(Lincoln Park & Colman Pool – photo by Long Bach Nguyen; click image for larger view)
Welcome to Friday! A few things of note for today/tonight:

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET VOTES: If there’s anything you’re watching closely, keep an eye on the meeting that’s under way now (watch at seattlechannel.org). We spotted some items of interest on the agenda – including design money for improving the lower-bridge bike trail and construction/design money for the Delridge Neighborhood Greenway (they are on this budget sheet).

LAST DAY FOR COMMUNITY ART SHOWCASE: Have you seen the community-art show at Southwest Library yet? Today’s your last chance! The library at 35th and Henderson is open 10 am-6 pm today.

SPEAKING OF LIBRARIES – they’re closed Sunday for Veterans Day.

SPEAKING OF VETERANS DAY – USO BENEFIT TONIGHT: Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor; 2326 California SW) is hosting a benefit for the USO tonight, 7-10 pm, with “heavy appetizers,” beer/wine, games, and more. Admission is a $10 minimum donation. Full details in our calendar listing.

CHIEF SEALTH ‘PASSPORT TO EXCELLENCE’: They’re not selling tickets at the door, so this is just a reminder that if you have a ticket to the school’s annual fundraising dinner/auction, tonight’s the night, 6 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy.

‘LEND ME A TENOR,’ LAST CHANCE TO SEE IT! West Seattle High School‘s fall production will be performed one last time, 7:30 pm tonight at the WSHS Theater – details on the Westside Drama website.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT – 5 venues! The listings are all on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar list for today’s date – click the “plus” sign on the right side of any calendar line to expand that listing, and then “read more” for even more info, as well as a map to the venue.

(Great blue heron, photographed by Russ Walker, shared via the WSB Flickr pool)
Highlights for today/tonight:

ELECTION RESULTS: The next major update will be in the 4 pm hour today, when King County Elections will add another big batch of ballots to its totals. We’ll publish an update when that happens, and we’ll keep an eye on the major statewide races during the day in case any new totals emerge sooner. Our roundup of key races/issues is here.

SCHOOL BOARD’S BEX IV LEVY VOTE: The final vote on the $695 million plan that will go to voters next February is scheduled for the meeting that starts at 4:15 pm today at district HQ in SODO. Here’s the agenda. Public comment starts at 5; the BEX vote likely won’t be till after 6.

USO FUNDRAISER AT MERRILL GARDENS-WEST SEATTLE: 6 pm tonight, dinner, auction, and dancing to the Big Band sounds of Route 66 – all at Merrill Gardens-West Seattle (4611 35th SW; WSB sponsor). Tickets only $10; more info here.

DANCING AT THE SENIOR CENTER: Dance with Joe Ross and the Haggis Brothers Band, 6 pm tonight, Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon).

EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 tonight, Explorer West (WSB sponsor) welcomes prospective new families to tour the school, starting with a presentation at 6:30 pm (10015 28th Avenue SW).

KENNEDY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Also at 6:30 tonight, the major chance this fall for prospective students and families to learn about Kennedy HS (WSB sponsor) – full details on their website (140 S. 140th, Burien).

INTERESTED IN A WEST SEATTLE CO-WORKING SPACE? 7 pm tonight at Uptown Espresso in The Junction, the co-founders of the in-the-works WS Office Junction co-working space are having another meet-and-greet meeting. Here’s our story from Monday. If you’re interested, please RSVP.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL PTSA: All welcome to tonight’s meeting at 7 pm in the school library. Here are the details:

Please come to this important PTSA meeting. Christina Ruzzine, science teacher and WSHS activities director and Kris Green, YMCA after school activities coordinator will speak about the opportunities that WSHS offers for student leadership and enrichment, including ways to earn service learning hours. Get a school update from Principal Ruth Medsker and learn about a fabulous new resource for finding scholarships! It’s also a great time to drop off last minute auction donations.

