Happy Friday Newsletter 9.26.25

Neighborhood News

• Communities for Healthy Bay New Lecture Series
  • Communities for a Healthy Bay will launch its new lecture series on Sunday, October 5, with a program inspired by Tacoma’s own Ivan the Gorilla. Earl Borgert, who grew up alongside Ivan, will share how the beloved gorilla’s story lives on through the I.V.A.N. Foundation, encouraging people to “Be IVAN” by turning compassion into action for endangered species. The event also features Alan Varsik and Marc Heinzman of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, who will discuss their conservation work both locally and globally. Following the lecture, guests are invited to visit Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where Ivan’s statue stands as a symbol of his lasting legacy.

• CPIN Launches People Supported Agriculture Program
  • The Community Partnership for Inclusive Nutrition (CPIN) is teaming up with local farmers to make fresh, healthy food more accessible through its new People Supported Agriculture (PSA) program. For just $30, community members can purchase a farm-fresh produce box, available for pickup starting September 30. In addition, residents have the option to pay it forward by covering the cost of a box for another community member, helping ensure that nutritious food reaches more households. Supporters can purchase their share or gift a box by scanning the QR code or visiting the Eventbrite link. This program not only makes healthy eating more affordable but also strengthens the bond between the community and local farmers.

Local Governance

• Mayoral and City Council Debate – October 8th, 4:30pm, Lincoln High School
  • Join Tacoma Rising and the Tacoma Business Council for the Tacoma Election Debate, a dynamic forum featuring the finalists for Tacoma’s Mayoral race, John Hines and Anders Ibsen, and the finalists for City Council Position 6, Latasha Palmer and Jessica Johnston. This live, in-person event at Lincoln High School Auditorium will give the community a chance to hear from candidates shaping Tacoma’s future. The evening will explore both political and business topics, offering clear perspectives on leadership priorities, neighborhood issues, and plans for Tacoma’s economic growth. Expect candid insights, actionable ideas, and meaningful dialogue on the issues that matter most.

• Applicants Sought for Community’s Police Advisory Committee
  • The Tacoma City Council is currently seeking applicants to fill six positions on the Community’s Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) to represent Council District Nos. 1, 4, and 5; a youth position, ages 16-18; and two at-large positions. CPAC is an advisory panel to the City Council as it pertains to Tacoma Police Department (TPD) policy. CPAC is responsible for: Reviewing police policy, procedures, rules, training, completed investigations, and programs at the request of the City Council or City Manager; Promoting awareness of the public complaint process, and receiving and reviewing policy complaints by members of the public; Providing advice to the City Council, the City Manager, and the Chief of Police on police policy, procedures, rules, training, and programs; Fostering understanding between TPD and the community, and promoting TPD services and resources; Convening community conversations on services, programs, policy, procedures, rules, training, and issues of public safety. Additional information on Community’s Police Advisory Committee is available here. Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by noon on October 13, 2025, at tacoma.gov/cbcapplication. 

• South Sound 911 Has A New Executive Director
  • In a recent announcement by Councilmember Sarah Rumbaugh, she welcomed the South Sound 911 newest Executive Director, Kevin Yamamoto. Kevin is a local government attorney, and he served as city manager and city attorney at the City of Puyallup. Since joining SS911, Kevin has been instrumental in creating good working relationships with employees in communications and leadership. Council member Rumbaugh along with Council member Bushnell serve on the board of South Sound 911 which as an agency, answers nearly 1 million emergency and non-emergency calls annually for law enforcement and fire/EMS agencies across Pierce County with the mission to provide a modern, unified emergency communication and response system to protect and serve our communities and partner agencies.

