(Saturday evening photo by Machel Spence)
More sunshine today! And more chances to enjoy our community – here are a few:

WSUU RUMMAGE SALE, DAY 2: 9 am-2 pm, the Westside Unitarian Universalists‘ rummage sale continues (7141 California SW)

EXPLORE FAUNTLEROY ON FOOT: Another one of “Jane’s Walks,” this time with FeetFirst community ambassador Marge Evans, starting at 10 am at The Original Bakery. (45th/Wildwood)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: From fish to flowers to farm-fresh eggs (and more), the market‘s always particularly beautiful in the sunshine. 10 am to 2 pm. (44th/Alaska)

ENJOY THE SUN ON 2 WHEELS: West Seattle Spokespeople will head out on a ride from Jack Block Park at 11 am – details on the Sustainable West Seattle website.

RETURN OF WEST SEATTLE ULTIMATE FAMILY FRISBEE: 11 am at Fairmount Playfield – with a “coolest disc” contest – bring yours! (Fauntleroy/Brandon)

AUTHOR GREGORY MARTIN AT SW LIBRARY: The author of “Stories for Boys” will be at Southwest Library at 11 am to read and discuss; books also will be available for purchase/signing. “Stories for Boys” is the current “Seattle Reads” book. (35th/Henderson)

CELEBRATE THE EARTH … at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood, noon-3 pm. As explained in the calendar listing, a new community garden is the centerpiece of today’s celebration, but there will be gardening tips for all, music, food, and more. (39th and Thistle)

‘SUNDAYS ARE SPECIAL’ CELEBRATION: Seattle Public Library branches continue to celebrate the return of Sunday hours, and today Delridge Library has its turn, 2=3:30 pm – our calendar listing explains what you’ll find if you stop by!

CINCO DE MAYO: Food and drink specials abound, and one of the places you’ll find them is the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), with six special cocktails and a chicken-enchilada dinner listed on the Feedback’s home page. (6451 California SW)

Then, to end the weekend …

(Saturday night’s sunset, by Russ Walker)
TONIGHT’S SUNSET … will be at 8:27 pm. (You can always find the sunset/sunrise and moonrise/moonset times on the WSB Weather page.)

Thanks to John Hinkey for sharing that photo taken shortly after sunrise on this sunny Saturday – lots on the calendar, including these highlights:

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT ALERTS: Spokane Street repaving under the bridge till 7 tonight (which means bus reroutes, too), and the bridge ramp to southbound I-5 is closed all weekend.

GATHERING OF NEIGHBORS: After a morning of presentations and discussions, it’s an afternoon resource fair, including community advocates and volunteers with information about programs and organizations that enhance life in West Seattle and White Center – plus entertainment! 9 am-3 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Galleria; we published the full program last night. (2600 SW Thistle)

HELP LINCOLN PARK: It’s the first Saturday of the month and that means the Friends of Lincoln Park are out removing invasives – your help can make a big difference. Details in our calendar listing. (Meet @ Fauntleroy/Rose, or if late, check kiosk for info)

EXPLORE THE JUNCTION AND TRIANGLE ON FOOT: Meet at 10 am at the Admiral area’s water tower for a Feet First-presented walk exploring the neighborhoods’ character and new development – details on this page (Charlestown/39th SW)

WSUU RUMMAGE SALE: Big sale this weekend at the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s church in Gatewood; today’s hours are 9 am-3 pm. (7141 California SW)

HELP CLEAN UP NORTH DELRIDGE: Meet at Skylark at 10 am to join the North Delridge Neighborhood Council cleanup of the walking path to Spokane Street- details on the NDNC website. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

RUN FOR LIGHTS 5K: First fundraising run of the season, 10 am at Lincoln Park, presented by Orphans to Ambassadors – details here.

FAMILY HIKE AT CAMP LONG: Join the “Family Matters” event organized by Fauntleroy Church, at Camp Long, 10 am – details in the calendar listing. (5200 California SW)

CLOTHES DONATION: Got clothing you don’t want/need? Today’s the day a local Brownie Troop is collecting it for charity – drop it off 11 am-1 pm at Gatewood Elementary. (Back lot on Frontenac just west of California)

JEWELRY LAUNCH AT CLICK! 11 am-5 pm at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, it’s a two-part, one-artist jewelry event – “the introduction of Click!’s comprehensive collection of Konzuk engagement rings and wedding bands and the launch of Orbis, Karen Konzuk‘s new line of concrete and gold jewelry” – and you’ll get to meet the artist, too! (4540 California SW)

THRIFTWAY BARBECUE SEASON BEGINS: First fundraising barbecue of the season at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 11 am-4 pm, burgers to benefit West Seattle Helpline! (4201 SW Morgan, intersection of California/Fauntleroy)

HAIRSTORM AT THE FEEDBACK: ’80s “hair metal” tribute band Hairstorm is back at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9:30 pm. (6451 California SW)

(WSB reader “Wes C. Addle” shares the Longfellow Creek path photo, suspecting the creek’s beavers have been busy)
Highlights of what’s ahead today/tonight, including listings from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT: In case you missed it in today’s traffic/transit tracker, the eastbound West Seattle Bridge ramp to southbound I-5 closes tonight at 10, to reopen by 5 am Monday, the final major closure scheduled as part of the Spokane St. Interchange Special Bridge Repair project.

