Thanks to Randy Stratton for the photo of “curly icicles” seen along the Genesee Hill Elementary parking-lot stairway on Tuesday – since it’s still in the 20s as we write, we’d bet they’re still there. Meanwhile, here are calendar highlights for our clear-and-cold West Seattle Wednesday:

MAKING SEATTLE LIVABLE FOR SENIORS: What would it take? Join the discussion at Southwest Library, noon; details in our calendar listing. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

NETWORKING MEETUP: West Seattle’s only coworking center, Office Junction (WSB sponsor), invites you to bring your lunch and network, noon-1:15 pm. (6040 California SW)

LANDMARK OR NOT? As previewed here again last week, the West Seattle Junction’s Hamm Building – home to businesses including Easy Street Records – is nominated for city-landmark designation, and the Landmarks Preservation Board will consider the nomination – first of at least two required hearings – when it meets this afternoon in the Boards and Commissions Room at City Hall. The meeting starts at 3:30 pm but other items on the agenda are expected to take at least the first hour. There will be a public-comment period. (600 4th Ave.)

SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD: 4:15 pm meeting at district HQ, with some items of local interest, as previewed here. (3rd Ave. S./S. Lander)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: It’s a brand-new year and a new world for local neighborhood-district councils, no longer officially tied to the city but charging forward just the same, including the Southwest District Council, which meets at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, 6:30-7:30 pm, with this agenda:

6:30 P.M. Welcome and Introductions
• Review and approval of previous meetings minutes and summary
• Brief Announcements
• Amendments and overview of the Meeting Agenda

6:45 P.M. Neighborhood Parks & Street Fund 2017 Timeline

6:50 P.M. Discussion on changes to SWDC By-laws
• By-law Review Committee work to date
• By-laws of other district councils
• Consideration for incorporating, and at-large membership

7:20 P.M. Southwest District Council Business
• CNC Update
• Announcements
• Other business

(4217 SW Oregon)

JIM PAGE, LIVE: See and hear the singer-songwriter at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

MORE FOR TONIGHT, TOMORROW, BEYOND … on our full calendar!

The early bird gets the … grass. Sea-growing grasses are the preferred food of brant, the shy migratory geese seen along West Seattle shores this time of year. Thanks to Mark Wangerin for the photo! Now, on to our daily preview for the first non-holiday weekday of 2017:

BABY STORY TIMES: 10:30 am brings these free story times to two local libraries: Southwest Library (35th SW/SW Henderson) and West Seattle Library (2306 42nd SW). Recommended for babies up to one year old.

EARLY DAYS: Speaking of babies … the Early Days drop-in support groups have two days/locations in 2017. Today – and every Tuesday – 1-3 pm, you’ll find Early Days at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction – details in our calendar listing. (4746 44th SW)

TALK POLITICS: Drinking Liberally‘s monthly gathering is tonight, 6-7:30 pm at Pizzeria 22 in The Admiral District. (4213 SW College)

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUDGET GAP: Not in West Seattle, but not far, and the subject could affect every SPS-involved family in the district. 6:30 pm at Franklin High School, the third of three Seattle Council PTSA-sponsored community conversations about the district’s potential $74 million budget gap. What are YOUR priorities for the SPS budget, if cuts have to be made? Come hear and talk about it. (3013 S. Mt Baker Blvd.)

AND THERE’S MORE for today, tonight, and beyond, on our full calendar! (Something to add? Please send it as early as possible – at least a week before the event – with info in the body of your e-mail, not as an attachment – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!)

(American Robin, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, what’s happening for the rest of the final Friday of 2016:

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: Blood supplies tend to dwindle during the holiday season. If you can donate, consider doing it at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood today, where a mobile blood drive is scheduled 1 pm-7 pm, with a 3-4 pm break. (39th SW/SW Thistle)

FRIDAY AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES: “Some Like It Hot” (1959) is the 1 pm feature at the Senior Center of West Seattle today. (4217 SW Oregon)

STAR WARS @ MEEPLES: New “Star Wars” RPG campaign, open to new players, starting at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) at 6:30 pm – here’s the Meetup page; see other Meeples events on the store’s calendar here. (3727 California SW)

FOLK-ROCK AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Cameron Biscarret performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

3 BANDS @ SKYLARK: Magic Thread, Ol’ No. 7, The Johnstown Flood perform starting at 9 pm at The Skylark, $7 cover, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

To look ahead to New Year’s Eve & Day, see the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!

