CPR CLASS: One of those “learn to do something you hope you’ll never HAVE TO do” things – but it can sure add to your peace of mind. Just got a reminder that C & P Coffee is hosting this: CPR Seattle is teaching CPR & First Aid for Infants, Children and Adults – tonight, 5612 California Ave SW, $45. 206-933-3125

KAYAK CLINIC: Got a note from the folks at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) and Alki Kayak Tours about a special event starting in just a few hours:

Tonight … world-renowned paddler and Eddyline Rep Ethan Ebersold will be on hand at Alki Kayak Tours to exhibit next year’s Eddyline Samba. Come meet a pro and learn some skills from 6-8 with a Paddle Stroke Clinic and the first opportunity to purchase our practically new demo fleet! Check out their kayaks at eddyline.com

Alki Kayak Tours is at Seacrest Pier.

A month after captivating the West Seattle Summer Fest crowd, Caspar Babypants is back on a hometown stage for the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series (co-sponsored by WSB) tonight, 6:30 pm at Hiawatha Community Center‘s east lawn, free, with The Board of Education. ANA president Katy Walum says the previously announced burger truck won’t be there after all – logistics didn’t work out – but the Full Tilt Ice Cream-selling “cooler on wheels” will be, with a larger supply! plus ANA is offering free “frozen treats, and 2 free face-painters will be there. Most important of all: Please bring diapers to donate to WestSide Baby. Katy says the sizes needed most right now are newborn and pull-ups.

Also today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

Memorial service for Ken Wise, longtime West Seattle businessman and Rotarian, Fauntleroy Church, 11 am … The West Seattle Wayfinding project is on the Seattle Design Commission agenda at 2 pm, City Hall downtown … The annual picnic at The Kenney (with a chance for you to find out more about the “downsizing” of their redevelopment plans, as reported here August 10th), 5 pm (southwest lawn) … job/subcontracts fair for the South Transfer Station project in South Park, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave. S. … Also 5-7 pm, open house for new Small Scholars Academy early-education program at High Point Community Center (as previewed here) … The next meeting of the Citizens Advisory Group for the Murray Basin Combined Sewer Overflow Project at 6 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy … Bella Nouveau Day/Medical Spa in The Junction is raising $ for Susan G. Komen for the Cure with its “Passionately Pink for the Cure” event at 6 pm tonight ($10 recommended donation) … Square One Books (WSB sponsor) starts its Huge Summer Clearance today, 40% off just about everything, and this continues through Sunday, including during The Junction’s “Big Bonanza” multi-merchant sale 10 am-6 pm Saturday.

Since the new 4th Avenue South offramp from the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct didn’t open to traffic until 10:17 am yesterday, this morning’s commute is its first – if getting off The Bridge at 4th works for you, remember you can turn either north OR south at the end of the ramp (or go straight if you happen to be heading to the City Light yard). … Wherever you’re driving this morning, you will likely see signwaving candidates along the way – this is Election Day, which in the vote-by-mail era really just means “Last Chance to Vote Day.” Your ballot has to be postmarked today OR has to get into one of the county’s last two dropboxes by 8 pm tonight (they’re in downtown Seattle and in Tukwila) … If you’ve got a hunka hunka burnin’ love for all things Elvis, the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) is THE place to be tonight – honoring The King one day after the 33rd anniversary of his death with a book-signing AND the Elvis Chapel of Love van (as recently seen at the Luna Park block party):

It all starts at The Feedback at 6:30, with biography Gillian G. Gaar signing “Return of The King: Elvis Presley’s Great Comeback” – she’ll also co-host tonight’s trivia at 8. … Speaking of really famous people, we don’t think President Obama is likely to make a West Seattle side trip, but since he’s scheduled to fly into and out of nearby Boeing Field, and planning a Pioneer Square stop before noon, you will want to be on the lookout for motorcades, etc. – here’s how our partners at the Seattle Times previewed today’s presidential visit. … More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.

(WSB photo from May ‘media tour’ of Spokane Street Viaduct’s new 4th Avenue South offramp)
In a few hours, you’ll have a new option for getting off the Spokane Street Viaduct – the West Seattle Bridge section between 99 and I-5 – its new eastbound offramp at 4th Avenue South. The photo above is from the “media tour” of the then-almost=done offramp, back in May; it shows your options at the end of the ramp – left, to go southbound (toward Costco etc.) on 4th; center, to turn right/northbound or head into City Light’s facility across the street; right, right turn only, toward downtown. A made-for-media event, complete with another tour, is set for 9:15 this morning, and when that’s done, it’ll be open to traffic – we’ll keep you up to date. … That’s not even the only “media tour” of the day – this afternoon, we get a sneak peek at the work the visiting artisans are doing at the Seattle Chinese Garden on the South Seattle Community College campus (our partners at the Seattle Times have published their preview story this morning) … Two events at Southwest Library Branch today – Baby Story Time at 11:30 and Afternoon Book Group at 2 pm … Sustainable West Seattle‘s annual potluck is at Lincoln Park at 7 pm (more details on SWS website) … and don’t forget to VOTE! It’s your last full day/night to do so; tomorrow at 8 pm, the vote-counting begins. Here’s all the info you should need to make sure you get your vote in.

