(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.

(Photo by Justin Atwell from Saturday’s Delridge Skatepark grand opening; WSB coverage here)
Summer’s making a comeback this week, we hear (forecast and lots more on the new experimental WSB Weather page), right before fall arrives. Meantime, here’s what’s up tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar page:

LIBRARY EVENTS RESUME: This is the first full week of Seattle Public Library branches’ regular weekly events, after a small break that followed the weeklong furlough. Today: 2 pm, Southwest Library‘s Afternoon Book Group (reading Evelyn Waugh‘s “Brideshead Revisited”; 7 pm, High Point Library, family story time.

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: This club for people who enjoy cooking meets 2:30 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. Bring your creation with the ingredient of the week: Seasonal fruit.

ADMIRAL BUSINESSES’ MEETING: Business owner/merchant in the Admiral District? Reminder that today’s the meeting with Admiral Neighborhood Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 4 pm refreshments and 4:30 pm meeting, Porterhouse.

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE TALKS ECONOMICS: Think outside the economic box; come be part of Sustainable West Seattle‘s community forum on alternatives to growth economics, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7 pm – full details here.

WEST SEATTLE PRESCHOOL ASSOCIATION: Meets 8-9:30 p.m at Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor). Topic: Nutrition, with Carol Cartnell from the city of Seattle. From the invitation: “You might like to come with an idea that you have on ways to get kids to try new foods, incorporating cooking into the classroom, or balanced-meal/portion-size strategies. Come and share an evening with other preschool educators; we hope to see you there!”

We caught those Ford Falcons bright and early during setup for the West Seattle Junction Car Show, today’s biggest event, but not the only event! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION CAR SHOW: 8 am-4 pm, California SW is closed between SW Edmunds and SW Oregon for the annual car show. More info here. WSB is live on site, so check here for updates throughout the day. Show’s free, but bring some $ for the raffle, the T-shirt, and more. (Reminder, in case you missed the announcement a few days ago, the “Deadliest Catch” cast members canceled.)

BIG DAY AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET: While you’re in The Junction: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market (10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska) celebrates squash today, as follows:

1. THE CONTEST: Bring your biggest, weirdest-looking squash from your own garden to the market info booth and enter to win a beautiful farmers market basket full of market goodies. Entries accepted and displayed until judging starts at 1:00 pm (The market opens at 10:– am so please do not bring entries before then). Squash will be judged by the experts: Our market farmers!
2. THE ZUCCHINI 500: Kids of all ages can make, then race, their very own vegetable vehicle. Car bodies and parts supplied by the farmers market. Races held continuously from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
3. MASTER CHEF COOKING DEMOS: Featuring great ideas with squash for both summer and fall. Plus, information from farmers, free recipes and ideas for making the most of local farm harvests!

Another Junction event:

MEET GUIDE DOGS AND GUIDE PUPPIES: West Seattle See Dogs and their guide-puppy-raising counterparts from Vashon Island will be inside and outside at Petco, 10 am-3 pm, in honor of National Guide Dog Month. Come meet working dogs, and help raise money for guide-dog programs.

GET FIT AND HELP BIRDS: Work out with trainer Dawn Brent and benefit bird rescue: 10 am, meet at south parking lot of Lincoln Park, full details here.

AFTERNOON TUNES: Jamtime plays bluegrass and more, 1-4 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.

CALLING ALL VETERANS: The entire West Seattle/White Center community is invited to the re-dedication of White Center Veterans’ Memorial Park at the south end of Delridge Way SW, but particularly veterans – wear part of your uniform if possible. 4 pm, more details here.

(Photo added 10:57: Kathleen Steele & David Haggerty @ Fauntleroy breakfast)
FAUNTLEROY BREAKFAST, SALE: This day of big events starts with the Fauntleroy Fall Festival fundraising pancake breakfast, 9-11 am at The Hall at Fauntleroy, and the 2nd-Time Sale across the street at Fauntleroy Church, 9 am-3 pm.

