Several events are happening in West Seattle to celebrate the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States

West 5 is celebrating inauguration day with Happy Hour all day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and $4 bloody Mary's and mimosas. Warning; there are no TV's at West 5.

The West Seattle Democratic Women will host breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the West Seattle Golf Course, 4470 35th Ave. S.W. 6 p.m.

There's also an Inaugural Dinner/Gala at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave. S.W. You don't need to be a member, female or even a Democrat to attend either function, but you do need to obtain tickets beforehand. The evening event features a no-host beer and wine social hour followed at 7 p.m. with dinner and dessert. State Sen. Joe McDermott will be the master of ceremonies. There will be dancing, so if you can't contain your excitement, you don't have to. Contact WSDW via Karen at (206) 935-3216 or e-mail wsdwomen@yahoo.com to obtain tickets to this event.

Fourth and fifth grade students and Highland Park and Gatewood elementary schools will get a chance to talk with school's superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson when she calls from the Washington, D.C. offices of the Council of Great City Schools, where she will meet with education leaders and urban superintendents from across the nation.

Gatewood Elementary School, 4320 S.W. Myrtle, 2:40 p.m., Jan. 20.

Highland Park Elementary School, 1012 S.W. Trenton, 2:15 p.m., Jan. 20.

City-wide Events:

The city will host the