Lots of quick time-sensitive mentions before some major stories start breaking (for example, the narrowed-down list of Viaduct options will go public around 3:30, if it’s not leaked sooner, and WSB will be there for that). The following is in no particular order – lots of great stuff going on:

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE: Another local business has one going – Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (WSB sponsor), 3435 California SW, drop off a nonperishable food donation any time they’re open, 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Fridays.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT: Larry Knapp sent a note to say he’s on piano at The Bohemian tonight, 6-9 pm. (Also live music tonight, as there is almost every night, at Skylark Cafe and Club [WSB sponsor], starting at 9 – Donerail, Otherwise, Lyons Mane, Skylark’s calendar page has times and links to musicians’ websites.)

PATHFINDER SCHOOL CRAFT AND GIFT SALE UPDATE: We mentioned this several hours ago. Now we have the exact time frame for today’s sale: 1-3 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm. (Here’s a map to the school.)

ANOTHER HOLIDAY DRIVE FOR PETS: We mentioned Furry Faces/Purrfect Pals/Pet Elements yesterday. Now there’s word that Stella Ruffington, which like PE is in Morgan Junction, is a dropoff spot for the Seattle Dog Daycares Association pet food/toy drive for Lifelong Aids Alliance, through the end of the year.

SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY HOLIDAY DRIVE: Schmitz Park PTA co-president Julie Foster wrote with word that Schmitz Park is sponsoring a Joy of Giving holiday drive to benefit Treehouse, which she describes as “an amazing local organization helping our community’s foster kids.” Joy of Giving wish lists are available at the school and online at www.treehouseforkids.org – Julie suggests printing them out, passing them around, and then get the gifts (new, unwrapped toys, clothes or cash donations) to the school by 12/19. Contact her with questions: jul.foster@hotmail.com

“PLAID TIDINGS” SHOW ADDED: If you haven’t already seen them at ArtsWest, maybe you saw their sampler at the West Seattle Junction Tree Lighting last Saturday – the guys from Plaid Tidings are rockin’ The Junction and tickets have gone so far, ArtsWest just added two more shows: 7:30 pm the next two Sundays, December 14 and 21. Tickets are available online.

LAST BUT BY NO MEANS LEAST — WSB FORUM MEMBERS INVITE YOU TO A POTLUCK BENEFIT PARTY THIS SUNDAY!!! If you haven’t already been following this on the WSB Forums (which are celebrating their first anniversary this month), Forum members are organizing a holiday get-together this Sunday and want to invite ALL WSB’ers to be part of it. It’s a potluck and also a benefit. 3 pm Sunday 12/14 at Big Al’s Brewing in White Center – upstairs, so all ages are welcome. Read on for the full list of what to bring along, including how to join in helping folks for the holidays:

This event is a potluck – bring a dessert or appetizer, homemade or store-bought, to share. Or just bring a gift and come enjoy the company of other WSB readers. We will be collecting for three great causes:

1. Foster Kids: As many know, the State of Washington has had its budget slashed
this year, and as a result cannot provide Christmas for children in foster care or
in at-risk homes as they have in previous years. They are depending on the
community to come through with some help. We are hoping to raise gifts for the kids
(all ages up to 18), and gift cards (target, grocery, etc) for the parents and
foster parents. These are local families who are part of our community and need a
helping hand.
2. West Seattle and White Center Food Banks — Bring donations of food.
3. Seattle Education Access
(www.seattleeducationaccess.org) —
supplies for homeless kids who are going to college.

Seattle Education Access is a member agency of the University District Service
Providers Alliance, and all agencies are coming together to hold a holiday party for
the young people we work with year-round. For many, this will be the closest thing
to a family holiday party they will have this year. We need your help.

The UDSPA Holiday Party hosts over 120 homeless and at-risk young people. There is
music, food, decorations, and a gift for each and every young person who shows up.
We need the support of committed individuals and groups to make this happen. If your
place of worship, workplace or civic group hosts a giving tree or holiday donation
drive, please consider including UDSPA among the groups you give to.

Listed below are some of the commonly requested items that our young people want and
need. All gifts should be $30 or less.
– Gift cards
– Discmans
– Large-sized hooded sweatshirts (dark colors preferred)
– Sleeping bags
– Backpacks
– Disposable hand warmers
– Travel-sized sewing kits
– Battery-operated travel alarm clocks and flashlights
– Bus tokens
– Pre-paid phone cards
– Gloves, hats and scarves
– New underwear
– White tube socks
– Dry dog food
– Travel-sized toiletries
– African American hair products
– Playing cards and Silly Putty
– Journals, notebooks, or art supplies

Questions? Here’s the thread in the WSB Forums.