As SeattleFoodTruck.com called it in a note on the WSB Facebook page, there’s an “emerging food truck scene in West Seattle,” and there’s another addition to report: The owner of Snout and Company confirms that his truck plans to start showing up at Hans VW Repair in High Point, 11 am-3 pm Sundays. That’s the same lot (35th and Graham) where you can find Marination Mobile on Saturdays, 11 am-2 pm (the first food truck to have a regular schedule in West Seattle).

(Two of Highland Park’s three trucks, photographed last Saturday)
Meantime, Highland Park Improvement Club will have its third food-truck Saturday this weekend, starting at 11 (Lumpia World, Curry Now, and Charlie’s Buns & Stuff), while the new Junction food-truck pod will roll out for a second time in the Uptown Espresso (Junction, Edmunds/California/Erskine) lot on Friday at 11 (Bigfood, Fusion on the Run, Raney Brothers’ Barbecue), with a Sunday addition expected this week (BUNS, 11 am) … and these are just the food trucks that rove around the city – yes, we know WS has a few “fixed” trucks too.

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

AT THE LIBRARIES: From the Seattle Public Library Calendar of Events, what’s up at local branches today/tonight: Toddler Story Time, 10:30 am, West Seattle branch; Baby Story Time, 11:30 am, Southwest branch; Somali Story Time, 1:30 pm, High Point branch.

JOB SEARCH HELP: “Notes from the Job Search” meets Tuesdays at C&P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW), 11 am, networking and support for job-seekers.

SCHOOL-BOARD CANDIDATES: Candidate forum at Madison Middle School for School Board races, meet the candidates at 6:30, forum starts at 6:55.

BOOK RELEASE PARTY: 7 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), “The Strangest Tribe” book release party. Join Stephen Tow, the author of “The Strangest Tribe: How a Group of Seattle Rock Bands Invented Grunge,” plus, compete in grunge trivia and catch a special live performance by The Tom Price Desert Classic.

CRIME TRENDS IN YOUR ‘HOOD: Hear from local police as the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meets, Southwest Precinct, 7 pm.

SHAKE IT! Alauda belly-dance showcase at Skylark Café and Club, 7:30 pm.

(Water Taxi, with sunrise, by Paul Swortz, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

COME SHOP AT THE SENIOR CENTER: Today, tomorrow, and Wednesday, the Senior Center West Seattle at 4217 S.W. Oregon St. invites you to a Bake Sale and “Open Market” with what they describe as “saleable items that are new, collectible, handcrafted, vintage, etc.: 10 am-3 pm.

BEYOND THE FRENCH FRY: West Seattle Cooking Club meets, Beveridge Place Pub, 2 pm. This week’s spotlight ingredient: Potatoes.

ROXHILL PLAYGROUND: Tonight at 6 at Southwest Library (35th/Henderson), the city presents the “schematic design” for renovating Roxhill Playground, more info here. What will replace the wooden castle? Here’s our coverage of the first meeting.

CONTROLLING SEWER OVERFLOWS – THIS TIME, THE CITY PLAN: This is different from the county’s planning process resulting in two “combined sewer overflow” projects planned for southern West Seattle. This time, it’s the Seattle Public Utilities “scoping meeting” for the Delridge area, where more than 3 million gallons of storage would be needed, the city says, to keep overflows from going into local waterways. Now they’re looking ahead to how to handle this. Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6:30-8:30 pm – more info at seattle.gov/CSO.

PROSPECTIVE GIRL SCOUT(S) IN THE FAMILY? The Girl Scouts are presenting a free family information night at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge) @ 6:30 pm. 425-614-1126

‘THE POWER OF COMMUNITY: Sustainable West Seattle invites you to the Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) tonight at 7 to watch “The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil,” and, afterward, to talk about building community in West Seattle. $5 suggested donation.

(WSB photo from last week’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

BEAT THE BURN 5K: New this year, a 5K run/walk, with kids’ dash, to raise money for burn victims. You can still be part of it if you get down to Alki right now – it starts at 9; details here.

