(WSB photo from April)

Despite a community outcry, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) will close its Pastry and Baking Arts program. Back in April, the recommendation to close the well-regarded program to save money was announced, and led to impassioned pleas, including those made at an impromptu meeting that included many local baking/restaurant luminaries. The timeline for the decision was extended, but now it’s been made. Here’s the statement we just received from SSC:

South Seattle College has decided to close the Pastry & Baking Arts program. The decision comes after assessment of findings from a year-long program viability review that all programs go through, extensive discussion and analysis with stakeholders, and weighing a variety of factors, including:

*Declining enrollment over the past several years and low student-to-faculty ratio

*High instructional costs

Students, faculty and staff have been notified of the closure and the college is focused on providing support to those directly impacted:

The college will provide our current cohort of 17 pastry students with support to complete their education. Instruction and Student Services will work collaboratively in that effort and a student success team is in place to specifically support our students on an individual basis. Those students will start class the first day of Fall Quarter.

Campus administrators, human resources and union representatives are in the process of meeting with program faculty and staff to discuss options and make plans.

Statement from South Seattle College President Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap:

“As a member of South’s community for 18 years, I witnessed and truly valued the Pastry & Baking Arts program’s contributions to our college history and student success. It serves as a good example of how we support our community’s career interests and industry workforce needs through the programs we offer. Those interests and needs evolve over time, and with the serious challenges facing Pastry & Baking Arts today it is, unfortunately, no longer fiscally responsible to continue running the program. It is paramount that we be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and student tuition.

“I greatly appreciate the students, staff, community members and pastry industry representatives taking time to share their perspective on the quality and value of the pastry program, and every student who chose our program to pursue their passion in pastry and baking arts. South continues to operate a great Culinary Arts program, and I want future pastry chefs to know Seattle Central College – our sister institution – has an excellent pastry and baking program.

“South Seattle College remains committed to offering a comprehensive range of programs that meet demand from students, community, and industry partners, and ensuring resources are used effectively.”

In a recent interview with WSB (story later this week), the new president said the program had “more than double the average cost per student” compared to other SSC programs.

VIDEO: Highway 99 closure for viaduct-to-tunnel transition set to start January 11

September 17, 2018 12:55 pm

| 43 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | Highway 99 tunnel | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Added 6:20 pm: Full unedited video of briefing)

12:55 PM: We’re at a WSDOT media briefing at Colman Dock, where WSDOT has just announced the Highway 99 closure for the tunnel transition won’t start until January 11. More to come.

1:02 PM: Here’s the full news release:

Mark your calendars. In early 2019, the new State Route 99 tunnel will open, offering travelers a direct route from Seattle’s stadiums to the Space Needle.

To open the tunnel, the Washington State Department of Transportation must first realign the state highway, and then move SR 99 from the seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct into the tunnel. This intensive work will last about three weeks and prompt the longest major highway closure to ever hit the Puget Sound region.

“The opening of the SR 99 tunnel will be an historic event in the state’s transportation history,” said Brian Nielsen, administrator of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program. “Before we can celebrate, we have to get through an unprecedented closure that will require all of us to change our behavior.”

WSDOT’s current plan is to close SR 99 through Seattle beginning Friday, Jan. 11, 2019. Closing SR 99 through Seattle is the only way crews can finish building the highway and the eight new ramps that will allow travelers to enter and exit the new tunnel

Travelers should expect region-wide congestion for up to six weeks as crews complete final connections to and from the new tunnel. In addition to the three-week closure:

*The off-ramp from southbound SR 99 to South Atlantic Street will permanently close one week earlier than the viaduct.

*The new off-ramp from northbound SR 99 to South Dearborn Street will require up to two weeks of additional work after the tunnel opens.

Get ready, make a plan

When the viaduct closes, 90,000 drivers who normally use the Alaskan Way Viaduct will need to find another way to get to, or through, downtown Seattle. During past Alaskan Way Viaduct closures, congestion increased on all major highways throughout Puget Sound as well as on local streets.

