(Photographed on Alki by Machel Spence)
Weather could get wacky later – the forecast currently warns of possible thunderstorms with ice pellets. Meantime, some of the highlights for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

FREE LUNCH! The Rotary Club of West Seattle invites you to lunch at noon at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor):

Robert Walker is the President of the Population Institute, where he directs the organization’s advocacy and public education activities, including its work on issues related to health, economic development, sustainability and the environment. He also serves as the chief spokesperson for the Population Institute, including frequent interviews on radio and television. He is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, and lectures frequently on the subject of world population. Join us at noon for lunch and to meet members of our club, then listen to a great presentation by our speaker and out by 1:30. And the best thing is lunch is on us.

NEW PARENT, OR EXPECTING: It’s the monthly orientation today for those interested in joining West Seattle PEPS (Program for Early Parenting Support). 1:30 pm, Bright Horizons (4530 38th SW).

DROP-IN CHESS FOR KIDS/TEENS: 4-5:30 pm at High Point Library (details here).

ONLINE CRIME REPORTING: Tonight the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains’ Network invites you to come hear about the Seattle Police program that enables you to use an online form to report certain types of crime. 6:30 pm, Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), everyone welcome – you don’t have to be a blockwatch captain or even member.

FIND OUT ABOUT RAISING A GUIDE PUPPY: West Seattle See Dogs invite you to drop by their twice-monthly meeting, 6:30 pm at The Kenney (WSB sponsor).

NIGHTLIFE: Karaoke at Skylark; trivia at The Feedback; live music at Locol; singer/songwriters at Shadowland … go to the calendar and click on any of those individual listings to get times and more info.

SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY MENTIONED IN BOSTON GLOBE: One of the East Coast’s best-known news organizations has published a story looking at Seattle Public Schools in comparison to Boston’s system, and one of the Seattle schools featured is Schmitz Park Elementary. Read the story here. (Thanks to Jameson for the tip!)

FRUITFUL YEAR: City Fruit harvested trees in West Seattle this year as well as elsewhere – and reports the West Seattle harvest alone totaled more than 6,700 pounds of fruit, going to dozens of organizations helping fight hunger. City Fruit is raising money for its 2013 harvesting work with a hard-cider tasting 5-8 pm November 1st at Olson Kundig Architects, 406 Occidental Ave. in Pioneer Square (a central location since besides WS, City Fruit also serves South Seattle and Phinney Ridge). Tickets are available online.

SPACE NEEDLE GOING GREEN – well, the top is, anyway. The online voting is over and a tree design is the winner to replace the “Galaxy Gold” (looks orange to us) that’s been atop the Space Needle, visible from here.

(Saturday morning photo looking toward The Olympics, by Nick Adams for WSB)
Welcome to the final full week of October (already)! Showers are expected later today.

MONDAY ARTISTS: Watercolorists are invited to join this established group, 9:30 am Mondays at Island View Apartments across from West Seattle High School.

LA LECHE LEAGUE: The breastfeeding-support group meets on fourth Mondays (that means today) at 10:30 am, Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation church @ 7141 California SW.

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub – the rules are, use the weekly theme to make something and bring it to share. This week’s theme: African.

WEST SEATTLE WOMEN IN CHARGE: The business-networking group will meet in the evening for the first time – 6 pm, Freshy’s in The Admiral District. Details and map here.

SEATTLE LUTHERAN OPEN HOUSE: The high school at 40th and Genesee north of The Junction welcomes prospective families to an open house at 6:30 pm tonight.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET: The popular class by Kathy Abascal starts a new series at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) tonight at 7.

FAMILY STORY TIME: At High Point Library, 7 pm.

And as always, there’s MORE on our calendar – for today, tonight, and beyond! Plus, check the WSB Halloween page for special events this week and next.

(Photo by Sonya, taken during Saturday’s Alki Stairway Walk)
The forecast suggests a showery Sunday. Here are some of your options, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

PLANTING PREP AT LINCOLN PARK: 9 am, join the Friends of Lincoln Park work party as another area of Lincoln Park is prepared for next month’s Green Seattle Day. Details here.

BREAKFAST WITH THE EAGLES: You’re invited to a hearty breakfast at the West Seattle Eagles‘ hall, 9-11:30 am (membership not required – more info here).

MILES FOR MIDWIVES: Fundraising fun run/walk at Lincoln Park, 10 am, preceded by a 9:45 am “lollipop run” for kids (onsite registration is underway now). Starts in the south end of the park, by shelters 1-2.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Year-round! 44th/Alaska in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm. (And remember that NEXT Sunday, it’ll be in the middle of California SW, as part of the first-ever Harvest Festival.)

