May 23rd, 2025 Happy Friday Newsletter

Arts & Entertainment

• Join Franke Tobey Jones Senior University for Telling Your Stories Through Comics: Writing & Illustrating Your Life a Free 5 Week Class
  • Have you ever wanted to bring a story to life through art and words? Join UWT professor and comic artist Riki Thompson for a workshop with a special focus on memoir and slice-of-life writing. Whether you want to document family history, capture everyday moments for yourself, or create something special for your children and grandchildren, you’ll learn how to use both words and images to tell engaging, meaningful stories. Each week, you’ll build on fundamental storytelling skills like character development, world-building, layout, and dialogue while learning how to blend writing and visuals to craft engaging personal narratives. Whether you prefer pen and ink, digital tools like an iPad and stylus, photography, or generative AI, this course offers you the freedom to create your comic, your way. No drawing experience is required—just a willingness to experiment with storytelling in a new way! This 5-week class runs June 4 – July 2. Wednesday, June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25, & July 2 10:00 – 11:30 am, Bristol View 1^st Floor Bowditch Room. Register by contacting  Jwennstrom@FrankeTobeyJones.com or calling 253-756-6219.

• Creative Flight: Freeing the Spirit Through Intuitive Process Painting Classes in June
  • Are you looking for • A way to process the upheaval of the past several years, not to mention the onslaught of daily life? • Permission to PLAY, permission to reclaim and be your authentic self? • Reconnection with your inner guidance? • Reconnection with your intrinsic creativity? • Connection with other creative, loving souls? • Permission to create without judgement or expectations? • A therapeutic experience, without the therapy? Creative Flight – Freeing the Spirit Through Intuitive Process Painting uses the simple tool of tempera paint and paper and is so much more than simply the practice of painting. You will • Give yourself the gift of time for yourself without expectations • Let your creativity thrive in a space free of judgment • Get out of your head and into your heart • Don’t fight with your inner critics: Dance with them! Now registering for June 2025 with 2 options (click below on the day of the week you’d like to attend for payment link) • The cost for each 4-class series is $130. • All materials are provided. • All levels of experience or inexperience are welcome. • Pre-registration is required by May 31st. • Spaces are limited. Be really good to yourself and make sure you get one of them! Mondays 5:30-8:00PM (6/2, 6/9, 6/16, & 6/23) OR Tuesdays 10AM-12:30PM (6/3, 6/10, 6/17, & 6/24) Classes will meet in Studio B, which is on the second floor at 2926 S Steele Street in Tacoma.

• New Craft Studio, with Classes for All Ages, Opens in Downtown Tacoma
  • A new retail and craft studio called Lumikha Space officially opened on Saturday, May 17, on Antique Row in downtown Tacoma. Owned by Racquel Fox, who is half Filipino and Mexican, the name “Lumikha” means “to create” in Tagalog. With a background in construction management, Fox transformed a space that once held four businesses into an open, creative studio. Lumikha Space promotes independent artists and offers weekly workshops in crafts like sewing, beading, painting, knitting, and clay work for all ages and experience levels. Classes start at $30, and walk-in activities range from $10–$18. Equipment, including sewing machines, is available to rent starting at $17/hour. Special programming includes: – Mini Maker nights (Wednesdays) for kids, – Date night/family events (Fridays & Saturdays), – Relaxed creative sessions (Sundays). Lumikha Space aims to provide an affordable, welcoming space for people to explore creativity without needing to invest heavily in materials or equipment.

Neighborhood News

• Tacoma Peace Prize is honored to announce Carol C. Mitchell as the 2025 Laureate.
  • Mitchell, an attorney and the founder of the Institute for Black Justice (IBJ), has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to fostering peace through the pursuit of social justice, the defense of civil and human rights, and the advancement of racial equity. The selection committee was particularly impressed by Mitchell’s dedication to addressing systemic inequality, especially as it impacts children, youth and families. The IBJ, founded by Mitchell in 2020, tackles critical issues such as the disproportionate involvement of Black youth in the criminal justice system, the negative effects of public benefits and housing policies on families surviving poverty, and the need for a “keeping families together” approach to child welfare. Her work provides a powerful example of how legal expertise can be used to build a more equitable society. Mitchell’s commitment extends beyond national borders. Her engagement in Ghana, where she supports children and families in their educational pursuits, showcases her understanding of the interconnectedness of global communities and the importance of promoting peace through education and cultural exchange. The Tacoma Peace Prize recognizes Carol C. Mitchell for her impactful work, her holistic approach to peace-building, and her unwavering advocacy for a more just world. Her leadership, vision, and tireless efforts make her a most deserving recipient of this honor.