While WSDOT is working closely with the Seattle Department of Transportation, King County Metro and other key transportation agencies to keep traffic moving during this challenging time, help from drivers is critical.

“We need drivers to change their habits for three weeks to prevent gridlock,” said Nielsen. “We recognize everyone’s strategies will be different based on their needs, but consider other ways to get to and from your destination, if you can.”

Closure timing

When Seattle Tunnel Partners finished disassembling the tunneling machine Bertha in 2017, WSDOT estimated the tunnel would be open in early 2019. While there was optimism this date could be moved up, a number of factors influenced the decision to stay with the early 2019 date:

Construction progress: WSDOT has several contractors that must complete work to be ready for the three-week SR 99 closure. Scarsella Brothers, Inc. will then build the final tunnel and ramp connections. Some of this work, like road striping, is weather dependent.

Public notice: Starting in January ensures that contractor work will be complete and we can provide a specific date much further in advance. The public’s help will be critical and this will give everyone time to plan.

Holiday travel and commerce: WSDOT and its partner agencies are committed to keeping people and goods moving during the busy holiday season. Avoiding a major highway closure between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day helps achieve this goal. There are also fewer major events in early 2019 than there are during the last quarter of 2018.

Per the Legislature’s decision, the SR 99 tunnel will be tolled as a part of the project’s financing plan. The tunnel will be free to use when it first opens.

Additional details about the closure, tunnel opening and the future tolling of the tunnel can be found at www.99tunnel.com.

(WSB photo: Briefing in ferry holding zone downtown)

1:50 PM: The briefing is over and we’re headed back to HQ. We recorded it all on video and will be uploading that. Also, some West Seattle-specific details: Paul Brodeur from the King County Water Taxi said it will run a two-boat schedule on weekdays during the closure, with shuttles also doubled, and there will be extra parking including a lot at Pier 2, at Don Armeni, and along Harbor Avenue.

3:26 PM: Bus reroutes during the closure are already mentioned in route-specific pamphlets as part of Metro’s service-change announcement – but the language suggests they were expecting the closure to be much sooner, so we’re asking Metro if the January timing will change anything. Metro’s new deputy general manager Terry White said at the briefing that the stops for the 12 routes that will have to be rerouted are still being finalized.

6:20 PM: Just added our full unedited video of the briefing and Q&A from this afternoon.

UPDATE: Fire call in Arbor Heights; puppy rescued

September 17, 2018 11:56 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Arbor Heights | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

11:56 AM: Thanks for the tips! A “full response” fire call in Arbor Heights, sent to a house near SW 97th and 31st SW [map], was quickly downsized, but several units are still on scene, so we’re on the way to find out more.

12:08 PM: This was a kitchen fire – but not a cooking fire. We’re told the stove, accidentally turned on, ignited some nearby items. Quickly extinguished; no one hurt.

6:25 PM: Neighbor Alan sent this photo of Lou the puppy, who he says was rescued by firefighters:

MISSING: Have you seen Jackie?

September 17, 2018 10:29 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Another West Seattle missing-person alert from SPD:

MISSING: Jacqueline Dupras, 74. Diagnosed with dementia and increasing memory issues. 5'3", 135 lbs., reddish grey hair, green eyes. Unknown clothing description. Last seen Sunday in the 1900 block 46th Ave SW. Call 911 if seen. pic.twitter.com/cpON5jvJyg

— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) September 17, 2018

Jackie has long been active in the community, so many know her.

