(Young belted kingfisher emerging from burrow to be fed; photo by Mark Wangerin)
Yes, yes, we know the 80s aren’t THAT broiling, but even those of us who spent many years in way hotter climes have a lower tolerance level … so again today, we’ll start with the “keeping cool” info.

KEEPING COOL

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Day three! Hours 11 am-8 pm. (11th SW/SW Cloverdale)

TODAY’S WADING POOL SCHEDULE: Delridge and Lincoln Park wading pools are open – see the hours here.

COLMAN POOL OPEN: See the schedule here. (On the Lincoln Park waterfront – reachable via walking or biking)

SOUTHWEST POOL OPEN: See the schedule here. (2801 SW Thistle)

AIR-CONDITIONED LIBRARIES: Delridge, High Point, and South Park Libraries all have A/C, and all are open 1-5 pm today. For location and other info, check the Seattle Public Library website.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

In addition to some every-Sunday events you’ll find on our calendar, here are a few more highlights:

LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT CONTINUES: District 7 9-10 and 11-12 All-Star teams are in tournament play at Alki’s Bar-S Playfield all week, hosted by West Seattle Little League, and our tipster Teresa tells us the local teams are playing at 10 am and 4 pm again today. Details and links in our Saturday update. (6425 SW Admiral Way)

WEST SEATTLEITES IN PRIDE PARADE: The parade runs through downtown, starting at 4th and Union at 11 am and heading north, but it will have even more West Seattle flavor than ever, with its grand marshals including history-making couple Jane Abbott Lighty and Pete-e Petersen as well as The Seattle Lesbian founder Sarah Toce; the list of participants also includes OutWest Bar.

GRETCHEN’S GRAINS DEMO: Cooking demo today, 11 am-2 pm at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), for a West Seattleite’s line of frozen fully cooked grains. (42nd/Admiral)

SPUD/NEUTER FUNDRAISER FOR KITTY HARBOR: 5-8 pm at Ola Salon, a special event with live music, auction items, and a gourmet potato bar will raise money for Kitty Harbor, the West Seattle facility that finds homes for hundreds of cats and kittens every year. Details in our calendar listing. (2942 SW Avalon Way)

FEEDBACK GOES ACOUSTIC: A new series of charity-benefiting acoustic performances starts tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), where by the way, they have “state-of-the-art” air conditioning. Details in our calendar listing; starts at 6 pm. (6451 California SW)

WOMEN’S SOCCER – LAST CHANCE TO SEE AC SEATTLE! According to the schedule, it’s the last West Seattle home game for AC Seattle, playing Issaquah Soccer Club at Southwest Athletic Complex tonight at 6 pm. (2801 SW Thistle)

(Photo by Mark/Sagebrush Photography via the WSB Flickr Group)
With warm weather expected again today, we’ve split the highlights into two sections, starting with one directly related to staying cool:

IN THE WATER

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Day two! Hours 11 am-8 pm. (11th SW/SW Cloverdale)

TODAY’S WADING POOL SCHEDULE: Delridge, Hiawatha, and Lincoln Park wading pools are open – see the hours here.

COLMAN POOL CLOSED … for a swim meet. But:

… SOUTHWEST POOL OPEN: Here’s the schedule. (2801 SW Thistle)

ALSO HAPPENING TODAY/TONIGHT

PICKUP SOCCER GAME: West Seattle Sunday Soccer continues also having Saturday morning pickup games, 8 am at Delridge Playfield (Delridge/26th/Alaska)

MEET THE AUTHOR: West Seattle writer Molly Ringle is introducing and signing her new book “Persephone’s Orchard” at Bird on a Wire Espresso (WSB sponsor) this morning, 9 am-11 am. (SW Henderson just west of 35th SW)

SHOW SCHMITZ PARK SOME LOVE: Join the Friends of Schmitz Park Preserve work party; meet at 9 am. (Admiral Way/Stevens)

GRAND OPENING: 9 am-3 pm, West Seattle Vision‘s official grand opening in Morgan Junction. (6505 California SW)

CAR WASH: 10 am-4 pm, the West Seattle High School Cheer Squad is ready to wash your vehicle at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) – they’re coming up against a fundraising deadline and would love your support. (35th/Webster)

STEM SUMMER PLAYDATE: New or returning West Seattle STEM student(s) in the family? Join the playdate today, 10 am-noon at the Lincoln Park zipline playground. (North of the south parking lot)

SEATTLE WORLD CRUISER CHRISTENING: As previewed here earlier in the week (our story explains the West Seattle link), the public christening event is at 10 am, Museum of Flight. (9404 E. Marginal Way S.)

STORYTIME AT BARNES & NOBLE: At the Westwood Village bookstore, Melissa says, today’s 11 am plan is as follows: “In honor of our first heat wave of the summer, we’re going to stay cool with some watery stories. We’ll be reading ‘Clark the Shark’ and ‘Splish, Splash, Splat!’ We’ll also have some cool treats and a summery craft.”

THE ‘HOOD HUNT: Free, map-based scavenger hunt, in West Seattle this time – noon start at Junction Plaza Park; details here. (42nd/Alaska)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Take a free tour, 1-4 pm. (Alki Ave/Beach Drive)

RELAY FOR LIFE OF WEST SEATTLE: 2 pm today is the kickoff for this cancer-fighting fundraiser at West Seattle Stadium, with the event continuing overnight and into midday Sunday. It’s a different schedule this year, with entertainment that’s open to the public too – here’s the schedule for the first eight hours:

2 pm: Opening Ceremony
2:15 pm: Survivor Lap (we will have a lounge with snacks for our survivors!) followed by Teams Lap
3-3:45 pm: ACS Cancer Action Network presentation
4-4:45 pm: Hair Donations
5-8 pm: Contigo Food Truck will be onsite
5-6 pm: Bubble Man
6:30-7:30 pm: Recess Monkey concert for the kids!
7-10 pm: Massages by M3 Bodyworks
7:30 pm: Squirt Gun Game
10 pm: Luminaria Ceremony

The stadium’s off 35th SW, just south of SW Avalon Way.