BREAKING THE SILENCE: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, the community is invited to join an event at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) helping understand, educate about, and prevent domestic violence. 3940 41st SW; more info here.

BARTON P-PATCH HARVEST FESTIVAL AND POTLUCK: The P-Patch’s construction is almost complete – after the first big season of gardening – and its new arbor will be unveiled as part of a community potluck celebration; bring something to share! 1-3:30 pm, Barton and 34th.

PET PORTRAITS, PET TAGS, ANIMAL MASSAGE: It’s all part of a benefit for Art for Animals’ Sake this afternoon, with photographer David Walega, at West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon), 1-4 pm – details in this WSB Forums post.

DAKOTA PLACE PARK CLEANUP: The day after the indoor open house, the outdoor area of Dakota Place Park is scheduled to get autumn TLC from volunteers, and you’re invited to help. California/Dakota, 1-4 pm.

SHOREWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FUN RUN: Second fun run of the day at Lincoln Park! 2 pm – details here.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Fauntleroy Church hosts a free “blessing of the animals” at 3 pm in the sanctuary (9140 California SW; details and ground rules here).

‘BENEATH A WING DARKENED SKY’ WITH THE CABIRI: Dinner-theater cabaret (for audience members 16 and up) at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 7:30 pm. Tickets available online.

Find more choices for today – on our calendar!

(Friday photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
Will we see orcas again today off West Seattle shores? Impossible to say – until and unless somebody reports a sighting. Whales can’t be scheduled – but lots of other things can, and here are some of them, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar (note, these are just highlights – follow the calendar link for MUCH more):

RESCUE THE ROSES! 9 am-3 pm, an event previewed here earlier this week – about 60 rose bushes remaining in what was a long-beloved rose garden at 61st and Beach Drive are offered for $10 each (raising money for a church group) – you dig.

EMERGENCY REACH OUT! Many reasons to come to this community-volunteer-organized West Seattle preparedness expo at Arbor Heights Elementary 10 am-2 pm today – demonstrations, life-saving info, and from 10 am-noon, a free espresso cart with treats. We’ll be there covering it “live” – preparedness is one of our favorite topics.

WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Interested in attending independent K-8 Westside School (WSB sponsor)? You’re welcome to visit 10 am-noon today. Details and map here.

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FAMILY SYMPOSIUM: Workshops, resource fair, and more, for families attending any schools, any grade. Free! 10 am-3 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) – details here.

DUWAMISH ALIVE! The twice-yearly mega-work party happens at five sites on and near the river today, 10 am-2 pm. If you want to show up as a last-minute volunteer – the sites are listed/mapped on the official website.

SKI AND SNOWBOARD SWAP: 10 am-6 pm at the VFW Hall in The Triangle, presented by Mountain to Sound Outfitters.

FAMILY FUN AT HIGH POINT COMMUNITY CENTER: Louie Foxx’s One-Man Side Show is the featured Family Fun entertainer at 10:30 am – $5/person at the door.

MUSICAL STORYTELLING – AND EDUCATORS’ DAY – AT BARNES & NOBLE: Two special events today at the Westwood Village bookstore – 11 am, musical storytelling with Katy Webber of Musikal Magik. Rhythm instruments are provided so you can dance and play along! … Also, Educators’ Appreciation Day, noon-4 pm: “Lots of freebies for the classroom, a raffle, the opportunity to learn about fundraising, and info about Nook!”

ALKI STAIRWAY WALK: Third of three guided West Seattle walks with Feet First, 1-3 pm, meet at the bus stop near 49th and Spokane – this one is guided by Cathy and Jake Jaramillo of Seattle Stairway Walks.

DAKOTA PLACE PARK OPEN HOUSE – INDOORS! The newly renovated historic substation building is ready for classes as an extension of Hiawatha Community Center, and ready for rentals too – come see its makeover! 2-5 pm open house today (and we’re told there’s a catered barbecue, too). California and Dakota.

NON-TOXIC HOUSE CLEANING: 2 pm workshop at Delridge Library (Delridge Way just south of Brandon).

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL: 4-8 pm in and around the school hall (34th and Myrtle), all welcome! Details on activities (from bingo to bouncy houses) here.

SCREAM AND SKATE! Pathfinder K-8 fundraiser skating session 5-7 pm at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center – prizes for the best costumes! More info here.

TURKEY DINNER: You’re invited to join in at the West Seattle Eagles‘ Hall tonight, 5:30 pm, $8, proceeds benefiting the Children’s Hospital Guild. More info here.

WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK HARVEST DINNER/AUCTION: Tonight’s the year’s biggest fundraiser for the WC Food Bank, whose service area includes part of West Seattle as well as WC and surrounding areas, at South Seattle Community College’s Brockey Center. Sold out! (But you can donate to WCFB any time by going here.)

