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.

(Bunny rabbit photographed at Jack Block Park by David Hutchinson)
Just a few things on the calendar for tonight:

SOUTHBOUND VIADUCT/99 CLOSED TONIGHT: 9 pm-5 am, as noted in our night-by-night list of this week’s traffic alerts (see the full list here).

STANDUP PADDLEBOARDING: Monday is “ladies’ night” at Alki Kayak Tours (at Seacrest, 1660 Harbor Ave.), starting at 6 pm.

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Meets tonight at 6:30 pm, continuing its tradition of outdoor summertime meetings, gathering this time at Dragonfly Pavilion. The agenda, including updates on this Saturday’s Delridge Day festival, is linked from our calendar listing.

NIGHTLIFE: Pub-quiz night at Shadowland in The Junction (California/Oregon), 8 pm. (Anything else we’re missing? editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)

(“Anything Goes” at 3 today! Photo by Ron Dugdale, courtesy Twelfth Night Productions)
And now the full list of what’s up today/tonight …

BIKE-DONATION DRIVE: Adult-size bikes that work, and bike parts, are welcome at PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) today 10 am-3 pm, for the Alaffia drive collecting bikes for Togo – info here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska, with summer fruit including peaches among today’s featured produce.

WEST SEATTLEITES TO ‘STAND WITH THE SISTERS’: A bus leaves Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s new Parish Life Center at 11 today (Myrtle/35th) to head across town to today’s rally in support of the nuns’ organization – explained here.

SOUTHWEST FAMILY FEST AND CAR SHOW: At and around Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle), music, food, kids’ activities, and a car show, 11 am-5 pm.

WEST SEATTLE ULTIMATE FAMILY FRISBEE: Today and every Sunday (watch their FB page in case of changes), 11 am at Fairmount Playfield, Fauntleroy and Brandon.

IS YOUR DOG A FUTURE COVER DOG? West Seattle-founded CityDog Magazine is back at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) today for its annual photo shoot to track down a future “cover dog,” noon-3 pm. $10 fee supports the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic.

FIRST MATINEE FOR ‘ANYTHING GOES’: The Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) version of the Cole Porter classic is in its second weekend, and today’s the first Sunday matinee – 3 pm, West Seattle High School Theater.

LIVE MUSIC: On the schedule today – Faerabella at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm … The Limit Club and On The Make at Skylark Café and Club, 3 pm …

(Downy woodpecker in Fauntleroy Park; photo shared by Mark Wangerin)
Music, art, wine, and more tonight, plus a few things today – from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar (where you’ll find even more – these are just some of the highlights):

TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERT: Same as last night – southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 closed 9 pm tonight till 5 am Thursday, between the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge. So if you’re headed this way from downtown or points north, use I-5 or surface streets (you can take 1st or 4th to the 1st Avenue South Bridge and get into WS via Highland Park Way or backtracking north on West Marginal Way to Delridge, Admiral, etc.).

BLOOD DRIVE AT SSCC: Can you donate? The Puget Sound Blood Center’s Bloodmobile is at the college 10:30-4:30 pm today; more here.

SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: Every Thursday night, all summer long, 6-9 pm – here’s the list of shops you’ll find open. And while you’re there, check out the Junction venues for the …

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Second Thursday of every month, every season – enjoy art from paintings to sculpture to photos to more, live music here and there, snacks and beverages, one big party from Alki Arts in the north to The Building in the south. Your venue list/map is here; the official Art Walk website, with details on some of tonight’s artists, is here.

ART WALK AFTERPARTY: The West invites you to the Benbow Room at the Heartland Café (4210 SW Admiral Way) for their first-ever West Seattle Art Walk Afterparty, starting at 9 pm. Hobosexual, The Grizzled Mighty, and an acoustic set from Tyson Meade (ex-Chainsaw Kittens), with MC Brent Amaker and DJ Troy Nelson. Ask about free tickets at Art Walk venues tonight (we know Hotwire Online Coffeehouse [WSB sponsor] will have ’em) or $5 at the door.

HIAWATHA CONCERT #3: Another beautiful night ahead on the east lawn of Hiawatha – come for one song or the whole set, bring blankets/chairs/picnic dinner, relax away from the screens. Free! Tonight, longtime folk duo Reilly and Maloney will serenade you. Music starts at 6:30 pm, in the third concert of the annual six-show series presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association.

