Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen Hosts Second 'Community Coffeehouse'

LAKEWOOD, WA —Lakewood has announced details of its second "Community Coffeehouse" session hosted by Mayor Jason Whalen.

From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on March 24, Whalen will host an open conversation about public safety and community policing with residents. The event will take place at the Fort Steilacoom Park Pavilion, located at 9107 Angle Ln. SW.

In addition to Whalen, Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro is scheduled to be part of the discussion.

"(Zaro) will be present to discuss crime trends and legislative updates from the recent session," the city said in a statement. "He will also discuss the department's successful recruitment of 20 new officers and enhanced manpower on units investigating property crime and enforcing traffic safety."

Whalen hosted his first coffeehouse session on Jan 27., and said the plan was to hold a session every other month, on the fourth Thursday of the month.

According to the city, during the first "Community Coffeehouse," Whalen and Mary Dodsworth, Lakewood's Parks and Recreation director, previewed the 2022 event schedule, including the return of SummerFest and a new street festival series at Colonial Plaza.

Dodsworth also talked about park improvements, including accessibility upgrades at American Lake Park and new additions to Wards Lake Park and Springbrook Park.

"I love to hear how it's going for Lakewood residents, what issues matter most to you and what your ideas are to solve them," Whalen said in January when introducing the "Community Coffeehouse" sessions. "These sessions will help keep you appraised on important topics, and help us keep in touch with your perspectives on these issues. All are welcome!"

The sessions, and the coffee, follow in the tradition of former Mayor Don Anderson, who used to host a weekly "Coffee with the Mayor" session.

Whalen was appointed as mayor in January by the Lakewood City Council after Anderson's December announcement that he would not seek another appointment as mayor. Whalen had been the deputy mayor.