Happy Friday Newsletter
December 27th 2024

Arts & Entertainment

Holiday Music Week at Museum of Glass

This week you can enjoy musical performances in the Grand Hall. Performances are at 1pm daily and included with your museum admission.
Friday December 27th: YMCA Dance Troupe
Saturday December 28th: Tacoma Banjo Club
Sunday December 29th: Winds5 Woodwind Quintet
Monday December 30th: Kareem Kandi World Orchestra
Tuesday December 31st: Rob Sabado Saxophone Performance
You can also catch visiting Artist Jason Christian December 30th - 31st in the Hot Shop.
Tacoma Has Its Own 'Banksy' Named Criminal Sage

Criminal Sage has created over 150 art pieces throughout Tacoma, particularly in the Dome District, near public transportation areas, parks and utility boxes. He shares almost daily updates on his Instagram page, highlighting his work in the Puget Sound, also including Seattle and Everett. With 200 followers (and growing), he has been compared to an “underappreciated Northwest Banksy” for his unique style and political messaging.
Criminal Sage believes that art should be accessible to everyone and not confined to galleries. He wants to bring beauty to neglected areas, while tackling themes of class, identity, authority and beauty. His pieces often combine poetry, and striking images that convey messages simple to the profound. At just 37, he doesn’t consider himself a vandal but someone enhancing the urban environment. All the art is made from recycled materials which reflects his commitment to sustainability. He enjoys creating works that resonates with people from all walks of life.
Living in Tacoma part-time, he has witnessed the city’s transformation since the 1980’s. Fine art painting with a few decades street art experience, his work can also be found in other US cities like Minneapolis, Austin and Houston. He feels influenced by social contrasts, using the art to address economic disparities he observes daily. In Tacoma, most pieces withstand the weather and unlike other places, street art is supported by locals. Residents often express their appreciation by actively searching for his pieces around town. City officials confirm that tracking complaints about Criminal Sage’s art is challenging since they only monitor based on address. They, along with the police encourage citizens to report graffiti through the TacomaFIRST 311 system. The Washington State Department of Transportation has also spent significant funds on graffiti removal.

Criminal Sage often explores early mornings, creating a handful of new pieces daily, always keeping his tools handy for moments when inspiration strikes. He hopes the art brightens people’s daily routines instead of the dull existence of the commutes. When referred to as Tacoma’s Banksy, he finds in exciting and encourages the community around the street artists. He appreciates the respect shown for other’s work and hopes to help foster the collaborative spirit in the local street art scene.
Tacoma Light Trail Kicks Off New Year's Eve

Celebrate the kickoff of the 2025 Tacoma Light Trail on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, at Tollefson Plaza from 6pm to 10pm. Experience the magic of the trail from December 31 to January 12 with dazzling light art on display each night from 5pm to 9pm and exciting events throughout the festival.
Check out even more about this festival in the December issue of the Weekly Volcano.

Neighborhood News

Pierce Transit is Looking for Comments on Long Range Plan

Over the next 20 years, Pierce County’s population will grow, new technologies will change how and why people travel, and the funding to deliver robust transit service will continue to be a challenge. To address and prepare for all of these changes, Pierce Transit is drafting its Long Range Plan called Destination 2045. The public is invited to give input at various stages of creating, drafting and finalizing the Plan.
Following this summer’s robust public involvement phase with several virtual and in-person opportunities to engage, a first draft of the Long Range Plan is now open for comments until February 3. Feedback and suggestions gathered will be used to develop a second draft Long Range Plan document, to be released at the beginning of March 2025. The initial draft is available at PierceTransit.org/LongRangePlans.
You Can Comment on Light Rail Routes Between Federal Way and Tacoma

Sound Transit wants your input on proposed light rail routes and station locations between Federal Way and Tacoma. The Tacoma Dome Link Extension project will add nearly 10 miles to the regional light rail system, connecting Tacoma Dome to Federal Way, SeaTac International Airport, and Seattle.This extension will provide fast and reliable connections to regional destinations, residential areas, and job centers.
Community feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Tacoma’s light rail system, helping the Sound Transit Board select the preferred routes and station locations. Share your comments through Sound Transit’s website, email, voicemail, or by attending public meetings. Comments can also be mailed to the TDLE Project Office in Seattle. The deadline for submissions is February 10, 2025. Your input will guide recommendations expected in 2025, with a final decision to follow in 2027.

