(West Seattle Summer Fest Saturday photo by Leda Costa for WSB)

The summer’s biggest party goes so fast – it’s already day 3 of West Seattle Summer Fest 2017. So that starts our highlights list one more time:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST’S THIRD DAY:
Official festival hours – 11 am to 5 pm – here’s the vendor/merchant list
Ride hours – 10 am to 5 pm (prices here)
Kids Zone activity schedule – see the schedule here
Food hours – 11 am to 5 pm
Music – Starts with South Sound Tug & Barge at noon, final performance The Dusty 45s at 4 pm (here’s the schedule)
GreenLife presentations – see the schedule here
Community Tent organizations – see the list here

Even if you’ve already been – come see what you missed! And if you’re looking for anything or anyone in particular, come see us in the Information Booth at California/Alaska.

YES, THE FARMERS’ MARKET IS STILL ON: You’ll find it in the lot behind KeyBank etc. on the south side of SW Alaska between California and 44th. 10 am-2 pm.

GET TO THE FESTIVAL VIA THE MINI-STP BIKE RIDE: 9:15 am departure from North Admiral, headed from Seattle (Street) to Portland (Street, in Gatewood), and then to Summer Fest. All ages! Details here.

And outside The Junction:

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK: Highland Park spraypark and Lincoln Park wading pool are open 11 am-5 pm; Delridge wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)

MEDITERRANEAN FANTASY FESTIVAL, LAST DAY EVER: 11 am-5 pm, one last day full of dancing, as the region’s biggest belly-dance celebration concludes its 30-year run. Find dancing inside and outside Hiawatha Community Center; here’s the lineup. And here are our photos from Saturday. (2700 California SW)

ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: 1-4 pm, visit the historic lighthouse at Alki Point – get there by 3:40 pm to be part of the last group in. (3201 Alki SW)

BLUEGRASS AND OLD-TIME MUSIC … with Jamtime at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 1-4 pm. (5612 California SW)

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: “Comedy of Errors,” free, 3 pm, High Point Commons Park, presented by GreenStage. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

SEATTLE GREEN SPACES COALITION: You’re invited to the SGSC meeting at 3 pm, High Point Library. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP … by checking our complete-calendar page!

West Seattle Summer Fest is again the big event of the day and night, in the streets in the heart of The Junction:

(“Live” image of festival zone, courtesy of SDOT info-map camera – refresh page for newest image)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUMMER FEST TODAY/TONIGHT:
Official festival hours – 10 am to 6 pm – here’s the vendor/merchant list
Ride hours – 10 am to 8 pm (prices here)
Kids Zone activity schedule – see the schedule here
Food hours – 10 am to ~8 pm
Music – Starts with School of Rock performers at 11:30 am, concludes with headliner Brent Amaker and The Rodeo at 10 pm (here’s the schedule)
Mayoral forum – ~15 of the 21 candidates for Seattle Mayor will be in the forum we’re moderating at the Sustainable West Seattle GreenLife Expo, 2 pm
GreenLife presentations – see the schedule here
Community Tent organizations – see the list here

Also, don’t miss Pet Junction (by Next-to-Nature), Art Dive (California just north of Oregon), the new band-merch tent by the main stage, the beer garden by the main stage … and as you pass by, wave hi to us in the Info Booth (California/Alaska – we’re on the north-facing side).

Here are the highlights of what else is happening today:

DUWAMISH ROWING CLUB REGATTA: Now through noon, as previewed here, it’s the second annual regatta for our area’s only rowing club – all welcome at Duwamish Waterway Park in South Park. (10th Ave. S. & S. Elmgrove)

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT: Register by 10 am – go here – to play in the noon tournament at The Bridge, raising money for Shamrock Charities. (California SW/SW Graham)

FINAL MEDITERRANEAN FANTASY FESTIVAL: As we reported in our recent interview with founder Saroya Poirier, this is the final year of the 30-years-running two-day belly-dancing festival in and around Hiawatha Community Center. Dancing and shopping, 11 am-7 pm today – schedules are linked here. (2700 California SW)

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK OPEN TODAY: Lincoln Park wading pool and Highland Park spraypark are open 11 am-8 pm; Delridge and Hiawatha wading pools are open noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)

COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: Final day this year that the pool is scheduled to be closed to the public because of a swim meet – open again tomorrow.

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REP: Got a question, concern, compliment, idea, etc., for something related to Seattle Public Schools? Drop-in community conversation with West Seattle/South Park’s Seattle School Board director Leslie Harris, 3-5 pm at Southwest Library. (9010 35th SW)

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: “Hamlet” presented by GreenStage at High Point Commons Park, 7 pm, details in our calendar listing. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

ROO FORREST & FRIENDS: At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘IN TRANSITION 2.0’: Special outdoor-movie presentation at West Seattle Summer Fest GreenLife, 8 pm – details in our calendar listing. At Junction Plaza Park. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)

INDIE ROCK AND PUNK & ROLL: That’s what’s on the slate tonight at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm-midnight. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral)

MUCH MORE … just check our complete-calendar page.

