West Seattle, Washington
02 Thursday
The Southwest District Council was not among the community groups canceling December meetings. Members gathered to hear a briefing on the most-discussed issue before city leaders right now, housing – specifically, the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda, aka HALA.
Mayor Murray’s policy-office director Robert Feldstein led the briefing, sitting in for HALA outreach manager Jesseca Brand. “HALA is going to come roaring like a freight train,” explained Cindi Barker, who represents West seattle Emergency Communication Hubs on the SWDC and was a member of the HALA advisory committee.
Feldstein recapped all the basics, which you can review on the HALA website, summarizing: “We think if you build more housing, it reduces the total costs.”
(WSB photo: KCSO officers outside house where murder suspect was arrested last Thursday)
Charges are now filed against 39-year-old Aaron Parypa, arrested by SWAT-geared King County Sheriff’s Officers last week at his Junction-area home in connection with a shooting death near Sea-Tac Airport. Parypa is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree assault, for the death of Andrae Medina-Wong and the attempted shooting of a second man in what detectives say started as an attempted marijuana sale. Parypa remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bail, requested by prosecutors because while he has no criminal history, they allege he “shot at both victims from a moving car in broad daylight during rush-hour traffic … (firing) at least seven times with a high-powered assault rifle.” The shooting made regional news on October 29th because of its proximity to the airport; Medina-Wong was found dead by a car in an intersection just north of Sea-Tac. Another man found hiding in the woods nearby turned out to have been with him. According to court documents, that man told police he and Medina-Wong had used Craigslist to try to buy marijuana, and had obtained – possibly stolen – some, in a glass mason jar, from a prospective seller they arranged to meet in the shopping-center parking lot on the northeast corner of 1st and 160th in Burien.
A vehicle believed to belong to that person subsequently pursued them, the survivor told investigators, and caught up with them at the intersection near Sea-Tac, where he saw a gun barrel pointing at them from the other vehicle. He got out of the car, carrying the mason jar of marijuana, and started running, at which time he heard gunshots. Medina-Wong was later found to have been hit by .223-caliber bullets in the head and heart. The other man was not hit.
The documents tell a detailed story of how detectives identified Parypa as the suspect, including phone and Internet records:
This Saturday, you’re invited to a pancake breakfast at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th & Holden) to raise money for an 18-year-old West Seattle resident who survived being hit by a train last month in South Seattle. His godmother e-mailed WSB to get the word out, saying that Vincent Hance “is super lucky to be alive and doing amazing!” The event Saturday is from 9 am to noon, with a $5 donation requested to support Vincent’s family: “They don’t have a lot of money and his mother has missed a lot of work.” They also are accepting donations via a GoFundMe page, which tells the story of the incident that left Vincent in the Harborview ICU.
That’s the latest draft rendering for 1307 Harbor Avenue SW, the mixed-use project planned for what is currently about a half-block of shuttered, fenced off vacant buildings including the former Alki Tavern, across from Don Armeni Boat Ramp. The tavern already had been closed a year by the time the proposed mixed-use project had its first Southwest Design Review Board meeting in April of 2014 – and now, more than a year and a half later, the date is finally set for its next one. In our coverage of that first meeting, the project was described as including 21 residential units and 41 underground parking spaces; now it’s described as including 15 residential units and 27 parking spaces “within the structure.” It’s also still proposed for “retail, restaurant, office, and light manufacturing” space, the same non-residential uses as mentioned before. Here’s the draft of the packet for the meeting, with more details on the plan:
The project has changed architects – the packet shows Rhodes Architecture & Light, a West Seattle-based firm, as “architect of record,” while Miller-Hull was the architect at the time of the 2014 review. The upcoming review meeting is scheduled for 6:30 pm Thursday, January 21st, at the Sisson Building in The Junction (California/Oregon).
ADDED WEDNESDAY: See the comment from Tim Rhodes with clarification of the two architecture firms’ roles.