‘DEADLIEST CATCH’ CAPTAIN: Captain Keith Coburn of the Wizard is at the Junction QFC today, 3-4:30 pm, details here. (42nd/Alaska)

DUWAMISH TRIBE GALA: Seventh annual fundraising dinner and auction, 4:30 pm, Duwamish Longhouse; details here. (4505 W. Marginal Way SW)

SALSA DANCING ON ALKI: Starts with free Zumba at 4:45 pm, Statue of Liberty Plaza; Facebook event page here. (61st/Alki)

‘CLUTCH’ PREMIERE: Local filmmaker Jay Rowlands‘ long-running project – featured in this WSB story – premieres tonight at 7 at The Admiral Theater. (2343 California SW)

apertureSTOP! Spoken word and photography at Twilight in The Junction, 8-10 pm. (4306 SW Alaska)

More on the calendar!

West Seattle photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen shares this aerial of the Highway 99 tunneling machine in its “launch pit” – the view you can’t get while driving by. No major road projects this weekend, by the way. Here are highlights for today/tonight before we get too much further along:

SPRAYPARK OPENS: At 11 am, the Highland Park Spraypark is scheduled to open – here’s our preview from Thursday. (11th/Cloverdale)

SOUP AND SANDWICH LUNCH: Everyone’s welcome at Seaview Methodist Church for the free monthly soup-and-sandwich lunch. 11:30-1:30. (46th/Graham)

WADING POOLS: With sunshine and warm temperatures, it’s a bonafide wading-pool day. In West Seattle, Delridge, EC Hughes, and Lincoln Park wading pools have Friday hours – see the citywide schedule here.

COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: Meantime, outdoor Colman Pool is NOT open to the public today (or the rest of this weekend) because of swim-meet activity – here’s the CP schedule.

LOLLY BOOK LAUNCH AND SAMPLE SALE: 5 pm-midnight, details here. (4112 California SW)

MOVIE SCREENING: At South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), you’re invited to a special community screening of the documentary “Barzan,” described as “a moving story of a local family torn apart by immigration and the post 911 war on terror. The screening will be followed by a discussion of the film with a panel of experts on issues concerning the current immigration system and comprehensive reform.” It premiered recently at SIFF. 6 pm at SSCC’s Brockey Center, Room A, free tickets online. (6000 16th SW)

P.S. If you have a special event for the 4th of July, or special business hours, please e-mail us ASAP so we can get it onto our traditional 4th of July page – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

That photo shared via the WSB Flickr group is by Dennis Cheasebro, who explains that it’s a phantom orchid found in Lincoln Park: “This orchid is rare and getting rarer, preferring deep, moist forests, and it’s extraordinary to find it here in the city. … If you see it, please let it be.” You can see wider views . On to the highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Thursdays-Sundays, it’s open to visitors, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

WADING POOL NOTE: *If* we had sunshine and 70-plus temps, this would have been opening day for Delridge Playfield’s wading pool. So probably tomorrow if the forecast is true! Here’s the ongoing wading-pool schedule (including the hotline you can always call to check on the city’s plan).

ADVENTURE RACE: Tonight, starting from Alki, 5 pm. Read about it (and how to be part of it) here.

WSDW HOSTS RON SIMS: The former county executive is the special guest at tonight’s meeting of the West Seattle Democratic Women, 6 pm @ West Seattle Golf Course – details here. (4470 35th SW)

AIR QUALITY MEETING: The Port of Seattle is airing a Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy update in a meeting at 6 pm tonight, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

DESIGN REVIEW DOUBLEHEADER: With the current apartment-development boom, most Southwest Design Review Board meetings are back to two projects, twice monthly. Tonight’s meetings are at the Senior Center of West Seattle (upstairs) and begin at 6:30 pm with the second Early Design Guidance session for the ~150-apartment project at 3210 California SW (here’s the official info/renderings “packet”; here’s our recent update on changes in the proposal). Then at 8 pm, the board is scheduled to move on to its first look at 4400 SW Alaska, a 37-apartment plan first reported here a month ago; here’s the official packet. Both meetings will include a public-comment period. (California/Oregon).

DESC DELRIDGE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Though it’s not listed on the committee’s official webpage, an announcement on the North Delridge e-mail group says there is a meeting tonight for community concerns/information about the under-construction homeless-housing complex that will also include the new Delridge Grocery. Meeting’s at 6:30 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

Thanks to Lynn Hall for sharing that photo of ferry traffic this morning in the Luna/Anchor Park area. The ferry under tow – M/V Evergreen State – was headed for scheduled work at Vigor Shipyards on Harbor Island; the other one is the M/V Kaleetan, currently on the Seattle-Bremerton run. Activities both on the shore and inland are part of today’s list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FYI – CREOSOTE CLEANUP: Scheduled with work crews and heavy equipment today at Lincoln Park, till 5 pm, per Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (here’s our Sunday preview).

