(SEVEN otters frolicking in a yard south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock! Thanks to Dan and Philip for the photo)
Welcome to the weekend! From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

GARAGE SALES! The West Seattle Eagles are having a big one at their HQ in The Junction, 9 am-3 pm (map in the listing); also, we notice a sizable list of sales for this weekend that have been posted directly (free!) in the Freebies/Deals/Sales section of the WSB Forums.

ADMIRAL ADOPT-A-STREET CLEANUP: Meet at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) at 9 am and join the Admiral Neighborhood Association for its quarterly cleanup. Tools and bags provided – as are free treats!

ALSO IN THE ADMIRAL DISTRICT: Pets looking for new homes will be at Umpqua Bank (next to Admiral Safeway) with Saving Great Animals, 10 am-1:30 pm.

HOLY FAMILY STREET FAIR: Bigger than ever this year, says Holy Family School principal Frank Cantwell. Food and fun, 10 am-4 pm (tomorrow too), 20th/Roxbury, details here.

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY CELEBRATION: At Life Care Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – everybody’s invited, 11 am-2:30 pm, with festivities including free barbecue and live music.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Open noon-4 pm (61st/Stevens); go see the new exhibit from the first phase of “Telling Our Westside Stories,” which includes audio!

‘MAD SCIENCE INSTITUTE’ BOOK SIGNING: Author Sechin Tower will be at Atomic Boys in the Admiral District, 1-4 pm.

SKIHAWKS BENEFIT: They help get developmentally challenged people involved with winter sports, and you can help them in that work by attending tonight’s benefit at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 6:30 pm.

LIVE MUSIC: Gary Kanter at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … Three bands at Skylark, starting at 8 pm … Blake Noble Band at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm … You saw their “West Seattle Hey” video here this week, now see/hear Not Dead Yet at Poggie Tavern in The Junction, 9 pm.

… and, as always, more on the calendar!

(One of the newly installed mural panels on pre-demolition fence @ Lowman Beach/Murray CSO project site)
Today/tonight highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

PET ADOPTIONS: The Humane Society MaxMobile is scheduled to be at Pet Pros in Westwood Village, 3-6 pm.

OUTDOOR MOVIE AT SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY: Doors open 6:15, movie at dusk (around 7:30), on the playground: “The Lorax.” Benefit for 4th-grade trip to Islandwood. Details in our calendar listing.

WSHS BACK-TO-SCHOOL BARBECUE: Preceding the football game at Southwest Athletic Complex, the West Seattle High School Cheerleaders host a back-to-school barbecue starting at 5 pm – $3 for hot dog, chips, and soda – more info here.

ROTARY WINE AND CHOCOLATE AUCTION GALA: 6 pm at Salty’s on Alki, the second annual gala wine/chocolate/hors d’oeuvres event for the Rotary Club of West Seattle, raising money for projects including scholarships and the Holiday Shopping Spree. You’re invited too – ticket info’s on their website.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth vs. Cleveland at Memorial Stadium, 5 pm; West Seattle HS vs. Seattle Prep at SW Athletic Complex, 7 pm.

CORNER BAR AT HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: The third monthly edition of the pop-up drop-in bar at HPIC (12th/Holden), starting at 6 pm, including live music by the Drew Medak Trio. Beverage info on the HPIC website – and yes, Corner Bar is all-ages.

LIVE MUSIC: Alan Ehrlich at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6 pm … Barbie Anaka at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), x pm … The Slags at Shipwreck Tavern, 9 pm …

(Late-summer spider web in Lincoln Park, by Trileigh Tucker)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, today/tonight highlights:

TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERT: Another 9 pm-5 am closure of southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct.

TOWING/IMPOUND FEE-LIMIT PROPOSAL DISCUSSION: The first City Council discussion of the proposed limit on towing fees (here’s our story from last weekend) is at 2 pm today, Government Performance and Finance Committee meeting, City Hall downtown. You should be able to watch via Seattle Channel (seattlechannel.org or cable 21) if you can’t be there in person.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Today’s highlight: Chief Sealth International and West Seattle High Schools’ girls-volleyball faceoff at Sealth, 4 pm.

MARRIAGE-EQUALITY PHONE BANK: Kol HaNeshamah and Alki UCC Church congregations invite the community to join them in their ongoing Thursday night phone banks seeking support for marriage-equality Referendum 74. Details here.

WINE TASTINGS: Bin 41 in The Junction is hosting the Pinot Smackdown (explained here) 6-8 pm; West Seattle Cellars‘ weekly free tasting focuses tonight on French wines, 5:30-8 pm.

DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION WATCH PARTY: 5-8:30 pm at Heartland Café (new location; 4210 SW Admiral Way), join local Democrats to watch tonight’s convention proceedings, including President Obama‘s acceptance speech, scheduled around 6:30-7:30 pm.