A bit blustery at Constellation Park. pic.twitter.com/4QBYO4iOe7
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) December 8, 2015
Even before the wind really started kicking up at midmorning, lots of whitecaps off Constellation Park, which is where we recorded the short video clip above. The wind advisory is currently set to expire around 3 pm; right now, before we get too much further into the day, we wanted to share two three scheduled highlights ahead. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
CRAFT BAZAAR: First night of a two-night craft bazaar by local artists and crafters at Admiral Bird, spotlighting local holiday-shopping options. 5-8 pm. (California/Admiral)
(added) CONCERT: The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Intermediate and Debut Orchestras perform at 6 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. Free admission, donations appreciated. Program includes Bohemian Dance, El Tango, Good King Wenceslas, Bizet’s Aragonaise from Carmen, España, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, 2nd movement. (2600 SW Thistle)
And from our regular year-round calendar:
HARBOR SCHOOL INFO NIGHT IN WEST SEATTLE: You don’t have to travel to Vashon Island this time to learn about K-8 Harbor School (WSB sponsor) – it’s having a West Seattle Information Night tonight, 6:30 pm at Fauntleroy UCC Church. Details here. (9140 California SW)
P.S. The two community councils that usually meet on second Tuesdays, Admiral Neighborhood Association and Fauntleroy Community Association, are NOT meeting tonight – many neighborhood groups take December off.
Seattle Police say they have arrested Si Phu, the man accused of shooting and killing a 14-year-old Chief Sealth International High School student in Columbia City on Sunday. Relatives of the victim say Phu is her uncle. According to police, he was found in South Seattle, and will be booked into King County Jail for investigation of homicide. Meantime, the candlelight vigil mentioned in the letter sent home to families is set for 5 pm tomorrow outside the school, according to Sealth staff.
ADDED: The King County Medical Examiner has identified the victim as Christy Phu.
7:26 AM: At this early hour we’ve already received three texts from Admiral-area residents who woke up to brown water. So we’re publishing this quick note to let you know, it’s not just you. The first texter says Seattle Public Utilities told them it’s water-main-replacement work – we don’t yet know where. In the meantime, as noted during all our coverage of discolored water in recent months, do call SPU if it’s happening to you: 206-386-1800.
9:04 AM: One texter mentioned the 2200 block of California, so we went there to check, and found an SPU crew flushing a hydrant:
Shortly thereafter, Ingrid Goodwin from SPU answered our inquiry:
There was a planned water main shutdown this morning from 5 am to 8 am on California Avenue SW from SW Holgate to SW Walker Street. The work was to seal off a 2 inch water main. Customers impacted by the shutdown would have received a door hanger notification late last week from SPU’s water quality inspectors.
If customers are experiencing dirty water, they should run the cold water for a few minutes to see if it is clearing or still discolored. If the water does not clear, let the water sit for an hour. Then, run the water for a few minutes and flush the toilet a couple of times. If the water remains discolored, please contact SPU at 206-386-1800.
More information about discolored water can be found here.
12:30 PM: Commenters have been discussing continuing concerns; SPU says that while the work is complete, the water main was still being flushed, and a second hydrant was opened to help with that. Goodwin adds, “Flushing too quickly, however, can cause even more discoloration. So they are doing this work carefully. SPU thanks its customers for their patience as we work to clear the water as soon as possible.” We’re expecting another update soon.
(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! New weather alert overnight – now a “wind advisory” is in effect until 3 pm (read it here). And after a rainy night, you’re going to find trouble spots like the “big bad puddle” at Fauntleroy/Raymond, as tweeted by Megan:
Here are all the ways to contact us.
UPCOMING 99 CLOSURES: As announced by WSDOT on Monday. They all involve the Battery Street Tunnel *northward* but still could affect traffic between the tunnel and bridge, so here’s the heads-up:
Full closure Dec. 18-19
During this closure, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will set up a work zone between the northbound and southbound SR 99 lanes near Harrison Street in order to build the permanent median barrier.
SR 99/Aurora Avenue North will be closed between the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel and Valley Street:
Northbound lanes: Closed from 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19
Southbound lanes: Closed from 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 to 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. One southbound lane will remain closed until 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19Lane closures Dec. 14-22
Additionally, crews installing a variable message sign may close one southbound lane of SR 99 between Roy and Mercer streets from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly, Monday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 17 and Monday, Dec. 21 through Tuesday, Dec. 22.