(Whale off Alki, photographed Thursday evening by John Saalwaechter)

The weekend is in view and there are many reasons to leap for joy:

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST: Our area’s biggest party of the year officially starts at 10 am. We’re in the Information Booth again this year for as-it-happens coverage starting later this morning (watch our Twitter feed for festival scenes, too), but here meantime are the toplines:

Shopping: 10 am-6 pm – here’s the list
Kids’ rides: 10 am-8 pm – here are ride hours and prices
Schedule for other kids’ activities is here
GreenLife – Sustainable West Seattle‘s sustainability-and-more expo is in Junction Plaza Park off Alaska east of California – schedule is here
Food: 10 am-8-ish for booths, later for many year-round restaurants – here’s the list
Music: Starts on the main stage (California north of Oregon) at 3:30 pm with Po’Brothers; headliner Thunderpussy takes the stage at 10 – here’s the schedule
Beer garden: Next to the stage, open till late
Community groups: In the Info Booth – see the list here
Pet Junction: By Next to Nature, on west side of California north of Alaska – see the list here

See you at Summer Fest! Also today/tonight:

WADING POOLS/SPRAYPARK: Open today are the Highland Park spraypark and Lincoln Park wading pool, 11 am-8 pm; Hiawatha wading pool, noon-6:30 pm; EC Hughes wading pool, noon-7 pm. (Find addresses here)

COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC TODAY/TOMORROW … for a swim meet.

FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: Greenstage presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 7 pm at High Point Commons Park, directed by Erin Day. Details in our calendar listing. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

ELLIOTT BAY’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY: Party starts at 7 pm, with a beer garden outside Elliott Bay Brewing Company as it celebrates 20 years in West Seattle, and live music. (4720 California SW)

MOVIE IN THE PARK: “Hidden Figures” will be shown at the “park” south of West Seattle Church of the Nazarene at dusk, 9 pm-ish. Free hot dogs and soda. All welcome! (42nd SW/SW Juneau)

MODERNIST GARAGE AND PSYCH POP: That’s what you’ll find at Parliament Tavern tonight. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

THERE’S MORE … as you’ll see on our complete-calendar page.

(Tern at sunset – photographed by Matt Olson)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK: Open today are Lincoln Park wading pool and Highland Park spraypark, both 11 am-8 pm; Hiawatha wading pool, noon-6:30 pm; EC Hughes wading pool, noon-7 pm. (Find addresses here)

CONSTRUCTION WORKER STORY TIME: 11:30 am at High Point Library, it’s a special story time – construction workers from a nearby site will talk with kids about their work. You can walk over to the site afterward and see what’s going on – including a crane! (35th/Raymond)

DRAWING AND WINE: 4-6 pm at the Log House Museum‘s courtyard, stop by and draw while taking inspiration from the garden and sipping wine. Free, donations accepted. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 5 pm start – see the map/venue list in our preview published last night, and see artist previews here. One big WSAW event: At Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), check out the team of winemaker Ben Viscon, painter Lindsay Peyton, and books/wine curator Jessica Trouillaud.

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST EVE: 6 pm, the streets close for festival setup (California between Genesee and Edmunds, Alaska between 42nd and 44th), and special entertainment, including Bubbleman at California/Alaska at 7 pm; Big Band Blue outside West 5, 7-9 pm; and Shabazz Palaces in-store at Easy Street Records, 7 pm. All free. Come wander around and see what else is going on!

OPEN MIC: At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), “open mic for musicians and singers of all genres of music” – amateurs, professionals, everyone! 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

LOTS MORE … on our complete-calendar page!

(Photo by Don Brubeck, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are highlights of what’s ahead today/tonight in West Seattle:

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK OPEN TODAY: Highland Park spraypark and Lincoln Park wading pool are both open 11 am-8 pm; Hiawatha wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm; EC Hughes wading pool is open noon-7 pm. (Find addresses here)

TINKERLAB – GADGETS AND GIZMOS: 1-3 pm at Delridge Library, all ages welcome at this drop-in craft series. Details in our calendar listing. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Second week for the Wednesday farm stand selling produce grown and harvested a few steps away at High Point Market Garden. 4-7 pm. Here’s our report on day 1 last week. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)

TRIANGLE ROUTE TASK FORCE MEETS: The task force working on improvements for the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state-ferry route meets again today, starting at Cove Park north of the dock at 4 pm to observe traffic, then moving to Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) at 5:15 for the rest of the meeting. Here’s the agenda (PDF).

DISASTER BOOK CLUB: 6-7:30 pm at Southwest Library:

This month we are reading Max Brooks’ “World War Z.” Learn about pandemic outbreaks and what the city is doing to prepare for the undead roaming amongst us. We will be joined by Alison Levy, Emergency Operations Manager for Public Health Seattle-King County, who will discuss pandemics and how they can affect Seattle.