LOWEST TIDE OF THE SUMMER: -3.7 feet is as far out as the tide is going this summer, and today is the second consecutive day you’ll see that along our shore – 12:06 pm, to be specific. Beach naturalists will be out 10 am-2 pm at Constellation and Lincoln Parks, as noted in this look at the Sunday low-low tide.

COUNCIL VOTE ON ‘NICKELSVILLE’: As reported here last week, the City Council is to vote at 2 pm today on giving a not-yet-specified agency $500,000 to manage the relocation of “Nickelsville” encampment residents so the site can be cleared by September 1st. (City Hall; live on Seattle Channel)

DELRIDGE GROCERY: With a year until the co-op grocery store is scheduled to open in DESC’s new Delridge Supportive Housing building, the focus for tonight’s meeting at Delridge Library is on fundraising – details in the calendar listing. 6:30 pm; all welcome. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

QUICKSTART TENNIS: This program to help kids learn tennis fun and fast is scheduled to start tonight at community centers around the city – info here (including how to register).

(Bushtit with dried ocean spray, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, see what’s new at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. (10 am-2 pm)

(added) POP-UP SHOPPING: The Fashion Bar Airstream is at the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard till 2 pm. Hotwire proprietor Lora Swift says a former employee (who worked for her while getting a master’s degree) started it “with a couple of friends.” (4410 California SW)

CAR SHOW: 11 am-1 pm at Daystar, across from Westwood Village, which is where Daystar requests you park. (2615 SW Barton)

LOW-LOW TIDE: 11:19 am, it’s out to -3.7 feet on West Seattle shores. From 10 am-2 pm, you’ll find Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists out at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.

(added) CAR WASH: Only one charity car wash that we’ve heard of today – WSHS Cheer Squad at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor), 1-4 pm. (35th/Webster)

BATTERY AND CELLPHONE RECYCLING: It’s day two of the five-day collection that’s also part of a neighborhood-vs.-neighborhood competition begins; drop your recyclables off during regular daily hours at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library, which is open today 1-5 pm. Find more info in our preview from earlier this week. (2306 42nd SW)

LOVE GARLIC? Make something with it and bring it to the West Seattle Cooking Club‘s meeting today, 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. (6413 California SW)

HAPPY HOUR: WSB sponsor Endolyne Joe’s is offering a “Full Moon Happy Hour” in honor of this weekend’s “super moon,” restaurant-wide from 3 pm to close today/tonight. (9261 45th SW)

ROY ZIMMERMAN RETURNS: He’s at Kenyon Hall tonight, 7:30 pm, with his new show, “Wake-Up Call,” described here. (7904 35th SW)

More on the calendar!

West Seattle from the sky, courtesy of Aaron Tate, who went up in the “Nine Oh Nine” B-17 with his dad on Friday and says it’s at Boeing Field/Museum of Flight for ground and aerial tours this weekend (more info here). Back here on the ground, here’s what’s going on:

ROAD CLOSURES, BUS CHANGES: We’ve been talking about it all week, and now it’s here – good luck and have fun if you’re running the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon/Half-Marathon; even if you’re not, the road closures and bus changes might affect you, most notably, the northbound 99 closure 5 am-3:30 pm. Road closures are detailed here; bus changes, here.

BENEFIT CAR WASHES: The Chief Sealth International High School Cheerleaders are at John L. Scott (5242 California SW) 10 am-3 pm, details here; Girl Scout Troop 40766 is washing cars at West Seattle Autoworks (35th/Webster; WSB sponsor), 11 am-3 pm.

BATTERY AND CELLPHONE RECYCLING: The five-day collection that’s also part of a neighborhood-vs.-neighborhood competition begins today during regular daily hours at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library, which is open today 10 am-6 pm. It’s explained in our preview from earlier this week. (2306 42nd SW)

WEST SEATTLE KIWANIS BENEFIT SALE: The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle is raising money for its administrative fund with a 20-family yard sale today, 10 am-4 pm. “Something for everyone, some vintage,” reports Shari Sewell. (5637 42nd SW)

MAYORAL CANDIDATES TALK PUBLIC SAFETY: 10 am candidates’ forum today at City Hall, sponsored by the Precinct Advisory Councils around the city (including Southwest PAC), all welcome; here’s our original preview.

MORGAN JUNCTION COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: 10:30 am-7 pm, at multiple sites north of California/Fauntleroy – come say hi to us and other businesses/organizations in the lot behind Feedback Lounge/Zeeks Pizza (WSB sponsors); kids’ activities and more next to California Federal; the Bark of Morgan pet parade and other contests, along with music and other performances, in Morgan Junction Park; food trucks in the lots behind the future home of The Bridge (where you can go play “cornhole” too!) and the building north across California/Graham, as well as in the food venues participating in the Bite of Morgan food sampling (from Harry’s Chicken Joint [WSB sponsor] southward). See the schedule on the Morgan Community Association webpage and the updates in our Friday story.

LOW-LOW TIDE: 10:32 this morning, it’s out to -3.2 feet. Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are out on Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) and Lincoln Park (near Colman Pool) beaches from 10 am-1:30 pm.

WADING POOL SEASON BEGINS: The first of West Seattle’s city-run wading pools to open is Lincoln Park, starting at 11 am today. Here’s the full season schedule for all wading pools citywide.