ANGELS ON THE RADIO, AN EVENING OF WINE, WIT, AND SONG: Music and Siren Song Wines (WSB sponsor) at Mind Unwind in The Admiral District, 6 pm, featuring Seattle band Willow & The Embers and writer Nicole Hardy. Details here.

(Gull resting on Alki, by Doug B via the WSB Flickr group pool)
Happy weekend-is-almost-here day! From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar (and elsewhere) for today/tonight:

FIRST – WEEKEND TRAFFIC ALERTS, CITYWIDE: No West Seattle closures but if you’re heading out of West Seattle at any point this weekend, here’s what you’re facing (including a 520 bridge closure)

LAFAYETTE WALK-A-THON: West Seattle’s most-populous elementary school has its annual rain-or-shine benefit (with sponsors including WSB) will be under way throughout the school day, 9:45 am-3:20 pm. Proceeds will pay for tutors, library books, and more; if you haven’t pledged, you can donate online.

SCHMITZ PARK MOVE-A-THON: West Seattle’s second-most-populous elementary school also will be out raising money in a rain-or-shine benefit (with sponsors including WSB) throughout the school day. And SP also has an online-donation option – go here.

(If YOUR school’s annual fundraiser is seeking business sponsors, be sure to let us know!)

GEAR DROPOFF FOR WEST SEATTLE SKI SWAP: Noon-6 pm today, any ski, snowboard, outdoor gear you’d like to sell in the West Seattle Ski Swap this weekend can be dropped off at the VFW Hall in The Triangle. Details here.

BALLROOM DANCING: Third Fridays mean dancing with Lauren Petrie at Delridge Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm.

HALLOWEEN BASH AT THE LITTLE GYM: 4-7 pm (check for which age groups are welcome when) – food drive, too! Details here.

STORYTELLING: The monthly cultural-storytelling event at White Center Cultural Center (9421 18th SW in south West Seattle) features Seattle chef Sam Ung – meal at 6 pm, stories at 6:30; find out more here.

HALLOWEEN RAINBOW BINGO! Tonight at the Senior Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – treats at 6, bingo at 7; call for a reservation ASAP. Details in the calendar listing.

(P.S. Check out the WSB Halloween page for seasonal events in the days/nights ahead!)

RESTORATIVE YOGA: At SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) 6:30 pm tonight. Details here.

MOVIE NIGHT AT HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: Doors open 6:30 pm, movie at 7 (hint: Dorothy and Toto too!), free, but bring $ for concessions. HPIC is at 12th/Holden.

FRIDAY NIGHT PAINTING: Watercolor class taught by J. Conrad Nivens, 7 pm at Mind Unwind in The Admiral District – more info here.

LIVE MUSIC/NIGHTLIFE: Sid Law, 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) … The Heels, Spy Device, Fonzarelli at Skylark Café and Club, 8 pm … Jazz with Barbie Anaka at Salty’s on Alki, 8 pm … Not Dead Yet with The Visitors, Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm … Steven Martinelli and the Teflon Mind, Satellite 4, Rabbit Skin Glue at the Benbow Room, 9 pm.

(Steller’s Jay photographed at Lincoln Park by Machel Spence)
Some of what’s up today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

BLOODMOBILE AT CHIEF SEALTH INT’L HIGH SCHOOL: Till 2 pm, and the public’s welcome to stop by and donate. Details here.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP: West Seattle, South Park, White Center and vicinity residents are invited to participate. The group meets at 10 am at Arrowhead Gardens on the southeastern end of WS. Movement specialist Dr. Susie Ro is today’s guest speaker. Full details and map here.

FORUM ON MARIJUANA INITIATIVE 502: Voting starts as soon as your ballot arrives, so there’s no time like the present to find out more about the big topics. Marijuana-regulation Initiative 502 is the subject of a public forum at 5:30 pm tonight at High Point Neighborhood Center; details here.

WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER ‘AFTER HOURS’: This month’s after-hours gathering presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor). 5:30-7 pm; more info here.

THURSDAY NIGHT SEAHAWKS: It’s the Seahawks vs. the 49ers! Want to watch with a crowd? We put the “where to watch?” question out on the WSB Facebook page last night – see the replies here.

GATEWOOD VOTE – LAST CHANCE: In conjunction with the Thursday Night Football game, as noted here last weekend, Gatewood Elementary is in a voting contest with a San Francisco school for a $1,000 grant. Today’s the last day to vote, we’re told – go here!

FIRST HALLOWEEN EVENT? This just might be the earliest. For teens, flashlight hunt and costume contest at Hiawatha Community Center at 6:45 pm tonight – details here, and find more of our area’s many Halloween events by checking the just-launched WSB Halloween 2012 page.