(9010 35th SW)

JOB-SEARCH WORKSHOP: Free monthly workshop at Delridge Community Center for ages 16+. 6:30 pm; details in our calendar listing, including how to register. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, with an agenda including consideration of an endorsement for Seattle Mayor. (9131 California SW)

OPEN MICROPHONE: The Skylark‘s weekly open-microphone event starts with signups at 7:30 pm, music at 8:30. Details in our calendar listing. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

THE BILLY JOE SHOW: Live at Parliament Tavern, starting at 9 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(Cedar waxwings, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

What’s up for the rest of today/tonight:

NEW CRAFTING GATHERING: Drop by Highland Park Improvement Club 11 am-1 pm for a new crafting group – described in our calendar listing. Free, open to all, children welcome. (1116 SW Holden)

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK OPEN TODAY: Lincoln Park wading pool and Highland Park spraypark are both open 11 am-8 pm; Delridge wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)

JUSTIN KAUSAL-HAYES: Live music at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5-8 pm. (1936 Harbor SW)

CONVERSATION & FILM ABOUT GENDER DISCRIMINATION: 6 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, presented by Southwest Youth and Family Services. Watch and talk about the film “Anita” – more info in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

JUNCTION LAND USE COMMITTEE ON HALA REZONING: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, the Junction Land Use Committee presents a workshop with information on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda‘s proposed Mandatory Housing Affordability rezoning, as previewed here, as the DEIS comment period continues, extended by the city until August 7th. (4217 SW Oregon)

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: This month’s meeting moved to the second Tuesday because of last week’s holiday. 6:30 pm at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor), with agenda items including the Roxbury and Avalon paving/rechannelization projects and next Sunday’s Mini-STP ride. (41st/Alaska)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 7 pm at Delridge Library, bring the kids for stories, songs, and rhymes. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

MAYORAL CANDIDATES @ ADMIRAL NA: As previewed on Monday, three FIVE mayoral candidates will talk to the Admiral Neighborhood Association at 7 pm, The Sanctuary at Admiral. The group is also looking ahead to the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series that it’s presenting starting next week. (42nd SW/SW Lander)

MORE … on our complete-calendar page!

(Osprey at Alki Point – photographed by Jim Borrow)

Options aplenty for today/tonight, and many are at your local Seattle Public Library branches! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

X-STREAM MAGIC: 11 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, free, geared toward kids 5-12 – more info in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK: Here’s what’s open today and when – Lincoln Park wading pool and Highland Park spraypark, 11 am-8 pm; Delridge wading pool, noon-6:30 pm. (Go here to find addresses)

LUNCH AT THE LIBRARIES: Just a reminder of our ongoing summer listings, anyone 18 and under can get lunch for free at the High Point (35th SW/SW Raymond) or Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW) libraries, 12:30-1:30 pm.

BUSINESS WORKSHOP: 6-8 pm at Delridge Library, learn how to grow your small business. Free, but registration is recommended – more info in our calendar listing. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUP @ SOUTHWEST LIBRARY: 6:45 pm – this month’s title is “Mountains Beyond Mountains” by Tracy Kidder. All welcome. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

EVENING BOOK GROUP @ WS LIBRARY: 6:45 pm – this month’s title is “On Such a Full Sea” by Chang-Rae Lee.

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS, WEEK 2: It’s the second of four Monday nights for this free series presented by the Seattle Chamber Music Society at Delridge Community Center park – 7:30 pm, a group will perform live; 8 pm, you’re invited to stay and listen to audio of KING-FM’s live broadcast of SCMS’s festival concert at Benaroya Hall. Bring your own chair/blanket. Here’s our coverage of last week’s event. (Delridge Way SW/SW Genesee)

(Moonrise, with port cranes – photographed by Craig Young)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Among the produce that’s at or near its peak – cherries! Market’s open 10 am-2 pm today in the street in The Junction (California between Oregon and Alaska). Remember that NEXT Sunday (July 16th), because of West Seattle Summer Fest, the market will be in the parking lot behind KeyBank.

TODAY’S WADING POOL/SPRAYPARK HOURS: Lincoln Park wading pool and Highland Park spraypark are both open 11 am-8 pm today; also open, Delridge wading pool, noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)

LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: 11 am-1:30 pm, Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are out at Lincoln and Constellation parks – low tide is -1.4 feet at 11:49 am.

COLMAN POOL REOPENS … to the public after three days of swim-meet closures. Noon-7 pm – here’s the schedule.

… BUT ALKI LIGHTHOUSE IS CLOSED: Per the lighthouse website, today’s tours are canceled.

CYGNE: At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), live music with Cygne (Laura Meyer), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

THREE-BAND BILL … at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

CHECK THE WEEK AHEAD … via our complete calendar.

(Kayaks and SUPs off Anchor/Luna Park, photographed by Lynn Hall)

Here are some of the ways to spend your sunny summer Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

WEST SEATTLE LINUX USER GROUP: 9 am at Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) – details here. More about the group here. (9140 California SW)

PUGET PARK TREE-THINNING OPEN HOUSE/SITE WALK: As previewed earlier this week, today from 10 am to 1 pm, Seattle Parks holds an open house at the Chan Education Center on the north side of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus for anyone interested in finding out more about this project. Presentation at 10:30; site walk at 11:30. (6000 16th SW)

SEAFAIR PIRATES LANDING: 10 am-6 pm at Alki Beach, with vendors, kids’ activities, music (scheduled 11 am-4 pm), and of course, the Seafair Pirates coming ashore (around 2 pm but could be earlier or later – last year they arrived closer to 1) … all centered around the Alki Bathhouse vicinity. (60th SW/Alki SW)

LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: At 11:15 am, the tide is out to -1.3 feet, and Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be out at Constellation (south of Alki Point) and Lincoln parks from 10 am-noon to talk with you about it.

