. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REP: The first “community conversation” meeting for West Seattle and South Park’s newly elected School Board rep Leslie Harris is 3-4:30 pm – you can drop in at any time – at Southwest Library. (35th SW & SW Henderson)

LIVE MUSIC: Enjoy live hard rock music at The Skylark, 9 pm, featuring The Big Bad, The Flying Tortugas, and White Horse. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Highlights for tonight:

‘TRAFFIC GARDEN’ MEETING: Our area’s first “traffic garden” is in the works for Dick Thurnau Memorial Park in White Center. You’re invited to a community meeting at 5:30 pm at TAF’s Bethaday Community Space at the park. (605 SW 108th)

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 6-9 pm! Here’s the map and venue list:

Go see the previews of art/artists at wsartwalk.com.

WESTSIDE SCHOOL: 6:30 pm, it’s the lower-school Exhibition of Learning at Westside School (WSB sponsor), featuring the projects/demonstrations the students are showing off. (10404 34th SW)

LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:30 pm in the school cafeteria (child care in the gym) – meeting info here. (California SW & SW Lander)

BAKED POTATO DINNER: Another notable event to the south – the New Start Alternative High School Key Club in the Highline School District will again, in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of White Center, hold its Annual Baked Potato Dinner complete with loaded baked potatoes, salad, beverage and dessert and music. 6:30-8:30 pm, adults $15 or two for $25.(614 SW 120th)

(Alki eagle, by SurferLucas, from the WSB Flickr group)

Continuing with our daily highlight lists (our comprehensive calendar will return along with our full website, whose overhaul has gone into overtime) – here’s your preview for the rest of this rainy Wednesday:

HARBOR SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 pm at K-8 Harbor School (WSB sponsor) on Vashon Island, with this special invite for West Seattle families:

For West Seattle families interested in attending, please RSVP by phone at 206-567-5955 or by e-mail at admissions@harborschool.org. Shuttle service will be offered to West Seattle attendees walking on at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal and arriving on Vashon. Attendees wishing to utilize the shuttle must RSVP prior to the event.

(15920 Vashon Hwy. SW)

FREE IRISH SET DANCING: 6:30 pm at Kenyon Hall:

Join us for an evening of Irish Set Dancing (Irish square dance). From 6:30 to 7 pm there will be instruction in the basics, then traditional dancing 7 pm to 9 pm. No partner is necessary. Jim Belcher will teach and call. Call Connie with questions; 206-935-5648. Sponsored by Puget Sound Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

(7904 35th SW)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy. Tonight’s agenda (see it here) for our area’s biggest political organization looks ahead to the rest of this big election year and features a panel on youth homelessness. (9131 California SW)

ROO FORREST AND FRIENDS: Live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

TREEHOUSE LOUNGE OPEN MICROPHONE: Sign up at 7:30 pm, music at 8, hosted by Alan Sobel – come perform at tonight’s edition of the twice-monthly open-microphone event at Treehouse Lounge in The Admiral District. (2206 California SW)

TRIVIA: 8:30 pm, the famous Talarico’s Pizza trivia night hosted by Phillip Tavel. (4718 California SW)

Please continue to send upcoming events, as we will be catching up the calendar once it’s back in service. editor@westseattleblog.com – plain-text information in the body of your e-mail, NOT attachments – at least a week in advance. Thank you!

(OUR CALENDAR SPONSOR IS MEEPLES GAMES

Our regular calendar will be back when our overhauled site is up – meantime, our daily highlight lists continue, and here’s what’s happening today/tonight:

LIBRARY STORY TIMES: Baby Story Time at Southwest Library, 10:30 am (35th SW/SW Henderson); Toddler Story Time at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 10:30 am (2306 42nd SW); Family Story Time at Delridge Library, 7 pm (5401 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT SALTY’S: Justin Kausal-Hayes performs at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5-8 pm. (1936 Harbor SW)

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8 pm at Hope Lutheran School. (42nd SW/SW Oregon)

CHIEF SEALTH PTSA: 7 pm meeting, all welcome, in the Confucius Center at Chief Sealth International High School. (2600 SW Thistle)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Choosing new leadership and looking at the future of the former interim Fire Station 29 site are two major agenda items, as previewed here. 7 pm, all welcome, The Sanctuary at Admiral. (42nd SW & SW Lander)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: The FCA board meets at historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 7 pm, all welcome. (9131 California SW)

And a look even further ahead:

WINTER’S HIGHEST TIDES, NEXT THREE DAYS: This will happen before our daily preview is published the next three days, so we’re mentioning it now – the highest high tides (“king tides”) of winter are happening the next three mornings, 12.9 feet – 7:35 am Wednesday, 8:14 am Thursday, 8:55 am Friday.

(Originally published on our backup site during our technical overhaul)

The WSB West Seattle Event Calendar remains temporarily out of view during our official website’s overhaul work. We’re still presenting daily event highlights, so here’s what we have for today/tonight:

TEEN SERVICE LEARNING: Teenagers interested in service learning through the Seattle Public Library are invited to a 4 pm meeting at Southwest Library – but be sure to read this first. (35th SW & SW Henderson)

WEST SEATTLE PRESCHOOL FAIR: 5:30-7:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church – see the list of participants here – they include WSB sponsor West Seattle Montessori School. (3050 California SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: The Chief Sealth International High School girls-varsity team hosts Shorewood Christian School, 6 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

NDNC MEETING: Second Monday means it’s meeting night for the North Delridge Neighborhood Council, 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

DENNY PTSA MEETING: 7 pm, PTSA meets at Denny International Middle School. (2601 SW Kenyon)

OUR CALENDAR SPONSOR IS MEEPLES GAMES:

