Big stuff at the beach, starting with Sunday’s big events – read on for toplines from the Alki Community Council meeting just concluded:

ALKI SUMMER STREETS/WEST SEATTLE 5K THIS SUNDAY: SDOT is still looking for volunteers to work four-hour shifts “anywhere in the event area,” ACC secretary Sandy Payne announced – with a variety of duties available, from monitoring closed streets to helping load. They’re also still looking for animals to flesh out an informal “petting zoo” – Jeb the miniature horse is booked but they’d like to have more. Libby Carr outlined the entertainment: a Brazilian group at noon, washboard band at 1 pm, a greeting along the way from City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Irish dancers at 2 pm, a kids’ talent show 2:30-3:30 pm, and more. About 20 community groups will be there to talk with you about their missions. More info on this page of the ACC website. The ACC-organized portion of the event, running about noon-4:30 pm, is inspired by the Family Fun Day last September.

ALKI ART FAIR: Director Frances Gifford said they have 35 vendors registered including one food vendor; they’re aiming for 8 food vendors and 70-plus art vendors. This year, they’ll be honoring the centennial of the bathhouse, as noted in the competition recently announced here for T-shirt designs. Part of the centennial celebration will include a “swimsuit fashion show” including vintage swimwear. Earlier today, we published their request for sponsors; Frances says that’ll help them bridge what could be at least a $6,000 budget gap.

SEAL SITTERS: Robin Lindsey provided an update on what the group’s doing. She opened by saying she’s proudest of the informal title “crazy seal lady” bestowed by one young fan, though she is a co-founder and her official title is “lead investigator.” First, a primer about the group’s mission, presented in a short video produced with the help of a city in-kind grant, reiterating the point that a seal on a beach is probably not in trouble – instead, resting and regulating its body temperature (that’s what they’re doing in the “banana pose”) – and discussing its origins a few years back. (The video included familiar faces, since several of the ACC regulars at the meeting are also longtime Seal Sitters volunteers.) Factoids: Seal pups only have a 50 percent chance of surviving their first year. If you see one that’s plump and roly-poly looking, that’s a good sign – they need the blubber for energy and insulation, and to transition through weaning. Their trained volunteers educate the public that “it’s normal for a seal to be on the beach,” as Robin put it – and that “too many people can scare mom away,” maybe even permanently, which means the pup could die if it’s not weaned. Harming them including scaring them that way, is banned by federal law – the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. Robin also mentioned the new informational signs that are turning up along Alki and elsewhere (including the phone number to call if you see marine mammals alone – 1-800 853-1964). New “Share The Shore” banners will go up on Alki poles during the pupping season later this year.

POLICE OUTLOOK FOR SUMMER ON ALKI: Southwest Precinct Lt. Pierre Davis visited the meeting to remind people to take summertime “common sense” precautions, mostly to prevent burglaries. ACC president Tony Fragada asked about end-of-school-year activity expected on Alki; Lt. Davis said that would be inevitable so “please let us know” if you get a hint of trouble. Lee Johnson mentioned people appearing on her doorstep who “didn’t have anything to sell” – if they seem suspicious, Lt. Davis said, call it in.

GREENER SKIES: Alaska Airlines‘ proposal (explained here) has received “top priority” from the FAA, according to Ed Hanson, and it’s now working through an evaluation process … which is “about the speed of a snail on a glacier,” he said, though he believes “it’s going to happen” and is likely to win approval within the next year.

LIFELONG RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL: Roberta Fowler explained this citywide group’s mission – offering older Seattleites a variety of classes, such as yoga, art, camera or computer use, and dance, as well as field trips, and set-aside time for the use of gyms at community center: “The benefits of seniors staying active has been proven in many studies,” she pointed out. They’re looking for volunteers, too.

Alki Community Council meets the third Thursday of the month, 7 pm, at Alki UCC (6112 SW Hinds).