Oh, the memories of our rainless Saturday … thanks to Tom Marx for the photo! Forecast says today’s rain will ease up somewhat by tonight. Here’s what’s on the schedule, with a caveat that we can’t guarantee “no rainouts,” since most listings are sent to us days if not weeks in advance, but we’ll update the list if we get word of any cancellations:

TRAFFIC REMINDER – VIADUCT STILL CLOSED: Till tomorrow morning, when it reopens with two lanes each way between the West Seattle Bridge and the stadiums.

ALLEY CLEANUP: North Delridge neighbors continue transforming an alley behind the Delridge Library, (between Delridge Way and 25th Ave SW, stretching from Brandon to Findlay). 10 am to 2 pm. Group photo at noon. Bring tools, bags if you can.

FARMERS’ MARKET: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is always open on Sundays, rain or shine, 10 am-2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska).

SPA DAY: At Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy in The Junction (WSB sponsor, 4707 California SW), 11 am – 3 pm. See full details on the Pharmaca webpage.

GREAT AMERICAN BAKE SALE: Camp Fire group “The Blue Angels” will be hosting their second annual Share Our Strength Great American Bake Sale. This group of 4th graders will be outside Capers in The Junction from 11 am – 3 pm selling great treats rain or shine.

TOOL LIBRARY: Need to borrow something for a rainy-day (or otherwise) project? Have tools to donate from West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day leftovers? The West Seattle Tool Library is open atYoungstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 1-5 pm.

POKER AT THE HEARTLAND: Free Texas Hold Em’ poker @ Heartland Café, 1:30 and 3:30 on Sundays, winyourwayin.com

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN CELEBRATION: Open house at the Seattle Chinese Garden from 3 to 5 pm includes a delegation from Chongqing (Seattle’s sister city). Enjoy lion dancing and Chinese cultural activities. See full story here

FINAL MATINEE: It continues through next Saturday, but this is the final Sunday matinee for “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment …” at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), 3 pm.

DEPUTY STEVE COX MEMORIAL DEDICATION: In White Center, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council is presenting the dedication of a long-in-the-works memorial to King County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Cox, at the park that bears his name. 3 pm; more information here.

GLEE CLUB: The Glee Club performs “Everything Beautiful Happens at Night” ~Musical Theater Favorites~ at 4 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Church (7141 California Ave SW). Admission by donation.

RIVER BLESSING: On the 15th of each month, through October 15th, a blessing will be offered to heal the Duwamish River, at Duwamish Waterway Park in South Park, with West Seattleites participating including the organizer, Reiki practitioner Eileen Dey. 7-8 pm, details here.

In addition to West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 9 am-3 pm (maps here), lots of other events happening around West Seattle today – some highlights from the WSB Events calendar:

ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT CLOSED: All weekend, as WSDOT sets up for the lane reductions that officially start Monday morning (2 lanes each way for the next few years, West Seattle Bridge to the stadium zone) – details here.

PUT OUT YOUR DONATIONS FOR STAMP OUT HUNGER: Before you leave for whatever you’re doing today, put out your bag of nonperishable food for the annual Stamp Out Hunger letter carriers’ food drive. Or – drop it off at Café Osita, west side of 35th just north of Webster, by 2 pm.

WEST SEATTLE KIWANIS MOTORCYCLE RIDE/SHOW AND POKER RUN: Signups start at 8:30; ride starts at 9:30; barbecue at 1:30 pm; all at 40th/Alaska – full details here.

DONATE BLOOD: Bloodmobile at Westwood Village – Barton Entrance (by between Pier 1 and Barnes & Noble. 9 am-3 pm (closed 11:30-12:30)

GENESEE-SCHMITZ GARDEN PARTY: 9 am – 1 pm will be the first of our gardening events at Genesee Hill School, SW Dakota Ave and 51st Ave SW, North Playground. Volunteers will tend the beds, distribute wood chips, and pull ivy. Tools, gloves (and the weed wrench) are provided by the Seattle School District. The goal is to help make the vacated Genesee School grounds more visibly pleasing and more enjoyable for community use. This is being organized by the Gardening Committee, Genesee Schmitz Neighborhood Council (GSNC). www.genesee-schmitz.org

GARDEN DAY TO HELP SENIORS: Free Senior Garden Sharing in West Seattle.Senior Center of West Seattle has organized this day and event. Volunteers and professional gardeners will help seniors with yard work. This is an all-day event culminating with a community potluck and barbecue. The event starts at West Seattle Produce (4721 Fauntleroy Way SW) with coffee. Schedule: 9 – 11 am: sign-in. 10 am – 3 pm: 2, 3 or 4 hour work-team assignments, go garden!! 3 – 7 pm dinner and celebration of work well done.

BARTON STREET P-PATCH GROUNDBREAKING: The official web marking post will be installed by Barker Landscaping at 9:30 am. Sign up sheets will be available for work parties from 9:00-11:00. Plots are assigned based on volunteer hours so come out. 34th/Barton.

LUPUS-FIGHTING WALK ON ALKI: The annual Walk with Us to Cure Lupus fundraising walk on Alki – registration by the bathhouse at 9 am, walk starts 10 am, full details here.

ASK AN EXPERT: Ask an Expert for the DIYer at West Seattle Tool Library (at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW), 10 am – 1 pm. Free and informal community meetups offer an opportunity to bounce project ideas off fellow DIYers and even receive some free professional advice in the process. You can then grab whatever tools you need from The Tool Library to get your ideas off the ground (or in the ground, if that’s the case.) The tool library also is an official stop on the West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day map.

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REP: Informal discussion with Seattle School Board president Steve Sundquist at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond St.), 11 am – 12:30 pm.