Development, ferries, and more for your West Seattle Monday

September 17, 2018 10:22 am

| Comments Off on Development, ferries, and more for your West Seattle Monday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(From Lincoln Park – photographed this weekend by Catherine Gile)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOUTHWEST POOL REOPENING: As announced Friday, the pool’s closure for upgrades has been cut short, and it instead will be open on a “limited schedule” that you can see here (PDF), including noon-6:30 pm today. (2801 SW Thistle)

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: 1-7 pm blood drive at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood, closed 3-4 pm for a break. (39th SW/SW Thistle)

EARLY DESIGN OUTREACH FOR 5616 CALIFORNIA SW: 4 pm at High Point Library, it’s the second “Early Community Outreach for Design Review” meeting in West Seattle since the new process launched. This time, as previewed here, the project is 5616 California SW, proposed for eight townhouses. (3411 SW Raymond)

VOLLEYBALL! The West Seattle High School volleyball team plays Bainbridge HS, JV/C games at 4:30, varsity at 6. It’s Middle School Night – explained in our preview. Admission free! (3000 California SW)

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES’ FUTURE: By year’s end, the state ferry system has to finalize its next long-range plan – through 2040 this time – and send it to legislators. 5-7 pm, stop by Fauntleroy Church to learn more about what WSF envisions in its draft plan and/or to add your comments. (9140 California SW)

FOR THE FULL LIST … see our complete calendar!

West Seattle Crime Watch: Police search after robbery near Lincoln Park

September 17, 2018 9:29 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

9:29 AM: If you’ve noticed the police presence in/around Lincoln Park – we just went down to find out. Officers say a man tried to rob the gas station/mini-mart just north of the park and might have fled into the park, so that’s why they’ve been searching. The description broadcast on police radio: “Light-skinned black male, light facial hair,” wearing a baseball-style cap over a pulled-up hoodie with three reflective strips on it and cut-off sleeves, black pants, running shoes. If you have any information, call 911.

9:33 AM: Our crew subsequently went over to the gas station, where they were told it wasn’t an attempt, it was indeed a robbery, and the robber got away with some money. Detectives are there talking with them now.

Looking for a job? Dozens of West Seattle employers will be looking for you – in one place, one time

September 17, 2018 9:09 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

9:09 AM: Tomorrow’s the day for this year’s West Side Job Fair – 10 am-1 pm Tuesday (September 18th) in The Junction, with more than 30 local employers interviewing for more than 100 jobs. From office to restaurant, medical practices to schools, and more. Just show up, and be sure to bring multiple copies of your resumé – the West Side Job Fair is at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW). WSB is media sponsor again this year, since we work all year to connect employers with prospective employees via free job listings.

9:09 PM: Here’s the updated list of employers planning to be there and the positions for which they’re hiring.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch

September 17, 2018 7:10 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:10 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.

FERRIES’ FUTURE: 5-7 pm tonight, Washington State Ferries is at Fauntleroy Church for the West Seattle open house about its draft long-range plan – backstory here.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen white Tahoe

September 16, 2018 10:41 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Have you seen that white Chevrolet Tahoe? It was stolen last night in West Seattle. Plate AIP0892. If you see it, call 911.

Something to tell/ask local police about? Here’s your chance

September 16, 2018 9:27 pm

| Comments Off on Something to tell/ask local police about? Here’s your chance

| Crime | Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Tuesday night, the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council resumes monthly meetings after summer break – and it’s all about you. WSCPC president Richard Miller tells WSB the agenda is simple: Updates from local police, followed by open time for you to ask police questions and voice crime/safety-related concerns. It’s a unique chance to talk with police face to face, 7 pm Tuesday (September 18th) at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster).

Why you’ll want to watch for whales off West Seattle tomorrow

September 16, 2018 7:59 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

No guarantees, but we might be lucky and get a glimpse of the Southern Resident Killer Whales tomorrow. As night falls, Kersti Muul tips us, resident orcas are southbound just north of Elliott Bay, in the Discovery Park vicinity. As she points out, this is a bit earlier than the usual SRKW fall return. And it comes the day after the second of two public meetings about their plight. If you see orcas tomorrow (or any other time!) please let us know – our 24/7 hotline, text or voice, is 206-293-6302.

PHOTOS: Clear air for smoke-delayed Cosmo 7K run on Alki

September 16, 2018 6:59 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Big difference in the weather between today and the originally scheduled date – three weeks ago – for the Cosmo 7K on Alki. The long sleeves on some runners were a giveaway. Today – cool and occasionally rainy; three weeks ago, warm and smoky, and the wildfire smoke led to the postponement decision.

