With shopping opportunities including the Second-Time Sale in Fauntleroy (our photo above is from the Friday prep), work parties, sports, Yom Kippur observances, a free fashion show, and much more – what a day/night this will be, in and around West Seattle! Lots going on … starting early:

TRAFFIC ALERT: If you are heading northbound on 99 this morning, please note that it’s down to one lane across the Aurora Bridge until 11 am today (and again 5 am-11 am on Sunday).

RIDE AROUND THE SOUND: Starting as early as 6:30 am, bicycle riders taking part in this American Lung Association benefit will get going from the starting line (which is also the finish line) at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor). See the schedule here. (6000 16th SW)

CONSTRUCTION CRANE ARRIVAL: It’s not always a pre-announced event when a construction-project crane arrives, but this one is in the heart of The Junction, so here’s a reminder (details in our story from a week ago): The crane for 4730 California, the ex-Petco project, is scheduled to arrive around 7 am and will be put into place over the ensuing few hours.

VASHON SHEEPDOG CLASSIC: 7 am-5 am, explained in our calendar listing. Just a ferry ride away! And here’s a dog to root for:

West Seattle’s Lien Animal Clinic shared the photo of Mojo Hickman, a nationally ranked herding dog they treated with stem-cell therapy for arthritis. Lien vets will be at the sheepdog event noon-3 pm – stop by and say hi.

SECOND-TIME SALE: Fauntleroy Church‘s big sale has its first of two days today, 9 am-3 pm – details in our calendar listing. (9140 California SW)

(added) CROSS-COUNTRY AT LINCOLN PARK: The Sundodger Invitational is happening at Lincoln Park all day – perhaps the biggest meet of the year in the park. Here’s its website; no West Seattle schools are listed as participating, but the 29 schools who are, come from all over the state.

YOM KIPPUR WITH KOL HANESHAMAH: You don’t have to be a member to join in today’s events with Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor) – here’s the schedule:

8:45 am-9:15 am Children’s Service
9:30 am-1:30 pm Morning Service
** Please bring your own Chumash (Book of Torah) if you would like to follow the Torah readings. **
2:00 pm-4:00 pm Afternoon Workshops
4:00 pm-6:45 pm Afternoon Service (Yizkor, Ne’ila)

It’s all happening at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, California/Hanford.

YOM KIPPUR WITH WEST SEATTLE TLC: Today’s Yom Kippur schedule for the West Seattle Torah Learning Center:

Morning Prayer Service 8:45 am
Torah Reading, Yizkor 10:30 am
Neilah final service) 6:45 pm
Light break-fast (snack) served at the conclusion of the fast at 8:09 pm

ADMIRAL ADOPT-A-STREET: This morning, join the Admiral Neighborhood Association for a cleanup along nearby streets/sidewalks. All ages welcome; treats provided at the start and finish – tools and bags provided too. Meet outside Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) at 9 am. (41st/Admiral)

PAINTING PARTY AT K-5 STEM: Time to repaint the playground and add some playcourts, as well as some other work, now that the portables are gone and a new school year is under way. Join the K-5 STEM at Boren community and lend a hand, starting at 9:30 am today. Details in our original preview. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

BICYCLE SALE: West Seattle Cyclery (WSB sponsor) invites you in to check out deals this weekend. From proprietor Brad: “”West Seattle Cyclery is having a sale on all 2013 bikes. Save 20-45% off all 2013 bikes in stock. We have Road, Mountain, Commuter and Recreational bikes in stock. Every bike purchased comes with a FREE Basic Fit and 1 year of FREE adjustments.” (4508 California SW; hours here)

FIESTAS PATRIAS PARADE: Who doesn’t love a parade? This one is unique in our area, spotlighting Latin American cultural pride and traditions in a parade winding through nearby South Park, followed by a fiesta. Parade starts at 11 am; see the route and fiesta locations here. (P.S. West Seattle Bike Connections is participating with helmets/fittings/bike info.)

STORY TIME AT BARNES & NOBLE: Melissa says, “Fall is in the air (93 degree days notwithstanding…), so we’ll be reading ‘Fall Ball,’ a story for our football fans, and ‘Leaf Man.’ We’ll also be making our own leaf people! 11 am. (Westwood Village, south side)

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 1:30 pm at West Seattle Stadium, the Seattle Lutheran High School Saints host Lake Roosevelt. (4432 35th SW)

BARBECUE POTLUCK AND BIKE RIDE: Unicycle, bicycle, tricycle ride around Alki Point after a barbecue potluck at Lincoln Park – it all starts 1:30 pm, informal and fun, annual tradition among friends old and new, and you can join in – details here. (Shelters 53-56)

FIELDHOUSE CELEBRATION: In nearby White Center, King County Parks is celebrating the ~75th anniversary of the historic fieldhouse at Steve Cox Memorial Park with a 2-5 pm event today, including a 3:30 pm program – details on our partner site White Center Now. (1321 SW 102nd)

MAC FASHION HOUSE RUNWAY EXTRAVAGANZA: As part of the city’s Work Readiness in the Arts Program (WRAP), the West Seattle-based Unified Outreach arts nonprofit presents a Fashion Show Extravaganza, produced and modeled by youth, starting with a 5 pm meet and greet before the 6 pm fashion show. We stopped by during rehearsals on Friday:

Admission is free; 50 custom outfits shown on the runway will also be offered at silent auction. Comedian Nate Jackson emcees, with musical performances by Tyrone. (WSC Activity Center, 4400 42nd SW)

