A strange afternoon in the sky over West Seattle. First we were checking out reports of low-flying – or, at least, loud – aircraft; never did solve that mystery. Then (likely not related, but who knows?) came several reports of an unusual flock of large birds, reported in the 4 and 5 pm hours. Two reports came with photos – above, John sent a very-high-resolution picture (see the original by clicking the much-cropped version we show above); and this one, from Bill, who grabbed his camera fast and is pretty sure they’re vultures:

We asked Bill why he believes they’re vultures; his reply:

I’ve seen them as far north as Lopez Island. Don’t know what they’re doing around here this time of year. I used to see them regularly when I lived in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. That’s all I can think that they could have been. Any birds of prey don’t congregate like this as far as I know. I wish I could have been able to have taken more definitive pictures, but they were just too far away. A friend of mine living down on Beach Drive sent me an email; he saw them as well and also referred to them as vultures.

(WSB photo of Fauntleroy ferry-dock murk, added 10:08 am)
The weather’s supposed to get better – for a while – at some point today. Really! (And remember, we have a page for that.) Here are today’s highlights, indoors and out, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

ELECTRONICS – AND MORE – RECYCLING EVENT: Previous editions of the Fauntleroy Church Green Committee’s Recycle Roundup have kept tons and tons of stuff out of landfills. 1 Green Planet will be there 9 am-3 pm today; here’s what they’ll accept. (9131 California SW, but you can’t get there from the rest of California – head west on Barton from 35th, or uphill on Wildwood from the ferry dock)

RUN WITH A SOUNDTRACK: Fitness for Vitality (WSB sponsor) starts a new series of 10K’s, “Run to Drums” in Lincoln Park, with kids’ dash too, this morning, with live music! Details here.

MARKET DAY! Your weekly chance to shop the year-round West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska). Market managers’ bulletin for today: “Welcome Back Anderson Acres – One of our pioneering orchards with specialty apples and if we’re lucky..RAW walnuts!”

GAME DAY: Second gathering for the new “European strategy board game” group meets at Uptown Espresso in The Junction, 1 pm – read this story for details, contact info, and a group to join online – first meeting drew 18 people!

FALL PROJECT? Weekends mean you can check something out from the West Seattle Tool Library at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (east side of main building), open 1-5 pm on Sundays.

BOOK LAUNCH: Book release/signing party for Seattle author Dave O’Leary‘s new novel “Horse Bite” at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm.

LIVE MUSIC: Among the places you’ll find it in West Seattle today – C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) at 3 pm with Lindsey Boggio; tonight, Skylark Café and Club at 8 pm with Be Honest Ruth Bryan, Red Means Go, Van Eps ($5 cover).

(Lampposts are striped with orange in The Junction for Halloween month! Trick-or-treat 1-3 pm October 29)
Happy Saturday! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

NEW FOOD TRUCK SPOT: Debut of food trucks at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden), 11 am-3 pm. Lumpia World and I Want Curry Now confirmed, per HPIC.

SCHOOL BOARD REP’S COMMUNITY CHAT: School Board president Steve Sundquist‘s community chat meeting, High Point Library, 11 am-12:30 pm.

GET YOUR CAR CLEAN, FOR A GOOD CAUSE: West Seattle High School Grad Night Car Wash. Proceeds benefit the 2012 Grad Night party. Westside seniors and parents will be washing cars from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West Seattle Produce, at the corner of Fauntleroy Way and SW Alaska. Organizers will be asking for donations to help offset the cost of an all-night, alcohol-free, chaperoned party aimed at keeping graduates safe the night of their graduation. Fundraisers throughout the year help keep ticket costs reasonable and provide scholarships for graduates who could not attend otherwise. For details on upcoming fundraisers, keep an eye on this Facebook page.

PLANT WHILE YOU CAN: The South Seattle Community College Garden Center will be open today 11 am-3 pm, north side of campus, with major discounts, including half off edibles like raspberries, blueberries and figs. North side of campus (6000 16th SW).

FOSTER CATS WHO NEED FOREVER HOMES: At Alki Community Center, the Seattle Animal Shelter will bring foster cats who need their forever homes – noon-3 pm. Special deal – no adoption fees, only license fees, for adult cats, according to organizers.

OKTOBERFEST: It’s Oktoberfest day/night at Elliott Bay Brewing in West Seattle (4720 California SW). Enjoy their traditional Oktoberfest menu all day, Oktoberfest beer and a live Oktoberfest band from 6 pm-10 pm (no cover).

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Homecoming game for Seattle Lutheran HS, playing LaConner at West Seattle Stadium, 1:30 pm.

CELEBRATE THE HARVEST: HPIC (Highland Park Improvement Club) is hosting a Harvest Dinner at 6 pm. Come help initiate another new tradition at HPIC and celebrate a harvest meal with friends and neighbors. Bring a home-made dish to share that celebrates our local harvest, plus a dinner plate to leave behind for HPIC’s community kitchen.

