(Refresh for latest pic from WS Bridge & 1st Ave. S. Bridge cams, more on the WSB Traffic page)
You never know when those snowy forecasts WON’T come true, so since it was a snow-free night, we’re starting the day by looking ahead to what’s scheduled as if everything will go on as planned. (If bad weather does arrive and you cancel something – PLEASE let us know, and we’ll help get the word out!) Topping the list: Highland Park Action Committee‘s monthly meeting, 7 pm, Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden) …In The Junction, West 5 – which just celebrated its own 8th anniversary – hosts the 8th anniversary party for Georgetown Brewing Company, starting at 6 pm (full details here) … PoetryBridge.net has its monthly night of poems and stories tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW, with featured poets followed by open mike, 7 pm … Looking for work? Free job-search workshop at South Seattle Community College‘s WorkSource Center, 4:30 – 6 pm, focusing on “online job search basics” … Weekly “project knitting” class meets 7-9 pm at CAPERS (questions? 206-972-6945, Marguerite) … Two WSB sponsor notes: The Westside Professionals business-networking group meets at 8 am, The Kenney; and it’s the first day for the Northwest Flower and Garden Show (reading the list of exhibitors, so far we’ve found one from here – West Seattle Nursery is part of the Container Show) … Check in with us for weather/road updates and other news, all day long.

(Photo by Pye42, from the West Seattle Blog Flickr photo pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar – Bikes? Buses? Trains? Cars? Feet? Or? Tonight, Sustainable West Seattle‘s monthly community forum tackles transportation, and where it’s going. And as previewed here last week, the panel includes SDOT’s director Peter Hahn and the West Seattle-residing City Councilmember who chairs the Transportation Committee, Tom Rasmussen. Be at the Senior Center of West Seattle (enter off Oregon, east of California), 7 pm … Also tonight, another perennially hot topic: Calling 911 – when to call, what to say, what if it doesn’t sound like you’re being taken seriously? The West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network hosts guests from King County 911 and SPD, and reiterate that ALL are invited, not just blockwatch captains/participants – be at the Southwest Precinct meeting room (off Webster west of Delridge), 6:30 pm … Historian and community advocate Ron Richardson will be remembered at 2 pm today, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9141 California SW) … A brown-bag talk on “developing personal safety nets” is set for 11:30 am today at Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW); call 206-659-0665 to register … Enjoy writing/telling stories? Tonight is Writers and Tellers night at two venues in White Center/West Seattle – full details here … Free live music at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW; WSB sponsor) tonight, four acts starting at 8 pm, listed on the Skylark calendar … More on our calendar!

Beautiful moonset this morning – thanks to Lynne for sharing the view, with the Olympics (which are out in all their frosted splendor right now). And late last night, Booker shared a closeup of the full moon that graced the West Seattle sky through the night, including a spectacular moonrise for those facing the Cascades:

As for what’s up today – the full list is on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar as always, but here are a few highlights:

FAMILY FUN – MAGIC SHOW! Family-friendly magic show with Jeff Evans at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), 10:30 am, $5 per person.

‘PAINT PAST COAL’ AT ALKI: CoolMom, Sierra Club and others invite you to join in painting a mural during today’s event south of the Alki Bathhouse, 11 am-2 pm, to “highlight the need for a coal-free future for Washington” – event details here.

CAMP LONG ROPES COURSE WORK PARTY: 10 am-1 pm. Organizers say they’ll be “working primarily on removing logs and an old fire circle near cabin 2.” (Here’s the latest on the project.)

NATIVE PLANT SALE: 10 am-3 pm, 3225 47th SW.

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth vs. O’Dea at Bellevue College (map), 11:30 am.

SEATTLE OPERA PREVIEW: 3 singers – all the main characters! – 6:30 pm at The Kenney. (Entertainment 2011 books for sale at $25 also, raising money to pay for the preview events.)