And even more in our calendar …

Don’t stay home tonight – it’s West Seattle Art Walk night! Go here for the walking map/venue list. Here are a few highlights (followed by tonight’s other West Seattle happenings):

FINAL ART WALK AT ALKI ARTS: The gallery at the beach is closing at the end of the month, as first reported here last month, and tonight’s the final West Seattle Art Walk night at Alki Arts. Co-proprietor Diane Venti has always thrown a great party on WSAW night, with art and music – tonight the latter is courtesy of AA fave MoonGirl. Here’s a preview. (2820 Alki SW)

CHRISTOPHER BOFFOLI AT CLICK! As reported here earlier this week, longtime WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli has published a book of his world-famous photos, “Big Appetites,” and tonight’s the first book-signing event, at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) during Art Walk. Painter Ann Duffy is at Click! tonight too! (4523 California SW)

‘ICONIC WOMEN SERIES‘: That work by Kristina Griffith will be featured in the opening reception and artist talk tonight at Twilight Gallery – details in our listing. (4306 SW Alaska)

ROOF BARBECUE AT WEST SEATTLE OFFICE JUNCTION: Our area’s first coworking space invites you to a roof barbecue (great view!) tonight, along with its art display featuring Wesley Mayer. (5230-B California SW)

MORE ARTIST/VENUE PREVIEWS – on the official West Seattle Art Walk website!

Also tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EQUILIBRIUM FITNESS OPEN HOUSE: This new Junction business welcomes you to an open house 3-6 pm. (4740 44th SW)

ARBOR HEIGHTS BARBECUE & PTA MEETING: Here’s the official flyer for tonight’s back-to-school barbecue (5 pm) and PTA meeting (6:30 pm):

The school’s at 37th and 104th.

WINE CLUB, WITH ART AND MUSIC: 2nd Thursday also means Wine Club at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). Photographer Machel Spence is featured tonight, plus the music of Choro Tocando. Details in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW)

IRISH DANCE CLASSES BEGIN … at the VFW Hall in The Triangle, 6:15 pm. Details in our calendar listing.

‘HEALTHY HAPPY HOUR‘: Health info and healthy treats, 6:45-8 pm at Ampersand Café – details (and RSVP contact) in our calendar listing. (2536 Alki SW)

FALL KAYAK SALMON-FISHING SEMINAR: Mountain to Sound Outfitters is hosting the seminar at its storefront in The Triangle – led by Ocean Kayak pro staff member Scott Brenneman:

You can feel it in the air, fall is upon us. As the leaves begin to turn golden, salmon continue closer to their spawning grounds. It is time to change tactics and locations for September and October. So let’s have a talk about targeting salmon from a kayak in our Northwest estuaries. Learn about what you need for a successful day on the water.

With over 10 years of experience kayak fishing in the Pacific Northwest I will share some of the subtle techniques that I have refined over the years. Topics cover safety, rigging your kayak, terminal tackle, hardware and bait. Our discussion will also include the popular estuaries of our region and how to correctly fish them throughout the tide cycles.

M2SO is at 3602 SW Alaska.

(Thanks to Sean for the photo of the flag at half-staff at Station 29 in Admiral)
Three highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

9/11 LUMINARIA BAGS AT ALKI ARTS: As noted here Monday, Alki Arts and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society decided to leave the bags from 2001’s post-9/11 remembrances – displayed in “The Earth Cried Out” on Sunday (WSB coverage here) – up through closing time tonight. You can see them noon-7 pm. (2820 Alki SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: 4-7 pm every Wednesday through early October – buy organic produce just steps away from where it was grown. Info in our calendar listing. (32nd/Juneau)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: West Seattle’s largest political group meets at 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, and agenda highlights shared by chair Marcee Stone-Vekich include:

9/11 Remembrance (with member Ron Schoenberg, who was there).

Program: Celebration of Labor
• Jonathan Rosenblum, Campaign Director, Working Washington, discusses the $15 minimum wage for fast-food Workers and the Sea-Tac Good Jobs Initiative.

• Seattle Education Association President Jonathan Knapp reports on the Seattle Teachers Contract Negotiations.

The group also will consider campaign contributions and two resolutions, on gun-sale background checks and on development. Full agenda here; The Hall is at 9131 California SW.

(Photo by Kate Hailey, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
First full week of school, and though summery weather is forecast for the next few days, this morning’s fog brings a fall feeling. So does some of the very serious business in today’s roundup:

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR SOME KINDERGARTENERS: As noted here last month, four local schools start kindergarten on a “slow-start” schedule to facilitate meetings with families. So this is the first day for kindergarteners at Concord, Highland Park, Roxhill, Sanislo, and West Seattle Elementary Schools.

CITY COUNCIL VOTES ON DEVELOPMENT RULES: At their 2 pm meeting today, Seattle City Councilmembers will consider two development-related measures of note – extending a moratorium on some development on “undersized single-family-zoned lots” (read the legislation here), and putting “emergency” restrictions into place to prohibit “low-scale development” in pedestrian-oriented mixed-use zoning (read the legislation here). The meeting’s at City Hall downtown.

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU NEEDS YOU: From Regina:

West Seattle Hi-Yu will be having their General Meeting (tonight) at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California SW, at 6:30 pm. We are looking for 2013-2014 board members, volunteers, and participants for the junior court (8-12 years old) and senior court (18-23 years old). If you love parades, people, community service, and fun, come join and share your ideas. All are welcome – be part of a long tradition in West Seattle. Contact westseattlehiyu.com for information.

