(Bushtit that’s been working on its hanging nest in Lincoln Park, observed/photographed by Trileigh)
‘NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT’: The second Tuesday of each month could easily carry that title, as it’s the night when multiple community councils meet around West Seattle. Some don’t meet every month, so tonight we have “only” three – North Delridge Neighborhood Council, 6:30 pm, Youngstown Arts Center; Admiral Neighborhood Association, 7 pm at Admiral UCC Church; that’s also when Fauntleroy Community Association meets at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. One other note of interest to multiple neighborhoods: The newly formed group working on a longterm plan for volunteer help to care for the Walking On Logs area has its second meeting at 5:30 pm, High Point Library; not too late to join in.

BOOK SIGNING: 6 pm at Easy Street Records in The Junction, meet Sam Cutler, described on the ESR website as “the only man ever to work as tour manager of both the Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead.” He tells the tales in his book “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL TRIVIA: Ready to keep rocking after that event? Move south on California SW to the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) for the weekly 8 pm rock ‘n’ roll trivia faceoff. (Also check The Feedback’s home page for new details on specials and events for next week’s 1st-birthday celebration.)

YOU BE THE DJ: Tuesdays are also open turntables night at Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor), 6 pm – dust off your old (or not-so-old) vinyl and come in to share your music.

RATHER DANCE? The spring sessions of Irish dance classes are starting this week at the West Seattle VFW Hall; info and schedules at tonycomerford.com.

RATHER CHANT? Free workshop tonight at SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) – Intro to Vedic Chant with Chris Dormaier, 7 pm,

GET YOUR SALE ON: It’s the thirteenth day of registration for the 6th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, coming up on May 8 – the ultimate form of person-to-person recycling, with sales large and small all over the peninsula, and time left to register yours (start here)!

(Kiteboarder photographed off Alki on Saturday by David Hutchinson)
JUNCTION PLAZA PARK GROUNDBREAKING CELEBRATION: 10 am today, northwest corner of 42nd/Alaska. Junction Plaza Park has been many years in the making, and after a final year-plus community fundraising push involving leaders from the West Seattle Junction Association (WSB sponsor) and Junction Neighborhood Organization, construction is about to begin. Before crews take over the site for the next month and a half or so, there’ll be a ceremony at 10 this morning, and if you can break away, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

PIGEON POINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Since the last meeting, this northeastern West Seattle neighborhood has gone through six weeks of road closures/detours, and events ahead include the Pigeon Point Park leg of Duwamish Alive! this Saturday in honor of Earth Day. So what else is up in Pigeon Point? Come to the cafeteria at Pathfinder K-8 tonight, 7 pm, and find out.

NEIGHBORHOOD PREPAREDNESS CLASS: We’ve been talking about Disaster Preparedness every night this month and tonight, Fauntleroy neighbors get some hands-on training in a special class at 7 pm, Fauntleroy Church.

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY AT SCCC: 9 am-noon today at Brockey Center on the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus, Holocaust Remembrance Day will be observed with talks by survivors of genocide in Europe, Cambodia, and Rwanda. Everyone is welcome.

That’s just part of what’s on today’s schedule – see more by checking the WSB Events calendar.

(Photo courtesy David Rosen, taken last Monday afternoon)

WATER TAXI PARTY: On the first Sunday after its new season began, with a new vessel among other changes, the West Seattle-to-downtown run of the King County Water Taxi (WSB sponsor) throws a party today. Free rides all day, and a special celebration at Seacrest noon-2 pm, including performances by jump-ropers and singers from Lafayette Elementary.

HONK FEST WEST: There’s bound to be dancing in the streets as this raucous live-band event comes to West Seattle for the first time – for free! Venues line The Junction, noon-6 pm; map links and band schedules are here.

JADE WEST CAFE FAMILY BENEFIT: It’s in Wallingford but we know at least one big West Seattle delegation will be there to show support for Wah Wong and son Jason, badly hurt when a drunk driver hit them four months ago: 3-course Italian lunch, silent auction and live music, noon-4 pm at at Perché No Pasta and Vino, 1319 North 49th (map). Here’s our earlier preview.

