The PACIFIC GALLERY ARTISTS hold open meetings (every 3rd Tuesday of the month, SEPT - JUNE)

The next meeting will be 11 - 1:00 pm, Tuesday DECEMBER 17th at the COUNTRY PLACE CONDOMINIUMS - CLUBHOUSE
7801 53rd Ave. W in Lakewood, WA 98499

They are a friendly group of experienced fine artists who enjoy monthly demonstrations, fellowship, a brief meeting, and a snack. Please join them - and remember, visitors are always welcome!

*This month we will be their yearly Potluck and gift exchange.

Tacoma Creates is the first cultural access program of its kind in Washington State: it was passed by voters in 2018 with a 67% approval rating. The 0.1% sales tax that supports this program must be reauthorized every 7 years. The state law now allows for City Councils to authorize or reauthorize a cultural access program, and as Tacoma’s City Council considers reauthorization in early 2025, the City is seeking community input on the role and impact of Tacoma Creates funding.

Tacoma Creates currently funds over 70 local arts, culture, heritage, and science non-profits in our community, supporting programming in schools, libraries, parks, community centers, museums, and performing arts venues throughout the City.

How does this matter to our community Tacoma Creates invites you to please share your voice in this survey!

Do you want to learn more about Tacoma Creates funding? Read their 2023-24 Annual Report!

You can also check out the list of currently Funded Organizations to see how many you know.

The Harbor History Museum is hosting its first-ever Holiday Market on December 14-15, 2024. The market will feature a variety of vendors offering jewelry, fine art, children's books, pottery, home décor, vintage items, garden art, and baked goods. The market will run Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM. In addition to the market, there will be a heritage arts rug braiding demonstration on Saturday and a special "Roadshow Review" event on Sunday, where visitors can have antiques or collectibles appraised. Museum galleries will also be open, with a Santa Boat photo opportunity and a North Pole Express mailbox for kids to send letters to Santa.

Admission to the market is $5 for non-members (children under 5 are free), while Museum Members can attend for free with a membership card. Tickets for the Roadshow Review are available for $10 per item, with a maximum of two items per person. Proceeds will support museum programs and exhibits, including a special 2025 exhibition on Gig Harbor in the 1920s.

The Harbor History Museum, established in 1964, aims to preserve and share the heritage of the greater Gig Harbor area through its various exhibits and collections, including a restored one-room schoolhouse and a 65-foot fishing vessel.

Lakewood Playhouse’s 86th season continues with It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, running from December 13-29, 2024. This unique production reimagines the classic holiday story in the style of a 1940s live radio broadcast, honoring the theater's history of radio plays while offering a fresh perspective on its timeless themes of love, redemption, and community. The story follows George Bailey, who contemplates ending his life on Christmas Eve, only to be reminded of the impact he has on those around him.

Directed by Brittany D. Henderson, who returns after last year's successful The Giver, the production features an ensemble cast including Marie Tjernlund, Evan Collier, and Ellie Jay McKee. Henderson draws inspiration from the moon, seeing it as a symbol of both endings and new beginnings, echoing George Bailey’s journey in the story.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM, with a special "Pay What You Can" performance on Sunday, December 22 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at the box office or online. The production is designed by a talented team, with scenic design by Joshua E. Gallagher, lighting by Alonna Hall, and sound by Dylan Twiner, among others.

Later in the season, Lakewood Playhouse will present The Laramie Project, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf, and The Spitfire Grill.

Season tickets, Flex Passes and single tickets are all available. Call the Box Office at (253) 588-0042 or visit www.lakewoodplayhouse.org to book online.

The Hilltop neighborhood is set to sparkle with holiday cheer as the 3rd Annual Hilltop Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony takes place on December 14th, 2024. This cherished community tradition invites residents and visitors alike to gather for a festive evening of celebration, unity, and the magic of the holiday season.

Event Details:

Date: December 14, 2024

Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Location: Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, 1105 MLK Jr Way Tacoma WA 98405

Cost: Free and open to the public

The Hilltop Christmas Tree Lighting has quickly become a hallmark event, drawing people of all ages to experience the wonder of the holidays in the heart of Tacoma’s vibrant Hilltop community. This year’s celebration promises to be the biggest and brightest yet, featuring:

Live Entertainment - Family Activities - Holiday Treats

The Tree Lighting Ceremony: The highlight of the evening, watch as the magnificent Tree of life Mural painted by Artist Jeremy Gregory is illuminated in a dazzling display of lights, symbolizing hope, joy, and community spirit.

“The Hilltop Christmas Tree Lighting is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of the resilience and togetherness that define our neighborhood,” said DéShawn Morton, T.U.P.A.C School Director. “We’re excited to welcome everyone to join us in creating new memories and sharing the magic of the season.”

This event is made possible through the generous support and community organizing efforts of Hilltop Action Coalition, Red Elm Café, community volunteers, and the dedication of local organizations committed to making Hilltop shine bright.

For more information about the 3rd Annual Hilltop Christmas Tree Lighting, visit www.tacomaupac.org or contact office@tacomaupac.org

WA’s New Paid Sick Leave - (SB 5793) means workers, including those who drive for transportation companies, will have access to paid sick leave.