USS JOHN C STENNIS TO SAIL PAST WEST SEATTLE: The carrier is en route back to Bremerton after an 8-month deployment, and due there around 2 pm, according to the Kitsap Sun – which means it should be visible off West Seattle shores in early afternoon. (Let us know if you happen to see it coming into view! Text/voice to 206-293-6302 – same number to use for breaking news any time!)

CARNE ASADA BOWL: The annual soccer match between Chief Sealth International High School and The World School is at 4 pm today, Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)

PATIO SEASON AT LA RUSTICA: Beach Drive’s only restaurant shares the news that its patio opens for the season tonight – maybe the earliest opening yet, says proprietor Giulio Pellegrini. (4100 Beach Drive SW)

MEET A MAYORAL CANDIDATE: One of the eight people running for mayor of Seattle (all of whom appeared at the area forum we covered, with video, Monday night) makes a stop in West Seattle tonight to meet with anyone interested in stopping by: Peter Steinbrueck will be at Beveridge Place Pub 5-6:30 pm. (6413 California SW)

FOOD BANK DINNER: The West Seattle Food Bank‘s annual Instruments of Change dinner/silent auction is tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 5:30 pm. Check with WS Food Bank to see if any tickets remain. (9131 California SW)

HIGHLAND PARK’S CORNER BAR: The monthly don’t-miss “pop-up bar” reappears tonight starting at 6 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, including a Cuban music mix and “Havana Heat” special beverage. (12th/Holden)

GARY BENSON AT C & P: A solo folk-music performer, playing live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW)

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: Little Pilgrim School invites you to come watch “The Gruffalo” and “The Gruffalo’s Brother,” 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church. (9140 California SW)

Before we get to more of the news that’s already in queue for today – four notes from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, plus two cool photos, starting with Thomas Marx‘s Alki gull-and-heron scene, above (scroll down for #2) …

SPANISH BUFFET LUNCH, ANYONE? You’ll have to call Betty ASAP at 206.934.7952 to see if reservations are still available (the seatings are at 11:30 and noon today) – South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) Culinary Arts students are presenting an international buffet lunch today featuring the cuisine of Spain. (6000 16th SW)

DAY OF PRAYER: A “National Day of Prayer” gathering is planned at 6:30 tonight at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. Details are in our calendar listing. (61st/Alki SW)

PUBLIC SAFETY FORUM: King County Sheriff John Urquhart is among the guests at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s public-safety forum at 7 pm tonight in White Center. It’s geared toward unincorporated-area residents but we’ve found, covering these forums for partner site White Center Now, that the information is often helpful to a wide audience – so we’re mentioning them here too. (1243 SW 112th)

NIGHT TWO AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, it’s the second night for ArtsWest’s newest production, the Tony Award-nominated “33 Variations.” (4711 California SW)

BONUS PHOTO:

Last night’s “sundog,” photographed from Beach Drive by Jeff Johnson.

Thanks to Jim Edwards for the low-tide photo with an unusual perspective – taken from Alki Point, showing Duwamish Head in the foreground, and the Space Needle looming from the downtown waterfront. If you’re able to get out to a beach at mid-afternoon, it’s almost as low again today as it was this weekend: -2.4. The Needle is an appropriate image today since three of today’s West Seattle-relevant events are actually off-peninsula; here are five highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

METRO BRIEFS CITY COUNCIL ON POTENTIAL CUTS: The State Legislature has adjourned without a transportation package; no guarantee what’ll happen during its special session next month. So Metro’s warning of funding trouble leading to dozens of route cuts/reductions still stands, and two of its executives will brief the Seattle City Council at 10 this morning. You can watch live at seattlechannel.org (or cable channel 21).

BALORICO OPEN HOUSE: 3:30-8:30 pm, it’s an open house for Balorico dance instruction at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Huge afternoon of games right here on the peninsula – West Seattle HS and Chief Sealth IHS softball, soccer, and softball teams are all playing at West Seattle venues – as listed here.

DESIGN REVIEW CHANGES? The City Council’s Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability Committee will hold a public hearing at City Hall tonight, 5:30 pm, on new guidelines regarding how Design Review works and what’s in its jurisdiction – here’s the agenda.

SUPER SOUTH SEATTLE MAYOR’S FORUM: The first time everyone who’s running for Seattle Mayor this year will share a stage, and the 34th District Democrats are co-sponsoring it. Details in our latest preview (published Sunday); mingle at 6, forum at 6:30, South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor)’s Georgetown branch. (6737 Corson Ave. S.)