DOG MAKEOVERS FOR THE CURE: It’s a fundraiser for a local Breast Cancer 3-Day team, and it’s happening 9 am-4 pm at Muttley Crew Cuts – a bake sale as well as dog makeovers! – more details in the WSB Forums.

DELRIDGE PRODUCE COOPERATIVE’S “BORSCHT & BAGELS”: 2:30-4:30 pm at Southwest Youth and Family Services, join DPC for a light lunch and strategy session to plot the next steps in bringing Delridge more fresh fruit and vegetables. Here’s the Facebook event invite.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS MARKET: Asparagus is among the new arrivals as the market holds its regular 10 am-2 pm weekly session at 44th/Alaska. Here’s the Ripe ‘n’ Ready fresh list.

And more on the West Seattle Weekend Lineup!

From the West Seattle Weekend Lineup:

GIVE: Donate tools to the new West Seattle Tool Library during West Seattle Nursery‘s open house, 11 am-3 pm … Bring nonperishable food donations to Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) 9 am-4 pm and look for West Seattle Food Bank volunteers and board members … Can you donate blood? A mobile drive from Puget Sound Blood Centers is at West Side Presbyterian Church 9 am-3 pm today (closed 11-noon) … Help West Seattle High School Grad Night by getting your car washed (weather looks good!) 10 am-2 pm … Offer a “forever home” to a cat or dog at the “Adoption Option,” 11 am-3 pm at Pet Elements … Help raise money for cat population control and health care at “Let’s Fix the Problem Together” 2-5 pm at Rocksport … more here.

GET: Get plants at the West Seattle Lions‘ annual sale, Senior Center of West Seattle, 9 am to 3 pm … Ready to shop for running wear, gear and accessories? West Seattle Runner‘s official grand opening is today, 10 am-7 pm (here’s our preview from two nights ago) … Get tickets to Twelfth Night Productions‘ (WSB sponsor) “The Miss Firecracker Contest,” 7:30 tonight at Youngstown Arts Center … Get moving with the Second Saturday dance at Hiawatha Community Center tonight … more here.

FIGHT CRIME: Lead your Block Watch, or working to make one happen? Don’t miss the inaugural meeting of the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network, 10 am at Giannoni’s Pizza in Westwood Village. Here’s the Facebook invite.

And those are just SOME of the highlights!

Thanks to Vera from Village Green Perennial Nursery (open again this season, Thursdays-Fridays noon-7 pm and Saturdays-Sundays 10 am-4:30 pm) for the video clip of a baby hummingbird getting fed. Gardening is also at the heart of one of the events we’re previewing this morning: The West Seattle Lions Club‘s annual two-day plant sale includes an evening session tonight at the Senior Center of West Seattle in The Junction, 5-8 pm. Also of note today: The Seattle Humane Society‘s Maxmobile will bring pet adoptions to Pet Pros in Westwood Village, 2-5 pm. West Seattle’s community centers and Southwest Pool are closed for a furlough day. And tonight is the first of six performances for “The Miss Firecracker Contest” by Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm at Youngstown Arts Center. More to come in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.

WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS: This morning at Salty’s on Alki, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has its annual Awards Breakfast. This year’s honorees were announced last month: Nancy Woodland from WestSide Baby is the Community Hero of the Year, Chief Sealth High School basketball coach Colin Slingsby is Westsider of the Year (a new award), and WSB is honored to be accepting the Business of the Year award. The event starts at 7:30 am.

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Reps from community councils and other major organizations around western West Seattle – what the city calls the Southwest District – meet at 7 pm in the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) board room. The agenda includes City Council President Richard Conlin and a presentation/discussion of the Admiral Neighborhood Plan, as the SWDC starts a months-long look at the neighborhoods in its jurisidiction that have such plans.

WESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Three big topics on the agenda for this group, 7 pm at Southwest Community Center: An update on Metro’s RapidRide and how it will serve the Westwood area; the future P-Patch at 34th/Barton; and teen drinking. More at the WNC site, www.scn.org/westwood.

(ADDED) FINE FILMS AT FRESHY’S: Screening tonight at Freshy’s Coffee in the Admiral District, 7 pm – “Jackie Chan Kung Fu!” as the announcement puts it – “Legend of Drunken Master.” Here’s the Facebook event invite.