WALK ‘N’ ROLL FOR ATAXIA: Join a unique walk/roll-a-thon on Alki today to help fight ataxia, 3 miles or smaller loops. Register at 9 am, get going at 10. Details here.

STORYTELLING: At Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor), 6115 SW Hinds, 9:30 am: The PJ Library welcomes Erik Lawson as our guest musician, with PJ Library manager Amy Paquette as our storyteller. We will be reading the book “A Holiday for Noah” as we practice the art of braiding challah.

WESTFEST, DAY TWO: Our photo is from the kickoff last night, but this is the big day for Holy Rosary’s WestFest festival, 10 am-10 pm . Local music, kids’ talent show, food, rides, games, beer garden, bingo, raffle prizes. Fun for all ages. The live-entertainment schedule is here.

WESTSIDE BABY NEEDS YOU AND/OR YOUR CAR SEAT(S): Car-seat recycling – for ALL car seats! at WestSide Baby, 10032 15th SW, 10 am-2 pm, kickoff of new expanded car-seat-recycling campaign, more details here. Even if you don’t have one to donate, they could use volunteer help today, same time/place.

HAPPY 5TH, CLEMENTINE! Fifth anniversary celebration at Clementine in The Junction, 10 am-6 pm, cake and mimosas and “mystery discounts.”

HELP CLEAN UP ALKI: Beach cleanup on Alki, 10 am-1 pm – info here.

HOW TO FIND MISSING PETS: Missing Pet Partnership Community Social, 10:00am – 11:30am. West Seattle Christian Social Hall, 4400 42nd Ave SW. Missing Pet Partnership, Furry Faces Foundation and West Seattle Christian Church are excited to bring our Greater West Seattle Animal Lovers a 90-minute Community Social and Discussion on how to find missing pets. Enjoy complimentary morning nibbles and beverages while hearing about success stories, talking with like-hearted people, and learning new skills.

REPTILE MAN! Reptile Man at High Point Community Center, 10:30 am (details here).

(Friday morning, the skatepark got some last-minute cleanup)
DELRIDGE DAY AND SKATEPARK GRAND OPENING: These are two big events adjacent to each other – the Delridge Day festival, with vendors (including Delridge Produce Cooperative selling fresh fruits/vegetables), activities, a mega-bake sale, Seattle Police Mounted Patrol horses, entertainment, more. 11 am-3 pm, at and around Delridge Community Center. Immediately north, those are the hours for festivities at the new skatepark, starting with skating lessons at 11, then the ribboncutting at 1 pm, followed by pro skaters’ demo and live music.

HIAWATHA CENTENNIAL: 11 am-5 pm, the historic Hiawatha Community Center/Park celebrates its 100th birthday, inviting you to the party. A 5K run-walk is one of the first events; see the event schedule here.

PARADE IN SOUTH PARK: It’s at 11 am, part of the Fiestas Patrias celebration – full details here.

POOCHES IN THE POOL ONE LAST TIME: Final Dog Days of Summer swimming fundraiser continue – dogs only, pool is closed for people until next year! – noon-2 pm at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, fundraiser for water-polo team, details here.

AUTHENTIC OKTOBERFEST:: Take part in W. Wash. most authentic Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Austria Club of Washington. Wear your Dirndl or Lederhose as you dance to Happy Hans and watch Enzian Schuhplattler perform. Schnitzel with all trimmings, plus Kirschtorte, and Bavarian beer! Just like in Munich: Oans, zwoa, G’suffa!
Location: Alki Masonic Hall, 4736 40th Avenue SW. $25 includes dinner; beverages extra – check to see if there’s still room: 425-745-0645 or a.maine@comcast.net.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: High-school football – Seattle Lutheran HS vs. Northwest Christian at West Seattle Stadium, 7 pm.

Lots going on today/tonight! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

HOME-DIALYSIS TOUR: A motor home with a home-dialysis setup will visit West Seattle Kidney Center in North Delridge 2-6 pm today (and tomorrow), and its owner, dialysis patient Jim Smith, will be available to talk with visitors – as he dialyzes. More info in our preview, published yesterday.

