Christine shared this photo of Canada geese and goslings by the West Seattle Water Taxi, saying, “Made my kids smile this morning.” Now, on to our slightly delayed daily sample of calendar highlights:

TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERTS: Southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99 is scheduled to close again tonight, 9 pm-5 am, but there will NOT be a Spokane Street Viaduct closure, per the city’s cancellation notice yesterday. Here’s our updated list of closures ahead as the week continues.

KIWANIS CLUB PRESENTS AWARD: At their lunchtime meeting at Be’s Restaurant in The Junction (noon), the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will present Jack Menashe with their “Everyday Hero” award. All welcome; you don’t have to be a member.

‘IN MOTION,’ THE SEQUEL: King County is working on another “In Motion” campaign for this fall after declaring the transportation-information effort (co-sponsored by WSB) last year as “quite successful,” with more than 1,200 participants. If you would like to talk with county reps about how to make the program – which offers incentives to participants for trying various ways of getting around – come to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center at 6 pm tonight.

K-5 STEM AT BOREN MEET-AND-GREET: Those who are enrolled, or even just interested, in the new West Seattle public school K-5 STEM at Boren are invited to a meet-and-greet event tonight at Madison Middle School (45th/Spokane), 6-8 pm.

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Monthly meeting at 7 tonight, The Hall at Fauntleroy (agenda info here).

SEALTH/DENNY BAND CONCERT: The last of three consecutive Wednesday concerts for musicians at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School, with band performances planned tonight, 7 pm, Sealth auditorium.

Just in case we don’t get to see the Olympics today, there’s a photo we took Monday morning. Otherwise, there’s no looking back – lots going on tonight. From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, some highlights for today/tonight:

TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERT: Another overnight closure planned for the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99 stretch between Battery St. Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge, 9 pm-5 am (here’s our full list of this week’s closures, including the all-weekend, both-ways AWV/99 closure).

PRE-MEETING POTLUCK FOR ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: This isn’t business as usual for ANA, but president Katy Walum said at last week’s Admiral District business gathering that given recent troubling events around the city, it might be a good time for people to get to know each other better, spend a little more time face-to-face, rather than just rushing in at the last minute and jumping right into a meeting. So at 6 pm, lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill), you’re invited to a potluck – bring something to share – before tonight’s 7 pm meeting. You can even come to the potluck and not stay for the meeting. More info in this update on the ANA website.

‘FINDING KIND’ AT MADISON: Free screening of “a great film to watch with your favorite student,” as organizers describe it, 6:30 pm, Madison Middle School (45th/Spokane) – details here.

PREPAREDNESS CLASS: Tonight at High Point Library Branch (35th/Raymond), Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare (SNAP) offers a free class. 6:30 pm, details here.

LEARN ABOUT JUICING: Tammy at Alki Juice and Java across from Seacrest Boathouse invites you to a free 6:30 class tonight – details here.

DESC PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Members of the community advisory committee for DESC’s Delridge Supportive Housing project toured two of the agency’s buildings last week and will present a briefing tonight, along with a discussion of how DESC screens tenants. 6:30 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

MEET LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY’S NEW PRINCIPAL: 3 weeks after the announcement that Shauna Heath will lead Lafayette Elementary School next year (here’s our followup interview with her), tonight she’ll be at a “meet and greet” for the school community, 6:30 pm (details here).

CHIEF SEALTH’S LAST PTSA MEETING OF THE YEAR: Cupcakes at 6:45 pm, Chief Sealth International High School PTSA meeting at 7. Agenda details are in our calendar listing. (2600 SW Thistle)

WEST SEATTLE WRITERS: Monthly meeting, 7 pm, Ginomai (42nd/Genesee) – details here, including a request to bring work to read to the group.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Its monthly board meeting is at 7 pm tonight, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), all who live/work in Fauntleroy always welcome.

SCHMITZ PARK SHAKESPEARE: Schmitz Park Elementary teacher Craig Parsley sends word that his students’ annual Shakespeare performance is tonight, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” onstage in the SP cafeteria, 7 pm (and they’re performing for their fellow students at 1 pm), 5000 SW Spokane.

DJ NIGHT AT THE RINK: Two West Seattle-based DJs bring music – and visuals – to Southgate Roller Rink tonight, 8:30-11 pm. Details here.

STARLITE SINGER/SONGWRITERS’ NIGHT: Tonight and every Tuesday night at Shadowland, 9 pm.