‘SOUL JAMBALAYA’ DENNY FUNDRAISER @ SEALTH: Benefit concert with Total Experience Gospel Choir, Septimus, other groups, in addition to student musicians, organized by Denny International Middle School as a benefit for student musicians’ travel, happening at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium, 6:45 pm (full details here)

FINAL WEEKEND FOR ‘EMILIE’: Last scheduled evening performance at Arts West at ArtsWest in The Junction (tickets available online

‘THE NEW NEW NEWS’: The play about the changing world of journalism is performed again at 7:30 pm at South Seattle Community College‘s Olympic Hall (details here)

(Photo by Chris Bennion, from “The New New News“)
A topic close to our hearts, the changing nature of the news business, is the topic of a play you can see this weekend at South Seattle Community College‘s Olympic Hall. It’s called “The New New News,” with performances at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow, 2 pm Sunday – you can read all about it here; tickets are available online (The photo above features cast members Jordan Williams, Brian Thomas Gould and Tammy Batey) … Need an excuse to get out in the sunshine this afternoon? Here’s the perfect opportunity: The Nature Consortium‘s free monthly guided eco-hike, 1 pm, RSVP to 206-923-0853 or lisa@naturec.org for directions … Then back indoors as the evening chill sets in, Highland Park Improvement Club begins its third-Fridays free, family-friendly movie series! Doors open at 6:30 pm, movie at 7 pm, folding chairs for seating, or feel free to bring blankets and pillows or non- floor-scratching chairs. HPIC notes: “Our movie copyright license does not allow us to advertise the movie title so here’s a hint: Classic 1982 kid and adult friendly sci-fi blockbuster starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore” (12th/Holden) … Friday night skating is on as usual at Alki Community Center, 6:45-8:45 pm, $3, BYO skates or borrow theirs … More on the calendar!

A belated reminder about a few of the major events today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

RELAY FOR LIFE WEST SEATTLE – 2011 KICKOFF: 6-8 pm at Coffee to a Tea with Sugar (more info here). Live music, food donated from local Junction merchants, raffle prizes … find out how to be part of this summer’s cancer-fighting relay.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT DINNER & AUCTION: 5:30 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy.

CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CHOICES NIGHT: 6-9 pm at the school – the big event for those interested in attending CSIHS.

SPINATHON FOR MAJOR TAYLOR PROJECT: Fundraiser to help more youth get involved with bicycling. 5-8 pm, Allstar Fitness, full details here

LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND PROJECT: Update meeting at 7 pm tonight, school library.

NOT WEST SEATTLE, BUT … Next step toward planning the downtown waterfront: Seattle Aquarium, 6:30-8:30 pm (waterfrontseattle.org)

More on the calendar!

Photo of the morning is courtesy of Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor), since one of tonight’s events is their monthly free workshop for those interested in remodeling and custom-building. Remodeling’s on the upswing, per this new report, and if you’re thinking about it, Ventana has a few spots for the 6 pm workshop at their 5458 California SW offices – call 206-932-3009 ASAP to RSVP (here’s the Facebook event page) … Also tonight: The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council‘s monthly meeting, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster) … It’s West Seattle Little League‘s last in-person registration night, 6-9 pm at the West Seattle High School Library (find the forms at westseattlelittleleague.com) … The Chief Sealth International High School‘s boys’ varsity basketball team continues its postseason by facing Mercer Island HS at Bellevue College, and Seattle Lutheran High School faces Bear Creek at Chief Leschi, both games at 8:15 pm … School tours today include Madison Middle School starting at 8:30, Chief Sealth IHS and Alki Elementary starting at 9:30, and kindergarten tours at Arbor Heights Elementary, also at 9:30 … And all this just scratches the surface of what you’ll find for today/tonight on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.

TODAY/TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS … That photo just came in from Sam, proprietor of the Junction flower shop Fleurt at California/Oregon, who says it’ll stay up throughout this Valentine’s Day; if you’re looking for someplace taking last-minute Valentine flower orders, she is (with a free pair of earrings thrown in for $50+ orders) … speaking of free:

FREE MOCHA, TODAY ONLY! Deals don’t get better than that. Get the today-only FREE strawberry/white-chocolate mocha coupon for Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) by going here … Hotwire’s at 4410 California SW (next to the post office).

