TogetherLakewood

09/11/2025

09/10/2025

Lakewoood City Council Election 2025 preview

This morning, ballots are starting to be mailed for the Lakewood City Council Election.

08/25/2025

We previously mentioned the growing volume of calls for independent oversight of the Lakewood Police Department . The frankly alarming handling of the Jax Gratton death investigation and LPDs disrespectful and ignorant communications have led to an official ‘Request for Legislative Modification’

Councilors Councilwoman Jeslin Shahrezaei and Councilor Isabel Cruz submitted the request on August 14th, with a request that it be heard at the next Council Meeting - August 25th- due in part to the urgency communicated by the large groups of Jax Gratton’s friends and supporters showing up to Council meetings the last few weeks.

Here’s a link to the request, and an opportunity to comment - please do comment in support of this very necessary step toward making Lakewood a safe and welcoming place for all. If you can, *please* show up at 7pm on the 25th to speak or show your support for this proposal..

https://lakewoodspeaks.org/items/4535

*** READ MORE HERE ON THIS INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY ***

https://open.substack.com/pub/gimmeshelterlakewood/p/082125-glimpses-of-accountability?r=565jcb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Chances for real progress next Monday in the Council Chamber

08/15/2025

Gimme Shelter is looking for writers and researchers - send an email to [email protected]

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07/23/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/gimmeshelterlakewood/p/072325-picklebats?r=565jcb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

“We spent 45 minutes talking about PICKLEBATS today…It sometimes feels like throwing yourself against a brick wall” - Ward 2 City Councilor Sophia Mayott-Guerrero, July 14th Meeting comments

07/20/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/gimmeshelterlakewood/p/071825-justice-for-jax?r=565jcb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

“This isn't just about Jax.

07/15/2025

At last evening's City Council meeting, our friend Z Williams spoke in honor and Love for Jax Gratton.

Most of you have likely heard at least some of the story. Jax is a Trans Woman who was found dead - naked and with none of her belongings, and GHB was reportedly found in her system - in Lakewood, after having been missing for several weeks. By the family's account, the County Coroner and Lakewood police have been at best disrespectful, and there seems to be some indication that aspects of the investigation have been lackluster or possibly botched.

Z spoke passionately, and loudly as they always do. They went over the 3 minute time limit and refused to stop until they were done. Mayor Wendi Strom asked them a couple times to stop, and finally declared the meeting adjourned and LEFT THE CHAMBER.

The rest of the council members, and the City Staff remained and heard Z out, From video provided by one of Z's team, you can see that everyone else was listening, interested, and moved - as I would expect from any elected representative.

Thank you, Councilor Isabel Cruz Councilwoman Jeslin Shahrezaei Lakewood Councilman Roger Low Councilwoman Sophia Mayotte-Gurrero, Glenda Sinks for Lakewood , Councilman William Furman

I am surprised and deeply disappointed that Mayor Wendi Strom chose to adjuorn and leave the chamber. This is not who I thought she was.

07/10/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/gimmeshelterlakewood/p/071025-anti-zoning?r=565jcb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

There was no ‘bait’. Nothing has been ‘switched’.

07/01/2025

06/25/2025

Truth is Still Truth- the latest...

Here we go again