(Seagull and scenery, courtesy of Susan on Beach Drive)
Four neighborhood councils meet over the next two nights, and one of them is starting the second year of its “meet outside in the summer” tradition … that’s part of what’s on the Monday docket from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

TONIGHT’S TRAFFIC ALERT: The southbound stretch of Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct between the Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge will close 9 pm-5 am, first of four consecutive overnight closures. We’ve put together a full day-by-day/night-by-night list of this week’s 99 *and* Spokane Street Viaduct closures – see it here (the list continues through next weekend’s all-weekend-long-both-ways AWV/99 shutdown).

STUDENT CONCERTS: School-concert season is wrapping up with 1:30 and 6:30 pm performances scheduled at Roxhill Elementary (30th/Roxbury).

GOT A CLASSIC FAMILY RECIPE? Make it and bring it to the West Seattle Cooking Club, 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW).

LADIES’ NIGHT ON THE BOARDS: Should be a great night for stand-up paddleboarding, and Alki Kayak Tours has another edition of its “Ladies’ Night” set for 6 pm (1660 Harbor Avenue SW).

BOOK GROUPS: Tired of having nobody to talk to about the book you’re reading? Two library branches have book-group gatherings tonight – both on the Seattle Public Library calendar – both at 6:45 pm – the Southwest Branch (35th/Henderson) is reading “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco, and the West Seattle Branch (2306 42nd SW) is reading “Let’s Take the Long Way Home” by Gail Caldwell.

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Join NDNC in Cottage Grove Park (5206 26th SW) tonight at 6:30 pm as their “meet outdoors on nice summer nights” series resumes. The full agenda’s linked from their website.

PIGEON POINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 7 pm at the Pathfinder K-8 cafeteria (19th SW and SW Genesee). Agenda details are in our calendar listing.

PUB QUIZ AT SHADOWLAND: Every Monday, go get your quiz on at Shadowland, 8 pm (4458 California SW).

FLAT EARTH SOCIETY AT WEST 5: The weekly vinyl-DJ’ing extravaganza, 9 pm Mondays at West 5 (4539 California SW). Tonight, featuring Johnny Horn of KEXP.

(Mallard in a field of wild mini-daisies at Lincoln Park, photographed by Machel Spence)
Some of what’s up today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

PLAYDATE FOR K-5 STEM AT BOREN FAMILIES: Whether you’re already enrolled in West Seattle’s new public school, or you’re on the waitlist, or you’re just thinking about it, you’re welcome – 10 am at Lincoln Park, meet by the zipline that’s just north of the park’s south parking lot off Fauntleroy Way SW.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska – strawberries, cherries, and other summer fruit continue to arrive!

SHOE DRIVE: As previewed here last night, Clementine (4447 California SW) is launching its weeklong shoe drive for Jubilee Women’s Center – bring gently used women’s shoes to donate, and you’re eligible for discounts on new shoes.

LOVING DAY CELEBRATION: At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), noon-4 pm, the annual celebration of the court decision that ended laws against interracial marriage. Details here.

PB&J TEXTILES OPEN HOUSE: 1-4 pm at their headquarters next to Skylark in North Delridge, 3805 Delridge Way SW – details here.

TOUR THE LIGHTHOUSE: Alki Point Lighthouse is open for tours 1-4 pm Saturdays and Sundays, June through August.

‘PADDLE FROM SEATTLE’ SUPPORT @ DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE: Native American canoe culture is reviving, and the Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle is celebrating it with a benefit event this afternoon, 2-4 pm. Details here. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

NATURE WALK: West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler is leading a nature walk at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) that’ll focus on butterflies or salamanders, depending on the weather! Starts at 2:30 pm; more info here.

BENEFIT CLASS AT BIKRAM YOGA SEATTLE: As previewed here last night, proceeds from the 5 pm class at Bikram Yoga Seattle (WSB sponsor; 4747 California SW) benefit Run of Hope, raising money for childhood-brain-tumor research.

CHOIR CONCERT: South Seattle Community College Community Choir‘s concert “Beauty and Bounty” is tonight at 7, and you are welcome! They will perform in Olympic Hall, which is the building at the southeastern end of campus (6000 16th SW, use the south entrance to SSCC).

(Photo by Paul Swortz, via the WSB Flickr group pool)
Happy weekend! Some sunshine predicted (per the WSB Weather page). Here are some highlights:

TRAFFIC REMINDERS: The westbound Spokane Street Viaduct closes at 6 pm tonight – meaning NO I-5/BEACON HILL ACCESS TO THE BRIDGE – and is scheduled to stay closed for ongoing construction/repairs till 5 am Monday … If you are going to be out and about this afternoon, remember that two major events are happening in SODO, as detailed in the weekly citywide weekend-alerts list.

HELP CLEAN UP THE ADMIRAL DISTRICT: Be at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) at 9 am – just to the south of the front door – to meet up with the Admiral Neighborhood Association for one of its periodic Adopt-A-Street cleanups. There will be free breakfast treats (and usually sack lunches afterward), and you’ll be provided with what you need to get out and clean up. Just a few hours will make a big difference.