• Do You Want to Be a Tree Steward?
  • What is a Tree Steward? Tree Stewards are community tree champions who help grow and protect Tacoma’s urban canopy. They play an essential role in local tree care, advocacy, and in helping us support neighbors on the ground. FREE education will be provided on tree selection, planting, and pruning young trees. Participants will also learn how to communicate about trees with their neighbors and how to engage in the Hilltop tree planting and tree care event. Apply by June 9th. Capacity: 20. Applications from Tacoma Frontline Community members will be prioritized. A stipend of $125 will be provided to each steward. Snacks, light refreshments and lunch will be provided at a training on June 14th 9am – 4pm at Peace Lutheran 2106 S Cushman Ave, Tacoma. Learn more about the program and sign up here: tacomatreefoundation.org/tree-stewards

Local Governance

• New Fire Chief Marks Historic Appointment
  • Sionna Stallings-Ala’ilima marks a historic appointment as the first Samoan American to hold the position. Chief Stallings-Ala’ilima’s leadership is inspiring not just within the department, but across our entire community. In addition to her trailblazing role, she also serves on the board of the Tacoma Parks Foundation, continuing her commitment to service and equity.

Business & Opportunities

• The City of Puyallup is Looking for Artists for Signal Cabinets
  • Calling all artists! The City is seeking artists to propose an original design for reproduction and installation on signal cabinets in Puyallup. The wraps will deter graffiti and add visual interest and beauty to our shared streetscapes. In 2025, wraps will be installed at the following signal cabinet locations: W Stewart & 7th St NW, W Main & 5th St NW, Shaw Road & E Pioneer, Shaw Road & 23rd Ave SW. For more information on how to submit artwork, please read our full announcement on the website here.

• Calling All Artists for the 2025 – 2029 Public Artist Roster
  • ArtsWA is accepting applications for our 2025-2029 Public Artist Roster. Start your application today! Deadline: June 17. They are seeking a diverse range of artists to create artworks for state agencies, colleges, universities, and public schools throughout Washington state. The Public Artist Roster is our primary tool for selecting artists. It is a list of artists who pre-qualify to create artworks through the ArtsWA Art in Public Places (AIPP) program. Accepted artists will be on the roster for four years (2025-2029). Learn more about the ArtsWA Public Artist Roster at www.arts.wa.gov/public-artist-roster.

• Are You Interested Passionate About Safer Streets? Join the Transportation Commission
  • If you are Passionate about safer, more connected multimodal streets in Tacoma, you should join the Transportation Commission and help shape how Tacoma moves! City Council is currently seeking applicants to fill two positions on the Transportation Commission: At-Large and Council District No. 3. The Commission advises on transportation planning, policy, and implementation of key efforts like the Transportation and Mobility Plan and Vision Zero. Commission meetings are the third Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM and are hybrid. Apply by June 10, 2025 at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication

• Volunteer Opportunity to Help Nine Lives Rescue
  • Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity to help with web/blog/social stuff for Nine Lives Rescue? They are a 501c3 and can sign off on volunteer hours, matching, etc. They are so busy with work that the marketing side of things is getting neglected. This help is needed to raise vital funding to help all of the critters they serve. If you have the time and are interested, please email hello@ninelivesrescue.org.