BIOJUNCTION SPORTS THERAPY OPEN HOUSE: We first told you back in May about BioJunction coming to Charlestown Center (home to WSB sponsor West Seattle Runner, among other businesses). Now it’s open, and inviting you to an open house this afternoon/evening, 3-9 pm (NW corner of Charlestown/California).

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Haven’t been there yet? Time’s running out! Weekly farm stand, 4-7 pm, 32nd Ave SW and SW Juneau, selling fresh produce right next to where it’s grown.

LAST COMMUNITY DUWAMISH TOUR OF THE SEASON: Tonight’s the last scheduled 2011 Summer Community Kayak Tour of the season by Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. RSVP to Alki Kayak Tours (206) 953-0237 (and check the start time). More info here. Tour meets at Terminal 107 Port Park (4700 West Marginal Way SW)

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CAMP FIRE: Fall information session for students/families interested in Camp Fire USA, only info session scheduled on the peninsula, West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

COOLMOM MEETING – WITH AN INCENTIVE! This fall, West Seattle’s CoolMom group has a big project – Think Outside the Car – and Terri Glaberson will be talking about it at tonight’s meeting, 7 pm, NOT the usual location – it’s at Red Cup Espresso. Meeting attendees get a bonus incentive: 20 percent coupon for online purchases from West Seattle-founded ReUsies.

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS TALK $60 CAR TABS, AND MORE: Our area’s biggest political group meets at 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, with a program including a forum (speakers both pro and con) on this fall’s $60 car-tab fee vote, to raise money for transportation projects in Seattle. The newly proposed redistricting maps will be on display too. See the full agenda here.

SECOND WEEK FOR ‘AMY’S VIEW’: The first production of the 2011-12 season, “Amy’s View,” continues at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, 7:30 pm Wednesdays-Saturdays, 3 pm Sundays through October 1st.

(Photo by WSB contributor Keri DeTore)
Community councils/associations are getting back to their regular meeting schedules – and tonight is one of those busy “second Tuesdays.” Three groups’ meetings are part of the highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

JOB-SEARCH SUPPORT GROUP: “Notes from the Job Search” group at C&P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW), 11 am.

POOCHES TAKE THE PLUNGE: Dog Days of Summer swimming sessions – dogs only, pool is closed for people until next year! – at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, fundraiser for water-polo team continues every day this week, 5-7 pm, details here

COOKING BENEFIT: 22 of the area’s top chefs meet tonight at Salty’s on Alki for “Cooking with Class,” an event to benefit seniors at Providence ElderPlace and Heritage House at the Market. Participants who pay $125 each will learn cooking secrets and will join the chefs for food and wine, 6-9 pm. More info at www.seattledining.com/cwc – see if there’s any room left; call Connie at 206-283-9067 or connie@seattledining.com.

INTERESTED IN HEALTH/FITNESS? Advocare event tonight at The Bridge,
4439 35th Avenue SW, 6 pm to 7:30 pm – more details on the Facebook event page.

THREE COMMUNITY MEETINGS TONIGHT: The Fauntleroy Expressway Seismic Retrofit Project – updated at last week’s Southwest District Council meeting – is on two agendas tonight, Junction Neighborhood Organization, 6:30 pm, Ginomai (42nd and Genesee), and Admiral Neighborhood Association, 7 pm, Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill). Also meeting tonight, the Fauntleroy Community Association, 7 pm at the schoolhouse (9131 California SW).

That’s not just a portable, that’s the Stockbox Grocers mini-mini-market, expected to open today, after a couple days’ extra preparation. It’s one of today’s highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar and other announcements.

