Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

MACE-ATTACK SUSPECT CHARGED: On Monday, we published Chris‘s report of confronting a car prowler who sprayed him with bear mace. A suspect was arrested Monday and charged today – a repeat offender we’ve covered multiple times. 28-year-old Casey Carlstedt is charged with attempted second-degree robbery. The charging documents allege that Carlstedt “has a record of not following court orders and committed this offense while … another felony [was pending] in King County Superior Court,” so the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office asked a judge to set his bail at $50,000, and the request was granted. The documents also note:

The Defendant has an open Possession of Stolen Vehicle in King County Superior Court from October 8, 2021. The Defendant has the following criminal convictions: Violation of Anti- Harassment Order (2020), Harassment (2020), Violation of a No Contact Order (2020, 2016), Theft in the Second Degree (2016), Harassment (2017), Theft in the Third Degree (2017, 2017, 2016, 2016, 2015), Criminal Trespass in the First Degree (2017), Reckless Driving (2017), Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree (2015), Reckless Endangerment (2012), and Negligent Driving in the First Degree (2012).

We last reported on Carlstedt in the 2020 harassment cases, in which he violated an order to stay away from a certain house southwest of The Junction. Our 2020 report noted that we had “reported on him multiple times in 2017, including a prosecutor’s observation that he appeared to be ‘spiraling out of control’.” Those 2017 reports included this case, a bike theft in North Delridge, after which WSB readers helped the victim recover his bicycle and then led police to Carlstedt. This time, the court documents say, mace-attack victim Chris got tips from social media including photos that helped police identify the suspect because they’d arrested him before. They found him near the Junction Rite-Aid on Tuesday. The “open” stolen-vehicle case, by the way, involved police arresting Carlstedt October 8th after finding him sleeping in a Honda Civic three blocks away from the Junction building where it had been stolen. He was released from jail the next day; a charge of stolen-vehicle possession was filed four days after that. Before that, he had been out of jail since April, when last year’s harassment case ended with a plea bargain and a sentence that amounted to the nearly 200 days he’d already been in custody. Those documents also noted that he was expected to go into chemical-dependency treatment right after getting out.

THEFT VICTIM HIT AGAIN: One more Crime Watch note tonight – Margarita, whose food cart was stolen earlier this year, has been hit again:

Unfortunately my truck got broken into. Cracked my passenger window and stole a few hundred dollars worth of items out of the truck. I called the police. 46th and Lander. Do I have bad luck or what?! Please let our West Seattle neighbors know that the thieves are on the prowl!!!

We’re waiting to hear back from her about whether the stolen items are anything distinctive that people can watch for.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Wind alert for Friday night/Saturday morning

December 9, 2021 8:23 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

If your nearest deciduous trees have any leaves left, they probably won’t by Saturday night. Weather watchers have been rumbling about an approaching storm for days, and now the National Weather Service has issued an official Wind Advisory alert for our area, in effect 7 pm Friday through 10 am Saturday: “South winds 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph expected.” Accompanying the wind: Heavy rain, according to the forecast. If you have cleanup to do before the storm arrives, Friday morning will probably be dry.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: North Delridge delight

December 9, 2021 7:59 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Lots of lights at Annette‘s house in North Delridge! She sent the photo with a note that, “My neighbors keep telling me to send my pics in” – thanks, neighbors! You can see Annette’s lights in person at 4837 Puget Blvd SW [map]. We’re showcasing lights every night through New Year’s Eve, so your suggestion – with or without photo(s) – is welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com; what we’ve shown so far is archived, newest to oldest, here.

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Scenes from West Seattle Art Walk’s holiday edition

December 9, 2021 6:29 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

6:29 PM: Been out on tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk yet? Artist receptions are happening all over the peninsula:

Jessie Summa Russo is tonight’s featured artist at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), where you can stop in until 9 pm. She explains:

My recent work is inspired by my life as a musician as well as the lives of my relatives. My grandfather was an Abstract Expressionist painter in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, and I feel like his paintings both defined him and I understood him through them. My mother went to art school when I was a toddler; some of my earliest memories are of the printmaking studio with giant black press wheels taller than people.

And as we mentioned in our Wednesday preview, some stops tonight are hosting art markets, including Jet City Labs (upstairs at 4546 California SW):

It’s a collaboration with Clay Cauldron. Above are Misty and Anna, and some of Misty’s beach-glass (and more) art; below, Chas, with “melted-crayon art”:

And roaming The Junction, you just might find Santa:

Find tonight’s venue list – for art and/or food/drink specials – on the Art Walk website. (The Art of Music performances are happening until 7:40 pm, too – that info’s here.)

7:14 PM: We stopped for a little video of Jim Page playing at Great American Diner (4752 California SW):

And thanks to Eddie for this artist photo – Lorrie Brogan at Wild Rose’s (4529 California SW):

Her new paintings, a series titled “Ladies…All,” will be on display at Wild Rose’s all month.

