West Seattle Blog…

West Seattle Tuesday: ‘Celebrate Lincoln Park’; Block Watch Captains; soccer; STEM plan…

Thanks to Bob Michaels for the view of this morning’s beautiful sunrise … those clouds are just memories now, and the sun’s shining full force. The WSB West Seattle Event Calendar has the full slate of what’s up today/tonight, and here are five highlights:

BIG SOCCER GAME: Division-leading Chief Sealth International High School – also ranked #2 statewide! – hosts division #2 Ingraham at Southwest Athletic Complex, 4 pm today. (2801 SW Thistle)

FORUM FOR CAREGIVERS: Merrill Gardens (WSB sponsor) continues its series of forums for caregivers – tonight’s topic at MG-Admiral Heights is communication in multiple-caregiver situations. 6 pm; details here. (2326 California SW)

CELEBRATE LINCOLN PARK, PART 1: You’ve probably walked its paths, through the forest, along the shore – but do you know its history? Details about its wildlife? (Yes, even the squirrel photographed today by Machel Spence:

The Fauntleroy Community Association‘s two-part “Celebrate Lincoln Park” begins tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy with an event to help you learn about the park (prelude to a Saturday event AT the park) – 6:30 to 8:30 pm, free, details here. (9131 California SW)

CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN: Also known as CPTED, it’s what you’ll learn about tonight if you go to the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network‘s monthly meeting – you don’t have to be a captain, or even a Block Watch member (though BW’s are highly recommended for EVERY neighborhood), to be there. Details on the WSBWCN website; 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct meeting room. (Delridge/Webster)

K-5 STEM STRATEGIC PLAN: 6:45-8:15 pm tonight, current and future K-5 STEM families are welcome to come hear – and comment on – the presentation of the school’s five-year plan. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

West Seattle Monday: Run for Boston; Delridge Grocery; high-school sports; more

Thanks to Gary Jones for sharing the beautiful bald-eagle view from Alki! As we take off into a new week, here’s some of what’s ahead today:

BAKERY NOUVEAU OPENS ON CAPITOL HILL: Our fellow community-collaborative news site CapitolHillSeattle.com reports that Bakery Nouveau‘s Capitol Hill location planned to open its doors at 8 this morning. (15th & John)

PET FOOD DRIVE ALL WEEK: West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor) is among the schools back in session today, and that means its pet-food donation drive continues. As reported here just before spring break, community members are welcome to drop off donated pet food as a contribution to the drive, too. (11215 15th SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL: Go support the division-leading West Seattle High School varsity baseball team while they get a TV spotlight. From parent Greg Slader:

Monday’s game at Hiawatha featuring Metro Division leaders West Seattle 10-1 (Sound Division) and Eastside Catholic 9-2 (Mountain Division) will be on TV! Comcast Xfinity “on Demand” will be filming for a Future episode of High School Sports Seattle.

That game’s at 3:30 pm at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW). Check the Metro League schedule for other games.

RUN FOR BOSTON: One week after the Boston Marathon bombings, support/tribute runs are happening around the country tonight. West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is organizing one that’ll start from its store at 6 pm. All welcome, no matter what your pace. (California/Charlestown)

DELRIDGE GROCERY: The monthly meeting for those involved – or interested in getting involved – with the future co-op grocery store is at 6:30 tonight, Delridge Library, with a focus on volunteer help – not just for when the store opens, but now, as preparations continue. Here’s our preview. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: Tonight you and your kids are invited to enjoy story time at High Point Library – 7 pm, free! (35th/Raymond)

Nightlife – trivia and pub quiz at multiple locations! – and more, on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

6 highlights for the rest of your West Seattle Sunday

(North Delridge flowers photographed by Flickr member “old desolate,” shared via WSB Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – some of your options in the hours ahead:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Under way now, continuing till 2 pm, if you haven’t gone already! In addition to your market shopping, say hi to the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, scheduled to be back at the market today after a winter break. (44th/Alaska)

EARTH DAY STORIES: Tomorrow is the official Earth Day but celebrations and commemorations have been under way all weekend; today you can listen to Native storytelling at the Duwamish Longhouse, 2-4 pm, details here. (4505 West Marginal Way)

LIVE MUSIC THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING: Check the calendar for multiple listings starting at 1 pm – afternoon and evening performances!

HEELS FOR HOUNDS: Music, wine, appetizers, and … shoes! The silent-auction event benefiting Furry Faces Foundation‘s animal-advocacy work is 3-6 pm at Ola Salon in Luna Park. (2942 SW Avalon Way)

‘CHARLIE BROWN’ FINALE: 3 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, last chance to see Twelfth Night Productions present “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HIGHLINE PREMIER FC FAMILY INFO NIGHT: In Burien, but this Highline FC advanced-development programs serve players in West Seattle and vicinity too, 6-8 pm at Burien Community Center. (14700 6th SW, Burien)

West Seattle Saturday: Roxhill celebration; Junction sales; Duwamish Alive!; Eagles’ cancer-fighting dinner; more

(Photo by Val, from Roxhill playground’s “soft open” Tuesday)
Another day/night with lots of options – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar include these (and follow that link to the calendar for even more):

DAKOTA PLACE PARK CLEANUP: Rain or shine, 9 am-noon, California/Dakota. What should you bring? Details here.

BAKE SALE FOR PUGET SOUNDKEEPER ALLIANCE: Shanti Salon and Spa (2138 California SW; WSB sponsor) opens at 9 am, and it’s the second of three days for its benefit bake sale to assist Puget Soundkeeper Alliance – here’s our preview.

