So far, we’ve reported on Bike to Work Day and the St. John’s rummage sale, but for more of today/tonight’s highlights – including the WestSide Baby fun(draiser) “Shake, Rattle & Roll” tonight, and the Seattle Police Memorial ceremony this afternoon – we’ll have to point you to the WSB Events Calendar (where you can preview some of this weekend’s events too).

P.S. If you missed this last night – here’s our roundup of major traffic alerts ahead, including this weekend’s Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 closure and the Sunday advisories on Alki.

Six days after the 8th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, garage/yard/rummage sale season rolls on – and there’s a biggie these next two days, at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. We stopped by during prep work on Thursday and found, among other things, what you see above – a Wild West outfit made from duct tape. Many more-conventional items too, of course:

St. John’s is just south of West Seattle High School, at California/Hanford. The sale runs 9 am-3 pm today and tomorrow.

Mystery solved, regarding the unusual flight pattern – and noise – that many heard over north West Seattle last night (as reported here); we contacted Sea-Tac Airport‘s media officer Perry Cooper, who researched it and, along with the airport’s noise officer, just called back with what they found out: A quirk in the weather caused Sea-Tac and Boeing Field to be in opposite flows; almost always, they are landing/taking off in the same “flow,” according to Cooper, but a “weird wind” last night caused Sea-Tac to be in south flow, Boeing Field to be in north flow, “so in order to make sure there would not be any conflicts, the jets taking off from Boeing Field were being routed (over) West Seattle.” So unless the wind quirk happens again, it was a one-time thing.

(Photo by Danny McMillin, taken south of Alki Point, shared via Flickr)
WESTBOUND SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT CLOSURE TONIGHT – AND 1 LANE CLOSED EASTBOUND: After scattered shorter closures recently, the entirety of the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled to be closed tonight, as part of the continuing work in the final months of the project to widen it, 10 pm-5 am. And this time, the eastbound stretch also is scheduled to be reduced to one lane, 11 pm-5 am. Details here, from SDOT.

AND REMINDER, ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT/99 CLOSURE THIS WEEKEND: 11 pm Friday to 5 am Monday, crews are scheduled to continue reinforcing the AWV in advance of the tunneling that will happen beneath it. (Full details here from WSDOT.)

PIZZA BENEFIT FOR SANISLO: 11 am-11 pm today, Red Star Pizza is donating ten percent to Sanislo Elementary, according to the school’s PTA.

WEST SEATTLE NOONERS’ MEMBERSHIP EXTRAVAGANZA: Local businessperson? The West Seattle Nooners group (WSB sponsor) is interested in meeting you at its Membership Extravaganza today, noon at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – read all about it here.

WEST SEATTLE CELLARS WINE TASTING: In addition to pouring at the Taste of West Seattle (next preview), West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor) is having its regular Thursday night tasting too – 5:30-8 pm, full details here. (Don’t forget to check out the WSB coupon for first-timers.) 6026 California SW.

TASTE OF WEST SEATTLE: The 7th annual benefit for West Seattle Helpline is bigger than ever – with a long list of food/beverage providers participating. If online ticketing is closed by the time you check this link, there might be some left at the door – 6:30 pm is when the main event begins. The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW; remember it’s 21+ only)

FIRST PTA MEETING FOR K-5 STEM AT BOREN: The school opens in less than four months, and families are deciding now how to organize their PTA – as a PTSA affiliated with that larger group, or maybe as an independent smaller group. Be part of the launch, 6:30 pm at Southwest Library (35th/Henderson).

‘BYE BYE BIRDIE’ CONTINUES: It’s West Seattle High School‘s spring musical, and you can cheer the student actors, singers, and musicians tonight at 7:30 pm. Ticketing info and more on the Westside Drama website.

In the past hour or so, we’ve received multiple notes asking why planes are taking an out-of-the-ordinary route over north West Seattle tonight; several people also brought it up in the comment section on today’s story about a Boeing Field alert for NEXT week. As far as we know, this has nothing to do with that alert; we are checking around to see what we can find out, but so far, all we’ve turned up is an alert about taxiway work at Boeing Field (see the right sidebar here) that doesn’t sound as if it would be related. If anyone “in the (aviation) know” is out there, either a comment or a note – editor@westseattleblog.com – would help! Thanks!

11:44 PM UPDATE: So far comment discussion has zeroed in on a runway closure at Sea-Tac that was scheduled to start two days ago – here’s their announcement.

Next week, through Memorial Day, events at the Museum of Flight just might make things a little noisier over West Seattle. So a community alert is being circulated by Boeing Field, which is run by King County – read on:Read More

(Butterflies are here! Photographed in West Seattle by Machel Spence)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

EARLY DISMISSAL DAY: Seattle Public Schools are out two hours early today.