St. John’s is at California/Hanford, just south of West Seattle High School.

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Monthly meeting is at 6:30 pm tonight, Delridge Library. Agenda highlights from co-chair Parie Hines:

We’ll be hearing from the Green Seattle Partnership about the upcoming Green Seattle Day. We will also have representatives from Seattle Public Utilities to hear your concerns about stormwater and drainage issues that need attention. And we will start the discussion about a peninsula-wide West Seattle Transit Coalition to look at what the future without the Viaduct will look like.

The library is just south of Delridge/Brandon.

UPDATED 11:25 AM: Delayed because of site work, here’s our full event list for the day (previously published in brief on our backup site earlier this morning):

NOW UNTIL NOON – West Seattle Junior Football/Cheer pancake breakfast at Alki Masonic Center in The Junction. (40th/Edmunds)

NOW UNTIL 2 PM: West Seattle Farmers’ Market. (44th/Alaska)

NOW UNTIL 6 PM: Seattle’s first-ever San Gennaro Festival on South Angelo in Georgetown (first-ever Seattle version, presented by West Seattle’s Mascio family). Here’s our Saturday update. (Map to S. Angelo St.)

HAPPENING NOW: Friends of Morgan Junction Park cleanup at the small triangle park north of West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor). All welcome. (Fauntleroy/42nd/Morgan)

HAPPENING NOW: “The Kitchen Pantry Cookbook” book signing at CAPERS in The Junction with Chef Erin Coopey.

NOON-7 PM: Final day this year to swim at Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park; here’s the schedule.

1-4 PM: Harbor Seal Day events presented by Seal Sitters at Alki Bathhouse, including sculpture dedication at 1:30 pm. (60th/Alki)

1-5 PM: DIY Bikes bike repair at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Details here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

2 PM: “Adventures of Owl and Pussycat” presented by theaterSIMPLE at Westcrest Park. Details here. (9000 8th SW)

3 PM: West Seattle Cooking Club at Beveridge Place Pub. (6451 California SW)

6:30 PM-8:30 PM: “The Earth Cried Out” viewing of 9/11 (and afterward) luminaria bags from Alki Statue of Liberty, one night only, presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society at Alki Arts. (2820 Alki SW)

8 PM: Mark Pickerel, Christy McWilson and Blackie perform at A.A.R.F. benefit @ Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor). Details here. (6451 California SW)

From the “kids, do NOT try this at home!” (or anywhere else) file … Craig Young photographed those three little raccoons atop a utility pole in Admiral one recent sunny day. Looks like we’ll see some sunshine today (though fog started drifting through as we wrote this!). From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE EAGLES’ GARAGE SALE: “Shopping, fun, food” are promised, 9 am-3 pm at the West Seattle Eagles‘ aerie in The Junction; here’s our calendar listing. (4426 California SW)

MORE GARAGE SALES: Find today’s (free to post!) listings in the WSB Forums, here.

PRAYERS FOR PEACE IN SYRIA (AND ELSEWHERE): 10 am-3 pm today at Holy Rosary in West Seattle; here’s our original preview with details. (42nd/Genesee)

SAN GENNARO FESTIVAL: As previewed here night before last, a West Seattle family is presenting Seattle’s first San Gennaro Festival this weekend – a celebration that’s famous in some other cities’ Italian-American communities, but somehow hadn’t happened here. It’s on South Angelo Street (no number necessary) in Georgetown, 10 am-10 pm today and 10 am-6 pm Sunday. (Map)

BENEFIT BAKE SALE: From Katie:

My daughters will be having a bake sale from 11 am-1 pm (today) to raise money for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in memory of their grandpa. There will be signs pointing to the sale on 28th Ave SW and SW Myrtle.

More info here. (Map)

BENEFIT BARBECUE, AND MORE: At West Seattle Thriftway, the traditional Saturday 11 am-4 pm benefit barbecue has special friends on hand – Roxbury Spine and Wellness Clinic (which like WST is a WSB sponsor).

(WSB photo, added 2:35 pm)
11 am-4 pm, offering free spinal-stress tests and 5-minute chair massages. Look for the tent outside the store’s southwest door. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

AUTHOR PAUL SCHMID AT WESTWOOD B&N: From Melissa at Westwood Village Barnes & Noble – word that a notable local kids-book author will be a special guest at 11 am storytime:

We have Paul Schmid, author of several wonderful children’s picture books, guest starring at story time with a talk and signing of his new book, “Oliver and His Alligator.” Mr. Schmid is well-known as the author of “A Pet for Petunia” and “Hugs from Pearl.” We’re very happy to be hosting a great local author with a fantastic back to school story!

The store is on the south/southeast side of the shopping center.(2800 SW Barton)

SEATTLE POLICE HORSES AT WESTWOOD: As previewed here earlier this week, the Seattle Police Mounted Patrol plans to bring horses/officers from its Highland Park HQ to Westwood, for a stop at Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton) 12:30-2:30 pm, and then a stop at Westwood Village shopping center (east side, near Starbucks), 2:45-4:15 pm. Public welcome to come meet them!

HARRY’S CHICKEN JOINT HALF-IVERSARY: The party’s not *at* Harry’s – which will be closed for the occasion – but instead at Beveridge Place Pub, 6-9 pm – free food from Harry’s Chicken Joint (WSB sponsor), celebrating six months in business. Details in our original preview. (BPP is at 6413 California SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Tonight, Seattle Lutheran (photo below is from practice this week) starts its season:

The Saints host Evergreen Lutheran at West Seattle Stadium, 7 pm.