FLIGHT-PATH HEARING: Not in West Seattle, but as noted in our coverage of Mayor McGinn‘s Town Hall here last week (and past WSB coverage), as well as in a recent Seattle Times (WSB partner) story, the FAA is now taking comments on the environmental assessment of the “Greener Skies” plan, which would include more flights turning over Elliott Bay, closer to northern West Seattle. The environmental assessment would include noise issues. Tonight, there’s an open house/presentation in Ballard, 6 pm at the library there, 5614 22nd NW (presentation scheduled for 6:30 pm). Comments will also be taken through the FAA till September 14th – all the info, and contacts, here.

HIAWATHA COMMUNITY CENTER OPEN HOUSE: Come find out more about the classes (and more) available at Hiawatha – drop by 6:30-8 pm.

LAFAYETTE PLAYGROUND PROJECT: Master-plan presentation tonight at 7 – more on the current status of the project in this WSB report from last week.

LIVE MUSIC/NIGHTLIFE: Jim Page at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) has DJ Kingblind with The Deep Cuts … 3 indie/folk bands at Skylark Café and Club, 8 pm.

Want to know what’s happening tomorrow? This weekend? Next month? Browse the calendar here.

Thanks to Dan for sharing the photo of 12-year-old Cameron, 10-year-old Elena, 7-year-old Elliot, going back to school today at Holy Rosary, one of the local parochial schools where it’s the first day of class. That’s all part of what’s on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar for today:

SCHOOLS WHERE CLASSES START TODAY: As reported here last night, Holy Family, Holy Rosary, Hope Lutheran, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Seattle Lutheran.

OTHER BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS include:
*”Welcome Back Day” at Chief Sealth International High School, 8 am-2 pm
*New-family orientation at Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor), 10 am-noon
*Ice-cream social for new 6th graders at Madison Middle School, 6:30 pm
*Meet-and-greet at Arbor Heights Elementary, 2-3 pm
*New-student orientation at Schmitz Park Elementary, 2-3 pm
*Welcome dinner/open house at Westside School, 4 pm
*Meet-and-greet for families at the new K-5 STEM at Boren school, 5 pm
*Back-to-school barbecue at Pathfinder K-8, 5-7 pm
(Most of the above were gleaned from school calendars. If we missed anything, please let us know!)

BLOOD DRIVE AT SW PRECINCT: 10 am-4 pm, the bloodmobile is at the Southwest Precinct (SW Webster west of Delridge) – details here.

‘SAVE THE RIDE-FREE AREA’ MEETING: Not in West Seattle, but before Metro changes including the elimination of the downtown ride-free area kick in, a group is circulating a petition to save it and inviting interested parties from around the city to a 6 pm gathering at the Capitol Hill library – details/map here.

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

More on the calendar!

(April Long photographed this osprey as it was perched on her condo building)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

NO VIADUCT CLOSURE TONIGHT: WSDOT is deviating from the Sunday-Thursday schedule of southbound 99/Viaduct closures because of the holiday – so, as noted in our day-by-day/night-by-night list, NO closure till Tuesday night. (And nothing on the Spokane Street Viaduct except for the continuing closure of the eastbound 1st Avenue S. offramp.)

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY SOCCER: Hey, earlybirds! Join this increasingly popular informal game at Delridge Playfield, 7:30 am. (Follow the WSSS Facebook page for updates.)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Garlic, onions, roasted peppers – savory offerings are there today as well as late-summer fruit, and much more. 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska.

WEST SEATTLE ULTIMATE FAMILY FRISBEE: Another regular drop-in sports event – Fairmount Playfield, 11 am. You can follow WSUFF on Facebook, too.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: See the new “Telling Our Westside Stories” exhibit AND more West Seattle (etc.) history, noon-4 pm at the museum, 61st/Stevens.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Haven’t been? Or haven’t been lately? Take advantage of the quieter holiday weekend and check them out during Sunday’s regular hours, 1-5 pm. Northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

HIPS AND PIPES: Bellydancing meets bagpiping, tonight at Skylark Café and Club, 8 pm (3803 Delridge Way SW).

(Last night’s moonrise, from Don Armeni – photo by David Hutchinson)
Welcome to September! Here are some of the highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

LEND A HAND AT LINCOLN PARK: Start your Labor Day weekend with a little volunteer forest restoration at Lincoln Park. Meet the Friends of Lincoln Park at 9 am – details here.

BLOOD DRIVE IN THE JUNCTION: 9 am-3 pm, look for the mobile unit at 42nd/Alaska (except for a 11:30 am-12:30 pm closure).

