DELRIDGE SKATEPARK $: As discussed at last week’s citywide Skatepark Advisory Committee meeting (WSB coverage here), the City Council’s Parks Committee – now led by new Councilmember Sally Bagshaw – takes up a measure this morning that would finalize funding for the long-awaited project. 9:30 am at City Hall downtown; committee members had suggested an in-person show of support might be helpful, but if you can’t be there, it’ll be live via Seattle Channel — online here or cable Channel 21.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: If you live in the Alki/Beach Drive area, join your official community group tonight at its new meeting location, Alki UCC (map). Agenda items include a special presentation on Alki Point Lighthouse history and an opportunity to meet the ACC’s new webmaster/Alki News Beacon editor, Glynnis Vaughan. (The newsletter’s info-packed new edition is online here (PDF) and on its way to ACC members’ mailboxes.) Meeting starts 7 pm.

OPEN HOUSE (AND MORE) @ CHIEF SEALTH: Tonight’s event at Chief Sealth High School for prospective students and their families has a packed agenda – it will include an update on the Sealth renovations that are to be complete in time for the school to move back to its permanent location this summer, for reopening this fall, plus student cultural performances, and more (detailed here). 6 pm, Sealth at Boren (map). The full list of citywide Seattle Public Schools open houses is here.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL WINTER CONCERT: 8 pm, WSHS Theater, admission free (donations accepted and appreciated, as the school’s Daily Bulletin notes).

More on the WSB West Seattle Events page.

(Sunrise photo by Carter, substituted 8:52 am for previous WSB pic)
FREE SELF-DEFENSE CLASS: The Senior Center of West Seattle is the site today of the latest in a citywide series of self-defense classes, taught by martial artists and supported by the Looking Out Foundation, Indigo Girls, and Compass Center, for the Fight the Fear Campaign, honoring the memory of Teresa Butz, killed in South Park last summer. The class is from 1-2 pm; preregistration is requested (206-932-4044) but drop-ins are OK.

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE: The Senior Center is also where SWS meets tonight, electing Coordinating Council members and hearing from new City Councilmember Mike O’Brien – more here; meeting’s at 7.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Also at 7, WSCPC meets at the Southwest Precinct, with an agenda including SPD’s Traffic Unit talking about issues including red-light cameras; this is also your chance to hear directly from SW Precinct police leadership about the latest West Seattle crime trends.

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES: The open houses/tours season gets into full swing, starting with tonight’s open house at 6:30 pm at Lafayette Elementary (previewed here, with a schedule of events). Tonight’s also open-house night at The Center School (as noted in this WSB Forums post). The citywide list of Seattle Public Schools tours/open houses is here; independent schools’ tours are listed on the WSB Events page as announced.

ALAUDA BELLY-DANCING SHOWCASE: The popular monthly event is tonight at 7:30 at Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor), after the Spin Your Wax open-turntable session at 6 pm.

WESTSIDE SYMPHONETTE REHEARSALS: It’s the second week of the new season for this community orchestra, but you can still join – here’s our preview from last week – same times/location apply tonight.

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE CENTER FURLOUGH CLOSURES: The Southwest and Delridge Neighborhood Service Centers are closed today for a scheduled furlough day for all NSCs (this is NOT a city-government-wide furlough day – individual departments have their own schedules).

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION: The 2nd registration night is tonight, 6:30 pm, West Seattle High School. Full details and the registration form can be found here.

More West Seattle events today/tonight/beyond, here.

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

HEALTH: The annual Health and Wellness Fair presented by the Women’s Center at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) is 11 am-2 pm today. Lots of info on the flyer.

POLITICS: New King County Executive Dow Constantine is keynote speaker at the annual luncheon meeting of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce today, 11:30 am at Salty’s on Alki. And tonight at 7, it’s the monthly meeting of West Seattle’s biggest political organization, the 34th District Democrats; meeting’s at The Hall at Fauntleroy as usual; here’s the agenda.

EDUCATION: Two events of note tonight: The Madison Middle School PTSA invites all West Seattle parents of future high-schoolers to tonight’s meeting, since they’re having presentations on at least three area high schools (details here); at 6 pm, Fauntleroy Children’s Center hosts a presentation on Early Literacy (details here).

ALSO TONIGHT: Trivia (6:45 pm)/open mike (9 pm) night at Skylark Cafe & Club (WSB sponsor); a new session of Balorico salsa/mambo classes starts at Kenyon Hall (6 pm); and even more.

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar – three neighborhood groups meet tonight, and you are not only welcomed, but encouraged to attend any of these that’s even remotely close to where you are:

JUNCTION NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION: 6:30 pm at Ginomai (SW corner of 42nd/Genesee; map).