SPRAY PARK AND WADING POOLS THAT ARE OPEN: Highland Park spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm, Lincoln Park wading pool is open 11 am-8 pm, Delridge wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm, Hiawatha wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)

SENATOR CANTWELL IN WHITE CENTER: For the first time in years, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell is having town-hall meetings, and the final one is this morning in White Center, 11 am-12:30 pm at TEC High School (Evergreen HS campus). You need a (free) ticket so go here ASAP to get one, and to check the event rules. (830 SW 116th)

FOOD TRUCK AT LINCOLN PARK: Lil J’s Super Dawgs Food Truck is back at Lincoln Park on Saturdays starting today, 11:30 am-5:30 pm, with “gourmet hot dogs, sausages, French fries, veggie dawgs available.” (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL CLOSED: The outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park is closed to the public today because of a swim meet – back open Sunday.

ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Free tours of historic Alki Point Lighthouse with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, 1-4 pm – be there by 3:40 pm to be part of the last tour group allowed in. (3201 Alki SW)

AYRON JONES & THE WAY @ EASY STREET: 5 pm, free in-store concert at Easy Street Records by Seattle’s own Ayron Jones and The Way. Details here. Free, all ages. (California/Alaska)

JUDI JENSEN: Performing at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

FAREWELL SEATTLE, HELLO BERLIN: A musical going-away party at Parliament Tavern, as explained here, starting at 9 pm. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SEE THE COMPLETE LINEUP on our calendar page.

ORIGINAL REPORT, 10:27 AM: From Lynda:

We live on the corner of 51st and Hudson and had 10 patio chairs taken about 20 minutes ago.

My young son and I spent an hour this morning scrubbing down 12 plastic patio chairs on our sidewalk. A friend is having a birthday party this afternoon and they wanted to borrow our chairs. Well, we scrubbed them up nicely and set them out to dry. We went inside for breakfast and when we came back out, less than 15 minutes later, all of the chairs, except for 2, were gone. They were stacked nicely right next to my husband’s truck, there was no ‘free’ sign and no obvious indication that they were there for the taking.

I would like to think of this as an honest mistake and that whoever took the chairs did so, by thinking they were there for free. Perhaps by posting this on the blog, whoever took them would be so kind as to bring them back NO QUESTIONS ASKED. I know it’s a stretch but the blog has been very rewarding and wonderful to us over the years. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.

UPDATE, 11:21 AM: When we replied to Lynda to let her know we had published this, she said it actually happened a month ago and apparently the e-mail was stuck in her account’s outbox, just going out today for reasons unknown. (It carried today’s date, so we had no way of knowing. We do sometimes see e-mail come through with dates days or weeks earlier, and when that happens, we check with the sender to verify.) The chairs never were returned, though, so if you know someone who thought they got a great stack of free chairs a month ago …

(Northern flicker at sunset on Alki Point, photographed by Gary Jones)

Here’s what’s ahead for today/tonight as we move toward the post-holiday weekend:

COLMAN POOL CLOSED … to the public, for the second of three days of swim meets. (Tomorrow, and July 14-15, too.)

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK OPEN: Highland Park spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm; Lincoln Park wading pool is open 11 am-8 pm; EC Hughes wading pool is open noon-7 pm, Hiawatha wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)

WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society-presented author series will feature Jeff and Sonja Anderson and their book on “Mount Rainier’s Historic Inns and Lodges.” Here’s their video invitation, courtesy of SWSHS:

Free drop-in event – details in our calendar listing. (2600 SW Barton)

CORNER BAR TURNS 5: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s pop-up monthly bar-and-more is celebrating its fifth anniversary tonight, starting at 6. DJ Dr. Lehl will spin, and The Drew Medak Trio will play live jazz. Food truck! New swag! All ages until 9 pm. (1116 SW Holden)

WALK TO PROTECT AND RESTORE THE SALISH SEA: As previewed here on Thursday, this advocacy walk is planning a rally at the Duwamish Longhouse around 6:30 pm, when walkers arrive from downtown. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

ALAN EHRLICH: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

OUTDOOR MOVIE: Park West invites you to an outdoor showing of “La La Land” tonight. Doors open at 8 pm. Free. Refreshments provided. BYO lawn chair(s). RSVP info in our calendar listing. (1703 California SW)

HONKY TONK, OUTLAW COUNTRY, AND BLUEGRASS: 9 pm at Parliament Tavern, that’s what three bands will play for you. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

OF COURSE, THERE’S MORE … on our complete-calendar page.

(Lowman Beach Park and the Murray CSO facility, photographed by Long Bach Nguyen)

Looking ahead to the rest of your Thursday:

COLMAN POOL CLOSED: Today, tomorrow, and Saturday, Lincoln Park’s outdoor saltwater pool on the shore is closed to the public because of a swim meet. (July 14-15, too.)