SHOP THE DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE: Day 2 of the “Native Market and Jumble Days” event, 10 am-4 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Two matches scheduled for West Seattle Stadium – Seattle Lutheran plays Carson Graham Secondary, 1:30 pm; West Seattle HS vs. Lindbergh HS at 7 pm (The Seattle Times (WSB partner) says this will technically be a “controlled scrimmage”).

LUAU: You’re invited to enjoy food and performances at Seaview Methodist Church, 2 pm – details here.

TERRY BROOKS AT BARNES & NOBLE: As previewed last night, the West Seattle-residing best-selling author is at Westwood Village B&N for his annual appearance, 2 pm.

THE HARD ROAD TRIO: They’re bringing Americana/bluegrass music to Kenyon Hall tonight, 7:30 pm.

LATER SCHEDULE FOR WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI: The schedule is extended because of tonight’s UW football game – details here.

‘ROCKY HORROR’ AT THE ADMIRAL: The monthly (usually) 1st Saturday show at the Admiral Theater, with a shadow cast – tonight at midnight.

There’s more – as well as a chance to browse ahead to tomorrow and beyond – on the calendar.

Our full-moon photo is by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams, who was out on and by the water at Seacrest for last night’s “blue moon” – watch here for more of his photos later today. Meantime, this might be a good night for more moon-watching – the moonrise/moonset times are always on the WSB West Seattle Weather page, by the way – since the calendar for today/tonight is fairly light – you can see all the listings here. Two highlights include the first day of a two-day “Native Market and Jumble Days” rummage/estate/crafts/food sale event (till 4 pm) at the Duwamish Longhouse, and the local high-school-football kickoff, Chief Sealth vs. Evergreen at Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm.

Just before we get to the long Labor Day weekend, a busy Thursday in West Seattle – here are highlights from the WSB calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: From our night-by-night/day-by-day list, southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed again overnight, 9 pm-5 am, and northbound 1st is closed at (surface) Spokane, 10 pm-5 am. Reminder – the new 1st Avenue South ramp to/from the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled to open early TOMORROW (Friday) morning.

TRAFFIC/WATER TAXI ALERT: Seahawks play at home tonight – which means not only lots of traffic in SODO/Pioneer Square, but also extended West Seattle Water Taxi sailings (details here).

PRE-BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS:
-Barbecue @ Roxhill Elementary School, 4:30 pm
-Barbecue @ Seattle Lutheran High School, 5 pm
-Barbecue @ Sanislo Elementary, 5:30-7 pm
-Open house/ice-cream social @ Gatewood Elementary (times/grades here)
-Orientation/ice-cream social @ Denny International Middle School, 6:30-8 pm
(Any we missed? Let us know and we’ll add!)

COMMUNITY KAYAK TOUR OF DUWAMISH RIVER: Tour with Alki Kayak Tours (WSB sponsor) and the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. Tonight’s tour leaves 6 pm from Duwamish Waterway Park in South Park. Details, map here.

SHOP LATE THURSDAYS – GRAND FINALE: 6-9 pm, go shop The Junction for the special summer hours’ last hurrah. Who’s part of it, you ask? All listed here.

MARRIAGE-EQUALITY FUNDRAISER AT OUTWEST: 6-9 pm, the Campaign to Approve Referendum 74 has a fundraiser/end-of-summer party at West Seattle’s OutWest Bar – full details (and pre-registration if you’re interested) in our calendar listing.

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA – GRAND FINALE: Go enjoy Curtains For You, free, on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center, 6:30 pm – it’s the last of this year’s six concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association (with co-sponsors including WSB). All ages invited, and as announced last night by ANA, they’re offering free face-painting and popsicles! Bring your own chair/blanket.

FREE HEALTH TALK AND QI-GONG CLASS: 6:30 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), details here.

CITY DATA SERVICES OUTAGE STARTS TONIGHT: If you use City of Seattle online services, remember that much of it will be offline starting tonight through Labor Day (as explained here), so pay bills, do searches, etc. by 5 pm today. (This also affects some offline services that are dependent on city data services.)

REGISTERED FOR THE CAR (AND MOTORCYCLE) SHOW YET? While you can decide at the last minute to participate in the West Seattle Junction Car Show (co-sponsored by WSB) on September 16th, to get the early registration deal, your mail-in entry has to be postmarked by Saturday. Motorcycles/mopeds are welcome this year too. Find the rules/forms here!

For today’s daily preview, just a quick note pointing you to the updated-for-months-to-come WSB West Seattle Events Calendar. The highlights are several Back-To-School events for individual local schools, including WSB sponsors West Seattle Montessori and Holy Family Parish School, plus a Community Health Fair this evening in High Point. For any WSB calendar event (today or beyond) you would like to know more about, click the “plus” on the right side of the listing line to expand the preview, then click “read more” on the lower right, and you will be taken to a standalone page with info, map, and more.