HIGH-SCHOOL POSTSEASON GAMES: The Chief Sealth International High School soccer team’s first state playoff game is today vs. Shorewood HS at Shoreline Stadium (18560 1st Ave NE). In the district softball tournament, Sealth plays Liberty at 2 pm at Lower Woodland Park (Green Lake Way and N. 50th); West Seattle High School plays Mount Si, also at 2 pm at Lower Woodland.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: The final vote on hiring José Banda as superintendent is on tonight’s agenda, as is the revised proposal for changing next year’s transportation plan – one that the district says will mean little if any change in bell times, unlike the one that was withdrawn after its appearance, with no public input, sparked concern (see the new one here). The meeting’s at 6 pm, district HQ in SODO (2445 3rd Avenue S.). **added** We also have learned that the public-comment section will include speakers on behalf of Middle College High School, the public high school based at South Seattle Community College, which is facing a move to a new location, as was confirmed during last week’s BEX IV levy work session covered here.

PATHFINDER K-8 PLAYGROUND ADDITION KICKOFF: The community’s invited to this dinner meeting to talk about transforming the school playground, as explained here. 6 pm, Pathfinder cafeteria (1901 SW Genesee).

WINE AND WISDOM: The monthly “mingle” sponsored by Savvy Seattle Women is at 6 tonight, Prudential Northwest Realty offices in Jefferson Square.

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: Tonight’s meeting (7 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW) includes a county presentation about the bioswales/raingardens proposed in parts of Sunrise Heights and Westwood to reduce combined-sewer overflows at the Barton Pump Station by the Fauntleroy ferry dock.

‘BYE BYE BIRDIE’: The second week of West Seattle High School‘s spring musical continues, 7:30 pm. Ticketing info and more on the Westside Drama website.

More on the calendar!

(“Bye Bye Birdie” photo courtesy WSHS Drama)
Lots to do/see/hear tonight, from sports to musical theater to symphonic music to art:

HEALTH AND HARVEST: The weekly tour/work party at the Community Orchard of West Seattle is 2-4 pm Tuesday afternoons (6000 16th SW, north end of South Seattle Community College campus)

LIVE ART BASH: And you can be among the “stars” – bring your project/quest for inspiration to Mind Unwind in the Admiral District for this weekly event, 6-9 pm, explained on the M/U website. (2206 California SW)

WSHS BASEBALL PLAYOFF GAME: There’s only one high-school-baseball postseason game on the schedule in the area tonight and West Seattle HS is in it, facing Liberty at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, 6:30 pm. (1321 SW 102nd)

WORLD PREMIERE ON THE PROGRAM: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ second of two spring concerts is tonight, 7 pm, Chief Sealth International High School auditorium, with new works including “Fantasies and Fugues” by WSCO conductor Rob Duisberg, Ph.D. Admission free, donations accepted. (2600 SW Thistle)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: In addition to the monthly police-leadership briefing on crime trends, tonight’s program includes a special guest on victims’ rights. 7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room (southwest side of building, off Webster west of Delridge)

‘BYE BYE BIRDIE’ ADDS TONIGHT: You’re invited to the WSHS theater at 7:30 tonight for an added night of the school’s spring musical (last Friday was a last-minute scrub, so this week’s run starts a night early). Ticket information is on the Westside Drama website.

More on the calendar – including what’s up tomorrow, next week, next month …

Mid-May has been looking more like mid-July lately; Jody Baker shares the photo of Sunday’s crowd at Alki Beach. Today’s supposed to get into the low 80s, though unless there’s an en-masse sickout, the beach should be a little quieter. Besides the weather, here are highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

WESTBOUND SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT CLOSURE LATE TONIGHT (technically early Tuesday): 2-5 am Tuesday, that short section of the westbound bridge at 99 will be closed again, as explained here. (And looking way ahead, remember NEXT weekend, the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed all weekend.)

BIKE AND BUS? FREE RIDE! As mentioned here Sunday night, if you take your bike on a Metro bus (or Sound Transit lines operated by Metro, including the 560), you get a free ride all week. First-come first-served for the bike racks, though.

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING FOR WOMEN: Monday nights at Alki Kayak Tours (Seacrest Boathouse, 1660 Harbor Avenue SW), it’s time for women to get out on the water, starting at 6 pm, and tonight the weather should be perfect.

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Their monthly meeting is at 6:30 pm, Delridge Library. The agenda’s on the NDNC website; it’s a busy one, with updates from parks to roads to festivals.

AT THE LIBRARIES: Three events tonight at Seattle Public Library branches in West Seattle, all featured on the SPL Calendar of Events: Evening Book Group at Southwest Library, 6:45 pm, reading “The Reluctant Fundamentalist“; Seattle Reads ‘The Submission’ Book Group at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, also 6:45 pm; and Family Story Time at the High Point Library, 7 pm.

NEW HOURS, NEW MENU AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: New for spring/summer – The Feedback (WSB sponsor) opens at 4 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 11:30 am Fridays-Sundays (full details on their home page), and a new menu will debut today.

Since WSB coordinates West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, we’ll be all over it today, BUT there’s of course MORE to do:

WEST SEATTLE SPORTSMEN’S CLUB KIDS’ FISHING POND: The annual tradition is under way now till 11 am (unless all the fish are caught sooner) at Seacrest. We stopped by around 7:30 am and John Zigalla was kind enough to “test the waters.” The club sets up the portable pond, stocks it with about 200 rainbow trout (there are a few BIG ones!), supplies the poles, and the kids get to keep “their” fish.

STAMP OUT HUNGER! Get the bag of food out to your mailbox! Now! Or by your door if your mail arrives there. The letter carrier’s one-day drive is explained here.

