(Lincoln Park owl, photographed by Patrick McCaffrey)

A few Super Bowl spotlights are among the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar highlights we have for you today:

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY SOCCER: Pickup game this morning and every Sunday morning, 7:30 am, rain or shine, at Delridge Playfield.

CASPAR BABYPANTS AT SSCC: The college’s cooperative preschool program is raising money via this morning’s benefit concert by Caspar Babypants at Brockey Center on campus, 10 am, details in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, year-round, at 44th/Alaska.

SUPER BOWL AT MARINATION MA KAI: New place to watch – since it just opened last fall, this is Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor)’s first Super Bowl Sunday at the Seacrest Boathouse restaurant/bar, and not only is there a big screen (and a view), they’re offering a special bar menu – see it here.

SUPER BOWL AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: Big plans for the big game at The Feedback (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW):

You asked for it and we’re giving it to you – a Super Bowl Party on both our new 10-foot BIG SCREENS, hosted by TOM HUTYLER, the voice of Safeco Field. We’ll also have a $7 all-you-can-eat Chef Wade buffet ($5 if you bring in non-perishable food items for the West Seattle Food Bank), half off top shelf spirits during half-time, a raffle with big prizes and lots more!

SUPER BOWL AT CHRISTOS ON ALKI: Here’s the lineup at 2508 Alki SW:

We have added another TV in the bar/restaurant! Game sound will be on as well! There will be several specials going on all day that are listed below:

**HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY (food & drinks)
** $2.75 Coors Lights, $4 Fireballs, $ 5 Touchdowns, $ 4 Ouzo
**Free raffle prizes
**$10 Large 1-topping pizzas

NOT INTO FOOTBALL? GO TO THE THEATER! At 3 pm, you can catch the matinee performance of “Shirley Valentine” at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction.

…OR ENJOY MUSIC AND COFFEE: Also at 3 pm, the G-Cleft-tones perform live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW), till 5 pm.

Thanks to Mark Wangerin for sharing the photo of a red-breasted sapsucker, seen in the Camp Long/West Seattle Golf Course area. Mark explains, “Sapsuckers drill neat horizontal rows of holes into tree trunks and then return to feed on the sap. They also eat insects.” How industrious are YOU feeling today? Check out the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you will find many other options too, for today/tonight and way beyond):

SHREDDING FUNDRAISER: As previewed here last night – 9 to noon, benefiting a local team in the Big Climb, 3703 California SW.

FRIENDS OF LINCOLN PARK: Help clear the park of invasives – it’s a big job but volunteers tackle it one work party at a time, and your help means a lot. 9 am start BUT if you get there late, there’s info on a kiosk where to find the group – as explained in the calendar listing.

ALKI COMMUNITY CENTER PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon, come find out more about the preschool at ACC – details here.

‘ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY’ AT FULL TILT: It’s International Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. Really! And Full Tilt Ice Cream (9629 16th SW) will celebrate by offering free waffles – provided you buy the ice cream. Opening early for the occasion, 10:30 am.

JERRY CEIS MEMORIAL: While his friends and admirers have already had tribute gatherings, today is the official memorial for Jerry Ceis, a former Seafair Pirate and larger-than-life West Seattleite who passed away earlier this month, 1:30 pm at Alki Bathhouse.

SOUND YOGA’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY: At 2 pm today, a celebration and blessing will mark 15 years in West Seattle for longtime WSB sponsor Sound Yoga (5639 California SW).

MOVIE SERIES: “The Finger” from Argentina is the featured Global Lens Film Screening at Delridge Library, 2 pm – details here.

MOVIE PREMIERE: Local rock movie “Bent Richard” premieres at 7 pm tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW), one of the locations where it was shot.

‘ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW’ AT MIDNIGHT: The monthly Admiral Theater midnight show of what’s become an audience-participation classic is tonight.

MORE NIGHTLIFE … local music, local venues, on the calendar!

Quick look at highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for tonight (follow that link to the calendar for even more!):

‘THE STAGES OF HOMELESSNESS’: Think you know how and why people become homeless and stay that way? What you don’t know might surprise you – and might lead to solutions Be part of a community forum tonight, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 6 pm, details here.

IMMIGRANT/REFUGEE YOUTH RIGHTS: That’s the central topic of High Point Neighborhood Night, 6 pm at High Point Neighborhood Center, 6400 Sylvan Way, details here.

‘CORNER BAR’ NIGHT IN HIGHLAND PARK: The monthly edition of Seattle’s one and only “pop-up bar” – all ages! – is tonight, starting at 6 pm, Highland Park Improvement Club, 12th/Holden. See what it’s all about!