WINE AND MUSIC AT C & P: Choro Tocando – recently seen at the Alki Art Fair – perform at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) tonight for the monthly night of wine tasting and music, 6-8 pm. Details here.

ASK AN EXPERT: 6-8 pm at the nationally renowned West Seattle Tool Library (northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW), not only can you check out the tool library, you can also meet and talk with local professionals – with the firms represented tonight including WSB sponsor LD Arch Design.

MORE NIGHTLIFE: Three bands at Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW; details here); music and poker at The Bridge (details here).

(Trileigh Tucker‘s 8/1 photo of the Lincoln Park eaglet, which she nicknamed “Ricky”)
Seems like the perfect day for a bald-eagle photo, with its patriotic symbolism, since not only is this the day after Election Day, but also a day when two political hot potatoes will be discussed by local groups. That’s all part of our highlight list:

TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERT: The southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 will be closed 9 pm tonight till 5 am Thursday, between the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge.

KIDS HELPING KIDS: A unique daylong event at West Seattle Christian Church, open to all children K-5, starts this morning, to help kids not only learn about hunger, but do something to ease it. It’s explained here.

EUROPAKIDS PRESCHOOL TOUR: A group tour of EuropaKids International Preschool (WSB sponsor) is planned for 9:30 this morning – RSVP required, so call fast! Contact info’s on the calendar-listing page.

AT THE LIBRARY: Story times plus “Funny Bamboo Music” – check the Seattle Public Library calendar for all their local listings today.

CHARTER SCHOOLS INITIATIVE FORUM @ KIWANIS: When the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle meets at noon today at Be’s Restaurant in The Junction, a hot issue is on their plate, along with lunch: A forum on Initiative 1240, the fall ballot measure that seeks to create charter schools in our state.

MORE ‘FILL THE BOOT’ FUNDRAISING: Local firefighters are scheduled to be at key intersections again today, 2-6 pm, to ask you to help “Fill the Boot” with donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Details in our Tuesday coverage.

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Your weekly chance to buy fresh organic vegetables yards from where they were grown – 4 to 7 pm today, 32nd and Juneau.

TRY NEW ZEALAND WINE: Special Wednesday tasting, 6-7:30 pm, at Bin 41 in The Junction – details here.

SODO ARENA ON DEMOCRATS’ AGENDA: Our area’s largest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, have pro-SODO arena and anti-SODO arena resolutions on their agenda for tonight’s meeting – among other things (here’s the agenda) – 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy.

NIGHTLIFE: At Skylark Café and Club, trivia at 7 and open mike at 9.

(Summer flowers, photographed by Flickr member old desolate, shared via the WSB group pool)

VOTE! As noted in our reminder earlier this morning, drive your ballot up to the West Seattle “drop-off van” till 8 or get it to a Post Office by tonight. We’ll see one round of results around 8:15 pm, and then the counting will continue, as usual, in the days ahead.

TWO TRAFFIC ALERTS: Till about 3:30 this afternoon, a westbound lane closure is scheduled on the West Seattle Bridge for what SDOT calls a “routine inspection” – here’s the alert; then tonight, the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled to close again, 10 pm-5 am (meaning no West Seattle Bridge access from I-5 or Beacon Hill).

TRASH/RECYCLING NOTE: We’re checking into what seems to be a case of mixed messages for Monday customers regarding Waste Management saying it’s back to regularly scheduled pickups, but Seattle Public Utilities reportedly advising in robocalls to put out ALL your carts, whether it’s recycling day or not. As a result, many in north West Seattle put out recycling yesterday and didn’t get it picked up; that may be the result today in the Tuesday neighborhoods – we’re seeing what we can find out from SPU.

FIRST CHANCE TO ‘FILL THE BOOT’: 2-6 pm, at five West Seattle intersections (previewed here) and one in South Park (previewed on partner site The South Park News) among other places around the city, Seattle firefighters will collect donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. (Tomorrow too!)

NIGHT OUT: Dozens of street parties are in the works all over West Seattle, 6-9 pm, to celebrate neighborhood strength and safety, as part of the every-year national event. STILL not too late to register yours with SPD if you see this before noon – just go here. Meantime, thanks to everyone who answered our annual call for parties that wouldn’t mind us possibly stopping by for a photo – we also appreciate a photo from YOU, so we can include your party in our coverage – editor@westseattleblog.com, or share it via the WSB Facebook page or WSB Twitter feed.

