FAB Fest is here!
The Film, Art, Book (FAB) Fest kicked off today and runs through the weekend at the McGavick Center at Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Boulevard SW.
Did you miss our Reel Life 96 short film contest earlier this year? You can check out these locally produced, five minute films at the event. All 18 entries will be shown Saturday starting at 1 p.m. Audience discussion will follow.
Other highlights include art exhibits, author meet ups and special entertainment. Saturday at 6 p.m. stay for a showing of the Oscar-nominated film “Elvis & Nixon”, followed by a Q&A.
Admission and parking are free. Doors open at noon. An indoor concession stand and TinHut BBQ food truck will serve food. View the complete schedule.
Rockets away: Free program for kids
Grab the kids Saturday, Oct. 22 for a two-hour rocket experience in Lakewood. Experience the wonders of outer space at the Pierce College Science Dome, followed by hands-on rocket launching with the Pierce College Science Department.
Sessions start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. The first hour is an immersive projection film presentation in the science dome, the second hour is an outdoor session to create and launch rockets. Suitable for children 5-17 years; children must be accompanied by an adult. Join us for a fun day to BLAST OFF!
Sign up for this FREE event at tinyurl.com/lwrocket.
The Pierce College Science Dome is located at 9401 Farwest Drive SW, near Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood.
Lakewood Fall Cleanup Announced
The Lakewood Fall Community Cleanup is Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5 and 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last vehicle admitted at 1:45 p.m.)
Bring trash, junk and recyclables to the Lakewood Transfer Station, 3869 94th Street SW. This event is for Lakewood residents only; a utility bill or ID is required to show proof of residence. Participants should be prepared to back up a steep ramp, unload all items yourself, bag all loose items and wear proper footwear.
Additional rules:
- 5 minute time limit to unload items
- No box vans or vehicles taller than 7 feet
- Trailers over 4-feet by 8-feet prohibited
- Unsafe vehicles may be cited
View a list of accepted and non-accepted items.
Save the date: Dr. Claudia Thomas Community Service Award Gala
Lakewood Multicultural Coalition announced this week it will hold its Dr. Claudia Thomas Community Service Award Gala on March 3, 2023.
When she became Lakewood Mayor, Thomas made history as the first African American mayor in the state. With a 42-year career in public education, Thomas spent her time in office focused on helping youth reach their goals and potential by creating Lakewood’s Promise. This group is still active.
The March 3, 2023 gala will honor Thomas’ contribution to the Lakewood community by recognizing individuals who strive to continue her spirit of serving others. Please save the date to join LMCC for this very special night of exciting festivities!
For more information visit the LMCC website, or its Facebook page for event updates.
Lakewood is a Triple Crown Winner
The city of Lakewood was named a Triple Crown Winner by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This designation recognizes cities that received the organization’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Award and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Lakewood is one of only 317 governments nationwide to receive this award. There are more than 19,000 towns, villages and cities across the country, more than 3,200 counties and thousands more special municipal districts. This means Lakewood’s financial reporting is in the top 1% of cities, towns and villages nationwide.
Deputy Mayor Moss named Honorary Commander
Lakewood Deputy Mayor Mary Moss has a new title to add to her list: Honorary Commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing.
Moss was bestowed this honor at a ceremony on Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Sept. 29, 2022.
The Honorary Commander Program provides a platform to inform and educate about Department of Defense missions and develop supportive relationships with the community. Moss will be paired with a commander to learn more about the 62nd Airlift Wing. She will have opportunities to visit McChord Field, learn about missions, participate in base functions and discuss issues of mutual concern.
Read more about this honor.
Truck & Tractor Day big hit
Thanks to everyone who joined the city last weekend for Truck & Tractor Day. It was a great afternoon filled with giant trucks, dirt piles, a pumpkin patch, and hayrides around Fort Steilacoom Park, food, games and activities for all.
Check out some of the pictures from the event on the city’s Facebook page.
How do you get around Lakewood?
How do you use Lakewood’s sidewalks, bike lanes, or other routes that don’t allow cars?
The city of Lakewood is updating its non-motorized transportation plan to reflect the improvements made over the last 10 years and to provide direction on how to expand its walking and rolling network.
We want to hear from you. How do you use the system and what non-motorized improvements are most important? The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time and input!
Lakewood Council Corner: Oct. 10, 2022
At its study session Monday the Lakewood City Council jumped immediately into its tree preservation code update review. The discussion that followed outlined Council member thoughts as a proposed ordinance is prepared for final consideration.
Council is expected to take action at its Oct. 17, 2022 regular meeting. Action items include:
- Setting a goal to increase the city’s overall tree canopy to 40% by 2050.
- Stepping up protections for significant trees, including priority Oregon White Oak and woodlands, and establishment of a Heritage Tree Program.
- Directing the establishment of an Urban Forestry Program.
- Establishing incentives to encourage tree preservation across the city.
- Requiring tree removal permits for properties 10,000 square feet or larger (previously property smaller than 17,000 square feet was exempt).
