March 25, 2022: Lakewood Headlines
The City and Nisqually Indian Tribe met last week to discuss cooperative art projects that would tell the story of Chief Leschi at Fort Steilacoom Park
The City hosted its first short film contest: Reel Life ’96. 33 teams participated by making a five-minute film and enjoyed a screening gala last Saturday. All films are viewable online
City Council proclaimed March “Women’s History Month”. The proclamation was accepted by Clover Park High School senior Liupapa Laulu.
The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data has been released. Lakewood is one of just 15 Washington cities with a majority BIPOC population, and Lakewood has more than double the state and national average concentration of veterans.
Lakewood & Nisqually Tribe Discuss Cooperative Park Projects
Landmarks, signage, and art would recognize Chief Leschi, last chief of the Nisquallies
City of Lakewood Parks staff met with the Nisqually Indian Tribe last week to discuss commemorating the story of Chief Leschi at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Lakewood stands upon lands ceded by the Nisqually Tribe and other tribes in the 1854 Treaty of Medicine Creek. Chief Leschi was executed in 1858 in what is now Lakewood, and exonerated in 2004 by the Washington State Historical Court of Inquiry and Justice.
As the last chief of the Nisquallies, Chief Leschi is an icon to his people and an important figure to us today as inhabitants of this land.
Lakewood Hosts First Short Film Contest: Reel Life ’96
Over 30 teams participated by submitting a five-minute film produced in just 96 hours.
Lakewood’s first short film contest featured more than 30 fantastic films made by creators of all ages and levels of experience. “Reel Life ’96” was a spectacular success.
Shooting began on Feb. 10, and teams had just 96 hours to script, shoot, and edit an original film.
On Saturday, March 19, participants and volunteers gathered for a screening gala at Clover Park Technical College McGavick Center. Each film was displayed and films were selected for 13 award categories.
City Council Recognizes March as Women’s History Month
The proclamation was accepted by Clover Park High School senior Liupapa Laulu
“We have ten daughters collectively as a council, and believe me when I say that we hope they all have the opportunity to become leaders and thrive.”
– Mayor Jason Whalen
Census Bureau Publishes 2020 American Community Survey Data
Lakewood diverges from state, national averages in many areas
The United States Census Bureau has published data from the 2020 American Community Survey (ACS). By the Census Bureau’s latest estimates, Lakewood has a population of 63,612 residents.
Lakewood is one of just 15 Washington cities with a majority population of people of color; 51.9% of Lakewood’s population is BIPOC.
More Headlines
- Pierce County Honors Fallen Deputy Dom Calata on Friday
- Don Anderson Elected to Board of Association of Defense Communities
Events
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Community Cleanup | April 9 & 10, 2022 | Transfer Station |
| Parks Appreciation Day | April 23, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| 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 now closed between Lake City Boulevard and Gravelly Lake Drive. This phase is expected to be completed in June.
- 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, March 21 (Regular Session)
The meeting began with a proclamation to recognize March as Women’s History Month. Councilmember Linda Farmer read the proclamation with Liupapa Laulu, a senior from Clover Park High School.
Public Works Engineering Director Paul Bucich discussed progress of Phase 2 the JBLM North Access Project, and the award of a construction contract to R.L. Alia Company. Despite competitive bids, the City encountered a budget shortfall. Construction costs are increasing nationally, and the City is confident that its present bidder remains capable and cost-effective. The City will use available capital funds to close the shortfall.
Assistant to the City Manager/Policy Analyst Michael Vargas reviewed the Pierce County Waste Management Plan. The plan’s core goal is to reduce the accumulation of waste. The plan prioritizes hazardous waste management and contamination reduction. The plan identifies 32 action items to achieve the vision of reduced waste and sustainable waste management for the next 20 years.
CDBG Program Manager Jeff Gumm reviewed the City’s 2022 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. CDBG funds support affordable housing, down payment assistance programs, housing repair programs, and abatement programs. A recent federal omnibus package may result in a 5% reduction in available CDBG funds.
Public Works Engineering Director Paul Bucich reviewed a floodplain modeling study that identified flooding risks to I-5 and the Springbrook and Hillside neighborhoods. In the event of a 100-year flood, I-5 may be inundated by several feet of water. The City is beginning to consider engineering solutions to reduce the risk of flooding. The Tacoma News-Tribune published an article on this situation yesterday.
570 residents and businesses within the potential impact zone will be contacted by mail to inform them of the potential effects of flooding. The City will host several interagency meetings to consider engineering solutions such as retention and diversion. The City is available to property owners and tenants to answer questions.
City Manager John Caulfield informed the City Council that representatives from the Parks & Recreation Department met with the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The City and Tribe plan to incorporate the story of Chief Leschi at Fort Steilacoom Park, among other collaborative projects.
The Mayor and several City Councilmembers reflected fondly on the weekend’s short film contest: Reel Life ’96. The event was a tremendous success, attracting 33 filmmaking teams that each contributed a short film. The full selection of films is viewable here.
Until Next Week…
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