With most schools starting next week, a quick message from Tiffani at Hiawatha:

We have had a few spots for Hiawatha Community Center Before/After School program open up. This is for children attending Lafayette only. The Schmitz Park Program is still full. Call the center at 206-684-7441 or e-mail at Tiffani.Melake@seattle.gov, Hiawatha.Childcare@seattle.gov

(Late-summer sunlight in Lincoln Park, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar (event coming up? please let us know!) – here are today’s notes and highlighted events:

TRAFFIC ALERT: From our latest weekly day-by-day/night-by-night list, just one tonight: Southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct closed, 9 pm-5 am.

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSURE: Today is the first weekday of the week-plus closure of all Seattle Public Library branches, plus some of its online services, explained here.

AIRCRAFT CARRIER HEADING OUT ON DEPLOYMENT: The carrier USS John C. Stennis leaves Bremerton today, headed out on an earlier-than-expected deployment. The Navy won’t say when but The Kitsap Sun says carriers usually leave at high tide (late afternoon today); once it exits Rich Passage and starts rounding Bainbridge northbound, it will be visible from west-facing West Seattle shores and Alki Point (more distantly if you’re looking from the Alki Beach side).

LA LECHE LEAGUE: The monthly West Seattle meeting is today, 10:30 am – details in our ongoing calendar listing.

STANDUP PADDLEBOARDING: Been meaning to try it? Don’t wait – summer’s almost over. Alki Kayak Tours (WSB sponsor) has been presenting Monday night events for women all summer long – details here. P.S. AKT also is offering a “Buy One, Get One Free” kayak-tour deal for locals, Mondays-Fridays – go here for the deal code.

Along with the Alki Beach 5K – previewed earlier – here are today’s highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: This morning, Alki Avenue SW is closed for the Alki Beach 5K. Tonight, southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct closes 9 pm-5 am.

LIBRARIES’ LAST DAY: After today, Seattle public libraries are closed till the day after Labor Day. If you need to get to a library before the shutdown, two are open in West Seattle this afternoon – the Southwest (35th/Henderson) and West Seattle (Admiral District) branches, 1-5 pm.

WSUU RUMMAGE SALE, DAY 2: 9 am-2 pm, the bargains continue, 7141 California SW.

CATS/KITTENS FOR ADOPTION AT NEXT TO NATURE: 11 am-3 pm at Next to Nature in The Junction, find your next furry friend.

‘TELLING OUR WESTSIDE STORIES’ OPENS: The Log House Museum opens its brand-new exhibit 1-4 pm – details here.

DESIGN OPEN HOUSE AT FIRE STATION 36: Come see, and comment on, the plans for upcoming work at the fire station on the north end of Delridge, 2-4 pm.

ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTEN PLAYDATE: 3 pm, incoming kindergarteners and their families are invited to the school playground 3-4:30 pm.

GARDEN PARTY FOR REFERENDUM 74: Alki UCC and Kol HaNeshamah co-sponsor a garden party 3-5 pm to support marriage equality.

ALKI ARTS EVENT: Live music with Eric Freeman and Westside Mojo, 6-9 pm. Details here.

Even more on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar!

(Sign of imminent fall? Get out and enjoy the rest of summer! Photo by Machel Spence)
Happy weekend! From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar (where you will find the full list of what’s happening today/tonight in and around West Seattle – these are just a few notes and highlights):

CITYWIDE TRAFFIC ALERTS: Here’s the SDOT roundup of what’s happening where this weekend.

ROWING RACE FROM ALKI: Sound Rowers‘ Great Cross-Sound Race is scheduled to start off Alki at 9 am, headed west to Blakely Rock and back – details here.

MEGA-RUMMAGE SALE: The Westside Unitarian Universalists are having another big rummage sale, 9 am-3 pm at 7141 California in Gatewood – details in the calendar listing.

SHREDDING FUNDRAISER: 9 am-noon at 3720 California SW, benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – details here.

DUWAMISH RIVER FESTIVAL: First come the 9 am-noon Walk/Bike/Paddle events to get there; then noon-4 pm at 7900 10th Avenue South in South Park, the festival! Entertainment schedule and event highlights are in our preview from Friday.

LOG HOUSE TO LONGHOUSE BIKE TOUR: A history lesson on two wheels! Meet at the Log House Museum on Alki (61st/Stevens) – ride scheduled to start at 10 am.

REC TECH TEENS SHOW THEIR WORK: Teens from Delridge Community Center and Southwest Teen Life Center invite you to a screening of their creations downtown, 11 am today – find out more here.