(Double-crested cormorant male with breeding plumage, photographed at Don Armeni by David Hutchinson)
Not much on the calendar this Tuesday aside from the regular recurring events, though those are certainly worth noting – 8 pm rock ‘n’ roll trivia at Feedback Lounge (which celebrates its 1st anniversary later this month!) and 6 pm open turntables at Skylark Café and Club (both WSB sponsors), and in The Junction, Shadowland hosts its regular songwriters’ showcase. One item of note on the City Council calendar this afternoon: the Regional Development and Sustainability Committee will take up a resolution formalizing the city’s “potential” interest in a White Center (and vicinity) annexation vote in November 2011 – pushed back from Mayor McGinn‘s original pursuit of a vote this year, after a financial review last month suggested annexation could be too costly to pursue in the current budget crunch. The meeting’s at 2 pm and will be live on cable and online via Seattle Channel.

EGG HUNTS: The storm lifted just in time. The list’s on the WSB Easter page, but in short – West Seattle Thriftway (indoors) at 9 am, all West Seattle community centers at 10 am, the Eastridge-sponsored hunt at Lincoln Park at 11 am. (*And a few minutes after we published this, C&P Coffee sent word it’s having an indoor hunt at 10 am.)

PANCAKE BREAKFASTS: Alki and Hiawatha Community Centers are also having pancake breakfasts ($4/person) starting at 8:30 am.

LOCAL STUDENTS PLAY BASEBALL AT THE SAFE: West Seattle High School plays Auburn Mountainview at Safeco Field at 12:30 pm. Admission is free; gates open at 11:30 am.

And two sales to mention …

MS-FIGHTING GARAGE SALE: One week before this year’s MS Walk in Seattle, Lisa‘s team (shown in a photo from last year) is having a garage sale today in West Seattle for one last fundraising boost. 9 am-3 pm, alley behind 3040 46th Avenue SW (map).

HOMEMADE BRIGADE: The bazaar-style gathering of local craftsfolk is back at Freshy’s Coffee in Admiral, starting at 10 am.

ALKI BIKE AND BOARD: Its annual spring sale continues today; full details online,, including snow gear up to 70% off (even as the mountain snow continues).

WHITE CENTER CAMBODIAN FESTIVAL: A big event just south of West Seattle – 10:30 am-5 pm, on 98th SW east of 16th SW (map), it’s the annual Cambodian New Year Festival; more here.

(Storm-watching seagull at Alki, photographed by Cheryl, from the WSB Flickr group)
WINDY AND WET: The latest forecast has the city under a “wind advisory,” with 50 mph gusts possible. The rain is supposed to ease a bit this afternoon, even as the wind picks up (projected for “midday”). We’ll track the forecast and any weather-related problems as the day goes on; here’s how to contact us if anything happens you want others to know about.

HEARTLAND CAFE’ OPENING DAY: The new Admiral restaurant offering homestyle Midwestern food (and the Benbow Room, in a nod to the building’s past) will open its doors to the public at 3 this afternoon. Here’s our preview from earlier this week.

“WAY OF THE CROSS”: We’re checking with organizers to see if the weather is going to change the plan for this nondenominational Good Friday walk in The Junction at noon. Here’s our original preview. 10:27 UPDATE: From Rev. Peter DeVeau at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church:

We’ll meet at the corner of southwest corner of SW Alaska and California Ave SW at noon. If the weather is too windy and wet we’ll walk up to “Torn,” 4506 California Ave SW. The Skate Church in the Junction is providing a place out of the storm should this be needed. We are thankful for this act of radical welcome and hospitality.

FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNTS: These are scheduled tonight at two West Seattle community centers and we’ll also be checking on their status – for now, see the schedule on the WSB Easter page.

HIGH POINT NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT: If you live in the High Point area, you’re invited to the HP Neighborhood Center 7-9 pm for the next Neighborhood Night event – more on the HP Neighborhood Association’s Facebook page.

More on the WSB Events page; tomorrow’s egg-hunt schedule (and more) on the Easter page.

(Wednesday photo by Trileigh, looking north from Lincoln Park toward Alki Point)
We start with a weather note – today should be OK, but the National Weather Service has the city under a High Wind Watch for tomorrow morning-afternoon. Gusts could exceed 50 mph. We’ll keep tracking this through the forecast cycles today (which update at mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and mid-evening).