(Great blue heron, photographed by Don Brubeck)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, four ways to spend your between-holidays Thursday:

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm, visit the home of West Seattle’s history, headquarters of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

‘STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS,’ FREE: 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, all are welcome to the branch’s “family movie” screening of Episode VII. (2306 42nd SW)

HORSE AND TIGER: “A night of funky improv” at Parliament Tavern, 8 pm, 21+, no cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

THE W LOVERS: Live at Whisky West, 8 pm, 21+. (6451 California SW)

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY? Check the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. And please let us know if you have something to add!

If you’re off today, take some time to enjoy our area’s beauty – the snowcapped Olympics made an appearance this morning, and while it looks like clouds are creeping back over the peaks, at least we have James Bratsanos‘s photos capturing the view!

Meantime – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LEGO SPACE WARS @ THE LIBRARY: 2-4 pm, as previewed here yesterday, kids are invited to Southwest Library to build spaceships (and more) with Legos! Free; no registration required. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR THE ORCAS: 4:45 pm, meet at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza to remember and honor the Southern Resident Killer Whales lost this year. (61st SW/Alki Avenue SW)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Get ready for a project you’re planning in the New Year! Visit the Tool Library tonight, 5-8 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

GET FIT, WEST SEATTLE! INFO NIGHT: 6:30 pm at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), come find out about the couch-to-half-marathon training program for beginners, with its next session starting early in the New Year. (2743 California SW)

Nothing from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide for today/tonight, but it has a growing section of New Year’s Eve/Day events – if yours isn’t there, let us know ASAP via editor@westseattleblog.com so we can add it – thanks!

(Photo by Lynn Hall – another view of Alki’s “sea serpent” driftwood)

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Special hours this week at your shop? Let us know ASAP so we can mention! Here are some places we know you can shop today/tonight:

My Three Little Birds (WSB sponsor) in south Morgan Junction is open today, until 5 pm. (6959 California SW)

Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) in The Junction is open today, until 6 pm. (4736 California SW)

Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction is open until 6 pm. (6529 California SW)

Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village is open today, until 6 pm. (2600 SW Barton)

Atomic Boys in Admiral is open today, until 6 pm. (4311 SW Admiral Way)

Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction is open until 8 tonight. (4540 California SW)

Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) is open today, 11:30 am-10 pm. (3727 California SW)

Also today/tonight:

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: 2 pm at Southwest Library, all welcome. “Let the Great World Spin” by Colum McCann is this month’s book. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: The regional Camp Fire Headquarters is in West Seattle and inviting you over this afternoon/evening: “Join us for an evening of cookie decorating, gingerbread house making and snowflake cutting! Come take a photo in one of our many holiday photo booths! This is also a great opportunity to come tour Camp Fire headquarters and meet the staff!” 3-6 pm. Bring a donation for foster kids via Treehouse – here’s the wish list. (2414 SW Andover, Suite D-105)

SANTA AT THRIFTWAY Another chance to see St. Nick – West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) will get four visits this week, starting with 5:30-8:30 pm tonight. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

COOKIE CLASS: Holiday Cookie Decorating Class for the whole family at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 6 pm. Reservations required – get all the info here – and call ASAP to see if they still have room! (1936 Harbor SW)

WEST SEATTLE QUILTERS: 7 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (4217 SW Oregon)

MONDAY QUIZ: All ages, 7:30 pm at The Skylark. (3803 California SW)

(The Olympics this morning, by James Bratsanos. As with almost all photos on WSB, you can click to open a larger view)

Happy Friday! Many highlights for the rest of today/tonight. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

