Happy Friday News Briefs for October 16, 2026

Posted on by Keelin Everly-Lang

BY ANDE DUNN for WEEKLY VOLCANO | 10/16/2026

Neighborhood News

RISE Center Needs Help to Keep Its Kitchen Open

  • The Brotherhood RISE Center on Hilltop has lost the funding that pays its staff, and without replacement money it will have to let them go by Dec. 31. That staff has cooked more than 26,000 meals, helped house hundreds of people, and keeps three hot meals a day coming out of the cafeteria, plus a food bank, clothing bank, community fridge, and the tiny home village across the street at MLK and 23rd Street. Two ways to help: show up to the charity auction on Saturday (Oct. 17) at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, hosted by Keller Williams, or donate if you can’t make it. Then share the ask with everyone you know. For more information visit  facebook.com/KellerWilliamsPugetSound.

Former Key Bank Tower Back on the Market

  • The historic high-rise at 1119 Pacific Ave., once pitched as the Tacoma Tower apartments, is for sale again after the lender took it over. Floors have been stripped, parking is included, and potential tax incentives are on the table. Whoever buys it gets a big say in what downtown housing (or office space) looks like next.

North Union Greenway Joins the Tacoma Register of Historic Places

  • The North Union Greenway Historic District is officially on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, the payoff from years of research, advocacy, and neighbors pitching in on the nomination. Historic Tacoma is celebrating the win and asking supporters to chip in to keep the preservation work going. For more information visit  historictacoma.org.

Cityscape Games Asks for a Boost to Finish Elf Storage

  • Cityscape Games moved downtown to 955 Tacoma Ave. S. this year and has plans for six Tacoma-themed escape rooms under one roof. The third game, Elf Storage, is about a secret toy factory and the artists who never got the support they needed, which owner Daniel Dror says hits close to home. He’s run out of construction money after a slow few months and still wants it open before the end of 2026. You can pre-buy admission as a gift card or donate any amount: cityscapegames.com/game/elf-storage.

Tacoma On the Go Beats Its Fundraising Goal

  • Tacoma On the Go’s annual Connecting Tacoma fundraiser on Oct. 8 blew past its goal. The safe-streets nonprofit says next year it will build partnerships, reach more neighborhoods, and turn momentum into projects. If you missed the party, one-time or monthly donations still count. For more information visit  tacomaonthego.org.

Pierce County Mental Health Numbers Run Above State Average

  • About 130,000 Pierce County adults, or 18.1%, report frequent mental distress, meaning 14 or more bad mental health days in the past month. That’s above the Washington median of 16.8%, according to the CDC’s PLACES county estimates. If that’s you, you’re in a lot of company, and reaching out is worth it: call or text 988 any time. For more information visit  cdc.gov/places/.

Local Governance

Tacoma Faces $40 Million Budget Gap

  • The City of Tacoma is weighing roughly 100 job cuts, fee hikes, and possibly ending its Community Service Officer and HOPE response teams to close a $40 million gap in the 2027-2028 biennial budget. Council study sessions are underway (the transportation budget overview was Oct. 13). Public hearings are Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Tuesday, Nov. 10, with adoption expected Nov. 17. Tacoma On the Go is urging residents to email councilmembers now about sidewalks, bike infrastructure, transit connections, and the city’s most dangerous arterials, since early feedback carries the most weight. Read the proposal at tacoma.gov/budget. For more information visit  tacoma.gov/government/departments/city-council/.

Court Says Tacoma Voters Get Their Say on the Workers’ Bill of Rights

  • The Washington Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 7 that the Tacoma City Council must follow the City Charter and put the Workers’ Bill of Rights initiative in front of voters. Nearly 10,000 residents signed petitions for the measure, which would set stronger standards for wages, scheduling, access to hours, and workplace safety. The council rejected it and scheduled a vote after the legal deadline. Backers UFCW 367, Tacoma Democratic Socialists of America, and Washington Community Action Network sued, won in Superior Court, and won again on appeal. Next stop: back to Superior Court to sort out when the measure reaches the ballot. For more information visit  ufcw367.org.