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FOLLOWUP: Outage-prone Brace Point’s power-system upgrades delayed

December 9, 2021 5:16 pm

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| Utilities | West Seattle news

(Sign seen in project zone last July – photo sent by Nathan)

With another recent outage, Brace Point-area residents are eager for long-promised underground updates – but after an announcement this past summer that work was about to get going, some have noticed an absence of work crews. We asked Seattle City Light what’s going on – or, in this case, not going on. Back in October, spokesperson Julie Moore told us SCL was waiting for an environmental permit. Now, she says, that’s in hand but they haven’t finished working out ensuing details with the contractor, so crews won’t be working until after the first of the year: “The City received the expected pollution-discharge permit in early November. We are coordinating with the contractor on final requirements that must be in place before we can issue the notice to proceed (NTP). The date of issuance is not set, though will not occur before the end of the year (we try to avoid disruptions and planned outages around the holidays anyway). We will notify impacted customers once the NTP is issued.” The contractor is Olson Brothers Excavating of Puyallup; the work could take up to three years.

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UPDATE: 911 service restored after outage

December 9, 2021 3:39 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

3:39 PM: Just tweeted by Seattle Police, “911 seems to be down through the region. Please call the non-emergency line at 206-625-5011 for Seattle-based emergencies until it comes back online.”

4:11 PM: According to a text message from AlertSeattle, you also can call 206-583-2111. Texting 911 also seems to work. AlertSeattle says the problem is being worked on.

5:10 PM: Back up, say law-enforcement agencies, so you can use 911 again – but only if you really need to.

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HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS: Pajamarama shopping date change

December 9, 2021 3:20 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

Tonight’s the next big event in West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays – Shop Late Thursday, along with the West Seattle Art Walk (which stretches beyond The Junction too) – but Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay has word of a date change for an upcoming event: Pajamarama, originally scheduled for this Saturday, is moving to the following Saturday, December 18, instead: “Join us then for shopping in your PJ’s while sipping hot cocoa served up at Windermere.” It’ll still be happening 10 am-1 pm. Spend at least $35 and get a limited-edition diner mug for your cocoa! (We’re updating the date in our West Seattle Holiday Guide too.)

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VACCINATIONS: Here’s when NOT to show up at Neighborhood House High Point seeking them – plus, Sunday update

December 9, 2021 1:57 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | High Point | West Seattle news

1:57 PM: From Neighborhood House High Point, a reminder that COVID-19 vaccine clinics are only open there on certain days of the week:

We have had many community members come to Neighborhood House seeking COVID vaccines on days when the clinic is not happening. So, for the sake of clarity and saving people an extra trip:

Seattle Fire Department is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Neighborhood House on Fridays from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm through the end of December.

Pliable is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Neighborhood House on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm through the end of December. Appointments are encouraged for Sundays.

So for now, do NOT show up at Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW) Mondays through Thursdays. Also note that until further notice, as previously reported here, the Friday-Saturday clinics are not serving pediatric patients, but the Sunday clinics are (by appointment). For other vaccination locations, check the Vaccine Locator website.

4:34 PM: Regarding the Sunday clinics, Pliable tells us now EVERYONE can show up on a walk-up basis – including pediatric patients – plus, the 16- and 17-year-olds now authorized for Pfizer boosters.

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FOLLOWUP: Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network’s busy day on West Seattle beaches

December 9, 2021 11:56 am

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| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

That’s the Steller sea lion who showed up on West Seattle’s shore Wednesday, during a day when a dead California sea lion also drew a lot of attention. David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent this update (with photos) on their Wednesday responses:

Even though Harbor-seal pupping season is winding down, Seal Sitters had a very busy day yesterday. It started in the morning with a Harbor seal on the beach along the Alki promenade. Juvenile and adult Harbor seals are typically very skittish and choose quiet unoccupied beaches to hang out. After a brief rest, this seal returned to Puget Sound. Next came a report of a sea lion on the rocks along the shore of Elliott Bay near Duwamish Head. Sadly the day ended with a response to a California sea lion carcass that was washing ashore at Lincoln Park.

The sea lion on the rocks was of particular interest, as it turned out to be a live Steller sea lion, which we don’t see very often locally. It’s also very unusual to see any sea lion actually on the shore of West Seattle. I’m sure you’ve noticed all the California sea lions that prefer the tie-up buoys in Elliott Bay. Adult Steller sea lions are huge animals as you can see from the photo below [taken some years back] showing one surrounded by a number of California sea lions.