TRAVEL TRENDS AND PACKING WORKSHOP: Big trip on the horizon? AAA-West Seattle has some advice for you at today’s workshop, 11 am in their Jefferson Square HQ; details in our calendar listing. (East side of inner Jefferson Square, 42nd between Alaska and Edmunds)

FIELD DAY/DISASTER READINESS FOR AMATEUR-RADIO OPERATORS: 11 am today till noon Sunday, the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club is in action as part of a big exercise with other operators; they’re on the south side of the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus, and you are invited to stop by and see what they do and how they do it, any time. Details in our Friday night preview. (6000 16th SW)

WEST SEATTLE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES: Come picnic with this new group seeking to connect adoptive families in West Seattle! Roxhill Park, 12:15 pm – details here. (9244 29th SW)

JUNCTION 5 LAUNCH PARTY: 1-4 pm today, you are invited to tour the newly complete Junction 5 project, certified 5-star green-built view townhouses. See photos on Facebook. (45th/Oregon)

NO ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS TODAY: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, whose volunteers staff the summertime tours at the Alki Point Lighthouse, announced earlier this week that there would be no tours today. Tomorrow, though, they’ll be back! 1-4 pm.

‘DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE’: 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, Rowbes Puppet Productions presents this rabbit tale for ages 2 and up. Details on the library website. (2306 42nd SW)

MARLEY’S GHOST: Returning to Kenyon Hall! So much musical variety, you’ll have to read about it in the calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

WEST SIDE GLORY: Doors for this “queer variety show” open 8 pm, showtime 9 pm at Skylark Café and Club. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Thanks to Annika Bowden for sharing her photo from low-tide exploration – it’s time for another round of low tides, and that’s what tops our highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LOW-LOW TIDES: They’re back starting today, with -2.4 at 9:45 am, and minus-three-foot tides both days this weekend. Find the tide chart any time on the WSB West Seattle Weather page.

MANGA-MAKING: Teens are invited to Southwest Library this afternoon, 2:30-4:30 pm, for “Make a Manga” – details on the library website. (35th/Henderson)

FUNDRAISING DINNER: A local student’s raising money for her exchange-student trip to Italy by offering a Mexican buffet dinner tonight at Holy Family School, starting at 5:30 pm – details here. (20th/Roxbury)

MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: Free family movie at Highland Park Improvement Club! Details here. Doors open at 6:30. (12th/Holden)

RAINBOW BINGO: The Senior Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is presenting the last Rainbow Bingo till fall; tonight’s theme is “Woodstock.” Call ASAP to get a reservation – info’s in our listing. Doors open at 6, bingo at 7. (California/Oregon)

‘JAWS’ AT THE ADMIRAL! First of the three-late-night-movie benefit series (co-sponsored by WSB) at Admiral Theater – “Jaws” on the big screen tonight! And an art display and silent auction. 21+ (beer/wine sales available). Doors open at 10, movie at 11 – details in our most recent preview; tickets available here. (2343 California SW)

Thanks to Kate Kaemerle from Sustainable West Seattle for sharing Kimberly Leeper‘s photo from last Monday night’s SWS walk along Longfellow Creek and through its watershed. Kate says, “One of the takeaways from the walk is how Seattle residents’ everyday activities impact the natural environment at home, at work and in urban planning and what we can do to keep our urban watersheds healthy in their own backyards, and what you can do to help preserve the health of our urban watersheds.” We often feature SWS events in the WSB calendar, from which today’s highlights are as follows:

4755 FAUNTLEROY AT DESIGN COMMISSION: 9 am, the Seattle Design Commission takes its fourth look at the 4755 Fauntleroy Way (the megaproject with Whole Foods, about 400 apartments, 600 parking spaces) development. Its role is related to the “alley vacation” the project is requesting, and today’s review looks at the “public benefit” that it’s offering for the right to buy and use the alley land. The public’s welcome; the commission meets at City Hall. (4th/Cherry)

TODDLER STORY TIME: One of the Seattle Public Library‘s regular local events (find ongoing listings like this one in our calendar – we don’t spotlight them here on the home page every day, but they’re there!), High Point Library, 11:30 am. (35th/Raymond)

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY, FULL TILT ICE CREAM: The ice-cream shop that started the White Center business renaissance, among other things, is marking its fifth anniversary today. And if you go buy something at Full Tilt Ice Cream‘s original location in White Center, you’ll be contributing to a tradition – today’s anniversary-day profits from that store go to the White Center Food Bank. 2-10 pm; here’s our preview, a chat with FT’s Justin Cline. (9629 16th SW)

50+ AND SINGLE? Join tonight’s social-group meetup, 5 pm, through Lifelong Recreation. See our listing for contact info to find out the location.

FAUNTLEROY SCHOOLHOUSE ART SHOW: As previewed here yesterday, 6-8:30 pm, you’re invited to stop by the historic schoolhouse to see the art in its beautiful hallway. (9131 California SW)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Tonight’s agenda includes future development, Metro bus service, and exploration of RPZ parking restrictions. Alki UCC, 7 pm. (61st/Hinds)

TRY OUT FOR ‘SWEET, SWEET MUSIC’: Auditions for the next edition of the Fauntleroy Church music series are at 7 pm – details here.

SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH: NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen of Alice’s Astro Info (and Skies Over West Seattle – look for the latest installment this morning, unless breaking news intrudes) will be at Solstice Park, across and upslope from northern Lincoln Park, for tonight’s sunset – even if it’s cloudy (though heavy rain is grounds for cancellation). Sunset’s around 9, and the exact moment of summer solstice is just an hour later, at 10:04 pm.

Even more on the calendar!