27TH ANNIVERSARY SALE: All weekend, at CAPERS in The Junction.

TECHSTART EXPO: Come see what the elementary and middle-school students involved with this STEM program are up to – 10 am-2 pm at Brockey Center, South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th SW.

(added) TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR MORNING GLORY DRAG BRUNCH: As of just before 11 am, Skylark Café and Club reported via Facebook that today’s Morning Glory Drag Brunch at noon still has room – so we’re adding it here.

SPRING WINE RELEASE EVENTS CONTINUE … at Northwest Wine Academy on the SSCC campus, 12-5 pm, including a food/wine pairing event 3-5 pm.

(added) AND MORE WINE: West Seattle Wine Cellars is pouring Walla Walla wines 3-5 pm today.

ANNETTE COTTRELL AT VILLAGE GREEN: The author of “The Urban Farm Handbook” will be at Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) to sign books today, 1 pm. Here’s the Facebook event page.

COOPER ARTIST HOUSING OPEN HOUSE: Demonstrations of movement, music, dance, and more are on the schedule for this event at the artist housing atop Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 3-9 pm.

(added) SALSA ON ALKI: Debuting for the season tonight, according to a tip via Twitter that included this Facebook event link – 6 pm.

LIVE MUSIC: Willow and The Embers (along with Nicole Hardy‘s poetry) headline “Angels on the Radio: An Evening of Wine, Wit and Song” at Mind Unwind (2206 California SW), 5:30-11 pm … Gary Benson at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … Ever, Little Red Long, Fey Moth at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm… The Fuzz at Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor), 8:30 pm … (Anybody else? Send us a quick note sooner rather than later, so we can help get the word out!)

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR TICKETS: With five weeks to go till the July 15th tour, the ticket books are on sale starting this weekend – locations listed here.

Even MORE for today/tonight – and beyond – on the calendar!

(The Seattle Great Wheel across the bay is now illuminated, as David Hutchinson‘s image shows us)

MEET YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REP: Marty McLaren‘s last scheduled community conversation of the year is at 10:15 am, Southwest Library (35th/Henderson). She’s scheduled to be there till 12:15 pm, if you can’t make the meeting from the start.

SNEAK PEEK AT NEW HISTORY EXHIBIT: The Log House Museum‘s new traveling exhibit, created with the help of students, is offering a “sneak peek” this afternoon at Madison Middle School, 2:30-4 pm, and the public’s welcome. (Madison is one of the schools whose students participated; more info here.)

HELP A LOCAL STUDENT SAVE LIVES HALF A WORLD AWAY: We told you earlier this week about West Seattle High School senior Fatuma Ali‘s benefit at Youngtown Cultural Arts Center to help get safe food and clean water to East African refugees. Tonight’s the night, 6-9 pm (4408 Delridge Way SW).

SEATTLE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION: Tonight at 7:30 pm in the SLHS gym, followed by a reception at nearby Hope Lutheran. (Here’s our list of all upcoming graduations.)

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT! Lots of it – including Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … Auklet performs during a Friday night of music and art at Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW), 6-9 pm … Josh Harty at Kenyon Hall (35th/Kenyon), 7:30 pm … Badlands, Rocket Surgery, The Last Great Cavalry at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW), starting at 8 pm … Barbie Anaka at Salty’s (1936 Harbor SW), 8-10 pm …

June showers bring …June flowers? Thanks to “G” for the bright photo, which, as with a different community-contributed flower photo earlier this week, is at least a counterpoint to the gray weather. On with the list of calendar highlights for today/tonight:

NEW WINES FROM SSCC: The Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW) is releasing five new wines with a noon-6 pm tasting today – details here.

MUSIC AT C & P: Singer/songwriter Jim Page performs, 6-8 pm, at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW).

BUSINESS NETWORKING MIXER: Hosted by “I Take the Lead” at West Seattle Windermere in The Junction, 6 pm (details here).

ART OPENING/PERFORMANCE AT MIND UNWIND: The Admiral District’s gallery/class/performance space (2206 California SW) features the opening of Brent Ray Fraser‘s “Nostalgia,” 6:30-11:30 pm, detailed here.

MADISON ORCHESTRA/JAZZ CONCERT: 2nd concert this week for Madison Middle School‘s musicians – this time, orchestra and jazz performances. 7 pm in the Commons, everybody’s invited.