JUNCTION TAX-FREE DAY: Support your friendly neighborhood independent local businesses – more than 40 places to find a discount and/or deal starting at 10 am today – look for merchants sporting one or more red balloons outside! Or – check the list here on the West Seattle Junction Association website, to see who’s picking up the tax bill with a 10 percent discount and who’s offering specials (including food and drink).

RECORD-STORE DAY: It’s the national day to celebrate independent record stores – and West Seattle is home to the legendary Easy Street Records, which has deals and sales planned throughout the day – check them out here.

DUWAMISH ALIVE! Work parties from Pigeon Point Park to Tukwila, 10 am-2 pm, as part of the twice-yearly event to care for the Duwamish River and its watershed. Here’s the map:

Events include a noon program at Herring’s House Park/T-107 in West Seattle, with speakers to include Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen.

LINCOLN PARK BEACH CLEANUP: Puget Sound’s shore needs some TLC too, and this work party is planned to help with that, 10 am-12:30 pm – details here.

SHOPPING-SPREE WINNER GOES FOR IT: Be at West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan; WSB sponsor) at 10 am to cheer for Rob Dent, who won the big prize Thriftway gave away as part of its 25th anniversary celebration raffle to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank, a four-minute, up-to-$500 Western Family shopping spree. More info in our preview.

ROXHILL CASTLE, SKATEPARK DEDICATION: 11 am-2 pm, join the party at Roxhill Park (29th/Barton), as the newly renovated playground and newly built skatepark are both dedicated and formally opened. Ceremony at 12:30 pm, but lots of other fun before and after, as explained by Seattle Parks and Rec here.

YOUTH CELEBRATION: For teens and tweens, at Southwest Teen Life Center, noon-4 pm – details here.

TRIVIA CRAWL: Starting at 3 pm, in The Admiral District – details here (including how to sign up).

ART EHRMANN CANCER BENEFIT @ EAGLES: 4th annual fundraising event, with dinner, music, and an auction, and the public is welcome to come help raise money to fight cancer, 5:30 pm at the West Seattle Eagles‘ HQ in The Junction – details on this flyer, via Facebook.

SEATTLE RAINMAKERS’ DEBUT: West Seattle is now home to the Seattle Rainmakers professional Ultimate (Frisbee) team, with the season’s first home game tonight at 7 at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – details here.

‘CHARLIE BROWN’: Second-to-last show for Twelfth Night Productions‘ “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” at 7:30 tonight:

Tickets are available online.

Got something to shred? Save it up for April 27th!

If you’ve been storing shred-ready documents, waiting for your chance, here it comes. Real-estate team Dale and Roger from IHeartWestSeattle.com are co-sponsoring a free document-shredding event at C & P Coffee Company on Saturday, April 27th. A mobile shredding setup will be on site to take care of your shreddables while you hang out and have some coffee; Dale and Roger will be happy to answer questions about real estate, and they’ll be joined by Hans from Cobalt Mortgage – no obligation, though, they promise, just come on by for safe and secure free shredding. 9 am-1 pm April 27 at 5612 California SW. (IHeartWestSeattle.com and C & P Coffee are both WSB sponsors.)

West Seattle Thursday: From microhousing to megaproject, author reading to in-store concert, & more…

(Alki sunshine, photographed Monday by Flickr member wsLaura, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Busy Thursday! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find yet more on the schedule for today/tonight, and way beyond):

WSB @ WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER: Your WSB co-publishers join Swift Media Solutions‘ Lora Swift (also proprietor of our inaugural sponsor Hotwire Online Coffeehouse) for a social-media presentation at today’s West Seattle Chamber of Commerce lunch, 11:30 am, The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor). Reservations required so if you haven’t already signed up, check with the Chamber office ASAP to see if there’s room.

COUNCILMEMBERS TALK MICROHOUSING: With several such developments on the drawing board here in West Seattle, following others around the city, City Councilmembers are gathering for a special brown-bag-lunch discussion of the trend’s implications, among other things. 11:30 am-1:30 pm; you’re welcome in council chambers downtown, or watch live on the Seattle Channel (online or Cable 21).

THIRD THURSDAY BOOK CLUB: A Lifelong Recreation event, 1 pm at High Point Community Center. Books provided! Want to be part of it? Call in advance – the info’s in the listing.

4755 FAUNTLEROY WAY @ DESIGN COMMISSION: West Seattle’s biggest proposed mixed-use project returns to the Seattle Design Commission for a second look at its “urban design merit,” as part of the city’s review to decide whether to grant an “alley vacation” for the 370-apartment, 598-parking-space, supermarket-and-drugstore-included site. 1:30 pm-3:30 pm in the Boards and Commissions Room, downstairs at City Hall downtown, 4th and Cherry. (Here’s our report on the commission’s first review last month.)

COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: Come join in the weekly work/planting party, 3-5 pm, north end of the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus – details here.

LGBT SOCIAL GROUP: This monthly group gathers at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon), and tonight, you’re welcome to join them in a Piano Bar setting, with food, beer, and wine, 6-8 pm.

TEEN AUTHOR READS AT C & P: Emerging teen author Samantha Ayala reads from, and signs/sells, her book “The Loudest Silence,” 6 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California; WSB sponsor) – details here.

ASK AN EXPERT/FIXERS’ COLLECTIVE: Double bill tonight at the West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6-8 pm – come to get advice and/or join the Collective in fixing something, with help! Details here.

ROBERT DeLONG LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, Bothell native Robert DeLong performs a free in-store concert at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska in The Junction) – details here.