VALENTINE DINNER: Three other WSB sponsors have Valentine’s deals: Dinner for 2 special at Feedback Lounge (details here), 6451 California SW … Special Valentine’s dinner with burlesque, food, beverages, at Skylark Café and Club, 3803 Delridge Way SW – full details and ticket-buying link here … Bamboo Grill on Alki has special Valentine dinners including filet mignon ($39.95/two), butternut-squash ravioli, or mahi mahi, 2803 Alki SW.

SALAMANDER LOVE NIGHT: Still deciding what to do tonight besides a nice dinner? Naturalist Stewart Wechsler is scheduling a program that he has done every year for years at Camp Long called “Salamander Love Night,” 7 pm – two species of salamanders show up around Valentine’s night every year to court, mate and lay eggs. Since Parks budget cuts no longer allow public programs at Camp Long, this is not an official city offering and there’s no fee (though donations are accepted) – call or e-mail ASAP to check if there’s room, 206-932-7225 or ecostewart@quidnunc.net.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH VALENTINE COOKIES: That’s what the North Delridge Neighborhood Council is promising tonight, Delridge Library, 5423 Delridge Way SW, 6:30 pm. Show your love for your ‘hood and participate! Agenda includes a briefing on upcoming work at North Delridge’s Fire Station 36.

WHAT’S MORE ROMANTIC THAN OPERA? Seattle Opera preview tonight at the West Seattle Branch of the Seattle Public Library, 2306 42nd SW, 6:30 pm (more info here)

TODDLER VALENTINE’S EXTRAVAGANZA: Bring your little sweetie to this one today at Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California SW, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, $5/child. Giant jumpy toy, games, crafts, Balloon Buffoon Dude and all the toddler toys. Gift bags and snacks are included!

Those are just some of the highlights – check the WSB West Seattle Events calendar for the full list.

(Photo by David Hutchinson)
POSTSEASON BASKETBALL: (updated) FIVE games today/tonight – Madison Middle School plays Eckstein at Chief Sealth International High School, 2 pm today, in the middle-school girls’ championship, right after Denny International Middle School plays in the boys’ championship game, also against Eckstein, also at Sealth, at noon … In boys’ high-school district tournament play, Chief Sealth hosts Eastside Catholic tonight at 7, while West Seattle High School will play at Bellevue at 4 pm, and Seattle Lutheran High School at Shoreline Christian at 7 pm.

NEIGHBOR APPRECIATION DAY: Full details in our preview from last night – fire-station tours 11 am-2 pm, Delridge Community Center‘s celebration noon-2 pm, Southwest Pool‘s free swim 1-2 pm.

34TH/BARTON P-PATCH DESIGN MEETING: Help plan the P-patch at Barton/34th! Barker Landscape Architects will facilitate the first public meeting 1:30-3:30 pm today, Southwest Community Center.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY HOSTS ASK-AN-EXPERT: 10 am-noon, expert advice for do-it-yourselfers on topics including construction and solar power, at the West Seattle Tool Library, (north end of South Seattle Community College campus, 6000 16th SW)

COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: Steps away from the Tool Library, it’s a class, lunch and work party at and for the Community Orchard of West Seattle, starts at 10 am, topic “Perennial Planting” – details and RSVP info here

CITY MOUSE OPEN HOUSE: In The Junction, help celebrate the new name City Mouse Studio and Store (WSB sponsor) with an Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 20 percent off storewide, a sale rack with savings up to 70 percent off, buy-one-pair-get-one-pair-free on past season Pediped and See Kai Run shoes, door prizes, mimosas and cupcakes. Everyone who makes a purchase will be entered to win a $300 portrait package and anyone who books and pays for a portrait shoot ($75 sitting fee) for March or April will receive a $35 credit towards any Tea clothing purchase made today. (4218 SW Alaska)

CLICK! TRUNK SHOW: Sarah Loertscher trunk show at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 11 am-5 pm (details here)

NEW ARCHBISHOP IN WEST SEATTLE: World Day of the Sick service at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW), with Archbishop Most Rev. J. Peter Sartain presiding in a special Eucharistic Celebration with Anointing of the Sick and Blessing with Holy Water from Lourdes, 10 am in the chapel.