PINEWOOD DERBY: From Cub Scout Pack 793:

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? How about coming over to the Holy Rosary Gym on Saturday May 11th at 4PM to cheer on your West Seattle Pack 793 Cub Scouts as they have their annual Pinewood Derby! The scouts have been working hard over the last 3 months to perfect their cars. The big event is on Saturday starting at 4 PM. We will have food and drinks available, so please come enjoy this pre-Mothers day event!

WANNA RACE TOO?
We are looking for individuals and businesses as well for a future event! We know that the scouts in all of you would like to enjoy this iconic Cub Scout tradition. We have the track. We have the space. But we are looking for the interest from you! At both the practice and the main event, we will have sign up sheets for an event later this summer to be determined. Please come by to share your enthusiasm for the event and provide your contact information. If you would like to participate as a business, we will provide you with sponsorship packages once the date has been determined.

TROOP 284 SPAGHETTI DINNER AND AUCTION: Tonight, starting at 5, at Our Lady of Guadalupe School Hall! (34th/Myrtle) Details in the calendar listing.

LULU SMITH TRUNK SHOW AT CLICK! In addition to all that garage-saling, there’s fun stuff at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) – with a Lulu Smith trunk show 11 am-5 pm AND there’s chocolate. Really. More info/links in the calendar listing.

THE MAMA-LOGUES! Just in time for Mother’s Day. Tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – details including ticket info here.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL ARTS BENEFIT: 6 pm tonight, including the 8 pm performance of “Bye Bye Birdie” and a lot more, with proceeds benefiting arts programs at WSHS. Details here.

AND … you can also just get a ticket to see “Bye Bye Birdie” but please note it’s at 8 pm tonight instead of 7:30.

‘THE REHEARSAL ROOM’ AT SEALTH: 2nd of 3 performances for Chief Sealth International High School‘s original student musical “The Rehearsal Room,” 7:30 tonight. Tickets are available online as well as at the door.

Lots more on the calendar! And if you missed them elsewhere, West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day maps and info, here; see the list of sales benefiting nonprofits, here.

(Thanks to Don Brubeck for sharing the photo of girders for ongoing Highway 99 work; no closures this weekend, but the Viaduct shuts down NEXT weekend, 5/18 and 5/19)
Happy Friday and welcome to what is forecast as nonstop sunshine, including for all of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (presented by WSB) tomorrow – here are the calendar highlights:

SEN. MURRAY VISITS SOUTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: It’s “Civics Week” on campus, and today that’s highlighted by a visit from U.S. Senator Patty Murray, who will speak at 11 am at the clock-tower plaza, at a rally for the Student Loan Interest Act.

ALSO AT SSCC: The Northwest Wine Academy’s having a pre-Mother’s Day wine event, noon-5 pm, including Mother’s Day-suitable gift baskets.

TRUNK SHOWS AND WINE IN THE JUNCTION: Several reasons to go shopping this afternoon/evening, including a trunk shows/refreshments event at CAPERS 3-7 pm and this week’s tasting at Bin 41, with winemaker Justin Neufeld of JB Neufeld, 6-7:30 pm.

‘THE REHEARSAL ROOM’ AT SEALTH: Opening night for Chief Sealth International High School‘s first student musical since moving back into its renovated campus fall before last – with its auditorium as a centerpiece. Tonight through Sunday, you’re invited to see and hear “The Rehearsal Room,” 7:30 tonight and tomorrow, with a Sunday 2 pm matinee. It’s an original script, with songs old and new that you’ll recognize. Tickets are available online.

‘BYE BYE BIRDIE’ AT WSHS: It’s the second night for West Seattle High School‘s spring musical, which runs two weekends, 7:30 tonight and 8 pm tomorrow (the Saturday show can be seen either separate from or as part of the “Westside Taste of the Arts” special benefit event – full schedule, ticket information, and more, all on the Westside Drama website.

HOUSE CONCERT ON PUGET RIDGE: Emily and Al Cantrell, with storyteller Auntmama, headline a house concert at Puget Ridge Cohousing, 7:30 pm – details here.

BELLS OF THE SOUND AT TIBBETTS: The handbell choir’s “All That Jazz” choir is tonight at 8 at Tibbetts United Methodist Church; details in the event-calender listing.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY EVE: Tomorrow, enjoy the sunshine by exploring the 245 mapped sales around the peninsula – go see what’s in your neighborhood, go explore neighborhoods you haven’t been to before, go to the multi-seller sites at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse and C & P Coffee Company (both WSB sellers), visit the many benefit sales (all listed on the maps, but we’ll have a breakout list later today) … so many ways to enjoy the event, 9 am-3 pm Saturday. You’ll find the online and printable maps here (the former is updated with three last-minute cancellations, so if there are specific sales that interest you, please cross-check the number with the list on the right side of the online map).

Preview the rest of the weekend via the calendar!

Good morning and welcome to a big day/big night!

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT: Though President Obama is not scheduled to visit West Seattle, he won’t be far, so we’re publishing the reminders here – Air Force One is expected at Boeing Field before noon, leaving sometime after 4 pm, and the president’s fundraising stops inbetween include an event at the Paramount downtown, which means closures at a Metro station and on part of Pine Street, as detailed here.