TWO CANCER-FIGHTING FUNDRAISERS: 6:30 tonight at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), a fundraiser for the Pete Gross House – details in the calendar listing … Also tonight, a Trivia Night fundraiser at The Wing Dome in The Junction, 8 pm, to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE: 9 am-3 pm, you can drop off school-supplies donations at Mars Hill Church in West Seattle, which is collecting five days a week (details here) through August 22nd for distribution later this month.

Lots more for today/tonight and far beyond, on the calendar!

Forgive us one last Blue Angels photo (shared via Flickr) … Doug B caught support C-130 “Fat Albert” after its final run on Sunday – a crew member always pops up from the top hatch as it taxis, waving the flag. (We’re checking on their Seattle departure schedule – it’s usually post-Seafair Tuesday. Update: they left this morning.) Now, on to highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar for today/tonight … plus updates on ongoing stories:

TRASH/RECYCLING ‘BACK TO NORMAL’: That’s what Waste Management spokesperson Robin Freedman told us on Sunday after we checked back to see if Monday/Tuesday customers would get any catchup for recycling this week. So whatever service you would NORMALLY get today or tomorrow, plan for that – plus extra – on your pickup morning, advises WM. And if you are missed (including if you were a Wednesday customer who did NOT get catchup service on Saturday), the city says you can report it online – go here (look for the link at upper left).

TRAFFIC ALERT FOR TONIGHT: Southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will NOT be closed tonight (or tomorrow) because the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct WILL be closed those two nights (meaning no West Seattle Bridge access from I-5 or Beacon Hill).

BALLOT DROPOFF VAN: Second-to-last day to get your ballot mailed (must have stamps) or dropped off (no stamps needed) – you can do the latter without leaving West Seattle; go to the southwest side of the West Seattle Stadium parking lot (turn off 35th just south of Avalon), 10 am-5 pm and look for the “ballot dropoff van” (here’s our story, with a photo, from Friday). Tomorrow’s your last chance to vote, and the van will be back 7 am-8 pm.

BUSINESS REOPENS IN NEW LOCATION: The photo above is from Young at Art proprietor Theresa, taken inside their new location at Fauntleroy/Raymond, where they’re reopening today, about a week after moving from the future development site at 42nd/Alaska/California. She says they’ll have “open studio” and art camps resuming today, with their “action painting room” returning in a few weeks. Phone number’s the same (206-937-0736), and she says there’s still room in art camp the second and third week of this month.

WOMEN’S STANDUP-PADDLEBOARD NIGHT: At Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest Boathouse, 6-9 pm, tonight and every summer Monday night.

BALLROOM DANCING @ KENYON HALL: Balorico’s new session of classes starts tonight; details here.

(July 2012 Alki Lighthouse photo by Jordan Petram – tour time’s running out!)
Not only will it be summery, it will be REALLY hot – at least by Seattle standards – says the National Weather Service, which now has a heat advisory in effect noon today through 8 pm Sunday. So take care of yourself and your pets (don’t leave them in cars, or without water) … and take advantage of all the outdoor and indoor fun today:

SEAFAIR – BLUE ANGELS, NAVY SHIP TOURS, HYDROS: Find the schedule info linked in our preview. Toplines: The Blue Angels take off from Boeing Field (watch from around the airport periphery OR best of all, from the Museum of Flight) around 1:30 pm. The show is over Lake Washington, where hydro racing gets up to full speed today. (If you’re going, consider a shuttle.) Along the Elliott Bay waterfront from Pier 46 in the south to Pier 90 in the north, you can tour the three Seafair Fleet U.S. Navy ships, 9:30 am-3:30 pm.

SHOW LINCOLN PARK SOME LOVE: Forest-restoration work party starts at 9! Details here.

OUTRIGGER RACE FROM ALKI: The annual “Da Grind” outrigger-canoe race to Blake Island is happening today, so in case you saw the canoes, that’s what it’s about. Details here.

MEET THE HENRIETTAS AT WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK: Open house, with chickens! 11 am-2 pm at 8th and 108th; WC Food Bank serves part of West Seattle too. More info here.

SUMMER FESTIVAL AND BACKPACK GIVEAWAY: 11 am at Delridge Community Center, Eastridge Church invites kids to its Summer Festival, with a first-come-first-served backpack giveaway – details here.

