(Mt. Rainier and the Duwamish River at sunrise today; photo by Chi Duong, via the WSB Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info Guide and our year-round calendar:

‘SHOP LATE THURSDAY’: The Junction invites you to shop until 9 pm at many stores, one more time before Christmas. That includes WSB sponsor West Seattle Cyclery at 4508 California SW, which just shared the news of a 20 percent off sale, not just this evening, but all day long, plus an extra 10 percent off clearance items. Other participating stores are listed here. And we have word of one artist studio participating – Linda Thorson‘s open-studio sale hours at 4407 SW Dawson, with cast stone garden sculpture/architectural detailing, 5-7:30 pm, with part of the proceeds going to the Mary’s Place shelter for homeless women and children.

‘WRAP IT UP’: Want somebody else to do the wrapping? Furry Faces Foundation and Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation are wrapping, by donation, again tonight. This time it’s at The Beer Junction, 6-9 pm. (4511 California SW)

DEVELOPMENT MEETING: For the third consecutive Thursday night, there’s a community meeting sparked by the 6917 California SW “30 apartments/no offstreet parking” development. First, community groups presented a development-rules-as-they-are-now primer of sorts on December 5th (WSB coverage here); next, the project’s developer met with the community on December 12th (WSB coverage here); tonight, it’s an official city meeting requested by community petition, to take comments on the project’s potential environmental effects (traffic, noise, and more) – see the official notice here. 6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle. (California/Oregon)

SCHOOL CONCERT #1: It’s the winter concert for Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School at 6:30 pm in the Sealth auditorium. (2600 SW Thistle)

(added) SCHOOL CONCERT #2: Just in – “Tonight at 7 pm in the West Seattle High School Theater will be the Music Program’s Winter Concert. It will feature the Orchestra, Jazz and Concert Bands.” (3000 California SW)

NIGHTLIFE: Multiple venues, multiple performers – see the listings on the calendar (click any line to find out more).

(Robins photographed by Laura Goodrich earlier this month, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info Guide and our year-round calendar:

CO-WORKING MEETUP: Even if you don’t regularly work at West Seattle’s first and only co-working space, WS Office Junction, you’re invited to be there noon-1:15 pm today for the twice-monthly co-working meetup: “These are informal meetings to share and talk about business ideas, projects, get feedback, build community and make new friends and business partners. Stay afterward to get your work done and follow up on all the information and ideas you got from the meetup.” (5230-B California SW)

HPAC SAYS THANKS, LOOKS AHEAD: On the Highland Park Action Committee‘s monthly agenda tonight, 7 pm:

We will be hosting the fire fighters from Station 11, and our Community Police officers so that we can express our gratitude for all that they do for our neighborhood. HPAC will be getting some chicken teriyaki from Highland Park’s own Wanna Burger and Teriyaki- Please join us to celebrate our awesome community and bring a little something to share. We will also be asking for your input on the direction HPAC will head in the next year, so bring your ideas – we’ll be asking you to share them in writing, so don’t worry- you won’t have to speak in front of everyone!

HPAC meets at Highland Park Improvement Club. (12th/Holden)

STUDENT CONCERT “Come celebrate the Christmas season with the student musicians of Hope School and Seattle Lutheran High School! 7:pm at Hope Church. The musical program includes holiday music performed by the choir, hand bells, chapel band and high school band.” (42nd/Oregon)

SANTA AT PEGASUS: You’re not out of Santa-photo chances yet – tonight the Jolly Ol’ Soul will be at Pegasus on Alki; photos are free with a $25 gift-card purchase, and Pegasus says it’s donating part of the proceeds to the Starlight Foundation Northwest. (2770 Alki SW)

LITTLE WOMEN AT ARTSWEST: Second-to-last week for the final 2013 production at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), with the curtain rising at 7:30 tonight. (4711 California SW)

COMEDY AT THE FEEDBACK: West Seattle’s own Mona Concepcion is back at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) hosting a night of live comedy headlined by Kermet Apio, with Matt Ericksen, Aisha Farhoud, Eden Nault, Danielle Radford, and Jeffrey Robert, starting at 8 pm. (6451 California SW)

Candace McCutcheon shared that photo from the December 7th Christmas Ship stop at Alki. Tonight’s your last chance to see and hear it off West Seattle shores this holiday season – one of five highlights:

HOLIDAY GIVING – ACT FAST!: Many toy drives, giving trees, and other opportunities for holiday help end within the next few days – for some, the deadline is today (Toys for Tots at C & P Coffee [WSB sponsor], for example – just bring a new unwrapped toy!); for others, you have a few more days (Firefly‘s giving tree for a local family); only a few run beyond this week, so please don’t procrastinate! Please see the list in the WSB Holiday Guide.