GIFT IDEAS @ HOMESTREET: HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction will host vendors for a mini-bazaar: “Just a couple of locals selling some things that might make nice Christmas presents. We have one artist selling some cute little paintings, and we have someone else who will be selling essential oils. The event starts at noon and will probably go until about 5 pm or so. We’ll have cocoa and cookies also to enjoy while browsing.” (41st SW/SW Alaska)

HOLIDAY WINE RELEASE: Happening today (and tomorrow!) at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor). Two new wines: “Our new Holiday wine release includes a 2014 Chardonnay called ‘The Betrayal’ and a 2013 Merlot called ‘Heart Box Red.’ Past vintages of these same wines have won several awards and these two new wines follow in their great heritage.” 5-9 pm tonight, 2-7 pm Saturday. (5910 California SW)

HOLIDAY MOVIES: Short at 6:15, main feature at 7 pm, at Highland Park Improvement Club. Free – bring $ for concessions. Full details, including movie hints, on the HPIC website. (12th SW/SW Holden)

BELLS OF THE SOUND: Sounds of the holiday! Bells of the Sound live at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor): This year’s holiday concert is “Holiday Special,” featuring songs from beloved holiday-season TV specials. Come see and hear Puget Sound’s premier handbell ensemble at 7:30 pm – “as we reminisce with songs from our favorite holiday television specials including ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ ‘The Year Without Santa Claus,’ and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’.” show and ticket details here – suggested donation $10/adults, $8/youth and seniors. (3940 41st SW)

FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7:30 pm. Five singers are from West Seattle, the announcement says:

They include Jackson Cecil and Hayden Wainwright, both 15 and at Garfield HS and Northwest School respectively, and 14-year-old Washington MS students Claire Ellerwood and Livia Woelfle. 12-year-old Emilya Buck is at Madison MS. The talented boys worked their way over many years to the top Performing Choir, and graduated to Vocalpoint! Seattle, where they were joined by the girls. They perform these thrilling concerts alongside the Northwest Boychoir that have become a holiday tradition for thousands of families in the Puget Sound region and showcase the 90-member combined chorus.

More info, including ticketing, here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: 7:30 pm performance tonight for the Twelfth Night Productions presentation of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play” at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link, or before the show at the box office. (7904 35th SW)

Lots more in the Holiday Guide, including ongoing light shows, donation drives, more …

Now, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

(Thursday sunset photo by Dan E)

YOUTH SPEAKS SEATTLE POETRY SLAM! Doors, food, signups at 6 pm; slam starts 6:30 pm. Part of “an annual poetry slam series to build community, showcase the next generation of Seattle’s poetic changemakers, and to decide the top 5 poets to rep Seattle at Brave New Voices.” Go slam, or go watch and listen! At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. More info in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: All four of the West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School varsity teams are home tonight – WSHS girls and boys hosting Bishop Blanchet, 7 pm and 8:30 pm respectively (3000 California SW); CSIHS girls hosting Holy Names, 7 pm, boys hosting O’Dea at 8:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

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

‘MELANCHOLIC POP’ with three bands at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(Western Grebe, photographed by Mark Wangerin. Curious about its leg? Read this.)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

DINE OUT FOR LAFAYETTE: 3-10 pm at Chipotle in The Junction, part of the proceeds benefit Lafayette Elementary. (4730 California SW)

TINKERLAB: With the High Point Library temporarily closed, Southwest Library is the place to go for today’s Tinkerlab drop-in session, focused on Finch Robots. 3:30-5 pm. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

CIRCLE OF SINGLES: 5 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). Event for singles 60+. (1936 Harbor SW)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY AT CLICK! Many Junction shops are open later than usual tonight – among them, longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits, with a special pop-up event in its loft – details here. (4540 California SW)

CAROLING IN THE JUNCTION: Join in holiday songs while you’re shopping The Junction tonight – meet up with Emerald City Voices at 6 pm at Junction Plaza Park “to join in a stroll around the Junction. You’ll be stopping at local businesses to sing the season with holiday cheer,” as part of Hometown Holidays. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)

DENNY CONCERT: Postponed last week because of weather, the Denny International Middle School winter band/orchestra concert is happening tonight, 6:30 pm at Chief Sealth International HS Auditorium. (2600 SW Thistle)