NORTHWEST WINES: Bin 41 in The Junction has “Northwest Medley” for its Friday night tasting theme tonight, 6-7:30 pm, including “a new Albarino and Tempranillo from WA, a Syrah from two collaborating Walla Walla winemakers, a delicious Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Oregon…(and) a Zinfandel from CA.”

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL BIG BAND DANCE: 7 pm in the WSHS commons, with the WSHS Band and the West Seattle Big Band, 3000 California SW. Details here.

(Photo by Machel Spence)
UPDATE: Six highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, where you will find even more for today/tonight:

WINE TASTING: Try student-produced (and select alumni-produced) wines free at the Northwest Wine Academy on the campus of South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), 1-4 pm. Find out more here.

I-90 TOLLING MEETING IN SEATTLE: Third and final open house this week with a chance to comment on the proposed I-90 bridge tolling, and it’s the only one in Seattle, 4-7 pm at Yesler Community Center (917 E. Yesler Way).

‘CABARET DINNER’ AT SENIOR CENTER: 5:30 pm, dinner and entertainment at the Senior Center of West Seattle (Oregon/California in The Junction) – details here.

K-5 STEM AT BOREN OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-7:30 pm, interested families are invited to visit the school, 5950 Delridge Way SW.

(added) WEST SEATTLE MONTESSORI OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8 pm at 11215 15th SW, West Seattle Montessori/West Seattle Academy (WSB sponsor), pre-K through 8th grade, invites interested families to its open house..

‘SHIRLEY VALENTINE’ … continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) – “the story of a woman in her 40s, stuck in a rut, unsure of how to get her groove back.” 7:30 pm, ticket info and other details here.

Quick highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

I-90 TOLL? OPEN HOUSE #2: Second of three open houses this week regarding proposed tolls on I-90 to help pay for the new 520 bridge (among other things). 4-7 pm, Bellevue City Hall – map/info here (the closest one to WS is tomorrow at Yesler Community Center).

FREE JOB-SEARCH ADVICE: A new free series of workshops starts at 4:30 pm at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), with “Online Job Search Basics” featured tonight.

WINE TASTING: Taste Siren Song Wines (WSB sponsor) tonight at The Cask in The Admiral District, 6-9 pm – details here.

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: West Seattle High School‘s girls team hosts Eastside Catholic at 7:30 pm.

‘SHIRLEY VALENTINE’: Week 2 begins for ArtsWest‘s latest production. Curtain time is 7:30 pm; ticket info’s in our calendar listing.

(Bewick’s wren, photographed by Danny McMillin and shared via the WSB Flickr group)
The prospect of tolls on the I-90 bridge have been a hot topic since we mentioned this week’s series of open houses – none in West Seattle, but maybe one is convenient to your workplace; they start tonight. That’s part of the list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CO-WORKING MEETUP: Every Tuesday, noon-1 pm, at Uptown Espresso in The Junction until West Seattle Office Junction has a permanent location, they host a co-working meetup “to connect small business owners with each other.”

I-90 TOLLS? FIRST ROUND OF COMMENTING: None are in West Seattle, but they’re of high interest, and WSDOT is advertising them on WSB – three WSDOT open houses this week as they embark on the “environmental assessment” of potential I-90 bridge tolling – in this context, “environmental” includes a wide range of effects, not just “ecological.” Tonight’s open house is 4-7 pm on Mercer Island; details (and a map) here.

BEER TASTING: Elliott Bay Brewing in The Junction starts its “Ode to Darkness” tasting at 3 pm, with the brewer on hand 5-6 pm for questions. Details in our calendar listing.

DREAM DINNERS OPEN HOUSE: Located in The Junction, West Seattle’s Dream Dinners (WSB sponsor) is the answer to the question “what’s for dinner?” and you can check it out at 5:30 pm – RSVP requested; details in our calendar listing.

LIFE-SAVING DISCUSSION: ***6 pm*** at High Point Library (35th/Raymond), teen librarian Ken Gollersrud and the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA present information about teen depression and suicide prevention – information that could save someone’s life. Details here.

And lots more – check the calendar, for today/tonight and way beyond!

Thanks to David Hutchinson for the Friday evening photo from Duwamish Head. Before we get into today’s preview – David sent it along with this question:

Maybe someone can tell me where all the gulls go at twilight? My wife & I frequently see dozens of them heading past Duwamish Head traveling west toward Bainbridge Island. Reminds us a little of the bat flights out of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.

Got the answer? Please post it in the comment zone – thanks! (Or you can e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com and we’ll share it.) Now, what’s up for today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MONTHLY LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING: Support for breastfeeding moms, wherever they are on the journey from expectant to weaning, 10:30 am on fourth Mondays at the WSUU church, 7141 California SW.