ROOM TO ADD A CAT TO YOUR HOUSEHOLD? Seattle Animal Shelter adoptathon at Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon), noon-3 pm (details here)

SOUTHWEST SEATTLE SUPER STRING SATURDAY: Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra performs at South West Seattle Super String Saturday: 12:30 p.m. Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium: Everyone is invited to attend a mini-concert by the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. They will perform Holst’s The Planets at 12:30 p.m. in the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras is the largest youth orchestra training program in America. The organization operates four academic-year orchestras, three summer music festivals and a broad portfolio of public school partnership programs The concert is part of the first-ever Super Springs Saturday for South West Seattle Students, which runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The days events will also include students who are learning string instruments at elementary schools in South West Seattle, and at Denny Middle School, performing and learning alongside the student musicians of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO). The event is free and open to the students and families of Roxhill, Arbor Heights, Gatewood, Sanislo, West Seattle, Concord and Highland Park Elementary Schools as well as Denny International Middle School and any other community members wanting to support the young musicians of these south West Seattle Schools.

YOUTH SUMMIT AND MAYORAL VISIT: Mayor Mike McGinn at B.O.O.M Youth Summit (where youth are discussing issues of Violence, Food Justice, Institutional Oppression, and Youth Jobs and Resources). 11 am – 4:30 pm at Southwest Community Center (2801 SW Thistle).

EXTRA WATER TAXI RUNS FOR SOUNDERS GAME: 11 pm run added so you can take West Seattle Water Taxi home from Sounders game – see the schedule here.

That’s a new video by My Goodness, a local rock duo playing Easy Street Records in The Junction at 9 tonight (all ages, $5 cover). A few other highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

PIRATE PARTY AT ‘SHIPWRECKED’: It’s not just a play, it’s a Pirate Party tonight at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) for the last special event of the year. Be ye Jack Sparrow or Blackbeard, ye’re welcome to partake in the festivities! Tickets are $50 and that includes food, drink, and entertainment before Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis De Rougemont (As Told By Himself). Call the ArtsWest box office for details: (206) 938-0339.

OKLAHOMA! CONTINUES: West Seattle High School Drama Club and Music Department present “Oklahoma!” (Rodgers and Hammerstein) at the WSHS Theater (3000 California Ave SW) at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $7 in advance or $12 at the door. Tonight before the show, by donation, you can get your photo taken with Jeb, the Admiral District’s miniature horse.

AT KENYON HALL: Hearth Music presents acoustic bluegrass songwriters Kevin Brown & The Beloved Country and Jim Faddis and Friends. Kenyon Hall (7904 35th Ave SW), 7 pm. Tickets are $12 general admission.

HIP-HOP CELEBRATION: West Seattle Youth Arts Charity Unified Outreach 2011 “Seattle City Breaker’s Reunion” and 30 year anniversary celebration featuring the return of the 1980’s premier break dancer “Ziggy Zig Zag”. Three decades of break dancers will celebrate 30 years of hip hop in Seattle. This special ALL AGES and FREE event takes place 6 – 9 pm at West Seattle Christian Church Performance Hall (4400 42nd Ave SW). Doors open at 6 pm. General information is available at the Facebook Event page here where you can RSVP and talk about the upcoming event.

ST. JOHN’S RUMMAGE SALE and other dates: 9 am-3 pm today, you can practice up for tomorrow’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day by checking out the first day of the church’s multi-day rummage sale, 3050 California Ave SW.

Tonight, principals for both Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School will be among the guests as the Sealth and Denny PTSAs talk about how the schools’ co-location will work starting next school year – the new Denny’s almost done. 7 pm, Sealth library; also from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

SCHOOL BOARD REP CHAT: Seattle Public Schools concern or question? The next informal discussion with board president and West Seattle rep Steve Sundquist is today at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 11 am – 12:30 pm.

SAFETY RALLY ON 35TH SW: Weather permitting, the Community Action Team of High Point is hosting a Traffic Slow Down Rally 4-6 pm, all participants welcome. Demonstrators will be centered along 35th from Juneau.

CANDIDATES’ FORUM: The August primary is approaching fast, so a candidates’ forum is at the heart of the 34th District Democrats‘ monthly meeting, 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (agenda here).

WEST SEATTLE COOLMOM: CoolMom May meeting at C&P Coffee (WSB sponsor; 5612 California Ave SW), 7 pm. Transportation and climate change are the focus

JOB-SEARCH WORKSHOP: Free workshop “Job Interview Basics” at SSCC WorkSource – see full story here.

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR COMMITTEE: If you are interested in becoming a volunteer member of the West Seattle Garden Tour, tonight’s the monthly meeting and potluck to help plan this year’s 17th Annual West Seattle Garden Tour. The WSGT Committee meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at an appointed member’s home for a potluck feast and to review the steady progress of the Tour. 6:30 pm; RSVP to info@westseattlegardentour.com.

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(Baby robin in Junction-area nest; photo by Katie Meyer)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, some of today’s highlights:

SBX ARRIVES: Vigor (formerly Todd) Shipyard on Harbor Island repairs/rehabs/builds a wide variety of vessels, but the Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) scheduled to arrive tonight for 3 months of work might be the most unusual one yet. We’ve previewed it here, here, and here; if you want to track its progress through Puget Sound, you can use marinetraffic.com (as of this writing, it’s approaching Port Angeles, at 6 knots).

COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: It’s scheduled for a briefing this morning on the city’s Transit Master Plan – see the briefing document here. The politics site PubliCola previewed it, noting that West Seattle’s light-rail prospects may not be so rosy since WS appears to rate low in the rating criteria for an ideal such corridor. Other agenda items include a bicycle/pedestrian plan presentation (see the document here) with nothing conspicuously showcased from our side of the bay. The committee meeting will be on Seattle Channel (seattlechannel.org, or cable 21) live at 9:30 am.