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

SKIN-CARE PREMIERE: Noon to 4 pm at Westside Dermatology (WSB sponsor), 4740 44th Ave SW, Suite 200. This event is open to the public! Westside Dermatology is launching two new topical antioxidants by SkinCeuticals. We will be demonstrating the importance of antioxidants in a daily skin care regimen and explaining why not all antioxidants are the same. There will be product samples, prizes, refreshments, and snacks. More information about the event can be found here: westside-derm.com/events.htm

FAMILY FUN: Everyone’s invited to Family Fun Night tonight @ Seattle Civic Dance, 6-9 pm. Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, bottom floor. 9131 California SW. Free but bring $ for pizza, pop, cookies, silent auction, raffles, cake walks, face painting to support the concert dances’ ongoing community performances. Live DJ Paul Thomson of STAR 101.5!

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Tonight, two games at 7 pm – Chief Sealth hosts Franklin (Southwest Athletic Complex); West Seattle vs. Rainier Beach (Southeast Athletic Complex).

LIVE MUSIC: Tonight’s slate includes The Bend at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm.

(Old pier near Jack Block Park, by LikeOnATree, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
A sampling of highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

CHEESE CEREMONY: 3:12 pm, 100-pound Stilton cheese will be cut at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) as part of the “For the Love of Cheese” festival.

HELP LAW ENFORCERS’ FAMILIES: Tonight is the annual Dine Out to Remember Our Fallen, with local participants contributing part of tonight’s dinner proceeds: Puerto Vallarta, Duke’s on Alki, Talarico’s, Rocksport. There’s also a silent auction at Puerto Vallarta. Proceeds help WAStateCOPS, which assists the families of fallen officers.

TACO THURSDAY, FOR CHARITY: Taco Thursday at Alki Tavern, 5-10 pm, with proceeds this week benefiting Family Promise of Seattle and the West Seattle Food Bank. Organizers say Chris Carpenter, the newly appointed regional director of Church World Service, will be there between 6:00 and 7:00 pm “to enjoy some tacos and shoot the breeze with us about hunger, homelessness, and whether the Huskies’ defensive line is for real.”

BROKEN? DON’T TOSS IT – FIX IT! The Fixers’ Collective @ the West Seattle Tool Library (at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW), 6 – 8 pm. Love to tinker? Come check out the group.

SCHOOL ‘CAPACITY MANAGEMENT’ MEETING: Meeting about Seattle Public Schools “capacity management” – how to deal with school crowding – Madison Middle School, 6:30 pm (more info here – detailed preview coming up shortly on WSB).

ROXHILL ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: It’s tonight at 6:30 pm, after an event during which Roxhill Elementary School‘s staff and families will get to try new school-lunch menus the district is testing (staff at 5, families at 5:45), including “butternut squash curry with chicken, served over couscous.

BE ROYAL! Evening informational session for prospective West Seattle Hi-Yu Senior Court candidates, details here. 6:30 pm at Prudential Northwest offices in Jefferson Square.

WINE TASTING: The weekly West Seattle Cellars (6026 California SW) wine tasting runs 5:30 to 8 pm. Tonight, wines from Languedoc-Roussillon and beyond, with Joelle Hand, of Cavatappi.

DRAMA AT CHIEF SEALTH: “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds,” presented by the Chief Sealth International High School Drama Club, 7 pm, CSIHS Little Theater, free.

The city has taken the next step toward putting historic ex-Fire Station 37 (at 35th SW/SW Othello) up for sale, as authorized by the City Council last month. It’s just sent out a “request for proposals” (RFP) from real-estate brokers interested in marketing the former station, among other vacant properties. Read on for the full announcement:Read More

Our daily preview always starts with a featured photo/video, and this one is a sight to see:

Lest today’s grayness get you down – that clip shows rain from a new perspective – underwater, with a moon jelly! Diver Laura James says she found it just off 64th SW. Now, a few notes from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

LIBRARY TALES FOR TOTS: Two Preschool Story Times at local library branches this morning – 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) branch, 11:30 am at Southwest branch. More info via the Seattle Public Library events calendar.

LATEST VIADUCT INFO, #1: If you want to be on the leading edge of what’s new with the Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct project, at a meeting that’s open to the public but seldom attended by any member of it, this is your day – the Alaskan Way Viaduct South Portal Working Group meets 4-5:30 pm at the Sound Transit Board Room, Union Station downtown (401 South Jackson). The Oct. 21-31 closure will be discussed, as will “initial construction activities for the SR 99 tunnel and preview the north portal construction simulation tool.”

LATEST VIADUCT INFO, #2: From there, it’s on to the Southwest District Council meeting, 7 pm, South Seattle Community College board room, where the AWV project’s deputy director Matt Preedy will provide the latest closure details to an all-West Seattle group. Public welcome here too. Full list of agenda toplines is on the WSB Events calendar.

TONIGHT’S PTSA MEETING: Highland Park Elementary, 5:30 pm.

KENNEY MEETING: Updates on the Memory Support Unit under development at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) are planned at a meeting there tonight, 6:30 pm, all welcome (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW).

FREE WAY TO HELP TEACHERS/STUDENTS: DonorsChoose cards available today, free while they last, at Starbucks stores, so you can use them to make $10 donations toward classroom projects. (Please let us know if you discover any West Seattle store is out of them.)