WSHS BASKETBALL: West Seattle High School‘s teams host Seattle Prep tonight, and boys’ head coach Keffrey Fazio posted this on the WSB Facebook page:

The West Seattle HS Basketball program is doing a “BLACKOUT” the gym night (tonight) at 6 pm. The boys and girls varsity teams host Seattle Prep. There will be prizes and give-aways all night! Boys at 615 pm, and girls at 8 pm. Adults $6, kids $4. Wear your BLACK and come support your Wildcats!

HEALTHY GROCERIES FOR DELRIDGE: A co-op grocery store is getting closer to reality, but the Delridge Produce Cooperative (whose project is no longer just about “produce”) still needs time and talent from anyone interested in helping. The monthly meeting is at 6:30 pm tonight, Delridge Library – details here.

‘ON STAGE’ CONVERSATION AT ARTSWEST: The artistic process behind the new ArtsWest production “Shirley Valentine” is explored in this free conversation at the theater tonight, 7:30 pm – details here.

NIGHTLIFE – TRIVIA/QUIZ NIGHT! Three West Seattle venues have trivia/quiz nights on the calendar – OutWest Bar at 7:30 pm, Christo’s on Alki also at 7:30 pm, and Shadowland has pub-quiz night at 8 pm.

INTERESTED IN BEING A SOFTBALL UMPIRE? One more mention of this story we published a few weeks back – because it’s training time. The West Seattleite who is now umpire-in-chief for the region put out the recruiting call, with softball season approaching.

(Photo by Ilona Berzups, titled “Seagull, exit stage right,” shared via WSB Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – highlights for today/tonight:

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 9 am-1 pm, tour OLG‘s preschool-8th grade school at 34th/Myrtle, details here.

AUTHOR SPEAKS AT TU B’SHVAT BRUNCH: West Seattle Torah Learning Center hosts Israeli author Doron Kornbluth at 10 am brunch marking the nature-oriented holiday; details and RSVP info in the calendar listing.

HOME DESIGN AND REMODEL FAIR: Not in West Seattle, but lots of West Seattle participation at the Phinney Neighborhood Association‘s famous Home Design and Remodel Fair, 10 am-4 pm, including WSB sponsors Ventana Construction, Ncompass, and WEdesign – 6532 Phinney Avenue N.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Go see what’s fresh this week, 44th/Alaska, 10 am-2 pm.

HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10:15 am to 2 pm, tour HRS, with 8th graders as your guides. 42nd/Oregon.

MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN ADMIRAL: 11 am-10 pm, the party’s at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (WSB sponsor; 2620 California SW), including free yogurt 11 am-1 pm, free birthday cake at 7 pm, and a full schedule of fun inbetween/during/after – it’s all listed here.

A CHILD BECOMES PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: The preschool located at Admiral Congregational Church (4320 SW Hill) welcomes visitors 2 pm-4 pm today.

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: A rare Sunday meeting for the club – and it’s freestyle; the recipe theme for you to make and bring something is “Anything Goes.” 3 pm, Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW).

‘SHIRLEY VALENTINE’ MATINEE: First weekend for the newest production at ArtsWest in The Junction, and first matinee today – 3 pm. You can get your ticket/s online.

JAZZ TRIO AT LOCOL: 7:30 pm, Chad McCullough on trumpet, Matt Weiner on bass, Eric Eagle on drums. Never been to Löcol? Map and details here.

Even more for today/tonight, on the calendar!

(Spotted off Alki on Friday by John Hinkey)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today/tonight:

SOUTHWEST SEATTLE SUPER STRING SATURDAY: Today’s the day, 10 am-1 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), including a free 10:30 am mini-concert – everyone’s invited! – by musicians of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is presenting this event, and coaching for young musicians who are part of SYSO’s local school programs. (WSB is a media sponsor of this event.)

STORYTIMES: At 11 am, Barnes and Noble at Westwood Village, Melissa says, “Skippyjon Jones will be hanging out with us! Everyone’s favorite chihuahua wannabe will be there to shake paws and make friends while we read his stories!” … And at 11:30 am, it’s Vietnamese storytime at Delridge Library (Delridge south of Brandon) – details here.

OVERWHELMED BY DEBT? Come talk about it in a conversation sponsored by Occupy West Seattle, noon at Dubsea Coffee (8th SW in Greenbridge, just south of Roxbury), details here.

OPEN HOUSE: Bright Beginnings preschool at Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW) welcomes interested families today, 1-3 pm.

JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: 5 pm tonight, the West Seattle-founded Derby Brats’ Galaxy Girls – one of the top junior derby teams in the world – host another top team, the Portland Rosebuds, at Southgate Roller Rink; details here.

DAUGHTERS OF THE DEAD SEA AT SKYLARK: The West Seattle band headlines tonight’s slate at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm.

Much more for today/tonight on the calendar!