E-mail from the Seattle Neighborhood Group calls our attention to a plan in the works for a citywide moment of silence on Sunday. The idea comes from the group Compassionate Seattle, not just because of the shooting rampage that ended here last Wednesday afternoon, but because of other recent deadly violence around the city. Compassionate Seattle is calling for “3 minutes of silent contemplation, prayer, reflection or meditation” at noon this Sunday (June 10th), following “the ringing of bells everywhere – including church towers and individuals in the streets” at 11:45 am). The group’s Facebook event page for this can be found here.

Meantime, the lone survivor of last Wednesday’s shootings, Café Racer employee Leonard Meuse, has been upgraded to satisfactory condition, report our friends at KING 5.

(Seen at low tide; photo by Tracey Spenser – thanks!)
Wednesday begins with sunshine! Here’s the forecast – and here’s some of what’s on the schedule for today/tonight:

TUNNEL GROUNDBREAKING: Though the actual tunnel-boring machine won’t be at work till next year, there’s a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Highway 99 tunnel this morning in SODO, 9:30 am. Not a public event, but watch for coverage.

FINAL LOW-LOW-LOW TIDE: This is the last of four days with a low tide below -3 – it’ll be -3.4 just before 1 pm; and the Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are out again too, 11 am-2:30 pm, Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) and Lincoln Park, near Colman Pool.

LIBRARY STORY TIMES: From the Seattle Public Library Calendar of Events: It’s Toddler Story Time at the Southwest Branch (35th/Henderson) at 11 am and Somali Story Time at the High Point Branch (35th/Raymond) at 5 pm.

(added) PARTY AT LINK: The apartment complex at 4550 38th Ave SW sends word they’re “hosting a Stella and Dot jewelry party tonight from 5pm-8 pm! Stella and Dot offers stylish jewelry pieces for women. Anyone can attend this event, and everyone is invited! Sugar Rush will be supplying cupcakes for the party and refreshments will also be served.”

K-5 STEM AT BOREN DESIGN TEAM: Another meeting for the committee with community and school reps shaping Seattle’s new public school (here’s our report on their meeting last week, with topics including curriculum discussions for reading and art, and possible uniforms). They’ll meet at 6:15 pm in the library at Madison Middle School. The public’s welcome, and there’s usually a spot for audience comments.

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Reps from community councils and other organizations around western West Seattle gather at 7 pm for their monthly meeting in the board room at South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW). The agenda’s part of our calendar listing.

SEALTH/DENNY CONCERT: The schools’ orchestra and choirs perform tonight, 7 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle).

Though the weather is gray, local gardens are bright – so here’s the orange peony blooming in Paul Francis‘s West Seattle backyard, which he and his wife found so striking, they wanted to share the photo. (Thank you!) On with the rain-or-shine daily highlights – after one more photo:

LOW-LOW-LOW TIDE: Even lower than yesterday (which is when Monty photographed those mussels – thanks!) – today, it’s down to -3.8 at 12:05 pm; beach naturalists will be out at Constellation and Lincoln Parks starting at 10 this morning.

TRANSIT OF VENUS VIEWING: If the sun gives a hint of appearing, so that we’d be able to see Venus crossing (but don’t look AT the sun!) you should be able to find NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen at Solstice Park – details are on her website.

TUESDAY NIGHT VOLUNTEER FRENZY @ WESTSIDE BABY: 5:30-7:30 pm tonight – our recent story on WS Baby’s added volunteer opportunities includes info on how to pitch in.

LIVE ART BASH: At Mind Unwind in the Admiral District. 6-9 pm – don’t work on your project/idea alone, come collaborate/co-conspire!

DELRIDGE PRODUCE COOPERATIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ SKYLARK: $5 suggested donation to help DPC work toward a healthy-food store on Delridge. And of course, the trivia topic is … food! 6:30 pm at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW).

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL PTSA: Last meeting of the year for the WSHS PTSA; join them for a look back and ahead, 7 pm, school library.

MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT: Madison has two concerts this week – first up, the band performs tonight in the school commons (45th/Spokane), 7 pm.

Even more (for today/tonight, and beyond!) on the calendar.

(Barton P-Patch – designed as a “web”! Thanks to photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen for the view)
Just like Saturday, looks like the weather’s likely to get better as the day proceeds; here are some highlights for another almost-summer weekend day in West Seattle, from our calendar:

CURIOUS KIDSTUFF’S ANNIVERSARY SALE: 14th anniversary of the toy store in The Junction, with 25 percent off everything in the store – AND (as explained here earlier this morning) paying with cash/checks means an extra discount PLUS a nonprofit donation. Sale continues now till 5 pm today, 4740 California SW.

FURRY FACES FOUNDATION PLANT SALE: Hundreds of plants, with proceeds going to help animals through the work of F3. 3809 46th SW, 10 am-4 pm today.