SEATTLE LUTHERAN FOOTBALL: New Seattle Lutheran High School football coach Jeffrey Scott says “Media Day” today is actually open to everyone:

As a way to show our appreciation to our fans and the community, the Seattle Lutheran football team will be doing a Media Appreciation Day at 1 pm at West Seattle Stadium. It is free to get in!! Please come out and meet the players and staff. We have invited special guests from the Seahawks, UW,WSU and a host of media outlets. We are inviting the West Seattle community to come out and enjoy media day with the Seattle Lutheran High School Football team.

‘TOP GUN’ WRAPS UP OUTDOOR-MOVIE SERIES: “Top Gun” screens at dusk in the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard at 4410 California SW, as the final West Seattle Outdoor Movies presentation of the season. It’s more than a movie – there’s preshow entertainment, free pizza, benefit concessions and raffle … detailed in our preview from last night with full details.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT: Several venues – see the listings on the calendar.

(Sanderlings on Alki, photographed by Danny McMillin, shared via Flickr; his first sighting since late winter)
Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

BACK-TO-SCHOOL RESOURCE FAIR: 11 am-1:30 pm at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center. Free backpacks and school supplies available for families who attend a workshop. More info here.

TAI CHI AT SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN: Drop-in class with Restita DeJesus from the Seattle Wushu Center, 4:30 pm. The garden is on the north end of the South Seattle Community College campus (6000 16th SW).

SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT, SEASON FINALE – ALOHA! Rainbow of Hawaii performs at 6 pm at Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor) in the parking lot/courtyard area on the south side of the campus (4831 35th SW). The show is free; starting at 5:30 pm, if you’re interested, dinner/drinks can be purchased; tonight’s dinner entree is a jerk chicken sandwich with mango salsa, and hot dogs/hamburgers (including veggie options) are available too.

WINE TASTING: At Bin 41 in The Junction, 6-7:30 pm, “wacky wines with Greg from Cordon. … Greg shares our passion for being open minded and trying new things. … He’ll be pouring a Tokaji Furmint Sec from Hungary, a white made from Romorantin (local grape in the Cheverny appellation of the Loire Valley, a Carignan from the Languedoc Roussilon region, a hearty red from the Duoro region of Portugal and another fun red.”

SKATING AT ALKI COMMUNITY CENTER: 6:45-8:45 pm, the almost-weekly roller-skating event; more info in our listing.

NIGHTLIFE: At Skylark Café and Club, some of the folks who brought you Morning Glory Drag Brunch (which recently had its finale) are launching the West Side Glory variety show, tonight at 8 pm, details on this Facebook event page … Barbie Anaka sings at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 8 pm … At Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), Chloroformula and special guest Brad Yaeger & the Country Gentlemen perform, 9 pm … And announced by Bamboo Bar and Grill on Alki:

West Seattle resident DJ Aussie will be playing the hottest tunes, mixing them with your favourite old skool, 70s, 80s, 90s, today, and top 40 hits! GM John will be there with us, as well as Security. Come and enjoy an awesome night out with your friends partying, and ‘shaking ya tail feather.’ 10 pm-1 am

And at The Bridge:

Billy Joe Huels of the Dusty 45s playing with special guests. This guy is amazing and we are expecting quite a show on the dance floor! Lots of great swing dancers are expected to make an appearance. Honky Tonk Party!!!

(Photo by Don Brubeck, looking toward Harbor Island after last night’s sunset)
Belated edition of highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: The 1st Avenue S. water-main work is expected to continue into this evening (we’ll update this story if it’s done sooner). Again tonight, late-night/early-morning drivers need to be aware of two scheduled closures (from our weekly day-by-day/night-by-night list) – southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct closed 9 pm-5 am, and eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct closed 10 pm-5 am.

WEST SEATTLE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S POTLUCK PICNIC: Still time to pick something up to bring and go join WSDW‘s lunchtime event. 11:30 pm at Lincoln Park; details here, including what to bring.

TEENS – MAKE YOUR OWN JEWELRY: 1 pm at Southwest Library (35th/Henderson); info here.

WINE, MASSAGE, SNACKS: Siren Song Wines and Shanti Salon and Spa (both WSB sponsors) in the Admiral District are teaming up for an event tonight that involves everything from wine-tasting to massage. 6-8 pm; ticket info and full details here.

SHOP LATE IN THE JUNCTION: The special summer hours continue at participating Junction merchants (listed here) – including Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor), which has a Sunshine Sale (summery items – check them out here) continuing through month’s end.

‘HIAWATHA HELPS’ BARBECUE, BEFORE AND DURING THE CONCERT: Benefit barbecue dinner 6-8 pm tonight at Hiawatha Community Center, before and during the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha show. Menu/prices here.

CASPAR BABYPANTS AT SUMMER CONCERTS @ HIAWATHA: Our area’s biggest family-music star is tonight’s performer at the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented free concert (second-to-last show of the year), 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center.