CAT ADOPT-A-THON: Regional Animal Services of King County has more than 50-plus adoptable cats at Kitty Harbor, noon-4 pm today and tomorrow (3422 Harbor Avenue).

JEREMY PECK FUNERAL FUNDRAISER: Fundraiser for the family of Jeremy Peck, to raise money for his funeral, Admiral Benbow room at Heartland Cafe, 8-11 pm (here’s the Facebook event)

COMMUNITY SWEETHEART DANCE AT HIAWATHA: 7-10 pm, part of the ongoing Second Saturday Dance Series, starts with beginners’ East Coast Swing lesson, then dancing to a variety of music 8-10 pm (with “mini-lessons throughout the evening to keep you dancing,” instructor/DJ Lilli Ann Carey (Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California SW)

TRAFFIC ALERTS: On Fauntleroy Way south of the ferry terminal, you might be affected over the next few days by the movie filming we mentioned earlier this week (here’s the story) … And remember the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct ramp to 1st Avenue South is closed this weekend (with more changes to come – full details here).

(added) OPEN HOUSE: The Community School of West Seattle, 9450 22nd SW, sends word it has an open house, continuing till 2 pm.

(Cormorant and kayakers off Harbor Avenue shoreline; photo by Christopher Boffoli)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Tonight’s main event is the West Seattle Art Walk, 6-9 pm all around the peninsula. A separate preview’s ahead with highlights but in the meantime, you can find out more about some of the artists on the official Art Walk website … Valentine celebrations begin with the Toddler Valentine event at High Point Community Center this morning, 10 am-12 pm, “an upgraded version of our Toddler Open Gym program” with activities and games … School tours/open houses: West Seattle High School has tours this morning till 10 am; Hope Lutheran has a tour at 9 am; Alki Elementary has a “new student open house” 6:30-7:30 tonight; Lincoln Park Preschool‘s open house is 6-7:30 pm (details on the official flyer); not in West Seattle, but dozens of WS students are at The Center School, a public high school, at Seattle Center, and its open house is at 6 tonight … Seattle Tilth teaches “Starting with Baby Chicks,” 6 pm, Youngstown Arts Center (full details on the Sustainable West Seattle website) … The new Yarrow Spa celebrates its grand opening 6-9 tonight at ActivSpace (3400 Harbor Avenue) … Skylark Café (WSB sponsor) is the place at 8 tonight for a fundraiser on behalf of Tilted Thunder Rail Birds …

ATTENTION, WINE LOVERS: Not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 wine events – Noon-5 pm, it’s the start of the 3-day Valentine’s wine event at South Seattle Community College‘s Northwest Wine Academy – get full details here … 5:30-9 pm, taste wines of Latin America and Spain at West Seattle Cellars … 6-8 pm, wine tasting with the monthly Wine Club at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) $15/person, $20 for two … 6-9 pm at Bin 41 wine: An Italian winemaker from Reverdito is on hand for Art Walk night ($5 tasting fee) … Yet more today/tonight events here.

THREE MORE SCHOOL EVENTS: WSB sponsor West Seattle Montessori School‘s elementary play “Fiddler on the Roof” is tonight and tomorrow, 7 pm, West Seattle High School theater, tickets $10 adults/$6 students, all welcome … Two high-school-basketball postseason games tonight: Lakeside at Chief Sealth and Eastside Catholic at WSHS, both at 7 pm.