Five highlights for your West Seattle Wednesday

(Thanks to Amanda Teicher for sharing this bubbly photo taken late yesterday along Harbor Avenue SW)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – four highlights for your West Seattle Wednesday:

‘EARLY DAYS’: This drop-in support group for new moms meets every Wednesday, noon-2 pm, at Nurturing Expressions (4746 44th SW, Suite 201; WSB sponsor) – details here.

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL: Though Seattle Public Schools are out on spring break, both West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School have varsity baseball games today – WSHS vs. Franklin at Hiawatha, 3:30 pm; CSIHS vs. Rainier Beach at SW Athletic Complex, 4 pm.

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), with an agenda including the California/Fauntleroy intersection (as previewed here) – see the full agenda here.

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), with an agenda including the Duwamish River’s proposed cleanup plan and improvements along the Delridge corridor – details here.

34TH DISTRICT REPUBLICANS: The GOP group for the 34th Legislative District (which includes West Seattle, White Center, Vashon and Maury Islands, and part of Burien) meets on the third Wednesday of the month, 7 pm, at Round Table Pizza in Burien (15730 1st Ave. South).

4 more highlights for your West Seattle Tuesday

(Bald eagle, by Trileigh Tucker, who writes about nature @ naturalpresence.wordpress.com)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you will always find even more of what’s going on), four more highlights for tonight:

REAL ESTATE CAREER NIGHT: With the housing market on the rebound, real-estate careers are drawing renewed interest. Prudential Northwest Realty (WSB sponsor) is hosting a real-estate Career Night at 6 pm, 4700 42nd SW, Suite 600 – details here.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Concerns/questions about crime/safety issues in your neighborhood? This is your chance to bring them up directly to Southwest Precinct leadership and to the Community Police Team officers. 7 pm at the precinct’s meeting room (Delridge/Webster), with a guest speaker from the SPD Gang Unit.

BELLY DANCING: The monthly Alauda freeform-belly-dancing showcase at Skylark Café and Club is tonight, 7:30 pm – details here.

STARLIGHT SINGER/SONGWRITER SHOWCASE: 9 pm tonight at Shadowland (California/Oregon), come listen to local musicians perform their work.

West Seattle Monday: Gardening; theater; nightlife; more…

(Steller’s Jay, photographed Saturday by Mark Wangerin)
It’s spring-break week for Seattle Public Schools (and the independent schools following its schedule), but the rest of the calendar isn’t entirely quiet – a few highlights for today/tonight:

DROP-IN BRIDGE: Lifelong Recreation presents drop-in bridge every Monday, 9 am-noon, at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW) – details here.

ART FOR TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS: Looking for a new activity for your little one(s)? 11 am-noon on Mondays? You’re welcome to bring her/him/them to this free, fun activity at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (Sylvan Way & Lanham) – details here.

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE’S GARDENING SERIES CONTINUES: This spring, Sustainable West Seattle is offering monthly community forums focused on sustainable gardening – and tonight, it’s “Designing the Perfect Garden.” The event starts at 6 pm, at the Community Orchard of West Seattle, on the north end of the South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

ARTSWEST ANNOUNCES NEXT SEASON’S LINEUP: It’s a much-awaited night each spring – the night when ArtsWest (4711 California SW) announces the productions for its next season. 7:30 pm tonight at the playhouse, but check ahead if you haven’t already RSVP’d, to see if there’s still room.

NIGHTLIFE: Tonight’s listings will give your brain a workout – two trivia options and pub quiz – see what’s happening where, here!

Three calendar highlights for your West Seattle Sunday

For the rest of your West Seattle Sunday – three highlights from our calendar:

PENNY POLL IN THE JUNCTION: On the eve of Tax Day, how do YOU think federal budget dollars should be spent? West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice is conducting a “penny poll” at its booth in The Junction at noon today – details here.

CLASSICAL CONCERT: The Ladies’ Musical Club invites you to its free concert at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3-4 pm; details here.

And more music:

INDIA SPENCE AT SKYLARK: The young musician’s proud mom Machel Spence shares the poster/photo and word that India is performing her first solo show at Skylark Café and Club at 4 pm.

West Seattle Saturday: Big day for sales – rummage, plants, fish…

(St. John’s rummage sale, photographed Friday by WSB’s Katie Meyer)
Sales top the lists dominate the list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – but that’s not all:

FIRST, A TRAFFIC REMINDER: From the eastbound bridge, the ramps to northbound I-5 and Beacon Hill are closed this weekend, to reopen no later than early Monday morning – details and detours here.

AQUARIUM SOCIETY AUCTION: Aquarium enthusiasts from all over the area are at the West Seattle Christian Church Activity Center (4400 42nd SW) today for the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society‘s annual auction – check-in is under way now and bidding starts at 10 am. Details here; general public welcome.

ST.JOHN’S RUMMAGE/BAKE SALE: Today’s the second and final day of the St. John the Baptist Church Rummage Sale, on till 3 pm at 3050 California SW, next to West Seattle High School.

HOPE LUTHERAN RUMMAGE SALE: A benefit rummage sale is also under way until today at Hope Lutheran Church (42nd/Oregon in The Junction), supporting church members’ missions in Mexico – details here.

WEST SEATTLE LIONS’ PLANT SALE: Steps away from the Hope sale, the West Seattle Lions Club‘s 19th annual plant sale continues till 3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle.

GARDEN CENTER OPENS: The Puget Ridge Garden Center opens for the season today at South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), 11 am-3 pm. Details here.

WEST SEATTLE NURSERY OPEN HOUSE: “Bees, Birds, and Bouquets” is the theme of this year’s open house at West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon), 11 am-3 pm; details here.