UNIFIED OUTREACH TALENT SHOW: See talented youth show what they can do, 7 pm tonight at Ginomai Art Center in The Junction – details here. (42nd/Genesee)

Even more events/activities for today/tonight – and beyond! – are listed on our calendar!

Another lightning photo from overnight just came in: “This is looking west toward Blake Island, with transmission tower lights on the Kitsap Peninsula beneath the lightning and the lights from Bremerton reflecting in the clouds on the right,” explains the photographer, Mark Dale. (Thanks again to everyone who’s been sharing photos!) It’s looking a little sunbreaky in West Seattle as we write this – wanted to mention a few events for tonight before it’s too late:

ROTARY ‘FIRST FRIDAY’: 5-7 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), stop by and meet Rotary Club of West Seattle members who are gathering for a good time and a good cause (charity benefit/awareness-raising TBA). Details in our calendar listing. (6451 California SW)

‘ENDLESS SUMMER’ CORNER BAR IN HIGHLAND PARK: The Highland Park Improvement Club‘s monthly Corner Bar is back, all ages 6-9 pm, 21+ after 9 pm, live music, beverages, more. Details in our calendar listing. (12th/Holden)

ROSH HASHANAH: Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor) has evening events beginning with Tot Shabbat at 6:15 pm – more details on the KHN website.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: The season begins! Both of tonight’s games involving local schools are away games – Chief Sealth International High School (above, WSB photo of practice this week) visits White Center’s Evergreen High School, 8 pm; West Seattle High School (below, WSB photo of practice this week) is at Fife, 7 pm.

More events for today/tonight (and far beyond) can be found on our calendar!

(Photo by Don Brubeck)
Before we get too much further into Thursday – seven highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DISCOVERY SHOP: The American Cancer Society-benefiting thrift shop in The Junction starts its “Division Sale” today, with everything half-price. Open today until 4:30 pm. (4535 California SW)

ROSH HASHANAH WITH KOL HANESHAMAH: Events this morning/afternoon are listed on Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor)’s website.

SEATTLE LUTHERAN FOOTBALL/CHEER FUNDRAISER: NFL and college veteran players are the guest speakers at a 6 pm dinner tonight raising money for the Seattle Lutheran High School football/cheer programs. All welcome – ticket information and other details here. (SLHS gym; 41st/Genesee)

PARKS LEGACY PLAN MEETING: Interested in the process that’s leading up to the next Seattle Parks levy to go to voters? The citizens’ advisory committee meets 6 pm tonight at Parks HQ downtown, starting with a public-comment period as usual; details are on the city’s Parkways site. (100 Dexter Ave. N.)

ROSH HASHANAH WITH WEST SEATTLE TORAH LEARNING CENTER: 8:15 pm prayers followed by dinner, RSVP for location, contact info here.

NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: Just outside West Seattle, but the topics planned for the 7 pm meeting at North Highline Fire District HQ might be of interest to the North Highline area’s northern neighbors – including upcoming health-care changes. See the agenda on the NHUAC website. (1243 SW 112th)

As always, there’s lots more on the calendar, including tonight’s live-music highlights!

Our photographer caught a sunbreak early this morning, looking toward north Vashon Island from a bluffside in Upper Fauntleroy. Busy, busy morning – even if you don’t have a student in the family, you’ve likely encountered school buses, crossing guards, and other signs that thousands more students (and the teachers and school staff who work with them) are back in class. P.S. We’re gathering back-to-school photos – if you want to share one, editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks! We’ll start the gallery later today. Meantime, also of note: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year observation, begins tonight. Now the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BACK TO SCHOOL: Parochial schools started classes Tuesday, Seattle Public Schools and most secular independent schools started today. But some are beginning with half-days and other staggered schedules, so you might encounter buses, walking/bike-riding students, and pickup/dropoff activities at times besides the normal morning start/afternoon finish.

ARBOR HEIGHTS LANDMARK NOMINATION: 3:30 pm today at the Municipal Tower downtown, the city Landmarks Board considers the landmark nomination for Arbor Heights Elementary, submitted as part of the process for the construction of a new school on the site where the old one sits now. Details and map in our calendar listing.

CLOTHESPIN ON A WIRE: Pop-up shopping at Bird on a Wire Espresso, 6-9 pm, details in the calendar listing. (35th/Henderson)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: 6:30 pm tonight, the council with representatives of community groups and organizations from around western West Seattle meets at Southwest Teen Life Center; public welcome. Neighborhood district coordinator Ed Pottharst shares agenda highlights: “City staff from SDOT will talk about urban forestry/street trees. Then the Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council will discuss City Light surplus properties (City Light presented on that at our July meeting), and the Junction Neighborhood Organization (JuNO) would like to talk about its plans to form a land use review committee.” (2801 SW Thistle)

ROSH HASHANAH WITH KOL HANESHAMAH: 7 pm tonight, Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor)’s Erev Rosh HaShanah event, followed by Honey Cake Oneg, is at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. (California/Hanford)

ROSH HASHANAH WITH WEST SEATTLE TORAH LEARNING CENTER: 7:30 pm prayers followed by a meal, RSVP for location, contact info here.

(added 10:22 am) WATER TAXI TONIGHT: Just added this to the daily traffic/transit tracker but should also note here too – if you are going to the soccer game downtown tonight, the West Seattle Water Taxi is on an extended schedule, per a reminder just texted by the county.