THURSDAY NIGHT HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: This week, the public high schools are playing on Thursday night instead of Friday. West Seattle is on the road vs. Nathan Hale; Chief Sealth hosts Ingraham, both games at 7 pm.

‘MINDFULNESS IN A HARRIED WORLD’: Take time to consider the topic. It’s a “Family Matters” discussion at Fauntleroy UCC Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm.

As always, you’ll see more on the calendar – for today, tonight, and beyond!

Earlier this month, community sleuthing traced the source of at least one version of the pervasive noise problem that’s become known as “The Hum” to an offloading operation at CalPortland on the Duwamish River, just east of Highland Park. The sound we captured in this report – heard as far away as Gatewood – was a clear match to the sound community members were hearing (and recording, as included in an earlier report). Highland Park Action Committee co-chairs Carolyn and Billy Stauffer met with managers at the facility, who said they were committed to take action to stop the sound; Carolyn delivered the report at last month’s HPAC meeting.

Now, they have followed up on what’s happened at the plant since then. WSB covered the Stauffers’ visited to CalPortland yesterday for a progress report on what’s been done:Read More

(Thanks to Holli for sharing the photo taken along Longfellow Creek)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar for today/tonight:

FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME: Local firefighters will help local preschoolers learn about fire safety with this special appearance at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 2306 42nd SW, 10:30 am.

BEX IV LEVY ENTERS FINAL SCHOOL BOARD STAGES: As reported here on Tuesday, the newest draft of the Seattle Public Schools BEX IV levy is to be formally introduced at tonight’s School Board meeting – one of two final steps before it goes to voters. The new draft moves the Arbor Heights Elementary rebuild up one year to 2018. Advocates from around West Seattle – and some beyond – say it should be at the head of the list. They’re planning to rally around 3:45 pm outside the district’s SODO headquarters, where the board meeting starts at 4:15 (with the public-comment period at 5).

OKTOBERFEST AT MERRILL GARDENS WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm tonight, 4611 35th SW, just call for reservations! Full details in the calendar listing.

SEALTH OPEN HOUSE: The fall open house for Chief Sealth International High School families to come meet teachers and find out more about what’s happening this year is tonight at 6 pm.

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: The quarterly meeting’s agenda – 7 pm, The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor) – includes an update on the Murray Combined Sewer Overflow storage-tank project at Lowman Beach and the city’s proposed purchase of a site just north of Morgan Junction Park, to expand it.

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: The monthly meeting of reps from organizations around eastern West Seattle is at 7 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). The agenda includes a county update on the Barton Combined Sewer Overflow reduction project, following last weekend’s open house regarding changes in the plan for “green stormwater infrastructure” in Sunrise Heights and Westwood, with 19 bioswales now planned instead of 31.

These are just a few of the highlights – MUCH more on the calendar!

(Click image for larger view)
The storm left behind a bit of snow on the Olympics! WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams photographed them this morning. And now … it’s sunny (new forecast!), at least as we bring you these highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar for the rest of today/tonight:

‘BE HERE, GET THERE’ AT ROXHILL: It’s not a public event but will bring a lot of excitement this morning to Roxhill Elementary as Mayor McGinn and Superintendent José Banda launch this year’s edition of the “Be Here, Get There” attendance-incentives campaign at 10 am; watch for coverage here later.

TRANSPORTATION TALK AT WEST SEATTLE ROTARY: Mike Lindblom, transportation reporter for The Seattle Times (WSB partner), is the featured speaker at today’s Rotary Club of West Seattle lunch, noon at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). With the Metro changes, Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project, Alaskan Way Viaduct/tunnel, and more, he’s got a lot to cover, and to talk about, so come listen and bring questions.

FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME WITH THE CHIEF: Seattle Fire Chief Gregory Dean will be the guest reader at Firefighter Story Time for preschoolers at High Point Library (35th/Raymond), 1:30 pm.

OPEN HOUSE AT EXPLORER WEST: Families considering Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) are invited to tonight’s open house, 6:30-8 pm (program starts in the gym @ 6:30 pm).

HEAR THE PROSECUTORS’ SIDE OF THE STORY: Tonight’s monthly West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting features not only your chance to bring neighborhood concerns to local police, but also a guest appearance by Ian Goodhew from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. 7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room (lobby entrance from the parking lot on the Webster side of the building, just west of Delridge Way).

FOOD DRIVE REMINDER: Halfway through the month of October – and the group food drive by local physical-therapy clinics continues; even if you’re not a patient, you’re welcome to drop a donation off at a participating clinic. Here’s our original story with the list.

MANY more events on the calendar, including classes, story times, and nightlife – take a look here.