‘GET A GREEN WORKOUT’: That’s the invitation from the Friends of Lincoln Park, 9 am to noon, removing invasive plants. Meet at the kiosk in the north parking lot (Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose St). Bring garden gloves and clipper, if you have them. Or they’ll have extras.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska in The Junction as always, with these highlights, according to a note this morning from market management:

Rockridge Orchards hosts wine sampling – just awarded “Rural Ag Business of the Year” from King County!
Greenwater is here with hardy KIWIS!
Music: Pasquale Santos
Kids: Roxbury Spine & Wellness Clinic
Tool Demo: Baking bread…in a box!

GET A CRUSH ON THEM: 2011 Cairdeas Crush Party, noon-5 pm. Cairdeas Winery Tasting Room, 3400 Harbor Ave, Suite 113. From the announcement: “Sample some of the delicious wine grapes we have brought in, try the freshly pressed grape juice, and of course try the wine! … After this event we will be open for a special event in November but closed for the rest of the season.”

HOUSE WITH HISTORY: A West Seattle home designed by Milton Stricker, student of Frank Lloyd Wright, is on the market for the first time and open to the public for an event 1-4 pm, including an appearance by Stricker’s son Peter Stricker (also an architect).

The house, described by the son of its original owner as having an “organic architecture” style, is at 2274 Lotus Avenue SW; see photos (and more details) at seattlemodern.com.

BOARD GAMERS: 3rd meeting of a new group that plays primarily “European” strategy board games, such as Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, and Dominion. From organizers: “New players who don’t mind some complexity and strategic thinking are welcome.” 1 pm, Uptown Espresso in The Junction, bring your game if you have one, questions to Gene at egene1@yahoo.com and, if you’re interested in today’s meeting or future ones, join this online group: games.groups.yahoo.com/group/wsgamers/.

FREE NIA: ‘New to Nia Playshop’ at Allstar Fitness, 2629 SW Andover in North Delridge. The Nia teaching staff will explain the technique and then lead a 50-minute “jam-ette” class. All fitness levels welcome. Noon-1:30 pm, questions/RSVP to Jill@niadivas.com or 206-999-1743.

LIBRARY ART SHOW: Southwest Library community art show opens today, runs through November 12th. (The reception is at 2 pm November 6th, but you can come see the art during library hours.)

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: 2 – 5:30 pm, at the YMCA, church (9140 California Avenue SW), and schoolhouse (across the street at 9131 California). Free activities for all ages! Event schedule for the festival is linked in this WSB story..

RETURN OF THE RIBS: Not far from Fauntleroy, one idea for post-festival dinner – Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) brings back their popular Sunday ribs starting tonight, 5 pm till they’re gone.

One more look at last night’s stunning sunset. Thanks to everyone who sent photos; this one is from Debra Salazar Herbst. Now on to today … highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TIBBETTS RUMMAGE SALE: Day 2 for the Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW; WSB sponsor) bi-annual Rummage sale. 9 am – 3 pm.

BUY A LOCALLY GROWN PUMPKIN: Lincoln Park P-Patch pumpkin/gourd sale, 10 am till 2 pm or till they’re gone, proceeds benefit West Seattle Food Bank; details in this WSB Forums post – they’re selling treats, too, including cider.

HOMEMADE GIFTS AND CRAFT INDUSTRIES: Community Orchard of West Seattle, 10 am-12 pm, north end of South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW), an active brainstorming workshop that will stretch the ideas of holiday gifts and cottage industries to their limits! Working together with Orchard Manager Laura Sweany, we will share successes (and failures!) we’ve had with homemade gifts, and start on a list of hundreds of items that could be crafted as cottage industry or barter fodder.

HIGHLAND PARK FOOD TRUCKS, WEEK 2: Food trucks at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden) again, 11 am-3 pm: Lumpia World and I Want Curry Now.

WINE TASTING: Bin 41 wine tasting from noon-2 pm. Chianti and more by top Italian producer, Felsina.

DUWAMISH ALIVE!: Work parties in multiple locations, 10 am-2 pm.

GREENWAYS: Delridge Greenways proposal, 10 am, Delridge Community Center: Come join Delridge neighbors and Seattle city councilmember Sally Bagshaw for an informal discussion of neighborhood greenways, followed by a slow bike-ride tour of 26th Ave SW.