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL TALKS MARIJUANA: As previewed in this WSB story, two City Councilmembers are scheduled to talk about the medical-marijuana-zoning proposal at SWDC’s monthly meeting tonight. Is it a moot point in light of the marijuana-legalization vote statewide? Be there to find out, 7 pm at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) board room (6000 16th SW).

‘LEND ME A TENOR’ AT WSHS: You have just a few more chances to see the West Seattle High School fall production, “Lend Me a Tenor” – starting tonight at 7:30 pm in the school theater. Details on the Westside Drama website.

More for tonight and beyond, on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar!

(Danny McMillin‘s photo of autumn leaves over Alki, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Not to scare you as we start the week, but – Thanksgiving is early this year, just 2 1/2 weeks away. So enjoy what remains of the not-too-holiday-crazed early part of November. Here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

ROXHILL CASTLE, DAY 4 – HELP STILL NEEDED! Two more days scheduled for construction of the Roxhill Castle play area, and while volunteers have made spectacular progress – see our weekend photos here and here – if you can spare even just a couple hours, their message: WE NEED YOU! Just show up any time between now and dusk-plus, 29th SW south of Barton (across from Westwood Village’s south side).

BALLOT DROP-OFF VAN, ELECTION-EVE EDITION: Still haven’t sent off your ballot? The dropoff van (featured here and here) is back along West Seattle Stadium‘s driveway (entrance off the east side of 35th SW, south of Avalon Way), 10 am-5 pm today (and 7 am-8 pm tomorrow).

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: The theme for what you’re supposed to cook and bring to today’s meeting, 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub – “make a dish using 3 of these ingredients – radicchio, garlic, pork, red beans, apples.” More info at the WSCC website.

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU MEETING: It’s a general meeting, and everyone’s welcome. As noted here earlier today, topics will include ideas for the 2013 float. (If you are looking to catch up on floats from recent years, you can browse through our archive of Hi-Yu coverage for the past five years.) The meeting’s at 6:30 pm, St. John the Baptist Church Hall, on Hanford just east of California.

SNAP CLASS – BE READY! The city’s Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare (SNAP) program brings one of its periodic free classes to West Seattle, 6:30 pm at Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon). After Superstorm Sandy and the B.C. quake in just the past few weeks, preparedness should be top of mind. (If you can’t make it – a great place to find preparedness info is westseattlebeprepared.org.)

FAMILY STORY TIME: At High Point Library (35th/Raymond), 7 pm.

More on our calendar!

You might just see that blue-house-on-wheels around West Seattle between noon-2 pm today. No, it is NOT on its way to a parade — here’s what it’s really all about. As for what else is up on a fairly quiet Sunday schedule, here are a few highlights:

YOU ‘FELL BACK,’ RIGHT? Just checking. At 2 am today, we “fell back” to 1 am, as Daylight-Saving Time ended for the year. This means an earlier sunrise and sunset today – you can always check those times on the WSB West Seattle Weather page, by the way.

BUILDING ROXHILL CASTLE, DAY THREE: Sometime today, the volunteers building the new playground at Roxhill Park (29th/Barton, just south of Westwood Village) should be halfway done. Even if you didn’t sign up in advance, you are welcome to show up and pitch in, starting around 8 am.

FARMERS’ MARKET BACK TO ITS USUAL SPOT: One week after last weekend’s wildly successful West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, you will find the WS Farmers’ Market back in its usual spot at 44th/Alaska today, 10 am-2 pm.

BALLOT DROPOFF VAN, DAY THREE: 10 am-5 pm, the county’s ballot-dropoff van will be back on the West Seattle Stadium driveway (turn east into the stadium from 35th SW just south of Avalon). Already sent your ballot? Use the Ballot Tracker to make sure it got to its destination.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: 3 Play Ricochet, 3-5 pm at C & P (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT SKYLARK CAFE: Wynne C Blue and Her Troublefakers, 3 pm (all ages), 3803 Delridge Way SW.

MUSIC NORTHWEST: At South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor)’s Olympic Recital Hall, it’s a Beethoven program with The Europa Ensemble. 3 pm – full details here.