Arts & Entertainment

• 2nd Annual Mary Bridge “A Wider Lens” Film Festival
  • The 2nd annual Mary Bridge Physical Medicine and Rehab Clinic’s “A Wider Lens” film festival is coming! It is A film celebration of stories and perspectives from and about individuals with intellectual, physical, and/or developmental disabilities. Experience a powerful lineup of films that inspire, educate, and promote understanding. On Saturday 11/8 at The Grand Cinema in Tacoma there will be 2 show times featuring the same film line up. Run time is approximately 90 minutes. New this year, we are featuring our own original short film starring our very own Mary Bridge patients. Tickets are $5 (with small service fee). Link for ticketing: A Wider Lens Film Festival Tickets, Sat, Nov 8, 2025 at 11:30 AM

• LP and The Vinyl Reimagine Steve Wonder, The Beatles & David Bowie
  • Hear reimagined renditions of your favorite hits by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and David Bowie. LP and The Vinyl transform classics into something funky and fresh. Renowned jazz, blues and gospel singer Leonard Patton joins the critically acclaimed Danny Green Trio to form LP and The Vinyl. Friday October 3, 2025 at the Tacoma Armory.

• The Cost of Fast Fashion Series
  • The interactive introductory class explores the global impacts of fast fashion and our roles within it. This class will help you understand why it matters where you shop, how you shop and what you do with your clothes when you no longer want them. Classes will build upon but can also be attended individually but can also be attended individually, leading up to the event that is open to all – regardless if folks attended the classes. Behind the Seams: The Hidden Co$t of Fast Fashion series: Wednesday Oct 15-Getting Real with Your Clothes; Wednesday Oct 22-Unraveling Fast Fashion: Human and Environmental Toll; Wednesday Oct 29-Threads of Change; Saturday Nov 1-Clothing Swap and Mending Event.

• Silent Movie Series Returns to Washington Center
  • The Silent Movie Series at the Washington Center kicks off Sept 28 with Charlie Chaplin’s Gold Rush. Silent films with live organ accompaniment are a rare experience, and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts is making them more accessible than ever. This year, ticket prices for the Silent Movie Series have been reduced by 50% to just $20, so that even more families can discover and long-time fans can remember the magic of this unique art form. September 28, 2025 at 2pm – The Gold Rush is one of Charlie Chaplin’s most celebrated films. In the film, a prospector goes to the Klondike during the 1890s gold rush in hopes of making his fortune and is smitten with a girl he sees in a dance hall. February 15, 2026 at 2pm – Buster Keaton’s Seven Chances and The Three Ages. In Seven Chances, a man learns that he will inherit a fortune if he marries by 7PM that evening. The Three Ages shares love and romance through three historical ages: the Stone Age, the Roman Age, and the Modern Age. A full list of 25-26 season events is available at https://www.washingtoncenter.org/events-and-tickets/25-26-season-at-a-glance/ 

• Pierce College Puyallup Gallery announces Metaphorical Landscape, by artist Juliet Shen.
  • The exhibit, which opens on September 22nd, features a series of works on paper.
    “I see landscape painting as creating metaphors about our lives. Though there is a connection between how my brush makes strokes that move and grow and how tree limbs move and grow, my paintings are not about trees. They are about tenacity and perseverance, and about how we are all intertwined.” Meet the artist and enjoy refreshments at the Artist Reception on September 30th, from 1:00 – 3:00 at the Pierce College Gallery located in the Arts and Allied Health (AAH) building on the Puyallup campus. The gallery is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Learn more about Juliet Shen https://artisttrust.org/artists/juliet-shen/

Opportunities

• Be a Part of the Fun at the Horror at the Hall Murder Mystery Dinner
  • Horror at the Hall: Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser on October 25^th at The Slavonian Hall this year will include a live interactive performance woven into the evening’s program. The event will be a 1920s/speakeasy themed where guests will become investigators and ask pre-determined questions to 16 “suspects” or characters who witnessed the murder prior to the dinner. YOU can be part of the fun and help bring this event to life. They are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join as actors/performers/characters. No professional experience required, just a willingness to step into character, have fun and help create a memorable experience for the guests. This is a 21+ event. Horror at the Hall: A Murder Mystery Dinner & Fundraiser

• What if One Day Could Change Your Life?
  • Opportunity Knocks Live is coming to Tacoma on Saturday October 4, 2025 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center – and it’s not your typical resource fair. From free childcare and mini-grants to real-time coaching, opportunity bucks, and inspiring main stage moments, this one-day event is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward. Admission is FREE when you sign up for The Opportunity Coach app – your personalized roadmap for the day and beyond. Don’t miss the life-changing experience and get your free tickets here: https://opportunityknockslive.net

• Bridging Horizons: Connecting Communities to New Opportunities
  • You’re invited to celebrate the mission of supporting youth through the power of craftsmanship and experiential learning. Join the Tacoma Boat Builders crew at their annual fundraiser September 27th from 3:30-7:00pm. It will be an evening of storytelling, connection and dreaming at Vickery Gardens. Fill your plate with heavy appetizers, sweet treats and delicious beverages while enjoying live tool demonstrations, silent auction and brief program. Find tickets HERE.

• Peninsula Art League 23rd National Fine Art Show – Call for Entries
  • Show Dates: November 14th, 2025, through December 3rd, 2025
    Location: Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum, 1108 26th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. Application Deadline: October 21, 2025; Jury Notifications: October 27, 2025
    Peninsula Art League (PAL) is proud to present the 23rd National Fine Art Show (NFAS), formerly the Open Juried Show, our annual juried art exhibition celebrating excellence in two- and three-dimensional and photo/digital art. This prestigious show has a long-standing tradition of attracting outstanding submissions from talented artists across the country. PAL invites local and national artists to submit their work to be juried for exhibition by Northwest artist, educator, and curator Cable Griffith. Prizes and gift certificates totaling more than $6,500 will be awarded. The award-winning Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum serves as a vibrant gathering space showcasing amazing vintage aircraft, and now, with our partnership, a welcoming venue for artists and art lovers alike. For details, visit https://vintageaeromuseum.com.

• Applicants Sought for the Landmarks Preservation Commission
  • The Tacoma City Council is looking for qualified applicants, who are residents of the City, to fill the following positions on the Landmarks Preservation Commission: • Architect (Two Positions): Open to individuals who are currently or have in the past been a professionally certified architect.
    • At-Large (One Position): Open to an individual with a demonstrated interest in historic preservation. • Professional (Two Positions): Open to individuals who have had professional experience or training related to historic preservation originating from employment or study within the following disciplines: Arts or art history, architecture, history, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and/or historic archeology, conservation, construction or building trade, landscape architecture, urban planning or design, structural engineering, land use or real estate law, real estate, appraisal or real estate finance, project management or contracting, or a related discipline. The Commission oversees the establishment and regulation of landmarks, local historic districts, and certain property tax incentives. Non-voting ex officio members may be appointed to four-year terms to represent residents, property owners, and business owners within Tacoma’s historic districts. Learn More Here.

Recreation

• Skate the Armory – Sunday Open Skate
  • Tacoma Arts Live Presents Skate the Armory Open Skate starting October 12 -held twice a month all year at the Armory Tickets are $10/session or you can purchase a Roller Skating Membership and save!

• Go all in on adventure: Buy your Discover Pass before the price increases on Oct. 1
  • The Discover Pass is more than just a parking pass — it gives you unlimited access to millions of acres of natural beauty, culture and history across the state. It’s your key to adventure on lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). Passes like this cost $100-$500 in other states, which don’t have nearly natural wonders. But, for $30 now and $45 after Oct. 1, your pass gets you unlimited access to over 100 state parks, 350 recreation sites, 700 water access spots, 80 natural areas and 33 wildlife areas. And that’s not even the half of it. And your dollars stay right here. 100% of Discover Pass revenue goes back into maintaining parks and public lands. Your purchase directly supports trail upkeep, facility improvements and habitat protection. Pass revenue helps fund employment for park rangers and other staff. Your purchase helps keep restrooms clean, parking safe and signage up to date. Our state lands belong to all of us. The Discover Pass helps us protect and enjoy them together. 

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