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: 2 pm, Southwest Library. This month’s book: “Emily Alone” by Stewart O’Nan. (35th/Henderson)

GET FIT, WEST SEATTLE! Informational meeting at 6:30 pm for the next West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) edition of this couch-to-marathon program – which, as explained in our preview, is free! (California/Charlestown)

CHRISTMAS SHIP AT SALTY’S: The final Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship stop in West Seattle this year is TONIGHT, 9:15 pm, just off Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), and Salty’s says you are welcome to come in and watch, even if you are NOT there for dinner or drinks: “The entire community is invited enter onto our HEATED patios to enjoy hot cider and cookies. The patio will be well lit with tiki torches, lanterns and hand-held candles, making for great photo-ops … The heat lamps will be crankin’ as the Christmas Ships approach from the East at 9 pm.” (1936 Harbor SW)

THE YEV AT SKYLARK: 10 pm, free show! Details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

(Photo by Monty)
(updated) Eighteen Sunday highlights, from both the WSB Holiday Events/Info Guide and year-round calendar:

FEEDBACK FOOTBALL: The Seahawks play back east this morning, and Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) is opening its doors early so you can come watch the game and enjoy breakfast specials. (6451 California SW)

HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT’S FINAL DAY: No Christmas tree yet? Planning to get one today? It’s the final scheduled day for the Holy Rosary Tree Lot (WSB sponsor), north of the school. Part of this lot’s proceeds benefit West Seattle Helpline, Hickman House (domestic-violence shelter), and West Seattle Food Bank. (41st/Dakota)

MULE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES: West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays brings back the tradition today and next Sunday, 11 am-4 pm. Belgian Draft Mules pull the carriages around The Junction; you ride for free. Look for the pickup/dropoff spot. (California/Alaska)

CAROLING TO BENEFIT FOOD BANKS: We 3 Carolers, joined by members of the SSCC Choir, will sing in The Junction to raise money for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks. We will be caroling on the corner in front of Key Bank from 11:30 am until 3 pm. “Stop by, give generously, and if the holiday spirit moves you, sing along!” (California/Alaska)

TRANSPORTATION TALK: Second day of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition “listening tour,” with a visit this time to Cupcake Royale in The Junction, 11 am-1 pm. Stop by and tell WSTC reps what you think the priorities should be, as explained here. (California/Alaska)

HIGHLAND PARK NEIGHBORS’ WORK PARTY: Noon-3 pm, come help move mulch to spruce up the slope in the Kenyon/14th/15th vicinity, as previewed here.

STUDIO SALE: Noon-5 pm, fine photography and art sale at Gregor Jamroski’s studio, details here. (10823 36th SW)

SANTA AT DAKOTA PLACE PARK: 1-4 pm at Dakota Place Park, with a food-bank fundraiser/foodraiser, sponsored by My Seattle Realty, which is donating one digital photo free – 2-can West Seattle Food Bank (or $) requested – others available for purchase from photographer Gail Ann. Reservations requested: Specify 1-2, 2-3 or 3-4 pm in e-mail to of****@*************ty.com. (California Ave SW and SW Dakota St)

SANTA AT CAPERS: DIY photos with “Ex-Westwood” Santa at CAPERS continue this Saturday/Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Suggested donation per sitting $10; all donations benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.

‘WRAP IT UP’: Gift-wrapping fundraiser for Furry Faces and AARF Foundations’ animal-advocacy work, by donation. First session today, 2-7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. (6413 California SW)

‘LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL’: Matinee today – 3 pm, ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (4711 California SW)

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH’ FINALE: 3 pm matinee is your last chance to join Twelfth Night Productions for “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play.”

(Photo by Gary Wigle)
Show’s at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)

FAUNTLEROY CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Christmas Concert at Fauntleroy Church: 4 pm in the sanctuary, with reception to follow. Choristers from Peace Lutheran Church will join the Fauntleroy choir to bring nearly 60 voices to bear on a varied program, including Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria” and Morten Lauridson’s “O Magnum Mysterium.” Seattle Symphony alumnus Mannfried Funk will play cello. Free. (9140 California SW)

‘COCOA CRIS CRINGLE’ SANTA AT EASY STREET: Meet Easy Street Records‘ Santa for photos/donation drive benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. 4-7 pm. $20, or $15 with donation of 1 nonperishable food item or toy, includes 3 photos sent to you and 1 printed on site. (California/Alaska)

CARTOONING SANTA AT LUNA PARK CAFE: 5-8 pm, meet Cartooning Santa at Luna Park Café, drawing free cartoons for the kids, with drink specials for all ages. (2918 SW Avalon Way)

BOOZE, BALLS, BINGO HOLIDAY EDITION: 5:30 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) with Tru St. James and Mama Tits, guest appearance by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – including a winter-coat drive for Treehouse. (6451 California SW)

CARMINA ANGELORUM CONCERT: 7:30-9 pm at Holy Rosary Church, an evening concert of elegant music celebrating winter and the holiday season, featuring harpist Juliet Stratton and the young women of Prime Voci and Cantamus. Works by Benjamin Britten, John Rutter, Bernard Hughes, Paul Carey, R. Murray Shafer, and Bob Chilcott. Sponsored by the Seattle Girls’ Choir. Tickets: $12, $8/Senior & Students – buy tickets at the door or at BrownPaperTickets.com. (42nd/Genesee)

FINAL DAY FOR VILLAGE GREEN GIVING TREE: At the Christmas Tree Lot at Village Green Perennial Nursery, it’s the last day to participate in a giving tree with wish-list tags to sponsor 31 special people through Jubilee Women’s Center, which support women experiencing poverty to build stable and fulfilling futures! All unwrapped gifts are due back today, so they are ready to be wrapped by the staff at Jubilee the next day. (10223 26th SW)

Other giving opportunities are listed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Event/Info Guide.