(Ducks on Longfellow Creek, by Flickr member old desolate, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Got your ducks in a row for today/tonight? Some of the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: 10 am-2 pm at Daystar (2615 SW Barton) – here’s the lineup for today’s meeting, which you’re welcome to join, even if you’re not a member.

RAINBOW BINGO: Didn’t get enough “Ugly Sweater” excitement during the holidays? It’s the theme for tonight’s Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor). Doors open at 6 pm if you’re interested in buying dinner; 7 pm, bingo. Details here – including how to call to be sure there’s still room!

PATSY CLINE TRIBUTE: 8 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), with David Duvall and Meg McLynn – details here, including reservation info.

SWEET SWEET MUSIC: 8 pm tonight at Fauntleroy Church’s Fellowship Hall (after the farewell dinner for longtime Pastor David Kratz) – details here.

LOTS MORE NIGHTLIFE ON THE CALENDAR: Listings for Skylark, The Cask, Benbow Room (Tiki Night!), C & P Coffee … find them all here.

In the absence of our regular daily preview, here are four events happening TONIGHT that might be of interest:

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE SIGN-UPS: If you would rather sign up in person than online, you’re welcome at the West Seattle High School library (3000 California SW) tonight, 6-8 pm – more info here.

THE WHALE TRAIL PRESENTS WHALE TALES: Orca researcher Mark Sears helps The Whale Trail kick off a winter series of speakers/events, 6:30 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW), with Seal Sitters and “Diver Laura” James from tox-ick.org on hand too – online registration is over so get there early to see if there’s room ($5 donation).

THE ART OF SOUP: Just found out from Krystal Kelley at Mind Unwind that Freshy’s proprietor and legendary soupmaker Amber is back from maternity leave and teaching the class for the first time tonight, 6:30 pm at M/U (2206 California SW), with a few spots still open! $50 includes food, wine, and recipes.

THE BIRDS, THE BEES, & KIDS: Got a kid who’s “that age” and looking for helpful advice on broaching The Subject? Amy Lang tackles the topic (how to talk to kids about love and healthy relationships, not just the s-e-x part) at Concord International School (723 S. Concord) in South Park at 6:30 tonight, presented by the Concord PTA. All welcome; Spanish translation available.

And of course there’s more on the calendar …

(Great blue heron photographed at Alki Point by Yuri Levchenko, shared via WSB Flickr group)
Before we get further into the day – nine notes for tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – starting with two that affect WS but are happening outside our area:

SCHOOL BOARD (ETC.): Tonight the board finalizes the Capacity Management plan for next year; before the board meeting, opponents of MAP testing plan a rally outside district HQ in SODO. That’s at 4; the board meeting’s at 4:15 – updated agenda here (including details on the transportation plan for next year, which you can see here).

REAL TALK FOR GIRLS: Young women 12-19 are welcome at 5:30 pm at Southwest Teen Life Center to talk about what’s on their minds (2801 SW Thistle).

OPPORTUNITY FUND PRESENTATIONS: The Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee (chaired by West Seattleite Pete Spalding) listens tonight to presentations by those who’ve applied for the second round of grants from the levy’s Opportunity Fund. While city staff has ranked Genesee Hill and South Park projects highest for this region, that’s just part of what the committee takes into account, and now is the time for applicants to make their case; eventually, the City Council has to give its blessing. This is the first of two events for presentations, and the closest one to West Seattle – it’s at South Shore Middle School (4800 S. Henderson; here’s a map), 6-9 pm, starting with an open house.

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm tonight at Highland Park Improvement Club (or come early for the 6:30 pm potluck), 12th/Holden. Agenda includes talking with Seattle Parks about the possibility of more trees for Riverview Park, an update on the raingarden coming to HPIC, and a call for “ideas on what you think could improve Highland Park.” Plus – leadership nominations!

POEMS AND STORIES: The monthly poetry/storytelling night at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW), 7 pm – more info here.

BASKETBALL – WSHS @ CSIHS, NIGHT 2: Tonight, the Wildcats and Seahawks’ girls teams face off in the Chief Sealth International High School gym (2600 SW Thistle) – 5:45 JV, 7:30 pm varsity.

OPENING NIGHT FOR ‘SHIRLEY VALENTINE’: The new production at ArtsWest debuts tonight, 7:30 pm, details here.

JAZZ AT DUOS LOUNGE: The new beverage/food spot on Avalon Way in Luna Park is starting jazz music on Wednesday nights – 8 pm, the Triangular Jazztets perform.

TALARICO’S TRIVIA: New addition to our calendar – though not a new addition to the West Seattle nightlife scene! Phil Tavel e-mailed WSB to point out that he has been doing trivia at Talarico’s every Wednesday night for five years, 8:30 till 10 (or a little beyond) – says he hasn’t missed a week, even in snow! $2 person, no maximum or minimum team size, “cash prices to the top 3 teams and bottles of champagne for the bottom three teams.”