TEA PARTY AT THE LONGHOUSE: Native and English teas and more at the annual Princess Angeline Native Tea Party at the Duwamish Longhouse (4505 W. Marginal Way), 1-3 pm, with your hostess, the princess’s great-great-grandniece, Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen – details here.

‘CHARLIE BROWN’ CONTINUES: Second night for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” produced by West Seattle’s own Twelfth Night Productions, 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. You can buy tickets online here.

LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC … in our nightlife listings, all on the calendar!

West Seattle Friday: Rummage sale; plant sale & spaghetti dinner; ‘Charlie Brown,’ more

(Photo courtesy Twelfth Night Productions)
The weekend’s in view! Here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ST. JOHN’S RUMMAGE SALE: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church promises “great treasures, good deals, and fresh baked cookies” as its two-day rummage sale begins – hours are 9 am-7 pm today and 9 am-3 pm Saturday at 3050 California SW, next to West Seattle High School.

WEST SEATTLE LIONS’ PLANT SALE AND SPAGHETTI DINNER: The West Seattle Lions Club‘s 19th annual plant sale is tonight 5-8 pm and Saturday 9 am-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle – and tonight you can join them for a spaghetti dinner, too. Details here. (Bake sale, too!)

HIGH-SCHOOL LACROSSE: As noted here last night, you can catch the new Chief Sealth International High School JV Lacrosse team in action tonight at 6:30 pm at home vs. Kennedy.

TWELFTH NIGHT’S ‘CHARLIE BROWN’ OPENS: Opening night for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” produced by West Seattle’s own Twelfth Night Productions, 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. More details in our calendar listing; tickets are available online.

LAST NIGHT FOR WSHS MUSICAL: Meantime, it’s the final performance of West Seattle High School‘s spring musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” 7:30 pm at the WSHS Theater – details in our calendar listing.

FOLK DUO AT KENYON HALL: Emma’s Revolution performs at the historic hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 tonight – more info at kenyonhall.org.

…and there’s LOTS more on the calendar!

West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk, Design Review, and more

(Ferries at Fauntleroy, by Flickr member planet lb, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

(added) SPRING TASTING EVENT: West Seattle Thriftway (Fauntleroy/California; WSB sponsor) is inviting shoppers to their spring tasting event 4-7 pm. Among the vendors who are scheduled to demonstrate is Maria Esztergalyos, a West Seattle mom who has launched a line of vegan, soy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, nut-free, refined-sugar-free sauces and spice rubs called Palmera Naturals (and is crowdfunding via Kickstarter in hopes of expanding).
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WEST SEATTLE ART WALK! It’s the April edition – your chance to explore dozens of venues around the peninsula that will be showing art, most with the artist(s) on hand, 6-9 pm. Preview venues and artists on the official website. Here are a few notes:

SHANTI’S SILENT AUCTION DURING ART WALK: During Art Walk tonight, Shanti Salon and Spa (WSB sponsor) will host a special silent auction that’s also an Earth Month event – student art from K-5 STEM at Boren, 6 pm to 8 pm to celebrate Earth Month and raise funds for Puget Soundkeeper Alliance.

FIREFLY’S ART WALK DEBUT & DONATION DRIVE: Firefly Café and Creperie at California/Genesee is debuting on the Art Walk tonight – and also inviting you to bring a car seat to donate to WestSide Baby; proprietor Charell Estby is matching every car seat donation with a package of diapers for WS Baby.

WEST SEATTLE OFFICE JUNCTION’S ART WALK DEBUT: Also making its first appearance on the WS Art Walk, the new co-working space West Seattle Office Junction at 5230 California SW.

CAMERA DONATION DRIVE BEGINS: Art for Animals’ Sake is starting another collection of digital-camera donations so it can help underserved youth with art projects. You can drop them off at Mind Unwind or Beveridge Place Pub.

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 3829 CALIFORNIA & 3210 CALIFORNIA: As previewed last night, two projects are on the agenda tonight for the Southwest Design Review Board – the second meeting for a 29-apartment project at 3829 California at 6:30 pm, the first meeting for a 166-apartment proposal at 3210 California SW at 8 pm. Both meetings are at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon).

(added) WANT TO LEARN ABOUT RAINGARDENS? Special session tonight at South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), Chan Building, room CDC-102, 6-8:30 pm. More info here.

DUWAMISH ROWING CLUB MOVIE NIGHT: 6:30 pm at Georgetown Stables, help raise money for the Duwamish Rowing Club – serving communities also including West Seattle and South Park – full details here.

‘PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’ AT WSHS: Second-to-last chance to check out this year’s spring student musical at West Seattle High School, 7:30 pm – see westsidedrama.com for details.

Five notes for your West Seattle Wednesday night

(Brant photographed by Danny McMillin; shared via the West Seattle Blog group on Flickr)
We missed the chance to publish the morning roundup of calendar highlights, but here are 5 notes for tonight:

QIGONG CLASSES: 6:45 pm, a 10-week series taught by Sifu Viola Brumbaugh starts at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor). Details here.

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: 7 pm tonight, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). From chair Marcee Stone-Vekich, tonight’s agenda highlights:

We will begin with a memorial for Booth Gardner. At 7:30, we will start with a program regarding the proposed district elections for Seattle City Council. There will be a speaker for and against. Speaking for is John Bush and speaking against is former Seattle City Councilmember and Judge Jim Street. At about 8:10, there will be a short presentation on public campaign financing for Seattle.

