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🌱 Patch AM: What changes will Lakewood’s new mayor bring to city priorities?

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Thursday January 8th Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Lakewood? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What changes will Lakewood’s new mayor bring to city priorities?
  • Why a Western State Hospital patient died at a Lakewood construction site
  • Could new license plate rules change how Lakewood police fight crime?

Also on today's calendar: Ready Reader: Read to a Rabbit! and 2 more events.

Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: After dinner, my parents asked if I could clear the table. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Breezy with a shower or two, with a high of 46 and low of 41 degrees.
  • Friday: Cloudy, temps: high: 52, low: 33.
  • Saturday: Cloudy, with a high of 52 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• These Pierce County cities got new mayors this week. Here's who they are (thenewstribune.com) — Lakewood now has a new mayor, longtime councilmember Paul Bocchi, who was selected by fellow councilmembers and will help steer major projects like a new downtown park, community center, and parks legacy plan. With two new councilmembers and several new department heads, the city is entering a transition period while preparing its next biennial budget amid rising costs and new state caseload standards.
   

• Western State Hospital patient found dead at construction site identified (thenewstribune.com) — A Western State Hospital patient was found dead early Monday at the Lakewood facility’s construction site after failing to return from approved grounds privileges. Lakewood police say it appears he fell from construction equipment, and investigators are still determining the official cause and manner of death. State officials say they’re supporting the family and staff as work continues on a major new forensic unit.
   

• WA lawmaker proposes new rules for license plate reading cameras (fox13seattle.com) — A new bipartisan bill in Olympia would tightly regulate police license plate reader data statewide, potentially changing how Lakewood officers use Flock cameras that Chief Patrick Smith calls a “game changer” for crime reduction. The proposal would sharply limit data sharing, ban immigration-enforcement access, and require quick deletion of most records, sparking debate between privacy advocates and law enforcement about safety and civil liberties.
   

📸 Around Lakewood

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We are looking for a forever home for Buddy.
    He’s a sweet boy and would make a wonderful companion for someone. Buddy is currently being fostered but she can no longer foster so we need to find… (Nextdoor Lakewood Towne Center)
  • Any elderly people need transportation to groceries, medical or church, contact me.
    Completely free with no strings attached. Want to help P.s. Must like my dog, we are a package deal. (Nextdoor Oakbrook)
  • Ross Stores, Inc posted a job opening for Early Morning Stock Associate in Lakewood. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Lakewood. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakewood here.

🗞 Nearby News

Steilacoom

  • Patient at WA's Western State Hospital dies at construction site (fox13seattle.com)
  • Basketball Recap: Steilacoom Has No Trouble Against Clover Park (maxpreps.com)

University Place

  • Sound Financial Bancorp (NASDAQ:SFBC) Stock Price Crosses Below 200 Day Moving Average - What's Next? (marketbeat.com)

Parkland

Ok Lakewood! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I needed a running start, but I made it!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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