(Photo by Flickr member old desolate, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Today’s low tide is even lower than yesterday: -2.7, at 1:30 pm, and that’s the inspiration for one of the activities on today’s list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

RECYCLE ROUNDUP! 9 am-3 pm, the Fauntleroy Church Green Committee‘s twice-yearly event gives you the chance to recycle many items you just can’t put out for regular curbside pickup. Here’s the list; the dropoff with 1 Green Planet is, as usual, in the church parking lot. (9140 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE ROCK CLUB’S ROCK & GEM SHOW, DAY 2: If you were too busy to get to this annual extravaganza on Saturday, good news – it continues today! The official poster/flyer has the details – not just displays of rocks and gems, but also free activities, especially fun for kids. At the Alki Masonic Temple, 10 am-5 pm. (40th/Edmunds)

FAMILY BEACH SAFARI: On the Beach Drive shore across from Me-Kwa-Mooks, volunteer beach naturalists will guide you through a shore exploration during the aforementioned low-low tide, noon-2 pm. (4500 block of Beach Drive)

COOKING CLUB GOES ITALIAN: Cook up your favorite Italian recipe and bring it to share – that’s all you need to do to check out the West Seattle Cooking Club‘s 3 pm meeting today, Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW).

‘HOME FOR THE HUNTS’ SKATING BENEFIT: 5-7 pm, skate at Southgate Roller Rink as part of what you could call an international fundraiser to help a family; raffles too! (9646 17th SW)

AND A TRAFFIC REMINDER: The Delridge/Thistle intersection remains closed for repaving throughout the weekend, but should reopen by tomorrow morning.

Got shreddables? You have till 1 pm to get over to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW) for the free shredding event presented by IHeartWestSeattle.com (which like C & P is a WSB sponsor). Above, the monitor you can watch while the shredding truck is reducing your paperwork to, well, shreds. Next photo, your hosts – Lannon Garcia from Recall Shredding, Dale Wampler and Roger Steiner from IHWS, and Hans Illingworth from Cobalt Mortgage, which co-sponsored the event:

They say today’s event was a big hit from the start!

Mark Wangerin photographed that American Goldfinch recently in Lincoln Park, one of the places where one-of-a-kind events will make this a VERY busy day in West Seattle. From the calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT – DELRIDGE/THISTLE: All weekend, the Delridge/Thistle intersection is closed, both ways, as part of the year-long Delridge repaving project. The detour info is here.

ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY CLEANUP: Everyone’s invited/urged to help:

Please join the Arbor Heights Elementary Community for our annual Spring Cleanup! Grab your gardening gloves and any gardening tools/equipment you have (or use what is provided) and come on down to school Saturday morning to help beautify our school grounds. Can’t stay the entire time? That’s OK. Just stop by anytime between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. Every pair of helping hands will make a difference and your help will be greatly appreciated! Families, Friends, Neighbors, Community Members, etc… are ALL welcome to participate!

The school is at 3701 SW 104th.

SCHMITZ PARK PRESERVE CLEANUP: The monthly work party welcomes helpers, 9 am-noon, details here.

TAI CHI ON THE BEACH: 9 am, just west of the Alki Statue of Liberty – details here.

DONATION DRIVE TO HELP REFUGEE FAMILIES: Donations of furniture and furnishings will be accepted at Hope Lutheran, 10 am-2 pm, as listed here.

YMCA’S ‘HEALTHY KIDS DAY’: Activities, snacks, and more at the West Seattle Y (4515 36th SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome, 10 am-1 pm (and if you’re not a member but decide to join – no joining fees, all weekend!) – details here.

FREE SHREDDING! 9 am-1 pm (correct time – sorry for earlier error), bring your shreddables to C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW) for this event presented by IHeartWestSeattle.com (which like C & P is a WSB sponsor) – details here.

DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY: 10 am-2 pm, get those expired/unneeded medications out of your cabinet(s) and into the disposal box at the Southwest Precinct (off Webster west of Delridge) during this twice-yearly event – previewed here.

WEST SEATTLE ROCK CLUB SHOW: Literally tons of fun, as the official poster/flyer points out – rocks, gems, free activities, free admission, free parking. At the Alki Masonic Temple, 40th/Edmunds, 10 am-5 pm (tomorrow too).

‘MOBILE BOUTIQUE’ LAUNCH: The My Violette “mobile boutique” truck will be at Ola Salon (2942 SW Avalon Way) 10 am-2 pm for its launch party.

‘CELEBRATE LINCOLN PARK,’ PART 2: 10:30 am-2:30 pm (with a low-low tide midway through), explore the park along the shore, through the trees, and via art and writing, with the help of expert/volunteer guides and interpreters, in a multitude of ways, including kids’ activities! Presented by the Fauntleroy Community Association, whose website has the full detailed schedule.

GREEN HOME TOUR: 11 am-5 pm, take the free, self-guided tour – a citywide event that includes one West Seattle home and features several other West Seattle businesses’ projects elsewhere in the city, including WSB sponsor LD Arch Design‘s Green Lake project at 6063 4th Avenue NE (also featured here – and thanks to LD Arch’s Parie Hines for providing the list of tour links!).

CAT IN THE HAT @ BARNES & NOBLE STORYTIME: He’s the special guest for Dr. Seuss story-reading during the weekly storytime at Barnes and Noble in Westwood Village, 11 am (with, we’re told “special Cat Hats for the kids to wear!”).

BELLS OF THE SOUND: The handbell choir’s “Just Jazz” concert will be presented at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.

‘THE MAMA-LOGUES’: 2nd and final night of this “comedy about motherhood,” while helping nonprofits including WestSide Baby, 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). Ticket info and details in our recent preview.

MAJOR LEAGUE ULTIMATE @ SWAC: Second West Seattle home game for the pro Ultimate players of the Seattle Rainmakers, hosting the Portland Stags, 7 pm, Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – here’s our coverage of the home opener last Saturday.

SEATTLE LUTHERAN STUDENT MUSICAL: It’s “Urinetown,” a “satirical comedy musical,” second of three performances tonight at 7:30 pm at the Menashe Gym (40th and Genesee) – official poster/flyer shared via Twitter, here.

TORCH QUARTET: Performing tonight at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – details in our calendar listing.

Just in from West Seattle pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen – that beautiful aerial of our wonderful peninsula – which is awash in cool happenings today/tonight. Full list is on our calendar; here are 10 highlights from that list:

FREE SOUP-AND-SANDWICH LUNCH: Seaview United Methodist Church invites you to this free monthly community lunch, 11:30 am. (4620 SW Graham)

WYATT’S JEWELERS ANNIVERSARY: 5-7 pm tonight, enjoy refreshments, raffle, and Mother’s Day shopping at longtime WSB sponsor Wyatt’s Jewelers. (Westwood Village)

RAINBOW BINGO: Doors open at 6, bingo at 7, with a Las Vegas theme this month – call the Senior Center of West Seattle pronto to make sure you have a reservation! (California/Oregon)

MADISON MS BENEFIT: 6-9 pm, dance with not only Madison Middle School musicians but also the West Seattle Big Band! Details in our preview. (45th/Spokane)

SANISLO ELEMENTARY BENEFIT: 21+ event – community invited! – tonight at Highland Park Improvement Club, with raffles, a mini-auction, and dessert dash. (12th/Holden)

‘THE MAMA-LOGUES’: “Comedy about motherhood,” benefiting nonprofits including WestSide Baby, tonight and tomorrow at 7 at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Ticket info and more in our preview. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

OPEN PAINTING, WITH MUSIC: Young at Art invites you to Open Studio Painting tonight with live music by Wes Sp8 and live painting by Dave Bloomfield, 7:30-9 pm – details here. (Fauntleroy/Raymond)

‘YOU ARE LOVED, A BIG GAY CABARET’: 21+ event at Meander’s in White Center, 7:30 pm – details on the Brown Paper Tickets page – this is the event replacing the canceled Michelle Shocked concert. (9635 16th SW)

MUSICA SACRA CHAMBER CHORALE: “A Taste of (Benjamin) Britten,” 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary – details in our calendar listing. (42nd/Oregon)

MEMPHIS RADIO KINGS @ FEEDBACK: Third night of the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) 4-night anniversary party – their reunion performance is at 9 pm. (6451 California SW)

(Wednesday morning’s sunrise, with great blue heron; photo by Joya)
Five highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY? Get answers directly from a Social Security Administration rep at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library today, 3:30 pm, at an event co-sponsored by the West Seattle Lions Club; details here. (2306 42nd SW)

DINNER TO BENEFIT WORLD VISION: 4:30-6 pm at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) – free, with donations accepted for World Vision. Call to see if there’s still room; info’s in our calendar listing. (2326 California SW)

DINING OUT FOR LIFE: Dine and/or drink at one of the participating establishments tonight – the DOFL/Seattle site has the same six-venue West Seattle/White Center list we reported earlier this week – and you’ll be supporting Lifelong AIDS Alliance. They’re all signed on for dinner, donating at least 30 percent of proceeds (Skylark’s giving 50 percent!).

FEEDBACK LOUNGE’S SECOND 4TH-ANNIVERSARY PARTY: The celebration continues on the actual anniversary of the night in 2009 when Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) opened its doors. Festivities start at 6 – details in the calendar listing. (6451 California SW)

ORCAS OF THE WORLD: That’s what you’ll find out about with The Whale Trail tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), as Uko Gorter discusses our beloved local whales’ cousins around the globe. Details, including ticket info, here. (5612 California SW)

P.S. Should be a beautiful full moon tonight; Alice Enevoldsen‘s most recent “Skies Over West Seattle“ reminds us of the date, and you can check the moonrise/moonset/sunrise/sunset times anytime on the WSB West Seattle Weather page.