Learn more and get involved: The Draft EIS details the project’s potential impacts, benefits, and mitigation strategies. There are several ways to comment:
Email or voicemail: tdlinkdeis@soundtransit.org or 206-257-2144
Comment now using the online comment form
Visit soundtransit.org/tdlink-deis by February 10, 2025 to learn more and share your input or attend a public meeting and hearing. Visit the online open house for dates and locations.
The Coffee Oasis Receives Neighborhood Builders Grant

The Coffee Oasis provides programs helping youth and young adults through its Tacoma, Bremerton, Port Orchard and Poulsbo locations. It was one of three nonprofits to receive $200,000 grants from Band of America’s Neighborhood Builders program.
The Coffee Oasis is dedicated to restoring community by providing safe spaces, mentorship, crisis support and job training to young people ages 13-25. The sustainable coffee business where they reinvest profits is what funds the programs put on by Coffee Oasis which also offers housing services for youth facing abuse, homelessness or addiction.
The Tacoma and Bremerton locations have cafe and roastery as well as drop-in centers and shelters. The Port Orchard and Poulsbo locations have cafe and drop-in centers.
This grant will enable Coffee Oasis to give more access to opportunity through its programs and continue their work on a larger scale.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Returns in 2025

The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CREC) announced the return of their Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration taking place on Monday January 20th, 2025. The event will include presentations of the Lifetime Service Award and the Emerging Leader Award. The program begins at 1:00pm at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center.
The theme this year is Building Bridges, underscoring the importance of fostering unity and collaboration within the community.
Local organizations can apply to participate in the outreach fair at the event in the lobby starting at 11am. The applications are due by January 7th. For more information on the celebration, visit the CREC website.

Need recommendations for how to spend your weekend?
Our online community calendar has you covered!

Click to view Calendar

ART BUS STICKERS Available at STORE link above.

ART BUS and Weekly Volcano Stickers available now at https://weekly-volcano.com/store

Business

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Filing Change Alert

A Federal court order reinstated the requirement for companies to file Business Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN, and businesses will again face penalties for failing to do so before January 13th, 2025. Filing is FREE so anyone asking for money for you to file is a scam.
Alert: FinCEN has learned of fraudulent attempts to solicit information from individuals and entities who may be subject to reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act.
For questions and support about BOIR go to https://www.fincen.gov/boi
To file your BOI report go to https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/
Tacoma Mall to Undergo Multi-Million Dollar Glow Up

Simon, the real estate investment company that owns the Tacoma Mall has announced their plans to revitalize the shopping center starting in spring of 2025 and is expected to be completed by winter of the same year.
The renovation is aimed at modernizing amenities and upgrading some of the designs. The list of renovations are to include:
-upgraded and redesigned entrances
-refreshed food court with new flooring, tables, seating, lighting and color palette
-refurbishment of restrooms and nursing lounges
-100,000 sqft of new flooring as well as new lighting elements, seating amenities and lighter brighter color palette
-reimagined children’s play area
They are also continuing construction of “The Village” in the north end of the parking lot which will see the addition of new retailers and restaurants like Shake Shack, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Supreme Dumpling.