(Jen @ C&P fair – photo courtesy Machel Spence, who is there too)
Two craft fairs are under way already and that’s just the start of a busy holiday Saturday, with Santa visits and much more … so most (but not all) of the following is from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info Guide, with listings and lists running all the way through New Year’s Day:

ADMIRAL ADOPT-A-STREET CLEANUP: Not too late to scoot over to Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral and get geared up to help clean up Admiral District streets with the Admiral Neighborhood Association until noon. (41st/42nd/Admiral)

C & P FAIR: C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, under way until 3 pm, “featuring unique, local arts and crafts for sale at the coffee shop. Jewelry, toys, clothing, prints, paintings, furniture, and more.” (5612 California SW)

DIVA FAIR: Diva Espresso‘s annual arts/crafts fair, also under way until 3 pm. (4480 Fauntleroy Way SW)

(Photo added: Cara with collection barrel outside Thriftway)
FOOD DRIVE: Donate to the West Seattle Food Bank at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 10 am-**4** pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan; updated end time)

SANTA PAWS … Pet photos today, 11 am-2 pm, at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor) offices at Jefferson Square, 11 am-2 pm. Please sign up ahead of time by going here. (4700 42nd SW, Suite 600)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION ‘LISTENING TOUR’: Something to say about West Seattle transportation? (Who DOESN’T have something to say about it?) Stop by Barnes & Noble’s coffee shop at Westwood Village noon-2 pm today and talk with the WSTC. (2600 SW Barton)

KITTY HARBOR: Second-to-last weekend of the year at the adoption center near the West Seattle Bridge – and dozens of cats/kittens are looking for homes, like this one:

Thanks to Chaucer Wells Photography for sharing that pic. Noon-6 today @ KH. (3422 Harbor SW)

NEPENTHE BAZAAR: Nepenthe Holiday Bazaar, 1-9 pm: “A venue open to creators of all kinds!” (6010 & 6016-A California SW)

SANTA AT CAPERS: DIY photos with “Ex-Westwood” Santa at CAPERS continue this Saturday/Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Suggested donation per sitting $10; all donations benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.

CHAMPAGNE TASTING: Annual grower Champagne tasting at West Seattle Cellars. 1-5 pm Note, there will be a $10 fee for this tasting, refundable with purchase of a bottle of Champagne. (6026 California SW)

‘COCOA CRIS CRINGLE’ AT EASY STREET: Saturday and Sunday evenings, come meet Easy Street Records‘ Santa for photos/donation drive benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank.
4-9 pm. $20, or $15 with donation of 1 nonperishable food item or toy, includes 3 photos sent to you and 1 printed on site. (California/Alaska)

SANTA AT THE MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: 6-10 pm tonight, “Santa Al” is available for DIY photos at the legendary light show; bring a can of food to donate for Northwest Harvest. (5605 Beach Drive SW)

‘LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL’: The curtain rises at 7:30 tonight, ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (4711 California SW)

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH’: Twelfth Night Productions presents “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play,” in the style of a live 1940s radio broadcast. 7:30 tonight at Kenyon Hall. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com/event/509548 or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)

NIGHTLIFE: Our regular calendar includes listings tonight for music and more at The Cask, Duos Lounge, Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), Shadowland, Skylark Café and Club, Twilight Gallery. Mouse over the right side of any line in the calendar to click the “plus” sign and expand it for a preview. And if your West Seattle show isn’t there – did you e-mail us the info, plain text, week in advance? Listings are free – ed****@*************og.com. Thanks!

(Snowberries & boom on the Duwamish east of T-107, photographed by Don Brubeck, shared via Flickr)
Another big holiday-season weekend begins! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Event/Info Guide are below, along with events from our regular year-round calendar:

TODDLER TREE PLANTING: Join the Nature Consortium in the West Duwamish Greenbelt starting at 10 am. Details in our listing.

KNOW SOMEONE IN NEED? West Seattle-based Skate Church offers a food bank at noon on Fridays; details here.

HOUR OF CODE: Ages 5 and up are invited to Southwest Branch Library to learn about doing more with computers and technology than simply reading or playing – details in our calendar listing. 3 pm. (35th/Henderson)

GIFT WRAPPING AND CAROLING: Emeritus at West Seattle is teaming up with Girl Scout Troop 43769 to support the West Seattle Food Bank tonight, hosting gift wrapping and caroling from 5 – 6:30 pm. Bring a nonperishable food item for each package OR cash for a suggested donation. Emeritus-WS has a giving tree you can check out while there, too. (4611 35th SW)

LAFAYETTE CRAFT FAIR: Tonight’s the annual Lafayette Elementary Craft Fair in the cafeteria. 5 pm -8 pm. All welcome to come shop! (California/Lander)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Playing at home tonight are Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) hosting Bainbridge, with boys’ JV at 4:45 pm, girls at 6:15 pm, boys’ varsity at 8 pm, and Seattle Lutheran High School (41st/Genesee) hosting Mount Vernon, with boys’ JV at 4 pm, girls at 5:30 pm, boys’ varsity at 7 pm.

CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING: Bells of the Sound holiday concert tonight at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor): This holiday season finds Bells of the Sound “Making Spirits Bright“! Join Puget Sound’s premier handbell ensemble as they present a program of traditional and modern holiday classics like Blue Christmas, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, The Holly and the Ivy, and Jingle Bells. 7:30 pm; suggested donation of $10/adults and $8/youth & seniors will be collected at the door. Children under 8 are free. (3940 41st SW)

LAST WEEKEND FOR ‘MIRACLE ON 34TH’: Join Twelfth Night Productions for “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play,” based on the holiday-movie favorite of the same name, presented as a live 1940s radio broadcast. 7:30 tonight at Kenyon Hall. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com/event/509548 or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)

‘LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL’: Haven’t seen it yet? Next chance, 7:30 tonight, ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (4711 California SW)

Two more holiday notes:

SOCK DRIVE: Second-to-last day for the holiday sock drive at Java Bean Coffee in Luna Park. Drop off pairs of new white socks. All donations benefit Operation Nightwatch. (2920 SW Avalon Way)

FINAL WEEKEND FOR HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: This Sunday is the last day of the season for Holy Rosary Tree Lot (WSB sponsor), north of the school. Part of this lot’s proceeds benefit West Seattle Helpline, Hickman House (domestic-violence shelter), and West Seattle Food Bank. (41st/Dakota)

(Today’s sunrise, shared by Karen via the WSB Facebook page)
We’re working on a separate preview of this BIG night for holiday shopping – a special expanded confluence of Shop Late Thursday in The Junction and West Seattle Art Walk peninsula-wide. But first, four other events of note, from our regular calendar:

FLORAGRAPH FOR JOSHUA: As previewed here on Wednesday, a gathering at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor) 5-7 pm will honor the memory of Joshua Waleryszak, with his mother finishing the floragraph that will be part of a tribute on a Rose Parade float New Year’s Day, celebrating and encouraging organ donation. Community members are invited to come hear his story and support his mom. (30th/Sylvan)

OPENING NIGHT FOR THE BRIDGE: After previews and sneak peeks, the new, extensively renovated Morgan Junction location of The Bridge is officially open to the public at 5 tonight. (6301 California SW)

COMMUNITY MEETING WITH ’30 UNITS, NO PARKING’ DEVELOPER: Last Thursday night, Concerned Morgan Junction Neighbors and the Morgan Community Association presented a meeting with lots of background info about area development and how we got to this point where it’s happening “very fast” (as one city official put it) – see our coverage, with video, here. Tonight, the two groups invite you to meet with the developer of the project that sparked a new height of interest and concern, the “30 units, no parking” apartment building planned for 6917 California SW. The meeting is at 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way)

‘LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL’: Next performance at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction at 7:30 tonight. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)

(Ruby crown kinglet, photographed near a backyard feeder last week by Robin)
Most – but not all – of tonight’s highlights are from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide, which we continue to update daily, both removing what’s already happened and adding new events we get word of – so please keep sending them (ed****@*************og.com), and keep checking the guide, including the list of giving opportunities. Now, on with tonight:

HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP AND FOOD DRIVE: Tonight at Bird on a Wire Espresso, 6-9 pm, with locally made merchandise, plus a food drive for the White Center Food Bank. More info here. (3509 SW Henderson)

‘WATER BLUES, GREEN SOLUTION’: Documentary premiere at South Park Community Center, 6 pm event including kids’ activities and more – details in our calendar listing. (8319 8th S.)

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY: 3rd annual Christmas Party for the West Seattle community from 6 pm-9 pm at Mars Hill Church. From the announcement: “We’re going to have live music, crafts, caroling, Santa’s Workshop for kids, hot chocolate, dessert buffet, tree lighting, and free pictures with Santa!” (35th/Ida)

POLITICAL PARTY: 34th District Democrats‘ Holiday Party, 6:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Get the latest at 34dems.org. (9131 California SW)

MUDHONEY AND MUDHONEY AT FULL TILT: As first reported here last week, Mudhoney the music legend will perform at Full Tilt Ice Cream‘s White Center store tonight during the premiere party for its Mudhoney flavor. Party at 7, music at 8. (9629 16th SW)

‘LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL’: Third week of performances at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction begins at 7:30 tonight. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)

Be the first to know! Browse ahead – days, weeks, months – via the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

From the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and seasonal Holiday Events/Info Guide, highlights for today/tonight:

CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Meeting under way right now has a beefy agenda including a discussion that chair Councilmember Tom Rasmussen promises will include last week’s bridge problems, as well as the proposed Bicycle Master Plan Update. Here’s the agenda; it’s live via Seattle Channel cable or website.