WSHS CONCERT: The West Seattle High School Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra are performing their Winter Concert tonight, 7 pm, in the WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

ORCA TALK: The Southern Resident Killer Whales’ situation is more precarious than ever. Tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), The Whale Trail‘s first Orca Talk of the season brings you Lynne Barre from NOAA Fisheries with the latest on their status. Our preview includes ticket info – check to see if there’s room. (5612 California SW)

SHAKE THINGS UP: The monthly Alauda bellydancing showcase at The Skylark is at 7:30 tonight. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LOTS MORE … for today and tonight – just check our complete calendar here.

(Bewick’s Wren, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

CRAFT FAIR: You’re invited to today’s Craft Fair at the Salvation Army, 10 am-6 pm. (9050 16th SW)

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am-11 am, for ages 3-5, at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. (2306 42nd SW)

LOCAL BIZ MEETUP: Entrepreneur? Proprietor? Wannabe businessperson? Noon-1:15 pm, come to this week’s free meetup at West Seattle’s only coworking center, Office Junction. (WSB sponsor; 6040 California SW)

DINE OUT BENEFIT FOR WSHS SOPHOMORES: 2-9 pm, Shelby’s in The Junction is donating a percentage of proceeds to the West Seattle High School sophomore class. (4752 California SW)

DINE OUT BENEFIT FOR ALKI ELEMENTARY: 3-9 pm at Chipotle in The Junction, a percentage of the proceeds benefit the Alki Elementary Learning Garden project. (4730 California SW)

FOOD DRIVE AT SOUTHWEST POOL: As we noted on Monday, you can bring in nonperishable-food donations during pool hours and/or bring in 3 items to get discounted prices for specific swims this week. Tonight – 7:30 pm public swim! (2801 SW Thistle)

BUILD A GINGERBREAD HOUSE: Free Gingerbread House Building Event for the community – Delridge Community Center, 6-7:30 pm. Must pre-register, barcode #158853, so call the center ASAP to register, 206-684-7423. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

CHRISTMAS PARTY: Trinity West Seattle hosts a free West Seattle Christmas Party for the community, 6 pm. Dessert bar, free photos with Santa Claus, Santa’s workshop for kids, live music. (7551 35th SW)

SANTA AT PEGASUS: Come get your Santa photos at Pegasus Pizza on Alki, 6-9 pm. Images free with any purchase. (2770 Alki SW)

‘GET FIT WEST SEATTLE’ INFO NIGHT: A new couch-to-half-marathon training program is about to start at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), and tonight at 7 pm, you’re invited to the store to find out about it. (2743 California SW)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ HOLIDAY PARTY: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, this month’s meeting is a holiday celebration. (9131 California SW)

AND THERE’S MORE … for today, tonight, and beyond, on our complete calendar.

(Downy woodpecker – our state’s smallest woodpecker! – photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

FOOD DRIVE AT SOUTHWEST POOL: As we noted on Monday, you can drop off nonperishable-food donations during pool hours and/or bring in 3 items to get discounted prices for specific swims this week. Tonight – 8:30 pm water exercise. (2801 SW Thistle)

BABY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library, for 4- to 12-month-olds and their parents/guardians/caregivers. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

DINE OUT FOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: 2-9 pm at Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery, 10 percent of the proceeds today/tonight go to Our Lady of Guadalupe School. (4752 California SW)

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON SCHOOL DISCIPLINE: 6-8 pm at the Salvation Army in West Seattle, families and students are invited to this dialogue, presented by the Southwest King County Discipline Coalition, to help shape how schools in our state handle discipline. Whether you can or can’t be there, you’re also invited to take this survey. More info here. (9050 16th SW)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: 6:30 pm at the Sisson Building/Senior Center, it’s the meeting that had to be postponed when the city booked the big “open house” for last Wednesday. (Added) The agenda includes:

6:40 P.M. Election of 2017 Southwest District Council Officers

· Nominations for Chair and/or Co-Chairs: David Whiting, Eric Iwamoto
· Nominations for Vice Chair (see Co-Chairs)
· Nominations for Secretary: Vicki Schmitz Block
· Nominations for CNC Representative:

6:50 P.M. Discussion on changes to SWDC Bylaws

7:10 P.M. Proposed Rezone Changes

· Recap on last week’s HALA Mandatory Rezone Meeting(s) in West Seattle
· Overview of proposed changes

7:40 P.M. Southwest District Council Business

· CNC Update
· Announcements
· Other business

(4217 SW Oregon)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral, with an agenda – as previewed here – including a citywide proposal for a “renters’ commission.” (42nd SW/SW Lander)

COMMUNITY MEDITATION: 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center: “Meditation instruction offered at the start of each evening, with tea and open discussion following group meditation for any who wish to participate.” Free. More info in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HOLIDAY CONCERT: Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12 & Warm Holiday Classics. West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ final concert of the season. “Our Intermediate Orchestra will perform familiar works by Bizet and Dvorak as well as a contemporary treatment of ‘Hatikvah,’ an Israeli traditional folk song. A special treat is the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12, featuring the orchestra’s own piano prodigy, Vincent Pham, age 12. The Wind Symphony will follow up with classical wind ensemble pieces and holiday favorites including Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride’ and ‘A Christmas Festival’.” 7 pm, Chief Sealth International High School auditorium. FREE! (donations appreciated, of course!) (2600 SW Thistle)

CLASSIC COUNTRY: That’s what The Rolling Blackouts play, and they’re at Parliament Tavern 8-11 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(American Wigeon, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Nothing in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide for tonight – aside from ongoing light shows, tree lots, etc. – but the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar is topped by one big event at two locations:

CITY OPEN HOUSE ABOUT REZONING, ROADS, PARKING, PARKS, MORE: Tonight’s the night. We’ve been talking about this for weeks – talking about the central topic, proposed rezoning for the Mandatory Housing Affordability component of the mayor’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda, for even longer – and this is your chance to ask questions and offer comments. Other topics you can learn and ask about and comment on are all listed in our big preview published Tuesday. Tonight’s locations, 5:30-7:30 pm – just drop in, no presentations planned – are Shelby’s in The Junction (4752 California SW) and Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge (4408 Delridge Way SW).

P.S. In addition to the maps we’ve been showing – you will see a second version, just showing what’s proposed (not current zoning), at the open house. These maps have been added to the city’s feedback site at hala.consider.it (look for your nearest “urban village” on the dropdown, choose “expand map,” and scroll through both). Or, see just the second version of all West Seattle maps by going here.

Also happening today/tonight:

NETWORKING MEETUP: Working from home? Running your own business? Home on the peninsula for some other reason? West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor) welcomes you to this week’s free networking meetup, noon-1:15 pm. (6040 California SW)

TOYS FOR TOYS, FINAL DAY: As mentioned here yesterday, today’s the final day of the Toys for Tots drive at John Moore‘s Northwest Insurance Group in Morgan Junction – drop off your new, unwrapped toy donation by 4:30 pm! (6055 California SW)

HIGH POINT LIBRARY CLOSURE CONTINUES: Just one more reminder – the High Point Library‘s closure for renovations continues. The reopening date isn’t yet set but it will be sometime in January.

SINGER-SONGWRITER, LIVE: Jim Page performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

HONKY-TONK, SWING, ROCK-N-ROLL, LIVE: Billy Joe Huels and the RC’s perform at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)

First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

CONCERT: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Brass Ensemble and Debut Orchestra: Great Beginnings! “It’s WSCO’s gift to the community, especially for our young folks, featuring orchestral and brass classics, and holiday favorites!” 6 pm, Chief Sealth International High School auditorium. FREE – donations appreciated. (2600 SW Thistle)

And from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DENNY DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 2-9 pm at Shelby’s in The Junction, 10 percent of the proceeds go to help Denny International Middle School. (4752 California SW)

JUNCTION NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION: As previewed here, HALA rezoning, City Light lighting, and a Residential Parking Zone proposal are on the agenda. 6:30 pm, Sisson Building/Senior Center. (4217 SW Oregon)

FREE COMMUNITY MEDITATION: 7 pm @ Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – details here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

SONGWRITER SHOWCASE: 8 pm-11 pm at Parliament Tavern, “a night of songs and stories.” (4210 SW Admiral Way)

LOTS MORE … on the calendar!