Just like the third-eyelid-sporting crow photographed at Jack Block Park by David Hutchinson, the busy schedule in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar has a totally no-nonsense look for today/tonight. Some of what’s on the schedule:

NOTES FROM THE JOB SEARCH: Yes, this networking group is still meeting – if you are new to the job-search world and looking for support, check it out, 11 am at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW).

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE LUNCH MEETING: Jazz writer Paul de Barros is this week’s guest speaker. Interested in checking out the West Seattle Rotary? You’re welcome to attend – noon at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor).

BASKETBALL – WSHS BOYS VISIT SEALTH: Junior varsity at 5:45, varsity at 7:30, as Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) hosts West Seattle High School for two basketball games tonight (the girls play there tomorrow).

BLOCKWATCH CAPTAINS’ NETWORK: You don’t have to be a Block Watch captain to come to this neighborhood-to-neighborhood crime-prevention-support (and more) meeting. On the agenda tonight, they’ll get a re-introduction from recently returned Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Joe Kessler, and they’ll talk about home-security cameras. 6:30 pm at the precinct (Delridge/Webster).

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE’S ANNUAL MEETING: New board members, a 2012 recap, and a new community grant opportunity are part of what’s on the agenda at 7 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon) – all welcome, members or not! Full details on the SWS website.

DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR NEW SCHOOL: See how the potential designs for the new Schmitz Park Elementary at Genesee Hill are evolving, presented by the architects and district at 7 pm at the current SP Elementary (5000 SW Spokane).

PESTICIDES AND FOOD: Public Health Café discussion tonight at Chaco Canyon Organic Café (38th and Alaska), 7 pm – details in our calendar listing.

SOCIAL CHANGE RE: MENTAL HEALTH … is the topic of a community discussion at 7 pm @ Hope Lutheran Church (42nd/Oregon). Details in our preview.

NIGHTLIFE … Live music at Löcol and OutWest, trivia at Feedback Lounge, karaoke at Skylark, singer/songwriter showcase at Shadowland – all listed on the calendar with full details.

Gary Jones‘ Alki Point photos (see two more in the series, further down in this report) remind us there is a sun out there somewhere. Might reappear later – or tomorrow. Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more of what’s up today/tonight):

SCANNING YOUR PHOTOS: 9 am class at Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon) this morning – call 206-932-4044 to see if there’s still room.

WEST SIDE MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): The group in its 25th year meets 1st and 3rd Fridays at West Side Presbyterian Church, 9:30 pm; details in our calendar listing.

INFORMAL GATHERING TO REMEMBER JERRY CEIS: First of at least three gatherings planned by friends – this one’s at 5:30 pm at Christo’s on Alki. (The other two, so far, are at 3 pm January 27th at the Chelan Café and then another at Christo’s at 6:30 pm February 5th.)

‘BOBCAT BOB’ AT C & P: Tonight’s live music around West Seattle starts with Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice, 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW).

RESTORATIVE YOGA: Milo Minnis leads Restorative Yoga at 6:30 pm to get you ready for the weekend (and you don’t have to be a yoga expert, Milo notes), Sound Yoga (WSB sponsor; 5639 California SW).

SKATE NIGHT AT ALKI COMMUNITY CENTER: 6:45 pm, the weekly tradition continues. Details here.

BAD YEAR FOR TOMATOES: Last night for the student-directed production at West Seattle High School, 7:30 pm (details here).

(Thanks again to Gary Jones for the three wonderful eagle-vs.-the-world photos from Alki Point)

(Water Taxi this morning, and the invisible skyline – by Lise Thivierge)
Seven highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LITTLE PEPPERS: 10 am at West Seattle Bright Horizons, the winter session starts. Little Peppers is for families with two children under 3 years of age – as explained in the calendar listing.

FABIO AT METROPOLITAN MARKET: The iconic model is now in the wellness business, and will be at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral 4-7 pm today to demonstrate his Healthy Planet Nutrition products. Find out more in our calendar listing.

FREE WINE TASTING: 5:30-8 pm, this week’s free tasting at West Seattle Cellars features Italian wines. (6026 California SW)

SCHOOL-LEVIES BRIEFING: The Arbor Heights Elementary PTSA will hear tonight from a Schools First rep about the levies on next month’s ballot, including BEX IV, which includes the money to build a brand-new AH school. 6 pm, AH Elementary cafeteria (37th/104th).

BALANCING HIGH-SCHOOL ENROLLMENT: Tonight West Seattle High School‘s PTSA talks with district officials about enrollment equity – how to fix the policies that have left their school with room for hundreds, while others overflow. 7 pm, WSHS library (3000 California SW).