WSHS STUDENT MUSICAL: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” starts its second and final weekend, 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School Little Theater (3000 California SW). Info’s at westsidedrama.com.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 160 MEETING: From Commander Kyle Geraghty:

The West Seattle American Legion Post 160 will be holding a General Meeting on April 10, 2013 at 8 pm. The Legion Hall is located at 3618 SW Alaska Street. The Post will be holding elections for board members to serve during the 2013-2014 time frame. All eligible Veterans are encouraged to attend.

KING COUNTY ONLINE SERVICES OUTAGE: The county’s online services and website are scheduled to be out for maintenance 9 pm-10 pm.

Lots more on the calendar, including nightlife – find it here.

Six calendar highlights for your West Seattle Tuesday

(Photo by Laura Joyce, shared via the WSB Facebook page)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find many more listings for tonight/tomorrow and beyond):

COUNCIL COMMITTEE TALKS ‘GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE’: Just getting under way – as previewed here last week – the City Council’s Transportation Committee meeting includes a review of the “concept” for the bioswales (raingardens) planned in Westwood/Sunrise Heights to help control Barton Pump Station combined-sewer overflows. (Watch live via Seattle Channel, online or cable 21)

SEALTH VS. WSHS SOCCER: Friendly cross-town rivals face off at 4 pm today, Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)

FAMILY HEALTH AND FITNESS NIGHT @ CONCORD: South Park’s Concord International School has big fun planned 5:30-8 pm – details here. (723 S. Concord)

RAISE A FUTURE GUIDE DOG! Check out the world of guide-puppy-raising with West Seattle See Dogs, whose regular semimonthly meeting is at 6:30 pm, lower-level meeting room at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way; WSB sponsor)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Regular monthly meeting at 7 pm, lower-level meeting room, Admiral Congregational Church. Find the agenda here. (California/Hill)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Regular monthly board meeting at 7 pm, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Agenda includes update on “Celebrate Lincoln Park” events, previewed here last weekend. (9131 California SW)

West Seattle Monday: North Delridge, Pigeon Point councils; more

(Sunday night’s sunset deserves one more look! Thanks to Don Brubeck for the photo)
Four highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TODDLER INDOOR GYM: Weather’s still dicey; got a little one who needs to run around someplace besides the living room? 1-4 pm, it’s drop-in time at the Delridge Community Center “indoor gym” – details in our calendar listing.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Three ballgames are scheduled today – from our calendar listing of this week’s high-school highlights:

3:30 pm: Baseball – West Seattle HS Boys Varsity vs. O’Dea, at Hiawatha
4:00 pm: Baseball – Chief Sealth IHS Boys Varsity vs. Lakeside, at Southwest Athletic Complex, baseball field.
4:00 pm: Softball – West Seattle HS Girls Varsity vs. Holy Names Academy, at Alki Playfield

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 6:30 tonight at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge), join this neighborhood council talking about topics including the future of Delridge Way itself, plus a presentation about the DIY Bikes program.

PIGEON POINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 7 pm tonight at Pathfinder K-8‘s cafeteria, join the northeasternmost neighborhood group in West Seattle to talk about local issues.

Lots more – including three trivia/quiz nights! – on the calendar.

West Seattle Sunday: ‘Catsino’; Master Gardeners; bingo …

(Black-capped chickadee with big-leaf-maple bud, by Trileigh Tucker)
Another drizzly day – but no need to stay home for the entirety of it! (Although, if you are heading south, remember the I-5 lane closures when you head back this way.) From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MASTER GARDENERS AT WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: You know it’s growing season when the Master Gardeners return to the Farmers’ Market to answer your questions! 10 am-1:45 pm most Sundays till fall – details here. (44th/Alaska)

BACKYARD COTTAGE OPEN HOUSE: Not in WS, but not too far – West Seattle’s Ncompass Cottage Company (WSB sponsor) is showing off its newest project in Seward Park, and that’s potentially of interest to anyone looking at building a backyard cottage. 1-4 pm open house. (6335 Wilson Avenue S.)

BENEFIT WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE CLASS: 1:30 pm at Seattle Integrated Martial Arts – details here. (4159 Fauntleroy Way SW)

CATSINO: A silent auction and just-for-fun casino-style games are the hallmarks of this annual fun(draiser) for animal advocacy organizations – 2-6 pm at Beveridge Place Pub; details here. (6451 California SW)

MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Singer-songwriter Alan Ehrlich performs 3-5 pm – details here. (5612 California SW)

CANCER’S A DRAG: 5-7 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), Booze, Balls & Bingo presents a drag-bingo benefit for cancer-fighting Team Tracy – details here. (6413 California SW)

Yes, that was an earthquake – near Key Center

8:53 AM: We missed it, but at least a few people in West Seattle didn’t, judging by the morning inbox: There was a 3.5 earthquake in the South Sound (centered west of Key Center) just before 2 am. Here’s its infopage. Not major by any measure, but also, on the stronger side of “small” earthquakes. No reports of damage (that we can find). Those who e-mailed us about feeling it here described it as a short, sharp shake.

3:06 PM: As the day goes on, people are talking about preparedness, since a quake is always a jolting reminder – here’s a great place to start: westseattlebeprepared.org.

West Seattle Saturday: 15 notes and highlights!

(Male red crossbill photographed recently @ Fauntleroy Park by Mark Wangerin)
Despite dire predictions, there’s blue sky out there now as Saturday gets into high gear. Here are some of the highlights for today/tonight:

TRAFFIC REMINDER: Lane closures on I-5 northbound, just south of West Seattle, all weekend – WSDOT‘s infopage is here.

HELP OUT IN LINCOLN PARK: Friends of Lincoln Park, as previewed last night, is working 9 to noon (and you can join late), removing invasive plants.