Recreation & Wellness

What Security Measures Are Being Taken at Pt Defiance

For the second time this year, a woman has been attacked at Pt. Defiance Park by men unknown to them. The latest case in early December, a woman reported to have been assaulted about 5pm in the parking lot near the dog park.
No arrests have been made in this attack, nor do police have a description of the attacker as he was noted to have been wearing dark clothing, gloves and a mask and attacked the woman from behind. Since, the TPD has upped their patrols implementing their emphasis patrols to help people feel safe.
Eleven months ago, a woman was attacked walking along the five-mile drive and was stabbed but survived the attack suffering multiple lacerations and wounds. Her attacker was arrested and charged. Following that attack, security measures were increased at the park as well. Park security continues to conduct emphasis patrols, Metro Parks has dedicated guides on the walking trails, and park volunteers have increased their activity.
Metro Parks launched the guide program in 2023 where it hired four guides. Two were added in 2024 and Metro Parks has allocated budget to add another guide to the team. They have also brought back their temporary mobile security cameras that are deployed at the entrances. They typically are deployed during the summer surges of activity in the park but not typically this time of year.
The department is committed to provide safety in the parks and will be assessing all options available. And if security cameras are in use, they can help in an investigation. but they don’t solve the crimes. They recommend being vigilant and aware of your surroundings while recognizing they will continue to work on safety for all park goers.

Film & TV Reviews

Juror #2

Juror #2 is widely regarded as what may be Clint Eastwood’s final film, and it stands out as one of his stronger efforts in recent years. While it doesn’t quite rank among his best works, it is far from his worst. At its core, it’s an engaging courtroom and moral drama with a premise that feels fresh and intriguing.

The story centers on a juror, played by Nicolas Hoult, who begins to suspect he might have a personal connection to the homicide case he’s tasked with deliberating. This gripping premise sets the stage for a tense and thought-provoking narrative. While the film can feel a bit uneven around the edges and offers a somewhat surface-level exploration of the justice system, it never fails to entertain.

The cast is uniformly strong, with Hoult delivering what might be one of the finest performances of his career. The ensemble elevates the material, adding depth to a story that occasionally feels predictable. Ultimately, Juror #2 is a compelling and enjoyable courtroom drama, a fitting swan song for a director of Eastwood's caliber.

My Rating: B

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Heretic

Heretic was one of the films I skipped during TIFF, a decision I deeply regretted after hearing the glowing reactions it received. After nearly two months of anticipation, I finally had the chance to see it—and it was well worth the wait. The film is an electrifying ride from start to (almost) finish, anchored by Hugh Grant’s magnetic performance. He fully embraces the role of a sharp-tongued, villainous atheist who challenges the faith of two Mormon missionaries in a high-stakes and cerebral game of cat and mouse.

Grant’s presence is nothing short of captivating, with every line dripping with wit and menace, making it impossible to look away. The film masterfully builds tension, offering a thrilling exploration of faith, doubt, and morality. Although the final act loses some of the momentum and sharpness of the earlier segments, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

My Rating: B

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Small Things Like These

Small Things Like These is destined to be one of the most overlooked films of 2024. This quiet yet powerful Irish drama tells the story of a man who dares to stand up to the abusive practices of the Magdalene Laundries, institutions run by the Catholic Church. For those unfamiliar, the Magdalene Laundries were a deeply oppressive system in Ireland that took in so-called "fallen women." Over the course of 200 years, these institutions subjected women to forced labor, physical and psychological abuse, and the traumatic separation from their children, all shielded by the immense power of the Church. To oppose them was to risk ostracization from society.

At the heart of the film is Cillian Murphy, who delivers a masterclass in understated acting as a man quietly resisting these systemic abuses to the extent he can. His restrained performance captures the courage and internal conflict of someone grappling with injustice in an environment where speaking out meant sacrificing everything.

Though the film's pacing occasionally feels stretched, it remains a poignant and deeply affecting exploration of resilience and morality. Small Things Like These is a reminder of the power of standing up against institutional abuse, no matter the cost.

My Rating: B

Quickie Film Reviews:

By: Elizabeth Malloy

A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg makes a confident leap into directing with A Real Pain, a thoughtful tale about two cousins traveling to Poland to explore their grandmother’s roots. The film delves into themes of generational trauma, depression, anxiety, and the complex nature of the externalization of pain, or lack thereof.

Eisenberg’s directorial vision is remarkably assured, weaving an intricate narrative with subtlety and precision. Both Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin deliver outstanding performances, anchoring the story with depth and vulnerability. Their work is strong enough to warrant serious awards consideration.