RED DAY AT RIVER CITY: West Seattle’s Keller Williams Realty has its annual “RED Day” volunteer event today, and this time they’ll be working at River City Skate Park in South Park, 735 S. Cloverdale, and all are invited to join in, 9 am-4 pm.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Click the image for your full-size walking map for where to go tonight, 6-9 pm, all over the peninsula, FREE! You’ll not only see art on display, at many venues you’ll meet the artists, and/or enjoy refreshments. Art Walk organizers have updated the official WSAW website with highlighted venues/exhibitions. The WSB West Seattle Events Calendar has a few highlights too – including the latest installment of artist RobRoy Chalmers‘ “Sporozoan” at Wallflower Custom Framing (WSB sponsor) on the ground floor of Mural, on 42nd SW across from Jefferson Square. Also, Sheila Lengle‘s winning entry from the West Seattle Garden Tour poster-art contest will be on display, along with runner-up works, at Windermere in The Junction.

K-5 STEM AT BOREN DESIGN TEAM: Here’s the draft agenda for their meeting at 6:15 pm tonight at Madison Middle School.

MURRAY CSO PROJECT DESIGN ADVISORY GROUP: The community advisory group reviewing the sewer-overflow-control project across from Lowman Beach Park meets tonight, 6:30 pm, at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – info and agenda links here.

YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS: Twelfth Night Productions will celebrate them at Kenyon Hall tonight, 7 pm.

‘BYE BYE BIRDIE’ PREMIERE AT WSHS: Tonight’s the first night of the West Seattle High School spring musical, 7:30 pm in the school theater. Ticket info and more, on the Westside Drama website.

FINAL WEEK FOR ‘EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR’: The latest production at ArtsWest is down to its last few performances, including tonight at 7:30 pm.

For today’s previews, we direct you to the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, which changed formats semi-recently to be a true calendar, with individual listings for each event: You can click the “plus” on the right side of any event’s line and see an expanded description, then click “read more” to go to the full listing, usually including a map – or click the “minus” on the right side to close the listing so the calendar’s back in line-by-line view. Today’s events include a 12:30 pm community conversation with West Seattle’s school-board rep Marty McLaren; tonight’s major community meeting is the 34th District Democrats‘ endorsements meeting at 7 pm. Get the full list on the calendar.

(Anemone photographed by “old desolate,” shared via the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

DONUT TRUCK DEBUTS: As reported here on Monday, Lucky Devil Doughnut Co. – whose specialties include the Portuguese treats also famous in Hawaii, malasadas – makes its first appearance, 8 am-2 pm at the Uptown Espresso lot in The Junction (California/Edmunds).

ONE MORE CHANCE TO EXPLORE AT LOW-LOW TIDE: Today’s low tide – minus 3.3 feet at 1:11 pm – is almost as low as yesterday’s – and Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be out again, south of Alki Point and near Colman Pool in Lincoln Park, 10:30 am-2:30 pm.

ATHENA’S OPENS: 11 am today, the enterprise whose truck has been out in front of the ex-Zippy’s location at 16th/Holden in Highland Park for the past few months will open the sit-down café. We’ll have a preview up by 9:15 am.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS CONCERT: The Debut and Intermediate Orchestras‘ “Stepping into Spring” concert is tonight, 6:30 pm, at Chief Sealth International High School‘s auditorium (2600 SW Thistle) – details here.

DINE OUT TO SUPPORT THE FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: Part of tonight’s proceeds at Endolyne Joe’s, 5 pm to close, go to help keep the annual festival free.

ALSO IN FAUNTLEROY: 7 pm at the schoolhouse (9131 California SW), the Fauntleroy Community Association board has its monthly meeting.

IN ADMIRAL: The Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s monthly meeting happens on the second Tuesday too, 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill).

STANDUP-PADDLEBOARDING RACE: Every Tuesday night through mid-September, Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest hosts a 7 pm race – details on the calendar.

TRIVIA THAT ROCKS: 8 pm tonight at Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor), where you can admire the new outdoor landscaping before/during/after playing trivia (with prizes!).

BABY KETTEN KARAOKE: It’s here just once a month, and tonight’s the night at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW), 9 pm.

STARLITE SONGWRITERS’ NIGHT: A weekly tradition at Shadowland in The Junction, 9 pm.

CHECKED OUT THE GARAGE SALE DAY MAP YET? This Saturday, 9 am-3 pm, it’s the 8th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (coordinated by WSB), with more than 245 sales on the map, which you can see – in a clickable, zoomable online version, AND in the printable PDF version – by going here.

(Thanks to David Hutchinson for the goose-and-gosling photo; click it for larger view)
Happy sunny Monday! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

WESTBOUND SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT OVERNIGHT CLOSURE, BUT NOT AT THE USUAL SPOT: SDOT is NOT closing the ENTIRE westbound Spokane Street Viaduct – just a short section right at 99 – but that still means, if you are taking the westbound West Seattle Bridge from I-5 or Beacon Hill, you cannot take it all the way to West Seattle; you will be detoured down the Harbor Island ramp and will have to take the “low bridge” the rest of the way. Again, this is a late-night/early-morning closure scheduled to start at 9 pm each of the next four nights (as announced by the city last week).