Welcome to a new week! Half a dozen Monday highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Fennel and carrot – those are the ingredients for the WSCC’s meeting this afternoon, 3 pm, Beveridge Place Pub. Details here.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Now that the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW) has a big screen, they’re showing the weekly big game too. 5 pm tonight.

COPPER COIN OPENS: As reported here last week, the new restaurant in The Admiral District (2329 California SW) plans its “soft open” at 5 pm tonight. Besides food, they’ll be big on beer – here’s the West Seattle-published Washington Beer Blog preview on that. P.S. Their menu is here.

DELRIDGE PRODUCE COOPERATIVE: The announcement we received over the weekend:

Calling all West Seattleites and White Centerists! Neighborhood organizers, Chatty Cathies, pretty brochure makers, graphic designers, t-shirt printers, healthy eaters, gardeners, grocery workers, co-op believers, good people and the persnickety detail-oriented! Join us for our monthly public meeting, (tonight) at 6:30 pm at the Delridge Library. We need our community’s support to make this co-op happen!

Agenda items:
– pumpkin walk at the West Seattle Harvest Festival – Can you help?
– community representation at neighborhood meetings
– timing update – DESC site
– board development and bylaws
– market survey
– business plan
– co-op conference report-back
– next steps!

TALK TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION @ SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY FORUM: We’ve been talking about it for a week and a half – and tonight’s the night. Metro, SDOT, at least one elected official, all joining SWS to talk about transportation/transit issues – not just bus changes but also what’s up with local roads/bridges. Bring your questions. 7 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor; California/Oregon, enter from the Oregon side).

FLAT EARTH SOCIETY AT WEST 5: Guest DJs on Mondays at West 5 in The Junction – tonight at 9 pm, it’s Rosemary Otero.

More highlights for tonight, and days/weeks/months ahead, on our calendar!

Fairly quiet day on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, besides the Huling Bowl football game (previewed here earlier), but one daytime exception: It’s the first of two days for the semi-annual Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) rummage sale – till 4 pm today, and 10 am-3 pm tomorrow, 3940 41st SW. Never know quite what you’ll find among what our grandma called bric-a-brac:

Elsewhere in West Seattle, tonight’s music highlights include duo The Old Way visiting Kenyon Hall at 7:30 pm. See more – and take a peek ahead at the weekend (and beyond) – on the calendar! (Tip: Mouse over and click the right-side “plus” on any calendar line to expand it, with an option then to go to the page with full details and a location map.)

(Click image for larger view)
Since it’s out of sight this morning, we’re featuring the sun, as photographed last night by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams – check out the silhouetted small plane across its left side. (And the sunspots – here’s the NASA view.) Today’s forecast promises the sun WILL be back. While we wait, here are highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

BLOOD DRIVE: Puget Sound Blood Center has a mobile drive today at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), 10:30-4:30 (closed 12:30-1:30, in case you’re thinking of dropping by).

COUNCILMEMBER BURGESS AT WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER: 11:30 am-1 pm at The Kenney (WSB sponsor; 7125 Fauntleroy SW), the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly lunch meeting will be keynoted by City Councilmember Tim Burgess, who chairs the Budget Committee this year. More info in our preview story.

TAX-SUPERMAJORITY INITIATIVE 1185 @ KIWANIS: The weekly Kiwanis Club of West Seattle lunch features pro/con speakers on I-1185, one of the ballot measures you’ll be deciding in a few weeks, as previewed here. Noon, Be’s Restaurant in The Junction (4509 California SW).

HERITAGE PUMPKIN PIES, PRE-ORDERING: Thanksgiving is getting closer and at last check, Diane Niemi was down to a few last 10″ pies, with 5″ remaining. It’s a benefit for Alzheimer’s/dementia research AND a wa to guarantee you have one less thing to do for the holiday – enjoy her family recipe instead of baking one yourself. 2-8 pm, put in your order at the West Seattle Eagles‘ HQ in The Junction. Details in our ongoing calendar item.

SCHOOL BOARD’S BEX IV LEVY WORK SESSION: Though the format does NOT include public comment (send that to capacity@seattleschools.org), the public is welcome to sit in on the board’s work session as they look at the newest draft of the BEX IV levy – first reported here yesterday – scheduled to be finalized within weeks for next February’s election. The work session is scheduled for 5:45-7:15 pm at district HQ in SODO (map).

WINE TASTING: Spanish wine tasting, with appetizers, at The Cask in The Admiral District (2350 California SW), 6-9 pm, $10 fee.

IMMIGRATION ISSUES: They’re on the agenda for tonight’s 34th District Democrats meeting, including a resolution on the Secure Communities initiative. Details are here; the meeting’s at 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW).

ONGOING YOUTH BASKETBALL CLASSES: With Huskies legend Donald Watts – rotating between gyms in West Seattle, 7 pm Wednesdays, drop-in participation OK. More info in our calendar listing.