STOCKBOX OPENING: From Carrie at Stockbox, just announced by e-mail:

Pending our final permit inspection this morning, Stockbox Grocers will open for business this afternoon at 2 pm! Stop by anytime to check out the store or to make a purchase: we are based in the parking lot of the WestHaven Apartments at 2201 SW Holden. The store is in the parking lot off of the 24th at SW Holden and our hours are:
Monday-Friday 2 pm to 8 pm
Saturday-Sunday 8 am to 8 pm
We have had an exciting week setting up the store and meeting many of our new neighbors. The visitors that we have had continue to comment on how much variety we were able to fit into the store – so I hope that we can surprise you too! We have a mix of inventory including produce, milk, frozen pizza, cleaning supplies, polenta, beans, cereal, baking supplies, chips and snacks, soup, ice cream, eggs, and more!

Also today/tonight:

SAVE IT FOR A GRAINY DAY: West Seattle Cooking Club meets. Today’s theme: Bring something cooked with grains. 2 pm, Beveridge Place Pub.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: First of six days for canine swimming sessions – dogs only, pool is closed for people until next year! – at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, fundraiser for water-polo team, 5-7 pm, details here.

NORTH DELRIDGE MEETING: Monthly North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting, 6:30 pm. Dragonfly Pavilion at 28th/Dakota (weather permitting – otherwise, Delridge Library), including development updates and a look ahead to Saturday’s Delridge Day festival.

FREE TAI CHI: Weekly “Foundations of a Tai Chi Lifestyle” class, 7 pm, outdoors on the Plaza (Commons Park Amphitheater) or indoors when wet at Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW). Questions? Contact: caylen_storm@yahoo.com.

In all its ruffled glory, standing on the beach, the bald eagle photographed by Melanie Dixon seems just as fierce and regal as when soaring above. Our 9/11 anniversary events list is here (and our morning visit to Alki’s Lady Liberty is here); what follows is the rest of today’s highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

HOLY FAMILY COMMUNITY STREET FAIR: Second day of the festivities at 20th/Roxbury, with pony rides, karaoke, salsa cookoff, vendors, live music, food, more. The official flyer is here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Today’s update (and a look ahead) from market management:

Wine Tasting at Wilridge Vineyards & Winery
Fresh Roasted Peppers from River Farm
NEXT WEEK [9/18]: Sas-Squash Fest!! Chef Demo, sampling, music, ugly squash contest and the long-awaited Zucchini 500 Races hosted by the Kiwanis Club! C’mon down!

Every Sunday, you’ll find the market at 44th/Alaska in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm.

LOOKING FOR A HOME: Friends of the Animals Foundation is at Next to Nature in The Junction with local rescue kittens (“and a few nice cats”) looking for permanent and loving homes, 11 am-3 pm.

COLMAN POOL’S LAST DAY OF THE YEAR: We took that photo on July 4th, the day the outdoor pool at Lincoln Park marked its 70th anniversary, and the weather today is just as beautiful. Swimming starts at noon; note that next year’s opening is scheduled to be later than usual because of work in the offseason. Today’s schedule is here.

AFTERNOON TUNES: Why Ask Why, described on the C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) calendar as an “eclectic acoustic duo.” 1-3 pm, 5612 California SW.

TOX-ICK’S WEAK SPOTS, REVEALED! Sustainable West Seattle presents “Don’t Feed the Tox-Ick Monster,” first edition of this educational event, 2 pm – 3 pm, West Seattle Christian Church, 4400 42nd SW. (Audience members will be eligible to win up to $1,000 in prizes like water cisterns, landscape consulting, car-wash gift certificates, oil changes, bus passes, and more.).

ARTSWEST MATINEE: “Amy’s View” continues its first weekend at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, 3 pm matinee.

(Late-summer swim at Alki, by LikeOnATree, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, as our late summer rolls on:

WEST SEATTLE SOCCER CLUB SEASON STARTS: WSSC sends word that their games begin today, at fields around West Seattle. They have record registration – more than 1,600 players – so that means a LOT of games!

MORE THAN A RUMMAGE SALE: This sale also has a bouncy house for kids and free hot dogs/burgers for all. Now till 4 pm. 3210 SW 106th Street in Arbor Heights. Benefiting community charities; hosted by the New Apostolic Church.