AT THE MARKET – SIGN UP FOR THE KIWANIS CLUB’S MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN: Look for the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle at the WS Farmers’ Market 10 am-2 pm today (usually on the northeast corner) and get a free beverage if you sign up for the June 23rd Motorcycle Poker Run.

ORGANIC VEGGIE SALE: 10 am-1 pm, Marguerite Lynch and family are selling organic homegrown vegetables outside their North Admiral garden (44th/Hill), with part of the proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank.

LOW TIDE – WITH BEACH NATURALISTS AVAILABLE: 10:32 am, the first of four days’ low tides below -3 (which is REALLY low), and you can explore with the help of an expert, as Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are out at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.

SHARE YOUR HOME WITH A NEW FRIEND: Cat-adoption event today with Friends of the Animals Foundation at Next to Nature in The Junction, 11 am-3 pm.

TOUR THE ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Second day of 1-4 pm Saturday/Sunday public openings at the lighthouse (where Alki Avenue and Beach Drive meet) – as noted in our story about yesterday’s Seafair Admiral’s Tea.

GRAND OPENING: A member of the Rat City Business Association (WSB sponsor) is celebrating their grand opening today in downtown White Center – The Center Studio, with yoga, Pilates, massage, and dance. 3 pm-6 pm (9611 16th SW, map in our listing)

ACOUSTIC COUTI: 3-5 pm, live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.

(Walkway at Jack Block Park, photographed by Doug B, who you can also find on Flickr)
Welcome to the weekend! From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, some of the highlights for today/tonight:

LAST SUPr ENDURANCE EVENT: Under way right now at Alki Kayak Tours, “a daylong celebration promoting the up and coming sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP). This event will feature an endurance event which will determine who can stand on the SUP the longest. There will be challenging aspects along the route which will test SUP participants’ skills. The rules are simple, you must only use your feet in this contest. Any other part of your body touching the board will disqualify you.” More info here. (Update – We checked in at AKT around 11 – this has been rescheduled in hopes of a day with better weather!)

GARAGE SALES GALORE: Three weeks after West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2012, our neighbors to the south are having their annual multiple-sale day – Shorewood on the Sound Streets of Sales, 9 am-4 pm today. Find the sales on this Google map.

WEST SEATTLE GARAGE SALES, TOO: Several for this weekend are listed in the WSB Forums‘ Freebies/Deals/Sales section, where you can list yours for free any time.

FURRY FACES FOUNDATION PLANT SALE: More than 1,500 plants to choose from, all types, 3809 46th SW (map), from 10 am-4 pm – it’s the second and final weekend of this popular plant sale to raise money for F3’s animal advocacy.

CISCOE AT WEST SEATTLE NURSERY: 10 am this morning, the gardener/broadcaster will do his radio show live from West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon).

RECOVERY GARDEN CLEANUP: Volunteers will be at 26th and Brandon from 10 am to 1 pm to continue the work that last year’s volunteers (some of whom will be there to mentor them) started. All welcome to come help.

STUDENT’S SALE TO HELP A SOLDIER: We reported earlier this week on 7th-grader Kyle Joyce‘s announcement of a sale to help put together a care package for his former coach, who’s been deployed overseas. The sale is 11 am-4 pm today at 6001 SW Admiral Way.

KITTY HARBOR’S OPENING WEEKEND: You’re likely to see a line along Harbor Avenue SW just north of the bridge right before noon, which is when shelter/adoption center Kitty Harbor begins its first adoption weekend of the summer season.

LIVE MUSIC AT VILLAGE GREEN: As announced by Village Green Perennial Nursery proprietor Vera Johnson, “Shade Byron banjo player from ‘Bottom of the barrel’ and Jasmine Byron, fiddler and traveling musician, will be gathering up a crew of fun musicians to play some music … Visiting from Santa Cruz for a short time – we are happy to welcome them here!” 1 pm, 10224 26th SW.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT: Free workshop 1-3 pm today at Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle), details here.

CARNIVAL IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Big fun at Arbor Heights Elementary – as described in our calendar listing, 3-6 pm.

AARON DANIEL’S BENEFIT SHOW FOR AARF: A one-man band you have to see/hear to believe, Aaron Daniel, performs tonight at the Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor) as part of a benefit for Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation; silent auction too; 8 pm.

‘ROCKY HORROR’: First Saturday of the month ends with a toast, among other things, as the Admiral Theater opens its doors to “Rocky Horror Picture Show” fans for the monthly midnight showing.

(Sleeping hummingbird, photographed by Machel Spence)
Welcome to a new month! Here are the highlights for today/tonight:

EARLYBIRDS: If you see this within an hour or so of when we’re publishing it, you’re in time to go meet the West Seattle Earlybirds Toastmasters Club, meeting Friday mornings, 7:30 am, ArtsWest in The Junction.