More for tonight, and beyond, on the calendar.

(Monday evening photo of Mount Rainier, by Nick Adams for WSB)
With this day starting off in cloud mode, we’re glad to have so many breathtaking photos to revisit from Monday’s sunset/orca visit – see them here and here. The forecast says the sun should return before day’s end, but for now, it’s time to look ahead to what’s up tonight INDOORS. From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

NEW HOURS AT LA ROMANZA BISTRO ITALIANO: As of today, La Romanza Bistro Italiano (WSB sponsor) in The Junction is open six nights a week (Tuesdays-Sundays) for dinner, till 10 pm. To make that happen, La Romanza is no longer serving weekday lunch – though weekend jazz brunch is still on! (They’re also currently running their autumn special – handmade pumpkin ravioli.)

TUESDAY TUNE-UP TO BENEFIT SEATTLE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: SYSO helps young musicians in West Seattle public schools – and you can help that work by dropping by the Tuesday Tune-Up at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor; 1936 Harbor Avenue SW) 6:30-8:30 pm tonight – details here.

DESC DELRIDGE PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: With construction starting in about a month, after recent demolition work on the site (WSB coverage here), DESC‘s 66-unit “supportive housing” project at 5444 Delridge Way SW is moving into a new phase, and its community advisory committee continues to meet. You are invited at 6:30 pm tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), with the agenda including, as described on the North Delridge e-mail list, “updates on the construction schedule (groundbreaking in early Nov.) and the status of the Delridge Produce Co-op as the potential commercial tenant. Also on the agenda is a general planning session for the committee to determine future meeting topics.”

WEST SEATTLE SEE DOGS: Raise a puppy to be a guide dog! Find out what it’s really like by visiting the West Seattle See Dogs’ meeting tonight, 6:30 pm, at The Kenney (WSB sponsor; 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW).

SEAFOOD – IT’S HEALTHY, BUT IS IT SAFE? Come talk about it during a “Public Health Café” tonight at Chaco Canyon Organic Café (38th and Alaska), 6:30-8 pm. Details in the calendar listing.

DEVELOPMENT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? Learn more about how to find out what’s headed your way, when a DPD planner speaks to the Admiral Neighborhood Association during its regular meeting tonight, 7 pm, Admiral Congregational Church lower-level meeting room (south side of the church at California/Hill).

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Its board meets at 7 pm, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, with topics sure to include this Sunday’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival (see the updated schedule of events here!).

As always, there’s even more for today/tonight – and FAR beyond! – on WSB our calendar!

(Leaves starting to turn! Thanks to Greg for sharing the photo)
Quick notes for what’s ahead tonight:

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Regular monthly meeting at 6:30 pm, Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge). Agenda’s here – topics include the 26th Avenue SW Greenway.

EVENING BOOK GROUPS: The West Seattle Library book group meets at 6:45 tonight; this month’s book is “Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof. The Southwest Library book group also meets at 6:45, with this month’s book announced as “Year of the Flood” by Margaret Atwood.

PIGEON POINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Meeting tonight at 7 pm, Pathfinder K-8 school cafeteria.

NIGHTLIFE: Pub quiz night at Shadowland, 8 pm … Flat Earth Society at West 5 features Eric Eagle and Bill Herzog, 9 pm … which is also showtime for Karaoke Kelli at the Benbow Room.

As always, there’s even more on the calendar …

Thanks to Greg for sharing that Saturday night sunset photo of an unidentified artist on the beach at Lincoln Park. If you haven’t gone out to watch one of these spectacular late-summer sunsets in person, tonight might be the night. Things are fairly quiet on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar but before the day is too much further long, here are a few notes:

VIADUCT TO REOPEN BY 4 PM: The Highway 99 closure continues but WSDOT says it’ll be open again by 4 – we’ll publish a separate update if it happens sooner. There are currently no other closures listed for this week.

EXTRA WATER TAXI RUNS FOR SOUNDERS GAME: If you’re going, you can go by water – see the aqua-shaded extra runs added to tonight’s schedule.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always at 44th/Alaska. New this weekend – raw-goat-milk cheeses from Mountain Lodge Farm.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Along with services at Alki UCC and St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (as previewed here last week), St. John’s is offering its traditional public event in the West Seattle High School parking lot at noon.

CROP WALK TO FIGHT HUNGER: The annual fundraising walk along Alki leaves Alki UCC at 1:30 pm – details here.

LIVE MUSIC – IN THE AFTERNOON! Two events – Sunny McGhee and Steve Norris perform at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm, and at Skylark Café and Club, there’s a pancake-party fundraiser at 3 pm (and continuing into the night) for KSUB Radio.