(Tuesday morning photo by Myrtle Griffiths)
Another beautiful day! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MOMMY & ME PAINTING: Mind Unwind in The Admiral District is starting a new once-monthly class – more often if there’s interest! – and the first one is today, 1 pm, painting with your 3-to-5-year-old. Details here. (2206 California SW)

TALK LIVE WITH PROFESSIONAL PADDLERS: Candice Appleby and Danny Ching will answer “questions on racing, training, and all things SUP” during a live closed-circuit broadcast event 6-7 pm tonight at Mountain to Sound Outfitters in The Triangle – and proprietor Greg Whittaker says any question they answer will bring a prize for the person who asked it! More info on the Facebook event page. (3602 SW Alaska)

FEEDBACK TURNS FOUR: Tonight’s the first of multiple 4th-anniversary parties Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) has in store, starting at 6 pm. (6451 California SW)

BELLY-DANCING CLASSES: A six-week session at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center starts tonight at 6 pm – more info here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: Urban wildlife and the proposed Duwamish River cleanup plan are part of tonight’s agenda – 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. (12th/Holden)

POEMS AND STORYTELLING: The monthly event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) is tonight, 7 pm – including readings and open-mike time. Details here. (5612 California SW)

Thanks to Bob Michaels for the view of this morning’s beautiful sunrise … those clouds are just memories now, and the sun’s shining full force. The WSB West Seattle Event Calendar has the full slate of what’s up today/tonight, and here are five highlights:

BIG SOCCER GAME: Division-leading Chief Sealth International High School – also ranked #2 statewide! – hosts division #2 Ingraham at Southwest Athletic Complex, 4 pm today. (2801 SW Thistle)

FORUM FOR CAREGIVERS: Merrill Gardens (WSB sponsor) continues its series of forums for caregivers – tonight’s topic at MG-Admiral Heights is communication in multiple-caregiver situations. 6 pm; details here. (2326 California SW)

CELEBRATE LINCOLN PARK, PART 1: You’ve probably walked its paths, through the forest, along the shore – but do you know its history? Details about its wildlife? (Yes, even the squirrel photographed today by Machel Spence:

The Fauntleroy Community Association‘s two-part “Celebrate Lincoln Park” begins tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy with an event to help you learn about the park (prelude to a Saturday event AT the park) – 6:30 to 8:30 pm, free, details here. (9131 California SW)

CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN: Also known as CPTED, it’s what you’ll learn about tonight if you go to the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network‘s monthly meeting – you don’t have to be a captain, or even a Block Watch member (though BW’s are highly recommended for EVERY neighborhood), to be there. Details on the WSBWCN website; 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct meeting room. (Delridge/Webster)

K-5 STEM STRATEGIC PLAN: 6:45-8:15 pm tonight, current and future K-5 STEM families are welcome to come hear – and comment on – the presentation of the school’s five-year plan. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

Thanks to Gary Jones for sharing the beautiful bald-eagle view from Alki! As we take off into a new week, here’s some of what’s ahead today:

BAKERY NOUVEAU OPENS ON CAPITOL HILL: Our fellow community-collaborative news site CapitolHillSeattle.com reports that Bakery Nouveau‘s Capitol Hill location planned to open its doors at 8 this morning. (15th & John)

PET FOOD DRIVE ALL WEEK: West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor) is among the schools back in session today, and that means its pet-food donation drive continues. As reported here just before spring break, community members are welcome to drop off donated pet food as a contribution to the drive, too. (11215 15th SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL: Go support the division-leading West Seattle High School varsity baseball team while they get a TV spotlight. From parent Greg Slader:

Monday’s game at Hiawatha featuring Metro Division leaders West Seattle 10-1 (Sound Division) and Eastside Catholic 9-2 (Mountain Division) will be on TV! Comcast Xfinity “on Demand” will be filming for a Future episode of High School Sports Seattle.

That game’s at 3:30 pm at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW). Check the Metro League schedule for other games.