CORNER DELI: New Corner Store and Deli at 36th/Fauntleroy invites you for a food-sampling event, 10 am-4 pm.

FABULOUS FAMILY FUN: Fabulous Family Fun Series -10:30 am at High Point Community Center (6920 34th Ave SW)! Each event is $3 per person; $15 max for families. Today – Magic Family Fun (Ages 1 Month and older). Louie Foxx’s One-Man Side show is filled with tons of magic, comedy, cowboy tricks, juggling and more audience interaction than you can shake a stick at! Louie was recently on America’s Got Talent and is a Guinness world record holder.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: High-school football – Seattle Lutheran HS at Orcas Island HS, 1 pm; West Seattle HS vs. Ingraham at West Seattle Stadium, 5 pm (WSHS homecoming game).

MORE DETAILS FOR WSHS HOMECOMING: From West Seattle High School Athletics: “Homecoming barbecue starts at 2:45 pm in the WSHS courtyard. Hot dog or hamburger with fixings and drink only $3, add potato salad and chips for $4. There will be face painting and WSHS spirit gear. Afterwards, the car caravan with streamers flying leaves WSHS at 4:15 pm to travel to the West Seattle Stadium on 35th Ave. The game starts at 5 pm against the Ingraham Rams. GO WILDCATS!!! The traditional homecoming dance is at WSHS following the game from 8:30 to 11:30 pm. The theme of the dance is “Jungle Boogie” and students should wear animal prints.”

WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK FUNDRAISER: White Center Food Bank Harvest Dinner and Auction, 5;30 pm at South Seattle Community College’s Brockey Center, tickets available online here

CLICK! CELEBRATION: Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) party for its 7th anniversary (first year in The Junction) celebration. Tonight, 6-9 pm!.

SCHOLARSHIP DINNER: Kenya Scholarship Dinner at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 6-10 pm, $10 per person, live African Drum Music, details at
booksandbricks.org.

TWELFTH NIGHT CABARET FUNDRAISER: 7 pm at Seattle Lutheran High School gym, cabaret entertainment and a dessert buffet, raising money for Twelfth Night Productions‘ local, nonprofit theater activities. Details in this preview published earlier this week.

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE: Today’s the first day sandbags (up to 25 per home/business) are officially available at Delridge Community Center – details here.

LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR SOUTHWEST LIBRARY ART SHOW: Details here.

When we passed by the Uptown Espresso lot in The Junction around 2 pm, only Fusion on the Run was there for the launch of the new “food truck pod” experiment reported here earlier this week – but then we passed by again after 6, and noticed 3. Bigfood and Raney Brothers BBQ had shown up too, for dinnertime. Track the schedule at wseattleeats.com. Tomorrow, meantime, it’s the second Saturday for a pod in restaurantless Highland Park, with Lumpia World and Curry Now at HP Improvement Club (12th/Holden), 11 am-3 pm.

(Wednesday morning almost-moonset photo by mriggen, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME: Bring your kids to get read to by firefighters! Today’s edition is at the Southwest branch of the Seattle Public Library (9010 35th Ave SW), 11 am.

LEARN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Free civic-skills-training class in West Seattle, presented by Seattle Free School, full details here including how to register, 4:30 pm at the High Point Library (35th/Raymond).

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK! Dozens of venues around West Seattle are waiting to welcome you with art and in some cases music and treats – check out previews on the official site. 6 – 9 pm; walking map/venue list is here.

BAZAAR AT THE KENNEY: During the Art Walk, The Kenney (WSB sponsor) is also hosting a bazaar, with proceeds going toward the Resident Life Care Fund for residents whose financial resources fall short. The Kenney says items on sale include “arts and crafts made by our residents and family members … greeting cards, pressed flower bookmarks, snowman kits, lavender sachets, scarves, afghans, jewelry, super yummy baked goods and more including a rummage sale table and a funny game involving a mustache.” (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES: These are open houses for students’ families to come meet their teachers and learn about this year’s curriculum. Chief Sealth International HIgh School‘s open house starts at 6 pm with a gathering in the auditorium; West Seattle High School open house starts with a gathering in the gym at 6:30 pm; more details in this preview from earlier today.