FRIED CHICKEN SUPPER: Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW) is returning as a WSB sponsor to make sure you know they serve “family style” fried-chicken suppers on Sunday nights, 5 pm-10 pm … read about it here.

More options for today/tonight – and far beyond! – are on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar.

(Thanks to Karen Richter, one of two people who shared photos of that new artwork spotted on the beach at Lincoln Park)
Tonight’s the night; an extra hour of sleep, as 2 am becomes 1 am, with Daylight Saving Time coming to an end. In the meantime, here are some of the options for your Saturday morning, noon, and/or night:

ROXHILL CASTLE-BUILDING CONTINUES: At Roxhill Park, volunteers are working again today, into the evening, to build the new Roxhill Castle play structure. You are invited to drop by to join them; info’s at roxhillcastle.wordpress.com.

‘WHERE THE JOBS ARE’: Today’s the day for the workshop event – not a job fair – for veterans and older workers looking ahead in their careers, 9 am-1 pm at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor; 6000 16th SW).

BALLOT-DROPOFF VAN, DAY 2: Still have your ballot for Tuesday’s election? Fill it out and drop it off – no stamp needed! – at the King County Elections ballot-dropoff van, stationed again today 10 am-5 pm at West Seattle Stadium. (See our Friday story.)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM BOOK SALE: 10 am-3 pm, go check out the treasures on sale, and help the museum, which is a treasure itself. 61st/Stevens in Alki.

GREEN SEATTLE DAY: Two of West Seattle’s three sites for today’s mega-work-party still have room for help during the 10 am-2 pm volunteer-a-palooza to help some of the city’s greenspaces. Check the list here.

BUSINESS OPENING: Cloud City Skateboard Shop opens south of The Admiral District, 3270 California SW, in the former Island Tan space. Grand opening 11 am-9 pm.

BUSINESS BIRTHDAY: Stuffed Cakes is celebrating its first anniversary at 9003 35th SW, noon-3 pm, and you’re invited.

HIGH POINT NEIGHBORHOOD WALK: Head out with Feet First to see what’s behind the scenes in the design of the redeveloped High Point neighborhood – meet at 1 pm at the High Point Library (35th/Raymond).

WEST SEATTLE BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER: Poker, dinner, more! As previewed on WSB this week; starts at 4 pm at St. John the Baptist Church (next to WSHS).

‘EVENING TO DIE FOR’: Benefit for the Senior Center of West Seattle, 7 pm, Forest Lawn-Dignity Memorial (WSB sponsor; 6701 30th SW) – details here.

ANNUAL SOUSA BIRTHDAY BASH: A Kenyon Hall tradition – 7:30 pm tonight; info on the KH site.

‘LEND ME A TENOR’: 7:30 pm tonight, the third performance of West Seattle High School‘s fall production – details on the Westside Drama website. In the school theater (3000 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC: Various venues tonight – see the calendar (but please make note of the following, too) …

CALENDAR NOTE: Because of a software bug relating to tonight’s time change and the many time zones served by the software’s creators, a few calendar listings for tonight **only** are showing the wrong time – but we’ve put the CORRECT time in the headline (and in the text if you click through to the full listing). Please accept our apologies; all the other listings are just fine.

FALL BACK TONIGHT: As mentioned atop this roundup – 2 am will become 1 am, early Sunday morning. Early morning March 10, 2013, is when Daylight Saving Time will be back.

(Today’s sunrise; photo by Don Brubeck)
What a beautiful start to the day! Lots going on – here’s just part of it:

ROXHILL CASTLE: Time to build a playground! The rain has stopped in time for Roxhill Castle volunteers to get going at Roxhill Park. See the latest message for volunteers, here. They’re planning to work till 8 pm tonight – and then continuing tomorrow; you can show up and join in, too!

