Puallup issues Pride Month, America 250 proclamations; residents press council on school safety and services

The Puallup City Council on June 16 presented proclamations recognizing June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and announcing America 250 commemorative activities for July 4. Community members were invited to join officials to receive proclamations; several speakers thanked the council for the recognition and urged additional visible and programmatic support, including placement of a pride flag at city hall and expanded services for queer youth and veterans.

Penny and Ash, who joined council to accept the Pride proclamation, said visibility matters and urged the city to pair symbolic recognition with concrete supports. “Recognition is just the beginning…we want to acknowledge something that many in our community are feeling,” one speaker said, calling for youth centers and services for veterans.

During the public comment period, multiple residents raised local concerns: - Jim Jenkins (District 1) urged reopening Seventh Street during the summer, repainting stop lines, removing parking on the west side of Seventh Street, and reviewing school district plans he said would move a gym across the street and create student safety issues between buildings. - A speaker identifying as Vald provided a packet of Puallup School District safety guidance, urged use of grants and photo-enforcement at school zones (citing Callus Junior High and Spinning Elementary), and said the city should work with the district to improve walking and driving safety. - Several commenters, including Jim Deweiler and Don Cotum, said e-bikes and e-motorcycles are appearing in neighborhoods and parks at higher speeds than pedal bikes, creating safety concerns.

The mayor and council thanked speakers and noted planned July 4 activities in Pioneer Park. Council members also used the reports to highlight upcoming community events (band concert, dunk tank, Emerald Ridge Jaguar football fundraiser) and park programming.