Thanks to Dan for sharing a back-to-school photo! This trio, he says, is headed to Holy Rosary – from left, Elena, 11; Cameron, 13; Elliot, 8. Lots of school notes in today’s highlights list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, and we’ll start with those:

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: In our daily traffic watch, we mapped the five major schools that start today – if you missed it, they are:

*Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee)
*Seattle Lutheran High School (40th/Genesee)
*Hope Lutheran (42nd/Oregon)
*Our Lady of Guadalupe (34th/Myrtle)
*Holy Family (20th/Roxbury)

Note that for some, the first day of school is a half-day.

CHIEF SEALTH ‘WELCOME BACK, SEAHAWKS’ DAY: At Chief Sealth International High School, students are invited to campus today (on a staggered schedule spelled out here) to get schedules, locker assignments, etc.

ARBOR HEIGHTS MEET-AND-GREET: Arbor Heights Elementary is inviting families to the campus 2-3 pm today so students can meet their teacher and see their classroom, and to get a jump on start-of-school paperwork. (37th/104th)

TEACHERS VOTE: Members of the Seattle Education Association gather at Benaroya Hall downtown at 4:30 pm to vote on a proposed contract. Their leadership recommends approving it, but the union also confirmed last night that the leadership vote was a close one. No specific time is set for announcing the results, but we’ll publish an update here when there’s word.

LAFAYETTE NIGHT-BEFORE-SCHOOL BARBECUE: As previewed here last night, at 5 pm on the playground, community members are invited to join the Lafayette Elementary school community for a hot-dog barbecue and live music with the West Seattle Big Band. (Lander west of California)

MADISON SIXTH-GRADE ORIENTATION: Sixth-graders and families are invited to Madison Middle School 6:30-8 pm tonight for orientation. (45th/Spokane)

In non-school happenings:

TRANSPORTATION TALK: 9:30 am, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Governor Jay Inslee plan a media briefing downtown, regarding transportation issues. Not a public event, but this is likely to relate to Metro Transit and potentially looming budget cuts, so we’ll be monitoring it and reporting on what they have to say; you can watch live here.

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS MEETS: 6:30 pm, this month at West Seattle Cyclery (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Meeting details here. (4508 California SW)

TOASTMASTERS’ HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST: You’re welcome to join West Seattle Toastmasters 832 for their humorous speech and table talk contest, 6:30 tonight at Merrill Gardens-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle – details in our calendar listing. (4611 35th SW)

Busy news day, so we are pointing you directly to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for info on happenings from the final day of Alki Point Lighthouse tours to salsa dancing on the beach tonight, and more.

(Crowley tugs off Alki Point – photo added 10:33 am, just shared by Jim Kaiser – thanks!)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

RAMP-CLOSURE REMINDER: Until 3 pm Monday, the ramp from northbound I-5 to the West Seattle Bridge is closed for more expansion-joint work. (We’ll publish an update if it reopens early.)

DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE MARKET/JUMBLE DAYS: Happening at the Duwamish Tribe‘s longhouse, the second of two days for this arts/crafts/rummage/more sale. 10 am-4 pm . (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

BENEFIT CAR WASH: As previewed here on Friday, the WSHS girls’ soccer team is washing cars as a fundraiser at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor), 10 am-3 pm. (35th/Webster)

HONEY HARVEST: From Krista Conner at Seattle Bee Works, word of a “honey harvest” event today at West Seattle Produce: “Meet and chat with local West Seattle beekeepers! Watch and learn how honey is extracted from the comb. Sample local honey!” 10 am-2 pm. (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW)

LAFAYETTE WORK PARTY: Volunteers came out in the rain on Thursday, but there’s still more to be done at the Lafayette Elementary playground, so Sean Reynolds sends word, “We will hold another work party today from 10 am to noon. Sweeping and raking wood chips, weeding around the raised beds and building (there’s lots!) and planting some new flowers will be the target.” (California/Lander)

BARNES AND NOBLE STORYTIME: Melissa describes today’s 11 am storytime at the Westwood Village bookstore: “We’re going to be reading ‘Rocket Writes a Story’ and ‘Library Mouse’ … as well as a fun craft! We’ll be making our own books for budding little writers and artists to create their own stories. It should be a lot of fun, and a nice transition for back to school!” (2800 SW Barton)

LAST WEEKEND FOR ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Today and tomorrow, 1-4 pm (look for a preview later this morning) are your final chances this year for a free tour of the historic Alki Point Lighthouse as it continues its centennial celebration. (Look for the parking lot where Alki Avenue and Beach Drive meet)

DAUGHTERS OF THE DEAD SEA FAREWELL SHOW/BENEFIT: As previewed here on Thursday, the West Seattle band is performing one final time, and admission is by donation to help member Jen cover her medical bills for a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. The show at Easy Street Records in The Junction includes Hobosexual and Whiskey Radio too. (California/Alaska)

SKYLARK BENEFIT FOR LOGAN WICKER: As noted in our Friday story about Skylark Café and Club changing hands as of tomorrow, this is a big night to benefit employee Logan Wicker, seriously injured when an allegedly drunk driver hit his car in June. 8 pm, three bands on the bill: Yevtushenko, Loyal Kites, Dunning Kruger Effect. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

HAIRSTORM ‘ROCK FOR BOOBIES’ BENEFIT: And the night’s final fundraising rock ‘n’ roll round is at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9:30 pm, featuring ’80s “hair rock” tribute band Hairstorm, and featuring a silent auction, all to benefit the breast-cancer-fighting 3-Day team Boulder Patrols. (6451 California SW)