Today’s featured bird is a bald eagle, captured in flight by a WSB reader who texted us the short video clip you see above – thank you! Now, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – where you’ll find these highlights AND more for today/tonight – and archives, four notes about what’s ahead:

HIGH POINT LIBRARY CLOSURE: Today is the first day of the High Point Library‘s closure for renovations. Its book drop also is closed. The reopening date has not yet been announced – get the newest information here.

‘FIGHT THE FEAR’: 3:30-6 pm at West Seattle High School, all local teens are invited to this training on self defense, sexual-assault awareness and relationship-violence education. Parental permission is required for those under 18; the form is in our preview with other details of the event. (3000 California SW)

WWRHAH MEETS: 6:15 pm at Southwest Library, the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meets, with an agenda including the draft rezoning map for the WW-Highland Park Urban Village as proposed in the Mandatory Housing Affordability component of the city’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU MEETS: 7 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. Tonight’s agenda is focused on the budget, as this longtime community organization continues to figure out its future. (2306 42nd SW)

Nothing in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide for tonight – but we’ve continued to add more – Santa, light shows, bazaars, etc. – browse through when you get a chance! And if your event, service, giving opportunity is missing, e-mail us the info ASAP for inclusion – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

Welcome to December! Here’s what’s ahead for the rest of your Thursday. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Bridge Park in High Point invites you to shop the bazaar there today, noon-4 pm. (3204 SW Morgan)

MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: The biggest and brightest display in West Seattle is expected to be up and running tonight – we’ll be checking later. (5605 Beach Drive SW)

From the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, plus our archives and inbox:

DENNY FUNDRAISER: Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village fundraiser starts today for Denny International Middle School PTSA. Part of the proceeds will benefit Denny if you mention at checkstand – or buy via bn.com/bookfairs and enter (UPDATED NUMBER) Bookfair ID 12049292. (2600 SW Barton)

GET HELP APPLYING FOR COLLEGE $: College Goal Washington offers help in filling out the financial-aid application that needs to be turned in no matter where you’re going to college. 2-7 pm drop-in event at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

BUILD A ROBOT AT THE LIBRARY: Today’s drop-in Tinkerlab at High Point Library, 3:30-5 pm, involves Cubelet Robot Construction. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

GRAND OPENING IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm is the grand-opening celebration for the John L. Scott Real Estate office that has remodeled and moved into the former JF Henry building in The Junction. (4445 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL INFO NIGHT: For 8th graders and their families – come to tonight’s event and learn about what West Seattle High School offers. 6:30-8:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD: 6:30 pm, the Southwest Design Review Board takes another look at the mixed-use project planned at 4532 42nd SW in The Junction, currently described as six stories with 74 apartments, 71 offstreet-parking spaces, and 5,200+ square feet of commercial space:

That rendering by architects Clark Design Group is from the full “packet,” which you can see here. The meeting will include a public-comment period. It’s happening at the Senior Center/Sisson Building. (4217 SW Oregon)

NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: The community council for White Center and vicinity meets at 7 tonight at the North Highline Fire District HQ, with an agenda including the new plan for a King County-operated shelter. (1243 SW 112th)

LOTS MORE HAPPENING … including nightlife! Just go check our complete calendar.