Long-term lane closures beginning mid-January
Contractor crews will install the foundations for new overhead traffic signs on SR 99/Aurora Avenue North between Highland Drive and the Aurora Bridge. One lane in each direction will be closed around the clock for approximately seven weeks. An additional lane will be closed at night when there is less traffic on the road and on some weekends to provide additional work zone for the contractor. One lane will remain open during this work.
8:10 AM: We’ve been out checking on other perennial water-over-road trouble spots, such as W. Marginal Way SW – so far, nothing major. But if the forecast heavier rain arrives this afternoon, that could change.
8:53 AM: Just got a text about water over Delridge by Orchard/Myrtle. Off to check.
9:03 AM: It’s cleared – aside from a sizable curbside puddle by the northbound Delridge bus stop north of Orchard.
(WSB photos. From left, above, 2015 Princess Audrey, 2016 Princesses Stephanie and Ava, 2015 Queen Emily, 2016 Queen Amelia, 2016 Princesses Sara and Cailyn, 2015 Princess Emma)
Tonight’s crowning of the new West Seattle Hi-Yu Community Festival Junior Court and farewell for their predecessors had an extra technological touch:
That’s Senior Court Queen Kelly Crum attending via Skype, on her mom Gloria‘s smartphone. Connected from Spokane, where she’s attending Gonzaga University, Kelly wished the candidates good luck and congratulated the three members of the outgoing court:
The ceremony was the main event for the monthly Hi-Yu meeting at Admiral Congregational Church. It began with goodbyes from Queen Emily Cain, an 11-year-old Shorewood Elementary student, Princess Audrey Kline, a 12-year-old Holy Rosary student, and Princess Emma Maffeo, an 11-year-old Westside School (WSB sponsor) student, who shared their favorite memories. (Emma drew laughter by saying she enjoyed the Seafair Torchlight Parade because “it was really fun riding with the Pirates even if they stole your ice cream.”)
Hi-Yu leaders Jay and Joanne Murray spoke of watching the trio grow from being shy about speaking in front of a room of 15, to talking confidently in front of hundreds, since “it’s a wonderful learning experience.”
Former Junior Court member Isabella Carufel (above) – whose sisters and mom Danette are past Hi-Yu royalty too – emceed. And then it was announced that all five of this year’s candidates were so impressive, the organization decided to expand the Junior Court and have them all reign. Crowned queen was Amelia Kline, a 10-year-old Holy Rosary student. The princesses – 9-year-old Stephanie Moore from Schmitz Park Elementary; 10-year-old Sara Henggeler from Holy Rosary; Gatewood Elementary 4th grader Cailyn White; and Holy Rosary third grader Ava Karman.
You’ll see them at community events throughout the year, particularly in spring and summer, when the Hi-Yu float travels to parades around the region.
Maybe you’ve seen Chris‘s motorcycle:
My motorcycle was stolen from the street in front of my house last night, in the 7700 block of 13th Ave SW (just off Holden). It was most likely put onto a truck because I was working on it a few days ago and had a bunch of wires unplugged. I don’t think it would have run, even if someone had a key. If you wouldn’t mind asking your readers to be on the lookout for it, I’d appreciate it. Maybe it will also keep someone else from getting their bike snatched.
Since the photo above was taken, Chris adds, he’s added a “new giant white gas tank” to the bike (shown here), which “also doesn’t currently have the windshield, blue plastic surrounding the headlight, or speedo/tach gauges because I had removed them to work on it.” Call 911 if you see it.
Even if the weather outside is frightful, the Christmas Ship will be delightful … and, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, you have three chances to see the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle this week! Wednesday, 9:15-9:35 pm, serenading Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), with Choir of the Sound on board; then Saturday (December 12th), 4:20-4:40 at Lowman Beach, 5:10-5:30 pm at Alki Beach Park, with The Dickens Carolers on board. Alki Bathhouse is offering cookies and hot cider, 4-7 pm, for the occasion, and you’re also invited to stop by the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) for its “Family Holiday on the Porch” starting at 3 pm Saturday, with free cookies, cider, and chowder.