(Thanks to Emily Austin for sharing the heron photo)

SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT @ ROTARY: The Rotary Club of West Seattle weekly luncheon meeting, noon at Salty’s on Alki, will hear from local school-board rep, and board president, Steve Sundquist.

HAS ALZHEIMER’S AFFECTED YOUR FAMILY? If so, they’re hoping to see you at the Alzheimer’s Association Town Hall meeting at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW), 2 pm, full details here.

SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT THE CITY BUDGET? The first Seattle City Council public hearing on the city budget proposal for next year is at 5:30; signups at 5 pm. City Hall downtown.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL PTSA: First general-membership meeting of the school year, 7 pm. Agenda includes an update from principal Ruth Medsker and briefings on upcoming projects/events such as the fall drama production, the WSHS Foundation auction to benefit WSHS Athletics, the West Seattle 5K, and more.

DISC-OVER THIS: West Seattle Ultimate Frisbee, 6:30 pm, Fairmount Playfield (Fauntleroy at Brandon).

SHERRY AT THE BIN: Sherry-seminar wine tasting at bin 41, 6-7:30 pm. Meet Drake McCarthy of the Lustau estate in Spain and discover the world of sherry. Drake will be sharing a broad spectrum of sherries, from the dry subtleties of Amontillado to the supple richness of Pedro Ximénez.

OPEN MIKE NIGHT: 7 pm at Skylark Café and Club, acoustic-only, poetry and comedy encouraged as well as all flavors of acoustic music! All ages till 9, then 21+.

‘TRIVIA THAT ROCKS’: 8 pm trivia at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), not just music – “the topics are all entertainment, from music and movies, to TV and pop culture!”

Thanks to Stacey who – after getting caught in the traffic jam like so many this morning – sent word of that banner on the Fauntleroy walkover (first one in a while, since the Great Crackdown of 2007 all but ended the practice). We subsequently headed out to take that photo from the frontage road (NOT from traffic). Yes, along with zillions of others, we will be watching for news of the Amanda Knox verdict, and we’ll publish an update here when it happens (currently not expected to happen before 11 am 12:30 pm our time, which is 8 pm 9:30 pm Perugia, Italy, time). Here’s what else is making news today/tonight:

REMINDER FOR BUS RIDERS: It’s the first commute day since Metro’s “service change” kicked in on Saturday.

NEW URGENT-CARE CLINIC: Today’s the day Highline Medical Center-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) opens its new Urgent Care practice.

NEW SCHOOL-ATTENDANCE CAMPAIGN: As noted here on Friday, the mayor and school superintendent will be at the new Denny International Middle School at 11:30 am today to launch the local version of a national campaign to boost school attendance.

SUBTLY SPICED: West Seattle Cooking Club meets at Beveridge Place Pub, 2 pm. This week’s ingredient: Saffron.

BINGO AT ALKI UCC! Bingo at Alki UCC Church, tonight and every Monday. Buy-in is $7 and payouts vary according to the number of players. Doors open at 5:30 and games begin at 6:30. Usually done by 8:30. 62nd and Alki.

HELP FOR PARENTS: New parenting lecture series debuts tonight at Admiral UCC Church, co-presented by A Child Becomes Preschool, 6:30 pm, more info here.

FAMILY STORY TIME: Mondays 7 pm, Family Story Time at the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library.

WANT A FREE TRAIN TICKET? The Amtrak companion fare giveaway continues at PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor), while it lasts – more info here.

12:12 PM: Yes, we know you’re probably scam-savvy. But for those who aren’t, and for those who will want to warn possibly gullible relatives/friends, this is just out of the WSB inbox (and before we could publish the warning, we received the same call, though we’re not customers of the bank in question!). From Carrie:

I received a call this Sunday morning from a blocked number that I did not answer. The voice mail message said ” for security reasons your Wells Fargo account has been locked. To unlock your account press “1”. ” I called Wells Fargo and they said this was not a legitimate call, they do not call from a blocked number but sent emails. Obviously the caller was checking to see who has an account with Wells Fargo and would proceed from there with some devious deed.

ADDED 5:35 PM: Just got the call AGAIN, as a straight-to-voicemail message on a personal cell phone. Rooting around for official WF policies of how to report this type of call, we found this page on their website, asking that scam e-mails or other info be sent to: reportphish@wellsfargo.com.

(First sunset of October 2011 – photo courtesy Emily)
One of those rare weekends when Sunday has even more major events than Saturday. From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

HELP GET THE WORD OUT: The Delridge Community Forum needs volunteers to help distribute informational flyers to residences in North Delridge today; we are seeking volunteers to assist. This effort will be used to both inform community members about the proposed DESC project and also inviting them to the Oct. 11th informational event. Meet in front of Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge) at 10 if you can help.

TWO ‘BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS’ EVENTS: First, 10 am, Blessing of the Animals service at Alki UCC. This year, the service is interfaith, with members of Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor) synagogue participating, and the blessings will be done by Pastor Diane and Rabbi Zari. Everyone welcome (dogs on leads, cats in carriers, please!) … Second, noon, outdoor Blessing of the Animals hosted by St. John the Baptist Church in the WSHS parking lot next door: The community is invited for this annual gathering to give thanks for the gift of cats, dogs, and all creatures great and small. The blessing ceremony includes an impromptu parade of pets, refreshments, and an opportunity to mingle with neighbors and friends. In the spirit of Francis of Assisi, known for loving animals and all creation, Franciscan brothers assist in the blessing.

