West Seattle, Washington

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month : 10/2018 326 results

West Seattle Wednesday: Meet the chief librarian; talk with police; hear from your city councilmember; walk in the park; more…
October 3, 2018 10:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Northern Flicker, yellow-shafted, photographed by Mark Wangerin, who explains that the red-shafted flickers are what we usually see)

Quick reminders about what’s ahead today/tonight:

EMERGENCY TEST MESSAGE: As previewed here, don’t freak out if this shows up on your cell phone at or around 11:18 am.

MEET THE CHIEF LIBRARIAN: 1-2 pm at Southwest Library, meet Seattle Public Library‘s leader Marcellus Turner and talk with him about how SPL can better serve you. (9010 35th SW)

COFFEE WITH A COP: 1-2:30 pm, drop by Westwood Village Starbucks to talk with local police. (9023 25th SW)

ROXHILL PARK WALK: Walk with Sound Steps at 3 pm: “Join your neighbors for a walk on the Longfellow Creek Trail, through Roxhill Park on a .5 mile loop – stop there or continue on for another loop for 1 mile total. Meet at the trail entrance on Barton.”

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARMSTAND: Weekly farmstand open for you to buy organic produce grown where it’s sold, 4 pm-7 pm – closes for the season later this month so don’t miss the chance to check it out! (32nd SW & SW Juneau)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, with guests including City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. Other spotlight topics include Anti-Hate Alaska Junction and a proposed sports complex on Harbor SW. See the agenda here. (4217 SW Oregon)

ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: Meeting at the school at 6:30 pm. (3010 59th SW)

THAT’S JUST THE START … there’s more on our complete calendar.

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UPDATE: House fire on Beach Drive; damage estimated at $275,000
October 3, 2018 6:33 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Added: SFD photos)

6:33 AM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is arriving in the 6700 block of Beach Drive (map).

6:43 AM: Crews report they have “water on the fire,” which SFD says is in the attic, reporting that everyone is safely out of the house.

6:50 AM: Though the fire is reported to be relatively small, two more engines are being sent to keep it from spreading. The fire has just been declared “under control.”

7:01 AM: The fire’s now declared “tapped” and some units are being dismissed. Metro also has sent an alert that Route 37 is rerouted, since this area of Beach Drive has no outlet between the south end of Emma Schmitz Overlook and the north end of Lowman Beach.

7:12 AM: SFD confirms, no injuries. Their investigator has arrived to look into how the fire started.

7:26 AM: More units have been dismissed; 10 are still on the call, so Beach Drive in that area will remain blocked for a while longer.

1:35 PM UPDATE: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB, “Fire investigators ruled the fire as accidental and determined it started in the attic space. There were two potential sources of ignition, and not enough evidence to rule either option out. The fire was caused by either an overheated fireplace flue that ignited nearby materials, or overheated electrical wires. Estimated loss is $275,000.”

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SPORTS: Slow-pitch softball returns to Chief Sealth IHS!
October 2, 2018 10:17 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: Slow-pitch softball returns to Chief Sealth IHS!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The photo was sent by Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Ernest Policarpio, who reports, “After many decades, the Sealth Slow-Pitch Team has returned to the Metro!! They played Lake Washington today and came up short, but spirits are high and a new excitement is running thru our halls.” Your first chance to cheer for the re-launched program at a home game at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, across from CSIHS) is 4:15 pm next Tuesday (October 9th) vs. visiting Juanita.

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West Seattle sunset scenes: Clouds and color
October 2, 2018 8:24 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle sunset scenes: Clouds and color
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to everyone who sent photos of tonight’s beautiful beginning! Above, from Philip Cox; below, from Jim Borrow:

And from James Bratsanos:

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In case you haven’t already heard about it: Emergency test tomorrow morning for cell phones, TV, radio
October 2, 2018 7:19 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Preparedness | West Seattle news

Lots of reminders about this today but there still might be somebody who hasn’t heard about it, so we’ll join in too: An emergency test message will be sent to cell phones, TV, and radio tomorrow (Wednesday, October 3rd). From the official FEMA webpage explaining the test, which starts at 11:18 am our time:

The WEA test message will appear on consumers’ phones and read, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones will display this national test using the header “Presidential Alert.” These nationwide alerts, established pursuant to the WARN Act of 2006, are meant for use in a national emergency and are the only type of alert that can be sent simultaneously nationwide by FEMA.