SUNDAY RIBS RETURN! A popular Sunday-dinner item at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) is back on the menu as of tonight, 5 pm.

From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar for today/tonight:

REMINDER – 99/VIADUCT CLOSURE: Just one traffic alert, but it’s a biggie – the Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99 stretch between Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge is CLOSED BOTH WAYS and scheduled to remain so till 4 pm tomorrow (we’ll let you know if it reopens earlier).

HELP LINCOLN PARK! Work party to remove invasives – perfect time now before fall/winter weather finally arrives. Meet at Fauntleroy/Rose park entrance, 9 am.

PANCAKES TO BENEFIT NICKELSVILLE: 9 am-noon, a fundraiser at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s church, 7141 California SW – details here.

HELP FAUNTLEROY PARK! Work party – meet at the SW 97th entrance to forested Fauntleroy Park, 10 am-2 pm. Details and map here.

WEST SEATTLE SOLAR TOUR: Find out more about solar energy by visiting the West Seattle spots on the regional Solar Tour, 10 am-4 pm. The sites are listed here.

GOT SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS QUESTIONS/CONCERNS/ETC.? Come to West Seattle school-board member Marty McLaren‘s community-conversation meeting, 10:15 am-12:15 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library.

WEST SEATTLE CARDBOARD CHALLENGE: Across the country, “cardboard challenge” events inspired by Caine’s Arcade are happening today, and in West Seattle, you can bring your cardboard creation – and/or your creative spirit – to The Kenney (WSB sponsor; 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW), 11 am-2 pm. Full details here – and here’s the story we published when the site was chosen.

FREE RANGE MERCANTILE OPEN … BUS: It’s an open house, at the big green bus that’s been parked a few months at 5908 Fauntleroy SW, and has also made its debut as a store on wheels (here’s our original report). Today, come visit 11 am-5 pm.

STAR WARS STORYTIME: Barnes and Noble at Westwood Village usually has Saturday storytime 11 am-noon, but today there’s a Star Wars theme, since it’s national (or perhaps intergalactic) Star Wars Reads Day.

WALK THE FAUNTLEROY WATERSHED: The first of three special free West Seattle walks with Feet First and local Walking Ambassadors is today, starting at 1 pm from the Original Bakery at 45th/Wildwood in Fauntleroy. Details (and RSVP link) here.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER CEREMONY: During the regular noon-3 pm weekly open public-visiting time at the Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard), the 712th Spirit Saint Tran Hung Dao Memorial Day commemoration is planned today, 2 pm.

GET KNOWLEDGE ABOUT COLLEGE! West Seattle author (and professor) Ellen Bremen (“Say This, Not That, To Your Professor”) will be at Westwood Village Barnes and Noble 2 pm today – details here.

ANOTHER ‘GLOBAL LENS’ SCREENING: Free film at Delridge Library as part of this ongoing series celebrating international film – “The Prize,” an Argentinian Film, 2 pm.

AFRICAN DINNER AND DANCE SHOW: Mission fundraiser at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), 5-9 pm – details in the calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Steve and Kristi Nebel, 6-8 pm, at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.

DAUGHTERS OF THE DEAD SEA’S CD RELEASE: 8 pm at Easy Street Records in The Junction, this West Seattle rock/punk band performs and celebrates its CD release. Details here.

‘ROCKY HORROR’ AT THE ADMIRAL: The monthly midnight showing – with shadow cast, toast, and all – is tonight.

And there’s even more on our calendar!

Lots going on as always! From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, some of the highlights for today/tonight:

TRAFFIC ALERTS – VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: In addition to the projects that have been under way in West Seattle this week (see our day-by-day list), remember that Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct between the Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge will be CLOSED BOTH WAYS starting at 6 am Saturday for the twice-yearly inspection (and other work). It’s scheduled to last till 4 pm Sunday, but these closures do sometimes end early, so we’ll update you if that happens this time.

WEST SIDE MOPS STARTS A NEW YEAR: Happening right now at West Side Presbyterian Church, till 11:15 am – Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS). If you don’t see this in time, check it out for future meetings, first and third Fridays – contact info is in our calendar listing.

ROTARY FOOD DRIVE AT THE CASK: Drop by The Cask in The Admiral District tonight 5-7 pm, meet West Seattle Rotarians, and drop off a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. More info in our preview story from this past Monday.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT: From Dance! West Seattle, which is on the north side of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse at 9131 California SW:

Family Fun Night, 6 -9 pm at the Dance! West Seattle studio!

DJ Paul Thompson from Star 101.5 will provide great dancing music! Games, Contests, Prizes and more. Pizza and pop available for purchase. A silent auction and raffle fundraiser will be held to benefit our 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization, Seattle Civic Dance Theatre, Tax ID #91-1288035.