That said, I did struggle with Culkin’s character. While his pain and turmoil are clear, his

complete lack of self-awareness comes across as grating and selfish at times, making it harder to empathize with him. This may be intentional, but it created a barrier for me in fully connecting with the character.

Despite this, A Real Pain is a compelling and promising debut for Eisenberg as a director. It’s a deeply personal and resonant film, and I’m excited to see where his filmmaking journey takes him next.

My Rating: B

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Memoir of a Snail

Every year, the Academy tends to undervalue animated films, dismissing the medium as mere entertainment for children. This misconception overlooks a fundamental truth: animation is not a genre but a cinematic medium capable of exploring themes and emotions that live-action sometimes cannot fully capture.

Memoir of a Snail is a shining example of what animation can achieve. This adult-oriented animated feature tells the story of a woman recounting her life to her pet snail. Her narration reveals a life filled with relentless tragedy and heartbreak, with happiness appearing as a fleeting, almost alien emotion. The film explores profound themes of isolation, grief, and the small moments of connection that give life meaning, all conveyed through breathtaking visuals and a hauntingly intimate narrative.

The medium of animation allows Memoir of a Snail to go beyond the constraints of reality, creating a dreamlike space where the weight of its themes can fully resonate. Its deeply personal story and evocative artistry make it one of the most extraordinary films of the year.

Despite its brilliance, films like this often struggle to gain recognition beyond animation-specific categories. Yet, Memoir of a Snail deserves to be part of the larger conversation, standing tall among the best films of the year. It’s a work that challenges and moves its audience, a testament to the artistic and emotional potential of animation—and it unequivocally belongs in the discussion for Best Picture.

My Rating: A

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin

It's rare for a documentary to move me to tears, but The Remarkable Life of Ibelin left me sobbing with its profoundly touching story. The film chronicles the life of a young boy who found solace and escape in World of Warcraft while facing a terminal illness. Told almost entirely within the virtual world of the game, the documentary captures his final years through the lens of his in-game adventures and friendships.

What sets this film apart is its unique approach. While the in-game conversations are reenacted by voice actors, they are all based on real interactions, adding authenticity and depth. The virtual setting becomes a poignant backdrop for exploring themes of connection, resilience, and the human need for community. Through Ibelin's story, the documentary reveals a heartwarming and often overlooked side of the gaming world—the compassion, kindness, and genuine friendships that can emerge in digital spaces.

The interviews with his online friends are particularly moving, offering insight into how the gaming community came together to support and celebrate Ibelin during his final days. These moments underscore the power of video games not just as entertainment, but as a medium for meaningful connection and emotional support.

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is more than a story about a boy and his love for gaming; it's a testament to the humanity that thrives in unexpected places. It’s a deeply affecting film that highlights the beauty of community and the ways people can bring light to even the darkest moments.

My Rating: A

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A Different Man

Of all the actors in the MCU, Sebastian Stan wasn’t someone I expected to become one of my favorites. His work outside the franchise has consistently proven his depth and range, and his latest feature, A Different Man, solidifies this with what might be the best performance of his career so far.

In the film, Stan plays Edward, a struggling actor with Neurofibromatosis who undergoes a revolutionary medical procedure to cure his condition. But the "cure" brings unexpected consequences. Once a shy and reserved man, Edward undergoes a complete transformation, becoming a shallow, egotistical megalomaniac. This descent is exacerbated when his dream role is handed to Oswald, portrayed with compelling charisma by Adam Pearson. Their dynamic drives the narrative, unraveling a fascinating character study that explores themes of vanity, fame, and self-worth.

The film feels like a spiritual counterpart to The Substance, but viewed through a male lens, blending dark surrealism with biting comedy. Sebastian Stan masterfully captures Edward’s evolution, delivering a performance that is equal parts unsettling and deeply human. Adam Pearson’s performance adds complexity and tension with his charisma and charm, making their interplay one of the film’s strongest elements.

With its sharp critique of identity and ambition, A Different Man is a bold, darkly comic exploration of transformation and its unintended consequences. This is a film that demands attention—not only for its provocative storytelling but also for its awards-worthy performances. Don’t sleep on it during this year’s Oscar race.

My Rating: A-