FARMERS’ MARKET! Every Sunday, year-round, it’s the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska) – remember the California street closure for the food-truck event.

ALL SOULS’ 1ST ANNIVERSARY: All Souls Church of Seattle (WSB sponsor), which meets at 10 am at Madison Middle School, marks its first anniversary of public worship services today (here’s the preview we published last night).

FOOD TRUCKSTRAVAGANZA: Today’s the day for the long-awaited Mobile Chowdown in the West Seattle Junction – 26 food trucks!, 11 am-5 pm, California SW is closed Edmunds-Oregon for the occasion.

MEET MOLLY BAKER: Grand reopening festivities at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor), highlighted today by freeskier Molly Baker‘s appearance at the newly expanded store, noon-2 pm.

CROP WALK TO FIGHT HUNGER: Once again, Alki UCC hosts the West Seattle CROP Walk, a Church World Service program to help communities overcome hunger. Registration 12:45 pm. Total Experience Gospel Choir 1:15 PM – The nationally renowned ensemble will help us kick off the Seattle CROP walk with some high energy music in the Alki UCC Sanctuary. 3-Mile walk around Alki starts at 2 pm.

WANT TO BE HI-YU ROYALTY? Afternoon informational session for prospective West Seattle Hi-Yu Senior Court candidates, 2 pm, details here.

Anniversary celebrations – where you get the gifts! – are part of our highlights today from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, as are opportunities to pitch in around the peninsula:

TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled to remain closed all day, till 10 am Sunday (no access to West Seattle Bridge from I-5 or Beacon Hill).

REMINDER FOR BUS RIDERS: Metro‘s service change starts today.

HELP LINCOLN PARK: Fall is the perfect time for urban forest restoration! Join the Friends of Lincoln Park as we remove invasive plant species from the beautiful mature forests of this urban gem. Get some healthy green exercise today from 9 am to noon! Meet in the north parking lot (Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose St). Bring garden gloves and hand clippers, or we’ll have extras.

WORKING ON A FALL PROJECT? West Seattle Tool Library open at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center space (east side of main building), 9 am – 2 pm.

WEST SEATTLE AUTOWORKS’ 1ST ANNIVERSARY: West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) invites you to its 9 am-5 pm open house celebration today with Red Star Pizza, Cafe Osita coffee and other refreshments. They’ll also be giving out raffle tickets to everyone and giving away some door prizes. They will also be giving out special discounts throughout the first week of October – good for the entire month. (35th/Webster)

CLICK! TURNS 7: Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) kicks off its 7th anniversary (first year in The Junction) celebration. Details here. Click! is open 11 am-5 pm today (4540 California SW).

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS EXPANDS: Grand reopening/expansion festivities at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor), find full details here including 2-6 pm barbecue. Open 10 am-6 pm (3602 SW Alaska).

BARTON STREET P-PATCH NEEDS YOU! 10 am-3 pm, volunteers needed as West Seattle’s newest P-Patch (34th/Barton) continues taking shape.

LEARN ABOUT WEST SEATTLE’S RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES: Eight retirement and assisted living communities of West Seattle are coming together for a Town Hall Meeting. Free event, from 10 am to 12:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church. SHAG Arrowhead Gardens, Boulevard Park Place, BridgePark, Daystar, The Kenney, Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights, Merrill Gardens at West Seattle and Providence Mount St. Vincent will all be present. Free “breakfast bites” and a chance to hear presentations as well as dropping by each organization’s table/booth for Q/A.

DONATE FOOD: Food drive for Prudential Northwest Realty “Global Volunteer Day,” at stores including PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor), West Seattle Thriftway, Jefferson Square Safeway, White Center Albertsons, 10 am-2 pm, donate food and/or money, more details here

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL: Blessing of the Animals, Providence Mount St. Vincent lobby, 10:30 am, all pets (and their people) welcome

MEET THE AUTHOR: Book signing by West Seattle author Charles Philipp Martin for his new Hong Kong thriller “Neon Panic,” at Seattle Mystery Bookshop, noon to 1:30 pm, 117 Cherry Street.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: Delridge Library branch event for kids, 1-2:3 pm today.

WINE AND TUNES: Vine and Cheese at Village Green Perennial Nursery: 3 pm – 5 pm,10223 26th Ave SW. Sodovino winery will be hosting a wine tasting at Village Green. Live music by harpist Johanna.

CLOSING NIGHT: “Amy’s View” final performance at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, 7:30 pm

LIVE MUSIC, #1 From Kenyon Hall – Casey MacGill and Orville Johnson in concert at 7:30. Reserved table seats are $14. Row seating is $12 general and $10 seniors. With a reservation row seating is only $10 general and $8 seniors. Elementary, middle, and high school students are $5. Pre-school children are free. To make a reservation, please e-mail kenyonhall@earthlink.net. You’ll receive an e-mail confirming your reservation.

