April 8, 2022: Lakewood Headlines
Bring your trash and junk for free disposal this weekend at the Community Cleanup. A new five-minute dumping time limit is in effect to keep the line moving.
Chief Zaro released LPD’s 2021 Annual Report. Lakewood observed a slight increase in crime overall, but a big increase in property crime is concerning. LPD has hired more officers and relaxation of COVID-19 jail restrictions will help LPD reduce crime.
Free or discounted internet service is available through an FCC program. The discount may also help eligible households purchase a computer.
High school students are invited to the 2022 Youth Summit. The event features free food, tons of activities, and chances to learn about financial literacy, career planning, and overcoming stress.
The JBLM North Access Project is on schedule. A new phase of work will begin soon on North Gate Road. Washington Boulevard & Gravelly Lake Drive will reopen in June.
Bring Trash & Junk for Free Disposal This Weekend
New rules including a dumping time limit promise to keep the line moving swiftly
Bring your trash, junk, and recyclables to the Spring Community Cleanup this weekend. A new five-minute dumping time limit will be observed to keep the line moving. Please review the rules before planning your trip.
3869 94th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Saturday, April 9 (8a – 2p)
Sunday, April 10 (8a – 2p)
- Lakewood residents only – bring a bill or ID
- Time limit enforced – 5 min. to unload
- No box vans or vehicles 7’+ tall
- Small trailers only – 4′ x 8′ max
- Residential waste only – no commercial
- Unsafely loaded vehicles may be cited
- Wear safe shoes – no slippers, sandals
- Be ready to back up a steep ramp
- Be ready to unload your own trash
- Bag all loose items
ACCEPTED: Bagged items, tires (removed from rims), bicycles, furniture, couches, grills, appliances, and recyclables.
NOT ACCEPTED: Loose items, paint, yard waste, construction waste, long lumber (8’+), concrete, auto parts, explosive materials, propane tanks, hazardous materials, electronics, donations, and mattresses.
Lakewood Police Department Publishes 2021 Annual Report
LPD responding to increases in property crime, evasions, and accidents
Chief Zaro released LPD’s 2021 Annual Report last week. LPD experienced a series of challenges in 2021. The department lost 20% of its personnel to a wave of retirements. New legislation often inhibited officers from detaining suspects and limited their ability to pursue or restrain them. COVID-19-related jail booking restrictions kept some habitual offenders free.
Total crime increased by 2.93% in 2021. Property crimes (e.g. theft, vandalism) increased by 7.54% and person crimes (e.g. murder, assault) increased by 5.92%. Accident reports increased by 20.16%. Lakewood’s total crime rate remains far below rates from the 2000s and prior.
Free or Discounted Internet Service Available for Low-Income Households
FCC discount provides $30/month discount for eligible households.
The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) discounts internet service by up to $30 per month. Some low-cost internet plans are free after the discount.
The program also discounts a computer or tablet by up to $100. To apply for the ACP discount, visit acpbenefit.org.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials service costs $9.95 per month and is free after the ACP discount.
- CenturyLink service starts at $50 per month and is reduced to $20 per month after the ACP discount.
- Rainier Connect does not participate in the ACP program.
Students Grades 9-12 Invited to 2022 Youth Summit
Students will learn about financial literacy, career planning, and stress management
The City’s Youth Council has organized a Youth Summit to be held on Saturday, May 21 at Harrison Prep. The event will introduce students to financial literacy, career planning, and stress management.
Participants will enjoy free food, a video game truck, sports activities, guest speakers, raffle prizes, and a live DJ.
More Headlines
- Pierce County Rental Assistance is available again.
- The Planning Commission will review seven Comprehensive Plan amendments this spring.
- A new phase of road construction in the Lake City neighborhood will begin soon.
- A dock is submerged at Harry Todd Park. Repair must wait until water levels recede.
- The City hosted a casual “Tree Talk” this week to invite opinions about tree preservation
Events
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Community Cleanup | April 9 & 10, 2022 | Transfer Station |
| Parks Appreciation Day | April 23, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Youth Summit | May 21, 2022 | City Hall |
| Youth Fishing Event | May 14, 2022 | American Lake Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Dancing in the Streets | May 21, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
| Paddle, Row, & Canoe Day | June 4, 2022 | Harry Todd Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 7, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 14, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Carnival of Cultures | June 18, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 21, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 28, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concert: Afrodisiacs | June 28, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 5, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 12, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Herding Cats | July 12, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 19, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Olsen Brothers | July 19, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| SummerFest | July 23, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 26, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Candy Shoppe | July 26, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 2, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 9, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Good Co. Swing | August 9, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Jazz Night & Car Show | August 13, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 16, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Paperback Writer | August 16, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 23, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 30, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Fiesta de la Familia | September 17, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
Roads
- Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: Washington Boulevard is closed between Lake City Boulevard and Gravelly Lake Drive. The intersection will reopen in June. The top lift of pavement will be applied in May – that will resolve the bumps leading onto the roundabout. Striping will also be applied, and the northbound GLD lane will be reopened near I-5.
- Steilacoom & Custer: Sidewalk construction is complete; bike lanes and lighting will be added soon.
- Phillips & Onyx: Sidewalk construction will begin in May along the west side of Phillips between Agate & Onyx. Expect minor lane adjustments.
City Council Activity
Monday, April 4 (Regular Meeting)
The City Council commemorated the 54th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act with a proclamation. Passed in 1968, the law is the foundation for many anti-discrimination protections. The proclamation was received by Sean Martin, CEO of the Pierce County Realtors’ Association.
Executive Director Deborah Grady and Board Chair Julie Door presented an overview of South Sound 911 (SS911). SS911 performs emergency dispatch, collects police reports, and administers concealed pistol licenses, fingerprinting, and records. SS911’s new facility recently opened in 2021. SS911 noted a pattern of increased emergency call volume.
Youth Council representative Hank Jones offered an update on Youth Council activities. The Youth Council has been investigating youth mental health, among other issues. 1 in 5 high school students in the state has considered suicide, according to a 2016 DSHS survey. Schoolwork is a key factor in student anxiety.
Proposed solutions include affordable counseling, social outlets, and stress education. The Youth Council will host a Youth Summit on Saturday, May 21. The event will discuss mental health and financial literacy among students in grades 9-12.
City Council approved a resolution for the City to participate in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Many employees have prior PERS/DRS membership. Unions representing City employees support the move. Lakewood was one of only a few Washington cities not in PERS.
Parks Director Mary Dodsworth reviewed the Adopt-A-Street program. The program allows residents or organizations to claim a street to help clean up litter. Adopted streets receive signs crediting adoptees.
The City plans to add graffiti removal support to the Adopt A Street program. Residents may report vandalism through MyLakewood311. The City removes graffiti on public property and may provide supplies for cleanups on private property.
The City Council will soon consider revisions to the process to name and rename municipal parks and facilities. A resident’s proposal last year to rename Fort Steilacoom Park upset some residents.
The City is engaging residents about tree preservation. The City will host a 1-hour “Tree Talk” on Wednesday, April 6 at 12:00 p.m. on Zoom. Residents may take a brief survey about tree preservation and review a summary of current tree preservation efforts.
Until Next Week…
Need a job? We’re hiring!
Spot an issue? Report it!
Have an opinion? Share it!