KIWANIS FOOD DRIVE: 9 am-3 pm, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will have members and Key Club students outside four local grocery stores, collecting food and money for the West Seattle Food Bank. Find them at WSB sponsors Metropolitan Market (42nd/Admiral), PCC Natural Markets (California/Stevens), and West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy) and at QFC (42nd/Alaska).

HELP OUT IN NORTH DELRIDGE: Also previewed last night – the ND Neighborhood Council‘s Beautification Committee takes on the 23rd/Juneau staircase 10 am-noon – details, map here.

NOT WEST SEATTLE BUT – IT’S YOUR CITY HALL TOO! It’s the annual open house at Seattle City Hall downtown, 10 am-2 pm. Here’s the lineup of events – with West Seattle involvement including demonstrations by South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) culinary students.

WEST SEATTLE BEE GARDEN WORK PARTY: Lots of community help is needed with the final preparations/construction for this unique new West Seattle feature (here’s our recent story about it). 10 am-2 pm, prep work is planned today – find out more here (including a link for participation in future work parties if you can’t do it today; also, if you can contribute $, here’s how).

FIND OUT ABOUT VOLUNTEERING TO HELP WITH HISTORY: 11 am-1 pm at the Log House Museum, it’s this month’s introductory session for would-be Southwest Seattle Historical Society volunteers. Our preview has details. (61st/Stevens)

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER ANNIVERSARY SALE / WEST SEATTLE 5K SIGNUP EVENT: The West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) third-anniversary sale continues today and tomorrow – and today from noon-4 pm there’s a special incentive to drop by: Sign up for this year’s West Seattle 5K (co-sponsored by WSB), and get the early-registration discount, which is no longer available online.

CAMP LONG CHALLENGE COURSE: 1-5 pm today, visit West Seattle’s own Camp Long Environmental Learning Center and be among the first to check out the new Hub and Spoke high (ropes) course, as well as getting a closer look at the low course, and joining the 3 pm ribbon-cutting celebration. Here’s our preview from earlier this week. (5200 35th SW)

WOMEN-ONLY SWIMS/LESSONS START AT SW POOL: When Mayor McGinn visited West Seattle recently, his second stop, after the much-covered Admiral District tour, was Southwest Pool, to join in a celebration of the expanded women-only swimming/lessons program (here’s our coverage of the event). Today’s the official start of the program – see the 2:30-4:30 pm schedule here. (2801 SW Thistle)

CHIEF SEALTH BASEBALL DINNER/AUCTION: 5-7 pm in the Sealth Galleria, spaghetti dinner and silent auction to raise money for the baseball program – tickets available (cash/checks) at the Galleria door. (2600 SW Thistle)

**Saturday night note: canceled for rain; will be rescheduled** OWLING IN SCHMITZ PARK: Head out on an adventure with West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler, 7-9 pm – details here.

WSHS MUSICAL: Another chance at 7:30 pm to catch the West Seattle High School Drama Club‘s spring musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” in the WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

‘NEXT FALL’ FINALE: 7:30 pm, it’s your last chance to see ArtsWest‘s current production. (4711 California SW)

LIVE MUSIC! See the calendar listings here – from alt-pop at C & P Coffee, jazz at La Romanza Bistro, and 2 bands at Feedback Lounge (all WSB sponsors) to the second night of the Mighty Wurlitzer Spectacular at Kenyon Hall, the monthly midnight “Rocky Horror” show @ The Admiral, and more.

West Seattle Friday: Taste of the Arts; anniversaries; Corner Bar; First Friday; Mighty Wurlitzer …

The photo is from our visit to the WSHS Theater last night just before the first performance of the school’s spring student musical – which is part of the event that headlines today’s calendar preview:

‘TASTE OF THE ARTS’ WSHS BENEFIT: Starting with art, appetizers, and beverages at 6 pm in the St. John’s Church hall next door (3050 California SW) and moving to the West Seattle High School theater (3000 California SW) at 8 pm for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” it’s this year’s “Taste of the Arts” WSHS benefit. We just checked and it looks like you can still get the $20 advance discount ticket online – go here. Otherwise, it’s $25 at the door.

Also today/tonight:

TRAFFIC ALERT: 8 pm tonight, the I-5 northbound lane closures just south of the West Seattle Bridge begin for a second weekend. Here’s the official WSDOT alert.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S 3RD ANNIVERSARY SALE: Today through Sunday, West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is celebrating its third anniversary. From proprietor Tim McConnell: “All regularly priced merchandise is 20% off. And that means everything; shoes, apparel, and accessories. We will be having drawings, giveaways, and other goodies all weekend.” (California/Charlestown)

HIGHLAND PARK ‘CORNER BAR’: Tonight, spring on over to the HP Improvement Club for this month’s edition of the Corner Bar – all ages welcome, starts at 6 pm. (12th/Holden)

BIN 41 CELEBRATES 3RD ANNIVERSARY: Tonight’s tasting at Bin 41 wine shop in The Junction, 6-7:30 pm, is also a third-anniversary party – local winemaker Darby English will be there. Details on the Bin 41 website. (4707 California SW)

‘FIRST FRIDAY’ AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: 5-7 pm, the Rotary Club of West Seattle invites you to stop by Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) for their monthly combination of fun and service, this time focused on ShelterBox:

ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families who are affected by disasters, at the time when they need it the most. All the equipment needed for one family to survive for that critical time after a disaster is included in one box, a ShelterBox. Come out and meet your local Rotary members and our own ShelterBox team.