LIVE MUSIC, #2: Memphis Radio Kings reunion as a benefit for the Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation, Feedback Lounge, 9 pm, full details on this Facebook event page.

HOW ABOUT A FREE TRAIN TICKET? Amtrak companion fare giveaway launches at PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor), more info here

(Stand-up paddleboarding at sunset earlier this week; photo by Paul Swortz from the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT – PARTIAL BRIDGE CLOSURE: Westbound Spokane Street Viaduct closes at 10 pm and is scheduled to stay closed through 10 am Sunday. This means the exits to the West Seattle Bridge from I-5 and Beacon Hill are closed.

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES TALK MATH/SCIENCE EDUCATION: 6-8 pm at Puget Ridge Cohousing Association, a “happy-hour fundraiser” for school-board candidates Sharon Peaslee and Marty McLaren with guests Cliff Mass, Ted Nutting (Ballard math teacher) & Dr. Dave Myerson (Mercer Island School Board). Puget Ridge Cohousing Association, 7020 18th SW (north of SW Myrtle), $50 donation requested, all are invited.
From organizers: “We have a huge achievement gap in math and science that continues to grow. Marty McLaren and Sharon Peaslee will address this head on if they’re elected to the School Board.”

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: 2-weekend workshop starts at the Seattle Chinese Garden in West Seattle, 6:30 pm – full details here.

ADMIRAL CHURCH FUNDRAISER: Admiral Church‘s diinner/auction fundraiser is tonight at South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th SW. Vacation accommodations in South Africa, Kona, Tucson and Ocean Shores will highlight the live auction, and there are many gift baskets and silent auction items. Call 206-932-8662 to see if there’s still room.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth homecoming game, hosting Eastside Catholic at Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm; West Seattle HS plays at Franklin (Southeast Athletic Complex), 7 pm; Seattle Lutheran HS at Concrete, 7 pm.

ART/GIFT SHOW DEADLINE: A reminder that the holiday season is not that far away: Deadline for West Seattle artists to apply to participate in the 2011 Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Fair in November. See Fauntleroy Church website for more details.

(Great blue heron in a West Seattle tree; photo shared by Morgan)
After 7 am and it’s in the 40s; fall chill has arrived (check the latest temp/forecast/tides/etc. here). From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

ROSH HASHANAH MORNING SERVICES: The Jewish High Holy Days are here, and West Seattle’s Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor) has morning Rosh Hashanah services/events (at First Presbyterian downtown) followed by a picnic – details here.

AT THE LIBRARY: 11:30 am, it’s Preschool Story Time at the Delridge branch (Brandon/Delridge) and Toddler Story Time at the High Point branch (35th/Raymond).

ASSESSOR SPEAKS TO LIONS: County Assessor Lloyd Hara is the featured speaker at today’s meeting of the West Seattle Lions Club, noon, Senior Center. (We spoke with him recently about WS property values and questions such as “why do my property taxes not go down when my property value does?” – story coming up this morning.)

BICYCLE DEMO: The Felt Bicycles Demo Truck will be at the West Seattle Cycle University location 4:30 pm to 7 pm.

HOW DO UNIONS WORK? West Seattle Democratic Women meet in the evening at the West Seattle Golf Course. Karen Hart, President of SEIU Local #925, will speak on how the union works to achieve its goal and what is being done to improve job opportunities and obtain equal pay for women. No-host bar and registration at 6:30 pm. Dinner at 7 pm, program at 7:15 pm. Cost is $12 for members; $15 nonmembers; or the minimum fee of $5, which includes coffee/tea and dessert. Check (206) 935-3216 or wsdwomen@yahoo.com to see if there’s still room.

LITTLE LEAGUE MEETING: West Seattle Little League general membership meeting at 6:30 pm at Heartland Café. All members interested in joining the WSLL board are encouraged to attend.

BURLESQUE AT SKYLARK: Westside Burlesque Revue at Skylark Café and Club, 9 pm, $7 cover charge

SECOND-TO-LAST DAY: Seattle Parks and Recreation “Try It for $2” program runs through month’s end. Try something new for only $2! Attend a program or class session once for $2 at one of the city’s many community centers. If you like it, register for the remainder of the class for a prorated amount. More info at tryitfor2.com

(Young raccoons spotted near 38th/Dakota; photo courtesy of MG)
Welcome to a wild Wednesday! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

SHORT SCHOOL DAY: Today is the first two-hour early-dismissal day of the year for Seattle Public Schools.

GET CHEESY: Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) launches its annual monthlong “For the Love of Cheese” festival; today’s events at the Admiral store start at noon.

CLINIC OPEN HOUSE: Highline Physical Therapy open house 4-7 pm at new clinic, 4700 42nd SW, suite 510, free non-alcoholic beverages, everybody welcome!

SOLD WHERE IT’S GROWN: High Point Market Garden Farm Stand, 4-7 pm, 32nd SW and SW Juneau – seasonal, fresh, organically grown produce sold next to where it’s grown.