New Law for App-Based Workers - (Seattle Council Bill 120580) requires companies to to have clear and reasonable policies for deactivating workers, those workers must receive 14 day notification of deactivation, and more.

License Plate Law - having a cover on your license plate will result in a fine.

Smoke Evacuation Laws for Health Care Workers - (Substitute House Bill 1779 ) requires health care employers to adopt smoke evacuation systems during certain procedures.

Law Prohibiting Mandatory Overtime - prohibits mandatory overtime for hospital employees involved in patient care, like nurses, surgical techs and other clinical staff, that are paid hourly or covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Minimum Wage: the new state minimum wage will be $16.66 per hour.

Read more about these new laws

With the passage of the Home in Tacoma ordinance, and code changes that will become effective on February 1, 2025, PDS is encouraging property owners and developers who are currently working on proposals under the new code to take advantage of our Pre-Development Review process. Participation in the new process will ensure their project is on track and compliant with Home in Tacoma regulations before finalizing building plans and applying for permits.

This preliminary review process is similar to our current Pre-Development Review Service, but it will require a more detailed land use code analysis and plans as part of the submittal (link for more information).

This special “Home in Tacoma Pre-Development Review” is available now through January 31, 2025, for projects that are expected to be completed after the Home in Tacoma zoning and code amendments go into effect on February 1, 2025.

The Tacoma City Council has approved a resolution to continue funding street improvement projects through the Transportation Benefit District, which will maintain a 0.1 percent sales tax, effective April 1, 2026. This tax rate will replace the existing one, which is set to expire in March 2026. The funding will support ongoing infrastructure improvements, with at least 15 percent allocated for safety measures such as sidewalks, streetlights, and traffic-calming features.

Since its creation in 2015, the Transportation Benefit District has funded key initiatives like enhancing pedestrian safety, improving residential streets, and supporting business access. The ongoing funding is crucial for maintaining the progress made and addressing Tacoma's infrastructure needs.

Council Members John Hines and Kristina Walker emphasized the importance of investing in safety and accessibility, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and those using other non-motorized transportation. The resolution aligns with Tacoma’s strategic priorities, including equity, economic impact, and livability.

Additionally, a citywide survey revealed that 75 percent of residents are dissatisfied with the condition of Tacoma’s arterial roads, highlighting the need for continued investment. On December 17, the City Council will vote on whether to place a proposition on the April 2025 ballot, which could secure an additional $25 million annually for street and sidewalk improvements, funded through a slight increase in utility bills and property taxes.

On December 11, 2024, residents of Tacoma were startled by a low-flying helicopter broadcasting messages via loudspeaker. The Tacoma Police Department confirmed that the helicopter was part of a search operation for 62-year-old Stephen Dockery, who had gone missing earlier that evening while walking his dog, Sue. Mr. Dockery, who has dementia, was later found safe and returned home.

The use of aerial announcements is a standard procedure in Code Silver alerts, which are issued for missing endangered adults. Authorities employ such measures to quickly disseminate information to the public, especially in urgent situations involving individuals with cognitive impairments.

While the helicopter's presence caused some alarm among residents, the swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement and the community contributed to the successful resolution of the incident. The following day, the Tacoma Police Department announced that both Mr. Dockery and Sue had been located and safely returned home. The department expressed gratitude to the community for their vigilance and support during the search.

Campfire Coffee Co., a Tacoma-based coffee shop renowned for its open-flame roasted beans and commitment to community engagement, has officially opened its second location. The grand opening was marked by a long line of enthusiastic patrons, freshly baked muffins, and baristas diligently crafting numerous espresso beverages. A live DJ added to the celebratory atmosphere, spinning tracks that energized the crowd.

The original café is situated at 1554 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. The new branch is located within the Tacoma Public Utilities building at 3628 S 35th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409

The journey to this expansion was challenging, taking over a year to materialize. Co-founders Quincy and Whitni Henry expressed pride in their perseverance and gratitude towards those who supported them throughout the process. They emphasized their dedication to creating a welcoming space that continues the tradition of bringing people together over quality food and drinks.

Campfire Coffee Co. is distinguished not only by its unique roasting method but also by its mission to increase access to outdoor activities and the specialty coffee industry for underrepresented groups. The new location aims to uphold these values, providing a space that feels like home and fosters genuine connections within the Tacoma community.

The Puget Sound Pet Food Bank has announced the temporary closure of its Tacoma location, effective December 28, 2024, due to financial constraints amid rising demand. Despite ongoing in-kind and monetary donations, the nonprofit is unable to meet the increasing number of families seeking assistance, leading to unsustainable operating costs.

In response, the organization plans to expand operations at its Spanaway location, situated at 21006 Mountain Highway East. Starting in January, this facility will open on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month to accommodate those affected by the Tacoma closure. The nonprofit emphasizes that this is a temporary measure and is actively seeking a new location to resume full services in Tacoma.