Seahawks-watching is no doubt the top event of the day, and if you’re not watching at home, you’re no doubt ensconced in your favorite place by now. But it’s not the only thing on the agenda:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, see what’s fresh. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

‘GAINS FOR GOOD’ TO SUPPORT THE SMERSHES: 10 am-4:30 pm competition at CrossFit LOFT in The Junction, benefiting the fund for John and Frances Smersh dealing with her recent diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s. The Gains for Good website explains, and includes various ways to help. (4142 California SW)

‘CELEBRATION OF WOMEN COMPOSERS’: At 3 pm, that’s the theme for the Ladies Musical Club concert at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library. Instrumental and vocal performances of work by Viardot, Bonis, Chaminade, Kinkel, Lang, Tailleferre, Beach, Mari. Admission’s free but space is limited so, be early to be sure you get a seat! (2306 42nd SW)

ALLISON PREISINGER, LIVE: 3 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor):

Allison Preisinger; a local singer-songwriter that performs folk pop/rock. Northwest musicians and fans have described Seattle singer-songwriter Allison Preisinger’s music as raw and honest. Her writing and performances provide a combination of the sincerity of an unplugged Eric Clapton with the melodic poetry of a solo Joni Mitchell.

(5612 California SW)

TROY NELSON AT SHADOWLAND: DJ Troy Nelson is at Shadowland in The Junction 9-11:30 pm Sundays. (4458 California SW)

ROAD CLOSURE ON PIGEON POINT SUNDAY NIGHT: Reminder that work is scheduled ~6 pm tonight to ~5 am tomorrow along 22nd SW in Pigeon Point, repairing the sewer line north and south of Andover. Not only will 22nd SW be closed for the work, so will the 22nd/Andover intersection, says Seattle Public Utilities. If the work isn’t done by 5 am, a second closure will be necessary Monday night. Look for the detour signs along Delridge and Andover; people who live off Andover east of 22nd will need to access their homes via SW Oregon, per SPU.

(OUR CALENDAR SPONSOR IS MEEPLES GAMES)

Good morning! Our regular event calendar will be back when this weekend’s technical overhaul is done. In the meantime, here’s our list of what’s happening today and tonight:

REMINDER – PILE-DRIVING AT THE PORT: As reported on Thursday, the Port of Seattle plans to start pile-driving work today at West Seattle’s Terminal 5 as part of this “testing” announced before Christmas, preparing for its modernization project – “about 27 piles … at the edge of the Terminal 5 wharf.” Today’s work is scheduled between 9 am and 5 pm.

POLAR PLUNGE: 9:30 am near the Alki Statue of Liberty, the Washington Technology Industry Association is presenting a Polar Plunge. They’re inviting “WTIA members, non-members, friends, and family 18 and up.” RSVP via the link toward the bottom of this page. (61st SW & SW Alki)

TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon at K-5 Tilden School (WSB sponsor): “We invite interested parents to a casual open house; chat with teachers and specialists, visit classrooms, and ask questions.” (4105 California SW)

NW MONTESSORI OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon open house for prospective parents at Northwest Montessori, which serves 2 1/2-6 year-olds. (7344 35th SW)

LONGHOUSE ANNIVERSARY 10 am-5 pm at Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center:

Open house, concert, and reception. Celebrate the heritage of Greater Seattle’s First People, Chief Seattle’s Duwamish Tribe. Open house, 10-5, visit exhibit areas and art gallery. Festivities include: 11 am Film — Princess Angeline, 12 pm Film — Chief Seattle’s Speech. 1-2 pm Artist Reception — Katrina Lane: Unique Native Vision. 2 pm Concert — Stories by Roger Fernandes. Duwamish Heritage Group will invite friends to join in song and dance.

This marks “the 7th Anniversary of the building of the first Duwamish Longhouse since the last one was burned down in West Seattle in 1894 to push the Duwamish off their land. In 1851, there were over 90 Duwamish Longhouses. Opened in 2009, the Longhouse is a traditional cedar post and beam structure designed in the Puget Salish Longhouse style. It houses a Native Art Gallery, Duwamish History Museum, Gift Shop, Duwamish Tribal Offices, and traditional Longhouse. Admission and parking are free, donations to support the longhouse’s ongoing operation are always welcome.

(4705 W. Marginal Way)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: The West Seattle HS boys-varsity team hosts Stadium HS at 6:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

MUSIC AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: Starting at 9 pm:

Cross Rhythm Trio featuring Ben Bloom, Jason Gray and Grant Schroff of Seattle’s afro-psycho-beat band Polyrhthmics. No cover.

(4210 SW Admiral Way)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STUDENT AUTHORS @ WORDS, WRITERS, & WEST SEATTLE: 14 student authors from Madison Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School are in the spotlight at Words, Writers, & West Seattle, 5-7 pm tonight at Barnes & Noble in Westwood Village, presented as always by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. (2800 SW Barton)

FAMILY-FUN NIGHT @ THE Y: West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) invites you to a night of family fun, starting at 6 pm – obstacle course, swimming, more – details in our listing. (4515 36th SW)

LIVE MUSIC: Acoustic singer/songwriter Ann Gates Fiser at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW) …

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL HOME GAMES: Chief Sealth IHS girls varsity hosts Seattle Prep at 6:30 tonight (2600 SW Thistle) … West Seattle HS girls varsity hosts Eastside Catholic at 8 tonight (3000 California SW) … Chief Sealth IHS boys varsity hosts Seattle Prep at 8 tonight.

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our year-round calendar. Please note it will not be accessible while our overhaul work is under way this weekend (starting around 6 tonight), but we will have daily preview roundups with highlighted events on our temporary site Saturday and Sunday mornings.