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: Last week’s bridge problems are also part of the agenda for tonight’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition board meeting, 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. See the full agenda here. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

FIND OUT ABOUT FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION: The group Families Like Ours welcomes you to an informational meeting, 6-8 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), to learn more about placement agencies, types of adoption, the process, the cost of adoption/foster care, and how to get started. (3940 41st SW)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Tonight the ANA looks back at 2013 and ahead to 2014 – via a visioning exercise – along with celebrating the holidays, and planning next Saturday’s Adopt-A-Street cleanup. The meeting (with coffee and hors d’oeuvres) is NOT at the usual location – 7 pm at the city-landmark The Sanctuary at Admiral. (2656 42nd SW)

EXPLORER WEST OPEN HOUSE: Last open house of the season at Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. 6:30-8 pm. (10015 28th SW)

HOLIDAY CONCERT #1: The West Seattle Debut and Intermediate Orchestras with Endolyne Children’s Choir invite you to share an evening of adventure near and far. Then sing in the holidays with traditional carols and Jingle Bell Rock! 6:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. (2600 SW Thistle)

HOLIDAY CONCERT #2: Seattle Metropolitan Glee Club, based in West Seattle, presents its annual Holiday Concert at 7 pm at the Alki Masonic Center. Admission is by donation. There will be treats after the concert, and rumor has it that Santa will make an appearance. The Glee Club is also collecting gently used or new clothing items (coats, underwear, socks, etc.) for Mary’s Place, a shelter for women and children in need. (4736 40th SW)

That’s the crane at 5020 California SW, where The Blake is under construction; so far, it’s the only one of West Seattle’s three current construction cranes bearing Christmas lights. Speaking of development, it’s the subject of two meetings that are among highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 11 am at Southwest Library. (35th/Henderson)

FREE ‘ON STAGE’ DISCUSSION @ ARTSWEST: As “Little Women: The Musical” continues at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), tonight it’s preceded by a “Stories of the Civil War” discussion event you can attend for free, 6-6:45 pm, even if you’re not staying for the 7:30 pm performance. Details here. (4711 California SW)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY – WEST SEATTLE CYCLERY SALE: Every Thursday until Christmas, many of The Junction’s independent local businesses are staying open until 9 pm for your gift-shopping convenience. Among them: West Seattle Cyclery (WSB sponsor), which has a one-day sale – good all day/night, 10 am-9 pm – for the occasion, 20 percent off all kids’ bicycles and accessories. (4508 California SW)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY – HOBO HANDBAGS AT CLICK! Also during Shop Late Thursday, Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) will host a rep from Hobo Handbags and Wallets; details here. (4540 California SW)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY – FLEURT OPEN HOUSE: While you’re in The Junction, stop by Fleurt (WSB sponsor) for the flower and gift shop’s Holiday Open House, featuring snacks and giveaways, 6-8 pm. (4536 California SW)

DESIGN REVIEW DOUBLEHEADER: Tonight’s meeting of the Southwest Design Review Board includes two Junction-area projects – 4535 44th SW (38 units, no parking spaces; see the packet here) at 6:30 pm, 4745 40th SW (150 units, 1,000 SF of commercial space, 116 parking spaces; see the packet here) at 8 pm, upstairs hall at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (California/Oregon)

FREE MOVIE TO HELP FREE ‘LOLITA’: At the Admiral Theater tonight, it’s the awareness-raising free movie mentioned here last month – local students have rented an auditorium to show “Lolita, Slave to Entertainment” as part of the campaign to free “Lolita,” originally known as Tokitae, the last surviving orca captured in Puget Sound, still captive at a Florida amusement park. Doors open 6:30 pm, movie at 7. (2343 California SW)

COMMUNITY MEETING ABOUT MORGAN JUNCTION DEVELOPMENT: 7 pm at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), community members including Morgan Community Association leaders have organized an unofficial meeting to talk about the 6917 California SW development (30 apartments, no parking spaces) and the development process in general, with city Department of Planning and Development managers on hand. All welcome. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

(Photographed this morning by Emily Austin, shared via Instagram)
Someone left that on West Seattle’s northeast-facing shore – sweet way to start the day. Here are highlights of what’s ahead, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and the seasonal WSB Holiday Guide:

BABY STORY TIME: Home with a wee one? Bring her/him to High Point Branch Library at 11:30 am for Baby Story Time. (35th/Raymond)

EARLY DAYS: Then right afterward, bring your baby to the Early Days drop-in support group, meeting Wednesdays noon-2 pm at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction – details here.

HOME OFFICE/CO-WORKING MEETUP: Tired of conferring with no one but the cat? Visit West Seattle Office Junction for the weekly home-office/co-working meetup, noon-1:15 pm. (5230-B California SW)

PRIVACY ADVOCATES @ COUNCIL COMMITTEE: The agenda for today’s 2 pm meeting of the City Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee includes items that privacy advocates say relate to the wireless-mesh network that includes the sites where Seattle Police surveillance cameras are installed, in West Seattle and elsewhere, north to Shilshole, and they’re planning to speak out during the public-comment period at the meeting’s start. Details are on their new Facebook page.