Even this furry onlooker had a jacket:

Some participants ran the full 7K; others ran or walked a 5K version of the course. First female finisher overall, registered for the 5K, was Carrie Vanderveer, in 26:09:

Twenty seconds behind her was the first female 7K finisher, Dawn Parlinski, in 26:29:

First male finisher, registered for the 5K, was Neel Salukhe, in 24:00:

First and second male 7K finishers are both in our photo below:

That’s Corey Elliott, finishing in 25:56, six seconds ahead of Woody Sobey, who ran the 7K in 26:02. This was the second year that the Cosmo races were run in West Seattle, replacing the Alki Beach Run previously organized by Northwest Hope and Healing, now a Cosmo beneficiary.

P.S. Next big run in West Seattle – the sold-out Orca Half next Sunday (September 23rd), from Lincoln Park to Don Armeni Boat Ramp. No road closures planned.

West Seattle schools: New student-created play space at Louisa Boren K-8 STEM

September 16, 2018 5:57 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 parent who sent the photo, explaining that 1st-graders in Adrienne Ollerenshaw‘s class “created a new play space in the paved area recently occupied by a half dozen portables. Parents, staff, and students worked together on the Self Help painting project that transformed the blacktop, creating a track and colorful 4-square courts and other features. The end result looks wonderful in spite of some marginal weather.”

VOLLEYBALL: West Seattle High School invites you to special home-game events

September 16, 2018 4:03 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Tomorrow night is the next home game for the West Seattle High School volleyball team, and head coach Abby West sends advance word of special events in connection with four upcoming games:

West Seattle High School Volleyball is excited to announce the following events in conjunction with their home games this year! They would love to have more people from the community come to the games and are looking forward to using these events to also help their community! Admission is FREE TO ALL!

September 17th vs Bainbridge High School (JV & JVC at 4:30, Varsity at 6:00 pm) — Middle School Night: All volleyball players and enthusiasts affiliated with feeder programs in the West Seattle area (Madison, Pathfinder, Hiawatha, Westside School, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Rosary, etc.) are invited to attend a night honoring the programs that function as the foundation to ours by teaching the fundamentals of the sport, creating interest, and fueling passion!

October 3rd vs Ballard High School (JV & JVC at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00 pm) — Cans for Kills Night: A canned food drive. In hopes of giving back to the community, the West Seattle Volleyball teams are asking everyone to come out to the volleyball games and bring a few non-perishable foods to donate!

October 17th vs Cleveland High School (JV & JVC at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00 pm) – Volley for a Cure: Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Donation boxes available to be donated to Komen for a Cure (a national Breast Cancer research program)!

October 24th vs Rainier Beach (JV & JVC at 5:30, Varsity at 7:00 pm) – Senior Night: a night honoring the graduating seniors in our program!

Again, those are all home games, so they’re all in the gym at WSHS (3000 California SW – the gym is on the south side of campus, off the parking lot).

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Hope Lutheran Church celebrates centennial in West Seattle Junction

September 16, 2018 2:44 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

That group-photo gathering followed this morning’s service commemorating the 100th anniversary of Hope Lutheran Church in The Junction. From the bulletin for the “festival service”:

In the beginning … A small group of West Seattle residents who worshipped across the water at Trinity Lutheran Church decided to build their own house of worship. A charter group of nine men and four women organized Hope Lutheran Church in 1918. A new church was dedicated to the glory of God in 1919 at the present site of Southwest Oregon and 42nd Avenue Southwest.

You can read more about Hope’s history here. Below, five spiritual leaders who participated in today’s service:

They are guest preacher Rev. Dr. Dean Nadasdy, former Hope pastors Rev. Keith Eilers (pastor 2001-2011) and Rev. Clemens Pera (pastor 1963-1996), current Hope Pastor Peter Mueller (since 2011) and Deacon Daniel Jackson. After today’s service (and photos!), the celebration moved to nearby Seattle Lutheran High School for a festive lunch.