Live music at local nightlife establishments too – part of what else you’ll find on the calendar!

(Fishing from Seacrest at sunrise, photographed last Friday by Paul Swortz and shared via Flickr)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar listings for today and tonight:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: As mentioned earlier this morning, the 1st Avenue S. water-main work isn’t finished yet (we’ll update this story when it is), plus there’s a noontime Mariners game today, so SODO will be busy. Tonight, there are TWO scheduled closures (per our weekly day-by-day/night-by-night list) – southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct closed 9 pm-5 am, and eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct closed 10 pm-5 am.

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Fresh-vegetable sales continue weekly at the stand alongside the organic mini-farm at 32nd and Juneau, 4-7 pm Wednesdays (through September). More info here.

COMMUNITY MEETING AT BAMBOO BAR AND GRILL: 5:30-7:30 pm, in the aftermath of the fight/shooting incident outside Bamboo (2806 Alki SW) last Sunday morning (WSB coverage here and followup here), its management/ownership is organizing a meeting “to share the steps that we have been taking to promote a safer environment and to hear any suggestions West Seattle locals may have to offer.”

LAFAYETTE KINDERGARTEN PLAYDATE: With exactly two weeks to go until school starts, families of new Lafayette Elementary kindergarteners are invited to a playdate 5:30-7 pm – more here.

OPEN HOUSE: Arbor Heights Co-Op Preschool is holding an open house 6 pm today at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church – details and map here (including an RSVP request).

(Dragonfly at Schmitz Park last weekend, photographed by Machel Spence)

TRAFFIC ALERTS: One planned, one unplanned. Unplanned – The ongoing 1st Avenue South northbound lane closure in SODO, because of a water-main break. Planned – The westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled to close again tonight, 10 pm-5 am.

SENIOR CENTER GOES HAWAIIAN: “Aloha Party” with lunch and music at the Senior Center of West Seattle, 11:45 am – details here.

COMMUNITY ORCHARD TOURS: Every Tuesday, 5-7 pm, at the Community Orchard of West Seattle, northeast end of South Seattle Community College campus.

BELLY DANCING: The monthly Alauda showcase is tonight at Skylark Café and Club, 7:30 pm (followed by karaoke).

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT: Roo and the Few at Locöl, 7:30-10 pm, info here … Weekly singer/songwriter showcase at Shadowland, 9 pm.

TRIVIA: Tuesday night means it’s Trivia That Rocks night at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm.

More on the calendar!

(Top/middle/bottom photos by Bob Bussman, who says this is the Lincoln Park eaglet, out for a snack – UPDATE: Commenters ID it as an osprey)
Welcome to the final full week of August! A few things you should know about for today/tonight:

OFFRAMP CLOSES: First of two alerts from our weekly day-by-day/night-by-night list of closures – SDOT says that as of this morning, the 1st Avenue South offramp from the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct is closing for more than a month. The 4th Avenue offramp remains open.

BRIDGE CLOSURE TONIGHT: Second alert from our list – 10 pm tonight till 5 am tomorrow, the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct will be closed.

FREE YOUTH TENNIS CLINIC: At Lincoln Park Annex/Solstice Park tennis courts, 9:30 am. Details here.

(Quick break for our 2nd eagletosprey-dives-for-dinner photo:)

WEST SEATTLE WOMEN IN CHARGE: This new group meets again (here’s our report on the July meeting) at 9 am today, West Seattle Fabric Company (2210 California SW).

MONDAY ARTISTS: 9:30 am-noon, watercolorists are invited to join this group meeting at the Island View Apartments across from West Seattle High School – details here.

BOOK GROUP: At Southwest Library, 2-3 pm, the monthly afternoon book group will discuss “The Cheating Culture” by David Callahan.

CELEBRATE WITH SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE: SWS turns 5 this year and that adds an extra layer of celebration to the group’s annual summer potluck – 5 pm to sunset tonight on the beach at Lincoln Park, picnic shelter 3; this year’s SWS Hero also will be announced. More details on the SWS website.

(Speaking of Lincoln Park … the final of our three photos:)

(Photo from “Godspell,” courtesy ArtsWest)
Today’s highlights include opportunities to do good, as well as opportunities to have a good time. From the WSB calendar:

THROWING COMPETITION: Athletes 30 and up are competing in national-championship throwing sports at West Seattle Stadium for a second consecutive day, 8:30 am till about 3 pm. You can go watch for free.

GIVE LINCOLN PARK SOME TLC: 9 am-noon, help Friends of Lincoln Park get rid of invasives. Meet at Fauntleroy and Rose entrance to the park. More info here.