EIGHTH AND FINAL NIGHT OF HANUKKAH … starts at sundown, 4:19 pm.

(added) INTERESTED IN K-5 STEM? Tonight’s a great night for prospective families to visit, says the K-5 STEM PTA, because of the Book Fair Blizzard. 5:30-8 pm. (Warm apple cider, bake sale, and gift wrapping) Books and gifts from pre-school through 6th grade. More info. on the PTA web site, where you can also find Book Talks from K-5 STEM 5th-graders. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING: 6 pm workshop at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) – registration required; info’s in our calendar listing. (1936 Harbor SW)

‘LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL’: Second week of the run begins for the holiday-season production at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

NIGHTLIFE: Tonight’s listings include a Pearl Jam pre-func party (since Friday’s the KeyArena concert) at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 7 pm … Karaoke with Kelli at OutWest Bar, 8:30 pm … more on the calendar!

(Water Taxi @ Seacrest, Monday afternoon photo by Bill Bacon)
Two groups of highlights today – first, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (go there for even more today/tonight listings):

REGISTRATION FOR WINTER CLASSES/PROGRAMS @ WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY CENTERS: At noon today, registration opens for the programs/classes in the winter brochure for city-run West Seattle/South Park community centers.

METRO-CUTS MEETING: Until and unless a $olution is found for Metro’s money woes, the plan for cuts is still on, and they’re the subject of a community meeting tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 6-8 pm. Open-house format with a presentation/small-group discussions scheduled at 7, per Metro. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

WESTWOOD/ROXHILL/ARBOR HEIGHTS COUNCIL: 6:15 pm, Southwest Branch Library. Agenda highlights include updates on the Barton Basin CSO project and Roxhill Park cleanup/safety. (35th/Henderson)

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: Monthly meeting for WSBC is at 6:30 pm, West Seattle Cyclery (WSB sponsor). Details here. (4508 California SW)

From the updated-daily-as-additions-arrive WSB Holiday Events and Info Guide:

(One of the holiday wreaths that went up in The Junction on Monday)
HOLIDAY GIVING – ‘SOCK IT TO HOMELESSNESS’: Today, you have probably heard, has been dubbed “Giving Tuesday.” The Holiday Guide includes multiple ideas for doing that during the holiday season, including this one we just added, sent by Tony @ Java Bean Coffee in Luna Park:

Java Bean’s Annual “SOCK-IT” TO HOMELESSNESS sock drive kicks off! Java Bean at 2920 Avalon Way SW will be collecting new pairs of white socks through December 14th. All donations benefit Operation Nightwatch here in Seattle.

So buy some socks and drop ’em off.

HOLIDAY GIVING – VOLUNTEER AT WESTSIDE BABY: Every Tuesday night through December 17th, WestSide Baby can use your help as a volunteer, 6-9 pm. Details here including where to go and who to contact.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: It’s Holiday Open House week at AAA Washington‘s West Seattle office (WSB sponsor), 9 am-6 pm daily, in Jefferson Square. 15 percent off all travel-store merchandise! (4734 42nd SW)

(Photo by Don Brubeck, from the bike trail)
Happy Monday! Such a beautiful day already that, thanks to WSB readers, we have two “beauty shots” with which to start the daily preview … both from this morning.

(Photo by Chris Kanit Cottrell, from the West Seattle Water Taxi)
And now, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Events/Info Guide, highlights for today/tonight:

OPEN HOUSE WEEK AT AAA: Holiday Open House week today (and daily through Friday) at AAA Washington‘s West Seattle office (WSB sponsor), 9 am-6 pm, in Jefferson Square. 15 percent off all travel-store merchandise! (4734 42nd SW)

‘CYBER MONDAY’ FREEBIE AT HOTWIRE: Free computer usage all day at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) – business-class speed! – in honor of “Cyber Monday.” (4410 California SW)

6TH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: The Jewish Festival of Lights begins its sixth of eight nights tonight at sunset, which (per the WSB Weather page) is at 4:19 pm.

(Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
FINAL NIGHT AT THE OLD ‘BRIDGE‘: The photo above is from Sunday afternoon, when 100+ people gathered outside The Bridge at 35th/Avalon for a photo memory before, as the signboard behind them says, it’s on to California/Graham. They’re open tonight at the original location for one last night, featuring Monday Night Football with the sound up, then closed for the move to the newly renovated space. (4439 35th SW)

NEW SERIES OF KARATE CLASSES: Alki Community Center presents another series of beginners’ karate classes, ages 7 and up, Mondays-Wednesdays, 6 pm tonight. Call the center to ask about registration; the number and other details are in our calendar listing. (5817 SW Stevens)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm at High Point Branch Library. (35th/Raymond)

SHOPPING FOR A TREE? A lineup of local tree lots is one of the lists you’ll find in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide, including West Seattle and White Center.

(Great blue heron photographed by Danny McMillin, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Happy Saturday! Today’s preview is in two parts; since this is a big day for holiday-gift shopping at local independent businesses, we’re breaking that out separately next, following this list of non-shopping highlights:

BASKETBALL JAMBOREE: As previewed here (with schedule), it’s a big day of high-school basketball in the gyms on the adjacent campuses of Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School, noon-~8 pm. Sealth is at 2600 SW Thistle; Denny is at 2601 SW Kenyon.