Seattle Public Schools has announced it has 12 winners in the statewide “Schools of Distinction” announcement,” which, SPS explains, “recognizes outstanding improvement in reading and math sustained over a five-year period.” Included in the 12: West Seattle Elementary and Louisa Boren STEM K-8. The district announcement quotes WSE principal Vicki Sacco as saying her team is “thrilled to be recognized” and mentioning their extracurricular classes taught by the staff as a bonus at the school: “For example, the principal teaches knitting, the assistant principal is the basketball ‘commissioner’ and teachers and staff coach other varied activities. All of this contributes to a positive school culture, a sense of community and belonging, strong relationships and high levels of student and staff satisfaction as evidenced on our climate survey.”
(WSB photos)
4:49 PM: The big response at Arrowhead Gardens in the 9200 block of 2nd SW is for a fire in the trash compactor, according to Seattle Fire. It’s under control, according to the scanner, which also has a mention of “light” smoke in hallways on at least three floors.
5:04 PM: The fire is reported “tapped.” No word of any injuries. Firefighters are working to clear the aforementioned smoke.
5:14 PM: Our crew at the scene says firefighters appear to be ramping down. SFD units are in parking lots on both sides of the building but this isn’t affecting traffic going by on the roads past the complex.
5:24 PM: They’re not sure how this started, but the smoke in the building came in through a window, according to an SFD spokesperson, who verifies that no one was hurt.
They’re still wrapping up the ventilation process.
(WSB photo: Lisa Herbold, during our interview with her on Sunday night)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The recount is officially over, and Lisa Herbold has won the election to become the first-ever Seattle City Councilmember representing District 1 (West Seattle and South Park).
Hours before King County Elections made the announcement this afternoon, we sat down to talk with now-Councilmember-elect Herbold, who as a result of the required-recount election has a weeks-shorter transition time than she would have had otherwise.
Since she has worked at City Hall for more than a decade and a half, as an assistant to retiring Councilmember Nick Licata, that’ll be less of a challenge for her than it might have been for someone else.
Licata will administer the oath of office to her during the January 4th ceremonies that will also install three other newly elected councilmembers. That’s just one symbol of what she calls the “circularity” of what has happened; another came Sunday afternoon, before our evening conversation, when she joined the Women’s Political Caucus in honoring “heroines of the campaign” – hers was treasurer Jeanne Legault. And, she explained, she received that same award 18 years ago for her work on Licata’s campaign.
Now, the campaigning is over, and it’s on with preparation to serve West Seattle and South Park in a historic role – the area’s first-ever district councilmember.
Our first question:
1:44 PM: The latest stolen vehicle to watch for: A U-Haul truck full of equipment from a Morgan Junction business. The report is from Ian, who with wife Elise owns Chill Massage Therapy:
We are currently remodeling and had all the contents of the shop in a U-Haul parked out front. That truck was stolen last night. Police reports filed, but we were hoping maybe you could post something with the truck license plate number so people can keep an eye out for us, please?It’s an Arizona plate, number DC1721K, and 14-foot truck.
“Out front” would be in the 6900 block of California SW. As the @getyourcarback tweet about this says, call 911 if you see the truck.
ADDED 1:57 PM: We asked Ian if there are any particular items in the truck that readers could watch for (in classified listings or wherever else): “a Large white mirrored wardrobe, front desk, two massage tables (1 blue, 1 brown), two corner glass door cabinets, large brown electric fireplace, small 2 drawer black filing cabinet, small refrigerator, boxes of marketing materials, brown 5-foot storage bench with drawers, bottles of massage oils and aromatherapy etc. These were the larger items that people may try and move on.”
11:25 AM: A deadly shooting on Sunday in Columbia City has touched the lives of hundreds here because of the victim. She was a 14-year-old freshman at Chief Sealth International High School. We just confirmed with Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer that grief counselors are available today for students, many of whom learned about this via social media starting late last night (thanks to the Sealth parents who let us know about this), and that she plans to send e-mail to Sealth families today. Meantime, Seattle Police say this morning that the suspect they are seeking, 24-year-old Si Phu, is a relative of the victim. Here is the photo they have released publicly:
The circumstances of the shooting have not been disclosed; so far, police have only said that they got a call just after 3 pm Sunday about a shooting in the 3500 block of S. Brandon in Columbia City, and that the victim died at the scene. Later in the day, SPD circulated the photo shown above, and this morning, they say Phu is still being sought. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please call 911. We will update this report with anything additional that we find out today.