MAKE SURE YOUR PETS SURVIVE TOO: Pet preparedness is the topic of a special educational presentation by West Seattle Be Prepared, 6:30 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle in The Junction, details here.

MORE PREPAREDNESS – AT HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: The local neighborhood council that usually meets toward month’s end is resuming its schedule post-summer, and Highland Park Action Committee has preparedness on the agenda too, with a guest speaker from the Seattle Office of Emergency Management with a SNAP (Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare) presentation. Meeting starts with a 6:30 potluck, SNAP presentation at 7, news/announcements at 8. HPAC meets at the Highland Park Improvement Club building, 12th/Holden.

FOUR MORE CHANCES: “Amy’s View” starts its final week at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, through October 1st, 7:30 pm Wednesday (also this Thursday, Friday, Saturday).

(West Seattle Bridge sunrise, by Pye42, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
Busy Tuesday! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

SO LONG, SHIPS: Not in West Seattle, but you may see it passing by: Today’s the final scheduled cruise-ship visit of the season- Celebrity Century at Pier 66.

RESTAURANT OPENS: Pan Africa Grill is scheduled to open (California/Juneau), dinnertime. Here’s our weekend sneak peek inside.

NEW PLAYGROUND: Grand opening celebration 4:30-6 pm for new High Point playground in Bataan Park.

COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS TONIGHT: West Seattle Community Orchestras’ new season continues, with rehearsals starting at 5:30 pm – updated informationcan be found here

BLOCKWATCH CAPTAINS: West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network meets, 6:30-8 PM – SW Police Precinct, 2300 SW Webster. Spotlight presentation explains the Neighborhood Matching Fund.

CANDIDATE FUNDRAISER: Candidate for governor Jay Inslee will be in West Seattle for a fundraising reception. 6-7:30 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), invites suggest donations of $75 Guest | $250 Friend | $500 Sponsor | $1000 Co-host.

SANISLO PTA: First meeting of the school year for the Sanislo Elementary PTA, 6:30 pm in the school library.

CHIEF SEALTH PTSA: First meeting of the school year – Chief Sealth International High School PTSA in the Galleria, 7 pm. Meet your PTSA Leadership Team; hear from Principal Chris Kinsey; learn about the Teen Health Center. Spanish & Somali translation provided; refreshments too.

(Mallard duck, photographed by Bill Bacon)
No weather alerts in effect this morning, but it’s still expected to be wet and breezy – you can check conditions on the WSB Weather page any time. Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

BUDGET DAY: Both Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and King County Executive Dow Constantine are announcing their proposed budgets for next year in speeches set to start at 11 this morning. Both events will be broadcast live on their respective cable channels/online streams – Seattle Channel and King County TV.

CLASSES START AT SSCC: In West Seattle’s Puget Ridge neighborhood, South Seattle Community College‘s fall quarter begins.

COOKING CLUB GOES VEGGIE: Vegetarian recipes are the order of the day when West Seattle Cooking Club meets, 2 pm at Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction.

BINGO AT ALKI UCC: The weekly bingo games at Alki UCC Church (62nd and Alki) are back in session! The Hotline for information is [206]935-5950. Doors open at 5:30, games at 6:30, $7 buy-in, and payouts vary according to the number of players.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 7 pm, Family Story Time at the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library.

A few highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

FERRY SCHEDULE CHANGE: The fall schedule for Washington State Ferries takes effect today (overview here).

FARMERS’ MARKET: Till 2 pm in The Junction (44th/Alaska).

RUMMAGE SALE: Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s Fall Rummage Sale, day 2, till 2 pm (7141 California SW).

MEET THE AUTHOR: Amy Pennington, author of “Urban Pantry” and “Apartment Gardens,” at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 11 am-1 pm (more info here)

NEW GAME GROUP: Forming a new “European strategy board game” group at Uptown Espresso in The Junction, 1 pm – read this story for details, contact info, and a group to join online.

STAIRWAY WALK: Jake and Cathy Jaramillo lead another stairway walk in West Seattle, a loop from Longfellow Creek up to Pigeon Point and back. Free! Meet up at 2 pm at the south parking lot at 26th SW and SW Yancy.

AUSTRIAN-AMERICAN DAY AT THE LONGHOUSE: You’re invited to celebrate Austrian-American Day at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, (4705 W. Marginal Way SW), 2 – 4 pm. Longhouse tour, Princess Angeline film, Austrian Zither Music by Fred Mitterndofer, Linzertorte by Richard Williams. Coffee and cake. $6 adults/$5 children.

LIVE MUSIC: Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) hosts a lively concert for all ages featuring the Ama Trio’s folk-style music from exotic places, 6 pm. More details.

Thanks to Tom, who photographed the sunrise from Queen Anne’s Kerry Park, for sharing the photo. In addition to the previews from earlier, here are some of today’s other highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

WSUU RUMMAGE SALE: Frogsquatch is the fabled mascot of Westside Unitarian Universalists’ rummage sales, and she/he presides again at 7141 California SW all day today – they’re not certain when they’ll shut down, depends on the traffic, so stop on by, to see among other things, as WSUU’s Kari Kopnick put it, “the ‘Whiskey-Foxtrot-Tango’ table, the ‘Granny’ table, the ‘Retro’ table and thousands, I really mean thousands, of books. … Hope people stop by and say hello even if they’re not in the mood to find treasure!”