Thanks to Bob Spears for the photo of the Olympics’ Monday appearance! Here’s some of what you need to know about what’s ahead in West Seattle today/tonight:

GIVING TUESDAY: It’s another early-holiday-season tradition – today is “Giving Tuesday,” when you’re encouraged to donate to nonprofit(s) of your choice. Money, items, time, whatever you can do! One place to find local ideas is the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, where we feature a “Giving Opportunities” section all season long – this includes places where you’ll find giving trees, donation bins, as well as listings for benefit events. (Not too late for us to add yours – e-mail the info ASAP to editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)

Two local benefits on our calendar this Giving Tuesday:

*West 5 is donating part of its proceeds today/tonight to Jazz Night School (as previewed here) and featuring a live performance at 7 pm. (4539 California SW)

*Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery is donating part of its proceeds today/tonight to Genesee Hill Elementary. (4752 California SW)

Also from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

REZONING – ‘DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON?’ As previewed again here last night, tonight is the community-organized workshop you can attend to find out more about the city’s extensive rezoning proposals as part of the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda’s “Mandatory Housing Affordability” component. While effects in our area are focused on the five “urban villages” (Junction, Admiral, Morgan, Westwood-Highland Park, South Park), zoning changes are proposed for multifamily/commercial properties *everywhere*, too. Here’s the original announcement of tonight’s event, 6:30-8:30 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. (12th SW/SW Holden)

FREE PARENTING PRESENTATION: Learn about “Mindful Parenting” at 7 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), presented by West Seattle Cooperative Preschools – details in our calendar listing. (3940 41st SW)

BASKETBALL SEASON STARTS: As noted in our coverage of Saturday’s 13-team Chief Sealth Jamboree, high-school basketball season starts this week, and the first game is tonight – West Seattle High School hosts Mountlake Terrace at 7:15 pm. (3000 California SW)

JOE ROSS & THE BIRD WATCHERS: New Orleans/honky-tonk jazz, 8-11 pm at Parliament Tavern. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MUCH MORE GOING ON … see our complete calendar here!

(From Seacrest, photographed by Creighton)

Thanks to everyone who sent rainbow views from this morning’s sunrise – the sun broke through in the east, and rainbows resulted in the west/northwest. We’re interspersing four with today’s list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

(From Beach Drive, photographed by Scott Lipsky)

DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER FOR FAIRMOUNT PARK ELEMENTARY: 2-9 pm, Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery in The Junction is donating 10 percent to the Fairmount Park Elementary PTA. (4752 California SW)

MATH BUDDIES: 4-5 pm drop-in program for K-5 students at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. (2306 42nd SW)

(Photographed from Alki by Dan Ciske)

COTTAGE GROVE COMMONS CONCERNS? The community advisory committee is reconvening tonight at 6:30 pm at the Delridge supportive-housing complex, as recently previewed here. (5444 Delridge Way SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 7-7:30 pm at Delridge Library, bring your kid(s) for songs, stories, and rhymes. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

(Photographed from Alki by Lynn Hall)

SOUTH SOUND TUG & BARGE: Live music, 8 pm, Parliament Tavern. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

LOOKING AHEAD TO THANKSGIVING … lots of info (restaurants, free community meals, coffee shops, grocery stores) in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!

(Photo by David Hutchinson – taken from Don Armeni Boat Ramp)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

THANKSGIVING DEADLINES: If you’re ordering a pie, a dinner, or something else for Thanksgiving, doublecheck your deadline … for some, the cutoff has already passed, but here are three where the deadline is today:

Metropolitan Market: Deadline today; make a reservation online
A la Mode Pies: Noon today is the pre-ordering deadline
Caffe Ladro: Deadline today; order online

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: 2 pm at Southwest Library. “The Madonnas of Leningrad” by Debra Dean is this month’s title – more info here. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ASSIGNMENT PLAN CHANGES: 6:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School‘s library, it’s the first of five citywide meetings about proposed changes to the district’s Assignment Plan, as previewed here. (2600 SW Thistle)

WEST SEATTLE QUILTERS: 7 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, it’s the semi-monthly meeting of this quilting group – all quilters welcome! (4217 SW Oregon)

QUIZ NIGHT: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, free, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

DADS’ BOOK CLUB: Third weekly meeting for this new group, 8:30 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. Here’s how to get involved. (12th SW/SW Holden)

SOMETHING FOR OUR CALENDAR AND/OR HOLIDAY GUIDE? Please e-mail the info ASAP – plain text in your e-mail, not a Word doc or PDF or poster – to editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Marc Milrod)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