(Great blue heron photographed near West Marginal Way by Mike Scharer)
Five highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FULL TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT 47TH/ADMIRAL? As reported here yesterday, the City Council is proposing full funding for the long-requested 47th/Admiral signal in its proposed midyear budget changes. Those changes come before the council’s Government Performance/Finance Committee at 9:30 this morning. (City Hall downtown; live on Seattle Channel, cable 21 or online)

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library – details here. (2306 42nd SW)

EARLY DAYS: Baby in the household? This weekly support group meets today and every Wednesday, noon-2 pm, in the classroom at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (4746 44th SW)

OLA BENEFIT AT SALTY’S: As first reported here one month ago, burglars hit West Seattle’s Ola Salon. Tonight, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), help Ola recover from what it lost – and what was lost from an ongoing charity campaign – by coming to this silent-auction fundraiser with appetizers and soft drinks included in the $45 ticket price (beer, wine, cocktails available for purchase). Details on the Salty’s website. (1936 Harbor SW)

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, reps from community organizations/institutions around eastern West Seattle gather for their monthly meeting – agenda highlights are here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

(Click image to see larger view)
Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for another bird-family photo – juvenile crows squawking at mealtime. (These were photographed in the Lincoln Park area, but we’ve heard about some apparent parent crows dive-bombing people on California SW south of The Junction – ’tis the season.) On to today’s highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

AMANDA KNOX CASE @ WEST SEATTLE ROTARY: Two and a half years ago, West Seattle-residing Judge Mike Heavey spoke to the Rotary Club of West Seattle about the Amanda Knox case (WSB coverage here), in which he had become personally involved as an advocate for Knox. Today at noon at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), he returns to the Rotary, and the subject, with the presentation “Amanda Knox: 100% Innocent,” billed as “discuss(ing) the concept of confirmation bias and dismantl(ing) the prosecution’s” theories and claims. (1936 Harbor Ave SW)

HAPPY 28TH ANNIVERSARY, CAPERS! The Junction store celebrates 28 years in the neighborhood with a celebration 4-6 pm today. You’re invited to stop by CAPERS for “cake and bubbly and fun.” Details on this Facebook event page. (4525 California SW)

CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Neighborhood crime concern? Bring it to the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting tonight – you’ll be able to ask local SPD leadership about it, as well as directly hearing from them about current trends. 7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room, right off the parking lot. (SW Webster, west of Delridge Way SW)

CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA? Providence Mount St. Vincent presents educator Teepa Snow, with the first of three workshops for those who are caregivers for people with dementia. Free of charge; no RSVP required. 7 pm in the Chapel. (4831 35th SW)

BELLYDANCING: Tonight’s nightlife listings include the Alauda bellydancing showcase at Skylark Café and Club, 7:30 pm, free/all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

(Click image for larger view)
Thanks to Long Bach Nguyen for sharing that recent view looking toward the Olympic Mountains over northern West Seattle. On to three highlights for today/tonight:

SUMMERTIME SWIMMING: Two notes for our area’s city-run pools today: Colman Pool is now in 7-day-a-week operations on the shores of Lincoln Park (schedule here), and Southwest Pool has added daytime swims now that school is out (2801 SW Thistle; schedule here).

LONGFELLOW CREEK WALK: 6:30 pm, join Sustainable West Seattle on a hike through the Longfellow Creek Watershed. Details in our calendar listing. (Meet at 26th/Yancy)

WESTSIDE INTERFAITH NETWORK: This group of 20+ congregations works “to provide a ‘network’ of help and services for people in need throughout our community.” Tonight, it’s invited city officials to join in a meeting so the network can learn more about ways to help meet “the challenges (they) face in providing human services … the goals or plans (they) would like to implement … and the ways (WIN) can be a working part of any solutions.” The public’s welcome at the meeting, 6:30 pm, Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Pastoral Life Center. (7000 35th SW)

Not sure if that’s dad or mom Northern Flicker feeding babies at Lincoln Park – waiting for word back from photographer Trileigh Tucker – but it seems perfect for this family-oriented day, whatever the case. Here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SPEAKING OF LINCOLN PARK … start the day with a work party, helping Friends of Lincoln Park. Meet in the north parking lot at 9 am; details in the calendar listing. (Fauntleroy/Rose)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, with this week’s featured items including various varieties of cherries. (44th/Alaska)

DADS AND DISCS: Ultimate Frisbee for Father’s Day! 11 am, Fairmount Playfield. (Fauntleroy/Brandon)

GLASSBLOWING DEMONSTRATION: A family of artists will be working at Avalon Glassworks today, and you’re invited to observe – drop by between 11 am and 4 pm. (2914 SW Avalon Way)

FATHER’S DAY BARBECUE AND SUMMER KICKOFF: All invited to this event planned outside – including games! – at Admiral Congregational Church, noon-2 pm. (California/Hill)

IS DAD A CAT FAN? Adoption event with Friends of the Animals Foundation, noon-3 pm at Next to Nature in The Junction. (4543 California SW)

DIY BIKES … free bike repairs at the West Seattle Tool Library, 1 pm-5 pm. DIY means more than Do It Yourself; come see for yourself. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

… and more on the calendar!

Thanks to Greg Snyder for sharing that view of the moon from last night! Under the bright sunshine today, here’s what you’ll find around West Seattle:

WESTWOOD VILLAGE STREET FAIR: Bouncy rides, food trucks, live music (schedule here), 10 am-6 pm in the heart of Westwood Village. (26th/Barton)

EARLY FATHER’S DAY BARBECUE: Visit Delridge Community Center and help raise money for its Advisory Council to provide scholarships – 10 am-3 pm, they’re selling grilled burgers and hot dogs, baked pizza, fresh salad – details in our preview from earlier this week. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

NATURE CONSORTIUM PICNIC IN THE PARK: Celebrate the preservation and restoration of an important part of our city’s largest forest during this special event with Nature Consortium at the West Duwamish Greenbelt – schedule of events in our preview from last night; treats from Marination (WSB sponsor); eco-hikes; more. 10 am-2 pm. (Most events in or near South Seattle Community College [WSB sponsor] south parking lot, 6000 16th SW)

CAR WASHES WITH 2 CHEER SQUADS: Both Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School‘s cheer squads are having benefit car washes today. CSIHS is 10 am-3 pm at John L. Scott, 5242 California SW; the WSHS car wash is at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) 10 am-2 pm, 35th/Webster.