BALLOT-DROPOFF VAN: Haven’t sent in your ballot yet? Today is the first of five days with the King County Elections ballot-dropoff van staked out at West Seattle Stadium. Schedule’s in our calendar listing.

WINE TASTING #1: The Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) invites you to its tasting room 1-4 pm today (details here).

‘FIRST FRIDAY’ – HELP THE HELPLINE: The Rotary Club of West Seattle invites you to come hang out at The Cask in The Admiral District 5-7 pm and bring gently used coats, gloves, scarves to donate to the West Seattle Helpline – details here.

CORNER BAR AT HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: It’s the hottest ticket in town … first Friday of the month, 6 pm, HPIC turns into The Corner Bar. Dia de los Muertos is this month’s theme. 12th/Holden; be there!

BUTCHER-SHOP BASH, TO HELP WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK: ‘Meat the Live Butcher’ opens soon in South Delridge, and will cater a pre-grand-opening party tonight at the White Center Eagles’ HQ, as a benefit for White Center Food Bank. 6 pm; details here.

WINE TASTING #2: Bin 41 in The Junction, 6-7:30 pm, “Fall Favorites with Joelle.”

SIP AND SEW: A creative way to spend Friday night – with this class (21+ only) at West Seattle Fabric Company‘s new Stitch and Sew Studio north of Morgan Junction, 6 pm (more info here).

‘SWEET, SWEET MUSIC’: Tunes from stage and screen, tonight at Fauntleroy Church, 7:30 pm. Get the details here.

‘LEND ME A TENOR’ AT WSHS: Second show for the West Seattle High School Drama production of “Lend Me a Tenor,” 7:30 pm. Ticket information and more, here.

REMINDER ABOUT TOMORROW NIGHT’S TIME CHANGE: Saturday night/Sunday morning is “fall back” time – one hour. So when it’s 2 am Sunday, it’ll be 1 am Sunday.

But before then … more for today/tonight, on our calendar!

(Photo from Anchor (Luna) Park by Nakean Photography, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Welcome to November! LOTS of highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

HELP MAKE WEST SEATTLE AUTHOR A BESTSELLER, EVEN IF BRIEFLY: On Wednesday we wrote about writer Mike Hickey’s book “Counterclockwise” and the bid to get it purchased en masse, simultaneously, at exactly 11 am today. Details in yesterday’s WSB story.

HOLIDAY TASTING AT THRIFTWAY: Big event this afternoon/evening at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor; California/Fauntleroy) – lots of food/beverage demos for you to try as the holiday party season approaches. (Among them – Full Tilt Ice Cream!) 4-7 pm.

SLIME AND SCIENCE: At the West Seattle Library – event for kids, 4 pm today. Must preregister – details on that, and more on the event, can be found here.

HIGH-SCHOOL PLAYOFFS: Both West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School have postseason volleyball matches at 5:30 tonight at Sammamish High School – here’s the schedule, from our partners at The Seattle Times.

WINE TASTING #1: November Collector’s Club wines are the subject of tonight’s free tasting at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor; 6026 California SW).

SKELETON THEATRE: Missed it last night? Another chance tonight! 6-9 pm at 36th and Hanford. We’ll add a video clip from last night, in a bit (update – here it is):

The show’s explained here.

NETWORKING EVENT: For local business owners – as explained here:

I Take The Lead is a professional networking organization that builds referral groups to exchange qualified leads and build business alliances. Two guest speakers at tonight’s event, Kris Prochaska, author of “Life Well Spoken: Free Your Inner Voice and Prosper,” and Elizabeth Lee of Seattle Organizing Works. They start at 6:30; prize raffle at 7:30.
Location: Windermere Real Estate Office, 4526 California Ave SW., Seattle, WA
Thursday, November 1, 2012: 6:00 to 8:30 pm

WINE TASTING #2: West Seattleite-founded Northwest Hope and Healing, which helps breast-cancer patients, is collaborating tonight with West Seattle wine shop Bin 41 on a wine-tasting event: Women Winemakers of the Pacific Northwest, 6-8 pm at Columbia City Gallery. Says NWHH’s Shari Sewell, “We are featuring 5 women who are taking the WA and OR wine industry by storm and creating award-winning wines. Tickets are $40 which includes wine tasting, appetizers and some great conversation! All the funds raised Thursday night will go into the NW Hope & Healing Patient Assistance Fund to help women get through cancer by helping provide financial grants for every day basics.” Full details on the NWHH website.