12:04 PM: Here’s the letter sent to Sealth families by principal Fraser-Hammer:
Dear Sealth Families,
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that one of our students was the victim of a fatal shooting yesterday in Columbia City. Seattle Police are investigating, and we are in communication with her family.
As a community, I know we will come together to not only support our student’s family members, but work to ensure our larger community is a safe place for us to live, learn and work.
We have counselors at school today and will continue to have counselors and mental health support available in the days ahead for students, staff and families, as needed. When someone dies, particularly in an act of violence, it is normal for children and teens to have different kinds of feelings and reactions. Parents and guardians have important roles in helping students understand about death.
We understand that each culture has its own way of dealing with death, and we encourage children to talk with their families about their ideas, thoughts and beliefs. Additionally, talking about the incident can be a healthy way for families to process their feelings and reactions to an event of this nature.
Here are some suggestions for how to help students cope:
• Maintain a normal routine.
• Stick to facts. Answer questions factually.
• Remain calm and reassuring. Students take their cues from their parents and adults.
• Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior.
• Notice when children have questions and want to talk.
• Be especially loving and supportive; children and teens need you even more at this time.
• Take care of yourself. You are better able to help your students if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, children are more likely to be so as well.We recognize that even if your student may not have known or been close to this family, he/she may still feel a strong reaction. We also realize this may be your student’s first experience with death or it may trigger feelings about other deaths your child may have experienced.
A candlelight vigil is planned and details will be shared as information becomes available. This is an opportunity for students and families to acknowledge their grief and express their feelings about a sudden loss for which they have no control over.
If you have any questions, please let me know. We will keep you updated on how we as a community can move forward, and how we can support the family.
(WSB photo)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:44 AM: A few minutes after sending a sizable response to The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), Seattle Fire has just canceled all but five of the units. That’s still enough for traffic effects in the area, so keep that in mind for a while. We are on our way to find out what’s happening.
10:02 AM UPDATE: Our crew learned at the scene that this involved an electrical problem. No fire – an outlet shortcircuited. No injuries; everyone’s OK.
(Pigeon guillemot, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Semi-quiet Monday following a busy weekend (scroll through our coverage – and when you get to the bottom of the top page, click “next” to go to page two – to see all that’s happened!) – but we do have a few previews to share. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and regular year-round Event Calendar:
OFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS: As reported here on Friday, the ballot recounting in the District 1 City Council race is over and unofficially did not change the ultimate result, victory for Lisa Herbold. The official announcement is due after 1 pm this afternoon.
SECOND NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: The “Festival of Lights” continues at sundown. No public events announced for West Seattle tonight (but here’s our coverage of last night’s candle-lighting and singing with Kol HaNeshamah in The Junction).
FAMILY STORY TIME: Tonight’s 6:30 pm story time is at High Point Library. (35th/Raymond)
CAGE THE ELEPHANT, LIVE: 7 pm free all-ages in-store performance at Easy Street Records in The Junction. (California/Alaska)
HI-YU JUNIOR COURT CROWNED: During tonight’s regular monthly 7 pm meeting of West Seattle Hi-Yu at Admiral Congregational Church, the new Junior Court will be crowned. All welcome. (California/Hill)
NIGHTLIFE: Trivia/quiz and karaoke – see the listings in our calendar.
Event to share? E-mail us the info – plain text in the body of your e-mail – as early as possible – editor@wsb.blackfin.biz – thanks!
(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
8:32 AM: The rain has been the major factor in an overall slow commute so far this morning; no major incidents in the area.
9:53 AM: Important note from “Trickycoolj” in the comments:
There are MASSIVE potholes on Sylvan Way next to Home Depot. The rain is hiding them. They are longer than a car tire and yesterday you could see the dirt underneath the roadway they were so deep. It appears that someone (maybe SPD) put some very beat up orange cones in them this morning and they are half submerged the holes are so deep. Be careful or you’ll be buying new tires for Christmas!!