RUN FOR BOSTON: One week after the Boston Marathon bombings, support/tribute runs are happening around the country tonight. West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is organizing one that’ll start from its store at 6 pm. All welcome, no matter what your pace. (California/Charlestown)

DELRIDGE GROCERY: The monthly meeting for those involved – or interested in getting involved – with the future co-op grocery store is at 6:30 tonight, Delridge Library, with a focus on volunteer help – not just for when the store opens, but now, as preparations continue. Here’s our preview. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: Tonight you and your kids are invited to enjoy story time at High Point Library – 7 pm, free! (35th/Raymond)

Nightlife – trivia and pub quiz at multiple locations! – and more, on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

(North Delridge flowers photographed by Flickr member “old desolate,” shared via WSB Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – some of your options in the hours ahead:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Under way now, continuing till 2 pm, if you haven’t gone already! In addition to your market shopping, say hi to the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, scheduled to be back at the market today after a winter break. (44th/Alaska)

EARTH DAY STORIES: Tomorrow is the official Earth Day but celebrations and commemorations have been under way all weekend; today you can listen to Native storytelling at the Duwamish Longhouse, 2-4 pm, details here. (4505 West Marginal Way)

LIVE MUSIC THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING: Check the calendar for multiple listings starting at 1 pm – afternoon and evening performances!

HEELS FOR HOUNDS: Music, wine, appetizers, and … shoes! The silent-auction event benefiting Furry Faces Foundation‘s animal-advocacy work is 3-6 pm at Ola Salon in Luna Park. (2942 SW Avalon Way)

‘CHARLIE BROWN’ FINALE: 3 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, last chance to see Twelfth Night Productions present “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HIGHLINE PREMIER FC FAMILY INFO NIGHT: In Burien, but this Highline FC advanced-development programs serve players in West Seattle and vicinity too, 6-8 pm at Burien Community Center. (14700 6th SW, Burien)

(Photo by Val, from Roxhill playground’s “soft open” Tuesday)
Another day/night with lots of options – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar include these (and follow that link to the calendar for even more):

DAKOTA PLACE PARK CLEANUP: Rain or shine, 9 am-noon, California/Dakota. What should you bring? Details here.

BAKE SALE FOR PUGET SOUNDKEEPER ALLIANCE: Shanti Salon and Spa (2138 California SW; WSB sponsor) opens at 9 am, and it’s the second of three days for its benefit bake sale to assist Puget Soundkeeper Alliance – here’s our preview.

JUNCTION TAX-FREE DAY: Support your friendly neighborhood independent local businesses – more than 40 places to find a discount and/or deal starting at 10 am today – look for merchants sporting one or more red balloons outside! Or – check the list here on the West Seattle Junction Association website, to see who’s picking up the tax bill with a 10 percent discount and who’s offering specials (including food and drink).

RECORD-STORE DAY: It’s the national day to celebrate independent record stores – and West Seattle is home to the legendary Easy Street Records, which has deals and sales planned throughout the day – check them out here.

DUWAMISH ALIVE! Work parties from Pigeon Point Park to Tukwila, 10 am-2 pm, as part of the twice-yearly event to care for the Duwamish River and its watershed. Here’s the map:

Events include a noon program at Herring’s House Park/T-107 in West Seattle, with speakers to include Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen.

LINCOLN PARK BEACH CLEANUP: Puget Sound’s shore needs some TLC too, and this work party is planned to help with that, 10 am-12:30 pm – details here.

SHOPPING-SPREE WINNER GOES FOR IT: Be at West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan; WSB sponsor) at 10 am to cheer for Rob Dent, who won the big prize Thriftway gave away as part of its 25th anniversary celebration raffle to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank, a four-minute, up-to-$500 Western Family shopping spree. More info in our preview.

ROXHILL CASTLE, SKATEPARK DEDICATION: 11 am-2 pm, join the party at Roxhill Park (29th/Barton), as the newly renovated playground and newly built skatepark are both dedicated and formally opened. Ceremony at 12:30 pm, but lots of other fun before and after, as explained by Seattle Parks and Rec here.

YOUTH CELEBRATION: For teens and tweens, at Southwest Teen Life Center, noon-4 pm – details here.

TRIVIA CRAWL: Starting at 3 pm, in The Admiral District – details here (including how to sign up).

ART EHRMANN CANCER BENEFIT @ EAGLES: 4th annual fundraising event, with dinner, music, and an auction, and the public is welcome to come help raise money to fight cancer, 5:30 pm at the West Seattle Eagles‘ HQ in The Junction – details on this flyer, via Facebook.

SEATTLE RAINMAKERS’ DEBUT: West Seattle is now home to the Seattle Rainmakers professional Ultimate (Frisbee) team, with the season’s first home game tonight at 7 at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – details here.

‘CHARLIE BROWN’: Second-to-last show for Twelfth Night Productions‘ “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” at 7:30 tonight:

Tickets are available online.

If you’ve been storing shred-ready documents, waiting for your chance, here it comes. Real-estate team Dale and Roger from IHeartWestSeattle.com are co-sponsoring a free document-shredding event at C & P Coffee Company on Saturday, April 27th. A mobile shredding setup will be on site to take care of your shreddables while you hang out and have some coffee; Dale and Roger will be happy to answer questions about real estate, and they’ll be joined by Hans from Cobalt Mortgage – no obligation, though, they promise, just come on by for safe and secure free shredding. 9 am-1 pm April 27 at 5612 California SW. (IHeartWestSeattle.com and C & P Coffee are both WSB sponsors.)