Yesterday’s Steller has some health issues and Seal Sitters will continue to monitor his condition if he keeps frequenting our local beaches. It’s important to remember that sea lions can be aggressive if ill or injured and can move fast on land. Do not approach if you come across one. To learn more about Steller sea lions check out the following link to NOAA’s fact sheet: fisheries.noaa.gov/species/steller-sea-lion

We want to thank all of you who reported these animals to the Seal Sitters’ Hotline yesterday including reports of the sea lion carcass at Lincoln Park. Seal Sitters depends on the public to let us know the location of any marine mammal you might come across on West Seattle beaches (alive or dead). We can then quickly get a volunteer on site to assess the situation. As a member of NOAA’s West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Seal Sitters is authorized to request specialized assistance if necessary from our partners, SR3 (SeaLife Response Rehabilitation and Research, WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife), and World Vets. Our hotline (206-905-7325) is staffed by volunteer operators from 8 AM – 8 PM, 7 days a week. If calling outside those hours, please leave a detailed message.

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Art Walk, bridge briefing, tree auction, more for your West Seattle Thursday

December 9, 2021 10:44 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Reminders about what’s up for the hours ahead – from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

(Added: WSB photo @ Daystar)

CLOTHING DRIVE WITH COFFEE: Happening now and continuing until 11:30 am – as previewed Wednesday – Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) is hosting a drive-up clothing drive, and donors get complimentary coffee drinks. (UPDATE: Though the coffee’s only available until 11:30 am, you can drop off donations at Daystar in the lobby until 5 pm.)

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE BRIEFING: If you’re interested in more specifics about what’s involved in the final phase of West Seattle Bridge repair, this is the briefing to watch. The Community Task Force meets online at 4 pm and will hear from contractor Kraemer North America. Also on the agenda: Mayor Jenny Durkan, who convened the task force and is now about to leave office. Here’s how to watch.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK, HOLIDAY EDITION: 5 pm “until late,” extra reasons to visit West Seattle Art Walk venues tonight, with Santa Claus roaming The Junction, some venues offering holiday markets/sales, plus live music! All that is in our preview. You can also preview more of the artists and venues on the official Art Walk website – not only the places where you will find art/artists, but also the restaurants/bars offering food/drink specials to everyone who’s out Art Walk-ing.

WESTSIDE SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT: Prospective preK through 4th-grade families are invited to this online Information Night for Westside School (WSB sponsor). RSVP to tedh@westsideschool.org to get the attendance info.

TREE AUCTION: Here’s a chance to get a Christmas tree that someone else decorated, all ready to set up in your office or home. The Brookdale Admiral Heights Festival of Trees ends tonight with an auction, 6-8 pm, to fundraise for charity by auctioning off the decorated, donated trees that have been on display. Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP to be there. (2326 California SW)

WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: 6 pm online, Dr, Julie Pham talks about the “Hidden Histories” of the Vietnam War in this month’s author presentation co-presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and Seattle Public Library. Our calendar listing has details, including how to attend,

LIVE MUSIC: Blues Night at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 6-9 pm.

‘WE’VE BATTLED MONSTERS BEFORE’: Third week for the ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) musical, 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online. (4711 California SW)

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SPORTS: Signup time for local lacrosse

December 9, 2021 9:49 am

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| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Even here in the dim rainy months, it’s not too soon to start thinking about next year – and that includes youth sports. The Southwest Lacrosse Club has announced that signups are open:

Do you have kids who are looking for a fun new sport with which to get involved? The Titans, our local lacrosse league for kids K-8, is recruiting and registration is open for the 2022 Season. If you’re interested in finding out what is so fun about the “fastest game on two feet,” keep reading and visit us at swlacrosseclub.org.

Founded in 2008, the Southwest Lacrosse Club (SWLC) is dedicated to the promotion, organization, and development of lacrosse in the south end. Our mission is to teach lacrosse fundamentals and good sportsmanship, while emphasizing the importance of discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness. Players of all skill levels have the opportunity to develop their game, and we will prepare each athlete for the next level of play.

The club and region have had exciting growth and expansion over the past two years, helping initiate a new West Seattle Lacrosse Club (WSLAX) last season to support high-school players within the West Seattle High School boundaries.

This year, both clubs are working to grow the girls’ program (hosted by WSLAX) and field a full program of teams for 3rd through 8th grade girls. The joint program is actively seeking first-time players from throughout the Southwest region, West Seattle to Des Moines and Federal Way. If your child is interested, please email us – swlctitans@gmail.com – we’d love to welcome them to a practice to get a feel for the game.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday notes

December 9, 2021 6:03 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Rain at times – high in the 40s.

BRIDGE FYI

Emergency training is planned on the high bridge again this morning, as noted here.

ANOTHER FYI

If you see snowplows out today, no, it’s not because there’s snow in the forecast; SDOT says it “will hold a snowplow training exercise to test equipment and ensure that snowplow drivers are familiar with their routes.”

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

Ferries and Water Taxi: WSF is still running a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

626th morning without the West Seattle Bridge (monthly briefing today). Here are views of other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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