ALSO AT WSHS – ‘A BAD YEAR FOR TOMATOES’: This year’s student-directed play will be performed again tonight in the WSHS Theater, 7:30 pm, directed by Jo Clark. Details in our calendar listing and on the Westside Drama website.

DENNY/SEALTH ORCHESTRA/CHORUS CONCERT: The adjacent schools’ orchestral and choral musicians perform their free winter concert tonight at 7 in the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium (2600 SW Thistle).

Check the calendar for even more of what’s happening today/tonight!

Got some texts about an unpleasant scent in the air in the Highland Park area. The Seattle Fire Department got calls too about a “chemical odor,” and Engine 37 was briefly logged to a call checking it out in the 11th/Kenyon area – but SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore says they couldn’t find the source.

(Frost in the greenspace by Pathfinder K-8, by Flickr member Chroni, shared via WSB Flickr group)
Five highlights for tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (for traffic alerts, see our daily roundup):

WINE TASTING AT THE CASK: 6-9 pm with Yakima Valley winemaker Mark Wysling. (2350 California SW)

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: Busy agenda for DNDC, 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), including an update on the Delridge repaving project as its first week concludes, an update on the Bicycle Master Plan, and presentations about contenders for Neighborhood Street Fund grants, seeking endorsements from the district council. Full agenda is in the calendar listing. All welcome.

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Also a busy agenda for the quarterly meeting of Morgan Junction’s community council, 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor). Topics include the Bicycle Master Plan (you’ll recall a plan for a bike lane on Morgan was tabled last year), an update on the Lowman Beach sewer-overflow-control project, and a lot more – see the highlights in our calendar listing. All welcome.

SPACE-CLEARING WORKSHOP: Free 7 pm workshop at Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW) with Robyn M. Fritz from Alchemy West – details here.

STUDENT-DIRECTED PLAY AT WSHS: “A Bad Year for Tomatoes” is this year’s student-directed play at West Seattle High School, and tonight is opening night, 7:30 pm in the WSHS Theater, directed by Jo Clark. Details in our calendar listing and on the Westside Drama website.

(New platform off 3000 block of Alki; Jason shared the photo of its first known visitors)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more of what’s up today/tonight):

DROP-IN CHESS FOR KIDS/TEENS: Starts at 4 pm, High Point Library (35th/Raymond).

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: Young or not-so-young musician? You can show up and join! The WSCO‘s various groups rehearse at various start times, 5:30 pm and onward, on Tuesday nights at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION: While the league is now offering online signups, tonight is the first of two in-person-registration events, 6-8 pm at the West Seattle High School Library (3000 California SW). Details in the calendar listing.

NIGHT HIKE IN SCHMITZ PARK FOREST: Take advantage of the dry weather by taking a nighttime hike with naturalist Stewart Wechsler. Tonight, the ancient forest of Schmitz Park, 6:30 pm, details here.

K-5 STEM’S FUTURE: The K-5 STEM at Boren PTA meets tonight, with the school’s future permanent campus – not yet decided by the district – a topic of discussion. Seattle Public Schools’ Southwest Region Executive Director of Schools Carmela Dellino and School Board rep Marty McLaren are expected to be there. 7 pm, cafeteria.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Crime concerns in your neighborhood? Question for police? Want to hear about what they’re seeing in crime trends? The citizen-volunteer-led WSCPC has its first meeting of 2013 at 7 pm tonight, Southwest Precinct meeting room (Delridge/Webster).

ALAUDA BELLY-DANCING SHOWCASE: The monthly event at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW) is tonight, 7:30 pm.

Thanks to Mark Wangerin for the photo of sanderlings in flight. We’re flying right into a busy week – it’s already been a busy morning – so before things get too much further along, here are highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC-ALERT REMINDER – OVERNIGHT 99 CLOSURE: One more reminder, southbound Highway 99 between the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge will close overnight for each of the next four nights (and again Monday-Thursday nights each of the following two weeks) for work on the new SODO overpass, 10 pm-5 am. For other traffic alerts, planned and unplanned, check the daily traffic/transit tracker here on WSB (the link is always atop the BIG STORIES list on the sidebar).

STATE LEGISLATURE: Not happening in West Seattle, but the Legislature’s 2013 regular session starts today, and we thought that would be a good occasion to remind you who your legislators are and how to contact them:
Sen. Sharon Nelson – contact info here
Rep. Eileen Cody – contact info here
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon – contact info here

WEST SEATTLE PRESCHOOL FAIR: The 4th annual WS Preschool Fair is happening at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (California/Spokane, just south of West Seattle High School) 5:30-7:30 pm. Free to families who want to find out about local preschools; children welcome to come along.