LOWEST TIDE OF THE MONTH: If you can get out on the beach, today’s low tide, just before 12:30 pm per our favorite chart provider, is -3.4 feet, just before 12:30 pm. The Seattle Aquarium‘s volunteer beach naturalists will be out south of Alki Point and on the Lincoln Park beach near Colman Pool, 10 am-2 pm.

WSHS, SEALTH IN BASEBALL PLAYOFFS: The Metro League‘s postseason tournament starts this afternoon and West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School are both playing today (thanks to Chris for the tip) – WSHS vs. O’Dea at 3:45 pm at Hiawatha, Sealth vs. Blanchet at 6 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex.

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: The WSCC‘s 3 pm meeting at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) is themed “fruits and vegetables” – make something and bring it to share!

ADMIRAL DISTRICT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: The semi-new organization for Admiral businesses meets at 4 pm at the Heartland Café‘s Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way).

DESC PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The advisory committee for DESC‘s 66-unit Delridge Supportive Housing project at 5444 Delridge Way SW meets again tonight, and this time they will get an update from the project’s architects; the agenda is here, and the public is welcome = 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

Sunny Sunday highlights here:

(Photo courtesy Port of Seattle, taken after Oosterdam docked this morning)
CRUISE SHIP SEASON BEGINS: The Port of Seattle’s first ship of the season is here. Holland America Line’s Oosterdam is docked in Magnolia, but visitors are still everywhere, reports a WSB team member just back from the other side of the bay. (The port’s cruise-ship schedule for this year is here [PDF].)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Here’s their announcement of what’s new today:

Wine and Cider Sampling: Rockridge Orchards & Cidery
Kids’ Tent: The WS Junction Association w/a crafts, giveaways, and a workout routine!

Welcome new creamery Mountain Lodge Farm with FRESH CHEVRE!!

10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska in The Junction.

ALSO AT THE MARKET – BRING YOUR MUGS/GLASSES: Sustainable West Seattle‘s mugs/glasses collection drive – to have a set of reusable dishes for events – is scheduled to be part of their booth at the market today (here’s our original story).

LOW/HIGH TIDES, AND TWO CHANCES TO SEE THE BEACH WITH NATURALISTS: Just after 11:30 this morning, the tide will be minus three feet – one of the lowest tides of the year. A naturalist-led walk is scheduled for 10:15 am across from Me-Kwa Mooks (Beach Drive) and Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be south of Alki Point and on the Lincoln Park beach (usually near Colman Pool) starting at 10:30 am.

FAMILY FRISBEE: West Seattle Ultimate Family Frisbee (here’s the WSUFF Facebook page) plays at Fairmount Park, 11 am.

GIRLS ROCK MATH OPEN HOUSE: 2-6 pm today, you’re invited to come find out more about Girls Rock Math (WSB sponsor) at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – details in the calendar listing. (Also, check out GRM’s new coupon on the WSB Coupons page.)

‘HIPSTER BLUES’: That’s how PK Dwyer‘s music is described in the announcement we published in the calendar; catch PK at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) 3-5 pm today.

WSUU CONCERT: The Westside Unitarian Universalists‘ Chamber Choir performs at 4 pm today at WSUU’s church (7141 California SW), all invited; admission by donation. Details in the calendar listing.

(Maples at Fauntleroy Park, photographed earlier this week)
The sun should appear this afternoon, if not sooner (we see patches of blue out there even now)! From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

CITYWIDE TRAFFIC ALERTS: No bridge closures or other major road work planned in our area this weekend, but the city is now sending out its weekly list of weekend events elsewhere that might land you in a major traffic snarl if you (a) have to leave West Seattle and (b) are not forewarned. So – as published here Thursday – here’s the latest list.

FREE PANCAKES! From partner site White Center Now – till 10 this morning, it’s the annual McLendon Hardware pancake breakfast in WC.

WEST SEATTLE MONTESSORI/WEST SEATTLE ACADEMY PLANT SALE: Big sale with more than “just” plants – organic soil, bake sale, too – but the plants themselves are notable for reasons including: Students’ vegetable starts, donated plants from Village Green Perennial Nursery (which like WSMS is a WSB sponsor), more. 9 am-3 pm (11215 15th SW)

LOW TIDE, HIGH TIDE, AND SUPERMOON: As noted here yesterday, we’re starting several days of water- and sky-watching – today, low tide is -2.1 just before 11 am and high tide is 11.5 just before 6 pm (here’s the monthly chart), while this evening’s moonrise – if visible – is one worth watching for the “supermoon” appearance.

NEIGHBORHOOD BENEFIT FOR FIRE SURVIVORS: Neighbors of the Highland Park mother and son who survived a house fire this past week are offering hot dogs and lemonade this afternoon for donations on their behalf.

BOREN BEAUTIFICATION: Join families of this fall’s first K-5 STEM at Boren school enrollees, and other community members, to help pull weeds and otherwise tidy up outside the Boren Building in the 5900 block of Delridge, 1-5 pm (here’s our preview).

CRAFTS AND DRAUGHTS: The arts/crafts sale at Skylark Café is back, 4-7 pm today (3803 Delridge Way SW).