FOOD DRIVE AND BENEFIT BARBECUE: West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) is raising money and collecting food for the West Seattle Food Bank, $5 brats with chips and a drink, 11 am-4 pm, drop off food donations whether or not you’re having lunch. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

DOUBLEHEADER AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 11 am-5 pm, WSR is hosting the Brooks Run Happy Cavalcade of Curiosities Tour:

Runners of all ages, skill levels, shapes, and sizes will be entertained, educated, and awed by the Run Happy® Cavalcade of Curiosities, which is highlighted by a custom double-decker British bus featuring FREE running gait analyses on the upper level and an Arcade of Oddities on the lower level. The Arcade of Oddities “museum” displays running wonders such as the world’s biggest shoe, the legendary “Bunion Boy’s” malady preserved and pulsating in a jar, and other strange and memorable exhibits. Prizes are also up for grabs.

WSR’s Tim McConnell also tells us that today you can sign up for the pre-West Seattle Parade 5K, the Float Dodger, at a reduced price – $30 instead of $25. That’s coming up July 20th, only five weeks away. (California/Charlestown)

RIDE THE BEER BUS: Want to go to the big Washington Brewers’ Festival on the eastside? Make a day of it with the bus leaving Elliott Bay Brewing in The Junction at 11 am – details here.

COLMAN POOL STARTS 7-DAY-A-WEEK OPERATIONS: After three pre-season weekends, starting today at noon, saltwater Colman Pool on the beach at Lincoln Park is open 7 days a week starting today and running till Labor Day. Here’s the pool schedule.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm, visit the home of West Seattle (and vicinity) history. (61st/Stevens)

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL-BOARD REP: Got something to ask West Seattle’s school board rep Marty McLaren? Stop by her community-conversation meeting at High Point Library, 12:30-2 pm. (35th/Raymond)

TOUR ALKI LIGHTHOUSE: Every Saturday and Sunday all summer, 1-4 pm, free tours. (Alki Avenue/Beach Drive)

MAKERS’ MARKET: Support West Seattle and White Center artisans by shopping and sipping at this free (except for what you decide to buy!) event at Center Studio (WSB sponsor), 4-8 pm, details here.

Even more – including live music today/tonight – on the calendar!

Before we get to Saturday, here’s a reminder about three of tomorrow’s most notable events:

RUN TO REFLECT: Get up early and join community members – whether or not you’re a runner – to show your support for the woman who is fighting her way back to wellness after last Saturday’s mystery incident in Fairmount Ravine. Meet at 6:30 am on the Harbor Avenue end of Fairmount (map). Details on this Facebook event page; updates in our story from yesterday.

NATURE CONSORTIUM PICNIC: 10 am-2 pm tomorrow, Picnic in the Park celebrates not only the NC’s ongoing restoration of the West Duwamish Greenbelt, but also the reclaiming of the so-called “Soundway” property, once in danger of getting paved over for homes and roads. From Monica Thomas, here’s the schedule:

10am Picnic in the Park begins
10:15am Toddler Nature Hike
10:30 – 1:30 Art Activity: making nature flags with Amy Pille
11am – 12 Live Music in the Woods by The Mighty Tiny Band
11am Eco Hike with our Restoration Director
12pm Ceremony and Golden Shovel Award Presentation
12:30 – 1:30 Live Music in the Woods by The Acoustic Laboratory
12:30 pm Eco Hike with NC Staff
2 pm Picnic in the Park ends

Parking is available at South Seattle Community College in the south parking lot. Most of the festivities will be in the lawn adjacent to the lot, and we’ll venture into the woods for the hikes.

Food by Marination (WSB sponsor)!

WESTWOOD VILLAGE STREET FAIR: 10 am-6 pm, it’s the annual event in the heart of Westwood Village – go here to see the official poster with details of the music lineup and other activities, including live music from 12:30-6 pm, inflatable rides, and four food trucks.

(Garden honeybee, by Danny McMillin, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Here’s the buzz from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today/tonight:

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: Final day of classes for Seattle Public Schools students, who get out an hour early.

PRUDENTIAL LAUNCHES PROGRAM FOR VETERANS: Today is the kickoff of a new program at Prudential Northwest Realty (WSB sponsor):

Prudential Northwest Realty launches its VETERANS SELL REAL ESTATE Program on Flag Day, June 14, 2013. The program is designed to help the men and women who have served in our military forces become Washington State Real Estate brokers.

Prudential Northwest Realty is the first real estate company in the region to roll out a program whose entire focus is on hiring and training military veterans and their spouses, by covering their startup costs. The program was built to acknowledge and recognize that many of the characteristics that build good soldiers transfer easily into the real estate business.

“The men and women of our military have done so much for us, now it’s our turn, and our honor, to do something for them,” stated Mike Gain, President and CEO of Prudential Northwest Realty, a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate.