(5612 California SW)

SEE & HEAR THE MIGHTY WURLITZER: Kenyon Hall‘s amazing organ is in action tonight at 7:30 pm – as detailed here. (7904 35th SW)

SECOND-TO-LAST NIGHT FOR ‘NEXT FALL’: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest – details in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY REGISTRATION CONTINUES: 45 garage sales signed up in three days for the 9th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, coming up Saturday, May 11th, coordinated/presented by WSB again this year. Got stuff to sell during the big day of sales on May 11th? Join the fun and register now!

P.S. The WSB West Seattle Event Calendar has the FULL list of what’s up today/tonight!

West Seattle Thursday: WSHS musical opens; fashion x 4; more

First time all week we’ve had time to run the traditional calendar preview; today, aside from the morning traffic trouble, things are busy, but in a good way. So here are a few highlights:

‘PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’ AT WSHS: The West Seattle High School Drama Club‘s spring musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” premieres tonight at 7:30 pm. The second standalone performance is Saturday, but tomorrow – Friday night – you can catch a special performance as part of the WSHS fundraiser “Taste of the Arts” which includes more than “just” the show – details on that are here.

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION FASHION SPRING FLING: Four Junction fashion shops join forces again for a special evening shopping event starting at 7 pm – details in our calendar listing.

‘CIRCLE OF SINGLES’: Singles 55+ are invited to join this group leaving the Senior Center of West Seattle café at 5 pm for a trip to the Museum of Flight, where it’s free-admission night. Details in our calendar listing.

NIGHTLIFE – MUSIC, COMEDY, DJ’ING, KARAOKE, QUIZ: Listings for Duos, Benbow Room, Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), OutWest, and Terrible Beauty are in the calendar – find them here, and open any individual listing by clicking the “plus” sign on the right side of its line!

West Seattle Saturday: From egg hunts to open houses to live music, & more

(Added 9:04 am: Easter Bunny and friends just before West Seattle Thriftway egg hunt)
Happy Saturday! It’s the start of what forecasters promise will be a weekend full of sunshine. (And one traffic alert: lane closures on northbound I-5 just south of the West Seattle Bridge.) Here are the highlights, starting with the egg-hunt info (from our updated list):

WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY EGG HUNT: 9 am Saturday, Fauntleroy/California/Morgan, ages 1-10 – indoor hunt but the line forms outdoors.

SEATTLE PARKS AND REC COMMUNITY CENTERS’ EGG HUNTS: 10 am at Alki, Delridge, Hiawatha, High Point, South Park Community Centers (addresses in calendar listing), ages 3-11

EGG HUNT @ LINCOLN PARK: 10 am; this is presented by Eastridge Church but it’s open to the entire community.

BARNES & NOBLE EGG HUNT: 11 am, first-ever egg hunt in the Kids’ Department, in conjunction with the regular weekly storytime. “Little ones are encouraged to bring Easter baskets to hold their goodies,” says Melissa from B&N. (Westwood Village Shopping Center)

Also today/tonight:

PIONEER COFFEE’S LAST DAY: The Alki coffee shop is closing after losing its lease, as first reported here in January; per Facebook, it’s an all-day goodbye party.

FRIENDS OF SCHMITZ PRESERVE: 9 am, join them at the Admiral/Stevens entrance for the monthly work party – details in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE FIGHT AND FITNESS OPEN HOUSE: This new WSB sponsor welcomes you to come check out its facilities at 5050 Delridge Way SW – just drop by any time between 11 am and 3 pm.

CENTER FOR MOVEMENT AND HEALING OPEN HOUSE: This new business is on the second floor of 7901 35th SW, right next to Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor), and you’re welcome to stop by 4-6:30 pm (street parking only, they ask). Performances and mini-classes of tai chi, nia, yoga, dance.

LIVE MUSIC: C & P Coffee, La Romanza, Feedback Lounge (all WSB sponsors), Kenyon Hall, Benbow Room ALL have individual listings on the calendar for tonight!

WESTSIDE BURLESQUE REVUE: 9:30 pm at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW) – see the lineup in our calendar listing.

West Seattle Thursday: 4755 Fauntleroy design review; Alki Elementary centennial; Whale Trail talk; compost demo …

(4755 Fauntleroy Way SW’s proposed northeast corner; rendering by Fuller Sears Architects)
Will the 4755 Fauntleroy Way megaproject finish the Design Review process tonight? It’s part of the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HOLY WEEK CHURCH SERVICES: As Easter approaches, some West Seattle churches have Maundy Thursday services today/tonight; our annual list includes information we have received/found about those as well as Good Friday/Easter events – find it here.

FIREFIGHTER TRAINING: In case you missed the alert here Wednesday afternoon, it’s under way right now at the Lowman Beach buildings that the county plans to demolish as part of its sewer-overflow-control project.

WEST SEATTLE LIONS CLUB: The special guest at today’s noon lunch meeting at the Senior Center of West Seattle (Oregon/California) will talk about the history of the Philippines.

ALKI ELEMENTARY CENTENNIAL – AND GROUP PHOTO! We’ve previewed this event a few times (including here), and now it’s time – Alki Elementary is celebrating its centennial, starting with a 5 pm group photo outside the school for past and present students and staff, and events indoors 6-8 pm. All welcome, of course, whether you have/had ties to the school or not.

COMPOST DEMONSTRATION: 6 pm with “Johnny Rotten” at the Community Orchard of West Seattle (north end of the South Seattle Community College [WSB sponsor] campus, 6000 16th SW) – details in the calendar listing.

VINTAGE DIY/NIGHT MARKET: 6-9 pm at Twilight in The Junction – details here.