WESTSIDE SYMPHONY IN CONCERT: This group from the West Seattle Community Orchestras performs Bach and Beethoven selections in concert at Chief Sealth International High School‘s auditorium (2600 SW Thistle Street), 7 pm – here’s our preview with dress-rehearsal video from last night.

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: The Summer Concerts at Hiawatha lineup, City Council candidate Michael Taylor-Judd, and the debut of the new Admiral stickers are part of the agenda at the Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting, Admiral Church basement meeting room (California/Hill), 7 pm

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Fauntleroy Community Association monthly board meeting, schoolhouse (9131 California SW), 7 pm.

NEW HOURS FOR HIGHLAND PARK COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE: The new weekly clinic at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden) has changed hours to 2-6 pm Tuesdays and will have live (soothing) music today too.

(State ferry M/V Issaquah leaving Fauntleroy, photo by Zargoman from the WSB Flickr group pool)
In the distance on the left side of that photo is Colman Pool, where work starts today on a project that needs to be done before the season starts Memorial Day weekend – here’s the alert we published a few days ago. Also from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT: For West Seattle’s many south-end-of-downtown drivers, a reminder that through mid-afternoon Friday, 1st Avenue South is narrowed through part of Pioneer Square and the stadium zone. Details here.

MEET THE TOASTMASTERS: One of our area’s Toastmasters Clubs, the Daystar Dialoguers, invites you to its Guest Day at Daystar Retirement Village, Building 2 (2615 SW Barton), noon to 1 pm. Light lunch afterward. See full announcement here

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: The monthly NDNC meeting is at Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon), 6:30 pm, with King County Assessor Lloyd Hara as the special guest, explaining how his department works, plus the latest on market trends.

SEATTLE READS ‘LITTLE BEE’: The West Seattle (Admiral) Library branch (2306 42nd SW) is the location for tonight’s “Seattle Reads ‘Little Bee'” book discussion group, 6:45 pm. Chris Cleave‘s book is the subject of this year’s citywide “Seattle Reads” program.

(Photo shared by Lisa Stencel)
Not too much on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar today, since it’s a time for so many families to just be together. A few highlights if you’re looking for something to do:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Need last-minute flowers for Mom (or someone else)? You’ll find them at the market in abundance. Plus live music with the Sammy Sandy Buckner Duo, and a Kids’ Tent activity – picture frames for Mother’s Day. From the growers, market managers note that “Canales is back with tender asparagus!” and “Foraged and Found has weeds for even the most discerning wild woman … Stinging Nettle Pesto, anyone?!” 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska in The Junction. **11:35 am addendum: Thanks to Abanna for e-mailing to say the musician is Sandy Buckner, not Sammy as the market had announced, and that Sandy is “flying solo” in the market gig today – Abanna adds, “Among other claims to fame, Sandy is the music teacher at the Intergenerational Learning Center located at Providence Mount St. Vincent.”**

THE PLAY’S THE THING: Also in The Junction, “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment …” continues at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), with a 3 pm performance today.

MOTHER’S DAY PIE SOCIAL: RSVP’s were requested by Friday so we’re not sure if there’s still room. But if you can bake a pie by 1 pm you’re probably welcome at the first-ever Mother’s Day Pie Social at Village Green Perennial Nursery (besides the pie, there’s a $5 requested donation for the White Center Food Bank). Find full details here.

NEW MEANING TO THE TERM ‘FROSTED GLASS’: Watching glass-blowing at Avalon Glassworks is a Mother’s Day tradition, and today they’re making glass cupcakes to benefit WestSide Baby. (Here’s a photo on the WS Baby FB page.) The studio is on Avalon Way just south of the West Seattle Bridge, and open 10 am-5 pm today.

SURPRISE MOM WITH A HOME-IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: If you need tools to make it happen, the West Seattle Tool Library is open today in its new Youngstown Cultural Arts Center space (east side of main building at 4408 Delridge Way), 1-5 pm.

SECOND ANNUAL ‘MY MOM STILL ROCKS’ TRIBUTE: At Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), starting at 6 pm. P.S. The promotional graphics made by The Feedback’s Jeff Gilbert are featured right now on the Facebook page and website for KISS – here’s the latter:

Many bald-eagle photos have come in over the past few months – often in majestic detail – but nothing like this: Phil Sayles says that’s an eagle on the sidewalk outside his townhouse, spotted Friday afternoon. Make up your own caption. Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, highlights of what’s ahead today:

HUB DRILL: As previewed here yesterday, today is the next West Seattle Be Prepared Emergency Communication Hubs drill, 9 am-noon (just in case you pass one of the groups involved in the fake-quake drill at Fairmount or Delridge and think it sounds like there’s an actual emergency!)

FIGHT ALS, WALK ON ALKI: Fiesta 5K Walk/Run on Alki in support of the Hackett Clan. It is ALS Awareness Month (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Race sign in is 9:30 and walk time is 10 am. Course is 2.8 miles from the Alki picnic shelter to the Luna Park Pier and back. You are encouraged to wear green. Fiesta 5k shirts for sale for a $10 donation while inventory lasts. Online donations welcome, look for “Hackett Clan.”

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE’S OPEN HOUSE: Open house at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW), 10:30 am – 3 pm. Starts with 10:30 am Asian Tea Group and Exercise with Willie. 12 -3 pm Open House, Meet the Staff, Fitness Challenge, Family Art Project. Workshops: Employment, Computer, shoulder pain clinic. 2:30-5:30 pm, basketball challenge. Call Seana at 206-588-4900 with questions.