‘LEND ME A TENOR’ OPENING NIGHT! 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW) – it’s the WSHS Drama fall production. Full details in our calendar listing.

MURRAY AID: Benefit tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW), 7 pm, to help Seattle beverage industry legend Murray Stenson with finances related to health issues. Details here.

FOOD DRIVE ‘COMPETITION’: LaFarge and Ash Grove have a friendly competition going for the next 20 days, according to Lashanna at LaFarge – a food drive, to see who can collect the most before Thanksgiving, to help neighbors in need. If you work at, or plan to visit, either plant, now’s the time to donate! They’re collecting nonperishable food, diapers, gift cards, and cash to donate to Northwest Harvest.

Also find nightlife listings and more, for tonight and beyond, on our calendar!

(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB – click image for larger view)
First, the weather: The National Weather Service has it down to one word – rain. Previously, we published the Halloween shout-out (see those activities for this afternoon/evening here) – and now, a few NON-Halloween highlights:

*Seattle Public Schools two-hour early-dismissal day

*Library events include ongoing Homework Help at Delridge & at High Point libraries at 4 pm, and Somali Story Time at HP at 5 pm

*Treehouse Lounge grand opening in The Admiral District

The full list for today and beyond is on our calendar (but if you’re looking for Halloween, THAT full list is on this special page).

(Monday rainbow, by Don Brubeck from West Seattle Bicycle Connections)
Not likely we’ll see rainbows today – the rain may be even heavier in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

TALK TO YOUR SCHOOL-BOARD MEMBER: West Seattle board rep Marty McLaren‘s next community-conversation meeting is 9:45 am today at Concord International Elementary School in South Park.

BREAST-CANCER-FIGHTING FUNDRAISER: Shop today at West Seattle Runner (California/Charlestown; WSB sponsor) and part of your purchase goes to fight breast cancer, via West Seattle’s own Team Tracy. The shop opens at 10 am. More info on this Facebook event page.

TODDLER PUMPKIN-PALOOZA: It’s a Halloween-time tradition at High Point Community Center – 10 am-noon. Pumpkin painting, carnival games, more ($5 admission).

TAKE A HIKE: Tot Trek – Happy Halloween Hike at Camp Long, 10:30 am – 11:45 am. Adults, explore the wonders of nature with your toddler. Join a Seattle volunteer naturalist for an exploration of some of the animals associated with Halloween. Be sure to wear your Halloween costume. No strollers, please. All children must be accompanied by an adult. One adult may accompany up to two children. $8 adult/child pair. $4 each additional person. Call 206-684-7435 ASAP to see if there’s still room!

OPEN HOUSE: Hope Lutheran School‘s middle-school open house is tonight – 42nd and Oregon, 6:30 pm.

‘SCARE NIGHT’ AT ADMIRAL THEATER: Two spooky (and then some) Halloween movies are being screened at the historic Admiral Theater tonight – “Night of the Living Dead” and John Carpenter’s “Halloween.” 6:45 pm and 8:50 pm – see the calendar page for listings on both.

More on the calendar – and, through tomorrow night, the WSB Halloween page!

(Photo of Longfellow Creek, by Laura James)
Fairly quiet day on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar and the WSB Halloween page … time to recover from weekend activities including the first-ever Harvest Festival (our coverage is here and here), but we have a few things:

DINE OUT TO HELP A SCHOOL: All day/night, Endolyne Joe’s in Fauntleroy will donate part of today’s proceeds to West Seattle’s new K-5 STEM school.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: The final deadline for voter registration is today – details on the King County Elections page.