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Everyone’s welcome at the NDNC’s regular monthly meeting, 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). Our preview is part of this story published last night.

Something to add to the WSB calendar? Please e-mail us – at least a week in advance, please, and include all information in the text of the e-mail, NOT in an attachment – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

(Sorry, no “seahawk” photos available, but this bald eagle photographed at Alki Point by Danny McMillin seems to be in the appropriate spirit)
Happy Sunday! We know rooting for the Seahawks in their division-title game against Atlanta is at the top of most lists. So, first, here’s our updated list of who told us they’re open early for game-watching and/or early food takeout/delivery:

Pioneer Coffee
Christo’s On Alki
The Bridge
West Seattle Eagles
Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor)
Beer Junction
Elliott Bay Brewing
Beveridge Place Pub
OutWest Bar
Zeeks Pizza (WSB sponsor)
Mac’s Triangle Pub
Pegasus Pizza
Alki Tavern

For the specific times – and other details (specials, etc.) if the venue shared that info – check out each listing on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. (If you don’t usually use the calendar page – mouse over the right side of any line to show a “plus” sign on which you can click; that opens a preview, with a “read more” link if you want to see the listing’s full page, usually including address, map, and more.) Any place missing? Please add it in the comments.

Other highlights today:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always, 44th/Alaska in The Junction.

MEET THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: At the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), noon-4 pm today, it’s a chance to meet and hear from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s new executive director Clay Eals. Just drop in – or make plans to be there at 2 pm for the program. Details here.

DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE ANNIVERSARY: The Duwamish Tribe‘s longhouse at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW celebrates its fourth anniversary 1-4 pm today, including refreshments and a free concert from 2-3 pm by Northwest Native flutist & storyteller Paul Cheoketen Wagner. The Longhouse’s message: “Support the ancestors — donations in support of the continuing operation of the Longhouse are always welcome.”

HIGH POINT LIBRARY ‘SUNDAYS ARE SPECIAL’ CELEBRATION: If you missed the news last week, all Seattle Public Library branches are now open Sunday afternoons, thanks to funding from the library levy passed by voters last year. And each of the newly reopened-on-Sunday libraries will celebrate that status sometime over the next few months; 2-3:30 pm today, visit the High Point Library (35th/Raymond) to join in the “Sundays Are Special” event (detailed here).

ROBB BENSON AT SKYLARK: All-ages live music, starting at 3 pm, Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way).

LOTEM NAMLING AT KENYON HALL: Tibetan storytelling, musician, and activist Loten Namling performs at 6 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW). Here’s our preview from when his tour stop here was announced.

WEST SEATTLEITES PERFORM WITH GARFIELD JAZZ: 7 pm, the Garfield High School Jazz musicians – including West Seattleites – are in concert, but note it’s a different location from the original announcement – now at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center. There’s a map in our calendar listing.

(Thanks to Tony for sharing the photo – Anna’s hummingbird, 41st/Dawson area)
With the big Seahawks game tomorrow, we know many minds may already have turned to Sunday. But don’t look past this big slate of highlights for Saturday. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (and ongoing traffic coverage):

TRAFFIC ALERTS THIS WEEKEND: The I-5/Spokane St. Interchange Bridge Repair project continues – this weekend’s closure, till 5 am Monday, involves ONLY the Columbian Way ramps from Beacon Hill to the West Seattle Bridge and 6th Avenue. Also, remember that the first phase of the Delridge Way repaving project means southbound Delridge is closed (for about two months) between Trenton and Henderson, with a few other effects.

FOOD DRIVE: Till 1 pm today, a food drive organized by Gay For Good Seattle is happening at PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor; California/Stevens).

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: At The Cove School, 9:30-11 am, details here.

SCHOOL BOARD REP’S COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: Something to ask West Seattle’s school board rep Marty McLaren? She’s at the Delridge Library 10:15-12:15 for a community conversation.

GRETCHEN’S GRAINS DEMO: The West Seattleite who’s trying to make it easier to cook with whole grains is doing a demonstration at 11 am at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor, California/Fauntleroy/Morgan).

OVERWHELMED BY DEBT? Occupy West Seattle is sponsoring community conversations about debt, starting with one at 2 pm today at Salvadorean Bakery (south side of Roxbury just west of 17th).

NATURE WALK AT CAMP LONG: West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler will lead interested walkers through Camp Long to check out salamanders, edible nettles, and more, 3:30 pm – details here.

1ST ANNUAL LINDA CRANK MEMORIAL DINNER: 5-7:30 pm at the West Seattle Eagles‘ HQ, with a menu including homemade smoked lasagna – details in the calendar listing.

CHIEF SEALTH-NANKAI FRIENDSHIP BASKETBALL GAME: Huge international sports and cultural event tonight at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium – the visiting girls’ basketball team of Nankai (China) vs. the Sealth girls, plus a lion dance, mayoral appearance, and more. It all begins at 6 pm; tickets available only at the door – details here.