… Many members of the public will receive the WEA test message on their cell phones. Specifically, beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT, cell towers will broadcast the WEA test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. Wireless phones should receive the message only once.

The same FEMA page has details about the TV/radio test set to start two minutes later (11:20 am our time).

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SAFETY: 2 topics in the newest Southwest Precinct crime-prevention newsletter
October 2, 2018 5:48 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

Received this afternoon from Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner, it’s the latest newsletter with prevention/safety advice:

As we head into the fall months, there are a few important messages the SW Precinct would like to remind our community about. We would like to emphasize general property crime prevention (including residential burglary and auto theft/car prowl prevention), as well as pedestrian and traffic safety- specifically as it relates to schoolchildren.

When it comes to prevention techniques for residential burglary- there are several important things to remember. All exterior doors should be strong enough to withstand force and should be secured with a deadbolt lock that has a minimum one-inch throw. Try not to leave valuables (such as packages, electronics or cash) in plain sight through windows or doors. The main entrance door to a home/apartment should have a door wide-angle (180 degree) viewer/peephole. Make the home appear as if there is someone there by leaving lights, music and/or televisions on. Install motion sensor lights to be specifically directed and focused on entry points and vulnerable areas, use lights set to a timer or leave lights on. Secure and lock all windows and doors when leaving the premises- even if you plan to return within a short amount of time! Do not leave a spare key out. Secure and maintain yard, patios and outdoor spaces – making sure you trim back all concealing shrubbery. Engraving your items and keeping a household inventory list can be extremely helpful in investigations and it allows recovered items to be returned to you – the SW Precinct has engravers that community members can check-out to engrave their electronics and personal belongings with an identifying number such as your Driver’s License number. Be consistent, and always stay vigilant and observant to what is going on around you; remember to always call 9-1-1 immediately to report suspicious behavior and if you see something- say something!

Other than residential burglary, the SW Precinct is also seeing an increase in auto thefts. Here are a few important prevention techniques to keep in mind for auto theft-

-Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away, even for ‘just a minute’, please remember this is illegal in Seattle and in Washington (SMC 11.70.160, RCW 46.61.600)

-Remove remote garage door openers from vehicle

-Always lock doors and roll up windows, even if the car is parked in front of your home

-Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked

-If possible, park vehicle in a busy, locked, monitored and/or well-lit area

-Utilize anti-theft devices

-If possible, activate alarm

With children back in school, it is crucial to be reminded about general traffic and pedestrian safety as well! Pedestrians must be very mindful of how they are utilizing the street, sidewalks and crosswalks- children should be reminded to be extra cautious when walking to and from school. Motorists and cyclists must pay attention to traffic conditions and all pedestrians. The most important overall advice for any kind of pedestrian and traffic safety is PAY ATTENTION!! Drivers, please be aware that with school back in session, children will be walking to and from schools and transit stops. As autumn approaches- there will be less daylight; please pay extra attention, as children may be out early in the morning/late in the evening and may be more difficult to see.

The full newsletter, including contact info, upcoming events, and resource links, is here (PDF).

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UPDATE: Police investigating Admiral incident that sent 1 to hospital
October 2, 2018 2:57 pm
|      48 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

2:57 PM: Several people have asked about an incident that brought police and fire to California/Admiral this morning. We talked with police a short time ago and they stress that the investigation is continuing but here’s what they have so far: Det. Mark Jamieson says 911 started getting calls around 11:20 am about a “possible robbery or assault” situation near the Wells Fargo branch at 2358 California SW. A man was using the ATM when “three young people approached him – they had words, and at some point they started to assault him.” That’s when the man picked up a rock and hit one of them in self-defense. He also pulled out a handgun as they scattered – no shots were fired but that too was in self-defense, so far as police have found. Officers were arriving by then and detained the man while sorting out what had happened. They also found two of the suspects, including the one who was injured, and he was taken to the hospital to be checked out. Det. Jamieson says they believe they know the third one’s identity. The full report should be available by tomorrow and we’ll be following up.