FALL WINE RELEASE: Again today (and tomorrow), 1-7 pm, the Northwest Wine Academy on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus is open for you to taste and buy its fall releases. Free tasting and free parking. More info in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

WINE TASTING: Try and buy wine at the Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room, 5-9 pm. (5910 California SW)

DUWAMISH RIVER CHOCOLATE FEST: 5:30-8 pm, drink beer, wine, and/or cider and eat chocolate to benefit the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse – details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

(Another view of this morning’s sunrise, photographed by Bradetta Vines)

BINGO NIGHT: Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School invites you to Charlie Brown Bingo Night, 6-9 pm in the school gym: “This is a great opportunity to help our school to buy resources while you are enjoying delicious food and winning great prizes.” (20th SW/SW Roxbury)

HPIC MOVIE NIGHT: At Highland Park Improvement Club:

Doors open at 6:00 pm with a children’s short at 6:15 and the main movie at 7. Free admission. Volunteers will be selling popcorn, candy, and other movie fare. Bring blankets and pillows or sit in our chairs. This is an all ages event. Bring your friends, family and neighbors.

Double Feature!

Short movie hint: Squeal! Fun times with some animated animals!

Feature movie hint: This 2005 PG (1 hr 37 minutes) movie features a governess who uses magic to rein in the behavior of seven ne’er-do-well children in her charge.

(12th SW/SW Holden)

SPAGHETTI DINNER: Join the local high schools’ Key Clubs for their fundraising spaghetti dinner, 6:45-8:45 pm at West Seattle High School:

At this event, there will be raffle prizes, cake walks, a photo booth, and so much more!

Tickets to enter are $10, and everyone is welcomed! There will be a dessert potluck, so please feel free to bring your favorite sweet dish! Thank you for supporting your local Key Clubs!

(3000 California SW)

‘SWEET, SWEET MUSIC’: Trillium Soul headlines the Fauntleroy Church concert-series return, featuring Irene Stewart on violin, 7 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (9140 California SW)

‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’: Night two of ArtsWest‘s winter production; curtain time, 7:30 pm. Find ticket info in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

MUMFORD & SONS CONCERT FILM: 11 pm at Admiral Theater – details here. (2343 California SW)

MORE! for today/tonight/this weekend and beyond. Browse our complete calendar!

(Photo by Keri Watson, who says the eagle subsequently dropped the seagull when harassed by an osprey)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

FALL WINE RELEASE: 1-7 pm today and each of the next two days, the Northwest Wine Academy on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus is open for its fall-release tastings. Free to taste; free parking; wine is available for purchase. More info in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

DROP-OFF TURKEY DONATION DRIVE: 4-7 pm outside Easy Street Records in The Junction, the West Seattle Food Bank will be there so you can drive up, ride up, walk up and donate a turkey and/or $15 to cover the cost of one. (California SW/SW Alaska)

MORGAN JUNCTION LADIES NIGHT: 6-9 pm at Second Gear Sports and My Three Little Birds (both WSB sponsors) as well as Lika Love and Nurture by Nature, it’s the Ladies Night/Shopping Extravaganza, with treats and specials at the participating shops, as well as a gift-certificate drawing you can enter with a flyer stamped at all four stores, and more, as previewed here.

FAIRMOUNT PARK ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:30 pm general-membership meeting, with free child care provided by the YMCA. (3800 SW Findlay)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at The Kenney – this month’s meeting has been moved up a week because of next week’s holiday. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

TALK ABOUT CUBA TRAVEL & FISHING: 7 pm at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), presentation and Q&A about traveling to and fishing in Cuba, as previewed here last night. (42nd SW/SW Oregon)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC. (6115 SW Hinds)

AFRICAN ALL-STARS: 7:30 pm performance at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – dance and rhythm: “The artists are professionals from the best dance companies of both Guinea and Congo, West Africa.” Ticket information is in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’: Opening night for ArtsWest‘s winter production; curtain time, 7:30 pm. Ticket info is part of our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

BELLY-DANCE SHOWCASE: Monthly free Alauda showcase at The Skylark, 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

EVEN MORE … happening today/tonight/beyond. Check our complete calendar!