The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County has also reported increased demand for pet food and supplies, indicating a broader regional need for such services. Community members are encouraged to support these organizations through donations or volunteering to help sustain their vital efforts in assisting pet owners.

 https://www.pugetsoundpetfoodbank.org/

The City of Tacoma is launching its Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program (LEAP) with informational workshops on December 19. The program aims to address training and employment gaps by connecting participants with tools to meet labor needs in city-funded public works and service contracts.

Two one-hour workshops will be held at the Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market Street), one at 8 AM and another at 3:30 PM. Attendees can join in-person or virtually. The workshops will cover the program's goals, workforce requirements, and how businesses can assess if their employees meet LEAP criteria.

LEAP offers both incentives for compliance and penalties for non-compliance, encouraging businesses to meet employment and equity standards in city contracts. The workshops will also explain these rewards and penalties in detail.

For more information you can visit the city’s website.

The City of Tacoma (City) through its Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE) department is seeking proposals from qualified companies to provide consulting services to evaluate sponsorship and business development opportunities for public assembly facilities owned by City and operated by TVE, including:

Tacoma Dome:

— Full naming rights

—Naming rights for reduced capacity setups (ie, Theater of the Clouds, Portland, OR)

—Affinity areas - ticketing, premium spaces, lobbies, entrances, parking lots

Greater Tacoma Convention Center:

—Affinity areas - ballrooms, exhibition halls, entrances

Tacoma City Theaters:

—Affinity areas - ticketing, premium spaces, lobby

Tacoma Dome (capacity 22,000) is an iconic venue known for its versatility in hosting concerts, sports events, and community gatherings. As a prominent landmark in Tacoma, the venue presents significant opportunities for sponsorship, naming rights, premium seating, and other revenue streams. Tacoma Venues & Events is interested in establishing an alternate identity to increase bookings in a reduced capacity setup (7K and lower capacity) which presents a potential naming rights opportunity.

Pierce County is seeking artists to design a large-scale mural for the Election Center in Tacoma, as part of the County's 1% for the Arts Program. The mural, covering 2,200 sq. ft. on four exterior walls, will encourage visitors to engage with the electoral process. It should feature elements of Pierce County's natural environment, landmarks, or abstract representations of these themes. The project budget is up to $60,000, and up to four artists or artist teams will be selected, each receiving $1,000 for their design.

Artists or teams interested in applying must submit a portfolio and qualifications to the Pierce County Arts Commission by the deadline of February 3, 2025. An informational webinar will be held on December 16 at 11 a.m. Full submission details are available on the Election Center Mural Project website.

The mural is part of Pierce County's 1% for the Arts Program, which allocates 1% of the budget for eligible public construction projects to support public art.

Typically you need a Discovery Pass to visit Washington State Parks but there are 12 days in 2025 the parks will be free to use. And since we are inching closer to the new year, here they are to get your year planned out.

- January 1st: New Year’s Day

- January 20th: MLK Jr Day

- March 9th: Billy Frank Jr’s Birthday

- March 19th: WA State Park Systems Founding Anniversary

- April 22nd: Earth Day

- June 7-8th: Free Fishing Day

- June 19th: Juneteenth

- August 9th: Smokey Bear’s Birthday

- September 27th: National Public Lands Day

- October 10th: Mental Health Day

- November 11th: Veteran’s Day

Outside of these 12 days, you can use a Discover Pass by purchasing yours online for $35. You can also buy a 1 day pass for $11.50.

Cynthia Zink, Grief & Loss Facilitator, will be hosting a grief and loss session for all who are concerned about facing the holidays without the loved ones that they have lost, either recently or throughout life. 

The Holidays can often be difficult when gathering with family and friends and Cynthia will be offering tools that you can use as you move through your journey of loss.  This is also a safe place for you to be able to express how you are feeling with others who may be experiencing similar circumstances. 

This will be held at Center for Spiritual Living Tacoma on Saturday, December 14, from 1:00-2:30pm. There will be a small fee of $10 per person. Please let Cynthia know if you will be attending:  cynthiazink65@gmail.com. Pre-registration is not required but is appreciated.

Spanaway Loop Closure - Expect Traffic

Heads up Fantasy Lights attendees: The Spanaway Loop Road South is currently closed between 116th Street South and Garfield Street South due to the Parkland/Brookdale Interceptor Phase 4 sewer construction project. Expect increased traffic in the area, so be sure to plan your trip to Spanaway Park to see Fantasy Lights accordingly. The closure will remain in effect until early 2025, with detours directing traffic via 112th Street South, Pacific Avenue, and Tule Lake Road South. 

View the Project Webpage Here

To make the most of your Fantasy Lights experience, try visiting between Monday and Wednesday to avoid larger crowds. The park tends to be busiest on weekends and the week leading up to Christmas, which can result in longer wait times and lines. By choosing weekdays, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed visit.

Visit Swan Creek Park for Salmon Saturday on Dec 14 from 12-2 pm. You might see salmon swimming upstream and you’ll learn a lot from the scientists and organizations on site.
Be sure to stop by the Tacoma Nature Center booth to pick up a Salmon Challenge Card and get entered to win prizes.
Discover the fun at https://bit.ly/salmon-challenge
Tacoma Public Utilities TAPCO CU
Event is held at the Pioneer Way entrance of the park.