PARK RULES: Remember the controversy a couple months ago – particularly, to ban smoking or not to ban smoking? The final version of the Seattle Parks Code of Conduct takes effect today, with smoking restricted but not banned. Here are the highlights of what’s now against the rules, from a Parks reminder:

* Possession of glass containers at athletic fields, beaches, or children’s playgrounds;
* Smoking, chewing, or other tobacco use within 25 feet of other park patrons and or at play areas, beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas;
* Conduct that poses a risk of harm to any person or property; and
* Possession of explosives, acid, or any other article or material capable of causing serious harm to others.

SWINERY REOPENS: After a month and a half, the Swinery reopens today. On their website, they say they are opening though their kitchen work isn’t done yet. And proprietor Gabriel Claycamp acknowledges some of their past problems – as well as discussing current and future plans – in a close-up story you’ll see here later this morning.

TWO WINE-TASTING EVENTS: It’s been open a few weeks, but the new Junction wine shop Bin 41 starts its official grand-opening celebration today, with a 5-8 pm wine tasting featuring West Seattle winemakers Chris Gorman and Darby English. And further south on California SW, West Seattle Cellars marks its 15th anniversary today, with one of its regular Thursday night tastings, 5:30-8 pm – eight wines from their Collector’s Club wil be poured tonight.

TRASH TALKS UPDATE: Though the Waste Management contract expired overnight, Teamsters Local 174 has agreed not to call a strike, for now. So drivers remain on the job. Here’s the latest from our citywide-news partners at the Seattle Times.

(Hummingbird photographed by Tom Kelley near 40th/Thistle)
TRIANGLE TALK: As previewed here Monday, tonight’s the first meeting of the latest advisory group to look at a vision for West Seattle’s Triangle district. 6 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle.

“JASON MC KISSACK ACT” TO BE SIGNED: The former police officer who suffered brain damage when attacked while trying to break up a fight in West Seattle is the namesake for a bill that Governor Gregoire will sign into law today with other public-safety-related bills, 3 pm at Lakewood Police HQ (Pierce County). Here’s our preview.

ALCOHOL CRACKDOWN? On the West Seattle side of the White Center business district, WC-area business owners will gather tonight for a forum on “Options for Managing Homeless, Chronic Alcoholics in White Center.” Discussion topics include “possible ban of certain alcohol brands in White Center.” 6:30 pm, Triangle Pub.

OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW TRANSFER STATION: This is in South Park, but the facility will serve our area too – a new transfer station‘s being built, starting later this year, northwest of the existing one, and the city’s having an informational open house 5-7 pm. Details on the Sustainable West Seattle website.

LAST DAY OF “OPEN ENROLLMENT”: If you are enrolling a first-time student in Seattle Public Schools, or if you want to ask that a student attend a school different than the one to which she/he has been assigned, today’s the deadline – more info on the district’s website.

FINAL WEEK FOR “SUNLIGHT”: Tonight’s the first night of the final week for “Sunlight” at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), with 7:30 pm performances nightly through Saturday, 3 pm matinee concluding the run Sunday.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR MISS WEST SEATTLE HI-YU: $2,000 scholarship money for the Queen, $1,000 for Princesses, and you get to represent West Seattle all over the region. Here’s info on eligibility and how to apply.

TWO WAYS TO HELP: This is the last day of the eyewear-collection drive at Keller Williams in The Junction (details here); also, as noted in this WestSide Baby report yesterday, they need donated boys’ clothes sizes 8 and 10 TODAY.

TODDLER EGGSTRAVAGANZA: From the WSB Easter page: The first egg hunt of the pre-Easter week is for toddlers, during this morning’s Spring Eggstravaganza at High Point Community Center (map). Activities at 10 am, egg hunt at 11 am, activity fee $5.

PREVENTING CRIME: 6:30 tonight at Hiawatha Community Center (map), the Admiral Neighborhood Association-organized Crime Prevention Summit. Here’s our preview from last night.

FUN FOREST FUTURE: Not West Seattle-specific, but City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw mentioned it when Seattle Center‘s future – specifically, whether a Dale Chihuly museum might take over part of the phasing-out Fun Forest – came up at Delridge District Council earlier this month: The facility’s future is the topic of a public meeting tonight at 6:30 at Seattle Center House.