Watch the meeting: Oct. 10, 2022 Lakewood City Council study session
Budget meetings: Council held a special meeting Oct. 12, 2022 to hear presentations from city department directors, including:
- Municipal Court
- Community and Economic Development
- Public Works Engineering
- Administrative Service
Watch the meeting: Oct. 12, 2022 Lakewood City Council special meeting
What’s on deck: Council will hold special meeting Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. to review its 2023-2024 state legislative agenda and policy manual, federal legislative priorities and Pierce County policy manual.
Regular meeting: Council will hold a regular meeting Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 at 7 p.m. Tentative agenda items include:
- Issuing a proclamation recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness month.
- Authorizing two agreements with the Department of Commerce for implementation of climate change planning grant and a middle housing grant.
- Accepting a $41,000 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for the purchase of ballistic helmets and rifle plates for Lakewood Police.
- Final action on proposed ordinance approving the Tree Preservation Code updates.
- Final action on proposed ordinance approving a three-year Energy and Climate Change Work Plan.
- Reports by the City Manager: Clover Creek Flood Study Engineering Feasibility Analysis update and Prosecution Services update.
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; Join via Zoom (or dial (253) 215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.
Lakewood Road Roundup
Work continues on Washington Boulevard
Grading work continued this week on Washington Boulevard near its intersection with Edgewood Avenue. This work is taking slightly longer than planned due to the contractor’s crew training new employees.
The grading work is prepping the road for the new curb, which is expected to be poured next week, Oct. 17-21, 2022. Puget Sound Energy relocated its power from the intersection this week.
With this work complete, next week additional crews will be on site working on electrical connections and a landscaping team will be out beginning its work.
Once this section of roadway is complete it will reopen, however the contractor will move to the next section of Washington Boulevard. While they may be adjusted slightly, detours will remain throughout the duration of this project which will continue into 2023.
Want to know the latest about the work happening with the JBLM-North Acess project? Visit the project page to sign up for email updates.
Steilacoom Boulevard sidewalk installation
For the week of Oct. 17-21, 2022 minor restoration work will be done behind the sidewalks. 88th Street SW is expected to fully reopen all lanes to traffic. The remaining sidewalk panels will be poured east of Phillips Road now that the utility poles are removed.
Sidewalk construction will stop on this project for the winter. This is due to a delay in when new signals will be available, which is the result of a number of factors outside the city and contractor’s control.
During this down time the contractor is expected to continue working on the wall installation on the south side of Steilacoom Boulevard between Phillips and Weller roads, so the project is ready when the poles are delivered.
Access library services in Lakewood
From book talks for adults and tech help, to family story time for all ages, the Pierce County Library System offers pop-up libraries and other services to the community, despite the closure of its downtown library branch building. Some programs are at the Tillicum Community Center, while others are at Lakewood City Hall. The Library System encourages people to visit nearby DuPont, Steilacoom, Tillicum and University Place libraries for access to books and programs.
Visit lakewoodlib.pcls.us for up-to-date info on services and locations. Sign up to receive Lakewood and Tillicum building updates.
Wanted: Entries for Holiday Parade of Lights
Lakewood’s annual Holiday Parade of Lights and annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony return to Lakewood Towne Center this December, and we need you to join the parade!
We are accepting applications now for those who want to be part of the fun. Sign up your business, organization, youth group or team and gain great visibility in front of the roughly 7,000 people that line the route specifically to see the floats and displays as they make their way to Lakewood City Hall.
Awards will be given for floats/displays in the categories of “Most Original”, “Most Spirited”, and “Best Overall Appearance”.
This year’s event is Saturday, Dec. 10 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The parade ends at Lakewood City Hall in time for the countdown to light the city Christmas tree.
Interested? Fill out at a parade application today.
Road project updates
- JBLM-North Access Improvement
- Phase 1: Once all utility poles are removed the city’s contractor will pour the final sidewalk panels south of Nyanza Road.
- Phase 2: Grading of the intersection of Washington Boulevard/Edgewood Avenue and along the road in preparation for curb continued this week. Puget Sound Energy relocated a pole at the intersection of Washington Boulevard/Edgewood Avenue. Concrete is expected to be poured next week and more crews will be on site working on electrical and landscaping projects.
- Steilacoom Blvd, Weller to Custer: For the week of Oct. 17-21 minor restoration work will be done behind the sidewalk and 88th Street SW is expected to fully reopen all lanes to traffic. The remaining sidewalk panels will be poured east of Phillips Road now that the utility poles are removed. Sidewalk construction will stop on this project for the winter. This is due to a delay in when new signals will be available, which is the result of a number of factors outside the city and contractor’s control. During this down time the contractor is expected to continue working on the wall installation on the south side of Steilacoom Boulevard between Phillips and Weller roads so the project is ready when the poles are delivered.
- Pacific Highway/South Tacoma Way from 108th to SR 512 Overlay: Final touches on the striping of the roadway will be done Sunday (Oct. 16, 2022) in the evening.
Upcoming city events
Ready to begin fall cleaning? Our free community cleanup is planned for the first weekend in November.
- Nov. 5-6, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.: Lakewood Fall Community Cleanup at Lakewood Transfer Station, 3869 94th Street SW.
- Dec. 10, 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Lakewood Holiday Parade of Lights & Christmas Tree Lighting, downtown Lakewood and Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Learn more.