And yes, there’s MORE on the calendar …

(Woodpecker photographed at Lincoln Park last week by John Kamin – thanks for sharing!)
A quieter Friday as we head into Labor Day weekend – but you still have options for today/tonight (and we have a few reminders, too):

TENNIS-COURT CLOSURE: As the Solstice Park tennis courts’ renovation closure wraps up, the Hiawatha Community Center/Park courts’ renovation closure is scheduled to start today, as noted on the city’s Parkways site. (Fauntleroy/Lincoln Park Way SW)

DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE MARKET/JUMBLE DAYS: Go shop at the Duwamish Tribe‘s longhouse, during the first of two days for this arts/crafts/rummage (and more) sale. 10 am-4 pm today and again on Saturday. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

SIGNAL-BOX MURAL CELEBRATION: As previewed here last night, you’re invited to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center at 2 this afternoon to help the artists celebrate the project that has painted sea-life-themed mini-murals on 12 traffic-signal boxes along Delridge between Andover and Henderson. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

‘FOOD FOR ART’ PARTY: A month-long benefit at The Bridge, on behalf of nearby Transitional Resources, culminates with a party starting at 3:30 pm today, and raffle tickets on sale until the drawing at 8 tonight. Details in this earlier story. (4439 35th SW)

‘BOBCAT BOB’: Ever-popular “Bobcat Bob” Rice performs tonight at C & P Coffee Company, 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT MIND UNWIND: The Portrait Project plays live jazz music at Mind Unwind in The Admiral District, 8-10 pm tonight, no cover. (2206 California SW)

And a business note …

THE WASH DOG: Out of the WSB inbox this morning: “The Wash Dog [WSB sponsor] will be closed today (Friday, 8/30) for Employee Enrichment Day, to celebrate our outstanding, hard-working employees. We will re-open at 9 am tomorrow – Saturday, 8/31.” (6400 California SW)

(Thanks to Lise Thivierge for sharing the photo from Seacrest!)
Busy day/night – especially for back-to-school events. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and the WSB inbox:

LAFAYETTE PLAYGROUND WORK PARTY: Just got word of this “rain or shine” event, happening NOW until 2 pm today at Lafayette Elementary‘s playground: “Please join us for the annual trimming of the kiwi, kindergarten planter cleanup, sweeping of wood chips into the play area, planting some flowers, etc. We will have tools provided from the district but please bring comfortable gloves and any personal supplies that you’d like to use.” (California/Lander)

TEACHERS’ INFORMATIONAL PICKETING: As first reported here Tuesday night, Seattle Education Association members – who have yet to reach a contract with Seattle Public Schools – plan informational picketing around the city today, including 3-6 pm by the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. (35th/Fauntleroy)

ROXHILL BACK-TO-SCHOOL BARBECUE: 4:30-6:30 pm at Roxhill Elementary: “This is an opportunity for our families to come to the school, have a hot dog dinner, meet their teacher and receive free school supplies.” (Roxbury/30th)

PATHFINDER K-8 BACK-TO-SCHOOL BARBECUE: 5-7:30 pm tonight at the school, including the dedication of the new mosaic sign. Indoors if necessary. Details in our preview.

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY MEET-AND-GREET: In groups, spread out between 5:30 and 7:15 pm – details in our preview. (4320 SW Myrtle)

POLITICAL FUNDRAISER: 5:30-7:30 pm tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), according to the announcement, “Seattle City Councilmembers Richard Conlin, Nick Licata, and Tom Rasmussen; Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, Ted Barker, Kim Becklund, Brian Earl, Ann Martin, Marcee Stone-Vekich, and Max Vekich are co-sponsoring a fundraising reception to benefit Fair Elections Seattle, which appears on the November ballot.” (6451 California SW)

BABYSITTER MEET AND GREET: Free adult-only drop-in event at West Seattle Office Junction, to meet babysitters working locally. 6-7:30 pm; RSVP by going here. Light refreshments; giveaways including a selection of Usborne books. (5230-B California SW) Update: This event has been postponed; new date TBA.

DUWAMISH RIVER KAYAK TOUR: Native American history along the Duwamish River is the focus of tonight’s community kayak tour with the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition and Alki Kayak Tours. Meet at 6 pm at Terminal 107 Park; details in our calendar listing. (4700 W. Marginal Way SW)

DENNY ORIENTATION: Another pre-back-to-school event, this time at Denny International Middle School: 6:30-8 pm, “for students and parents/guardians who are new to Denny International (all grade levels). This event will be a time to learn more about our school and meet staff.” Ice cream afterward! (2601 SW Kenyon)

FINAL HIAWATHA CONCERT OF THE YEAR: As previewed here on Tuesday, this year’s Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concerts at Hiawatha finale is tonight, featuring Strong Suit, 6:30 pm – update, INDOORS at the Hiawatha Gym east lawn if the weather clears, in the Hiawatha gym if it doesn’t. (Between California and Walnut, 2700 block)

DESIGN REVIEW: 4433 42nd SW, the apartment project known as Junction Flats, goes before the Southwest Design Review Board at 6:30 pm tonight, upstairs at the Senior Center of West Seattle. As always, there will be a chance for public comment. Here’s our report from last week with a link to the newest project information, including the “packet” for tonight’s meeting.

OPEN MIKE AT DIVA: 7 pm Thursdays, it’s open-microphone night at Diva Espresso in The Triangle – which now serves beer, too. (4480 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WATER TAXI FOR SEAHAWKS GAME: Another reminder that the West Seattle Water Taxi will run on the extended game-night schedule tonight for the Seahawks game, with the final run from downtown to WS scheduled for 10:30 pm; see the schedule here.

And there’s even MORE – on the calendar!

(Off Constellation Park this morning: Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
Sun’s out now, and if you weren’t up early, you’d never know it had been a gorgeously misty morning for a while. We procured photographic proof while out to check on a few things. Now, on with the rest of our late-August Wednesday … highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DISCOVER SHOP ‘ANTIQUES, VINTAGE, COLLECTIBLES EVENT’: The volunteer-operated, American Cancer Society-benefiting shop in The Junction has a special sale on one-of-a-kind treasures starting today; open until 4:30 pm. (4535 California SW)

EARLY DAYS: Baby in the household? This weekly support group meets today and every Wednesday, noon-2 pm, in the classroom at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (4746 44th SW)

ARBOR HEIGHTS KINDERGARTEN PLAYDATE: Incoming kindergarteners are invited to come meet future classmates at Arbor Heights Elementary, 3:30-5 pm today. (37th SW/SW 104th)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: 4-7 pm every Wednesday through early October – buy organic produce just steps away from where it was grown. Info in our calendar listing. (32nd/Juneau)

SUPERMARKET PICKETING: If you see people with picket signs at local supermarkets this afternoon/evening, it’s not a strike, but local unions warn a strike vote could be approaching, with no deal yet after six months of negotiations. Two local stores have been announced as among the sites for today’s picketing: the Safeway store at Roxbury/28th, starting at 4 pm, and the Westwood Village QFC, starting at 5 pm.

SANISLO KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION & ALL-SCHOOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Two big events at Sanislo Elementary tonight – kindergarten orientation at 6 pm, all-school ice-cream social at 6:30, as previewed here. (1812 SW Myrtle)

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK ORIENTATION: Find out more about the new West Seattle Timebank tonight, by coming to an orientation meeting at the Senior Center of West Seattle. Potluck at 6:30, orientation at 7, details in our calendar listing. (Oregon/California)

POEMS AND STORIES AT C & P: The monthly poetry/storytelling showcase is 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – details in the calendar listing. (5612 California SW)

(Colman Pool panorama shared by Flickr member alextutu1821 via the WSB Flickr pool)
Is an outdoor swim on your “before summer ends” bucket list? Time’s ebbing – this is the last full week of the season at Colman Pool (see the schedule, including the “postseason” weekend, here). Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what else is up today:

FOREST RESTORATION: The West Seattle-based Nature Consortium needs you! And not just on weekends. Our calendar listing explains.

BABY STORY TIME: Introduce your little one to libraries as early as possible! Baby Story Time is a great opportunity – and there’s one at 11:30 this morning at Southwest Branch Library. (35th/Henderson)

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION TOWN HALL: As explained in the calendar listing, two of the state’s chapters of the association will “highlight and solicit feedback on public policy initiatives, including the National Alzheimer’s Plan, an Alzheimer’s Disease Plan for Washington State, and Voices for Better Health in Washington State, a new initiative to improve health care for ‘dual eligibles,’ older and disabled Washingtonians who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.” All welcome, 1:30-3:30 pm at Providence Mount St. Vincent. (4831 35th SW)

EX-SUBSTATION SITES MEETING: Tonight’s the second of two Seattle City Light public meetings about no-longer-needed substation sites in the area – this time, focusing on the Dakota, Fauntleroy, Ambaum & Glendale Substations (whose locations range from north West Seattle to Burien), as explained here. High Point Community Center, 7-9 pm. (6920 34th SW)

SHADOW AT EASY STREET: It’s a reunion show at Easy Street Records for this circa-’80s band featuring Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, celebrating a record release – as explained here. Sweet Water‘s on the bill for this free, all-ages, in-store concert; be there, 7 pm. (California/Alaska)

(Photo by Mark Wangerin)
Short list of highlights today, so we’re bookending it with two beautiful photos of Anna’s hummingbirds, each credited beneath – thanks again to everyone who shares wondrous West Seattle imagery with the community via WSB. Now, from the calendar:

CHIEF SEALTH PRINCIPAL’S MEET-AND-GREET: As announced last week, the new principal of Chief Sealth International High School, Aida Fraser-Hammer, says the doors are open today for a meet-and-greet with her and other school administrators – just stop by 10 am-6 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Last week to get in on the Seattle Public Library‘s summer-reading program – as explained here – just go to your nearest branch during regular hours!

VIGIL OUTSIDE ‘NICKELSVILLE’: Tonight is the second night of the Westside Interfaith Network‘s week of vigils outside the encampment, in hope of raising awareness about homelessness. Here’s our coverage of the first one on Sunday night, and our archived coverage about the encampment, which the city says will be closed after next weekend. (7116 W. Marginal Way SW)

DELRIDGE GROCERY: Volunteer help is sought by the nonprofit group working to launch a co-op grocery store next summer in the under-construction DESC building on Delridge. Their next public meeting, as previewed here, is at 6:30 tonight, Delridge Branch Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

(Photo by Patrick McCaffrey)
See the calendar for recurring events (and please let us know if you see errors!).

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, 8 highlights for today/tonight:

ALKI BEACH 5K: 9 am from the bathhouse, with last-minute registration under way now, and an Alki SW road closure until the 5K is over. The Alki Beach 5K benefits Northwest Hope and Healing, which helps breast-cancer patients.