CONVERSATION WITH A COUNCILMEMBER: Join Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Chair of the Transportation Committee, at the West Seattle Branch Library (2306 42^nd Ave SW), 2:30 – 4 pm. Not a speech – an informal conversation opportunity. All topics are on the table. Visit Councilmember Rasmussen’s website for more information.

CANCER-FIGHTING FUNDRAISER PLANT SALE: Mother’s Day Plant Sale – The Relay for Life of West Seattle Team Go For It! is sponsoring a plant sale, selling perennials and vegetable starters as well as herbs. Get your garden growing and help in the fight against cancer. All proceeds from the sale will go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of West Seattle (coming up next month). The sale will be in the parking lot of Ginomai at 4401 – 42^nd Ave SW (42^nd and Genesee) between 10 am and 4 pm. Besides plants, plant sticks and bird houses, there will be an opportunity to buy luminarias to be lit at the Relay for Life June 10 – June 11. Luminarias are lit decorated bags, each with the name of a person who has fought cancer. These will line the track at West Seattle Stadium during the Relay. These are personalized to reflect the person they are honoring. These are being decorated by West Seattle artists for a suggested donation of $10.

WSMS PLANT/BAKE SALE: “Who’s Your Mama?” garden and baked goods gift sale in honor of Mother’s Day at West Seattle Academy/West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor), 11215 15th Ave SW, 9 am – 3 pm. Details here.

PARFAIT’S WEST SEATTLE DEBUT: Parfait Ice Cream truck debuts alongside Marination Mobile at 35th/Graham, 11 am – 2 pm

SATURDAY AFTERNOON WINE TASTING: Bin 41 (4707 California Ave SW), 2 – 4 pm. SPECIAL Saturday tasting. Sample some wines from two new Washington wineries, Convergence Zone and Lobo Hills.

SCRABBLE AT SKYLARK: Saturday afternoon Charity Scrabble continues at Skylark Café and Club, 3:30 pm.

SATURDAY NIGHT WINE TASTING: Third annual “Wine For Our Times” – wine tasting event at the Highland Park Improvement Club (1116 SW Holden Street). Doors at 6 pm, tasting at 7 pm. Pre-register at hpicwine@gmail.com or call 206.938.6031.

GAME NIGHT FUNDRAISER: Sunrise Heights’ annual Poker Tournament/Games Night. Held at Our Lady of Guadalupe School Hall (3401 SW Myrtle), doors open 5 pm, start 6 pm, finish by 10 pm. 21 and older to get in. This is a fundraising event for the Sunrise Heights Neighborhood Association. Call Rob 206.932.2949 for info or to reserve a table.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FEEDBACK: Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor, 6451 California Ave SW) at 8 pm presents HIGHWAY TO HELL VIA MEMPHIS PARTY featuring live music by GUNN & THE DAMAGE DONE. No cover, 21 & older to get in, photo ID at the door.

‘ROCKY HORROR’ AT MIDNIGHT: “Rocky Horror Picture Show” complete with shadow casting is presented at The Admiral Theater on the first Saturday of each month, and tonight’s the night!

(Great blue heron, photographed off Beach Drive by David Hutchinson)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
CASPAR BABYPANTS MINI-CONCERTS: Caspar Babypants performs a special mini-concert at City Mouse Studio and Store (WSB sponsor, 4218 SW Alaska), 10:30 am and 11:30 am, in honor of the store’s first birthday. See Facebook event page here

CARNE ASADA BOWL: Annual boys’ soccer game between Chief Sealth International JV and Secondary BOC, 3:30 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex on SW Thistle (or SW Trenton, for the other side). After the game, everyone is invited to stay and partake in the annual Carne Asada feast as prepared by Sealth’s own Delfino Muñoz and our generous soccer parents.

AFTER THAT GAME: Sealth athletic director Sam Reed just announced a playoff game tonight for Sealth boys’ soccer varsity: “The boys finished 7-1-4 in the Sound Division and earned the 3rd seed into the playoffs. They will play Seattle Prep tonight at 7:00 pm @ SWAC. This is a single-elimination tournament with 3 teams guaranteed a berth to State.”

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF BENEFIT: Tonight at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor, 5612 California SW), Benefit for Japan’s Earthquake Relief, 6 pm – 7 pm. Originally from New York City but now living in Tokyo, Danny Katz entertains with his unique blend of 80s flavored folk-pop. Proceeds from CD sales at this show will go towards Japan’s earthquake disaster relief efforts.

FOOD BANK BENEFIT: 4th annual Instruments of Change benefit dinner for the West Seattle Food Bank, with keynote speaker King County Executive Dow Constantine, 6-9 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (with WSB among the co-sponsors). Event is sold out.

RADIO8BALL RETURNS: The Radio8Ball Show featuring the show’s host and creator, Andras Jones, and local darlings The Young Evils, and The Janks from Los Angeles, returns to Seattle for a weekend of shows at Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor, 3803 Delridge Way SW). Advance tickets $8, at the door $12; Buy online

(WSB photo, taken looking southward at the Duwamish River from the “low bridge”)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Reps from community groups and other major organizations in western West Seattle gather for tonight’s Southwest District Council meeting, South Seattle Community College board room, 7 pm. Public invited.

AT ARTSWEST: “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment …” continues at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm.

MEDITATION: “The Royal Road to Enlightenment” at Viking Bank (4022 SW Alaska), 7:30 pm. Wes Busch, West Seattle resident and a certified teacher of the Transcendental Meditation technique, will speak. The presentation is free but pre-registration is required; 425-221-3203.

BREWER’S NIGHT: West Seattle Garlic Jim’s (4520 California Ave SW) starts a series of Brewer’s Nights, 6-9 pm. American Brewing Company is featured tonight with 4 of their beers on tap, plus reps and giveaways; stop in for a sample or order during dinner.