Recreation & Wellness

• You Can Now Book a Fully Narrated Flight Tour Around the Puget Sound
  • This is more than just a sightseeing flight, it’s a pre-recorded fully narrated journey that shares insight into the region’s geography and traditional Puyallup Tribe place names as you soar above the tribe’s ancestral lands. A rich storytelling experience that deepens your understanding of the land beneath your wings. click link to book now: https://kenmoreair.com/tacoma-ruston-way/

• Lantern Paddle for the Species Goes On Even Without Ocean Fest
  • While Tacoma Ocean Fest has unfortunately come to a close, we are elated to announce that we’ll still be hosting our Lantern Paddle for Species! Participants decorate and illuminate their boats with lights and lanterns, then paddle on Thea Foss Waterway to celebrate and raise awareness for threatened marine species! This event is free and family-friendly, complete with shoreside entertainment, light art, and a paddle launch, with access to delicious food vendors and our Museum! There will also be a free shuttle from 4-10 pm up and down Dock Street as far as George Weyerhaeuser Park.

Film & TV Reviews

• Film Review: Andor Season 2 by Elizabeth Mulloy
  • When Andor first dropped on Disney+ over two years ago, I didn’t think much of it. I figured it was just another unnecessary addition to the ever-growing Star Wars pile of slop. Then, as the praise started rolling in, I shrugged it off as overblown, assuming most of it came from people who’d only ever watched “popcorn” flicks and were now mistaking competent writing for brilliance. But once the Golden Globe, WGA, DGA, and SAG nominations started stacking up, I figured it was time to see if the hype was actually justified, and holy shit, Andor absolutely floored me. It showed what Star Wars could actually be when it ditched the Jedi nostalgia and instead focused on grounded, human stories rooted in political tension and mature, nuanced themes. In short, it’s the best Star Wars has been since the original trilogy nearly 50 years ago. So heading into season two, my expectations were sky-high and Tony Gilroy delivered another straight-up masterclass in television.
  • The second season of Andor picks up a year after the first season as Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is now fully immersed in the Rebel cause. Performing spy and espionage missions for Luthen (Stellan Skarsgard), the rebellion is starting to gain momentum among not only politicians like Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), but also among regular, everyday folks as they are hearing the Rebellions call as The Empire becomes more tyrannical. However, despite being loyal to the Rebellion, Andor’s loyalty is beginning to tremble as he wishes to retire and keep Bix (Adria Arjona) safe from the Empire.
  • Sticking to the same narrative structure as season one, Andor unfolds across four, three-episode arcs, each chronicling the four years leading up to the events of Rogue One. The first arc follows Andor and company as they continue to find their footing within the Rebellion, while Mon Mothma juggles political maneuvering with preparations for her daughter’s wedding, and the Empire begins shifting its attention towards the planet of Ghorman. The second arc centers on Cassian, Luthen, and Vel (Faye Marsay) as they start aiding the Ghormans in organizing a rebellion, despite knowing full well they’re outmatched and under-resourced, while Syril (Kyle Soller), now working under Dedra (Denise Gough), is dispatched as a double-spy on the growing unrest on Ghorman. The third arc dives headfirst into the brutal, bloody, and harrowing consequences of Ghorman’s uprising against the Empire. And the fourth and final arc? It zeroes in on the tense, ticking-clock days leading directly into the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
  • Each one of these arcs features some of the most competent, meticulously crafted filmmaking I’ve seen in any Star Wars project, period. The direction is razor-sharp, the cinematography is moody and immersive, the editing is tight and purposeful, and the score pulses with tension and emotion. Every element is firing on all cylinders, working in sync to tell a story that’s not just thrilling and edge-of-your-seat exciting, but also deeply reflective, emotionally resonant, and, at times, downright harrowing.
  • Tony Gilroy, along with his stacked ensemble of directors and writers, doesn’t just operate within the Star Wars universe, they elevate it. They take the familiar galaxy far, far away and strip it of the nostalgia-soaked comfort and reveal a setting that’s raw, vast, and filled with grounded, human storytelling. They’ve essentially issued a wake-up call to the franchise and its fans, proving that Star Wars doesn’t need lightsaber duels or Jedi meditations on the Force to be compelling.