FERRY DRILL: As mentioned here on Friday, an anti-terrorism drill is planned today on board a state ferry somewhere between Vashon and Edmonds – and if it happens to be off West Seattle shores at the time, you might notice unusual air/sea activity.

SPOOKY STORYTIME: 7 pm tonight at High Point Library (35th/Raymond), Halloween story time! Details here.

NIGHTLIFE: Pub quiz night at Shadowland, 8 pm … Flat Earth Society DJ’ing at West 5 features Jody McKane spinning tonight, 9 pm.

Check the calendar for a few more recurring events!

It’s finally here – the first-ever West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, 10 am-2 pm – click the map above for the printable PDF version! And we have a break in the rain, for the occasion. But before we get to on-the-scene coverage – a quick overview of the day:

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

(Market setup, photo taken about 8:40 am)
10 am-2 pm, West Seattle Farmers’ Market in the street (California SW)
10 am-2 pm, free fun activities presented by businesses and organizations
11:30 am, costume parade led by West Seattle High School Marching Band from Junction Plaza Park
12 pm-2 pm, business trick-or-treating
12 pm-2 pm, gently haunted house @ RE/MAX, 4727 44th SW

*Come see us, WestSide Baby, and West Seattle Bowl (“WSB x 3”) for pumpkin bowling and (while they last) ask for your free WSB ice scraper (winter preparedness!).

FREE YOGA: WSB sponsor SoundYoga sponsors free yoga every so often and today’s the day! 11 am (5639 California SW)

FALL WINE RELEASE: Stottle Winery (tasting room at 3400 Harbor SW, street level of ActivSpace) continues its fall wine-release event, noon-5:30 pm.

HALLOWEEN ‘TOXIC TERRORS’ BOAT TOUR: Might still be room – leaves Harbor Island Marina at 1 pm, gate C – details here.

WHITE CENTER BUSINESS TRICK-OR-TREATING: 2-6 pm at participating shops/restaurants in the business district.

HALLOWEEN DOG PHOTOS: Halloween photos of the dog(s) in your life, at The Wash Dog (WSB sponsor). FREE – you take the photo with your own camera; Wash Dog supplies the setting – hay bales, pumpkins, dog costumes to borrow (or bring your own).

LIVE MUSIC: Zarni performs at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW), 3-5 pm.

MARRIAGE-EQUALITY FUNDRAISER: 4-6 pm at OutWest Bar (California/Brandon) – details here.

DRUM TO CALL THE SALMON HOME: The yearly event at Fauntleroy Creek Overlook (SW Director and upper Fauntleroy, across and up the embankment from the ferry dock), 5 pm – bring whatever you want to call a drum (or just bring your voice for chants/songs – all ages welcome)! The coho are already showing up at the creek mouth.

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
Voting is a daily event through November 6th; thanks to Beth for the tip that friends were up waving Approve R-74 signs on the Fauntleroy walkover, to support marriage equality. Meantime, Hallo-weekend begins! From the WSB Halloween page AND our West Seattle Events Calendar:

ADMIRAL TREATS AND TREASURES: 3-6 pm, trick or treat in The Admiral District and then bring your treasure map to Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) to go for the treasure! Here’s the list of participants (and check that link for other details).

METROPOLITAN MARKET COSTUME CONTEST: Come by the Pumpkin Patch 3-6 pm today while you’re enjoying Admiral Treats and Treasures to enter the costume contest.

HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFFS: 5 pm tonight, Chief Sealth International High School plays two post-season games vs. Seattle Prep – one is girls’ soccer at the Ingraham High School field in North Seattle, the other is football at Memorial Stadium downtown. At 6 pm, Seattle Lutheran High School plays post-season volleyball against visiting Chief Leschi.

GLASS JELLYFISH DEMONSTRATION: 6-8 pm tonight at Avalon Glassworks with artist Justin Bagley – more info here.

HIGH POINT COMMUNITY CENTER FALL FESTIVAL: 6-8 pm tonight, for ages 3 and up – details and map, here.

