(Sanderlings photographed Sunday at Constellation Park by Matthew Olson; click image for larger view)
If you’ve been off on holiday break – welcome back! It’s been busy. Today, the schedule’s relatively low-key. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

‘THE HAPPINESS PROJECT’: Four-week session starts noon today at West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor) – details here – free, but check before going to see if there’s still room to sign up, since space is limited. (5230-B California SW)

INAUGURATION DAY: Not in West Seattle but of citywide interest – in the grand lobby at City Hall, 3:30 pm today, it’s the formal inauguration for new Mayor (and former West Seattleite) Ed Murray (who actually took the oath of office at home on New Year’s Eve), new Councilmember Kshama Sawant, re-elected councilmembers Sally Bagshaw, Nick Licata, and Mike O’Brien, and re-elected City Attorney Pete Holmes. Details here; the public’s invited – get there early! – as is the case with the inauguration celebration tonight, 7 pm at Benaroya Hall. If you’re not going, you can see this afternoon’s ceremony live via Seattle Channel, online as well as via cable.

OIL-PAINTING CLASSES AT ALKI BATHHOUSE: 6 pm, a new series of classes begins – more info here. Check directly with Alki Bathhouse re: registration. (60th/Alki)

‘RIGOLETTO’ PREVIEW: Going to the Seattle Opera‘s new production? Check out the preview at the West Seattle (Admiral) Branch Library tonight at 6:30. (2306 42nd SW)