M3 OPEN HOUSE: M3 Bodyworks (WSB sponsor) catered open house (including ginger-snap cookies with pumpkin-chiffon dip, says proprietor Michael Mandell) featuring artist Sarah Barrick, 6-9 pm.

SOUTHWEST SEATTLE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN: Linda Mitchell, president of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington (State), is the guest. This group includes West Seattleites but meets tonight in Burien, 6 pm, Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, 601 SW 153rd, all welcome.

PARKS BUDGET: Tonight the city Parks Board gets a briefing on the department’s budget proposal, including service reductions at some community centers, 7 pm at Parks HQ downtown.

(Rendering courtesy Stewart Chung)
First came the 35th/Graham spot where Marination Mobile has spent Saturdays for more than a year, occasionally with another truck joining in. Then, as of last Saturday, came the Highland Park Improvement Club parking lot, where Lumpia World and Curry Now are expected back this Saturday. And now, we’ve just received this word from Stewart Chung of the burger truck BUNS:

BUNS and other premier food trucks will start coming to W Seattle on a regular basis. We will be serving from the Uptown Espresso lot at the junction. While the scheduling is in progress, three food trucks: Fusion on the Run, Big Food Mobile, and Raney Brothers BBQ will be there on Fridays starting this coming Friday. BUNS will debut Saturday night 10/22.

Stewart says the way-beyond-expectations success of the October 2nd Mobile Chowdown in The Junction was an inspiration for this. Meantime, the new pod has a website, at wseattleeats.com. Note that this will NOT be a conflict with the trucks that have been coming to West Seattle on Saturdays, under the schedule they’re envisioning now.

(From the WSB Flickr group pool, by smohundro)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

CHAMBER TALKS PORT: The Port of Seattle, celebrating its centennial this year, is the highlighted topic as the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce meets for its monthly luncheon at Salty’s, 11:30 am.

KIWANIS TALKS COUNCIL CAMPAIGN: Seattle City Council Candidate for Position 1, Bobby Forch, will have lunch with the West Seattle Kiwanis. The public is invited to meet Bobby and hear his views; the club recently heard from his opponent, incumbent Jean Godden. Lunch is at noon at Be’s Restaurant in The Junction, 4509 California SW, $8. Contact Warren Lawless with your rsvp ASAP, ewl@westseattle.com or 206-938-8032.

FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME: In honor of Fire Prevention Month, it’s the first of three appearances at West Seattle libraries by local firefighters – today, 1:30 pm, High Point Library (35th/Raymond).

DESIGNING WEST SEATTLE’S NEXT SKATESPOT: See the “schematic design” for Roxhill Skatespot, 6 pm tonight at Southwest Library, 35th/Henderson (more info here).

LIVE MUSIC: Jim Page in concert at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6–8 pm (5612 California Avenue SW

GREEN HALLOWEEN: That’s the topic, including a costume swap, as West Seattle CoolMom meets, also at C & P, 7 pm.

NEW AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM: Alki Community Center is hosting an Open House for the new Enrichment on Alki after-school program, 6:30-7:30 pm. Meet instructors and find out more information about the program; coffee and cookies too!

HELP TEND THE GARDEN TOUR: West Seattle Garden Tour Committee meeting and potluck, 6:30 pm. The West Seattle Garden Tour Committee is actively seeking new volunteers to join. The WSGT Committee meets once a month at an appointed member’s home to review the steady, building progress of the tour. We also engage in a potluck feast at each meeting. If you are interested in learning more about the WSGT and becoming a volunteer, please e-mail westseattlegt@gmail.com for an agenda and directions to the meeting location.

LAST MEETING PRE-ELECTION: 34th District Democrats‘ monthly meeting, 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California SW (agenda here).

(It’s not all clouds and rain … WSB photo from Pigeon Point at 9 am, looking north)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRIANGLE ZONING CHANGE? City Council Committee on the Built Environment public hearing on Triangle zoning-change proposal, 6 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon); details here.