HALLOWEEN CARNIVALS: Seattle Parks is also hosting Halloween Carnivals tonight – games, treats, and prizes, plus food for purchase. Costumes are encouraged but optional. Ages 12 and under; 25 cents per ticket:
*Hiawatha Community Center, 6-8 pm
*Delridge Community Center and South Park Community Center, 6:30-8 pm

HALLOWEEN FAMILY SWIM AND FALL CARNIVAL: Halloween Family Swim and Fall Carnival at Southwest Pool. The carnival is 25 cents per ticket and runs from 6-7:30 pm. There will be games, a penny dive, bobbing for apples, and other fun activities. The free Family Swim is from 7-8 pm. Bring the entire family! Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied in the water by an adult.

ALSO ON THE WSB HALLOWEEN PAGE: Costume contest parties tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) OutWest Bar, Bamboo – scroll down the page for details.

(Finally rainy enough for mushrooms! Lincoln Park photo by Machel Spence)
Before the day gets too much further along – a few calendar notes for this afternoon/evening:

NURSING/REHAB OPEN HOUSE: The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor) invites you to an open house at its newly updated Nursing/Rehab Unit – details here.

‘LITTLE ITALY’ DINNER: Enjoy Italian food, wine, and music at Merrill Gardens-West Seattle (WSB sponsor), 5-7 pm. Bring a non-perishable-food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. RSVP by calling 206-932-5480.

SOUND TRANSIT ROUTE 560 CHANGES: The “open house on a bus” is tonight, 5-7 pm – find out about the changes proposed for Route 560, the Sound Transit Express bus route that serves West Seattle. Look for the ST bus at 29th and Barton.

TASTE GERMAN WINES: West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor) will feature German wines during their regular free Thursday night wine tasting, 5:30-8 pm.

DESIGN REVIEW: The apartment/retail building planned for 9051 20th SW goes before the Southwest Design Review Board tonight for the third and possibly final time. See the “packet” here with what they’ll present. 6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle.

VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS: Chief Sealth International High School plays at 7:30 tonight in their gym (they’re hosting the tournament) – vs. either Eastside Catholic or Holy Names, depending on what happens earlier in the day.

SOUTH PARK HAUNTED HOUSE: The South Park Haunted House opens tonight from 7-8:30 pm, and is also open the next two nights from 7:30-9:30 pm at the South Park Community Center. Teens are free; all other ages, $2. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

WESTSIDE BURLESQUE REVUE: 9 pm at Skylark Café and Club, the monthly burlesque show.

More nightlife – among other things – on the calendar!

(Thanks to Lise for this morning’s view from Seacrest – fuzzy but we also like the Needle ‘halo’ she points out!)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

DROP-IN SUPPORT GROUP FOR NEW PARENTS: Early Days meets at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction every Wednesday, noon-2 pm. Details here.

BEX IV PUBLIC COMMENT: This is the last scheduled chance for public comment on the BEX IV levy before it goes to the School Board for a final vote Nov. 7th. Board members will listen (but not respond) to public comment, 4-5 pm at district HQ in SODO – sign up before the meeting (but they’ll take a finite number of speakers, at least 20). Here’s our preview story.

GRAND OPENING: The Technology Access Foundation‘s Bethaday Community Learning Space in White Center’s Lakewood Park is celebrating its grand opening, and you are invited to visit 5-8 pm tonight. Details here.

ART LENDING LIBRARY RETURNS! Tonight is one of its periodic checkout nights, and it’s back in West Seattle! 6 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – details here.

POETRY AND STORYTELLING: Larry Crist and Christine Marie Clarke are the featured readers tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, for the monthly stories/poems event, which includes open-mike time.

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: Monthly meeting at 7 pm, Highland Park Improvement Club at 12th and Holden.

More for today/tonight (and far beyond) on our ongoing calendar – and preview Halloween events for the next week-plus on the WSB Halloween page!

(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!