The occasional case of “mail theft” might just be the work of the treat-seeking squirrel photographed by Rich W‘s neighbors – thanks to Rich for sharing the photo! Here’s what’s up today/tonight as the second-to-last weekend before Christmas begins …

WEEKEND TRAFFIC ALERT: A lane closure on the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 is planned from late tonight till early Monday, as previewed here earlier this week, as part of the Atlantic Street overpass project.

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: Monthly meeting 10 am-2 pm at Daystar Retirement Village (across Barton from Westwood Village) – you’re welcome for all or part of the meeting. Agenda and presentation details are in the calendar listing.

SANTA! Tonight “Ex-Westwood Santa” (maybe by next year we can just call him CAPERS Santa) is back at CAPERS, 3-7 pm, for DIY Santa photos – it’s a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank, so bring cash and/or canned food to donate. Also tonight, the daily Westwood Village Santa photos continue – and you can check the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide for this weekend’s other Santa appearances.

DINE WITH THE EAGLES: The West Seattle Eagles‘ Friday night dinners are open to the public – 4-7 pm – and listed in our regular Event Calendar.

HANUKKAH: Seventh of its eight nights.

DENNY BOOKFAIR: Tonight it’s Denny International Middle School‘s turn at Barnes and Noble/Westwood Village – music, reading, and benefiting from the proceeds of sales with the special code this next week:

Come hear Denny IMS musicians play and students read, see student art, and help support literacy at Denny today, December 14 at 6:30 pm at Barnes & Noble (in Westwood Village, 2600 SW Barton Street, Suite E-1) A portion of all purchases (excluding electronics) will go to Denny! Tell all your friends and family too. If you cannot make the Barnes & Noble day in Westwood you may shop all week in any Barnes & Noble or barnesandnoble.com. To get credit for Denny, please use the code 10936813 when checking out. Thank you!

UPDATE: Not happening. ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Stage Struck presents “A Christmas Carol“ at 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church.

SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: Second weekend run for the premiere season of locally written/produced “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor), 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW); tickets available online. Bring your camera, because showgoers can take photos with Santa afterward!

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show continues at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. Also: A Children’s Hospital toy drive is happening during the show’s run:

Please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy or gift card for these families. The following items are in greatest need: Crayola® crayons; Play Doh; fuzzy coloring posters; small Lego sets; Brio trains; nail polish; coloring books; arts and crafts kits; playing cards; tactile toys for all ages; rattles; links; Disney/Pixar DVDs; PG-13 DVDs; gift cards; videos, books, and music.

NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR AT HOLY ROSARY: We checked the website and it looks like tickets might be available for their always-popular “Festival of Lessons and Carols” – 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church, with four West Seattle singers among those performing.

LOTS OF LIVE NON-HOLIDAY MUSIC: Tonight’s slate stretches from Yesow at C & P Coffee to The Slags with Snowday at Poggie Tavern to Barbie Anaka at Salty’s on Alki – with Skylark, Benbow, Feedback shows too – the detailed listings are on our regular Event Calendar (to open any listing, first mouse over the right side to get the “plus” sign, click that, then click “Read more” for full details).

TIDAL EXTREMES CONTINUE: As the winter “king tides” continue, 11:28 tonight is the lowest, 6:50 am Saturday the highest (here’s the chart).