Pierce Transit Prop. 1 on the Ballot

  • Pierce Transit’s local funding hasn’t gone up since 2002, and Proposition 1 asks voters for a 0.3% sales tax increase (3 cents on every $10) to expand bus service by 47%. Tacoma On the Go has endorsed it as part of the Keep Pierce Moving campaign. Want to hear the details first? Pierce Transit hosts Zoom info sessions Friday, Oct. 16, and Monday, Oct. 26. Routes and specifics at ballot.piercetransit.org. For more information visit  keeppiercemoving.org. Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Lakewood Says No to Cannabis, Again

  • Lakewood’s ban on cannabis stays put. The City Council split 3-3 on Oct. 5 over Ordinance 855, which would have allowed cannabis retail and created a specialty business license. Councilmembers Talbot, Belle, and Lauricella voted yes; Councilmembers Pearson, Brandstetter, and Lindholm voted no; and Mayor Bocchi broke the tie with a no. Lauricella pointed out that most Lakewood districts voted for legalization back in 2012. The meeting agenda is at cityoflakewood.us.

I-5 HOV Project Wraps Up in DuPont and JBLM

  • After three years of orange cones, WSDOT has finished its I-5 work between DuPont and JBLM. The highlights: the state’s third diverging diamond interchange at Steilacoom-DuPont Road, which lifts traffic above the railroad tracks and retires a 1950s overpass. The southbound HOV lane now runs 1.7 more miles to Center Drive, and northbound gained 3.5 miles starting at Mounts Road. The Pendleton Avenue overpass was rebuilt to more than 16 feet of clearance, JBLM’s DuPont Gate got dedicated lanes, and a three-way stop at Mounts Road became a signal. There’s also a new barrier-separated shared-use path over the interchange. For more information visit  wsdot.wa.gov.

Got a Letter Telling Your Business to File? Check It First

  • The Washington Secretary of State is fielding a flood of calls from businesses that got texts, emails, calls, and mailers demanding annual reports or paperwork, none of which came from the state. Before you pay a third party, check the Misleading Notices page and the How to Verify a Notice page at sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities.

Arts & Entertainment

Thomas Dambo’s Trolls @ Point Defiance Zoo & Northwest Trek

  • Twelve giant trolls have moved into the woods. Danish artist Thomas Dambo built them from reclaimed wood, pallets, fallen branches, and twigs, and each has its own personality and backstory. “Trolls: A Field Study” puts eight at Northwest Trek and four at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, hiding among the evergreens and quietly studying the humans who wander by. The 7- to 9-foot sculptures are included with general admission or membership. Collect all 12. For more information visit  pdza.org and nwtrek.org. Opening Thursday, Oct. 15, through Jan. 24.

Zoo Boo @ Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

  • Dress the kids as a penguin, an otter, or a tiger, then go find the real one. Zoo Boo weekend brings ghostly games for treats and decorations all over the zoo, and this year the trolls are there too. For more information visit  pdza.org. Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 17-18), 9 A.m.. to 3 P.m..

Hoot ‘n’ Howl @ Northwest Trek

  • Costumes plus twilight plus wildlife park equals a very good night. Explore Northwest Trek after dark among lights, animals, and mild spookiness. Then grab candy and play pumpkin checkers and tic-tac-toe in the picnic pavilion. Bring a phone for the photos. For more information visit  nwtrek.org. Oct. 17 to 18, 23 to 24, and 30, 5 to 9 P.m..

All Over the Map with Feliks Banel @ Historic Fort Steilacoom

  • Ever wonder how Puyallup, Steilacoom, or that oddly named creek down the road got its name? Historian and broadcaster Feliks Banel, former deputy director of MOHAI and creator of Cascade of History, tells the stories behind Washington place names (and things). The museum sits just outside Western State Hospital in Lakewood. A quick 10-minute annual meeting of the Historic Fort Steilacoom Association comes first. For more information visit  facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory. Sunday (Oct. 18), 1 P.m..

What’s My Glass Worth? @ Museum of Glass

  • Dig that vase out of Grandma’s china cabinet. Suzanne Perrault of Antiques Roadshow will be in the Grand Hall evaluating glass pieces and sharing tips on collecting and authenticating. Regular museum admission applies, and the museum asks you to RSVP on Eventbrite. For more information visit  museumofglass.org. Saturday (Oct. 17), 11 A.m.. to 2 P.m..

Movies in the Cone: The Ring @ Museum of Glass

  • Watch The Ring inside the Hot Shop cone, for free. Then stay for a discussion with UW Tacoma Teaching Professor Jennifer Myers Baran and a talk on local true crime and paranormal history from MOG staffer Linnea Thorpe. Sliced Sandwiches serves until 6 PM, concessions run in the Grand Hall, and doors open at 5:30 p.m.. Don’t answer the phone. For more information visit  museumofglass.org/mitc. Friday (Oct. 23), 6 P.m..