TONIGHT’S KARAOKE: Karaoke with DJ Tony B at 9:30 pm – The Bridge (4439 35th Ave SW). He takes advance requests on his Facebook page.

(Tiny bushtits nestbuilding, photographed by Trileigh Tucker last Sunday. She explains, “This is the male, who’s just delivered a new batch of construction material to the nest, woven it into the interior, and is getting ready to go get the next batch. You can see that the nest is hung from small branches with material that might include flexible twigs or spider silk, and the nest itself is made of leaves, lichen, mosses, and other forest materials. Both the male and the female work on the nest.)

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

ORCHESTRAS IN CONCERT: Tonight’s the first of two Tuesdays with spring performances by groups from the West Seattle Community Orchestras. Tonight, the Westside Symphonette and String Ensemble are in concert at Chief Sealth International High School auditorium (2600 SW Thistle Street), 6:30 pm – see full story here.

CITY BUDGET UPDATE: It’s not in West Seattle but certainly will affect us all – so, you can watch this live online at the mayor’s website if you’re interested: Mayor McGinn‘s 2012 budget briefing, 11 am.

FAMILY STORY TIME: Family Story Time at the Seattle Public Library‘s Delridge Branch, 7 pm.

FEATURED AT SKYLARK TONIGHT: West Seattle musician Stacey Unck (singer/songwriter, acoustic/folk, guitar + cello) has a show at the Skylark Cafe and Club at 8 pm. Scarlet Season plays at 9 pm

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(Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza, photographed this morning)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

CONNER PROJECT, TUNNEL MEASURES ON CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: When the City Council meets at 2 pm, it will consider final approval of the “alley vacation” for the Conner Homes two-building Junction project (Alaska/California/42nd), following last week’s hearing before the Transportation Committee (WSB coverage here). Also on the council agenda (which you can see here in its entirety) are two of the measures that might go to a public vote regarding the Highway 99 tunnel, as well as reappointment of Southwest Design Review Board members Rob Murphy and Norma Tompkins, among other measures. As always, the council meeting will be live on Seattle Channel, seattlechannel.org or cable channel 21.

HI-YU MEMBERSHIP MEETING: With festival season fast approaching, West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival membership meets at 6:30 pm, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church hall.

FREE DANCE CLASS WITH BALORICO: 6 pm, try a free dance class with Balorico at Kenyon Hall – more at balorico.blogspot.com

EVENING BOOK GROUP: The monthly Evening Book Group meets tonight at Southwest Library, 6:45 pm; this month’s title is “Cloud Atlas” by Liam Callanan.

MONDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: Karaoke with Kelli at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), 9 pm

FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES: All month long, you can drop off food donations at PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor). Details here

(Goslings! Photo by Robin Lindsey)
The schedule today’s nothing like yesterday (we published 19 stories in 24 hours here on WSB, scroll through when you get a chance!) – here are the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar; have a great day!

FERRY FARE CHANGES: Peak season begins for Washington State Ferries (which means fare changes)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska). Returning vendors today: Langley Fine Gardens (plants) and Skagit River Ranch (meat).

GET YOUR CAR WASHED: West Seattle High School baseball car wash at Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor), 7901 35th SW, 10 am-3 pm, ticket to 5/5 M’s game for every $10 donated (more details here)

WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW, DAY 2: Panned for gold yet? Or spun the wheel (photo above)? Those are among the all-ages activities as the West Seattle Rock Club (WSB sponsor) presents the second and final day of its annual show and invites you in for free, 10 am-5 pm at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds), again today. full details here.

FOOD DRIVE STARTS AT PCC: Food drive to feed needy kids during the summer months at all area PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor). Full details here.

DIAPER DRIVE STARTS AT C & P: During the month of May, bring a package of diapers to C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW) to donate to WestSide Baby and get a free coffee drink.

FINAL PERFORMANCE FOR ‘FOOLS’: Seattle Lutheran High School presents *Fools* by Neil Simon, 2nd and final time, 2:30 pm, SLHS gym, 4100 SW Genesee.

WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND @ JAZZ SUNDAY: West Seattle Big Band – celebrating its 15th anniversary (read its history, published here Friday night, courtesy of Jim Edwards) – is scheduled for Jazz Sunday at Admiral UCC Church (California/Hill), 7 pm. Free.

SUPER DELI MART’S 2ND ANNIVERSARY: The popular convenience store/beer shop at 35th/Barton is celebrating its second anniversary with a “barbecue/kegger,” according to their announcement on Twitter, 11 am-5 pm.

CERAMIC ART SALE: Mutablefire Studios is having a Mother’s Day sale from 10 am – 4 pm. There will be work from 5 different local ceramic artists available for sale. The studio is located at the corner of Othello SW & 44th Ave SW, one block west of California SW.

STORE’S GRAND OPENING: Hebert’s Den gift shop is scheduled to open at 35th/Henderson, 1-5 pm Full details here – store’s website here.

PICTURE YOUR PET: Professional pet photography shoot, 9-5:30 pm at Stella Ruffington’s Doggy Playcare, with Kathryn Sauber.

TREVOR RAS AT SKYLARK: Trevor Ras at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), 7 pm, $5 cover. Check out Trevor’s video!

(Steller’s Jay vs. immature Bald Eagle at Alki Point madrona snag, by Danny McMillin)
Here’s hoping the sky will be blue again later today! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar (where you’ll find even more of what’s up today):

WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW: 47th annual show by the West Seattle Rock Club (WSB sponsor), Alki Masonic Hall, 40th/Edmunds, 10-5 today and tomorrow, lots of activities for all ages, full details here – this year’s theme is “Gold Rush”; come pan for gold!