BALLOT DROPOFF VAN, DAY 2: Check our Friday story to see what you’re looking for on the southwest side of the West Seattle Stadium parking lot/driveway, 10 am-5 pm today (and Monday, as well as 7 am-8 pm Tuesday), to drop off your ballot (no postage stamps needed) for Tuesday’s election.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Director Lee Bui shared that photo of visitor Katy F from last Saturday as a reminder that the center is open for visitors, free, every Saturday, noon-3 pm. It’s at 2236 SW Orchard (north of Home Depot).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays you are welcome at this repository of West Seattle (and vicinity) history, 61st/Stevens.

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Just a few more weekends to tour this West Seattle icon – 1-4 pm Saturdays and Sundays through the end of August.

OPEN HOUSE: At Little Pilgrim preschool, Fauntleroy Church, 2-4 pm.

‘LION KING’ AT WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Third Saturday night movie of the summer in the courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) at 4410 California SW! “Lion King” is the film. Magic by Louie Foxx is preshow entertainment. And you’re invited to partake in a free barbecue courtesy of West Seattle Christian Church. The movie’s at dusk (9:30-ish), preshow 7:30 pm, but come earlier to be sure you’ll get a spot (bring your own chair/s and/or blanket/s). Entertainment is free but bring some money for budget-priced concessions provided by WSB sponsor PB&J Textiles (benefiting WSCC’s well-building project) and raffle (benefiting West Seattle Helpline).

(Photo from last weekend’s Lincoln Park performance, courtesy Myrtle G)
OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE: Last chance to see “Taming of the Shrew” in a West Seattle park courtesy of GreenStage this season – 7 pm at Lincoln Park.

‘ANYTHING GOES’: West Seattle’s own Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) brings the classic Cole Porter musical to West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW) again at 7:30 pm tonight, then running Fridays-Sundays the next two weekends. Food drive too – bring a nonperishable-food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank!

‘SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE JR.’ CONTINUES: Second-to-last chance to catch it, tonight at 7:30 pm at ArtsWest (4711 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC: Gregg Curry at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … Tyson Meade at VAIN in The Junction, 7 pm (see our preview story from last night) … Three bands at Skylark Café and Club, starting at 8 …

(Great blue heron during low tide on Alki on Wednesday; photo by Patrick Linville)

Notes for the day/night ahead:

RECYCLE/YARD-WASTE DRIVERS’ STRIKE DEAL: As reported last night, Waste Management and its striking drivers reached a tentative deal, and the drivers have a ratification vote this morning. After that, we hope to find out more specifics for everyone who missed pickups during the weeklong strike. In the meantime, if you were supposed to have Wednesday pickup, you are urged to LEAVE YOUR CARTS OUT because the city is still taking inventory; if you have Thursday pickup, put your carts out – garbage-truck drivers, who had walked out in support of the recycle/yard-waste strike, are back on the job now, but the other pickups’ schedule isn’t firmed up yet.

BLUE ANGELS: Today’s the first of four days the Blue Angels will roar through Seattle skies for Seafair, with I-90 bridge closures as a result. Today’s the day with two closures: 9:45 am-noon and 1:15-2:30 pm. All four days’ closures are listed here. As for what exactly they’re doing during today’s practices, Seafair spokesperson Melissa Jurcan explains:

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels #s 1-4 will take off at 10 am … from Boeing Field near the Museum of Flight for circle and arrival maneuvers in preparation for the Boeing Air Show. They will be in the air over the city getting familiar with the area. At 11 am #s 5-6 will take off for a look at the South Lake Washington event site. The I-90 Bridge will be closed between 9:45 a.m. and noon.

All Blue Angels jets will return to Boeing Field and be on the ground for a short time. Following that #s 1-6 will take to the air for a practice performance over Lake Washington. Again, the I-90 Bridge will be closed between 1:15 pm and 2:30 pm for this practice.

OTHER TRAFFIC ADVISORIES: Tonight’s alerts are the same as the last three nights – 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed southbound 9 pm-5 am between the Battery St. Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge; the bridge’s eastbound offramp to 1st Avenue S. will again be closed 10 pm tonight to 5 am tomorrow. (See the day-by-day/night-by-night closure list here.)

LOW TIDE: Still low enough for good tidewalking – and you might see sights like the heron above. 11:35 am, -1.9 feet (here’s this month’s chart).

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: Tonight you’re invited to the series’ second of six free Thursday night shows presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association – bluesy Mark DuFresne performs on Hiawatha Community Center‘s east lawn, 6:30 pm. KING 5‘s Jim Dever emcees. Bring your own chair(s)/blanket(s), picnic, etc. (Hiawatha is at 2700 California SW, but the east lawn faces Walnut.)