For more information about this innovative new program, visit www.VeteransSellRealEstate.org

BOOK SIGNING: Chef John Howle signs his book “Passion & Palate“ at Metropolitan Market-Admiral (WSB sponsor), 4-6 pm. (42nd/Admiral)

JULIE FRYE: At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), she’ll perform alternative/indie/pop punk, 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW)

TRIO PARDALOTE: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall, they continue their cycle of Shostakovich string quartets, joining with an “all-star roster of musicians,” as explained in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

AARON DANIEL, ONE MAN BANNED: One of the most popular performers at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) is back tonight, 9:30 pm. (6451 California SW)

It wasn’t just a safety lesson, but also a chance for friendship, between kids and local firefighters, today at Delridge Library. From the Seattle Fire Department station next to the bridge, Station 36 personnel were on hand – to show off gear like what’s worn for Marine Rescue (above), and to demonstrate how it’s put on:

But even more than showing what they use to put out fires, they attempted to light a fire, if you will – reading aloud to their young audience:

The book, “No Dragons for Tea,” conveyed fire safety in a way meant to appeal to preschoolers, who are most at risk of injuries if fire breaks out. Fire Chief Gregory Dean (seen in our first clip) read to the kids, too:

This was the second of seven events citywide in which firefighters will visit Seattle Public Library branches to promote fire safety and literacy. And this event was preceded by an extra announcement regarding the latter – with a special appearance by Mayor Mike McGinn, visiting West Seattle for the fifth time in nine days:

He was there to talk about “Read and Rise,” to offer training to parents to help their kids meet the goal of literacy by third grade. It’s explained here.

(This spring’s poster/postcard art for WS Art Walk is by the late Emily Williamson)
It’s West Seattle Art Walk night – and much more! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME: 11:30 am at Delridge Library, firefighters from Station 36 (by the bridge) will read to kids – details here. (Delridge/Brandon)

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK! 6-9 pm, with art and artists and refreshments … Find the full venue list along with previews of many venues’ art and artists by going here: wsartwalk.com.

BEE GARDEN BENEFIT: The brand-new West Seattle Bee Garden is up and running, but still needs some $, so a benefit silent auction at West Seattle Office Junction is happening during tonight’s Art Walk – stop by! Details here. (5230 California SW)

WINE CLUB AT C & P: The second Thursday of the month is Wine Club night at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, with music. (5612 California SW)

RATCITY ARTCITY FILM FESTIVAL: Short films during tonight’s White Center art walk – 6-9 pm at Herban Legends. See the lineup here. (9619 16th SW)

SIDEWALK SHOW: That’s what’s happening tonight at Nepenthe Massage north of Morgan Junction – details here. 6-9 pm. (6016 California SW)

DESIGN REVIEW FOR TWO PROJECTS: As previewed here Tuesday, two projects are on the Southwest Design Review Board agenda tonight. The 6:30 pm meeting is for 4435 35th SW, which has changed since its first Design Review meeting in 2009, so it’s returning to Early Design Guidance with a a six-story building including 170 apartments and 187 parking spaces; see the “packet” here. The 8 pm meeting might provide final recommendations for 3829 California SW, 29 apartments and 30 parking spaces; see its “packet” here. Both meetings are open to the public; Senior Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor), California/Oregon.

GENESEE-SCHMITZ NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Potluck meeting tonight including updates on the 48th/Charlestown park site recommended for Parks/Green Spaces Levy funding and the new school on the Genesee Hill Elementary site. 6:30 pm at West Side Presbyterian Church. (3601 California SW)

OPEN MIKE NIGHT: Diva Espresso in The Triangle is starting up a weekly open-mike night, 7-9 pm on Thursdays, and tonight’s the first night. Signups start at 6 pm. (4480 Fauntleroy Way SW)

SOCCER! The WPSL team based in West Seattle this summer, AC Seattle, plays its second game tonight, 7 pm, Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)

(Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly on red valerian, by Danny McMillin, from the WSB Flickr group)
It’s graduation day for more than 1,000 high-school and college students in West Seattle! Three ceremonies are part of our highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

First, the graduations:

SSCC GRADUATION: 2:30 pm, more than 800 students receive diplomas and certificates during the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) commencement ceremony at Benaroya Hall downtown. (200 University St.)

WSHS GRADUATION: The West Seattle High School Class of 2013 graduates at 5 pm, Southwest Athletic Complex. Reminder that concessions (including flower and candy leis) are on sale as a Music Department fundraiser. (2801 SW Thistle)

SEALTH GRADUATION: The Chief Sealth International High School Class of 2013 graduates at 7:30 pm, Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)

Now, the rest of the highlights for today/tonight:

COUNCIL COMMITTEE TALKS ‘NICKELSVILLE’: Though what transpired on Monday (WSB coverage here) might seem to render this all a moot point, the City Council Housing, Human Services, Health, and Culture Committee is scheduled to discuss the “Nickelsville” situation at 2 pm today, Council Chambers at City Hall downtown. (4th/Cherry)

‘NICKELSVILLE’ PROTEST: Meantime, outside City Hall, encampment supporters promise a “die-in” protest starting at 2:30 pm.

SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS: West Seattle Girls Softball has playoffs tonight at Lincoln Park at 5:30 pm.

BIKE MASTER PLAN MEETING: The city’s next Open House on the draft revised Bicycle Master Plan is intended for the south areas of the city, including West Seattle. (Here’s a map showing what it envisions for this part of the city.) It’s at the Columbia Branch Library, 6 pm, presentation at 6:30 pm. (4721 Rainier Ave. S.)