MORE YARD SALES: Check the Freebies/Deals/Sales section of the WSB Forums, where 10+ sales are listed for today (and you can list yours, free, any time).

STREET FAIR! Holy Family Community Street Fair, 9-6 on Saturday, 9-4 on Sunday, with pony rides, karaoke, salsa cookoff, vendors, live music, food, more (and a 9/11 remembrance on Sunday) – official flyer here.

PITCH IN AND CLEAN UP: Adopt-A-Street cleanup with the North Delridge Neighborhood Council, with one week to go till Delridge Day and the skatepark grand opening! 10 am-noon, meet at Delridge Community Center.

GOOD FOOD, GOOD FUN: Free family-nutrition class at PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) in West Seattle, 10 am-noon.

GOT SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS QUESTIONS/CONCERNS? Community conversation with School Board president Steve Sundquist, High Point Library (35th/Raymond), 11 am-12:30 pm.

A WALK IN THE PARK: West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler will lead a walk in Lincoln Park beginning at 11:00 a.m. Stewart is known for his passion for preserving our unique, native biodiversity — butterflies are a specialty! All are welcome. Meet at the north parking lot bulletin board.

FALL’S GREAT FOR GARDENING: The Garden Center is open at South Seattle Community College, second-to-last scheduled “second Saturday” of the year. 11 am-3 pm. 6000 16th SW, north side of campus.

CELEBRATE OUR ELDERS: Grandparents Day Celebration at Life Care Center of West Seattle, 4700 SW Admiral Way, 11 am-2 pm. “A fun-filled afternoon with entertainment, refreshments, and activities for all ages.”

LAST CHANCE FOR COLMAN POOL: At Lincoln Park, it’s Colman Pool’s last weekend of 2011; pool schedule/other info here. Swimming starts at noon.

SKATING: Seattle Lutheran High School Cheerleading back-to-school skating party at Southgate Roller Rink, 5-7 pm. Come win prizes for ’80s wear!! Glow sticks, snacks and an Ipod give away!!! $10 at the door includes skates and one iPod raffle ticket.

SEALTH’S HALF-CENTURY REUNION: Chief Sealth‘s Class of 1961 continues its reunion weekend with dinner tonight at South Seattle Community College’s Brockey Center; details here.

SHAKE IT: At the Heartland Café’s Benbow Room: Dance party! Candylandia is a monthly night of sweet sounds, liberal libations, and shakin’ good times brought to you by DJ Cotton Candy every second Saturday of the month. 9 pm.

In case you have just come back from an extra-long Labor Day weekend, all the major schools, public and private, are back in session now. Give us an “F” for not asking for first-day-of-school photos this year; Jennifer shared one just in case – that’s her son Theo starting first grade at Schmitz Park Elementary, where she reports everyone was “warm and welcoming.” Besides the school reminder, here are a few other notes for today/tonight:

ROAD WORK ALERTS: Today and tomorrow, city crews are scheduled to be out fixing cracked pavement in the bike lanes on the south end of 16th SW, as explained here … The westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled to be closed for construction work overnight; details here.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Here’s an excuse to be out and about during another warm sunny evening – the monthly West Seattle Art Walk, 6 – 9 pm. Here’s our preview from last night, with a link to the list of venues/walking map (or just get it here); at left, one of the images you’ll see tonight at Seattle Real Estate Associates (WSB sponsor) on 44th north of Edmunds, with the work of Elana Winsberg.

WINE TASTING: Second Thursday of the month also means Wine Club at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) from 6-8 pm. 21+, bring an appetizer, $5 tasting fee or wines by the glass or bottle, 5612 California SW. … Extended hours for tonight’s tasting featuring Australian wines at West Seattle Cellars, 6026 California – 5:30 to 9 pm.

ARTSWEST’S NEW PRODUCTION CONTINUES: It’s the second night for “Amy’s View” at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, 7:30 tonight, running Wednesday-Saturday nights and Sunday matinees through October 1st.