WADING POOLS & SPRAYPARK OPEN: Lincoln Park‘s wading pool, meantime, is open until 8 pm, as is Highland Park spraypark; also open today, EC Hughes wading pool, noon-7 pm, and Hiawatha wading pool, noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER OPEN HOUSE: Until 4 pm today, you’re invited to the EOC at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) to ” receive one-on-one assistance with FAFSA and guidance on degree and certificate programs, high school completion, English language programs, apprenticeships and more!” Our calendar listing has full details, including where to find the EOC on campus. (6000 16th SW)

COUNTERBALANCE CANS @ BEER STAR: 5-8 pm: Georgetown-based Counterbalance Brewing Company‘s Can Release Party at Beer Star in White Center. (9801 16th SW)

DESIGN-REVIEW DOUBLEHEADER: The Southwest Design Review Board looks at two projects tonight, as previewed here Monday: The meeting at the Senior Center/Sisson Building starts at 6:30 pm with 3078 SW Avalon Way (map). As the design packet for this meeting explains, an appeal decision in 2014 sent this back to the board. It’s described as “a 7-story structure … 102 residential units (with offstreet) parking for 59 vehicles.” The 8 pm review is the board’s first look at 9049 20th SW (map), described as “a 2-story addition to existing structure for 27 apartment units (22 apartments and 5 small efficiency dwelling units). Two stories to be demolished. Existing office space and storage to remain.” This is an Early Design Guidance meeting, focused on “massing” (height, shape, etc.), as reflected in the design packet. Both meetings will include time for public comment. (4217 SW Oregon)

READ THE KORAN IN 4 WEEKS: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle pastor Rev. Ron Marshall‘s longrunning class starts its next series tonight, as previewed here last month. Here’s how to check to see if there’s room. 7 pm. (4205 California SW)

HORSE & TIGER: “Funky instrumental improv” at Parliament Tavern, 8 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

AND MORE … on our complete-calendar page.

(Garlic tops @ Westcrest Park P-Patch – photographed by Ben Harris)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more of what’s going on today/tonight/beyond):

AVALON SUBSTATION @ LANDMARKS BOARD: As announced in May, the city Landmarks Board will consider the former Avalon Substation building at its City Hall meeting today, 3:30 pm. The review is part of the process through which Seattle City Light is seeking to demolish the building as part of a site cleanup. Public comment welcome. (600 4th Avenue)

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: From Kathy Powers:

The WSLL 10/11 year old All Star team has made it to the District 7 championship game!
Come cheer them on (tonight) at Pacwest in SeaTac. Game time is 6 pm. Wear your red to support the team. See you there!

(14653 16th Ave S, SeaTac)

DANCE! 6-8 pm, monthly evening Dance Time with Lauren Petrie at the Senior Center of West Seattle. Details here. (4217 SW Oregon)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: As previewed on Tuesday, the SWDC **does** have a July meeting, and all are welcome. Topics include the Port, paving, and noise. 6:30 pm at the Sisson Building/Senior Center. (4217 SW Oregon)

JIM PAGE: Singer-songwriter performing at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

PISTOL SISTERS AND MANNEQUIN BBQ: Performing at 8 pm at Parliament Tavern. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Plus … our daily aquatics check:

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK: Open today – Lincoln Park wading pool, until 8 pm; Highland Park spraypark, until 8 pm; Hiawatha wading pool, noon-6:30 pm; EC Hughes wading pool, noon-7 pm. (Addresses are here)

And an advance alert:

COLMAN POOL CLOSURES … While the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park is open **today** as regularly scheduled, it will be closed to the public the next three days for swim meets, July 6-8 (also July 14-15).

(Black-capped chickadee, photographed in Gatewood by Jeremiah Holt)

On the day before Independence Day, here’s what’s going on:

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK: Open today are – Highland Park spraypark, 11 am-8 pm; Lincoln Park wading pool, 11 am-8 pm; Delridge wading pool, 12 pm-6:30 pm. (Addresses are here)

GAME-BUILDING SERIES: For ages 10-14 – create a mobile game! 2 pm at High Point Library. Preregistration required – check with the library to see if there’s still room. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING: 6-8 pm, Monday night is Ladies’ Night at Alki Kayak Tours. Details here. (1660 Harbor SW)

FREE CONCERT IN THE PARK: “Music Under the Stars” includes a chamber ensemble performing live at Delridge Community Center park at 7:30 pm followed by a live audio broadcast from Benaroya Hall at 8 pm, as previewed here. (Delridge Way SW/SW Genesee)

Looking for West Seattle 4th of July info? Find it here!

(WSB photo: Mount Rainier, from Marine View Drive, Saturday evening)

Day 2 of what is for many a four-day weekend – here are some of the ways you can enjoy it:

GREAT AMERICAN DINER SOFT OPEN: The proprietors of Great American Diner and Bar tell us this will be the second day of their “soft open” in The Junction, starting with breakfast/brunch at 7 am. Their official “grand opening” announcement is expected soon. (4752 California SW)

BEACH VOLLEYBALL: Today on the beach, it’s the Alki Volleyball Association‘s Firecracker Classic juniors’ tournament, 9 am-6 pm. (2400 Alki SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: If this isn’t the peak of summer produce, it’s close to it. And of course the market has more than produce – there’s also meat, cheese, eggs, baked goods, beverages … 10 am-2 pm in the street in The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

TODAY’S WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK: Lincoln Park wading pool is open 11 am-8 pm, Highland Park spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm, and Delridge wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)

CAMP SECOND CHANCE BENEFIT CONCERT: Noon-6 pm, you’re invited to the sanctioned encampment Camp Second Chance for a benefit blues concert and potluck. Admission is free but they’re collecting donations to raise money so they can cover what the city funding doesn’t cover – particularly, tiny houses to replace tents. (9701 Myers Way S.)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Free tours of the historic lighthouse at Alki Point with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 1-4 pm – get there by 3:40 pm. (3201 Alki SW)

CAMP SECOND CHANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The community advisory committee monitoring CSC is scheduled to meet today at Arrowhead Gardens, 2 pm. (9200 2nd SW)

BOSCOE’S BROOD: Acoustic singer/songwriter at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

Looking ahead to the 4th of July? Our West Seattle guide is here!

(Alki Point Lighthouse, photographed by David Hutchinson. You can tour the lighthouse today – see below!)

A bit quieter than most summer Saturdays, with the holiday approaching, but still no shortage of things to do:

BEACH VOLLEYBALL: The Alki Volleyball Association‘s Firecracker Classic adult tournament is what’s happening at the courts on the beach today, 9 am-6 pm. (2400 Alki SW)

GET YOUR CAR WASHED: The West Seattle High School Cheer Squad is having another benefit car wash today, 10 am-2 pm at Rite Aid south of The Junction. By donation. (5217 California SW)

FOREST RESTORATION WORK PARTY: 10 am at Westcrest Park – full details here. Meet at “southeast side of the south parking lot, next to the horse barn.” (9000 8th SW)

TODAY’S WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK: Lincoln Park wading pool is open 11 am-8 pm, Highland Park spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm, Delridge wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm, Hiawatha wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)

MINI-DONKEYS AT OUNCES: Noon-3 pm, “come pet some mini-donkeys at Ounces and help raise funds for the Lords Hill Farm Donkey Rescue program.” (3809 Delridge Way SW)

CROSS-SOUND SWIM TO ALKI: Swimmer Melissa Blaustein of San Francisco is scheduled to swim from Bremerton at 12:30 pm to Alki Point, where she would arrive in the vicinity of 5 pm, according to local distance swimmer Andrew Malinak. Watch for updates this afternoon.

TOUR ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: 1-4 pm, but get there by 3:40 pm. Tour the historic lighthouse with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. (3201 Alki SW)

SALSA ON ALKI: 5 pm lesson, 6 pm dancing. Live music by Cambalache. Pricing and other details in our calendar listing. (2719 Alki SW)

TASTE OF SUMMER: 5 pm-11 pm at Ounces, “live music from local folk musician Jim Hoehn, specialty summer beer samplers, prizes, local WS food truck Byte Teriyaki.” (3809 Delridge Way SW)

PICKWICK: Live in-store at Easy Street Records at 7 pm, performing songs from their upcoming release. Free. All ages. (California SW/SW Alaska)

ANNIE O’NEILL AND AMY DENIO: 9 pm at Whisky West. No cover. 21+. (6451 California SW)

TRIBUTE BANDS: 9 pm at The Skylark, Idiots Rule (Jane’s Addiction tribute) and Urban Achievers (Led Zeppelin tribute). $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

THREE BANDS: 9 pm at Parliament Tavern – see the bill here. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

WHAT ELSE IS UP? See for yourself on our complete-calendar page.

(Steller’s Jay photographed at WSB headquarters by Patrick Sand)

Before we get to what’s happening, here’s what’s NOT happening:

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE: No swimming at Southwest Pool until the power’s back on. The building is out because of a problem City Light attributes to “bird/animal.” (2801 SW Thistle)

11 AM UPDATE: City Light says power’s back on! Here’s the SW Pool schedule.

But our highlight list does offer other aquatic options:

WADING POOLS & SPRAYPARK: Lincoln Park wading pool is open 11 am-8 pm; EC Hughes wading pool is open noon-7 pm; Hiawatha wading pool is open noon-6:30 pm; Highland Park spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm. (Find addresses here)

COLMAN POOL: The city’s outdoor saltwater swimming pool is open today noon-7 pm on the shore at Lincoln Park – walk or ride in from either end of the park waterfront. (Here’s the schedule)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Go visit the home of West Seattle’s history! Noon-4 pm. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

WINE: Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) is open 5 pm-9 pm and offering a deal: “2016 Perseverance Viognier and the 2016 PORCH Rosé of Syrah. 10% off 6 bottles or more.” (5910 California SW)

MORE WINE: Welcome Road Winery (WSB sponsor) is open 5 pm-8 pm, patio and tasting room. (3804 California SW)

MOVIES IN THE PARK: First of four this summer at the “park” space on the south side of West Seattle Church of the Nazarene. Not only is the movie free, so are popcorn, hot dogs, and soda. “Moana” is tonight’s movie – starts 9-ish. (42nd SW/SW Juneau)

THE BRUISED HEARTS REVUE: Album-release party with guests, 9 pm at Parliament Tavern. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

WHAT ELSE? Lots more – just check our complete-calendar page.