The strains of “Bohemian Rhapsody” will fill the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard tonight, among other memorable moments from “Wayne’s World,” tonight’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies feature. Big change in the weather from last week’s rainout! Movie’s at dusk, free, bring $ for nonprofit-benefiting raffles and concessions. And tonight there’s a second movie-under-the-stars – “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” at Coastal on Alki. … Long before nightfall, you just might find a politician, or at least a political organizer/volunteer, on your doorstep. Primary Election Day is Tuesday and you have to dig that ballot out from under the coupons and catalogs and MAIL IT IN by then, so lots of doorbelling expeditions are planned to remind you of that. It’s so big, the Magic Vote Bus is even going to be in West Seattle (10 am, Delridge Playfield, they’d be happy to see you). Also on the docket: “Stage Struck” summer theater camp celebrates its 10th anniversary at 5 pm, St. John the Baptist Church Hall; Seattle Lutheran High School‘s Class of 1990 has its 20-year reunion at 7 pm tonight, Table 35 in The Junction. More on the calendar!

When the meteor-shower talk started rising beyond a dull roar last night, Christopher Boffoli went out to the Me-Kwa-Mooks vicinity along Beach Drive in search of an early view. He reported only two meteors in 40 minutes – but great stargazing. (We noticed the latter even from our near-lots-of-streetlights Upper Fauntleroy porch.) Tonight, however, should be a different story. This is the night the annual Perseid meteor shower is peaking – maybe almost a meteor a minute, if you have a good view. Via Twitter, @martha_kang points us to this NASA link for the best information – they’re keeping watch at the space agency too. (Added: Links from Katie – here and here – and from Mac – here.) If you can stay up late enough, NASA suggests the best viewing is after midnight; let us know what you see, and from where! Or try this live feed which is linked from that NASA page – video AND audio:

This is by no means a complete list of everything happening over the next five days – but some highlights to mention in advance:

‘SEUSSICAL JR.’ OPENS WEDNESDAY: The junior theater students at ArtsWest are putting on the show – and you’re invited. More information here, including a link to buy tickets.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK THURSDAY: Artists and venues are on the official WSAW website; 6-9 pm, all over the peninsula. WSB sponsors participating include Bin 41 wine shop, where Washington winemaker Brian Carter will be pouring for a tasting concurrent with Art Walk, and for the first time, the Barton Street Lofts in Westwood are joining the Art Walk, with a multi-artist show.

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA THURSDAY: Pearl Django featuring guest vocalist Greta Matassa, free, 6:30 pm, east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center.

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ GARDEN PARTY FRIDAY: State Sen. Joe McDermott is confirmed as the MC for the buffet and auction at West Seattle Nursery, and organizer Chris Porter says one of the popular auction items will be “a cocktail party hosted by the elected state leaders of the 34th LD, for which there are only 50 tickets available and they go fast.”

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES IN THE JUNCTION SATURDAY: “Wayne’s World” is on screen at dusk in the courtyard by Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) and it doesn’t look like a rainout THIS week. Full details here.

OUTDOOR MOVIE ON ALKI SATURDAY: At Coastal, the movie is “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”

C & P COFFEE ARTS/CRAFTS FAIR ON SATURDAY: 9 am-3 pm. The announcement just came in today:

This will be a one day, free event featuring unique, local arts and crafts for sale at the coffee shop. Jewelry, toys, clothing, prints, paintings, furniture, and more. If you have any questions or you are interested in selling your work, please contact Cameron at: candpco@comcast.net

CITYDOG MAGAZINE ‘COVER DOG’ SEARCH ON SUNDAY: Starts at noon, West Seattle Thriftway. Details here.

More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!