CELEBRATE MYRTLE RESERVOIR PARK: Myrtle Reservoir Park dedication, 10:30 am, including live music and more, 35th and Myrtle.

NEW PARK IN WESTWOOD? 1 pm today, come to Southwest Community Center to talk about the possibility of a new park site, with the use of Parks and Green Spaces Levy money. Suggest a site, and/or what you would like to see in a site. (Meeting preview here.)

BARTON P-PATCH MEET-AND-GREET: Barton Street P-Patch is hosting a meet-n-greet at the future P-Patch site from 10 am – 2 pm. Anyone interested in the development of the garden, volunteer and garden opportunities is welcome to stop by (34th/Barton) for information.

2 DRUG TAKE-BACK DROPOFF SPOTS IN WEST SEATTLE: National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day has two locations in West Seattle, drive-through at Admiral Way Viewpoint and Southwest Precinct, 10 am-2 pm. No questions asked, no ID required, take your old prescription drugs and drop them off. (More details here.)

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, FEEDBACK LOUNGE! Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor, 6451 California Ave SW) is holding a “We’re Turning Two” party, 6 pm until closing. Food and drink specials and “the balloons of mystery.”

KENNEY BRUNCH: 10:30 am, it’s The Kenney Foundation‘s spring fundraiser brunch/auction, which raises money to help residents stay at The Kenney after outliving their financial resources. Champagne bar and silent auction in the lobby, brunch in the community rooms, with guest speaker, former mayor Greg Nickels.

TOTAL EXPERIENCE GOSPEL CHOIR AT MERRILL GARDENS The famed choir performs at 2 pm at Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor; 2326 California Ave SW). RSVP to 206-938-3964 to see if there’s still room.

FREE YOGA: Free yoga at Sound Yoga (WSB sponsor), 10:30 am (details from the WSB Forums)

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: Cambodian New Year celebration in White Center all day; SW 98th will be closed east of 16th SW. Details here.

TRUNK SHOW AT CLICK! Seattle blacksmith artist Erica Gordon of Steel Toe Studios will show you how to keep your pants on with her handmade belts and buckles during her trunk show at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor, 4540 California Ave SW), 11 am — 5 pm.

WSHS BASEBALL AT THE SAFE: West Seattle Wildcats baseball vs. Highline Pirates at Safeco Field – free! 4 pm. Enter on the home-plate side

COME HELP RESTORE THE FOREST: Green Seattle Partnership project at Schmitz Park. See complete event info here.

READY TO GET OUT ON THE WATER? Alki Kayak Tours says they’re “so stoked the weather is finally getting warmer,” they’re offering 2-for-1 kayak tours and Stand-Up Paddleboarding classes this weekend.> (Tell them you saw it on WSB.)

Male harlequin ducks are so splendidly colored, you might think they are … royal, in the spirit of this day’s big whole-world-is-watching event. Thanks to David Hutchinson of Alki for photographing the harlequin-duck couple along the Harbor Avenue shore. Now, on to the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

RESTAURANT HISTORY GOES TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER: This morning brings the Charlestown Street Café auction (at the site of the 4-weeks-closed restaurant at California/Charlestown), 8-10 am preview, 10 am auction – details here; auction catalog online here.

STUFF THE VAN! Spring cleaning? West Seattle Girl Scouts want to turn your unwanted items into treasures! Help the Brownies of Troop 40890 – 2nd graders from Lafayette, Schmitz Park, Alki Elementary Schools – help critically ill children at Seattle Children’s Hospital and homeless families at Wellspring Family Services. 3:45-5 pm today, bring used children’s DVDs, gently used blankets, gently used children’s PJ’s to West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW). Look for the black EuroVan!

MADISON’S SPRING FLING: Spaghetti dinner & family fun at Madison Middle School 6 – 9 pm, hosted by the Music Boosters and the PTSA. Live Music featuring the Madison Jazz Band, Senior Band and Orchestra. Cake Walk tickets available for 50 cents. Ice Cream Sundae Bar for $2.50. Fifth-grade reconnaissance opportunity. Tickets at door: $7/adult; $4/10 and under.

‘SHIPWRECKED’ IN THE JUNCTION: “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment …” continues at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 7:30 pm.

‘FOOLS’ AT SEATTLE LUTHERAN: Seattle Lutheran High School Drama presents the comedy “Fools” by Neil Simon, tonight at 7:30 pm (and Sunday at 2:30 pm). At the SLHS Gymnasium, 4100 SW Genesee, $5 adults, $2 children 7-14, children under 7 are free

‘WOMEN, WINE, AND WELLNESS’: Roxbury Spine and Wellness Clinic is providing a night of free pampering as well as socializing and networking for local businesses, with food, wine, chair massages, beauty consultations, personal training, and even a DJ, plus giveaways! Register online!

(WSB iPhone photo taken Tuesday during a near-sunbreak on Alki)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

7100 DELRIDGE DESIGN REVIEW: Design Review Board meeting for 7100 Delridge, 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, here’s our preview with the graphics/info that board members will review.

DINING OUT FOR LIFE: The citywide restaurant event to raise money for Lifelong AIDS Alliance; four West Seattle restaurants are participating, as reported here on Wednesday. And here’s the full citywide list.

HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE WITHOUT GOING BROKE: Information session at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle, map and directions), 7 pm – 8:30 pm. See full details here

MEET THE MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY: At 4:30 pm today, faculty for Westside School (WSB sponsor)’s new Middle School are available to meet and talk with parents in the school’s multipurpose room (interested prospective future parents as well as current students’ parents). Participants will include new humanities teacher Glyn Jenkins, new science instructor Sara Harper-Smith (via video conference), math teacher David Preston, athletic director Devin McQuiston, Spanish teacher Veronica Hellar, and Mandarin Chinese teacher Su-Chen Wang. (Bios here.)