Potholes can be reported either through the city’s Find It Fix It app or this online form.
West Seattle’s Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network hopes you can help them find and help this injured pup. From Robin Lindsey:
I wanted to let you know that Seal Sitters’ first responders are on high alert for a harbor seal pup with a serious neck wound, most likely from a fishing net or line. Today, we received a call that a pup was on the inaccessible beach at Jack Block Park. The pup was positioned such that a rescue would have been difficult and most likely would have resulted him escaping into the water, but he was able to get some much-needed rest on the beach.
We would like to ask your readers to please be on the lookout for any seal pup on the beach and call our hotline @ 206-905-SEAL (7325) immediately if you see one. It is our fervent hope that we will be able to capture this pup and take him for treatment. Please note that only members of NOAA’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network are authorized to handle marine mammals. Please keep a distance (and dogs leashed) and call Seal Sitters.
Marine debris and other toxic trash pose grave dangers to marine wildlife. We have expanded a section of our website that offers more details about the dangers marine mammals face – and ways to help.
This is the third positively identified pup that Seal Sitters has responded to in the past week along Elliott Bay’s shoreline, after a strangely quiet pupping season.
Thanks so much – we appreciate the extra eyes on the beach!
At this past Thursday’s Orca Talk event, presented by The Whale Trail, Robin detailed just how “quiet,” and unusual, this season has been. That’ll be part of our upcoming report on the event.
For the second consecutive evening, a lighting ceremony in The Junction. Tonight, it was in celebration of the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, as Rabbi Zari Weiss and members from West Seattle synagogue Kol HaNeshamah sang songs and blessings and lit the menorah’s first candle.
Passers-by were invited to join the festivities, with song sheets handed out:
Hanukkah traditions were on display too – the spinning tops called dreidels, and gelt, gold-foil-wrapped chocolate coins:
Kol HaNeshamah has even-bigger Hanukkah celebrations coming up at their place of worship, which is co-housed with Alki UCC at 6115 SW Hinds – candlelighting on Tuesday and a party on Saturday (more info on the KHN website), followed by an event you might already have seen in our West Seattle Holiday Guide – a “FRED Talk” at 8 pm with storyteller Merna Hecht.
Imagine buying one-of-a-kind holiday gift baskets for family and friends and knowing the entire purchase price would benefit local nonprofits. That’s what’s at the heart of the annual St. Nicholas Faire, happening right now at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) just north of The Junction. The baskets are assembled and donated by church members, each with a theme:
We noticed baskets with Seahawks or Mariners gear, books, toys, cooking, gardening, beer, the list goes on. You can either bid on them or get them for the “guaranteed” price. Your host is FLCWS pastor Rev. Ron Marshall:
Wine-tasting and homemade baked goods are also available during the St. Nicholas Faire, on until 7 pm – as noted in our daily preview for today, there’s a suggested donation for admission, lower if you bring a donated item for the West Seattle Food Bank, which benefits from everything at the Faire along with the West Seattle Helpline. The church is at 4105 California SW; enter off California, just south of the sanctuary door.
P.S. This has been spotlighted in our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, still full of fun, giving, and informational listings for the rest of the holiday season (and if we’re missing something, let us know!)
(WSB photos)
If you walked into Westwood Village Target at a certain point this morning, you might have been startled to see half a dozen Seattle Police officers in a huddle. Nothing to worry about, though – they were there to help local kids get ready for the holidays. This is what was once upon a time called “Shop with a Cop,” and now goes by the name “Heroes and Helpers.” That’s why the young participants had reindeer-antler hats inscribed “Holiday Helpers”:
It was more than a title – the $100 each kid had to spend was supposed to go in part for somebody in their family, so they could give as well as receive. Each teamed up with an officer:
… and after a quick chat, it was off to shop:
The police participants are from community-outreach programs – from left, below, with Target team members, are Det. Kim Bogucki, Sgt. Adrian Diaz, Officer Kevin McDaniel, Officer John O’Neil, Officer Jon Flores, and Officer Erin Rodriguez:
They worked with community organizations to choose kids to participate – Neighborhood House, among others.
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