The first baby seal sighted on West Seattle shores this season may or may not be part of today’s happenings – but David Hutchinson sent that too-cute-not-to-publish photo, with this info, so we’re starting with it:

Primo, the seal pup, spent some time around noon today at Alki Beach resting on a sand bar at low tide. If you see him, keep a respectful distance and be sure to contact Seal Sitters at 206-905-SEAL. (Photo taken with a telephoto lens)

Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Almost two weeks after the reinstallation of the West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole (WSB video coverage here), you’re invited to its rededication at 5 pm. Those expected to be on hand include its carver, Robin Young (who we interviewed last December, not long after the pole was stolen). The park’s at 35th/Alaska … One neighborhood meeting scheduled tonight: Fauntleroy Community Association‘s board, 7 pm, at the schoolhouse (9131 Fauntleroy SW) … Looking for something to do with your toddler? Camp Long‘s Tot Trek goes tidepooling at Me-Kwa-Mooks at 10:30 am (registration’s required so call 206-684-7434 to see if there’s room) … Tonight, it’s trivia at Feedback Lounge, 8 pm, and open turntables at Skylark Café and Club, 6 pm (both WSB sponsors) – and remember Skylark has live music on Tuesdays now too (tonight: 9 pm, Rachel Goodrich; 10 pm, Timmy Sunshine and the Conductors) … And there’s more, on the calendar.

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: This morning at 11 am, Holy Family Catholic Church (9622 20th SW) is the site of the memorial for U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jarod Newlove, the West Seattle sailor held captive and killed last month in Afghanistan. As noted here last week, the family’s announcement invites the public to attend the service as well as the events that will follow – including a procession from Holy Family to Tahoma National Cemetery, where he will be buried at 2 pm with full military honors. (Details and map links here; also, here’s his obituary as it appeared in Sunday’s Seattle Times [WSB partner].)

Also today: West Seattle’s two city Neighborhood Services Offices are closed for a furlough day (Junction and Delridge), as are the others around the city; and tonight, the North Delridge Neighborhood Council meets, 6:30 pm, Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon).

(added 8:23 am) For Blue Angels fans – we have word from WSB’er Lori, who went to the Museum of Flight to find out if they’re leaving today, that they’re heading out this morning. Fat Albert, she says, is scheduled to go wheels-up at 9 am.

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: We previewed both last night, but another quick reminder – you can tour Delridge with Mayor McGinn, starting 10 am from the Neighborhood Services Center at Delridge/Brandon; “Star Trek” is the scheduled West Seattle Outdoor Movies presentation tonight at dusk in the Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) courtyard, but subject to rainout, so check here/Facebook/Twitter for the show’s status if the weather doesn’t improve. Also, two events happening now: A cleanup at West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park to get ready for next Tuesday’s rededication (volunteers welcome, just head over), and a fundraising sale for West Seattle High School‘s football team, till 3 pm in the school parking lot. Other fundraisers today/tonight include a benefit spaghetti dinner for the West Seattle Eagles Auxiliary – all welcome, nonmembers too – 5:30-7 pm – and the breakfast fundraiser happening right now, till 11, at 9800 8th SW for an area family recovering from a fire. What else is up? Calendar’s here.

MISSING MURAL: Notice what’s not in that photo? Ken Beres sent it and wondered why the “Press Day” mural had disappeared from the side of 4727 44th SW. We called the nearest office – Terry Gangon‘s insurance agency – and were told the building’s being painted, so the mural (closer look at it here) was removed but will be restored. (Working to find out more specifics bout this.)

ROAD CLOSURE ALERT: Writing about this Friday’s registration party for the Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run to benefit Northwest Hope and Healing, we noticed something new – confirmed by NWHH’s Shari Sewell – this year, Alki Avenue will close for the run, instead of having more than 1,000 people to run on the sidewalk/bike path. She says, “It’s the same route as the WSHS 5k back in May. The closure runs from Alki at 63rd (near the old Pegasus Pizza) to Don Armeni boat launch, from 8 am until 11 am (will re-open earlier if all participants are off the course). Our 5k route turns around at Anchor Park but the police will be directing folks up California Ave off Harbor if they live along the route. There will be one northbound access lane along Alki open for folks who need it.” Again, that’s a three-hour closure the morning of August 29th.