FROM LIVE MUSIC TO THE CANDYLANDIA DANCE PARTY … tonight’s nightlife is all on the calendar – click the right-side plus sign in any line on the calendar (and then “read more,” if you need to) for details on each individual entry.

FAUNTLEROY CHILI COOK-OFF: 6:30 tonight, it’s on! And you’re invited to come taste, Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – info here.

PERSONAL SIDE NOTE: NEED AN ICE SCRAPER? We mentioned the WSB-branded ice scrapers (given away at two festivals last fall) this morning on the WSB Facebook page and a couple people asked how to get one. That inspired us to make our remaining stock available tonight at Skylark Café and Club, 6-9 pm, during an event we hadn’t publicized here otherwise because it’s sort of personal and WSB is about you, not us … the young artist in our family is having a silent auction to raise $ for the production of a one-man play. Maybe you’ll be out and about anyway; stop by Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW) any time between 6-9 if so. First come, first serve for a scraper, while supplies last. (The donated auction items are pretty cool too – signed books by local authors and a few other things including a Full Tilt Ice Cream certificate, Hotwire Coffee card, Skylark swag …)

That’s one of the temporary stop signs on Barton by Westwood Village – related to the detours that are now in place for southbound Delridge traffic between Henderson and Trenton, because of the Delridge repaving project. As a note we received this morning reminds us, it might catch you by surprise if you don’t live or routinely drive along that section of Delridge and so haven’t been paying attention to our ongoing coverage. This is day two of what will be a yearlong project in five phases – Phase 1 will take about two months. Our daily highlights include another traffic alert:

I-5/SPOKANE INTERCHANGE BRIDGE REPAIR, WEEKEND 2: This is a state project, and includes different closures on ramps around the interchange for most weekends over the next few months. This weekend, you will NOT be affected unless you are trying to get to the West Seattle Bridge from Beacon Hill – the Columbian Way ramps to the bridge and to 6th Avenue will be closed, 10 tonight till 5 am Monday. Our update from earlier this week includes a link to this weekend’s revised detour map.

BEEDA AT C & P: Guitarist Beeda, from L.A., performs tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm.

ROVING REPTILE MAN: He’s at Alki Community Center tonight at 6:30 pm – details here.

DUETS AT KENYON HALL: Anne Jones and Paul Klein at 7:30 pm, in the historic hall at 7904 35th SW. Details in our calendar listing.

THREE BANDS AT SKYLARK CAFE AND CLUB: Tonight at 8 pm, Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW) presents Static Producer, Sterling Witt, and Dead Language.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CASK: Tonight at The Cask in The Admiral District, it’s Katie Voss, live at 8 pm.

NIGHTTIME LOW-TIDE WALK: The weather will be cold but should be dry for this – low tide is almost -3 late tonight, and that’s low enough for great exploring. Join Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists at 8:30 pm, Constellation Park – details in our calendar listing.

JONNY SMOKES AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: 9:30 pm, check out his one-man show at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW).

Even more of what’s up tonight can be found on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

In case you didn’t see that photo last night on the WSB Facebook page, we wanted to share it here too – Kevin Schafer sent the first otter-sighting photo in a while, from right in the heart of the beach business district. Meantime, a quick reminder about five major events tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 6-9 pm tonight, from Alki to Gatewood! Two dozen venues are participating this time around – here’s the winter-quarter walking map, and here’s the official website, with previews from many venues.

DESC ADVISORY COMMITTEE TONIGHT: Construction is under way for the 66-unit homeless-housing building in the 5400 block of Delridge Way SW, but there are still issues to discuss and decisions to make, long before it is completed and opened. Tonight is another chance for community members to come hear updates and ask questions at the Advisory Committee‘s meeting – 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – here’s the agenda.

NEW GENESEE HILL SCHOOL’S DESIGN: The Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council meets tonight at Schmitz Park Elementary for a look at the “initial conceptual design” of the new school planned for the Genesee Hill Elementary site. 7 pm, 5000 SW Spokane, details on the GSNC website.

BENEFIT FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: Chief Sealth students Chloe and Tia are organizing a student variety show at 7 pm tonight at Youngstown (4408 Delridge SW) as their senior project, benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital. Details in our preview from earlier this morning.

JUNCTION FLATS DESIGN REVIEW: 8 pm tonight at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon), Junction Flats – a 71-apartment project proposed for 4433 42nd SW – gets its first review. See our preview from last night, which now includes a link to the design “packet,” which the city didn’t post online until this morning.

EVEN MORE OF WHAT’S UP TODAY/TONIGHT … including live music and wine tastings tonight … on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.