4:25 PM: We’ve heard from the victim’s wife. She said he was pushed to the ground during the attack and was going to a doctor to be checked out.

ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: As mentioned in comments, we have obtained the full incident report, with names redacted by SPD. You can see it here (PDF).

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DEVELOPMENT: Another West Seattle project that’ll do Early Community Outreach for Design Review
October 2, 2018 1:42 pm
|    Comments Off on DEVELOPMENT: Another West Seattle project that’ll do Early Community Outreach for Design Review
 |   Delridge | Development | West Seattle news

A fourth West Seattle project is now listed as a participant in the city’s new Early Community Outreach for Design Review program – seven townhouses with six offstreet-parking spaces planned to replace a 66-year-old triplex at 1604 SW Henderson [map]. This means the developers are supposed to contact nearby residents for feedback before the project gets to official Design Review. So far, two other projects in the program have had informal community meetings – announced via postcards to people living close by – and we covered both: 5616 California SW and 1772 Alki SW. The third program to appear on the city’s list is 5009 Fauntleroy Way SW – no early-outreach meeting on the schedule so far.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: 99/509 crash
October 2, 2018 12:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:31 PM: This is happening just east of West Seattle:

Initial report from Seattle Fire was that a van had overturned. One person is being taken to the hospital by medic unit and the medics’ radio report described the crash as one vehicle, high speed, hitting a tree.

12:51 PM: SFD texted the photo we added above and says the injured man is in stable condition.

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UPDATE: Another boat in trouble in West Seattle waters
October 2, 2018 11:48 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

11:48 AM: Thanks for the photo and tips. Another sailboat in trouble on this slightly blustery day – this one has come ashore at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook on Beach Drive. Seattle Fire has a fireboat and land crew checking it out.

4:19 PM: Several more readers have sent photos of the grounded boat as the day has gone on the one above is from Sarah). Commenters say its owners are aware of the situation.

6:21 PM: The owners are also the publishers of Beach Drive Blog, where they’ve posted more about what happened.

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Ferries’ future: ‘Citizen team’ organizing as Triangle Route schedule change nears
October 2, 2018 10:53 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Fauntleroy ferry dock, this morning)

As we’ve been reporting in coverage of the Triangle Route Task Force advisory group, Washington State Ferries is preparing for the first major change in years to the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth schedule. The new schedule hasn’t yet been finalized; the task force got a look in August at two possible options, and a proposal will be out soon for public comment. With that as a backdrop, a new community group is organizing, and sent us this announcement:

Everybody has an opinion on how to fix the triangle route ferry schedule — lots of discussion and controversy. It’s not just about the time the boat is moving. It’s total time including the annoying wait in a ferry line while congesting and polluting the dock neighborhoods.

So, how would life be different if you knew a boat would leave at least every 30 minutes from the Fauntleroy dock throughout the day? Ferry waits would be dramatically reduced. On average, ferry users save an hour a day — an hour now mostly spent congesting and polluting the Fauntleroy dock neighborhood.

How could it be possible? The answer is so counter intuitive that you will laugh. Every boat should stop at every dock on every triangle route run, from early morning to evening. A group of Vashon commuters has completed over the last 18 months a professional, thorough process engineering ferry efficiency study. It shows that clearing the Fauntleroy dock of both Vashon and Southworth cars every 30 minutes is feasible and would reduce dock area waiting cars by 50% while creating 20% more departures. That’s a fact-based prediction based on detailed ferry observation, data collection and analysis.

You would be right to say “prove it.” We couldn’t agree more. We need the legislature to approve funds and direct WSF to test the concept with a pilot project. We need to be positive and professional with WSF and Olympia or nothing will happen.

We have put together a citizen team to make this happen. Want to help too? Email us at
ferrycommunities@gmail.com and we can work together for positive change.

WSF is planning public meetings for schedule comment starting later this month, including a 5-7 pm meeting October 23rd at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW).

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West Seattle Tuesday: From WWRHAH to whales, and more!
October 2, 2018 8:59 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Golden-crowned Kinglet, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Ready for a busy Tuesday?