(Photo by Pye42 from the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: A presentation about the Port of Seattle is part of the agenda for the 34th District Democrats tonight, 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy … Westside School (WSB sponsor) open house for its new Middle School program, 6-7 pm, details here … There’s also an open house at West Seattle Montessori/West Seattle Academy (WSB sponsor) open house, 6:30-8 pm … Final performances of “The Real Inspector Hound” presented by the Chief Sealth International High School Drama Club are in the campus Little Theater at 3 pm and 7 pm (free) … Chat with School Board member Steve Sundquist, Delridge Library, 11 am … West Seattle Garden Tour Committee Meeting and Potluck at 6:30 pm: Help plan this year’s 17th Annual West Seattle Garden Tour – RSVP to info@westseattlegardentour.com … South Seattle Community College‘s WorkSource Center has a free job search workshop, 4:30 – 6 pm in the WorkSource office located in RSB 79 … Glee Club practice at the ActivSpace building from 7:30 until 9:30 PM. Their message: “We are not professional singers, just a group of people who enjoy singing. There is no audition, and no previous experience necessary.” … More on the calendar!

(Monday rainbow as seen from West Seattle’s shore, photo by Danny McMillin from the WSB Flickr group pool)
Second Tuesday of the month means neighborhood-association meetings. An Admiral Safeway project update is part of the agenda for the Admiral Neighborhood Association at 7 pm, Admiral Congregational Church lower-level meeting room (California/Hill); Fauntleroy Community Association also meets at 7 pm, in the old schoolhouse (9141 California SW), board meeting but public’s welcome. … Chief Sealth International High School hosts two major events tonight – an areawide meeting about the proposed district Transportation Plan, 6:30 pm (more here), and 7 pm is tipoff for the Sealth boys-varsity basketball team hosting a postseason game against Eastside Catholic. … 7 pm is also when West Seattle High School‘s boys-varsity team travels to Lakeside for their postseason game. … Arbor Heights Elementary welcomes visitors to its Open House at 6:30 tonight … As first previewed here two weeks ago, it’s the 8th anniversary of West 5 in The Junction – more on that later this morning, as they promise happy-hour prices all day (starting at 11 am) and other reasons to drop by and celebrate … Lots more on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!

That photo is by, and used with permission from, Alisa Lemire Brooks, one of the people lucky enough to see another breathtaking orca visit in West Seattle waters – after passing the west-facing shores late yesterday, a group turned into Elliott Bay toward downtown, and put on quite a show. Will they be back today? Impossible to predict, but one sight that IS expected in the bay (and out into Puget Sound) is the debut appearance of the new state ferry Salish, being towed to Everett from Todd Pacific Shipyards on Harbor Island where it was built (here’s our Friday preview; the tow was scheduled to start around 8 am) … Biggest event in West Seattle tonight: Come get a firsthand look into the potential future of The Triangle, at an open house where you can see the street-use and land-use “concepts” the city has drawn up after months of advisory-group meetings. One concept could involve rezoning to allow 8-story buildings along SW Alaska in The Triangle, city planners mentioned during a presentation at last week’s Southwest District Council meeting. What would you want to see as this area evolves? Officially share your opinion during the 6-8 pm open house at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon) … And 3 reminders from weekend coverage: It’s the first weekday since Metro’s latest service change; the Tony’s Market produce stand at 35th/Barton reopens today, with the late Tony Genzale‘s son Joey in charge, as reported here Saturday night; and the Lumpia World food truck, which drew lines in its Saturday debut (here’s the photo we tweeted), is expected back in the California SW Rite-Aid parking lot 11 am-2 pm today … More on the WSB calendar!

(Photo from Thursday performance of “Age Only Matters…” by Ben Ackers)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar for today: Final performance of “Age Only Matters If You’re Cheese,” by West Seattleites Yvonne Belshaw and Bron Edwards Cryer. All local cast, chorus, and orchestra. 7:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW). $12 general admission, $10 for those 65+, $25 for a family of 4. Tickets available in the church office or prior to performance. 932-5600 or www.fauntleroyucc.org. … Final performance of West Seattle High School student production of “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody,” 7:30 pm in the campus theater, tickets $5 at the door … Got something to say to – or ask – a City Councilmember? Tom Rasmussen is at the High Point Library (35th/Raymond) 11:30 am-1 pm today to chat with anybody who wants to stop by. He chairs the Transportation Committee, by the way … Also at midday today, the first appearance of the Lumpia World food truck in West Seattle 11 am-2 pm in the Rite-Aid parking lot on California SW south of The Junction (while Marination Mobile continues its 11 am-2 pm Saturday visits to the Hans VW lot at 35th/Graham) … As noted last night, WestSide Baby has a big day – benefit tea is sold out but there’s a benefit cocktail party tonight and dropoff child care this afternoon (details here) … Movie night at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor): “The King and I,” 6:00 pm for dinner then at 7 pm, Caesar salad, pasta, dessert, free (but donations welcome) … At Kenyon Hall: Simple Measures returns with Significant Others at 2 pm … More on the calendar!