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm in Admiral Church basement meeting room (California/Hill; map). Last weekend, we republished new president Katy Walum‘s open invitation to the community.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy.

One more note for tonight: West Seattle Little League registration begins (details at westseattlelittleleague.com).

Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Want to find out about forming a Block Watch? Be at Delridge Library, 6:30 pm, for a community meeting that’ll show you how … At 6:30 at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, preview the next Seattle Opera production, “Il Trovatore” … Two sets of dance classes today/tonight: For kids, after school, Gildenfire Dance at Highland Park Improvement Club (get more info here); ballroom and Latin dancing at Kenyon Hall, 7 pm (details here) … Earlier in the day, you’re welcome to participate in 2 “second Monday” events at the Senior Center of West Seattle – Brain Gain at 10:30 am, Caregiver Support Group at 1 pm … Downtown, an update on the Delridge Skatepark project is part of the agenda for the city Skatepark Advisory Committee tonight, 7 pm, Parks HQ downtown … See what else is on the calendar (for today/tonight and beyond) here.

INAUGURAL OPEN HOUSE: New Mayor Mike McGinn is throwing open the doors of City Hall downtown today and inviting Seattleites to come down, have a look around, learn about city services, and listen to his inaugural speech. And it’s not just “come wander around tables in the lobby”; the official list of activities (see it here) includes tours of the mayor and councilmembers’ offices, as well as guided tours of the public art at City Hall, and musical performances on several levels. 1-5 pm, with the mayor’s speech on the grand staircase at 3 pm. Never been to City Hall? Here’s a map.

2 WEST SEATTLE FOOD NOTES: Street-food stars Marination Mobile are skipping the High Point stop today, because of the Mobile Chowdown in Interbay. And as already mentioned here multiple times, it’s the official public grand-opening day for Table 35 (California/Edmunds) in The Junction, starting at 10 am.

“AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS,” PLUS A COUPON: 2nd day of the 3-day run for Twelfth Night Productions‘ “Amahl and the Night Visitors” – 3 and 7:30 pm. Get 20 percent off your ticket with the coupon on the WSB Coupons page.

LIVE MUSIC, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, MORE: See the West Seattle Weekend Lineup for the rest of what’s up today, tonight, tomorrow.

(Photo by Guy Smith – debris on west Alki after Tuesday’s 13+ foot high tide – another 9:08 am today)
It’s the busiest day/night so far this new year. Among the highlights:

FAIRMOUNT PLAYGROUND PROJECT, MEETING #2: 6:30 tonight, it’s the second of two public meetings to talk about what’s in store for the playground at Fairmount Playfield, earmarked for an overhaul thanks to $170,000 from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy. Safety and accessibility improvements are the main goals of the project, but the overall design is up for public discussion and that’s what tonight is about. Here’s our coverage of the first meeting; the official notes are on the city webpage for the project. Tonight’s meeting is at High Point Library (35th/Raymond).

BE GREEN WHILE YOU CLEAN: Tonight’s the hands-on demonstration event that CoolMom is presenting at Bridge Park – they dub the format “make and take.” 7 pm; RSVP via Evite.

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Reps from neighborhood and community groups all around the western half of the peninsula meet at 7 tonight for the first time in two months, with the agenda including a transit discussion featuring SDOT reps, plus council co-chair Chas Redmond’s presentation on the West Seattle Tool Lending Library, a project that Sustainable West Seattle is spearheading. Since the last SWDC meeting, by the way, Redmond and Jim Del Ciello, who represents Admiral on the council, have been elected chair and vice chair, respectively, of the City Neighborhood Council. SWDC meets in the board room at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor).

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Scheduled for 6:30 pm, Delridge Library. Last time around, in December (WSB coverage here), the group started talking about setting up committees focused on specific neighborhood issues.

SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD: As noted a few days ago, tonight’s agenda as the board meets at 6 pm at district HQ in SODO (map) includes finalizing details of this fall’s transition to the new Student Assignment Plan, as well as other action items such as approving the sale of more of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse property. (If you can’t be there in person, the meeting will be on cable channel 22.)

“THREE AMIGOS”: The movie series at Freshy’s Coffee (2735 California SW) resumes tonight with comedy cinema – 7 pm. Here’s the event listing on Facebook.

Even more events for today/tonight can be found on the WSB West Seattle Events page, including yoga and Tai Chi classes this morning.

“GREEN” DANCING: Well, gets you ready for the wearing of the green in two months – The Tony Comerford School of Irish Dance is kicking off new lesson sessions at the VFW Hall in West Seattle this week, including several levels of classes today. Schedule and contact info here.

WALTZ AND SWING DANCE IN HIGHLAND PARK: A new series at Highland Park Improvement Club starts tonight with Dance For Joy – details on the HPIC website.

BRUSH UP: Also starting a new session – watercolor-painting classes at C & P Coffee, with artist Jennifer Carrasco. Tonight’s the first of six Tuesdays, 6-8 pm, $120/student.

TO EVERYTHING, TURN, TURN, TURN: Your vinyl need not gather dust. Tuesday night is Open Turntable night at Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge, 6 pm.

TUNE TRIVIA: Rock-solid in your rock knowledge? Music trivia time is 8 pm tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction.

Tomorrow’s a HUGELY busy night (see the WSB West Seattle Events calendar) – and one event is requesting RSVPs ASAP if you’re thinking about taking part:

LEARN ABOUT “GREEN CLEANING” WITH COOLMOM: 7 pm Wednesday at Bridge Park Retirement Community (3204 SW Morgan; map), it’s a hands-on chance to learn about more environmentally friendly ways of keeping your house clean. CoolMom says it’s a chance to make a New Year pledge to “maintain a healthy indoor environment and improve the health of you and your family by making simple changes to your everyday cleaning habits. Make, get recipes, and take home a few Green Cleaning products and other tips to use with peace of mind – all while saving money and the planet! Please bring empty glass jars with lids and spray bottles for yourself or to share! $5 suggested material fee and great door prizes!” Call 206-938-6394 to RSVP.

BACK TO SCHOOL! Winter break’s over.

TRAFFIC ALERT: If you drive through SODO, reminder that several major traffic alerts kick in today – here’s the heads-up we published last week.

NEW COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER? Three weeks ago, we reported live as the County Council spent 7 hours deciding not to decide (then) who will fill the remaining almost-year of County Executive Dow Constantine‘s former council term (representing West Seattle, White Center, Vashon, and some turf north and south). When they meet at 11 this morning, they’re expected to try again. Here’s what the Seattle Times (WSB partner) says could happen. The agenda’s here; watch live online here.

NEW CITY LEADERS: It’s inauguration day for Mayor Mike McGinn, City Attorney Pete Holmes, City Councilmembers Mike O’Brien and Sally Bagshaw (and re-swearing-in for returning Councilmembers Richard Conlin and Nick Licata). It’s all at City Hall, 2 pm, followed by a public reception around 3. Watch live online at seattlechannel.org.

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU FESTIVAL MEETING: Last meeting (WSB coverage here), Hi-Yu members chose the 2010 float theme, “Dreams Do Come True.” Tonight – 6:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Church Fellowship Hall – they’re scheduled to choose the 2010 button design.

NEW NIGHT FOR TRIVIA AT CHRISTO’S ON ALKI: Tom Hutyler, also known as the voice of Safeco Field, sends word that Christo’s on Alki has moved the Trivia Night he hosts back to Mondays, as of tonight, 7 pm. (Other West Seattle trivia spots include Feedback Lounge [music @ 8 pm Tuesdays] and Skylark [6:45 pm Wednesdays], both WSB sponsors, and Beveridge Place Pub [8 pm Wednesdays].)

Even more happening today – see the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!

A few notes: No major community meetings this week, all the better to get ready for New Year’s Eve – check the West Seattle Holidays page for an updated list of ideas for Thursday night (eclectic list this year, including the West Side Story singalong at Admiral Theater, the ArtsWest Concert with the Stars, the Highland Park parade/party …). If you’re coming off a long holiday weekend/vacation, reminder that Metro has changes all week (explained here).

8:52 PM: Two notes have come in on this, from Arbor Heights and Shorewood, so we’re posting them just in case anyone else (a) saw this and/or (b) knows what it was. First one was from Scott in Shorewood:

I live in Shorewood and about 7:45 I looked out my window and saw 3 orange/yellow flames in the sky. They kind of floated around for about 5 minutes and then slowly disappeared. Do you have any idea what this was or did anyone else see?

Second, from Matt in Arbor Heights:

My wife and I just saw three strange orange lights over Burien tonight around 7:45 pm. We live in the Arbor Heights area and were out back when we saw three orange lights in a line heading from the south to the west. They grew further and further apart to eventually going all different directions and then just fading away. Very strange. We just wanted to know if anyone else saw this. I tried to capture a video on my phone but nothing can be seen as they were to far away.

Flares? Fireworks? Airport-related? We might never know (though we’re checking around for corroboration and/or reports elsewhere), but at least if you saw them too, you’ll know it wasn’t necessarily a Christmas-night hallucination. 10:03 PM: In comments, Lesley has a theory – flying lanterns. 10:13 PM: And a more direct confirmation.