SCIENCE FAIR: Tonight, the future scientists of Sanislo Elementary show their work, 6-8 pm.

REMINDER: THE WATER TAXI’S BACK; Just in case you missed yesterday afternoon’s announcement, the county says the West Seattle run is back in service today.

(Photo from Alki last week, by Kenna Klosterman)
WATER TAXI OUT OF SERVICE THIS MORNING … and maybe longer; the county will provide updates. As announced yesterday afternoon, the West Seattle Water Taxi will NOT run this morning because it’s getting a “defective weld” repaired. Keep an eye here and on the WSB Facebook page and Twitter feed for the latest.

UP EARLY? And, in the construction trades? Westside Professionals would love to meet you this morning, 8 am, The Kenney. Here’s the Facebook invite explaining what it’s all about.

WALT HUNDLEY PLAYFIELD TURF: 6:30 pm tonight, be at Southwest Library for a meeting about the Parks and Green Spaces Levy $1 million renovation project that’ll bring new synthetic turf to the playfield next to High Point Community Center.

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: Help shape goals by joining in discussion at tonight’s meeting of the Highland Park Action Committee meets, 7 pm, Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden).

OPENING NIGHT! “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment...” opens at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), 7:30 tonight, running through May 21st.

PLAYGROUND UPDATE: The Lafayette Playground Committee is holding its monthly meeting to update the community on its playground effort. It will be held this Wednesday, April 27 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. In Lafayette Elementary‘s library. Come and hear an update and see how you can help in the final fundraising stages!!!!!

SCIENCE! Denny International Middle School science fair, 6-8 pm

DUWAMISH CLEANUP PUBLIC MEETING: EPA Public Meeting: Boeing Plant 2. 6 pm at South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Avenue South. Food and Spanish interpretation will be available.
6 pm: Open House
7 pm: Presentations by Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition and EPA
8 pm: Public testimony: Your comments are needed!!

POETRY AND STORYTELLING: Free, all ages, monthly series with a featured reader followed by open mike for stories and tales (short and tall) from 7 pm – 9 pm. Via poetrybridge.net at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.

RESUME WORKSHOP: Free workshop “Effective Resumes” at SSCC WorkSource – see full story here

Even more on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!

(Photo taken near Luna/Anchor Park during last week’s low tides, shared by Neal Chism)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

JUNCTION PROJECT @ CITY HALL: As previewed last night, the official public hearing for the Conner Homes Junction project’s “alley vacation” is at 9:30 am at City Hall before the City Council Transportation Committee; it’ll be live on Seattle Channel, cable 21 or seattlechannel.org.

ONLINE CRIMEFIGHTING/PREVENTION: What can you really find out from police online? That’s what’ll be revealed in a briefing tonight at the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network meeting, Southwest Precinct, 6:30 pm – full details here.

WRITING AND HOMEWORK HELP: Today, tomorrow, and every Tuesday/Wednesday through mid-June, there’s help for kids ages 8-18 at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center (6400 SW Sylvan Way), 3 – 5 pm. Hosted by 826 Seattle/Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company staff and volunteers. Details here.

PAVING CONTINUES: If the weather holds, SDOT paving crews plan to lay a new surface of asphalt in the eastbound lane in the 2400 block of Sylvan Way SW (at the curve by Home Depot), after removing the old surface yesterday.

BE INSTRUMENTAL: West Seattle Community Orchestras welcome new members to their practice sessions at Chief Sealth International High School – details here

TRIVIA AT THE FEEDBACK: Rock music trivia every Tuesday night at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm (wish them a happy early birthday – their party is just four days away).

(Saturday photo from West Seattle’s Sunset SW, shared by Jeff Johnson)
One more weekend photo just to keep those memories alive till the next warm day … Here are a few highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

BACK TO SCHOOL: Seattle Public Schools classes resume today after a week of spring break.

ROAD WORK: If the rain doesn’t get in the way, today’s the day SDOT was scheduled to grind off the old asphalt on Sylvan Way (at the Home Depot curve), with new asphalt to follow tomorrow. (If rescheduling eventually ensues, we’ll add the update here.

BOOK-IT AT LIBRARY BRANCH IN ADMIRAL: As part of “Seattle Reads ‘Little Bee’,” you’re invited to the West Seattle Library Branch (2306 42nd SW) at 7 tonight as Book-It Repertory Theatre presents staged readings from the book by Chris Cleave.

WEST SEATTLE SEE DOGS: Find out about raising a guide-dog puppy at the local club’s semimonthly meeting, 6:30 pm, lobby of Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor), 2326 California SW.

SING IT: Karaoke with Kelli at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), 9 pm.

(Photo shared by Leo Shaw)
The egg hunts are listed separately (find them here), but there’s a lot more happening too! Full list on the WSB West Seattle Events page; here are a few highlights:

WINE SALE: 2nd and final day of the Northwest Wine Academy Spring wine sale at South Seattle Community College (6000 16^th Avenue SW), noon-4 pm. Details here.

ED HUME AT BRIDGE PARK: “Thinking outside of the pot” gardening demonstration with Ed Hume at Bridge Park (3204 SW Morgan Street), 2 pm. Free. Details here.

EYES ON THE SKIES: Mariners Salute to Armed Forces Night means two EA-18Gs are scheduled to fly over Safeco Field just before 6 pm – could mean a (loud) West Seattle flyover, so this is your heads-up, just in case.