HARBOR ISLAND TRANSFORMATION: Remember our story almost two weeks ago about Harbor Island People for the Environment? Come celebrate their cleanup/beautification achievement 4-6 pm today at 13th/Florida on Harbor Island.

WSHS ALL-SCHOOL REUNION: Whenever you went to West Seattle High School, you’re welcome at this annual event, which starts with classic cars on display along SW Stevens, 4:30 pm. The schedule of events is in our calendar listing.

SEALTH ATHLETICS BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT: On the links at Rainier Golf Course and Country Club this afternoon! Here’s our most recent preview.

NEW TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION LOCATION IN WHITE CENTER: The Technology Access Foundation‘s project at Lakewood Park is open for previews tonight, 5-8 pm – more on our partner site White Center Now.

BATTLING BULLYING: Free screening of “Finding Kind,” suitable for 11 and up, at Pathfinder K-8 (details here).

TR RITCHIE AT C & P: Live music tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), with TR Ritchie, 6-8 pm, an “unreconstructed folkie.”

TAKE A STAND FOR SAFETY: The long-awaited “safety walk” along Beach Drive is tonight, 6:30 pm, planned in response to the still-unsolved March murder of Greggette Guy, but magnified, in terms of the importance of community safety, by what has happened more recently. Meet at Emma Schmitz Viewpoint; all welcome.

WINE TASTING: Bin 41 is “showcasing some neat Austrian wines including a couple cult Gruner Veltliners perfect for pairing with fresh asparagus and Copper River salmon. 6-7:30 pm.” 4707 California SW in The Junction.

MUSICA SACRA AUCTION AND WINE TASTING: 7 pm tonight, The Sanctuary at Admiral, your chance to support the chorale (find out more about Musica Sacra here).

PRIVATIZED LIQUOR, DAY 1: Voted in last fall, in effect as of early today. More on this later today, but it’s now on sale, basically, at all but 1 West Seattle supermarket, all drugstores, the two former state stores, and Target.

Via the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar – just a few things scheduled:

TODDLER STORY TIME AT LOCAL LIBRARIES: Two sessions today (like other library events – free!) – 11 am at Southwest Branch (35th and Henderson), 11:30 am at High Point Branch (35th and Raymond).

WINE TASTING: Tonight’s the weekly free tasting at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor), 5:30-8 pm (details here).

FAMILY LITERACY NIGHT AT SANISLO: Celebrate students’ work and summer reading! 6-7:30 pm (details in the calendar listing).

FUTURE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION: Sanislo teacher Marquita Prinzing is among the panelists for a discussion tonight that’s not happening in West Seattle, but also involves local organizers: “Moving Forward in Public Education: Ideas That Work,” presented by Parents Across America, 6:30 pm at Rainier Beach High School‘s auditorium (map and address in the listing).

WEST SEATTLE’S ONLY BURLESQUE: The monthly show is tonight at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW), 9 pm. $7 advance (check here online), $9 door, 21+.

Those owls were photographed this week in Fauntleroy Park, according to Flickr member Inohuri, who shared images via the West Seattle Blog group pool. An owling walk through another local park is one of the highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, but we begin with a road reminder:

OFF-RAMP REMINDER FOR EASTBOUND SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT: In case you’ve missed (or forgotten) the previous reminders, including this one from last night, today’s the day … That also means northbound bus reroutes in SODO (the advisory’s linked from our preview story, too).

BARTON PUMP STATION PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING: Major work is about to begin on the project to expand the capacity of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s pump station just north of the Fauntleroy ferry dock. Tonight, as previewed again earlier this morning, the county promises to discuss timelines, effects, and other updated details at a community meeting, 6;30 pm, Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW).

DENNY/SEALTH JAZZ CONCERT: The first of three Wednesday night student concerts by Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School musicians in the Sealth auditorium (2600 SW Thistle) is tonight, 7 pm, featuring the schools’ jazz groups.

OWLING IN SCHMITZ PARK: Naturalist Stewart Wechsler plans a walk through Schmitz Park tonight to seek out, and talk about, its owls. 8 pm; more details on his website.

COMEDY QUARTET, THREE-FOURTHS FROM WEST SEATTLE: Mona Concepcion, Cait Parks, and Jeffrey Robert are West Seattleites and also happen to be 3 of the “4 G’s“ comedy group performing tonight at Wing It in the U-District. They’re hoping friendly faces from the peninsula will be in the crowd. 8 pm; details and ticket link here.

(Railroad bridge over the Duwamish River, by Don Brubeck, shared via the WSB Flickr group pool)
Happy post-holiday-weekend Tuesday! Half a dozen highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERTS TONIGHT: As announced last week, the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct (West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is scheduled to be reduced to one lane 9 pm-5 am as crews work on the realignment that will reopen the 4th Avenue South offramp and close the 1st Avenue South offramp for the next two weeks.