(Alki sunshine, photographed Monday by Flickr member wsLaura, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Busy Thursday! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find yet more on the schedule for today/tonight, and way beyond):

WSB @ WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER: Your WSB co-publishers join Swift Media Solutions‘ Lora Swift (also proprietor of our inaugural sponsor Hotwire Online Coffeehouse) for a social-media presentation at today’s West Seattle Chamber of Commerce lunch, 11:30 am, The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor). Reservations required so if you haven’t already signed up, check with the Chamber office ASAP to see if there’s room.

COUNCILMEMBERS TALK MICROHOUSING: With several such developments on the drawing board here in West Seattle, following others around the city, City Councilmembers are gathering for a special brown-bag-lunch discussion of the trend’s implications, among other things. 11:30 am-1:30 pm; you’re welcome in council chambers downtown, or watch live on the Seattle Channel (online or Cable 21).

THIRD THURSDAY BOOK CLUB: A Lifelong Recreation event, 1 pm at High Point Community Center. Books provided! Want to be part of it? Call in advance – the info’s in the listing.

4755 FAUNTLEROY WAY @ DESIGN COMMISSION: West Seattle’s biggest proposed mixed-use project returns to the Seattle Design Commission for a second look at its “urban design merit,” as part of the city’s review to decide whether to grant an “alley vacation” for the 370-apartment, 598-parking-space, supermarket-and-drugstore-included site. 1:30 pm-3:30 pm in the Boards and Commissions Room, downstairs at City Hall downtown, 4th and Cherry. (Here’s our report on the commission’s first review last month.)

COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: Come join in the weekly work/planting party, 3-5 pm, north end of the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus – details here.

LGBT SOCIAL GROUP: This monthly group gathers at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon), and tonight, you’re welcome to join them in a Piano Bar setting, with food, beer, and wine, 6-8 pm.

TEEN AUTHOR READS AT C & P: Emerging teen author Samantha Ayala reads from, and signs/sells, her book “The Loudest Silence,” 6 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California; WSB sponsor) – details here.

ASK AN EXPERT/FIXERS’ COLLECTIVE: Double bill tonight at the West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6-8 pm – come to get advice and/or join the Collective in fixing something, with help! Details here.

ROBERT DeLONG LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, Bothell native Robert DeLong performs a free in-store concert at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska in The Junction) – details here.

(Thanks to Amanda Teicher for sharing this bubbly photo taken late yesterday along Harbor Avenue SW)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – four highlights for your West Seattle Wednesday:

‘EARLY DAYS’: This drop-in support group for new moms meets every Wednesday, noon-2 pm, at Nurturing Expressions (4746 44th SW, Suite 201; WSB sponsor) – details here.

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL: Though Seattle Public Schools are out on spring break, both West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School have varsity baseball games today – WSHS vs. Franklin at Hiawatha, 3:30 pm; CSIHS vs. Rainier Beach at SW Athletic Complex, 4 pm.

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), with an agenda including the California/Fauntleroy intersection (as previewed here) – see the full agenda here.

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), with an agenda including the Duwamish River’s proposed cleanup plan and improvements along the Delridge corridor – details here.

34TH DISTRICT REPUBLICANS: The GOP group for the 34th Legislative District (which includes West Seattle, White Center, Vashon and Maury Islands, and part of Burien) meets on the third Wednesday of the month, 7 pm, at Round Table Pizza in Burien (15730 1st Ave. South).

(Bald eagle, by Trileigh Tucker, who writes about nature @ naturalpresence.wordpress.com)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you will always find even more of what’s going on), four more highlights for tonight:

REAL ESTATE CAREER NIGHT: With the housing market on the rebound, real-estate careers are drawing renewed interest. Prudential Northwest Realty (WSB sponsor) is hosting a real-estate Career Night at 6 pm, 4700 42nd SW, Suite 600 – details here.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Concerns/questions about crime/safety issues in your neighborhood? This is your chance to bring them up directly to Southwest Precinct leadership and to the Community Police Team officers. 7 pm at the precinct’s meeting room (Delridge/Webster), with a guest speaker from the SPD Gang Unit.

BELLY DANCING: The monthly Alauda freeform-belly-dancing showcase at Skylark Café and Club is tonight, 7:30 pm – details here.

STARLIGHT SINGER/SONGWRITER SHOWCASE: 9 pm tonight at Shadowland (California/Oregon), come listen to local musicians perform their work.

(Steller’s Jay, photographed Saturday by Mark Wangerin)
It’s spring-break week for Seattle Public Schools (and the independent schools following its schedule), but the rest of the calendar isn’t entirely quiet – a few highlights for today/tonight:

DROP-IN BRIDGE: Lifelong Recreation presents drop-in bridge every Monday, 9 am-noon, at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW) – details here.