A CONVERSATION WITH DESC: It’s the first DESC-homeless-housing project community forum, 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, delridgeforum.blogspot.com has the latest details. Child care and Spanish/Vietnamese interpretation available.

ADMIRAL MEETING: The impending Alaskan Way Viaduct nine-day, ten-night shutdown is on the agenda for the Admiral Neighborhood Association, 7 pm, Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill).

FAUNTLEROY MEETING: The Fauntleroy Community Association meets tonight at 7 at the schoolhouse (9131 California SW), looking ahead to this Sunday’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival, among other topics.

EXHIBIT OPENS: Opening day at ArtsWest Gallery for “The Edge of Night,” featuring three Seattle-based artists, C. ALBERT, JEAN BRADBURY, MONIKA DALKIN, and Portland artist DAVID CARMACK LEWIS. Two painters, a mixed media and a collage artist, each offer a unique, narrative style which can at times be slightly unsettling, like the place between wakefulness and dreams, like the edge of night. (Reception this Thursday at the start of West Seattle Art Walk.)

ARTIST RECEPTION: Reception at South Seattle Community College: for ongoing exhibit “Absence / Silence and Topographic Politics: A Mixed Media Installation” by Alan Abdulkader. Reception/gallery talk 2-4 pm today (exhibit runs through October 24th).

ORCHESTRA PRACTICE: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ new season continues, with rehearsals starting at 5:30 pm, Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).

EXPLORER WEST OPEN HOUSE: Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) Open House for prospective families/students, 6:30-8:00 pm. The formal program starts at 6:30 pm in the school’s gymnasium (10015 28th SW) followed by an opportunity to tour the campus and meet students/staff. For more information about Explorer West and the admissions process, explorerwest.org.

(WSDOT photo, via Flickr)
VIADUCT CLOSURE, AND POST-CLOSURE, MEETING TONIGHT: When the upcoming Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition/construction closure is over on or by October 31st, drivers will be using this bypass – and the section of The Viaduct that’s over it now will be gone. But before you get there – it’s the nine-day, 10-night closure, and TONIGHT is your chance for Q/A, one-on-one and/or in a large group, with the people who have answers. West Seattle High School commons, 6-8 pm (with three West Seattleites speaking at 6:30 – City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, County Councilmember Joe McDermott, and Viaduct deputy project director Matt Preedy). 3000 California SW.

ROAD WORK SCHEDULED FOR TODAY: Unless it’s called off because of the rain (we’re checking), today is the scheduled start of work to put in a downhill transit lane and uphill bike lane along part of SW Avalon Way through the Luna Park business district.

COLUMBUS DAY: No postal mail and no banks. It’s not a local government holiday, though, so those offices are open, as are schools.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Today’s a key deadline on the road to next month’s election – the deadline to register, or update your information, online or by mail. Full details here.

‘TIS THE SOUP SEASON: West Seattle Cooking Club meets at 2 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. This week’s theme: Soup. (Bring yours, enjoy others’.)

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: They’re meeting tonight at 6:30 pm, Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge). Agenda includes a briefing on how Fauntleroy Expressway project detours next month will affect Delridge, and discussion of other traffic projects, plus a look ahead to tomorrow night’s Delridge Community Forum meeting about the DESC homeless-housing project.

CITY CHICKENS: Interested in learning about raising chickens in your backyard? Attend tonight’s free class, “Keeping Chickens in the City,” 6:30 pm at the Southwest Library branch. Organizers say, “The basics of chicken keeping will be covered: starting with chicks or hens, requirements for housing, food and care, all about eggs, and more.” Details here.

OCTOBER 10: Roxhill Elementary PTA meets, 6:30 pm in the school library.

FIGHT THE TOX-ICK MONSTER: Tonight at 7 pm at Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point (1901 SW Genesee), Sustainable West Seattle presents its “Don’t Feed the Tox-Ick Monster” roadshow – and you’re doing a good deed just by showing up; an environmental project at Pathfinder gets $1,000 if the turnout hits 40 adults. Free pizza, too!

ALSO AT PATHFINDER TONIGHT: Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council meets, 7 pm.

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