(Photo by Little Red Wheelbarrow, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: A benefit for the Phan/Harm family, survivors of last September’s shootings, happening tonight in Tacoma: “TacSea! TacSea! A Celebration of Music, Art, and Life,” full details on the official flyer (PDF) … The Pathfinder K-8 PTSA presents its second special talk about puberty, with Amy Lang of Birds and Bees and Kids, 6-8 pm at the school, RSVP to lashannaw@gmail.com … Friday Night Skating rolls on at Alki Community Center, $3/person, bring your own skates or borrow theirs, 6:45 pm-8:45 pm … At Senior Center of West Seattle this morning, it’s a drop-in Chair Yoga class, 11 am-12:15 pm, $5 members/$7 nonmembers … Three theater productions tonight: “Emilie” @ ArtsWest, 7:30 pm (get tickets online here); “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” @ West Seattle High School, 7:30 pm (update – got a call from WSHS that prices on their website are wrong and tickets are now just $5!); “The Real Inspector Hound” @ Chief Sealth International High School Little Theater, 7 pm (free).

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli, taken Tuesday during an abundance of Seacrest cormorant sightings)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: For Seattle Public Schools, it’s an “early-release day,” with students out two hours early, and that’s why High Point Library has a special gaming event this afternoon, 3-5 pm, including open play on the Wii, all ages welcome, free of charge, refreshments provided (35th and Raymond) … For entertainment tonight, ArtsWest begins the second week of “Emilie,” running through February 20th (tickets available online) … Want to help chart the course of Seattle city-run community centers’ future? New group starts meeting at 6:30 pm, Miller Community Center on Capitol Hill (330 19th Ave. E.) – details here) … Also outside West Seattle but of high relevance – the Viaduct South Portal Working Group meets at 4 pm, board room at Union Station (401 S. Jackson), with updates on south-end construction and a look at the central-waterfront tunnel proposal … And back here in WS tonight, Block Watch, the West Seattle Triangle planning process, and the downtown seawall-replacement project are all part of the agenda for the Southwest District Council, 7 pm in the South Seattle Community College board room (6000 16th SW).

P.S. Happy 6th anniversary to Mission! The party starts tonight at 6.

(Photo by David Hutchinson – river otter spotted off the north end of Don Armeni)
Welcome to February! Chilly sunshine to start the month – and a fairly quiet day/night, in terms of scheduled events. Longtime WSB sponsor Dream Dinners (on the outer east side of Jefferson Square, 4701 41st SW) has an open house tonight – to RSVP, 206-938-5999 … Four local library branches welcome you to story times today/tonight: Baby Story Time at West Seattle (Admiral), 10:30 am, and at Southwest, 11:30 am; Toddler Story Time at Southwest, 2 pm; and Family Story Time at Delridge, 7 pm … Several regular Tuesday activities/events, too – check the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.

This morning’s photo is courtesy of Machel Spence, whose Coffee to a Tea with Sugar show of her natural photography – focusing on fungi – is wrapping up this morning with a sale. 8:30-11 am, she’s selling remaining prints half-price in hopes of taking fewer back home! Also happening in West Seattle today/tonight: It’s the start of the second semester for Seattle Public Schools, and West Seattle High School is switching to its new bell schedule (which is detailed online here) … It’s also the last day you can vote for Lafayette Elementary‘s “Play It Forward” project in the Pepsi Refresh competition (go here to see how) … Do another good deed by joining this week’s edition of fundraising Scrabble at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), 7 pm registration, 7:15 pm game (details here) – $5 to play … And at 7 pm it’s Family Story Time at High Point Library with children’s librarian Amy … More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!