LEMONADE STAND TO HELP 7-YEAR-OLD CANCER PATIENT AND FAMILY: As reported here earlier this week, friends of 7-year-old West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor) student Sophia Thompson and her family will sell lemonade outside the WS Farmers’ Market today, 10 am-2 pm, to help with the costs of her fight against a rare cancer.

ALSO AT THE WEST SEATTLE FARMERS MARKET: Another way to help out – here’s our Friday story about River Farm Organic Produce losing a family home in the Central Washington fire; they will be at the market today, and your patronage can help them recover. Plus, there’s a special promotion today with Chipotle Mexican Grill – details here. 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska in The Junction.

‘BRUNCH FOR BOOBIES’ BREAST-CANCER-FIGHTING FUNDRAISER: While you’re in The Junction, dine/drink at West 5 between 10 am and 4 pm, and part of the proceeds go to breast-cancer-fighting Team Tracy, as explained here.

FRESH VEGGIES FOR SALE: The Admiral family organic-veggie sale is back at 44th and Hill, west of Admiral Church, 11 am-1 pm, with part of the proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank.

PET ADOPTION AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Noon-3 pm, the Humane Society’s big yellow Maxmobile will be at Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy) with adoptable pets.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Come enjoy Husky Deli ice cream in the courtyard at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), 1-3 pm, ice cream $2/scoop and beverages $1, proceeds benefit the museum and Southwest Seattle Historical Society.

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY PLAYDATE: 1-3 pm on the school playground for families of kids going to school at Gatewood this year.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER BEERFEST AND PET TAGGING: At West Seattle Nursery from 1-4 pm, you can enjoy hot dogs and beer, benefiting Furry Faces Foundation, and check out adoptable pets – and/or get F3 to make a tag for yours. Details here.

YOUNG CHAMBER MUSICIANS FEATURED: 2 pm, Music Northwest presents this recital at South Seattle Community College’s Olympic Hall – details here.

‘ANYTHING GOES’ MATINEE: Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) continues its summer run of the classic “Anything Goes,” 3 pm at West Seattle High School Theater (part of the proceeds go to the West Seattle Food Bank, and they’re collecting extra donations – food and/or money – for the food bank, too).

‘GODSPELL’ FINALE: Last performance today, 3 pm, for the youth conservatory production of “Godspell” at ArtsWest in The Junction.

ALSO AT ARTSWEST TODAY – ‘BLOODY SUNDAY’: A special promotion:

Our box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and we’re giving you a sweet deal on tickets. All single tickets to any show will be on sale for just $20.12! And, the first 100 people in line will get awesome “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” swag, and treats! Join us on August 19 as we kick off our great 2012-13 theater season!! 4711 California SW.

BENEFIT CLASS AT BIKRAM YOGA SEATTLE: 5 pm in The Junction, join Bikram Yoga Seattle (WSB sponsor) for a class to raise money for Plus One Foundation, which helps people with neurological injuries, disorders, or diseases. Details here.

Even more on the calendar!

(Don Brubeck‘s photo shows one place to beat the heat – a shaded field! Thursday photo from Alki Playfield)
You probably have your heat-beating strategy fine-tuned by now … after today, the forecast says, it’ll get back to something resembling normal. Lots of great ways to spend your Friday night, and a few things during the day, in our highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

DONATE TO WESTSIDE BABY: There’s a donation drive at the soccer camp that West Seattle Soccer Club is having at Riverview Playfield today – “Pack the Goal with PJs and Pants.” They’re collecting those items in sizes 4-12, till noon, and offering a chance at prizes including Sounders tickets.

BALLROOM DANCING: It’s the monthly event with Lauren Petrie at Delridge Community Center, 1:30 pm – details here.

SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT: 85th Street Big Band plays tonight – optional dinner/drinks available for sale at 5:30 pm, music (free!) at 6, south side of the Providence Mount St. Vincent campus (4831 35th SW), more info (including the menu) here.

GARDEN PARTY: The 34th District Democrats‘ fundraising auction, with live music, food from The Swinery, ice cream from Full Tilt, and guest auctioneer County Executive Dow Constantine, starts at 6 at West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon); more info here.

THE NOISE GUY! He’s at Alki Community Center at 6:15 tonight – details here.

MOVIE NIGHT AT HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: “Ratatouille” is on the screen – bring the family! 6:30 pm at HPIC (12th/Holden), details here.

‘ANYTHING GOES’ AT WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL THEATER: It’s the second weekend for Twelfth Night Productions ‘ (WSB sponsor) version of the Cole Porter classic – don’t forget to bring nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank! – 7:30 pm (ticket info and more on the TNP website; 3000 California SW).

‘GODSPELL’ AT ARTSWEST: Three more chances to see the youth performers put on this show! 7:30 pm.