Wild Harmony Women’s Chorus @ Woolworth Windows

  • Eleven women artists, ages 50 to 87, from Becky Frehse’s weekly Studio B class have turned Woolworth Window #4 (955 Broadway) into a forest of singers. Dozens of oval portraits of women singing in watercolor, acrylic, pastel, colored pencil, and collage are woven through bare madrona branches, inspired by the old belief that songs can be heard coming from trees. Animated lighting adds glow, and a QR code links to a vocal soundscape by Gregory Youtz. Come to the opening to meet the artists and sing along with a choir led by LeeAnne Campos. On view through Dec. 11. Supported by Spaceworks Tacoma. Opening Celebration Wednesday (Oct. 21), 5:30 to 6:30 P.m..

Art is Therapy Closing Reception @ Fulcrum Gallery

  • Last chance to see Frankie Nicole’s paintings exploring tension and emotional blocks, drawn from her own healing journey. She’ll also pour samples from her Queen of Fire Enterprises line of herbal teas while DJ ShoNuf of Soulelectro handles the sound. $5 suggested donation. For more information visit  fulcrumtacoma.com. Thursday, Oct. 22, 7 to 10 P.m..

Sixteen Bars Premiere @ Lincoln High School

  • The ten, a Tacoma creative group that documents the people and culture of the South Sound, premieres Sixteen Bars. The documentary follows the Lincoln High School varsity drumline. If you’ve ever heard Lincoln’s drumline in person, you already know why this deserves a film. For more information visit  theten253.com. Thursday, Nov. 12.

Autumn Flower Show @ W.W. Seymour Conservatory

  • Step inside the historic glass conservatory in Wright Park for a display built around fall’s colors and textures. It’s a warm, bright hour on a gray Tacoma afternoon. For more information visit  parkstacoma.gov. Through Nov. 29, 10 A.m.. to 3 P.m..

New Book: Dead Things by Erica Sage

  • Erica Sage, Grit City Studio’s literary advocate, has a new book out, “Dead Things.” Pura Belpré Award winner Vanessa L. Torres calls it a wild, heartbreaking ride that keeps you guessing. Support a local writer and pick up a copy. For more information visit  gritcitystudio.org.

Opportunities

Ring to Win Trivia Night @ Emerald Queen Casino

  • The Salvation Army of Tacoma kicks off its Red Kettle season with its first-ever trivia night in the Chinook Room (5580 Pacific Highway E., Fife). Doors open at 5 p.m.., and the program runs 5:30 to 7 p.m.. with appetizers, drinks, and trivia hosted by Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours. Tickets are $50, a table of 8 is $400, and sponsorships run $1,500 to $5,000. Proceeds support Jarvie Memorial Family Lodge, Hope Market food pantry, and the SHIELD Center, which together provided nearly 9,000 shelter bed nights and 10,000+ pantry visits in 2025. No trivia expertise required. For more information visit  tinyurl.com/RingToWin2026. Thursday, Nov. 5, 5 P.m..

Access to Capital: Revolving Loan Fund 101 @ Tacoma Public Library Main

  • Small business owners who’ve hit a wall with bank financing, this one’s for you. The City of Tacoma walks through eligibility for its micro and gap loan programs and the application process step by step. You’ll also learn how to prepare financial documents like income statements, plus financing tips that apply beyond city programs. Free, at 1102 Tacoma Ave. S. For more information visit  makeittacoma.com/events. Thursday, Oct. 22, 1 to 3 P.m..

Women in Business Forum @ PLU

  • KeyBank’s Women in Business Forum features Debrena Jackson Gandy, The Million Dollar Mentor, on confidence, leadership, personal branding, and growth. Expect breakout sessions, a fireside chat with business and community leaders, and plenty of networking at PLU’s Anderson University Center (12180 Park Ave. S.). Registration required by Nov. 2. For more information visit  business.wa.gov. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10 A.m.. to 4 P.m..

WSMA Statewide Microenterprise Grants Open for Business Support Groups

  • The Washington State Microenterprise Association has posted FAQs, an info session replay, and a portal walkthrough for its 2026-27 statewide grants. The grants go to entrepreneur support organizations, the nonprofits that help the state’s smallest businesses, not to businesses directly. For more information visit  wamicrobiz.org/microenterprise-grant-opportunities.