That photo by Lisa came along with her beautiful photo of low-tide beach life shown here last night – just imagine warm sunshine as you join the Polar Plunge at Alki Beach at noon today, to raise money for Special Olympics/Washington. If you’re not already signed up, you can register any time after 9 am, at the Alki Bathhouse. WSB is proud to co-sponsor this event again this year, and we hope to see you there! Also from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, including a few of interest off-peninsula:

DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE ANNIVERSARY: 10 am-3 pm today, the Duwamish Tribe invites you to celebrate the second anniversary of its West Seattle longhouse (4705 West Marginal Way SW).

MERRILL GARDENS-ADMIRAL HEIGHTS ANNIVERSARY: At 2:30 pm, you’re invited to 2326 California SW for music and refreshments to mark its 10th anniversary.

CITY HALL OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-2 pm, you’re invited to tour the headquarters of city government with the schedule including a performance by West Seattle’s Caspar Babypants at 12:45 pm. 5th and Cherry downtown.

CITY COUNCILMEMBERS’ COFFEE CHAT: As mentioned here last night – this isn’t in West Seattle but local youth-sports advocates are going to the Corner Café on First Hill, 9 am-11 am, to take their concerns about park/playfield fees to City Councilmembers Sally Clark and Sally Bagshaw.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: The Chinatown-International District Business Association has been advertising this event here and elsewhere around the city to be sure to get the word out that everyone’s invited – 11 am-4 pm at Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Avenue S. (map). Full details here.

The Mount Rainier lenticular cloud, photographed Wednesday by Christopher Boffoli, evokes the spirit of this morning’s fog down here – except, nobody had to drive in it. Be careful out there. Meantime, a busy day/night ahead: The West Seattle Democratic Women hear from renowned political strategist Cathy Allen at their 11:30 am lunch meeting (West Seattle Golf Course) – call 206-935-3216 to see about a last-minute RSVP … Next to the golf course, tonight’s the night for the Camp Long ropes-course meeting, 7 pm at the lodge (more details here) … School events tonight include the Pathfinder K-8 PTSA meeting and auction kickoff, 6:30 pm; Lafayette Elementary open house, 6:30-8 pm (more details here) … Sanctuary at Admiral is having an open house, 5-8 pm, RSVP to 206-937-8464 … Residential design is in the spotlight as Lidunn Øverdahl Cain discusses “The Changing House,” 6:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library … And Seattle Housing Authority leadership is expected at tonight’s High Point Homeowners’ Association meeting at High Point Neighborhood Center, 7 pm. … Lots more in the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, including free workshops on goal-setting and home-buying – go here.

P.S. From partner site White Center Now: This is opening night for the new bar Company (4 pm, 9608 16th SW).

(Kate Witt in “Emilie,” opening tonight at ArtsWest, photo by Michael Brunk)
Must just be the day for new names. Highland Park Action Committee is expected to talk about theirs — and vote on new leadership – when they meet at 7 tonight, in the Highland Park Improvement Club building (12th/Holden) … Listen and, if you feel like it, read, too, during the monthly PoetryBridge gathering at C&P Coffee Co. (WSB sponsor), 5612 California Ave SW, 7-9 pm, more at www.poetrybridge.net … Got Seattle Public Schools questions/issues? West Seattle’s School Board rep Steve Sundquist has a community chat 11 am-12:15 pm at Delridge Library … It’s “Social Security 101,” free, at The Kenney, 6 pm, just RSVP to 206-937-2800 … At ArtsWest in The Junction, it’s opening night for “Emilie,” running through February 20th (tickets available online), and meet playwright Lauren Gunderson after tonight’s show … And various road closures just outside West Seattle continue tonight; see the SODO and West Seattle sections here … Much more on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!