SEATTLE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL BENEFIT DINNER: Tonight at the SLHS gym, starting at 5 pm, with special guests Nesby Glasgow and Deacon Demetrius Deke Devers. Details in our preview from earlier this week. (41st/Genesee)

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL BENEFIT DINNER: Spaghetti, raffle/auction, and more, in the WSHS Commons, starting at 7:30 pm. Details in the preview published here Friday morning. (3000 California SW)

CINCO DE MAYO SPECIALS: Menu and drink specials at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction (6451 California SW).

CINCO DE MAYO PIG ROASTS: Mission in the Admiral District – starting at noon, teaming with the Swinery – and Fresh Bistro in The Junction (between 5 and 11 pm) are both having pig roasts to mark Cinco de Mayo.

WINE FOR OUR TIMES: It might be the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s most popular event of the year. Doors open 6 pm; full details on the HPIC website. (12th and Holden)

WHITE CENTER JUBILEE DAYS GALA … IN WEST SEATTLE: At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center tonight, the big party will be on behalf of Jubilee Days, WC’s summer festival, with music, food, drinks, and a silent auction. 6:30 pm – details and ticket info on the WCJD website. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Steve Jordan plays at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) … 8 pm, King County Queens, The Thing Changers, the Fuzz, at Skylark … 9 pm, The Throbs are at The Poggie in The Junction … 9 pm, Aaron Zig, Better Left Unsaid at the Benbow Room in the Admiral District … (Got music? Let us know so we can include it in the WSB calendar and previews!)

‘ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW’: As usual on the first Saturday of each month, the night concludes at midnight with “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Admiral Theater, including a “shadow cast.”

ONE WEEK TILL WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: Check back here later today if you want to preview the official maps, which will be available, free, online this afternoon, with locations and information about next Saturday’s 245+ sales, so you can start planning!

(Machel Spence photographed this saw-whet owl with her cameraphone by Pathfinder K-8)
Happy Friday! The forecast promises some weekend sun. Here are highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

(added) CARNE ASADA BOWL: A soccer celebration at Chief Sealth International High School! Today’s reminder from athletic director Sam Reed:

Today’s the day for the 5th Annual Carne Asada Bowl, the annual soccer game between the CSI Seahawks and the SBOC Internationals!

Former Principal John Boyd, a former principal of both schools actually, came up with the idea years ago as a way to unite two communities that share much in common – many of our past and current Chief Sealth players have transitioned into high school through the BOC – and celebrate soccer as a diverse, worldwide sport. Current Sealth Principal Chris Kinsey took the idea and ran with it, ensuring that we will keep the traditional alive!

The event features a game between the two teams, a giant trophy for the winning team, and a community feast including Carne Asada prepared by Sealth’s own Delfino Munoz and a myriad of sides prepared by Sealth soccer supporters including parents Dave and Nenita Rosario.

The best part? This is yet another free event, with soccer starting at 4:00pm and food following – Don’t worry, the players, referees and coaches all get to eat first!

FREE TEEN ZUMBA: 5 pm tonight at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle).

‘INSTRUMENTS OF CHANGE’: The West Seattle Food Bank‘s annual dinner/auction benefit is tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy, social time at 5:30, dinner at 7, keynote speaker Ron Sims. (Usually sold out, but lots of other ways to support WS Food Bank!)

WINE TASTING: Bin 41 in The Junction features Dusted Valley from Walla Walla with winemaker Chad Johnson, 6-7:30 pm.

ROXHILL ELEMENTARY ‘NIGHT FOR THE STARS’: Work downtown? Don’t leave – go to the Roxhill fundraiser “Night for the Stars” at 415 Westlake, 6:30 pm. Full details in our original preview.

‘SACRED MUSIC, DIFFERENT VIEWS’: Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale‘s concert is at Holy Rosary Church tonight at 7:30 pm – concert details here.

FRIDAY NIGHTLIFE: Alan Ehrlich performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) 6-8 pm; also, live music at Skylark Café and Club at 9 pm – check their site for the lineup; the Benbow Room has live music at 9 too (here’s their lineup).

Preview the weekend via the calendar (and let us know if we’re missing something)!

West Seattle-based Captive Eye Media produced that short promotional video for one of tonight’s big events, cancer-fighting fashion show “Style ’12” – part of our highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

STYLE ’12: West Seattleite-led Northwest Hope and Healing‘s annual fashion show to raise money to help breast-cancer patients. West Seattle businesses participating too! Survivors take to the runway to model spring fashion – and you’ll hear inspiring stories, too, including that of keynote speaker, West Seattle three-time survivor Tracy Dart. Tickets available at the door – more info on the NWHH site. It’s at 7 pm at Showbox SODO (1700 1st Avenue S.).

Also today/tonight:

HOPPING TO FIGHT M.D.: The kids from Tiny Tribe Preschool plan a hop-a-thon at Junction Plaza Park this morning around 10:30 “to raise money and awareness about muscular dystrophy.”

MAYOR’S TOWN HALL: For the second time in less than two months, Mayor Mike McGinn is holding a Town Hall in West Seattle. This time, it’s at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon), 5-6 pm; here’s our original preview.

ALKI ELEMENTARY ART SHOWCASE: You’re invited to Alki Elementary tonight, 6-8 pm (3010 59th SW) – our calendar-listing page has details on what you’ll see.