FREE PLAY SPACE: Starting today, as previewed here, the West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its nursery area as a free playspace for kids, 9 am-noon, two days a week. (4201 SW Juneau)

BUGS! First of four lectures at the Senior Center of West Seattle by West Seattle entomologist Jen Paur, 4-5 pm. Fee. Details in our calendar listing, including how to call to sign up. (4217 SW Oregon)

MAKE MUSIC! Rehearsals start tonight for some of the West Seattle Community Orchestras groups, and it’s not too late to sign up – see our recent story and the WSCO website. Times/locations vary.

ENVISIONING SOUTH PARK’S NEW ZONING: Residential Small Lot zoning, that is, as proposed in the HALA MHA plan. Local architect and housing advocate Matt Hutchins leads a discussion, as explained here, at South Park Hall, 6 pm. (1253 S. Cloverdale)

WESTWOOD-ROXHILL-ARBOR HEIGHTS COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 6:15 pm, upstairs at Southwest Library, WWRHAH resumes regular meetings – agenda info here. (9010 35th SW)

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House High Point – agenda info is here. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

ORCA-TOBER: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), you’re invited to join The Whale Trail‘s Orca-tober gathering! $5 suggested donation at the door; kids free. (5612 California SW)

OUNCES TRIVIA: Free trivia at 7 pm at Ounces. Prizes! (3809 Delridge Way SW)

‘GEEKS WHO DRINK’ TRIVIA: 8 pm at Whisky West (WSB sponsor). More info here. (6451 California SW)

THERE’S MORE! See the complete calendar here.

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UPDATE: ‘Derelict vessel’ off The Arroyos; big initial response downsized
October 2, 2018 7:39 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

7:39 AM: A sailboat off The Arroyos is taking on water, and that drew a big initial response, but it’s being downsized because they don’t believe anyone’s on board. It’s described as a small old wooden sailboat “in disrepair” that’s apparently been off the 11400 block of Arroyo Beach Place for a few days.

7:45 AM: This has now been declared a “derelict vessel” that SPD will “impound.”

8:05 AM: Added a photo of the boat, tweeted by SFD. (Added later below, photo by Chris Frankovich, with Coast Guard checking out the boat.)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch
October 2, 2018 7:06 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:06 AM: No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this morning.

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How can the Seattle Public Library better serve you? West Seattle ‘community conversation’ Wednesday with SPL leader Marcellus Turner
October 1, 2018 9:42 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

Just in case you haven’t seen it already on our calendar or elsewhere: Seattle’s chief librarian Marcellus Turner comes to our neighborhood this week for one of the “community conversations” he’s holding around the city. He will be at Southwest Library 1-2 pm Wednesday (October 3), and the Seattle Public Library announcement says it’s a chance to:

-Tell the chief librarian how the Library can better serve you and your neighborhood

-Learn about innovative services that are meeting changing community needs

-Understand how the Library’s goals and priorities support learning for everyone

-Find out results from a recent patron survey on Library programs and services

Southwest Library is at 9010 35th SW. All welcome; refreshments are planned. (WSB file photo: Chief Librarian Marcellus Turner during a 2017 visit to High Point Library)

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How can you help the Southern Resident Killer Whales? Talk about it Tuesday with The Whale Trail
October 1, 2018 8:23 pm
|    Comments Off on How can you help the Southern Resident Killer Whales? Talk about it Tuesday with The Whale Trail
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Southern Resident Killer Whale J19, photographed last month in the North Sound by Kersti Muul)

What can you do to help save the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales from extinction? That’s a topic every time The Whale Trail hosts a gathering – and next one is tomorrow (Tuesday, October 2nd) night:

Tuesday October 2nd, 7:00 – 8:30 — Doors open at 6:30
C & P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW
$5 suggested donation at the door; kids free

Celebrate Orca-tober with The Whale Trail! The SRKW will make their seasonal return to local waters this month. Join us to hear updates on the SRKW, Gov. Inslee’s Task Force, and the road ahead on the The Whale Trail! Bring a dessert to share. Hope to see you there!