THE WHALE TRAIL TALKS PORPOISES: The third in The Whale Trail‘s popular series of talks is at 6:30 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California; WSB sponsor) – with researcher John Calambokidis talking about harbor porpoises in our regional waters. Here’s our original preview (also including other participants who’ll update you on our seas and shores); just note that ticket sales are over, so your $5 suggested donation will be accepted at the door.

4755 FAUNTLEROY WAY BACK TO DESIGN REVIEW: This is the 400-apartment, Whole Foods Market-including proposal for Fauntleroy/Alaska/40th SW, and tonight it’s going before the Southwest Design Review Board for what might be its final meeting in this stage of the process. The newest design proposal is outlined in this “packet” (note that it’s a big download, 92+ MB) – the rendering at the top of this story is what the architects envision for the northeast corner of the site at Fauntleroy/Alaska. Public comment is welcome, regarding the design, and you’re also welcome simply to observe – the meeting starts at 6:30 pm upstairs at the Senior Center of West Seattle (Oregon/California). Our previous coverage includes the project’s Design Commission review earlier this month, its second Early Design Guidance meeting last November, and its first EDG meeting last September.

Firefighter training set at vacant Lowman Beach buildings

Before the county-purchased former residences across from Lowman Beach Park are demolished for a new sewage-storage tank, they’ll be a training site for Seattle firefighters – starting tomorrow. Here’s the announcement just in from the county:

Vacant properties scheduled for deconstruction in West Seattle will be used to provide Seattle Fire Department personnel with training opportunities on March 28 and 29.

King County acquired the properties in 2012 to site new facilities that will be built as part of the Murray Avenue Combined Sewer Overflow Control project.

Beginning Thursday, March 28, firefighters will conduct training drills in four buildings in the 7000 block of Beach Drive Southwest in Seattle between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Drills could include cutting into roofs and tearing down drywall inside the buildings. Doors and site fencing removed during these activities will be replaced at the conclusion of activities around 5 p.m. The site and training activities will be monitored by fire department leadership.

During the training exercises, neighbors can expect increased activity, the presence of emergency vehicles on Beach Drive Southwest, and a temporary reduction in parking near Lowman Beach Park. Traffic control measures and site security will be in place during training hours, and Seattle Fire Department personnel will clean up and secure the property after training is complete.

Additional information about the project is available at kingcounty.gov/environment/wtd/Construction/Seattle/MurrayCSOStorage.aspx.

5 highlights for your West Seattle Wednesday

(Early-morning Lincoln Park fungi, photographed Monday by Machel Spence)
From the (frequently updated!) WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MARRIAGE EQUALITY RALLY DOWNTOWN: As noted here yesterday, West Seattleite Marley Blonsky is lead organizer for a rally at the federal courthouse at noon today, meant to show coast-to-coast support for same-sex marriage in light of the marriage-equality case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden). Agenda details in our calendar listing.

POEMS AND STORIES: The monthly readings/open-mike event at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) starts at 7 pm – details at poetrybridge.net.

3RD WEEK FOR ‘NEXT FALL’: Been to ArtsWest‘s latest production yet? Next chance is 7:30 tonight.

FULL MOON: Per this month’s edition of “Skies Over West Seattle.” Moonrise is 8:29 pm, per the WSB Weather page, where you can check moonrise/moonset, sunrise/sunset, tides, and of course forecasts, any time.

5 highlights for your West Seattle Tuesday afternoon/evening

This week, the daily preview seems to be taking an unplanned brief break from bird photos. These pals turned up in the WSB inbox, courtesy of Eric Shalit from Box Turtle Design – that’s his little Piggy with poodle friend Django, who belongs to Eric’s friend, West Seattle author Conrad Wesselhoeft. Now on to the calendar highlights:

SANISLO ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL SEARCH: As reported here Monday, a community meeting is planned after school today, 3:40-4:40 pm, so that parents and other interested parties can participate in the search for a principal to succeed Ernie Seevers (who is retiring after this year).

CAREGIVER FOR AGING FAMILY MEMBER? Come to Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) at 6 tonight for the next open forum on aging, caregiving, and family dynamics – get support and guidance, and share your story/advice if you choose to. 2326 California SW.

WEST SEATTLE BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK: 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct meeting room (Webster/Delridge), WSBWCN is scheduled to hear from precinct commander Capt. Joe Kessler, from Community Police Team Officer Jon Kiehn with CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design, around your home) advice, and a victims’-advocacy program rep.

DESC ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The community advisory committee focused on issues relating to the DESC Supportive Housing project under construction in North Delridge meets tonight at 6:30 pm, room 106 at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). Site/vicinity issues including the alley and drainage are on the agenda.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS’ CONCERT: Rescheduled from last week, WSCO’s second spring concert, “Songs of America,” 7 pm at Chief Sealth International High School auditorium (2600 SW Thistle), free but donations appreciated.

Those are just a few highlights – find MANY more listings on our calendar!

Another chance for Duwamish Tribe in quest for federal recognition

It happened on Friday, but word is just now getting around: A federal ruling has in effect given the West Seattle-headquartered Duwamish Tribe another chance at federal recognition, something they have been seeking for more than 35 years. As reported today by Indianz.com, federal Judge John Coughenour has told the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to re-evaluate the Duwamish petition. The tribe was on the brink of gaining recognition in the final days of the Clinton Administration in early 2001, but the incoming (George W.) Bush Administration reversed the decision. Our partners at The Seattle Times quote Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen as saying, “I’m in a delighted state of shock” about Friday’s decision. Case documents are linked here. (File photo of Cecile Hansen by Christopher Boffoli)