DWS has been training dancers in Seattle for 30 years and the Seattle Civic Dance Theatre provides free performances throughout the year to promote the arts in our community.
Our staff and students show a serious commitment to our dance program and the arts in our community.

CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING GAME: Varsity football, 7 pm vs. Nathan Hale at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle); gates open at 5:45 pm.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Varsity game vs. Ingraham at Northwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm.

‘LOVE FREE OR DIE’: Marriage-equality film screens tonight at Westside Unitarian Universalists Congregation‘s church at 7141 California SW, 7 pm. Details here. Also note that WSUU will be rallying for the same cause 5-6:30 pm at The Junction (as noted here) and community members are invited to join in.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT: The Castaways at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … Bettman and Halpin at Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm … Barbie Anaka at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 8 pm … Jim Marcotte at The Cask, 8 pm … The Bend at Feedback Lounge, 9 pm … Jangle Wagon at the Benbow Room, 9 pm.

‘BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON’ CONTINUES: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest.

More on the calendar!

West Seattle’s Veterans of Foreign Wars post wants to get the word out about two scholarship programs that are open for applications right now, with a November 1st deadline. From VFW’s Kyle Geraghty:

The Patriot’s Pen program is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.

The Patriot’s Pen is a 300-400 word essay with the theme of “What I Would Tell America’s Founding Fathers.” The top prize for this program is $5,000. For more information about Patriot’s Pen and a link to the entry form go to: vfw.org/Community/Patriot-s-Pen

The Voice of Democracy Program is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories. Students should record their reading of the draft to CD. The recording can be no shorter than 3 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes. This year’s theme is “Is the Constitution Still Relevant?” The top scholarship for this program is $30,000. For more information about Voice of Democracy and a link to the entry form go to:
vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy

” Please turn in your entries, as well as everything else required by the program, by November 1, 2012 to VFW Post 2713 located at 3601 SW Alaska St, Seattle, WA 98126. Visit VFW Post 2713 on the web at vfwpost2713.org

(SDOT map for upcoming Delridge repaving project and tonight’s open house about it)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar for today/tonight:

BOEING FIELD ALERT – FIRST LADY’S VISIT: Of particular note for Boeing Field watchers and eastern West Seattle, First Lady Michelle Obama flies in this evening for a fundraiser and departs tomorrow morning.

…AND 2 OTHER DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC FACTORS: Madonna’s at KeyArena tonight and the Mariners are at Safeco Field. Add that to the First Lady heading for a Westin fundraiser, and you’re probably want to going to get out of downtown/SODO early, unless you’re going to any of these events.

AS FOR THE REST OF THE TRAFFIC ALERTS: Ongoing intensified work at the Barton Street Pump Station north of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal is likely to include lane closures there, plus work is scheduled during the day on Highland Park Way today. Both projects are detailed in our day-by-day traffic-alert list.

Now, the other highlights:

TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30-11 am at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library.

DELRIDGE (AND POSSIBLY 16TH) REPAVING/RECHANNELIZATION OPEN HOUSE: 5:30-7:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), go get your questions answered about the BIG repaving project coming up for the south mile of Delridge Way SW, and possibly part of 16th SW, as well as the “rechannelization” scheduled along part of the stretch. We checked with SDOT and this is completely open-house format, no presentation planned, so drop by any time during the 2 hours.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REGIONAL MEETING: New Seattle Public Schools superintendent José Banda is touring the city for community meetings, and tonight, 6-7:30 pm, is the “regional” meeting for West Seattle and South Park. It’s at Concord International Elementary in SP – map and details here. P.S. This is the meeting for which a Sanislo Elementary teacher requested community support, as they deal with class size – here’s her open letter.

SUNSET-TO-DARK LINCOLN PARK HIKE: Keep enjoying the dry weather while we have it! Tonight, naturalist Stewart Wechsler leads an evening hike through Lincoln Park, starting at 6:30 pm. Details here.

NIGHTLIFE: Trivia That Rocks at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm … Baby Ketten Karaoke at 9 at Skylark Café and Club … Starlight singer-songwriter showcase at Shadowland, 8 pm …

More on the calendar!

Thanks to Claire for the photo from this morning’s moonset. Today’s big event: The Beat the Burn 5K at West Seattle’s Jack Block Park, and the festival that follows – the run/walk (to help young burn survivors go to camp) is at 9 am but that’s just the start. Events continuing till 2 pm, free to the community (including Bubbleman at 11:30 am), are listed toward the bottom of this page.

Also today, a cider-press event at West Seattle Nursery, with City Fruit, noon-4 pm – bring your own apples, or if you don’t have any, they’ll share.

Lots more going on – all listed on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar.