Lynn‘s photo from early this morning shows how busy Elliott Bay was as the day began – a ferry, a cargo ship, and the first day of the season with three cruise ships (one’s out of view). Speaking of traffic – here’s an important reminder about what’s happening on land all weekend long:

(“Live” image from WSDOT camera looking southward over 99 – approach to NB Western ramp is at left)
HIGHWAY 99 ALERT: Thanks to WSB reader Lynne for suggesting a reminder this morning about this weekend’s closure on 99 from the Battery Street Tunnel northward to Valley Street, as noted by WSDOT here. It’s part of the ongoing Mercer project, and continues all weekend.

DELRIDGE DETOUR REMINDER: The Delridge Way repaving project shifted northward three days ago, so some people will be encountering the new detour this week for the first time. Southbound drivers will be detoured between SW Holden and SW Thistle; see the map in our story from earlier this week.

NEW WATER TAXI’S DEBUT: One more transportation note. The Spirit of Kingston is finally on the West Seattle Water Taxi run as of this morning, per our Friday report.

Here’s what else is up – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

TWO BIG GARAGE/YARD/RUMMAGE SALES! The season continues – till 5 pm today, the Ocean View neighborhood’s big sale is on in the vicinity of 11408 Marine View Drive SW; and till 4 pm at Greenbridge Plaza on 8th SW just south of Roxbury, the White Center Kiwanis‘s big rummage sale benefits three local nonprofits. P.S. For smaller sales, see the WSB Forums‘ Freebies/Deals/Sales section.

LOVE ANTIQUES? Providence Mount St. Vincent has an “Antiques Roadshow”-style event/community fair under way today till 2 pm – details in the calendar listing. (4831 35th SW)

GRAFFITI PAINTOUT: The more helpers, the better – meet at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center at 10 am. Here’s our earlier report with more info. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

FURRY FACES FOUNDATION PLANT SALE: More than 1,000 plants on sale as the 14th annual round of plant sales benefiting the animal-advocacy group Furry Faces Foundation gets under way today, 10 am-4 pm (tomorrow too!). Details in our calendar listing.

SPRING BOOK SALE AT TIBBETTS: Love to read? You’ll love the spring book sale at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 10 am-1 pm. (3940 41st SW)

FREE LUNCH! West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor)’s Saturday barbecues are usually charity fundraisers but today, come get a free grilled hot dog 11 am-4 pm – while supplies last – in appreciation of YOU. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

BUY AND CELEBRATE PLANTS @ SSCC: 11 am-2 pm at the garden center on the north side of South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), you can buy student-grown plants – tomatoes and veggies are ready, they remind us, and some flowers too! – more info here. And while you’re there … enjoy the Seattle Chinese Garden Peony and Bamboo Festival next door! (6000 16th SW)

STORYTIME: Westwood Village Barnes and Noble‘s Saturday storytime, 11 am, features tea time, Melissa tells us: “Inspired by the story ‘Tea with Rex,’ we’ll be having … tea and biscuits (AKA juice and pretty cookies). Formal dress is not required, but if dressing up for tea is your thing, please feel free!” (Southwest side of Westwood Village)

HANDS ACROSS THE SAND: Show your support for sustainability and environmental protection by joining this annual event on the beach at Alki at noon – details here.

WEST SEATTLE 5K PACKET PICKUP/SIGNUPS: If you want to avoid the last-minute rush on West Seattle 5K (co-sponsored by WSB) day tomorrow, be at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) noon-6 pm today – to either pick up your packet/T-shirt (if you are registered already) OR to sign up if you’re not. (NW corner of Charlestown/California, upstairs)

‘PRESTO GARDEN’: One more reminder – if you can spare some time between 1 pm and 5 pm, come to the Westcrest Park P-Patch in Highland Park and help Sustainable West Seattle plant a new organic garden to help feed people served by the White Center Food Bank (whose service area includes southern West Seattle, as well as WC). Full details on the SWS website.

WSHS BASEBALL @ STATE TOURNAMENT: This afternoon in Mount Vernon, the West Seattle High School baseball team starts state play with a game against Ferndale.

BOSTON BENEFIT AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: From Matt Johnson:

On Saturday, we’ll be serving Sam Adams Boston Lager as part of a whole ‘help out Boston day’ with 10 other bars throughout the city. We’ll also be, miracle of miracles, actually showing the Boston Red Sox game at the bar @ 4:00, with donation buckets, as well as donationg a portion of the proceeds from the Sam Adams beer sales back to the Greg Hill Foundation. Facebook page and information is here.

Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) is at 6451 California SW.

‘WILLY WONKA JR.’ FINALE: The Lafayette Elementary production will be staged one last time tonight at the West Seattle High School Theater, 7 pm. Tickets are free but donations are encouraged. (3000 California SW)

WEST SIDE GLORY: Variety show at Skylark Café and Club, 8 pm, details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

(Photo courtesy Edgar Riebe)
‘WILLY WONKA JR.’: 106 Lafayette Elementary students are in the production, performing their hearts out, under the direction of Melia Scranton with choreography by Aaron Swartzmann, and you have two chances to see it at the West Seattle High School Theater – 7 pm tonight, or 7 pm tomorrow (Saturday). Tickets are free but donations are encouraged. (3000 California SW)

WOMEN, WINE, WELLNESS: Free event at 7 pm tonight at Roxbury Spine and Wellness Clinic (WSB sponsor), but you have to RSVP ASAP! Details are in our calendar listing. (2656 SW Roxbury)

MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: It’s this month’s free-movie night at Highland Park Improvement Club! 7 pm (doors open at 6:30) – details in the calendar listing. (12th/Holden)

PEARL DJANGO AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm tonight, the local legends play historic Kenyon Hall – details in the calendar listing.

SECOND-TO-LAST WEEK … to see “33 Variations” at ArtsWest. Curtain tonight: 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

Check the calendar for nightlife listings.

(Photo by Flickr member “old desolate,” shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Happening today/tonight (and you’ll find more on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar):

4755 FAUNTLEROY MEGAPROJECT BACK @ DESIGN COMMISSION: 1:30 pm today at City Hall, the city Design Commission takes its third look at the project, this time for “public benefit.” The Design Commission’s role in this project’s review involves the approval needed for the “alley vacation” that’s involved. The meeting’s in the Boards and Commissions Room. (600 4th Avenue)

FRANK FEST: Tonight’s that special night of the year when the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) celebrates Frank Sinatra – with food, music, and more. Starts at 6 pm. (6451 California SW)

TASTE OF WEST SEATTLE UPDATE: We’re told a “very limited number of tickets” will be available at the door for tonight’s fundraiser featuring almost 50 food and drink purveyors from around West Seattle and White Center, all to help the West Seattle Helpline. It’s at 6:30 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy. (9131 California SW)

POETRY READING: Joseph Aprile reads tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). (5612 California SW)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: The agenda for the 7 pm meeting includes a review of housing developments in the area, including 2414 55th SW (covered here earlier this month), and a presentation on the Alki Point Lighthouse’s centennial year. The meeting’s at Alki UCC. (6115 SW Hinds)

(Male black-headed grosbeak photographed in Fauntleroy Creek area by Mark Wangerin)
Highlights ahead for today/tonight (with even more on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar):

GIVEBIG TO LOCAL NONPROFITS: The link is atop the WSB sidebar – but if you see this first, go here to see which West Seattle, White Center, and South Park nonprofits are participating this year and eligible, depending on how much is given, for “stretch” funds! Deadline for making your gift count: 11:59 pm tonight.

LAST FULL DAY TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR SUNDAY’S WEST SEATTLE 5K: Tomorrow, online registration closes for the 9 am Sunday (May 19th) benefit run/walk on Alki – and it costs less than same-day signups. So don’t procrastinate – register here right now.

SEALTH TEAMS IN TOURNAMENT PLAY: First, it’s district-tournament softball, 2 pm at Lower Woodland Park, where the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks play Mercer Island. If they win and then defeat Blanchet at 4 pm, it’s on to state. Meantime, for the Sealth boys’ soccer team, state play starts at 6 pm at Snohomish High School, vs. Glacier Peak. (P.S. As announced a few days ago, CSIHS is launching a new soccer camp for younger students this summer – details in this story.)

SANISLO ELEMENTARY PTA MEETING: Last one of the year and, as explained in the calendar listing, it’s a biggie. 6:30 pm.

DUWAMISH RIVER CLEANUP PLAN MEETING EN ESPANOL: At 5:30 pm at the South Park Community Center, the Environmental Protection Agency makes history with its first-ever public hearing in Spanish, taking comments on its proposed Duwamish River Cleanup Plan. Simultaneous English translation available. Details here, via the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. (8319 8th Ave. S.)

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: On the agenda for tonight’s 7 pm meeting of reps from community councils and other major organizations around eastern West Seattle: City Council President Sally Clark discusses public campaign financing, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center’s director David Bestock has an update on its status, and DNDC chair Mat McBride, along with Pete Spalding, will have an update on the Delridge Corridor proposal, after feedback from recent neighborhood meetings. The DNDC meeting’s at Youngstown, 4408 Delridge Way SW.

P.S. Not a highlight so much as a reminder – Seattle Public Schools are out 2 hours early today.

(Photo by Machel Spence: Cute – itchy! – duckling that strayed a bit from its mom on Sunday)
Today’s highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRIANGLE PARKING DISCUSSED BY COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Live right now, webcast via the Seattle Channel (online and on cable channel 21), the City Council Transportation Committee is meeting, and its agenda items include a parking study done in The Triangle, as SDOT works on a parking plan for the area.

LOCAL ATHLETE IN INTERNATIONAL SOCCER MATCH: We brought you the story last week of Special Olympics athlete Christian Freitas representing Chief Sealth International High School and all of Seattle on the USA team in an international soccer tournament. 10 am today is the team’s match vs. top-seeded Paraguay, according to this update. You’re invited to “follow the action” here.

‘SALUTE TO VETERANS’ LUNCH: 11:45 am at the Senior Center of West Seattle – details in our calendar listing. (California/Oregon)

METRO HEARING: If you want to show support for funding to stave off Metro cuts – 4 pm today at Union Station downtown (401 S. Jackson) is the big County Council hearing, as discussed in our story yesterday featuring an interview with Metro GM Kevin Desmond. Here’s the Metro page with information about the hearing and how to comment if you can’t get there.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC BENEFIT: Starting at 5 pm, dine tonight at Abbondanza in Morgan Junction and a portion of the proceeds benefits the West Seattle High School music program. Here’s our earlier preview. (6503 California SW)

COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS’ 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT: The West Seattle Community Orchestras celebrate their 10th anniversary with a gala concert tonight, starting at 6:30 pm, Chief Sealth IHS Auditorium – details here; free, but donations appreciated at the door. (2600 SW Thistle)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: The ANA‘s monthly meeting is at 7 pm on the lower level of Admiral Congregational Church. (California/Hill)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: FCA‘s monthly board meeting is at 7 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse‘s meeting room. (9131 California SW)

Thanks to Long Bach Nguyen for the Alki aerial photographed during low tide on Saturday- not mega-low but low enough for exploration. Today’s lowest tide is at 1:39 pm and just short of minus one foot – still good for a walk. Here are some of the other highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DUWAMISH RIVER CLEANUP HEALTH-EFFECTS BRIEFING: With about a month left for public comment on the EPA’s proposed cleanup plan for the Duwamish River, the City Council will be briefed at 10 am today about how the proposal might affect the health of people who live near and/or use the river – and what more advocates think it should do. Here’s a preview on our partner site The South Park News; you can watch the briefing live via Seattle Channel (online or cable channel 21).

NDNC MEETS @ YOUNGSTOWN FLATS: Instead of meeting at the Delridge Library as usual, tonight the North Delridge Neighborhood Council will have its regular monthly meeting at newly opened Youngstown Flats (WSB sponsor). Time’s the same – 6:30 pm, but if you are interested in touring YF, there’s an optional tour BEFORE the meeting, at 6 pm. The main agenda items have just been announced:

DIY Bikes program – Stu Hennessey
Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition – Maria Lewis
Combined Sewer Overflow Program

Parking instructions from the NDNC website: “Drivers may park in the garage off of Dakota. There is a call box on the outside of the front door with directions to call the office for entry. We should have someone stationed outside to direct attendees.” (26th/Dakota)

YEAR OF THE SEAL: Find out more about Seal Sitters‘ project at a community meeting tonight, 7 pm at Alki Bathhouse, as previewed here earlier this month. (2701 Alki SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: Our calendar features Seattle Public Library branch events throughout the week, but we like to highlight them here too – tonight, for example, it’s Family Story Time, 7 pm at High Point Library. (35th/Raymond)

(Blooming border along Thistle St. Stairs to/from Lincoln Park; photo by Mark Ahlness)
May showers bring … more May flowers. And this Mother’s Day is certainly blossoming with promise. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

REMEMBERING MOM: If you’re going to Forest Lawn Cemetery and Funeral Home (WSB sponsor) to remember Mom today, they plan to have roses for mothers and to place on mothers’ gravesites, and people will be there to offer extra assistance to locate sites if needed.

FARMERS’ MARKET CELEBRATES ASPARAGUS: Cooking tips/demos, 11 am-1 pm, during the market’s regular 10-2 hours. (44th/Alaska)

FLOWERS FROM FLEURT: If you’re looking for flowers to be delivered to Mom (or anyone else for that matter) today, Fleurt (WSB sponsor) in The Junction can do it. They’re open 11 am-4 pm, with deliveries “all day – call early for the best selection,” says proprietor Sam Crowley. They also deliver potted plants, terrariums, and “other cool gifts Mom will love.” Call 206.937.1103. (4536 California SW)

GLASS-BLOWING DEMONSTRATION: Bring Mom to see art in action at Avalon Glassworks today, 11 am-5 pm. (2914 SW Avalon Way)

FAMILY BEACH SAFARI: Go out tidewalking! 11:30 am, at Emma Schmitz Overlook across from Me-Kwa-Mooks. (4503 Beach Drive SW)

SEATTLE RAINMAKERS: The Major League Ultimate team is back home this afternoon at Southwest Athletic Complex, hosting the Vancouver Nighthawks at 1 pm. (2801 SW Thistle)

KALEY MARIE AT C & P: 3-5 pm, another chance to hear this teenage singer/songwriter perform, C & P Coffee Company. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Ales for Seattle Beer Week (details here): Bring your dish to Beveridge Place Pub at 3 pm. (6413 California SW)

(Photo by Trileigh Tucker)
In addition to West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – 9 am-3 pm, maps here! – which we’ll be covering all day long, here are other highlights:

STAMP OUT HUNGER: Just like WSCGSD, this nationwide door-to-door food drive is on the second Saturday of the month every year. Whatever you are doing today, please take a few minutes first to bag up some nonperishable food to donate, and set it out by your mailbox (or door, if you use a mail slot) for your letter carrier to pick up. You can also drop it by Café Osita at 7349 35th SW, which is accepting dropoffs again this year.

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY: Trileigh Tucker shares the photo of a Western Tanager (above) with word of this special day. She says they fly 3,000 miles just to build nests here. She’s drawn up a list of Lincoln Park’s birds – take a walk in the park and look for them; here’s the list. And find out more about birds and how to help them, on her website, Natural Presence.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION DRILL: Volunteers around the city are joining in an emergency-communication drill this morning, 9 am-noon. West Seattle’s trailblazing volunteers are activating the Morgan Junction Neighborhood Communication Hub – north parking lot at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – during the drill, and you’re welcome to observe. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

WALK WITH US TO CURE LUPUS: The annual fundraising 5K is on Alki again this year; same-day signups start at 9 am, and the walk begins at 10 am – details here.

MADISON STUDENTS ON STAGE! 10 am today is the second and final performance of “Honk Jr.” by Madison Middle School students, directed by Taproot Theater’s Jenny Cross at the West Seattle High School Theater; tickets $10 at the door. (3000 California SW)

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REP: Marty McLaren holds a community-conversation meeting at Southwest Branch Library, 10 am-noon.

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Little Rascals Preschool invites prospective families to stop by, 10 am-1 pm today. (4125 51st SW)

WSHS POSTSEASON BASEBALL: 11 am at Steve Cox Memorial Park, as per coverage here last night.

VOLUNTEER AT THE LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Along with having a sale as part of WS Community Garage Sale Day (#70 on the map), the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is having its monthly Log House Museum info session for new volunteers, 11 am-1 pm. (61st/Stevens)

PRE-MOTHER’S DAY EVENT: Barnes and Noble is hosting an event involving several Westwood Village businesses, looking ahead to Mother’s Day. Among them: WSB sponsor Wyatt’s Jewelers. Stop by B&N 11 am-3 pm; more information here.

HIGH POINT GARDEN PARTY: A potluck picnic and garden celebration are set for 2-5 pm next to High Point Neighborhood Center – all invited. (6400 Sylvan Way)

ANOTHER MAYOR-CANDIDATE CHAT: Tim Burgess returns to West Seattle, this time for a 2:30-3:30 pm “meet with voters” event at Beveridge Place Pub. (6413 California SW)

HIGHLAND PARK UNCORKED: It’s sold out, so if you don’t have a ticket, you’re out of luck, but in case you pass by the Highland Park Improvement Club and wonder what’s up – tonight’s their “Uncorked” wine-and-more benefit, 6 pm. (12th/Holden)

NORTHWEST HARVEST FUNDRAISER … tonight at OutWest Bar; details in our listing. (California/Brandon)

NOT DEAD YET: The local-favorite band plays the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) at 9:30 tonight. (6451 California SW)

(Young bald eagle, photographed last week by Danny McMillin and shared via the WSB Flickr group)
With almost 300 of your neighbors – or maybe you AND almost 300 of your neighbors – getting ready to host sales on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day tomorrow, we’re mentioning it everywhere we can. Like here. But as always, there’s lots more going on, too – here are notes for today/tonight:

WV POST OFFICE REOPENS: We added the update to our coverage of yesterday afternoon’s pickup-truck crash at the Westwood Village post office: The branch IS open today as usual. (P.S. Don’t forget to put out your food donation tomorrow for the Stamp Out Hunger door-to-door postal carriers’ food drive!)

BAKE SALE AND MINI-BAZAAR: Happening all day, till 4 pm, at The Mount. (4831 35th SW)

MAYORAL CANDIDATE IN WEST SEATTLE: It’s a busy campaign season with eight people on the August primary ballot for Seattle Mayor, so every time we hear about one of them coming to West Seattle to meet with potential voters, we’ll tell you about it. Tonight, Peter Steinbrueck is at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, 6-8 pm.

‘BOBCAT BOB’ AT C & P: Tomorrow, C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) is a group site for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, but tonight, it’s a coffeehouse with live music – courtesy of fan favorite “Bobcat Bob” Rice. He performs 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU AUCTION, CORONATION, WHITE ROSE CEREMONY: Tonight, 7-10 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Life Center, help West Seattle Hi-Yu raise money and celebrate royalty past and present, with the White Rose Ceremony and the coronation of the new queen. Details and ticket link here. (35th and Myrtle)

More on the calendar!

(This spring’s poster/postcard art for WS Art Walk is by the late Emily Williamson)
Art Walk night! And a half-dozen more highlights for today/tonight …

THOSE RED-SHIRTED LINCOLN PARK VOLUNTEERS … The Keller Williams Realty “RED Day” project this year will bring volunteers to Lincoln Park for projects including a beach cleanup, and you’ll see them out until about 2 pm today, fanning out from the south end of the park.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK! 6-9 pm, places to go, art to see, artists to meet, refreshments at many stops … You can find the full venue list and preview many of the venues’ art and artists by going to wsartwalk.com. What might be the biggest stop tonight will feature many of the 14 featured artists of newly opened Youngstown Flats (WSB sponsor), there for a reception to celebrate their work – tour the building, too. (26th/Dakota)

WINE CLUB AT C & P: The second Thursday of the month is also Wine Club night at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, with music tonight by Choro Tocando – details here. (5612 California SW)

(“Character” rendering of 4535 44th SW proposal, by Nicholson Kovalchick Architects)>
DESIGN REVIEW FOR 4535 44TH SW: An all-studio-apartments project in The Junction goes before the Southwest Design Review Board tonight for the first time, 6:30 pm, upstairs at the Senior Center of West Seattle. See the “packet” of graphics and information here. (California/Oregon)

OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW SCHOOL: As previewed here earlier this week, there’s an open house at 7 tonight at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) for the new West Seattle Cooperative School (K-2nd). Details in the calendar listing. (6000 16th SW, room RAH 201)

STYLE ’13: Benefit fashion show tonight at Showbox SODO for West Seattleite-founded/-led Northwest Hope and Healing, which helps support breast-cancer patients as they get through diagnosis and treatment. Tickets at the door; details here.

’33 VARIATIONS’: ArtsWest‘s new production is in its second week – see tonight’s performance at 7:30 pm.

SOFTBALL: A 10-7 win over Seattle Prep on Wednesday for Chief Sealth International High School‘s softball team. That included 5 RBI from team captain Chloe Behar; here are the stats as published at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner). … Holy Names beat West Seattle High School‘s softball team 18-0. … Today’s schedule, as published by The Times: Sealth plays Bainbridge and West Seattle plays Ingraham, both 3:30 pm games at Lower Woodland Park.

SOCCER: Tough loss for Sealth’s soccer team, ranked #1 in 3A going into their first postseason game:

The Seahawks lost to Lakeside in their Wednesday afternoon game at Interbay, 5-2, and will play Ingraham there at 5:30 pm today, while Lakeside faces Bainbridge tomorrow for the league championship.

BASEBALL: Today at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, West Seattle HS’s baseball team takes the field for the first time since a 13-0 Monday loss to Bainbridge. The Wildcats face Ingraham at 7:30 pm, after Sealth plays Nathan Hale there at 4:30 pm, per the schedule published by The Times.

Another big day around West Seattle! First item explains the photo:

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY: Thanks to Anna Coghill for e-mailing to report that Alki Elementary students marked National Bike to School Day by gathering in two spots to ride to school – Anna says, “Students, parents and school staff were all smiles this morning after the Ride Your Bike to School Train organized by Mr. Kegel. He led our Me-Kwa-Mooks train and Principal Oatis led the Anchor Park train.”

Here are other highlights including some of what’s on today’s section of the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find lots more);

ANOTHER DAY FOR SHRIMP FISHING: We’re already getting questions about “what are all those boats fishing for?” The answer: As mentioned here last weekend, today is a second opportunity for spot-shrimp fishing on Elliott Bay.

COOKING COMPETITION AT WSHS – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Today’s the day a celebrity chef is expected at West Seattle High School to judge a cooking competition (first reported here last month) involving ProStart culinary students who are part of a national competition. WSHS confirms that for the outdoor events in the competition, the public is welcome – it all starts at 1:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

FREE WORKSHOP: Learn how to preserve family collections of photos and artwork in a free 3-5 pm workshop at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (California/Oregon)

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION FOR GENESEE HILL SCHOOL PROJECT: Today’s the date to which a “community conversation” about the new elementary school at Genesee Hill was moved – 6:30 pm at Schmitz Park Elementary. (5000 SW Spokane)

CANDIDATE FORUM AT 34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ MEETING: Not the candidates for mayor- the 34th DDs were co-sponsors of the big forum a week and a half ago (WSB coverage, with video, here) – but candidates from many other races have RSVPd. Chair Marcee Stone-Vekich shared an update on the meeting’s agenda and who’ll be there – ahead, what happens after 6:30 pm “meet and greet”:

7:00 pm: Business
7:15 pm: Legislative Review with Senator Sharon Nelson and Rep. Eileen Cody
7:30 pm: Forum begins …

7:30 Burien City Council Pos. 1, 3, & 5
Paddle Questions then Verbal Questions and Answers: One minute response time.

Pos. 1 Jack Block, Jr.
Lauren Berkowitz
Pos. 3 Joan McGilton
Pos. 5 Rose Clark
Undeclared position: Joey Martinez & Shelli Park

7:50 pm: Seattle City Council Pos. 2, 4 & 8
Paddle questions then Verbal Questions and Answers: One minute response time.

Pos. 2 Richard Conlin & Brian Carver
Pos. 4 Sally Bagshaw
Pos. 8 Mike O’Brien & Albert Shen

8:15 Uncontested Candidates: Speaking for 2 minutes each

Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes
Appeals Court Div. I #3 James R. Verellen
King County Sheriff John Urquhart
SW Suburban Sewer Dist. Bill Tracy

8:30 Port of Seattle Pos. 1, 2 & 3
Paddle questions then Verbal Questions and Answers: One minute response time.

Pos. 1 John Creighton
Pos. 2 Courtney Gregoire (campaign representative)
Pos. 3 Stefanie Bowman & Michael Wolfe

The meeting’s at The Hall at Fauntleroy. (9131 California SW)

(SPD deputy chief Nick Metz with the mayor; January photo by Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times, republished with permission)
The city has announced what will be done with some of the metal from guns obtained in the January city “buyback” – it’ll be turned into plaques. The inscriptions for those plaques will come from a contest for children called “Weapons to Words,” explained in the city announcement:

Today Mayor Mike McGinn announced an outreach effort to inspire conversation among the youth of Seattle about gun violence. The City of Seattle, with the support of Chihuly Studio and Schnitzer Steel, is launching a contest called “Weapons to Words” that asks children in Seattle to come up with a short quotation on the subject of gun violence. Plaques made from metal upcycled from guns recovered from Seattle’s gun buyback program will feature quotes from Seattle students about what a violence-free future means to them.

“Our city has been through a lot lately. Gun violence has left many in our community wondering what they can do to help” said Mayor McGinn. “These upcycled plaques, inscribed with the hopes and dreams of the next generation, will transform weapons of violence into something positive. It is my hope that this project will spur a conversation in our community about what kind of city we want to be, and how we can get there together.”

The plaques, made from upcycled steel that includes the weapons we recovered, will be placed in Seattle parks.

Chihuly Studio is helping to design the upcycled plaques and The Office of Arts & Culture will convene a panel to select the entries from the students to be engraved on the plaques.

“The history of gun violence in our city is tragic” said recently appointed Director of the Office of Arts and Culture Randy Engstrom. “This initiative underlies the ways in which the creative process can be used to confront challenging social issues.”

Students can enter by submitting their quote on the subject of gun violence to seattle.gov/mayor, where you can also find contest guidelines and rules. Contest entries should come from students in the first through twelfth grades living in Seattle, and should be no more than 50 words. The panel will select the winning entries by September 15th, 2013.