CHEER ON A WINNER! The winner of a $500 Western Family shopping spree at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) goes down the aisles this morning at 10 am and the store invites spectators to cheer him on.

CHACO CANYON’S FIRST ‘$2.50 TUESDAY’: Starting today, 3 pm-close on Tuesdays, organic wine, beer, or cider will cost you only $2.50 at Chaco Canyon Organic Café (38th/Alaska in The Triangle).

K-5 STEM AT BOREN DESIGN TEAM: The group planning for the launch of West Seattle’s new public school meets tonight at 6:15 pm, Madison Middle School (45th/Spokane).

‘HOW TO CONDUCT PRODUCTIVE MEETINGS’: West Seattle Toastmasters Club 832 invites you to join them in exploring this topic, 6:30 pm at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor).

LAST SCHEDULED DAY FOR WEST SEATTLE’S STATE LIQUOR STORES: As announced last week, the Junction and Westwood stores are scheduled to close after today – two days before they would have had to close as part of the transition to privatized liquor; the state decided to close its stores in phases (the White Center state-run store will close after tomorrow). Both are scheduled to reopen Friday under private ownership, according to what their respective new owners have told WSB.

Planning an event in West Seattle/White Center/South Park? Please let us know so we can calendarize it! No need to write up a full news release – who/what/when/where/why/weblink (and/or Facebook event link) will do – just plain text in your e-mail, please; e-mail to editor@westseattleblog.com – preferably at least a week in advance, though if you have something planned for weeks or even months from now, go ahead and send it!

(Photo by Eric Larse)
WEST SEATTLE MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: 2 pm today at Forest Lawn Cemetery (WSB sponsor) east of High Point, presented by American Legion Post 160 and Forest Lawn, everyone welcome. More Memorial Day notes:

BUS/FERRY SCHEDULES: Sunday schedule today for Metro, the West Seattle Water Taxi and its shuttles (but no Vashon Water Taxi today), and Sound Transit Express buses (including Route 560). For Washington State Ferries, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is on a regular weekday schedule.

TRASH/RECYCLING (ETC.) PICKUP: If Monday is your pickup day, Seattle Public Utilities says everything’s on the normal schedule.

LIBRARIES: Seattle branches closed, King County branches closed.

COMMUNITY CENTERS: City-run centers are closed.

LIQUOR STORES: The state says the Junction store (41st/Alaska) is open, 10 am-7 pm.

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: No mail delivery, and post offices are closed.

BANKS: Closed.

SCHOOLS: Seattle Public Schools are closed, as is South Seattle Community College.

‘FREE PARKING DAY’ FOR CITY PAY STATIONS/METERS: If you’re heading toward a neighborhood with paid street parking, no worries, it’s free today, according to this city webpage.

Just a few notes from the calendar as the holiday weekend continues:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: No holiday here! 10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska as always. Market managers are touting tomatoes as among the new arrivals this week.

VEGETABLE STAND: Organic gardener Marguerite Lynch and family are selling some of their harvest at 44th/Hill, 10:30 am-1 pm, with half the proceeds to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.

BENEFIT BEERFEST: West Seattle Nursery is selling beer and hot dogs starting at 1 pm today to benefit team member Ingrid Nokes as she fights breast cancer.

MUSIC IN THE GARDEN: Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) is hosting Sawesome, live music including banjo, autoharp, and saws, 1 pm, 10223 26th SW.

WS COOKING CLUB, SUNDAY SESSION: Been meaning to check out the West Seattle Cooking Club, but unable to make their usual Monday afternoon meeting times? Here’s your chance. Today, they’re meeting 1-3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub, with the theme “Picnic Food”; you bring yours, and try theirs.

(Another ‘Heron-zilla’ photo! This great blue heron was atop Marcia‘s garage near West Seattle Golf Course)
Happy holiday weekend! From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

PADDLEBOARD RENTALS ON THE BEACH: Mountain to Sound Rentals soft-launches today with stand-up paddleboard rentals right on the beach at Alki, 55th/Alki SW, with other rental items to be added later. Details in our earlier report.

BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY: Tram’s Salon is marking one year at 4110 California SW, with discount haircuts, snacks, cake, and gifts, 9 am-7 pm today and tomorrow.

(Added photo, taken just as the e-cycling event was beginning, 10 am)
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING: 10 am-3 pm, Friendly Earth is at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral – our preview points you to info on what they’ll take and what they won’t.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SCHOOL BOOKFAIR AT B&N: At Westwood Village Barnes & Noble, 10 am-4 pm, it’s a Bookfair to benefit Our Lady of Guadalupe School. Make any purchase there – or online or at another B&N – through 5/30 and use the special code that’s in the event-calendar listing, and part of the proceeds benefit the school. Also during today’s Bookfair, “surprise readers from (the) school community” on the hour/half-hour.

