WCBO West Coast Bancorp (MM)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):

September 23, 2009

WEST COAST BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Oregon

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

0-10997

(SEC File Number)

93-0810577

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

5335 Meadows Road, Suite 201

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(503) 684-0884

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On September 23, 2009, West Coast Bancorp (the "Company") issued a press release announcing that it has suspended payment of cash dividends. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and incorporated by reference.

In addition, West Coast Bancorp is reporting that the Company has exercised its right to defer regularly scheduled interest payments on outstanding junior subordinated debentures related to its trust preferred securities.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits: The following exhibit is filed with this Form 8-K:

99.1 Press Release dated September 23, 2009.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.