BREW DEBUT: Before tonight’s regular weekly 6 pm “Spin Your Wax” open turntables at Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor), Northwest brewery Ninkasi will be at Skylark at 5 pm to debut a new brew (details here).

VIADUCT REMINDER: Closed, and scheduled to remain that way until 6 pm. Sometimes the Sunday leg of the work ends earlier; if so, we’ll report it here as well as Twitter and Facebook.

CLEANUP ALONG 35TH SW: Join Westwood Neighborhood Council and Friends of Southwest Library; meet at the library at 10 am. More here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always; two special events today – a chef demonstration at 11 am, and a family seed-planting activity – details, and the fresh list, here.

“GODSPELL” AT TIBBETTS: New WSB sponsor Tibbetts United Methodist Church is presenting the musical “Godspell” today instead of its regular 10 am service.

WHILE YOU’RE IN THE JUNCTION: Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (WSB sponsor) has a special information/demonstration event noon-4 pm today, “Thriving in Menopause.” Among the offerings – free chair massage! More details on the Pharmaca West Seattle website. (And note there’s a $10-off-$50-purchase Pharmaca coupon on the WSB Coupons page.)

SOUTH PARK BRIDGE RALLY, SENATORS’ VISIT: In nearby South Park, residents worried about the scheduled permanent closure of the SP Bridge on June 30th, with no plan yet for money to build a new one, plan a rally starting at 2 pm, before a long list of political leaders arrives in their community at 3 to talk about health-care reform. Both events are open to all – details here.

FROM THE SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE WEBSITE … we have word of an event targeted to urban farmers and food organizers, but open to all – the Harvest Collective‘s “finger-food potluck” at Big Al Brewing in White Center, starting at 4:30 pm. SWS has details here.

More in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.

(Remember the Alaskan Way Viaduct is closed for its checkup, 6 am-6 pm today/tomorrow)

FAUNTLEROY WAY NEEDS YOU! While the Fauntleroy Way frontage of Fairmount Playfield has some greenery, much of the rest of the street needs help. And this morning, you’re just the help it needs. Join Rotarians, Scouts, city reps and more for the Clean-and-Green tree-planting event starting at 9 am – gather at the playfield (map). More details here. Even if you’re not already signed up, just show up! And that’s not the only good deed you can do today:

HELP WEST SEATTLE YOUTH FIGHT HUNGER: Two ways to do that – first, the West Seattle Camp Fire Girls you see above will be outside CAPERS in The Junction 10 am-2 pm today with a bake sale to raise money to fight hunger, 10 am-2 pm. And 8 am-12:30 pm, you can drop off food donations at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood for the food drive we told you about on Thursday (here’s the story). Next – the reason for the latest outfits adorning Walking on Logs:

LAUNCH THE WEST SEATTLE SNOWSPORTS COUNCIL – AND GET DEALS! Kara Whittaker shared the photo from West Seattle’s iconic sculptures, who are celebrating the West Seattle Snowsports Council, brainchild of Kara’s husband Greg Whittaker, during this weekend’s big sidewalk sale at their newest shop Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor), 3602 SW Alaska (map). In addition to big deals, there are raffles benefiting the new Snowsports Council – big prizes; lots of details on the Mountain to Sound Outfitters website – also see the WSB Coupons page for a M2S coupon.

(March 6 photo courtesy of Emory E)
FIREWORKS ON ELLIOTT BAY: And one more reminder so nobody’s startled THIS time – General Construction is scheduled to celebrate its centennial with a fireworks show off Pier 66 on Elliott Bay tonight. Crystal at GC sent word it’s supposed to happen around 8:30 pm, but since it’s a private event, we won’t necessarily get word if anything happens to change the schedule. (8:30, by the way, is also the start of Earth Hour.)

As usual, LOTS more going on – more than 70 events/activities on our West Seattle Weekend Lineup, which you can browse here.

22 ROUTE CHANGE?: Brian Zenk‘s music/video/collage is meant as a reminder that today’s the last day to weigh in on proposed changes to Metro Route 22 through Gatewood (online survey and info here)

OPENING DAY AT WESTWOOD VILLAGE LIQUOR STORE: The new store in what was part of the former Famous Footwear space opens to the public today, 11 am.

WEST SEATTLE STUDENTS AT ROBOTICS COMPETITION: The FIRST Robotics competition at KeyArena includes a team from Seattle Lutheran High School, among other West Seattle student participants. Admission’s free if you drop by – they’re competing till 5:30 today, then again tomorrow. (Streaming webcam promised here!)

SPEAKING OF SCHOOL: Today’s the last day of classes before a week of spring break for Seattle Public Schools (among others).

TAKE A HIKE: Nature Consortium‘s free monthly guided hike (not difficult) in the West Duwamish Greenbelt is today. Meet at 14th and Holly, 1 pm, RSVP to lisa@naturec.org

FREE CONCERT: It’s West Seattle Jazz Night, 7 pm at Madison Middle School, with performances by the jazz bands from Denny, Madison, Chief Sealth and special guests, the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra.

WSB SPONSORS’ EVENTS: Three in the spotlight –

WESTSIDE YOGA AND DOGA: Westside Yoga and Doga (WSB sponsor) invites you to its social benefit tonight for Dog of the Week, benefiting Dogs Deserve Better, 6-9 pm, full details on this flyer

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS: Today kicks off a three-day sidewalk sale at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska), including barbecues, late-night shopping tonight (business open till 9:30), raffles, and more – details online here

PHARMACA INTEGRATIVE PHARMACY: Dr. Catherine Orsi, ND, LMP, discusses Spring Immune Support at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy in The Junction, 5-6 pm tonight.

Even more events/activities to be found on the WSB Events calendar page!

(Hamilton Viewpoint, earlier this week)
VIEWPOINT POLICY AND BUDGET BRIEFING ON PARKS BOARD AGENDA: 5 West Seattle viewpoints owned/maintained by Seattle Parks are included in the Viewpoint Vegetation Management plan that’s on tonight’s Parks Board agenda at 6:30 pm (CORRECTED TIME, city webpage was wrong; this is at Parks HQ downtown); here’s the briefing paper, and here’s a report on the status of some of the viewpoints citywide. Also on the agenda, a budget briefing – amid much concern about more Parks changes/cuts if the financial picture stays gloomy.

NEVER TOO SOON TO LOVE READING! This morning it’s Toddler Story Time at the High Point Library, 11:30 am-noon.

WEST SEATTLE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN: Their regular monthly meeting is at the West Seattle Golf Course banquet room – preceded by the discussion group talking about Corporate Personhood at 10:30, followed by registration for the lunch meeting at 11:15 (they request reservations by the day before, but you can try 206-935-3216 to see if there’s room). Guest speakers include King County Elections Director Sherril Huff. The group’s continuing its food drive, so remember to bring a donation if you’re attending the meeting.

AUTHOR READING/SIGNING: Bainbridge Island author Jonathan Evison will be at West Seattle (Admiral) Library tonight at 6:30 to read from and sign his book “All About Lulu.” The event is co-sponsored by Square One Books (WSB sponsor); admission is free, but copies of the book will be available for purchase.

SOUTH DELRIDGE/WHITE CENTER COMMUNITY SAFETY COALITION: It’s the monthly chance to find out about crime trends and prevention/safety advocacy in the area, with Seattle Police and King County Sheriff’s deputies joining community volunteers, 6 pm at the DSHS office on 15th SW in White Center (directions here).

A few things you might not mind being reminded of before it’s too late:

ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT CLOSED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: It’s the regular semiannual maintenance closure, scheduled for 6 am-6 pm each day. Sunday, they often wrap up earlier, but don’t take it for granted until and unless it happens.

FIREWORKS SATURDAY NIGHT: After the Elliott Bay fireworks show that caught so many people off-guard a few weeks ago, we found and published advance word of another one that’s now just days away: General Construction (which has a location in West Seattle, on the Duwamish) is celebrating its centennial with fireworks off Pier 66 downtown this Saturday night. The company sent word today that 8:30 pm is the planned showtime.

EARTH HOUR: That, by the way, is right at the start of Earth Hour, when you’re invited to turn everything off for an hour to save power and make a statement. 8:30-9:30 pm Saturday. The Space Needle‘s supposed to go dark again this time around.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON HIKE: Just got word that the Nature Consortium‘s regular monthly hike through the West Duwamish Greenbelt is a little later than usual this month – Friday afternoon, 1 pm, meet at 14th/Holly, RSVP to lisa@naturec.org or 206-923-0853.