WSHS GRAD NIGHT CAR WASH: 10:30 am-3 pm, go get your vehicle washed to benefit West Seattle High School‘s safe-graduation-night activities. Car wash is at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor), 7501 35th SW.

FILIPINO FOOD FESTIVAL: Alki Lodge invites you to their Filipino Food Festival tonight, 5-8 pm, with proceeds benefiting community outreach (4736 40th SW).

LIVE MUSIC: Tonight’s scheduled shows include Neil Young tunes by Melanie and David at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … Those Guys with special guests Wrecking Yard, 9 pm, Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) …

(Great blue heron south of Alki Point, photographed by Zane F. Ware)
Welcome to the holiday weekend! Here’s some of what’s up if you’re NOT taking flight and leaving town:

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB’S MAY MEETING: The Garden Club meets 10 am-2 pm and you’re invited to all or part of the meeting, which includes a presentation about lavender. Full details here; you’ll find the club at Daystar (2615 SW Barton).

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Never seen Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice perform? Not to be missed. See him tonight at C & P (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm (5612 California).

DINNER JAZZ AT LA ROMANZA: Music with your meal? Friday nights you’ll find it at La Romanza Bistro Italiano (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, starting at 6.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL TALENT SHOW: The WSHS junior class is presenting the talent show as a fundraiser, 7 pm, $5 with an ASB card and $7 without (3000 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT SKYLARK: Nightrain, Punk Funk Mob, Pony Time, Orca Team, starting at 8 at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: “Funkiness” is promised in tonight’s performance by The Flat 5 at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm (6451 California).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE BENBOW ROOM: Blackline and Prelude 2A Pistol, 9 pm, Heartland Café’s Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way).

Thanks to Bob Bussman for sharing photos of an eagle getting takeout at Lincoln Park. (Several WSB’ers have sent photos lately of eagles dining; a few were a bit gory.) We’ve added one more of his images at the end of this story. But first – here’s what’s on the events/activities menu today:

WEST SEATTLE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN: The WSDW monthly meeting is at midday today – starting with the 10:30 am discussion group. Full details on discussion and lunch, here.

SCHOOL CONCERTS: More orchestra concerts at local schools today, as previewed in our report on Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras‘ coaching program: According to the SYSO list, Arbor Heights Elementary concerts are at 1:30 and 6 pm, Gatewood Elementary concerts are at 2 and 6 pm.

ARTIST RECEPTION AT THE MOUNT: 4-6 pm, Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s Intergenerational Art Show and Sale continues with an artist reception. Details here. 4831 35th SW.

2 WINE TASTINGS: At West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor), 5:30-8 pm, German wines are in the spotlight – and the bottles, and the glasses. Free. Full details in our calendar listing; 6026 California SW … At Bin 41 (4707 California SW), 6-8 pm, it’s all about Chardonnay tonight – details here.

4724 CALIFORNIA PROJECT, 1ST DESIGN REVIEW: Five weeks after our first report on this 100-unit project proposed for the former Petco storefront, it goes to the Southwest Design Review Board for “early design guidance.” Public comment is welcome. 6:30 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). Our preview from last night is full of info-links, including our previous reports and even the “Community Guide to Design Review” if you haven’t been to a DRB meeting before.

And now, another eagle-with-fish photo from Bob:

Thanks to everyone who shares photos for potential WSB publication! You can e-mail us any time – or share via the WSB pages on Facebook or on Flickr.

The list of scheduled events is thinning out as the holiday weekend approaches, but there are a few to note, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar and elsewhere:

SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT CONSTRUCTION: *No* bridge closure scheduled tonight, but some surface closures/changes continue – here’s the SDOT rundown.

STUDENT WRITERS READ AT THE CENTRAL LIBRARY: Again tonight, student writers from Seattle Public Schools are reading their work at the downtown library HQ (6-8 pm) and we are told that one of tonight’s readers is Chief Sealth International High School student Emily Sjostrom.

‘ONE LESS TRUCK’ AT HPAC: Tonight’s monthly meeting of the Highland Park Action Committee will include information on the city’s upcoming every-2-weeks-trash-pickup pilot project, which – as reported here a week ago – will include 200 HP households. HPAC meets at 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, 12th/Holden.

DOUBLEHEADER AT SKYLARK: Trivia at 7 pm, open mike at 9 pm at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW).

POOL AT ROCKSPORT: Wednesday nights are pool tournament nights, 8 pm at Rocksport in The Junction.