OPEN HOUSE: Take a look inside Link Apartments (WSB sponsor), during its 11:30 am-3:30 pm open house today (since it’s so clear, don’t miss the rooftop deck).

BENEFIT DINNER/AUCTION AT WEST SEATTLE EAGLES: West Seattle Eagles benefit dinner, silent auction and live music to benefit the Mukilteo Magic, a special group of athletes who compete in track and field competitions throughout the region. All monies raised at the event will be used to send the team to the “Summer Olympics” at Joint Base Lewis McChord in June. All-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatballs with Caesar salad and garlic bread from 6-7:30. Cost for dinner is $10. Following dinner, live music by Vincent Blackshadow, a 15-year-old rock superstar; Call for the Priest, a Judas Priest cover band; and a short set by My Sisters Machine. $6 cover for music. All are welcome! Please use the back door, on the alley by Lady Di’s.

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: From Kenyon Hall:7:30 pm, the AMA Trio: accordion, clarinet, Venezuelan and Mexican harp, violin, cuatro, guitar, bombo, maracas, and vocals. 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, & high school students are $5. Preschool children are free; Root Beer Floats are still only a buck. To make a reservation, e-mail kenyonhall@earthlink.net.

(Photo by Travis Tyler, looking toward West Seattle from M/V Hyak during Monday’s 6 am moonset)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

EARTH DAY IN THE FOREST: This is the “official” Earth Day, and though many celebrated with cleanups and forest restoration last weekend, there’s some today – EarthCorps (Facebook page here) will be helping out in the West Duwamish Greenbelt (16th Ave SW and Brandon), 10 am – 2 pm.

EARTH DAY FREEBIES: Take old vases/jars to Fleurt (NW corner of California/Oregon in The Junction) to recycle, and get a free mini-house-plant. (Tomorrow too!) … West Seattle Thriftway is celebrating Earth Day with a bag giveaway (with $20 purchase) and free baby trees (while supplies last).

GOOD FRIDAY: Looking for a church service? Check the special WSB West Seattle Easter page.

PASSOVER: Fourth night of the festival. No publicly announced special events, but you can check with West Seattle’s Kol HaNeshamah or Torah Learning Center directly.

EGG HUNT: Most of them are tomorrow but tonight there’s one for teens only! Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW): Teen Night Egg Hunt for ages 12-18 at 8:15 pm, billed as “the biggest outdoor teen night hunt in West Seattle!” Free, but bring a flashlight and goodie bag. (More egg-hunt info on the WSB West Seattle Easter page.)

DAY OF GIVING: “Day of Giving” for Seattle Lutheran High School – watch for students out and about, doing volunteer work!

SSCC WINE SALE Northwest Wine Academy spring wine sale at South Seattle Community College ((6000 16^th Avenue SW), noon-4 pm today and tomorrow. Full details here

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: The season’s finally here! Join the club at Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton, Bldg One) 10 am – 2 pm. A coffee social and registration half-hour precedes the business meeting, a commentary on design and horticulture exhibits and a review of two gardening books by club member Nancy Lechner. Brown bag lunch at 12 noon, with beverages and dessert served by the club. “How to Keep Honey Bees” is the subject of beekeeper Nancy Beckett at 1 pm. Visitors are welcome. Donation $5.

PHOTOS, MUSIC, WINE TONIGHT ON ALKI: At Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW), 6-10 pm, there is a photography exhibit by Brad Wright, blues music by Jeff Hays and Eric “Two Scoops” Moore, wine tasting by O Wines.

BIN 41 TASTING: K Vintners and Charles Smith wines at bin 41 (4707 California Ave SW), 5:30-7 pm.

Thanks to David Hutchinson for sharing that photo of a seagull regaling its own reflection. David is part of the Alki Community Council meeting, which happens to be having its monthly meeting tonight, 7 pm, Alki UCC (6112 SW Hinds), agenda includes the Summer Streets “car-free day” on May 22nd (the day starts with West Seattle 5K – signed up yet?) and The Whale Trail. Also of note:

SYLVAN WAY SPOT PAVING: Scheduled to be done today and tomorrow.

LOW TIDE: Not as low as the past two days, but still a good one for beachwalking – 2:04 pm, -2.1. Thanks to Lisa Stencel for sharing this colorful closeup from her beach visit during yesterday’s low tide:

MAUNDY THURSDAY: Looking for Holy Week church services? That’s part of what you will find on the WSB Easter page (along with egg hunts and brunches). Still not too late to let us know if we are missing something – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

(Clouds over the Sound last Thursday, shared by Jeff Johnson)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

EARTHQUAKE DRILL: Statewide, whether you’re at work, home, or school, today’s the day to “Drop, Cover, and Hold” at 9:45 am. From the state, here’s info on how to do it – no matter where you are.

MORGAN’S QUARTERLY MEETING: The Morgan Community Association has a busy agenda for its quarterly meeting tonight, with topics including the Murray Pump Station combined-sewer-overflow project (short discussion, not a formal county presentation), Solstice Park (with a Seattle Parks guest), Zipcars, a traffic-circle request for 38th and Graham, the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (with a guest speaker), and an update on the Morgan Junction Community Festival (coming up in June). Everyone’s welcome to MoCA’s meeting, which starts at 7 in the lower-level meeting room at The Kenney, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW.

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: The monthly gathering of reps from community groups and major organizations around eastern West Seattle is at 7 tonight, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), and you’re welcome to come early for the strategic discussion at 6 pm, taking a broader look at the area’s challenges and goals. The 7 pm agenda includes a presentation on where the Elliott Bay Seawall Replacement Project stands, as well as a review of area proposals for city Large Project Grants.

LOWEST TIDE OF THE MONTH: 1:16 pm today, -2.5 per our favorite chart. Tidewalking time!