WATERSHED COUNCIL BACK IN SESSION: After a summer hiatus, regular meetings resume tonight for the Fauntleroy Watershed Council, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW).

PILATES TEACHER TRAINING SIGNUPS: Early-registration deadline for Pilates instructor training by Beth Montanez, offering the first-ever Pilates teacher training course in West Seattle. It starts September 30th; full details are online, here.

From SDOT (and the WSB Traffic page), that’s a “live” look (refresh for the latest) at the east end of the Spokane Street Viaduct, aka the West Seattle Bridge between I-5 and Highway 99. It’ll be half-closed overnight for the next three nights, and that’s part of today’s preview, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

BACK TO SCHOOL! That’s today’s big news, and it’s likely to affect you even if you don’t have a family member who’s a student or school staffer. While many independent schools started classes yesterday, today’s the first day for several of the biggest ones – including Westside School (WSB sponsor), which is debuting middle school this year, Explorer West, and West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor) – as well as the first day for all but one local Seattle Public Schools campus (West Seattle Elementary started its new year yesterday). The district has changed its transportation plan again this year, with most buses serving more routes than before, by the way, so what you see on the roads, and when, will be different from last year (this means many schools’ starting/ending times have changed, too).

WESTSIDE PROFESSIONALS: Up early and got some time? This business-networking group welcomes visitors, 8 am, The Kenney (WSB sponsor), 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW. More info on the WSP Facebook page.

HIGH POINT MARKET FARM STAND: 4-7 pm, 32nd SW/SW Juneau. Buy seasonal fresh organically grown produce from a stand right next to the mini-farm where it’s grown.

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Local community meetings are getting back to their regular schedules, starting with the Southwest District Council, 7 pm, South Seattle Community College board room (6000 16th SW – central building on the west side of campus) – agenda includes a project update on the Fauntleroy Expressway Seismic Retrofit (scheduled for this fall).

ARTSWEST’S NEW SEASON BEGINS: “Amy’s View” opens the new season at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, 7:30 tonight, continuing Wednesday-Saturday nights and Sunday matinees through October 1st. (Here’s our preview from earlier today.)

OVERNIGHT TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound Spokane Street Viaduct closed for construction work tonight, tomorrow night, and Friday night, 10 pm-5 am, details here – note that 1st Avenue South at Spokane St. is also closed the same nights, and that the westbound SSV closure means that you will not be able to get to the WS Bridge from I-5 or Beacon Hill.

(Photo from Saturday afternoon, taken along Beach Drive, looking toward Vashon Island)
Looks like the beautiful holiday-weekend weather continues (here’s the newest forecast). From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

LOOKING FOR YARD/GARAGE SALES? WSB Forums have free listings here – and there are a few sales listed for today.

GO SEE A MOVIE: Here’s the Admiral Theater movie schedule.

OUTDOOR SWIMMING/WADING: It’s Colman Pool’s last weekday of 7-day-a-week summer operations (pool schedule/other info here) – after tomorrow, it closes till one last “post-season weekend” next Saturday/Sunday. Also at Lincoln Park, you’ll find West Seattle’s last city wading pool still open IF the weather is forecast for 70+ degrees (last scheduled opening day is Sept 5)

AT THE MARKET TODAY: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska). From market management, here’s what’s happening today:

Music: Canote Brothers!
Eggs…check!
Wine tasting…check!
Pepper roaster…check!

P.S. Both Sustainable West Seattle and the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle are scheduled to have members tabling today (as they do regularly, but not every week) – look for them and say hi!

CATS AWAIT YOU: Friends of the Animals Foundation has volunteers on site at Next to Nature in The Junction, 11 am – 3 pm, to help you find the perfect rescued feline companion.

LEARN ABOUT HISTORY: Noon-4 pm, tour the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens).

BORROW A TOOL: West Seattle Tool Library has regular Sunday hours at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (east side of main building), 1-5 pm.