KITTY HARBOR: Just a few weekends left this year at West Seattle’s cat/kitten adoption center north of the bridge – if you can offer a forever home as your gift this holiday, check ’em out, noon-6 pm. (3422 Harbor SW)

WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS/HELMSTETLER FAMILY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: The peninsula’s brightest music-synched light show officially launches its season with a lighting ceremony at 7 pm. This year’s new features include a talking-snowman emcee, whose name will be revealed during the ceremony; more info in this preview. No admission charge but bring nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank! And note that the 3900 block of SW Charlestown will be closed for the event – the only time of the season that you can watch in the street; otherwise, viewing areas are from the sidewalk or in/on a parked vehicle. (3908 SW Charlestown)

‘LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL’: Night 2 for the ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) holiday-season production of the classic story, 7:30 pm – details in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

NIGHTTIME LOW-TIDE WALK: The Seattle Aquarium beach-naturalist program presents a guided nighttime low-tide walk, 7:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC: Various venues, as you’ll see on the calendar, including: Vocalist Travis Bracht @ Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) tonight at 9:30 pm, in a show that’s being recorded by local filmmaker Jamie Chamberlin for a live DVD. (6451 California SW)

A few quick notes for the busy post-holiday:

TRANSIT: Metro’s on the “reduced weekday/no UW” schedule today. No Water Taxi.

CLOSED/OPEN NOTES: Seattle Parks-run community centers and Southwest Pool are closed again today. Most if not all schools are closed. Seattle Public Libraries are open.

PARADE DOWNTOWN: 9 am is start time for the My Macy’s Holiday Parade, with West Seattle participants including the West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School bands, the Salty’s (WSB sponsor) Nutcrackers, and more. See our preview for the route; note there are detours downtown around that route (and there’ll be others for the star lighting and fireworks at 5 pm).

NATIVE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR: First of three days for the annual gift fair at the Duwamish Longhouse, 10 am-4:30 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

THUNDER ROAD GUITARS ANNIVERSARY SALE: Don’t go to the mall – “shop small” (businesses) EVERY day this holiday season! One of the West Seattle shops where you can do it today is Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor), celebrating its 1st anniversary with a big sale. (3916 California SW)

‘LITTLE WOMEN’: Opening night for ArtsWest (WSB sponsor)’s new production, 7:30 pm. Details in the calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

CHRISTMAS TREES: Opening day for the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) at 41st and Dakota and Son-In-Law Tree Farm on Alki; most others are already open, and listed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide.

SANTA PHOTOS: At Westwood Village, they start today; Sunday is the big day in The Junction; you’ll find other opportunities elsewhere later in the season, and that info is also in the Holiday Guide.

(Photo credit added! By Flickr member old desolate, via the WSB Flickr group)
Hours until Hanukkah (starting at sunset tonight), one day until Thanksgiving, exactly four weeks until Christmas, five weeks until New Year’s Day … but before we get too much further into this sunny Wednesday, a few quick notes from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and our Holiday Events and Info Guide:

SCHOOL’S OUT EARLY: Seattle Public Schools get out one hour early today, with the four-day holiday weekend to follow, back in session Monday.

DONATE TURKEYS TODAY, DESSERT AND WARM CLOTHES TOMORROW: Last call for last-minute turkey donations to local food banks – and a reminder about dessert and warm clothes donations welcomed for tomorrow’s free community dinner in Fauntleroy. Details on all of the above are here.

THANKSGIVING EVE PARTY: Special event just getting under way at The Beer Junction:

Before you stuff yourselves with turkey, come join us as we tap on the bartop a firkin of Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale (one of only a few sent to the state). We’ll also be tapping our very last keg of the year of Southern Tier’s Pumking, as well as their Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout. In addition we’ll be tapping our last keg of the custom beer blend Elliot Bay Brewing Companydid for our Pumpkin Junction fest (a blend of 50% of their 2013 Smashing Pumpkin, 35% 2012 Bourbon Aged Imperial Stout, and 15% 2012 Bourbon Aged Barleywine). The 3 pumpkin beers (Pumking, Warlock, Pumpkin Junction) go on tap at 11 AM. The Sierra Nevada firkin will be tapped at 4 pm.

(4511 California SW)

THANKSGIVING EVE MUSIC: 9:30 tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor):

Jonny Smokes’ annual Thanksgiving Eve show is one of the more popular live music events we do here. A one man band, Jonny brings an entire production built around his bottomless catalogue of old and new classic rock, the Seattle sound and a few surprises.

(6451 California SW)

AND AS FOR TOMORROW … The WSB Holiday Guide includes, for Thanksgiving Day:
*Where to get coffee
*Special morning charity-benefit workouts
*What hours the grocery stores are open
*Which restaurants are open if you’re not cooking
*Holiday church services (for tonight, too)

The Thanksgiving information is right at the top of the Holiday Guide page. Not too late to let us know about changes/additions for tomorrow – but please send to ed****@*************og.com ASAP! Thanks!