NATIVE PLANT SALE: Go Natives Nursery and Mariposa Naturescapes (based in West Seattle) are having a native plant sale till 2 at 3225 – 47th Ave. SW (couple blocks west of PCC). October is the best month to plant our indigenous plants. And a percentage of the proceeds will go to support the efforts of West Seattle’s Community Wildlife Habitat Project.

ANOTHER FIRST IN SOUTH PARK: First-ever South Park Car Show, under way till 3 pm. Details here.

HEAD TO MOVING PLANET: Two bike rides to get to Moving Planet event from West Seattle – both listed here, both leave at 11 am. For more information o Moving Planet itself, here’s the official info page.

VOLUNTEERS AT WORK: SPU students are working today at spots in West Seattle and White Center as part of CityQuest, list here – if you see them (or any volunteers at work, say thanks!

CAMP LONG CHALLENGE COURSE CELEBRATION: Grand opening scheduled for new Challenge Course at Camp Long today. Here’s the schedule:

2:00 PM course elements will be open to the public
4:00 PM officials speak/ribbon cutting
4:30 PM Partners of next generation of course will speak
5:15 PM Hot Dogs, chips, cake until we run out!
Live music from members of the Rusty Gate Wood Shed String Band
Festivities located at the EAST SHELTER in Camp Long
Opportunities to make donations to our scholarship fund for the course will be available
Brought to you by the Camp Long Advisory Council

BAKING UP A BOOK SIGNING: Book signing at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral: Dani Cone, founder of High 5 Pie and Fuel Coffee signs her new book, Cutie Pies: 40 Sweet, Savory and Adorable Recipes. Dani will sign her book while the Culinary Artist serves a recipe or two from Cutie Pies! 3-5 pm

SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: Manhattan Short Film Festival at Admiral Theater, 7 pm. Full details here.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Tonight, Seattle Lutheran HS vs. Darrington at West Seattle Stadium, 7 pm

HOMESTEP DINNER/AUCTION: HomeStep, a program of Compass Housing Alliance, will hold its annual dinner and auction, Tropical Splendor, tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Join Angela Russell, KIRO TV News Anchor, and celebrated auctioneer Graham Crow for a lively night as they raise funds to provide stable housing, supportive services, and advocacy to homeless adults, youth and families in our community. Tickets are $85 and include dinner and complimentary wine. Tickets are available on line at homestep.org.

ROLLING RETREAD REVIEW: Benefit Dance Concert for Garfield Jazz! Date: from 7 – 10 pm Location: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW.

TANGO MEETS CLASSICAL: Music Northwest Concert Series 2011 – Tango Meets Classical, 7:30 pm. At Olympic Recital Hall at SSCC (6000 16th Ave SW). See website for tickets and more information.

KENYON HALL: From Kenyon Hall – Casey MacGill and Orville Johnson, 7:30 pm. More at kenyonhall.org.

LIVE AT THE FEEDBACK: Live music with The Navins and The Fuzz at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm.

(Canada geese seen strolling in the SSCC parking lot when we arrived for yesterday’s ‘Salute to South’)
Happy fall! As of 2:05 this morning, the season has changed, though today’s forecast looks pretty good. From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Throughout the day, there’s a traffic alert for SODO/Pioneer Square because of the Microsoft meeting – details here … If they’re still on their slightly revised schedule, SDOT will be “spot paving” SW Avalon Way today (and Monday, maybe also Tuesday).

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: Meets 10 am to 2 pm, Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor), 2615 SW Barton, building #1. Starts with half-hour social/registration time, then the business meeting, honoring the 25-years-plus members and commentary on the Design and Horticulture exhibits. At noon, it’s brown-bag lunchtime with dessert and beverage served by the Club. The afternoon program at 1 pm will present the Club’s recipient of its 2010 Scholarship to South Seattle Community College‘s horticulture program, John Sammons. Interested persons are welcome to join us. $5 donation. More information at (206) 932-2540.

TALK ABOUT ARTHRITIS: The Kenney (WSB sponsor) is hosting a Town Hall meeting, “Osteoarthritis and You,” presented by the Arthritis Foundation. Learn about osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, how to manage joint pain, and resources to help you stay active and healthy. Presenters include State Rep. Eileen Cody and Paul Manner, MD, from the Department of Orthopedics from the University of Washington. Call Andrea Aho at the Arthritis Foundation to RSVP, 800-746-1821.

ART SHOW OPENS: Celebrate Sheila Lengle‘s art exhibit at Alki Arts, 2820 Alki SW, 6-9 pm

FIRST SUNSET OF FALL: Fall equinox sunset watch with NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen, 6:30 pm at Solstice Park (behind and upslope from the Lincoln Park Annex tennis courts), more info here

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts Rainier Beach at the Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm.

THEATER: “Amy’s View” continues at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, second-to-last weekend, 7:30 pm.