BACKPACK GIVEAWAY: 1-3 pm, West Seattle Baptist Church will give away backpacks to students who need them; free pizza is being offered too. (4157 California SW)

AT THE LONGHOUSE: Come hear about Duwamish Teachings with Johnny Moses: ”Stories of Endurance and Strengthening Self” at the Duwamish Longhouse, 1-2 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

BEERFEST BENEFIT: Beer and hot dogs are available during West Seattle Nursery‘s annual Dog Days of Summer Beerfest benefiting Furry Faces Foundation, 1-5 pm, as explained here. Bring your pet to get a $5 tag from F3! (California/Brandon)

WEST SIDE MUSIC ACADEMY RECITAL: Students from West Side Music Academy perform at 4 pm at Skylark Café and Club, all welcome. Added info from WSMA: “… students playing in 2 rock bands (one 7-9 year olds and one 10-11 year olds), a jazz combo, a duo and some solo performances. It’s always a FUN time! All ages.” (3803 Delridge Way SW)

HOMELESSNESS VIGIL: As reported here on Friday, the Westside Interfaith Network plans nightly vigils for the next week at the “Nickelsville” encampment, 6-10 pm, and invites all interested in showing concern about homelessness to join them. (7116 W. Marginal Way SW)

BIG BILL AT KENYON HALL: Piano, guitar, harmonica, dobro, AND singing on tonight’s bill at Kenyon Hall with Del Rey, Arthur Migiliazza, Grant Dermody, and Orville Johnson, 7:30 pm. Details on the calendar. (7904 35th SW)

KARAOKE BENEFIT FOR LOGAN WICKER: Karaoke fundraiser tonight at Skylark Café and Club for employee Logan Wicker, badly hurt in a crash earlier this summer, hit by an alleged drunk driver. Details in our calendar listing. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

For our daily preview today, we’re pointing you to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, which is where you’ll find the full lineup of events including:

–Great Cross-Sound Race by Sound Rowers (starts at Alki at 9 am)
–Garage/Craft Sale in the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard (9 am-3 pm)
–Final West Seattle Outdoor Movies presentation (“This Is Spinal Tap,” dusk)

LOTS more happening and we have to get out to start covering it! Again, the full calendar is here.

(Sunflowers in Delridge, photographed by Flickr member alextutu1821 and shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Highlights for the rest of your Friday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

PET ADOPTIONS: Noon-3 pm, the MaxMobile will be at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) with adoptable pets! (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

THIS YEAR’S FINAL CONCERT AT THE MOUNT: Enjoy ’60s tunes at 6 pm tonight with The Spyrographs performing at this year’s fourth and final outdoor concert on the south side of the Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. The concert’s free; if you want to buy dinner at 5:30 pm – tonight’s featured entree is salmon or chicken Caesar salad.

IN-STORE AT EASY STREET: King County Queens perform at Easy Street Records, free/all-ages, 7 pm. (California/Alaska)

AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 tonight – from the description in the calendar listing:

Internationally renowned queen of old-time blues guitar Del Rey, award winning blues and boogie woogie pianist Arthur Migliazza, master of the blues harmonica Grant Dermody, and poet of the dobro Orville Johnson join forces to raise the roof, and then some! Piano, guitar, dobro, and harmonica playing, and down-home singing by the area’s finest.

Historic Kenyon Hall is at 7904 35th SW.

THE BEARD BROTHERS: The Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) home page asks the question: “Ever hear ‘Kashmir’ done with just an acoustic guitar, percussion and electric violin?” If not – or even if you have – the Beard Brothers are a “don’t miss,” at the Feedback, 9:30 tonight. (6451 California SW)

LOTS more on the calendar – and don’t forget the freeway ramp closure that starts at 7 tonight.

Thanks to the Fauntleroy Community Association for allowing us to republish that photo from the FCA Facebook page – FCA past president Bruce Butterfield took it after finding old West Seattle street signs at Seattle Antique Market on the downtown waterfront. P.S. The city still sells old signs direct to the public, too – info’s here (and if you follow the “inventory” link, you’ll see it was updated just a week ago). Now, on to the future in our belated daily roundup – six events you might want to know about for tonight:

HEALTHY FAMILIES CELEBRATION: Fun, food, more this evening at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center, 5-8 pm – details in our calendar listing. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

PUB RUN: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is the launch point for a pub run sponsored by Adidas tonight; meet at the shop (California/Charlestown) at 6:30 pm, try on Adidas shoes if you’re interested, head out on a 3-mile run, meeting at Spiro’s Pizza and Pasta (California/Hinds) afterward, where, WSR says, Adidas buys the first round of beer and provides free pint glasses to all, as well as prizes for highest scorers in “trivia games about running, adidas and West Seattle Runner.”

SUBSTATIONS MEETING: If you’re near one of the former substation properties whose future will be determined soon by Seattle City Light, you might want to come to tonight’s meeting, 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – see our preview from last night to find out about the locations – some are on tonight’s agenda, while some will be discussed at a different meeting next week. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

NATURE WALK: Explore Lincoln Park with naturalist Stewart Wechsler – looking and listening for owls and more. 7 pm; details in our listing.

‘UNPLUGGED!’: The Seattle Classic Guitar Society‘s open-microphone event is 7-9 pm tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW)

CYRCUS NIGHT: 9-11 pm Wednesdays at Shadowland in The Junction, it’s a free aerial-arts and circus show – details here. (California/Oregon)