Whale Trail executive director Donna Sandstrom is a member of the Task Force, which released its draft report a week ago and is taking comments for another week – read the report here; comments are being taken here.

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UPDATE: Crash at Roxbury/Olson
October 1, 2018 6:43 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:43 PM: Avoid Roxbury/Olson for a while – a crash is reported to have left a vehicle on its side. It’s on the eastbound side of Roxbury, per dispatch.

7:03 PM: Just checked out the scene. Adding photos. (Top photo is ours; photo above this line was sent by Mel – thanks!) The vehicle is on its side in the median on Roxbury just east of 5th. Traffic is getting by both ways, but slowly.

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West Seattle weather: Be ready for ‘breezy’ Tuesday
October 1, 2018 6:12 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The predicted wind is not at an alert/warning level, but the National Weather Service wants you to be aware that tomorrow could be “breezy” enough to bring down some tree branches, which ups the risk of power outages. The predicted speed, with the wind switching from south to north, will be 15 to 25 mph, possibly gusting to 35 mph. You know the advice: Charge everything, just in case! (Thanks to @WestSeaWx for the tip.)

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UPDATE: Fire call in 10000 block 47th SW
October 1, 2018 4:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

4:11 PM: Seattle Fire has sent a full response to the 10000 block of 47th SW for what’s described as a “room fire.”

4:23 PM: SFD says the fire is out and no injuries are reported. We have just arrived at the scene, which is on the long dead-end stub of 47th south of Fauntleroy.

4:31 PM: 47th is blocked at the scene until SFD clears out but that shouldn’t be long, they tell us. Also: SFD says damage primarily involved a computer desk.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Mural vandalized; burglary arrest; mailbox theft
October 1, 2018 3:55 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

MURAL VANDALISM: Two readers report that someone has vandalized the new community-inspired mural at the northeast corner of the Roxhill Elementary at EC Hughes campus. It’s been reported to the school and to Friends of Roxhill, the community group that led the project; we’re checking with them on cleanup/restoration plans.

CONSTRUCTION SITE BURGLARY: Got some questions today about an early-morning police response to the mixed-use building site under construction at 4532 42nd SW. Police were called to the site after a report of someone seen there after midnight, stealing tools. After a search and what neighbors tell us were loudspeaker warnings (along the lines of come out or they’ll send the K-9 in), officers arrested a 44-year-old man.

MAILBOX THEFT: Chris sent the video of a driver going through mailboxes in Arbor Heights just before 1 am Saturday:

He says the car was a silver 2006 Honda Accord with aftermarket wheels.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle Grounds now open
October 1, 2018 2:20 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

(WSB photos)

Three months ago, we mentioned that a coffee shop to be called West Seattle Grounds was on the way to the former mortgage-broker space at 2141 California SW, next to Mioposto. Now it’s open (thanks to Adam for the tip).

West Seattle Grounds is serving Caffe Umbria coffee, along with baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and salads. Hours are 5:30 am-8 pm Mondays-Saturdays, 6:30 am-8 pm Sundays.

P.S. As posted in our West Seattle Jobs Offered section, they’re hiring!

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Pole problem in Gatewood
October 1, 2018 1:57 pm
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Pole problem in Gatewood
 |   Gatewood | Utilities | West Seattle news

Noticed this while out on an errand: A utility pole knocked sideways on the west side of California SW near Fontanelle in Gatewood. SDOT is on the scene and told us City Light had a crew en route. We didn’t hear the call in real time but the SPD Tweets by Beat log (which you can see on our Crime Watch page, continuously updated) shows a collision reported there this morning; no SFD call, so apparently no injuries.

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Talk with local police Wednesday at next Coffee with a Cop
October 1, 2018 12:47 pm
|    Comments Off on Talk with local police Wednesday at next Coffee with a Cop
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | Westwood

(WSB photo from 2017 Coffee with a Cop)

If you have a concern/question for local police but haven’t been able to get to the regular evening meetings – we just got word that they’ll be at Westwood Village Starbucks (the standalone shop on the east side of the center) this Wednesday (October 3), 1-2:30 pm, for National Coffee with a Cop Day.

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