(Added: WSB photo, from Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook this morning)

Highlights for the rest of your Thursday:

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARKS OPEN TODAY: 11 am-8 pm, Lincoln Park wading pool. 11 am-8 pm, Highland Park spraypark. Noon-6:30 pm, Hiawatha wading pool. Noon-7 pm, EC Hughes wading pool. (Addresses are here)

BEER JUNCTION ANNIVERSARY: 7th anniversary beer release today at The Beer Junction, 11 amm – details on TBJ’s website. (4511 California SW)

SUMMER LUNCHES AT THE LIBRARY: 12:30 pm at High Point and Delridge libraries, free lunch for 18 and under.

HALA REZONING HEARING: If you have something to say about the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda‘s Mandatory Housing Affordability rezoning proposal, now in Draft Environmental Impact Statement stage, tonight’s the big event at City Hall, first-floor Bertha Knight Landes Room – 5:30 pm “open house” with one-on-one Q&A, and sign up to speak at the public hearing, which begins at 6:30 pm. (600 5th Ave.)

HOT ROD: 8 pm at Parliament Tavern. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

THAT’S NOT ALL … see our complete calendar for today’s full list.

This sign has been up in Katie‘s yard in Fauntlee Hills since April 22nd:

You have probably seen that sign – or something similar – in more than a few yards. This one was undisturbed until last night, when, Katie says, somebody taped this scrawled screed over it, making accusations against the Black Lives Matter movement. Katie says:

We were disappointed to discover that our property was defaced last night. Our yard sign which displays OUR values was defaced. Apparently this person felt that their right to free speech was somehow more important than mine. While we feel that the alternative view lacks empathy and the ability to see a bigger picture, we invite this person to simply place a sign reflecting their beliefs in their own yard, instead of covering mine.

They checked their security video and discovered this snippet from about 11 pm:

Katie says they do not recognize the person in the video, and adds, “I notified the hate/bias crimes unit of SPD. SPD encouraged me to file a police report if it happens again.”

(Spotted towhee, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

No midweek malaise here. Lots to do:

DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER FOR HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY: The HPE playground project will get half the proceeds if you eat at Chipotle today and tell them it’s for Highland Park Elementary. (4730 California SW)

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARKS: Three local wading pools are open today – Lincoln Park is open 11 am-8 pm; it’s the first day for EC Hughes, noon-7 pm, and the first day for Hiawatha, noon-6:30 pm. The Highland Park Spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm. (Addresses are all here)

FREE LUNCH FOR KIDS/YOUTH: Again today, 12:30 pm-1:30 pm, Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW) and High Point (35th SW/SW Raymond) Libraries offer free lunch to anyone 18 and under.

PEACE IN THE HOOD: Go see youth basketball! Tournament presented by Southwest Youth and Family Services at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, starting at 3 pm. (1321 SW 102nd)

SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD: As previewed here on Tuesday, several issues of interest are on the School Board’s agenda. They’re starting with a “work session” at 4:15 pm, district HQ in SODO. (3rd Avenue S./S. Lander)

BOOK SIGNING & IN-STORE CONCERT: Easy Street Records in The Junction hosts Gillian G. Gaar’s “Sgt. Pepper at 50” book signing at 6:30 pm, followed by Beatles tribute band Creme Tangerine at 7:30. Free, all ages. (California/Alaska)

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: The Highland Park Way roundabout, the HALA MHA DEIS, and more are on the agenda for tonight’s HPAC meeting. 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club – all welcome. (1116 SW Holden)

POEMS AND STORIES AT C&P: The monthly Poetrybridge event is at 7 pm tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), featuring Katherine Grace-Bond and Lew Jones, plus a community microphone. (5612 California SW)

JOE ROSS AND THE BIRD-WATCHERS: 8 pm at Parliament Tavern, New Orleans jazz and honkytonk. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SO MUCH MORE! Check our complete-calendar page for the full list.

(Pigeon guillemot – photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Happy Tuesday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for the rest of today/tonight:

FREE LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY: 12:30 pm at Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW) and High Point (35th SW/SW Raymond) Libraries, free lunch for kids/youth, as part of summer programs to be sure they don’t go hungry when school’s out. (Watch for more information later today on WSB about summer food programs around the area.)