ART FOR TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS: Looking for a new activity for your little one(s)? 11 am-noon on Mondays? You’re welcome to bring her/him/them to this free, fun activity at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (Sylvan Way & Lanham) – details here.

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE’S GARDENING SERIES CONTINUES: This spring, Sustainable West Seattle is offering monthly community forums focused on sustainable gardening – and tonight, it’s “Designing the Perfect Garden.” The event starts at 6 pm, at the Community Orchard of West Seattle, on the north end of the South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

ARTSWEST ANNOUNCES NEXT SEASON’S LINEUP: It’s a much-awaited night each spring – the night when ArtsWest (4711 California SW) announces the productions for its next season. 7:30 pm tonight at the playhouse, but check ahead if you haven’t already RSVP’d, to see if there’s still room.

NIGHTLIFE: Tonight’s listings will give your brain a workout – two trivia options and pub quiz – see what’s happening where, here!

For the rest of your West Seattle Sunday – three highlights from our calendar:

PENNY POLL IN THE JUNCTION: On the eve of Tax Day, how do YOU think federal budget dollars should be spent? West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice is conducting a “penny poll” at its booth in The Junction at noon today – details here.

CLASSICAL CONCERT: The Ladies’ Musical Club invites you to its free concert at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3-4 pm; details here.

And more music:

INDIA SPENCE AT SKYLARK: The young musician’s proud mom Machel Spence shares the poster/photo and word that India is performing her first solo show at Skylark Café and Club at 4 pm.

(St. John’s rummage sale, photographed Friday by WSB’s Katie Meyer)
Sales top the lists dominate the list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – but that’s not all:

FIRST, A TRAFFIC REMINDER: From the eastbound bridge, the ramps to northbound I-5 and Beacon Hill are closed this weekend, to reopen no later than early Monday morning – details and detours here.

AQUARIUM SOCIETY AUCTION: Aquarium enthusiasts from all over the area are at the West Seattle Christian Church Activity Center (4400 42nd SW) today for the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society‘s annual auction – check-in is under way now and bidding starts at 10 am. Details here; general public welcome.

ST.JOHN’S RUMMAGE/BAKE SALE: Today’s the second and final day of the St. John the Baptist Church Rummage Sale, on till 3 pm at 3050 California SW, next to West Seattle High School.

HOPE LUTHERAN RUMMAGE SALE: A benefit rummage sale is also under way until today at Hope Lutheran Church (42nd/Oregon in The Junction), supporting church members’ missions in Mexico – details here.

WEST SEATTLE LIONS’ PLANT SALE: Steps away from the Hope sale, the West Seattle Lions Club‘s 19th annual plant sale continues till 3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle.

GARDEN CENTER OPENS: The Puget Ridge Garden Center opens for the season today at South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), 11 am-3 pm. Details here.

WEST SEATTLE NURSERY OPEN HOUSE: “Bees, Birds, and Bouquets” is the theme of this year’s open house at West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon), 11 am-3 pm; details here.

TEA PARTY AT THE LONGHOUSE: Native and English teas and more at the annual Princess Angeline Native Tea Party at the Duwamish Longhouse (4505 W. Marginal Way), 1-3 pm, with your hostess, the princess’s great-great-grandniece, Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen – details here.

‘CHARLIE BROWN’ CONTINUES: Second night for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” produced by West Seattle’s own Twelfth Night Productions, 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. You can buy tickets online here.

LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC … in our nightlife listings, all on the calendar!

(Photo courtesy Twelfth Night Productions)
The weekend’s in view! Here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ST. JOHN’S RUMMAGE SALE: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church promises “great treasures, good deals, and fresh baked cookies” as its two-day rummage sale begins – hours are 9 am-7 pm today and 9 am-3 pm Saturday at 3050 California SW, next to West Seattle High School.

WEST SEATTLE LIONS’ PLANT SALE AND SPAGHETTI DINNER: The West Seattle Lions Club‘s 19th annual plant sale is tonight 5-8 pm and Saturday 9 am-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle – and tonight you can join them for a spaghetti dinner, too. Details here. (Bake sale, too!)

HIGH-SCHOOL LACROSSE: As noted here last night, you can catch the new Chief Sealth International High School JV Lacrosse team in action tonight at 6:30 pm at home vs. Kennedy.

TWELFTH NIGHT’S ‘CHARLIE BROWN’ OPENS: Opening night for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” produced by West Seattle’s own Twelfth Night Productions, 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. More details in our calendar listing; tickets are available online.

LAST NIGHT FOR WSHS MUSICAL: Meantime, it’s the final performance of West Seattle High School‘s spring musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” 7:30 pm at the WSHS Theater – details in our calendar listing.

FOLK DUO AT KENYON HALL: Emma’s Revolution performs at the historic hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 tonight – more info at kenyonhall.org.

…and there’s LOTS more on the calendar!