MORE LIVE MUSIC: Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), 6 pm … Barbie Anaka at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 8 pm … Panama Gold, Western Medicine, Loyal Kites at Skylark, 8 pm … Fiasco plays Feedback Lounge at 9:30 pm.

Don Brubeck‘s photo is from Alki last Thursday night, when the weekly drum circle by the Statue of Liberty drew some brass accompaniment. Tonight, even more music at the beach – part of our highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Two closures are scheduled tonight – southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct from Battery Street Tunnel to West Seattle Bridge, 9 pm to 5 am, and eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct, 10 pm-5 am, with the eastbound onramp from Harbor Island reopening tomorrow morning, once the SSV closure is over.

WADING POOLS OPEN IN WEST SEATTLE TODAY: Delridge, E.C. Hughes, Lincoln Park – here’s the citywide schedule with times/locations.

WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG ARTISTS: 10-16-year-olds interested in drawing comics are invited to a free workshop at High Point Library (35th/Raymond) today, 3:30 pm.

THE BRAXMATICS ON ALKI: This is part of the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, but this time around, the show’s on Alki (east of the Bathhouse). 6:30 pm, free! Here’s our preview.

DRUM CIRCLE ON ALKI: And on the other side of the Bathhouse, at Statue of Liberty Plaza, the weekly summer drum circle starts at 6:30.

STRESSED OUT? Get help … free … in a garden setting, at a free seminar at Transitional Resources (2970 SW Avalon Way), 6:30 pm.

‘GODSPELL,’ NIGHT TWO: Presented by the 12-to-16-year-old Theater Conservatory summer students, it’s the second night of “Godspell” at ArtsWest, showtime 7:30 pm.

LOTS more on the calendar – including a preview of the days/weeks/months ahead.

(Mt. Constance in the Olympics, photographed from West Seattle by Danny McMillin, shared via Flickr)
That’s a cool view as the temperature starts to rise – though the forecast still says Thursday/Friday are the REALLY hot days; today will be closer to “very warm.” As for what’s hot on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar – here are selections for today/tonight:

TONIGHT’S **DOUBLE** TRAFFIC ALERT: Two overnight closures tonight – southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct/99, 9 pm-5 am, and eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct, 10 pm-5 am. (Here’s this week’s edition of our day-by-day list.) **2:37 pm update – SDOT has just canceled tonight’s SSV closure**

GATEWOOD READS AT HIGH POINT LIBRARY: 11 am-1 pm, three Gatewood Elementary teachers are there to read and talk with students, looking ahead to the new school year (just three weeks from today).

FRESH VEGETABLES, WHERE THEY’RE GROWN: Wednesday is the day you can stop by the High Point Market Garden Farm Stand at 32nd and Juneau and buy fresh organic vegetables grown and harvested steps away. 4-7 pm.

ASK AND ANSWER: Meet real-estate and home-service professionals, and bring your questions! Presented by Savvy Seattle Women at Prudential Northwest Realty offices in Jefferson Square, 6-7 pm – details here.

THE NOISE GUY AT THE LIBRARY: What? You thought libraries were supposed to be quiet? Guess not at the West Seattle Branch, where The Noise Guy appears at 6:30 pm – details here.

SUNDAY SOCCER ON WEDNESDAY: Did you know the West Seattle Sunday Soccer folks also have a Wednesday night pickup game at Delridge Playfield, 7 pm?

OPENING NIGHT FOR ‘GODSPELL’: The 12-to-16-year-old Theater Conservatory summer students at ArtsWest have been working on “Godspell” and are ready to debut it for you, 7:30 pm.

NIGHTLIFE: Trivia at 7, open mike at 9, at Skylark.

LAST DAY FOR PCC’S BOGO PIZZA COUPON: Haven’t tried PCC Natural Markets‘ take-and-bake pizza yet? The longtime WSB sponsor has a coupon (get it here) you can use to buy one, get one free – and today’s the last day.

(Lincoln Park wading pool, by Michelle Riggen-Ransom via the WSB Flickr group. Its season goes through 9/3 but some pools close this week!)
Enjoy this not-too-hot day – the National Weather Service has published a “special weather statement” warning about the next heat wave, later this week. Just in time for the next round of outdoor music/movie/festival fun … but more on that later. A few highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar for today/tonight:

LIBRARY STORY TIMES: Three in West Seattle today/tonight! 10:30 am for toddlers at the West Seattle Branch; 11:30 am for babies at the Southwest Branch; 7 pm for families at the Delridge Branch.

LUNCH AND FASHION SHOW: 11:45 am at the Senior Center of West Seattle – details (including reservation number) here.

NIGHTLIFE: Trivia That Rocks at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) with food and drink specials, 8 pm … Baby Ketten Karaoke at Skylark, 9 pm … Starlite Singer-Songwriter Showcase at Shadowland, 9 pm.