DISASTER SKILLS WORKSHOP: Be prepared! 6-8 pm, city-presented disaster-skills workshop at High Point Community Center. Free! Pre-registration required – sign up here ASAP. (6920 34th SW)

ADMIRAL THEATER BENEFIT: The project to restore its historic murals will benefit from tonight’s showing of “Legends of the Road,” which tells the story of Chief Sealth (pre-International) High School students’ 5,100-mile bicycle/baseball trip in honor of the historic “barnstorming” by Negro Leagues baseball players in the first half of the 20th century. 5:30 pm $100 VIP ticket for pre-movie mingling, 6:45 pm $20 ticket for the movie and Q&A afterward. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick is here to introduce the screening – and here’s his video invitation courtesy of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:

Here’s our Monday report on a conversation with Bob and former Chief Sealth teacher Gary Thomsen, whose students did the research and road trip. Tickets available at the door and online. (2343 California SW)

BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK: 6:30 pm at Southwest Precinct, the last meeting until fall for the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network. Along with neighborhood crime-trend updates, you’ll find out about the revived SPD Community Service Officer program. All welcome – you don’t have to be a BW captain or even member. (2300 SW Webster)

TUESDAY NIGHT SUP-PER: 7 pm at Alki Kayak Tours, SUP and kayak race – details in our calendar listing. (1660 Harbor SW)

BUSHWICK BOOK CLUB: Live music at Parliament Tavern, starting at 8 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

LOTS MORE … for today, tonight, and beyond – on our complete-calendar page!

(Photo by Jamie Kinney – humpback encountered between Alki and Bainbridge on Sunday)

Highlights for the rest of your West Seattle Monday:

WADING POOLS OPEN TODAY: Seattle Parks says Lincoln Park will be open 11 am-8 pm and Delridge will be open noon-6:30 pm. Highland Park Spraypark is open 11 am-8 pm, too. (Addresses are here)

LOW-LOW TIDE: Not quite as low as the weekend’s low-low tides, but still very low, at -3.1 feet at 1:12 pm, with Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists out at Constellation and Lincoln Parks from 11 am to 3 pm.

COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park is open – here’s the schedule. Access via foot/bicycle.

LADIES’ NIGHT STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING: 6-8 pm on Monday nights from Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest Pier – details in our calendar listing. (1660 Harbor SW)

ALL-AGES QUIZ: 7:30 pm Mondays at The Skylark, all-ages quiz, with prizes. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

(Blood star, photographed by Peter Commons during Saturday’s low-low tide)

The hottest temperatures so far this year are expected today – lots of ways to get outdoors, but bring hats, water, etc.! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

AMATEUR RADIO FIELD DAY: Continues until about 11 am on the south field at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), and you’re welcome to stop by until then. Here’s our Saturday coverage. (6000 16th SW)

TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Final day of the Pacific Northwest Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships at Southwest Athletic Complex. 8:30 am-3 pm; see the schedule here. (2801 SW Thistle)

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR: Today’s the day! 9 am-5 pm, tour a dozen gardens. Self-guided but you need the $25 ticket book to get the map, locations, and admission to any and all gardens. If you haven’t bought one in advance, they’re available 8-11 am at Metropolitan Market (41st/42nd/Admiral Way; WSB sponsor) and starting at 9 am at West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon).

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: The West Seattle Summer Showdown wraps up at the WSHS Gym with 9 am games. (3000 California SW)

KIM O’DONNEL COOKS @ WSFM: 11 am-12:30 pm, best-selling cookbook author (and West Seattleite) Kim O’Donnel cooks at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market – recipes are from her newest book PNW Veg, which you can buy nearby at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor). More info here. (California between Alaska and Oregon)

WADING POOL & SPRAYPARK: Keep the little ones cool at Lincoln Park Wading Pool (8011 Fauntleroy SW) and/or Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), both open today 11 am- 8 pm.

LOW-LOW TIDE: Again today, the tide will be all the way out to -3.6 feet (at 12:25 pm). Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are back at Constellation and Lincoln Parks, too, 10:30 am-2:30 pm.

FREE BOOK SWAP: 1 pm-3 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, free book swap – drop off books for any ages, after noon. Part of the campaign to save Reading Partners tutoring at Highland Park Elementary. (1116 SW Holden)

ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: 1 pm-4 pm (last group at 3:40 pm), tour the historic Alki Point Lighthouse, free, with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. (3201 Alki SW)

HAPPY HOUR(S) AT HEIDI FISH SWIMWEAR: 1-4 pm at the new storefront of award-winning Heidi Fish Swimwear, stop by for specials. Here’s our recent story about her move. (4141 California SW)

BYSTANDER TRAINING: 2 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, as previewed here. If there’s no room left today, see our story for two more upcoming sessions. (3050 California SW)

MODE MUSIC STUDIOS OPEN-MIC FUNDRAISER @ SKYLARK: It’s the fifth month of the Get On Stage/Get Involved open-microphone session/fundraiser presented by Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) next door at The Skylark, starting with signups at 3 pm, performances at 4 pm. This month’s beneficiary is Mary’s Place, which helps families experiencing homelessness. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SILVER LINING BAND: Live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

MONTY BANKS WITH THE DRIFTWOOD TRIO: “A mix of Rat Pack swing, traditional jazz and New Orleans R&B” at Parliament Tavern, starting at 7 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

And if you’re headed off-peninsula …

PRIDE PARADE & MORE: Here’s the SDOT roundup of what’s happening elsewhere in the city, including hundreds of thousands of people gathering downtown for the 11 am Pride Parade.