YOUNG WRITERS: A second night of readings at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW) 6:30-8 pm, more details here.

MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC: Join the Thursday night drum circle at Alki’s Statue of Liberty, 6:30 pm.

‘SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE JR.’: The second show of this production starring summer students is at 7:30 pm at ArtsWest in The Junction.

(Harbor seal, photographed by Gary Jones)
Here’s some of what’s ahead on what should turn into a sunny Seafair Wednesday …

WASTE MANAGEMENT STRIKE UPDATE: Toplines as new information continued developing into last night – If you have Wednesday pickup, the city says, DO take out your cans today; Waste Management says it expects to at least provide trash pickup with substitute drivers. As of today, you also can take trash to the city transfer stations (South Park is the closest one) for free, TFN. For more strike-related news, here’s the latest roundup from our partners at The Seattle Times.

TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERTS: From our list of this week’s planned closures, tonight’s alerts are the same as the last two nights – 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct is closed southbound 9 pm-5 am between Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge; the WS Bridge’s eastbound offramp to 1st Avenue S. is closed 10 pm tonight to 5 am tomorrow.

DENNY GARDEN PARTY: As reported here earlier this week, the Denny International Middle School garden will get some TLC today from volunteers and visitors including students, professional athletes, and new Seattle Public Schools Superintendent José Banda. The event is scheduled 10 am-1 pm.

SEAFAIR PARADE OF SHIPS/FLIGHT: Before the Seafair fleet parades past the downtown waterfront 1:45-2:15 pm, you should be able to see the ships passing West Seattle a bit earlier in the afternoon. Again this year, aircraft are part of the event, so watch for flybys (Coast Guard helicopters and more). We’re participating in the media ridealong aboard the USS Bunker Hill, and will report from onboard before and during the parade (watch the WSB Twitter and Facebook pages for photos, too).

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Your weekly chance to buy fresh organic vegetables yards from where they were grown – 4 to 7 pm today, 32nd and Juneau.

SOUTH PORTAL WORKING GROUP: This every-few-months meeting has state, city, county, Port, and citizen/business/community reps taking a look at what’s ahead for the south end of the Highway 99 work as well as other related projects; public’s welcome – it’s at 4 pm in the Sound Transit board room on South Jackson downtown.

YOUNG WRITERS: Come listen to their work at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW) 6:30-8 pm, as explained here.

‘SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE JR.’ OPENS: 7:30 pm tonight at ArtsWest – info here.

More on the calendar…

(Thanks to Brooke Kipling for the golden view of Sunday night’s sunset, from West Seattle’s west shore)
Happy Monday! Here are the highlights of our look ahead to what’s up today/tonight – including events not in West Seattle but of interest here:

WONDERING ABOUT TRASH/RECYCLING PICKUP? The Waste Management recycling/yard-waste drivers’ strike continues, supported by garbage-truck drivers; the company is bringing in what it calls “substitute drivers,” saying they will focus on commercial pickups today. Here’s the newest information.

TRAFFIC ALERTS FOR TODAY/TONIGHT: From our day-by-day traffic-alert list: Southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed 9 pm-5 am; the 1st Avenue South exit from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge will close 10 pm-5 am. And during the day, in West Seattle, there is one alert: Concrete trucks are expected at the Barton Street Pump Station expansion project next to the Fauntleroy ferry dock noon-4:30 pm, and the county warns some traffic trouble might result. (They will have flaggers to assist.)

1ST BLUE ANGEL ARRIVES: Seafair‘s big week always begins with a sight in the sky – the first Blue Angels jet to arrive (the other six are due tomorrow) is expected this morning. We’re checking with Seafair on the time. You’ll likely see it zipping around on media/VIP ridealongs, too. (ADDED 8:43 AM: The first jet has arrived. It’ll be out on “key influencer” ridealongs from 11 am-3 pm. Tomorrow’s group arrival is scheduled around 11 am.)

TIDEWALKING TIME: The next round of low tides starts today, -2 feet just after 9 am.

COUNTY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING ON SODO ARENA: 1:30 pm today, the public has another chance to tell the King County Council what it thinks about the SODO arena plan, during a public hearing at the council’s meeting in the courthouse downtown (as explained here). 1:30 pm; details here.

FAMILY STORY TIME: Tonight at the High Point Library branch (35th/Raymond), 7 pm.

More on the calendar!