Volunteer for Grit City Studio’s Festival of Light, and Help Build a Media Studio

  • Grit City Studio needs volunteers for its free, family-friendly Tacoma Festival of Light on Saturday, Nov. 21. Roles include event coordination, guest services, workshops, and general support. Perks: food, fun, a great crew, and a cool T-shirt. Email syed@gritcitystudio.org or text 253-307-5624. For more information visit  gritcitystudio.org.

Orca Recovery Day @ Titlow Park and McKinley Park

  • Plant native shrubs and trees that help keep Puget Sound healthy for the southern resident orcas. Two park sites, one good cause. For more information visit  parkstacoma.gov. Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 A.m.. to Noon.

Hosmer Trunk or Treat Needs Trunks

  • The Hosmer Business District is rounding up local businesses, organizations, and community groups to decorate a trunk and hand out treats at 9505 S. Steele St. Vendor check-in is 9 to 10 AM. Families, just show up in costume. For more information about signing up, email SENCo at senco253@gmail.com or Tacoma Police Department’s Community Engagement Manager Bervin Smith at bsmith7@tacoma.gov. Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 A.m.. to 2 P.m..

Tacoma Musical Playhouse Needs Volunteers

  • Volunteers play a starring role at TMP. The theater needs ushers, MAST-certified bartenders, sewers, builders, painters, organizers, and people willing to hang show posters around town. Something for everyone. For more information visit  tmp.org/volunteer.

Book a Parks Tacoma Venue, Win a Point Ruston Getaway

  • Reserve a Parks Tacoma room or venue by Dec. 1 for an event before March 31, 2027, and you’re entered to win one of four getaway packages at the Point Ruston Silver Cloud Inn. For more information visit  parkstacoma.gov.

Recreation

Guided Dog Walk @ Wright Park

  • Dogs and their humans are invited on a casual one-hour walk with Park Guide Jess, rain or shine, on paved and uneven paths. Leashes and good manners required. Meet at the basketball court. For more information visit  parkstacoma.gov. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2 to 3 P.m..

Mushroom Hikes @ Point Defiance

  • Wander the old-growth forest with a Park Guide and learn to identify mushrooms, the science of fungi, and how to harvest responsibly. The Oct. 24 hike is for ages 18+, and the Nov. 7 youth hike is for ages 10+. Both are free, but registration is required. For more information visit  parkstacoma.gov. Saturday, Oct. 24, for adults, Saturday, Nov. 7, for ages 10+.

Pickleboo Pickleball Tournament @ People’s Center

  • A spooky indoor pickleball showdown with 12 teams in a pooled round robin, then single-elimination playoffs. Teams don’t need to be mixed, and costumes are strongly encouraged. For more information visit  parkstacoma.gov. Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 A.m..

Halloween Bird Walk @ Point Defiance Lodge

  • Learn the birds of our local parks and the folklore and superstitions attached to them. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Bring binoculars if you have them; loaners are available. Expect up to two miles of unpaved, uneven trail. For more information visit  parkstacoma.gov. Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 to 11 A.m..

Specialized Recreation Programs for Adults Return

  • Parks Tacoma’s programs for adults with disabilities are back at STAR Center. The Adult Specialized Day Group meets Tuesdays, Nov. 3 to 24, 10 a.m.. to 2 p.m.., for crafts, games, and activities. The Independent Chef runs Thursdays, Nov. 5 to 19, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.., for cooking and kitchen skills. A Young Adult Afternoon Club (ages 18 to 35) meets Wednesdays, 2 to 4 p.m.. For more information visit  parkstacoma.gov.

Meadow Park Winter Golf Punch Cards on Sale

  • Lock in winter golf at Meadow Park: 10 rounds on the Championship 18 for $339, or 10 nine-hole rounds for $214, plus tax. Cards never expire, and quantities are limited. Also coming up: short-game Scoring Clinics with PGA instruction and a Cleveland Golf wedge fitting on Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, 10 to 11:30 a.m.. A PGA Jr. League Toptracer season for ages 7 to 17 starts Nov. 4. meadowparkgolf.com, 7108 Lakewood Dr. W., 253-473-3033. 

Switch Your Trips WA: Win Prizes

  • All October, log 10 or more walking, biking, transit, or carpool trips at ridetogetherpiercecalendar.com to enter for prizes, including a $1,500 grand prize. Thinking bigger? The state’s WE-Bike program offers $300 or $1,200 e-bike rebates to Washingtonians 16+ through March 29, 2027, with winners picked monthly (ebikerebate.wsdot-sites.com). And 2nd Cycle runs an e-bike lending library for low-income community members. For more information visit  switchyourtripswa.com.

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