(Sunday’s sunset over the Duwamish, shared in the WSB Flickr group by Ilona Berzups)
News is stacking up fast, so this morning we have to be really quick with the calendar previews:

TURKEY DONATIONS: Can you get a turkey or two (or …) to one or both local food banks? Times/locations here.

OTHER HOLIDAY INFO: We’re updating the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide again this morning. Right now, it starts with a long list of Thanksgiving information – including free community dinners and which restaurants/grocery stores/coffee shops are open on the holiday itself – and holiday info all the way through New Year’s follows. (Find it any time from its tab under the header on all WSB pages, the one lettered in red as HOLIDAYS.)

OWLING/TOURING LINCOLN PARK AT DUSK: A non-holiday highlight on the calendar for tonight – 6:30 pm, go owling and touring with naturalist Stewart Wechsler at Lincoln Park; more details here.

OTHER NON-HOLIDAY EVENTS TODAY/TONIGHT (AND BEYOND): Browse the frequently updated WSB West Seattle Event Calendar whenever you have a minute to spare. Mouse over the right side of any line and click the plus sign to open a preview, then click “read more” for the full entry, usually including a map.

(Constellation Park photo from Sunday by Flickr member ChiDuong, shared via WSB Flickr group)
Welcome to the first big holiday week – three days until Thanksgiving, two and a half until the start of Hanukkah (at sunset Wednesday). When you get some time, browse the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide, which evolves throughout the season but currently features these lists, in this order:

*Thanksgiving (including which restaurants/coffee shops/grocery stores are open on the holiday itself)
*Hanukkah
*Holiday bazaars, business open houses/special events
*Photos with Santa
*Christmas tree lots
*Tree lightings
*Holiday lights (send us info on yours – or ones you see!)
*Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB)
*Holiday concerts, singalongs
*Holiday plays/other performances
*Christmas Ship’s West Seattle visits
*Holiday miscellany
*Giving opportunities/donation drives/fundraisers
*Church schedules (except for Thanksgiving Eve/Day services, which are under the THANKSGIVING heading)
*New Year’s Eve and Day

We update the guide at least once a day, removing expired listings and adding new ones, all the way up until New Year’s Day – just keep letting us know what’s missing, what’s just been scheduled, what needs to be updated … ed****@*************og.com – thanks!

Now, from both the Holiday Guide and our regular year-round West Seattle Event Calendar, a few highlights for tonight:

FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm at High Point Library; as always, free! (35th/Raymond)

PARENTING SEMINAR: Free advice for tired parents! 7-9 pm seminar at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, hosted by SSCC Cooperative Preschools; details here. (9131 California SW)

TRIVIA TIME: During a quiet week like this, we can showcase more of the regular calendar items – like these: Monday is a big night for trivia/quizzes at local venues – 7 pm at Christo’s on Alki (2508 Alki SW); 7:30 pm with Lindsay at Outwest Bar (California/Brandon); 8 pm, pub-quiz night at Shadowland (4458 California SW).

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Give yourself extra time to get where you are going this morning. We say that for multiple reasons: First, it’s foggy and cold, so the roads are slick. Second, after President Obama’s overnight stay downtown, his motorcade will be back on the move to Sea-Tac after 8 am (if not sooner), which will mean some traffic effects, along with the overnight security closures, as tweeted by SDOT:

Road closures remain around Westin Hotel for presidential visit. Give yourself extra time if driving near area during morning commute.

— seattledot (@seattledot) November 25, 2013

Other notes this morning:

DOWNTOWN BUS STOP: If you ride Metro between West Seattle and downtown, note that the stop on Columbia east of 2nd remains closed through Wednesday – here’s the advisory.

HOLIDAY TRANSIT CHANGES THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Early reminder, Metro will be on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, and “reduced weekday/no UW” on Friday. The Water Taxi will not run at all either day. (And even if you don’t use transit, if you have to go downtown Friday morning, remember the holiday parade, which has some West Seattle participants – more on that later today.)

7:24 AM: The bridge was socked in earlier; not any more. Presidential-motorcade security is reported to be ready to go; we’re monitoring multiple channels including scanner, TV, and Twitter, and will make a note here when the motorcade leaves.

8:11 AM: KING 5 reports the motorcade-related road closures between downtown and Sea-Tac are kicking in, so the President will apparently be on the move shortly. From WSDOT: “Roadway closures starting: SB I-5 starting at Mercer including ramps, 405 near Southcenter to SB 5, I-90 to SB I-5, WB 518.”

8:31 AM: KING 5 is now showing the motorcade leaving.

8:51 AM: Per WSDOT via Twitter, the president is arriving at the airport (TV shows a fogged-in view of Air Force One):

OK, everything is back open road-wise.

— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) November 25, 2013

8:55 PM: Via live KING 5 coverage, we’ve seen the President board Air Force One after the trademark wave. Will add one more note after we see the takeoff; he’s headed for San Francisco, and then Los Angeles tonight.

9:09 AM: Air Force One has taken off, to the south so no West Seattle flyby.