“Chihuly Studio is proud to support this program,” said Leslie Jackson Chihuly, President of Chihuly Studio. “Weapons to Words allows our youth to express themselves in their own way about the world in which they are growing up. I have confidence in them, and I know this contest will bring out the best in all.”

The announcement didn’t mention West Seattle’s Nucor Steel, which had been mentioned pre-buyback as a participant in the future steel recycling, so we have a followup question out about that.

ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: A couple of phone calls today led us to realize we hadn’t updated this story with the reply to the aforementioned followup question. McGinn spokesperson Aaron Pickus replied:

Nucor is a partner of our gun buyback program. They melted down most of the guns from the first event and the metal was used in community projects. Schnitzer is also donating their services now for the Weapons to Words piece of the program.

In memory of the Easy Street Records awning (WSB coverage here), our “picture of the day” is the semi-live image from the SDOT traffic camera at California/Alaska in The Junction, which also shows the full-height Oregon 42 construction project at upper right. On to what else is happening today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EAT AT JOE’S, HELP THE FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: One of the signs at WSB sponsor Endolyne Joe’s exhorts, “Eat at Joe’s,” and when you do that tonight starting at 5 pm, you’ll be raising money for this volunteer-presented festival, happening this year on October 20th. (9261 45th SW)

RIDE TO REMEMBER LANCE DAVID: Join West Seattle Bike Connections and West Seattle Greenways at 5:30 pm tonight, departing from Seacrest, for a ride to remember Lance David, who died in last Wednesday’s bike-truck collision on East Marginal Way. Full ride details here.

WESTWOOD-ROXHILL-ARBOR HEIGHTS COUNCIL MEETING: Earlier time this month, but same location – 6 pm, Southwest Branch Library, with priorities and leadership on the agenda. (35th/Henderson)

(added) STORYTELLERS!

The Seattle Storytellers Guild presents TELLERS & WRITERS
A monthly program to craft & share our universal stories

Partnering with CHACO CANYON ORGANIC CAFE
Discover the power of storytelling with our featured guests:
7 pm to 8:30 pm – Pamela Sackett, Auntmama, Liz Hibbard

Looking for storytelling, writing tips – 6:30 to 7 pm
workshops with Liz Hibbard and Nancy Calos-Nakano

Want a chance to tell a story? Sign up at 6:30pm
Memorized or written, there’s a place for you!

Chaco Canyon is at 37th/Alaska.

TRIVIA GIVEAWAY: Tonight’s Trivia That Rocks at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) will include a giveaway of tickets for the upcoming Seattle Queensryche concert. Trivia starts at 8 pm. (6451 California SW)

SING IT: Baby Ketten Karaoke tonight, 9 pm, Skylark Café and Club. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

It’s beautiful from the sky as well as the ground – North Delridge’s Dragonfly Garden (aka Pavilion)! has dragonfly-shaped landscaping too? Thanks as always to Long Bach Nguyen for sharing West Seattle aerial views like this! Meantime, while regular Monday events are on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are three today/tonight-only highlights:

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL POSTSEASON: Metro League playoffs start with West Seattle High School vs. Bainbridge Island at Hiawatha, 3:30 pm, same time that Chief Sealth International High School will be on the road vs. Eastside Catholic. (Thanks to Greg Slader, the WSHS parent who’s been contributing updates all season, for the details.)

HELP HI-YU – MEETING TONIGHT: 6:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, it’s the next general meeting for everyone interested in the West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival – which as you probably know is not a one-day one-time “festival” but instead a collection of summer events including the annual construction of the last Seattle neighborhood traveling parade float. As reported here over the weekend, Hi-Yu needs more community help to keep the 79-year tradition alive to see its 80th anniversary. Showing up tonight is a start. (California/Hanford)

TALK THEATER: Go behind-the-scenes in a live, free conversation with cast members and key staff from ArtsWest’s current production “33 Variations,” 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)