ROXHILL ELEMENTARY MEETING ABOUT BEX-IV: It’s at Roxhill Elementary, but the entire community’s invited to come talk about West Seattle’s priorities for the BEX-IV Seattle Public Schools levy – which so far has included a potential proposal to close Roxhill and “merge” it into Arbor Heights Elementary, among other proposals. West Seattle’s school-board rep Marty McLaren will be there, among others. 6:30-8 pm, 30th/Roxbury; details here.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: The annual observance by Alki’s Statue of Liberty Plaza is planned for 6:30-8 pm; details on the calendar-listing page.

JOE CROOKSTON IN CONCERT: Tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 7:30 pm.

(Thanks to Doug B for sharing his osprey photo with the WSB Flickr group pool – it’s linked to his original, on Flickr)
A few things of note as the day goes on, and then into the night, from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT: Admiral Way paving continues north of the West Seattle Bridge; the bridge itself has inspection work happening today – details on both are here.

‘GiveBIG’ ONE-DAY DONATION DRIVE: Early this morning, we published a list of the special links for West Seattle, White Center, and South Park nonprofits that are participating in this one-day donate-a-palooza – with The Seattle Foundation offering a “stretch pool” that will make your donations go further. The list is here. Also note that your favorite nonprofit(s) may have extra matches going on – we know of at least two, West Seattle Helpline with a dollar-for-dollar match up to $2,500, and ArtsWest has its own matching fund too. And tonight if you dine at Proletariat Pizza or Zippy’s Giant Burgers, as part of “Dine Out for Hunger,” they are donating part of their dinner proceeds to the White Center Food Bank, which serves part of West Seattle too.

VIADUCT UPDATES: The every-few-months meeting of the Alaskan Way Viaduct South Portal Working Group is at 4 pm today, Sound Transit Board Room at 401 South Jackson downtown, with working-group members to be briefed on a variety of projects, including the waterfront-traffic reroutes reported here on Monday, transit routing during 99 construction, and how the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project is going.

ALSO TALKING 99/VIADUCT … and transit routing, will be the Southwest District Council, reps from community groups and other organizations around western West Seattle, meeting at 7 pm tonight, board room at South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW).

DINNER/HAPPY HOUR EXPANDS AT LA ROMANZA: The newly renamed La Romanza Bistro Italiano (WSB sponsor) in The Junction is now serving dinner on Wednesdays, too, starting tonight. Happy Hour too, says proprietor Aimee Pellegrini!

PRIDE SKATE TONIGHT: At Southgate Roller Rink, 9-11 pm – here’s the Facebook event page.

Get a jump on the days and weeks (and months!) ahead – browse the full calendar here.

(Thanks to the WSB’er who sent this photo of an eagle dining – on a smaller bird, they wrote – near Lowman Beach)
What’s up today/tonight, including highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

ADMIRAL WAY PAVING: An SDOT paving crew is scheduled to work on Admiral Way north of the West Seattle Bridge for the rest of the week. They promise one lane in each direction will stay open. Here’s last week’s detailed announcement.

FERRY FARES RISE: Washington State Ferries fares have gone up as of today – details here.

MAY DAY MARCH/RALLY TRAFFIC REMINDER: If you missed it yesterday, here’s the SDOT alert about a protest march/rally coinciding with the evening commute.

DREAM DINNERS OPEN HOUSE: No time to cook from scratch, but takeout/dineout doesn’t work either? Dream Dinners is a different way to answer “what’s for dinner?” and if you’ve never checked out DD, tonight’s open house is your chance, with a chance to try the May menu and more. 5:30-7 pm at 4701 41st SW (east side of the Jefferson Square main building, fronting 41st); more info here.

LIVE ART BASH: At Mind Unwind in the Admiral District, Tuesday evenings are the chance for you to bring in an art project that you’re trying to finish, start, make progress on … and work in a collaborative atmosphere. 6-9 pm, 2206 California SW – more on the M/U calendar.

(added) SUP SEASON STARTS: Received this afternoon from Mountain to Sound Outfitters/Alki Kayak Tours:

Join us for our first night of the season at Alki Kayak Tours as we start the third annual Stand Up Paddleboard race series and product demo event. Starting tonight Tuesday, May 1, 2012 through the middle of September, we will meet at Seacrest Park at 1660 Harbor Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106 EVERY Tuesday for an evening of fun. Hosted by Alki Kayak Tours, we are featuring an impressive fleet of boards for you all to try! The details: Product demo from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for $10 come and try any SUP we have available. The race has a roundtrip distance of 1.5 miles race that travels from Seacrest Park to the Duwamish River channel marker at the North point of Alki with a start time of 7:00pm. Entry fee is $5 with prizes given to top finishers. We have an official time keeper and will be recording your name, board details, and finishing time. Let’s get on the water together! Call Alki Kayak Tours direct for more information: 206.953.0237.

‘BASIC HOME TILING’ WORKSHOP: As of this writing, still a few spots left in this 7 pm workshop at the West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center) – sign up here.

(Photo by Sam from Fleurt [WSB sponsor] – windblown flower petals cover a Fauntleroy street!)
From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

DONATE TO YOUR LOCAL FOOD BANKS! Today is the last day of the Feinstein Challenge, two months during which your donation to participating food banks goes further – here’s the story we originally published when the annual “challenge” began last month.