BARBECUE BASH BAGS ALKI: While working ahead on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, we discovered that the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association is NOT bringing its Evergreen State BBQ Championship to Alki this fall, though it’s been a fixture for years (here’s our coverage from last year). We e-mailed PNBA president Anthony James to ask why they’re changing the location to Duvall – jump ahead for his reply:Read More

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: It’s “Night Out” in neighborhoods coast to coast, including dozens in West Seattle that have signed off to block off their streets for parties. Even if you’re not having one – do take note, you may drive your usual route home from work, and suddenly find a barricade requiring a detour; official hours are 6-9 pm. Some neighborhoods have bands; some are ending the night with outdoor movies! Thanks to everyone who e-mailed (etc.) to let us know we’re welcome to drop by for a photo; we’ll be out and about, reporting “live” (here and via Twitter), starting right at 6. … Tonight, hundreds of friends and family are expected at the Sealth/SW Athletic Complex baseball field (north of Westwood Village) for a candlelight vigil remembering West Seattle sailor Jarod Newlove, found dead in Afghanistan last week. It starts at 8 pm. (Organizers asked that our original announcement include their request for the media to stay away; WSB is honoring that request.) … By the Super 24 on Delridge, it’s the second “Night Market” to celebrate community and sell fresh food, 4-8 pm (here’s our coverage of the last one) … And on Alki, as noted here last night, free live music by Michael Powers, 6 pm, by the Bathhouse, bring chairs/blankets/nonperishable food-bank donations. … P.S. You may also see the Blue Angels in the sky over (probably just eastern) West Seattle at some point today – they’re due to arrive at Boeing Field/Museum of Flight “mid-afternoon,” and once there’s OFFICIAL word of a specific arrival window, we’ll publish a separate update. … More on the Events calendar!

Thanks to Oliver for sharing the foggy view from atop The Bridge this morning; once it’s time to drive back the other way, the forecast promises afternoon sunshine. Not too busy a day on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar; if you can donate blood, the Puget Sound Blood Center mobile unit would love to see you at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW), 1-6 pm; as noted in our election update on Thursday, candidates in both of our area’s big races – State House Position 2 and King County Council District 8 – will be at a forum at Courthouse Square on Vashon (a short ferry ride away but remember that Friday afternoon traffic is busy), 7-9 pm; two events in The Junction – Bin 41 (WSB sponsor) has a 5:30-7 pm wine tasting with Marie-Eve Gilla from Forgeron Cellars, and Easy Street Records has an in-store concert with LeRoy Bell, 7 pm; also at 7, a breast-cancer-fighting fundraiser – silent art auction – presented by Team Tracy at Kenyon Hall (35th/Kenyon); GreenStage presents more Shakespeare in the Park (Camp Long) with “As You Like It” (free/donation, 7 pm); at Alki Kayak Tours from 5-8 pm, there’s a big kayak demo-fleet sale co-presented by Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor).

That video by West Seattle’s Captive Eye Media gives you a quick preview of “Side Show,” resuming its run at ArtsWest tonight and continuing through Sunday, 7:30 pm … Tonight’s also the monthly Poetrybridge event at C & P Coffee, with featured poet Dobbie Reese Norris and open-mike poetry, 7 pm … Before we get to that, as previewed last night, the West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole is scheduled for reinstallation this morning, 10 am-ish … The High Point Market Garden farm stand is open 3-7 pm, 32nd/Juneau … And on the Highway 99/Viaduct front, the South Portal Working Group – citizen advisors who’ve been reviewing state/city proposals for what happens on our side of the project (including how it all ties together) – meets at 4 pm at the Sound Transit board room downtown (there’s also Viaduct-related demolition work on the downtown waterfront today, by the way, at Pier 48) … Busy day/night with even more going on; see the rest on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.

That’s one of our leftover getting-ready shots taken before the West Seattle Grand Parade on Saturday. Apropos to nothing today except we wanted to use it somewhere, and the morning preview is often a place we feature a nice, if unrelated, photo. Now on with the preview:

… Wait, that photo IS semi-relevant, in that it was taken outside Lafayette Elementary, across the street from Admiral Safeway. And this morning, the Admiral Safeway redevelopment project’s “alley vacation” is on the agenda for the City Council Transportation Committee (9:30 am, City Hall downtown, public comment WILL be taken; or watch Seattle Channel online or on TV). This “alley” isn’t something you’d really recognize as one – it’s part of the back lot, leading to the loading docks, but it is an official city right-of-way, so permission is required for it to be given up to the new development, and to get that permission, developers have to show what the city – and in turn, you, the citizen – are getting in return. That’s all been detailed in numerous hearings we’ve covered along the way, and in this document that’s part of the morning presentation. The city departments that have reviewed it say they have no objection. If the committee OK’s it today, and the full council after that, Safeway has said work could start in early September.

ALSO TODAY/TONIGHT: Deadline for feedback on the Admiral Way “rechannelization” project, as mentioned Monday (all the info’s in that link) … The 34th District Democrats‘ annual summer picnic, at Lincoln Park; check their website for details … Trivia at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, 8 pm – where, if you missed The World’s Most Incredible Amazing Wondrous Guitar back on Saturday night, they point you to a photo … More? Yes – on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.