  • They lean hard into the mature, unglamorous realities of rebellion: the moral gray zones, the psychological toll of resistance, the sacrifices made in the shadows, and the slow, suffocating machinery of authoritarian control. Themes like the human cost of war, the weaponization of ideology, the complexities of political power, and the existential weight of fighting for a future you may never see, all of that is baked into every frame. This isn’t just good Star Wars. This is top-tier television, period, and it just so happens to be set in a galaxy where hope is a rebellion’s greatest weapon.
  • And it’s not just the filmmaking that’s firing on all cylinders. Andor is probably the most real, lived-in Star Wars has felt since the Original Trilogy. There’s a tangible weight to everything. Filming extensively on-location, it grounds the series in an authenticity that green screen soundstages just can’t replicate. The environments feel raw, textured, and inhabited, not manufactured in post-production. It’s a return to that gritty, tactile aesthetic that made the galaxy far, far away feel so immersive in the first place.
  • And beyond that, Andor finally brings fashion back into the Star Wars conversation. The costume design here is some of the best the franchise has delivered since the Prequel Trilogy, and it’s not just about looking good, it’s about worldbuilding. Every outfit, from the Chandrila wedding attire to the rugged gear of rebel operatives, the costume design says something about the characters and the societies they live in. The clothing feels deliberate, functional, and symbolic, capturing the social hierarchies, cultures, and tensions in the world of Star Wars. It’s the kind of attention to detail that shows just how seriously this show takes its world.
  • Furthermore, Andor boasts what is easily one of the most underrated acting ensembles on television right now. Every member of the cast is absolutely on fire, delivering layered, grounded performances that breathe life into some of the most complex, nuanced, and genuinely human characters we’ve ever seen in Star Wars. These are Emmy-worthy performances across the board that will tragically, will likely never get the recognition they deserve.
  • Then there’s Elizabeth Dulau, who absolutely steals scenes as Kleya, Luthen’s formidable and enigmatic assistant. She dominates the screen with a commanding presence and sharp delivery, hinting at layers of backstory and motivation without ever overselling it. Dulau is a breakout talent, and it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a household name. Genevieve O’Reilly returns as Mon Mothma with a vengeance, delivering a performance that’s equal parts poised and unhinged. Watching her transformation from a high-ranking senator trying to game the system to a desperate revolutionary willing to sacrifice everything is one of the most compelling arcs in the show and O’Reilly sells every moment with poise, fear, and fury.
  • Kyle Soller gives one of the most quietly devastating performances in the entire series as Syril. His portrayal of a man slowly unraveling under the weight of indoctrination and obsession is tragic, unsettling, and painfully real. He captures how authoritarian regimes manipulate the desperate and the directionless, turning ignorance into fanaticism.
  • On the other side, Denise Gough’s Dedra is easily one of the best villains Star Wars has ever had. She’s ambitious, calculating, ruthlessly intelligent—and terrifying because she’s so believable. Gough plays her with a restrained ferocity that makes her all the more chilling. She doesn’t need a mask or a lightsaber to command fear—just precision, power, and conviction. And let’s not forget the rest of the ensemble, who are all pulling serious weight into each character, no matter how small the role, feels lived-in and essential. It’s a testament to Andor‘s commitment to character-driven storytelling that the cast feels less like actors playing roles and more like people actually living through the slow, grinding birth of rebellion.
  • All in all, the second, and final season of Andor had an enormous weight on its shoulders. It not only had to bridge the gap to Rogue One in a way that felt organic and earned, but also deliver a satisfying conclusion to one of the most ambitious television series in recent memory. And by some act of God, it stuck the landing. Andor didn’t just meet expectations; it surpassed them, delivering not only the best storytelling Star Wars has seen in decades, but some of the finest work the cinematic medium has to offer, period. It’s a masterclass in how to elevate genre fiction into something profound, timely, and emotionally resonant. I’m genuinely gutted to see it end, there’s so much more I would’ve loved to explore in this corner of the galaxy, but as the saying goes, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” And I will, even if I’m smiling through gritted teeth and misty eyes.
  • My Rating: A+

Screenshots: We Scrolled So You Don’t Have To…