JOURNALISM AND DATA: Special event at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 5:30 pm, explained on the Seattle Public Library calendar. (2306 42nd SW)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ ENDORSEMENT MEETING: Mingling at 6:30 pm, speeches and votes start at 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy. See the detailed agenda here. (9131 California SW)

(Belted kingfisher, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Your options for tonight range from storytelling to music to neighborhood involvement, and beyond! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC, WATER TAXI REMINDERS FOR TONIGHT: Mentioned in the daily transit/traffic roundup BUT if you missed it there – two stadium events tonight, the World Cup qualifying match and the Mariners’ game, and that means an estimated 60,000 people in the stadium zone. If you decide to avoid the roads by taking the West Seattle Water Taxi, the county announced last week that it WILL run an “extended schedule” tonight.

STORYTELLING: Monthly event at Chaco Canyon Café with workshop and open mike, 6 pm, details in the calendar listing. (3770 SW Alaska)

FEET FIRST FUNDRAISER: Tuesday Tune-Up raising money and awareness for Feet First, 6:30-9 pm tonight at Salty’s on Alki. (1936 Harbor SW)

MIDDLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION: West Seattle’s graduation week (full schedule here) continues tonight at 7 at The Hall at Fauntleroy, with the ceremony for Middle College High School‘s High Point branch. (9131 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE SYMPHONY: Season-finale concert of the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ WS Symphony tonight at 7 pm, Chief Sealth International High School; details in the calendar listing. (2600 SW Thistle)

FROM ST. PETERSBURG TO WEST SEATTLE: The St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble from Russia performs tonight at Peace Lutheran Church, 7 pm, details in our calendar listing. (39th/Thistle)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm tonight, it’s the monthly meeting, with summertime event updates on the agenda. Public welcome, as always; lower-level meeting room on the south side of Admiral Congregational Church. (California/Hill)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm tonight, all are welcome at the regular board meeting, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. (9131 California SW)

(Steller’s Jay, photographed in May by Mark Wangerin)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are three highlights for tonight:

OPEN HOUSE/FOOD BANK BENEFIT: The Westhaven Apartments invite community members to come by 5-8 pm for an open-house event including food, drink, karaoke by the pool, giveaways, and more, with more than a dozen local businesses participating. No admission – bring non-perishable food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. (2201 SW Holden)

NDNC MEETS IN THE PARK: In summer months when the weather’s nice, the North Delridge Neighborhood Council holds its meetings outdoors – so tonight, you’ll find them at Greg Davis Park at 6:30 pm. The agenda will focus on opportunities for neighborhood connections. (26th/Brandon)

EVENING BOOK GROUPS: This month’s evening book group at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) is reading Ursula K. LeGuin‘s “The Left Hand of Darkness” and meets tonight at 6:45 pm. That’s also meeting time for the evening book group at Southwest Library (35th/Raymond), where this month’s book is “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford.

More on the calendar!

Quick look at some of what’s up today – please check the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar to see even more!

BUS SERVICE CHANGES: Just a reminder for bus riders, today is the day both Metro and Sound Transit “service changes” take effect, and there are changes for West Seattle riders, as detailed here.

CHUCK AND SALLY’S SALE: With the long-closed Morgan Junction tavern finally leased – as reported here last month, The Bridge will move in this fall, since the mixed-use development proposal for its current site has been revived (and goes back to Design Review next week) – C&S’s owners are selling its contents today. Here’s our preview from earlier this week. The sale is scheduled till 7 pm. (California/Graham)

VLOGGER FAIR: A first-of-its-kind gathering of vloggers (video bloggers) from around the country is happening this weekend at the Port of Seattle‘s Terminal 5 in West Seattle. Details on the official website.

COMMUNITY CLEANUPS: As previewed here last night, four are happening this morning: Walking on Logs and Admiral Adopt-A-Street, 9 am-noon; Morgan Junction Park and Delridge Way, 10 am-noon. Our preview has details of where to go to help out.

SHOREWOOD GARAGE SALES: Shorewood on the Sound, not far south of West Seattle, is having its community garage-sale day today – with sales continuing through 5 pm. Here’s the map.

FREE SHREDDING/E-CYCLING: 10 am-1 pm, you’re welcome to bring electronic recyclables and shreddables to the parking lot on 42nd SW behind West Seattle Windermere (south of SW Oregon), which is co-sponsoring the free event with the West Seattle Junction Association.

BENEFIT FOR BABIES: West Seattle Rainbow Girls are hosting a “baby shower” for PICC and invite the public to help – it’s at the Alki Masonic Center at 2 pm today; details in our calendar listing. (40th/Edmunds)

TROOP 284 SPAGHETTI DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION: Everyone’s welcome, 5-7 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall, to bid and to chow down, on behalf of America’s fifth-oldest continually chartered Boy Scout Troop. Cost and other details in our calendar listing. (35th/Myrtle)

ARTSWEST GALA: It’s the annual fundraising gala for ArtsWest, starting at 5:30 pm at the Seattle Design Center in SODO – details in our calendar listing. (5701 6th Avenue S.)

ORCA EXPERT SPEAKS: The Whale Trail presents Erich Hoyt, 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy – details in our calendar listing, including ticket information. (9131 California SW)

Just in case you came here looking for information about an explosion-type sound around 2:45 am – this morning we have received several e-mails asking about it, describing it as loud enough to wake them up and scare their pets. So far, checking fire and police logs, we haven’t found anything confirming what it was. Those who say they heard it are in Gatewood, Lincoln Park, and Lowman Beach areas, but at least one person thinks it could have happened some distance away, to the east. We were on watch at that time, and though we’re over south Lincoln Park, we didn’t hear it. So we’re posting this in hopes someone out there might have direct knowledge to solve the mystery.