(USPS trucks in The Junction, by Flickr member smohundro, from the WSB group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

BACK TO SCHOOL! If you go to West Seattle’s institution of higher learning, South Seattle Community College, you’re back in class on Monday – and today the community’s invited to celebrate the new year at the Salute to South community reception, 3-5 pm at the University Center.

CRIME & SAFETY: South Delridge/White Center Community Safety Coalition meets, 6 pm, 9421 18th SW.

COMMUNITY CENTER CHANGES: The next group to discuss the proposed changes unveiled in West Seattle last week is the city Parks Board, 7 pm, Parks HQ downtown.

FALL FASHION AFFAIR: Special shopping event at four Junction boutiques, 7-10 pm – full details here.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School vs. Franklin at Memorial Stadium downtown, 7 pm.

Thanks to Debra Salazar Herbst for photographing and sharing today’s spectacular sunrise. Now, a few highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

PRACTICE PREPAREDNESS: It’s Preparedness Month! A drop/cover/hold drill is scheduled for 10:15 am.

PAVING SOUTH OF THE JUNCTION: Pushed back a day, that “spot paving” work on a block of California SW south of Edmunds in The Junction is expected to start this morning. We just drove by and took the photo above – looks like they are on schedule to get going shortly. This is expected to take two days.

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS QUESTIONS/CONCERNS? Community conversation with School Board president Steve Sundquist at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way), 11 am-12:30 pm.

ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN: High Point Market Garden Farm Stand, 4-7 pm, 32nd SW and SW Juneau, fresh organic produce sold where it’s grown.

SAVVY SEATTLE WOMEN: The next free workshop offered by Savvy Seattle Women: A Homeowners’ Network will be on Wednesday, Sept 21st, 6-7:30PM.
Topic: Community Property: Does it Really Mean 50/50?
Presenter: Sharon E. Best, Attorney at Law
Location: Prudential Northwest Offices, 4700 42nd Av SW, Suite 600
The event is open to the general public and also provides an opportunity for networking among local businesses. Bring your business cards and mingle! Free refreshments and free parking, too!

SPECIAL MIDWEEK WINE TASTING: Bin 41 wine shop has a special tasting with Valerie Aigron of Cave de Rasteau from the Rhone region of France, 6-7:30 pm.

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: Tonight’s agenda includes the Fauntleroy Expressway Seismic Retrofit Project briefing – if you’ve missed it at other neighborhood meetings recently, catch it here, as its most-serious traffic effects get closer. 7 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

LIVE THEATER AT ARTSWEST: “Amy’s View” continues at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, 7:30 pm.

ROLLER PROM! Rat City Roller Prom fundraiser for White Center Food Bank, Southgate Roller Rink, 8-11 pm (tickets and other info on this Facebook page).

(Recent WSDOT aerial of the south-end Viaduct Replacement Project, from the WSB Flickr group pool; click for larger view)
With one month and one day to go till the dreaded 9-day Alaskan Way Viaduct closure, WSDOT plans another media briefing today. (We previewed bus changes here last night.) That’s one of the stories we’ll be covering today. And a smaller round of road work is among the other highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT: “Spot paving” work is scheduled to start today on a block of California SW south of Edmunds in The Junction and continue tomorrow, throughout the day both days. Full details in city’s announcement here.

MEET THE PRINCIPAL: West Seattle High School PTSA invites the school community to an informal chat with Principal Ruth Medsker. She will be hosting informal coffee chats throughout the year. 9-10:15 am in the main office conference room.

END-OF-SUMMER BARBECUE: Super Deli Mart at 35th/Barton invites the community to its “end of summer” barbecue, 3 pm-7 pm, no purchases required. Super Deli Mart’s owner says, “We will be roasting corn and serving hot dogs in addition to chips and drinks. This will be a lot like our birthday party, but more low key.”

RETURN OF THE ORCHESTRAS: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ new season begins, with rehearsals starting at 5:30 pm (read this carefully for the latest information on who, when, and where, plus how to join).

RETURN OF THE WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: After its summer hiatus, the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council returns to its monthly public meetings, and you’re invited to join them tonight at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), 7 pm. In addition to crime-trend updates, this month’s spotlighted topic is Identity Theft, with Angie Kaake from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

SKY POLLUTION: Organizers of Bigsplash Seattle say “aviation emissions” a toxic threat too few people are paying attention to, and they’re planning to change that, starting with an event at Café Rozella tonight, including live music by the popular Haggis Brothers – details on this Facebook event page.

CUB SCOUT PACK 282 KICKOFF/INFORMATION EVENT: Please join Cub Scout Pack 282 for our annual Kickoff meeting, 7-8 pm, at West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California Ave SW. We will enjoy games, popcorn, door prizes, Pinewood Derby races and an opportunity for interested boys between grades 1 – 5 to learn more about our fun activities and how to get involved. For more information, please call Steve Shelver at 206-938-8614 or e-mail shelvers@wwdb.org.

BELLY DANCING: The monthly Alauda belly-dance showcase shimmies its way through Skylark Café and Club, 7:30 pm.

TRUMPET/GUITAR DUO: West Seattle jazz trumpet player Chad McCullough e-mailed to share word he’s playing with Portland-based guitarist Storm Nilson at Locöl tonight, 7:30 pm.