NORTHWEST CENTER DROPOFF NOW 7 DAYS A WEEK: As mentioned last week, the Northwest Center “Big Blue Truck” donation-dropoff spot in The Junction – 44th and Edmunds – is open EVERY day as of today (used to be Fri/Sat/Sun). Our previous story includes a link to the list of what they do and don’t accept.

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Today’s theme for the dish you bring – “On a Bun”! 3 pm, Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW).

AFTERSCHOOL CLASSES AT ENRICHMENT ON ALKI: A new series of classes starts today after school – details here.

GET YOUR DANCE ON … with Balorico at Kenyon Hall, 6:30 pm. More on the listing page.

MEMORIAL AT VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: An annual tradition at West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard) is tonight – a vigil to remember the Vietnamese and U.S. soldiers who lost their lives fighting for freedom. The public’s welcome, with a special invitation extended to veterans; tonight at 7 pm. (Details here.)

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

FLAT EARTH SOCIETY DJ SESSION AT WEST 5: It’s a Monday night tradition – 9 pm at West 5, turntable time, described as: “Featuring a lineup of some luminous Seattle record junkies spinning the rarest and fairest vinyl from deep within their respective LP collections. Rare soul, garage, dirty-funk, J Pop, jazz and a smattering of world-stage psychedelia will be spinning at the popular lounge in the heart of West Seattle.” Tonight, it’s Chris Martin from Kinski and AMPBUZZ.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY COUNTDOWN: 12 days away – 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 12th. We expect as usual to have the map available a week in advance so you can find out who’s having a sale near you (if you’re not a seller!) and plan your wanderings that day – keep watch here, on the WSCGSD website, on the WSCGSD Facebook page, and on the WSB Facebook page.

(Don Brubeck photographed Alki sand work on Friday – discussed at the last Alki Community Council meeting)
Another mega-busy Saturday! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

PIGEON POINT SPRING CLEAN: 9 am-noon today in West Seattle’s northeasternmost neighborhood – details here.

(Thanks to Sharonn for the photo – the plants have arrived!)
WEST SEATTLE’S GATEWAY NEEDS YOU FOR JUST 2 HOURS: Give two hours between 10 am and 4 pm today and make a big difference as volunteers transform the landscape around a key element of West Seattle’s “gateway” – here’s how to pitch in and make a BIG difference. Today’s big focus is planting!

HEALTHY KIDS DAY: The West Seattle Y (WSB sponsor) hosts the annual celebration with an inflatable obstacle course, arts/crafts, dunk tank, face-painting, and more, Western-themed this year, plus the chance to become a member with joining fees waived. 10 am-1 pm, 36th/Snoqualmie.

FIRST FUNDRAISING CAR WASH OF THE SEASON: The Seattle Lutheran High School Booster Club and student athletes are hosting a car wash 10 am-2 pm at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor), 35th/Webster.

SPEAKING OF HEALTH … DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY: 10 am-2 pm, drop off your unneeded/expired prescription drugs at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), no questions asked. (Here’s our preview from Friday.)

‘THINK OUTSIDE THE CAR’ KICKOFF: Kids’ bike rodeo, live music, food trucks, more at CoolMom‘s kickoff event for “Think Outside the Car” – all outside Westside School (WSB sponsor), 10 am-2 pm – and you can bike there if you join a ride from Lincoln Park (by SW Kenyon) at 9:30 am!

INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR A ‘LARGE PROJECTS FUND’ CITY GRANT? Then you need to be at the special workshop at 10 am, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

FIGHT IVY AT THE SANISLO WETLAND: 10 am-1 pm, as previewed here on Friday (1812 SW Myrtle).

FREE YOGA! SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) offers a free class periodically, and today’s the day – 10:30 am-11:45 am.

CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR IN WHITE CENTER: The Cambodian community’s annual festival is full of music, entertainment, food, and more, 10:30 am-5 pm on SW 98th between 15th/16th in downtown White Center – here’s the Facebook event page.

THE KENNEY’S ANNUAL BRUNCH: Hopefully you’ve RSVP’d already – here’s your reminder, the fundraising brunch starts at 10:30 am today; details here (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW).

PUGET RIDGE GARDEN CENTER, SPECIAL ‘OPEN’! It’s the garden center you can only visit once or twice a week, and it’s open 11 am -3 pm today on the north end of South Seattle Community College‘s campus (6000 16th SW).

‘CASH MOB’ AT VILLAGE GREEN PERENNIAL NURSERY: The “cash mob” concept is to show up at a small independent local business and “mob” it with money to show your support. A local social entrepreneur announced a few weeks back that he wanted to organize one for Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor), and today’s the day, be there at 2 pm (10223 26th SW). In the “cash mob” tradition, there’s also an afterparty – at Company in downtown White Center. And VG entrepreneur Vera Johnson is “paying it forward” by organizing one for next weekend (details here).

CYSTIC FIBROSIS FUNDRAISER: Dinner, Zumba, education, and support for a local family, all happening at Peace Lutheran Church starting at 5 pm – details in the calendar listing (39th/Thistle).

Even more, for today and beyond, on the calendar!