FREE CONCERT FRIDAY NIGHT: Also just got a note about West Seattle Jazz Night, 7 pm Friday at Madison Middle School, with performances by musicians from Madison, Denny and Chief Sealth, plus the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra. Free!

LOTS more in the WSB Events calendar, for this weekend and way beyond.

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS QUESTION/ISSUE? Take it to School Board rep Steve Sundquist during his next community-conversation meeting, High Point Library at 11 am.

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES: So far, five people are in the running for the 34th District State House Position 2 seat that’ll be on the ballot this August/November. They’ve all been invited to a candidates’ forum that is part of the agenda for tonight’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting at Highland Park Improvement Club, 7 pm.

POEMS AND STORIES: Tonight’s the next Set Apart poetry & storytelling event at C & P Coffee, 7-9 pm. It’s free, all ages, with an open mike in addition to a featured reader. At another coffeehouse tonight:

FINE FILMS AT FRESHY’S: The movie series continues tonight with the film whose trailer you see above – Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rope,” screening at Freshy’s Coffee, 7 pm (see the Facebook event page here)

More! on the WSB Events calendar.

(1st of 2 photos from David Hutchinson – know what this is? See photo #2 at the end of this preview)
REMEMBERING MARK HEGGE: Services are at 11 am Our Lady of Guadalupe for well-known service-station owner Mark Hegge, who died last Thursday.

WEST SEATTLE ROTARY BRIEFED ON HAITI: At noon today at Salty’s on Alki, the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s luncheon program is about “Establishing Sustainable Prosthetic Services for Amputees in Haiti.” Winfried Danke, executive director of the Prosthetics Outreach Foundation, discusses the current situation in Haiti and plans for long-term solutions. The public is welcome; buffet lunch is $20 per person.

WALKING ON LOGS: 5:30 tonight at High Point Library is the meeting you’re asked to attend, to help figure out how the community can pitch in to help maintain the area around Walking on Logs on the southwest fork of The Bridge. More details in our original announcement.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP MEETING/FOOD FEST: If you live in Fauntleroy, come be part of your community association – renew your membership, or join now. The Fauntleroy Food Fest and FCA Annual Meeting starts at 6 PM at The Hall at Fauntleroy.

“CLIMB FOR A CURE” FUNDRAISER: 6-9 pm at Talarico’s , David Town‘s fundraiser for a Mount Rainier climb to fight breast cancer. Tons of auction items donated locally – details in this WSB Forums post

TEEN TRIP: Tonight at 7 at the West Seattle High School library, an informational meeting for this summer’s trip to Japan through the YMCA Teen Leadership Institute. Local teens in grades 8-12 can apply; full details in the WSB Events calendar.

LATEST ON THE VIADUCT (AND RELATED PROJECTS): The next meeting of the Alaskan Way Viaduct South Portal Working Group is 4-5:30 pm today at the Puget Sound Regional Council Board Room in Pioneer Square, 1011 Western.

NEED CENSUS FORM HELP? Special Census 2010 information sessions, open to the community, continue today at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) – full details here.

(Photo #2 from David Hutchinson – starfish near Alki Point during Monday low tide)

LANE-REDUCTION REMINDER: As part of ongoing construction in the area, today’s the day the 1st Avenue South eastbound exit from the Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled to be reduced to one lane for about five months (details here) (P.S. Remember THIS is the weekend the Alaskan Way Viaduct closes, 6 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday.)

RAISE A PUPPY, CHANGE A LIFE: Can you spend a year raising a puppy that will then move on to guide dog training? Check out West Seattle See Dogs‘ meeting, Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor), 7 pm – details here

PARKS LEVY COMMITTEE: This happens downtown, but many of the projects affect West Seattle, so in case you’re interested, note that the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee meets at Parks HQ downtown, 7 pm.

CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER: It’s not small talk – you might call it big talk. Tonight’s topic, 6:45-9 pm at C & P Coffee “How to creatively improve the quality of life for ourselves, our loved ones and our community?” Register, and preview the “questions for reflection,” online.