COUNTDOWN: One week until fall Recycle Roundup

September 16, 2018 1:35 pm

| Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: One week until fall Recycle Roundup

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from April’s Recycle Roundup)

One week from today is not only the first full day of fall, it’s also one of two days each year that the Fauntleroy Church Green Committee invites you to a Recycle Roundup! We thought you might appreciate a reminder in case today’s weather is keeping you indoors. 9 am-3 pm on Sunday, September 23rd, you can ride, drive, walk, roll up to the church parking lot (9140 California SW) and drop off items for 1 Green Planet to recycle. In case you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the list of what they are (and aren’t) accepting this time. It’s free (though of course the Green Committee appreciates donations to help it keep offering these events every fall and spring) – see you there!

EARLY REOPENING: SB Highway 99 closure is over

September 16, 2018 10:57 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Though southbound Highway 99 was scheduled to be closed until late tonight, the closure has ended early. It’s now open again (as the “live” traffic-camera image above verifies)!

West Seattle Sunday: Cosmo 7K, Southwest Stories, Khmer Music Night, and more!

September 16, 2018 6:07 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: Cosmo 7K, Southwest Stories, Khmer Music Night, and more!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thanks to Steve Cameron for the photo of the Golden Pheasant that’s sighted locally now and then – most recently in Fauntleroy)

Here’s what you need to know for the rest of your weekend:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: The southbound Highway 99 closure, north of the West Seattle Bridge, is scheduled to continue until late tonight (we’ll publish an update when we get word it’s over). Plus – Alki Avenue is closed this morning until about 10:30 am for the first event on the rest of our list:

COSMO 7K: This wildfire-smoke-postponed 7K run/5K walk-run takes off from Alki Bathhouse at 9:30 am. If you aren’t already registered, you can do that on site starting at 8 am. There’s also a kids’ run (not in the street) for ages 10 and under, starting at 10:30. Northwest Hope and Healing is the Cosmo 7K beneficiary. (60th SW/Alki SW)

ECO-FRIENDLY WORKOUT! Join Friends of Lincoln Park at 9 am to help restore the forest:

Join the Friends of Lincoln Park as we work to bring the beautiful mature forest of our park into restoration. Lincoln Park, on the shores of Puget Sound, includes 80 acres of forest. Unfortunately, our Seattle forests are threatened by nonnative, invasive plants. We promise you a good workout AND good karma! Kids welcome!

Continues until noon. Meet near north parking lot kiosk. More info in our calendar listing. (Fauntleroy Way SW & SW Rose)

MISSION TO SEAFARERS: 9:15 am at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, hear from Ken Hawkins, executive director of “the largest and oldest international maritime ministry in the world.” (3050 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Late-summer freshness, in the street, in the heart of The Junction. 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

2ND TIME SALE, 2ND DAY: 11:30 am-2 pm, go see what hasn’t already been snapped up at Fauntleroy Church‘s Fellowship Hall – huge sale AND bake sale. Half-price in the final hour. (9140 California SW)

JAMTIME: 1-4 pm music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) with ever-popular Jamtime! (5612 California SW)

PAWS & PAINT ‘YAPPY HOUR’ + ADOPTION: Bring your own dog to create art, and/or adopt one! 1-4 pm event with Furry Faces Foundation at West Seattle Nursery. Music by Tim Scallon. (5275 California SW)

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAINING: 2 pm at Admiral UCC: “Learn to safely, effectively, and compassionately intervene in a hate-based interaction.” More info here. (4320 SW Hill)

SOUTHWEST STORIES – SCHURMAN ROCK: Learn about the history of Camp Long and Schurman Rock in Jeff Smoot‘s talk presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, 2 pm at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)

ART SALE & FUNDRAISER: 3-7 pm, a “garden party” with handmade glass flowers for sale, plus a silent auction, with part of the proceeds going to Two at a Time. (4443 52nd SW)

KHMER MUSIC NIGHT: 7 pm, all ages, DJ Jenny and friends invite you to The Skylark: