Neighborhood News
- Remembering Kathy Manke of The Spar Tavern
- Tacoma’s Old Town neighborhood continues honoring Kathy Manke, longtime matriarch of The Spar Tavern, who passed away earlier this month. Following her Feb. 24 funeral, local musicians are gathering Feb 27-18 at The Spar Tavern, 2121 N 30th St, for informal tribute performances beginning in the evening. Friends, patrons, and members of Tacoma’s music community are expected to attend to share songs and stories celebrating her decades of stewardship at one of the city’s oldest saloons. The gatherings are open to the public.
- Tacoma Aims to Keep Streets Cleaner
- The City of Tacoma is installing 100 new trashcans as part of an effort to reduce litter citywide. The expansion began in February and is expected to continue through the year, with the goal of doubling the number of public garbage receptacles. They will be placed in high-traffic corridors, including downtown, Sixth Avenue, South Tacoma Way, Pacific Avenue, and other commercial and transit-heavy areas identified through service requests and litter data.
- Prohibition Cellars Grand Opening
- Prohibition Cellars has opened its new tasting room in downtown Tacoma and will host a grand opening celebration March 2 from 5 to 8pm at 628 St. Helens Ave. The event will feature complimentary pours and light bites as the winery welcomes the community to its new space.
- Ivar’s Seafood Bar Opening (Gig Harbor)
- The new Ivar’s Seafood Bar at Point Fosdick Square is scheduled to open in early March 2026. The location marks the chain’s return to the Gig Harbor area after more than a decade.
- America250 Food Delivery to Emergency Food Network
- A 40,000-pound food delivery arrived at the Emergency Food Network in Lakewood through a partnership between America250 and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The shipment is expected to provide approximately one week of food for about 1,400 people. The food will be distributed through Emergency Food Network’s warehouse in Lakewood to more than 70 partner food banks and meal programs serving communities throughout Pierce County.
- Little Lake Tapps Environmental Review
- Pierce County officials are investigating reports of unpermitted land use on privately owned property near Lake Tapps, east of Lake Tapps in unincorporated Pierce County between Bonney Lake and Sumner. The review centers on potential zoning violations and whether recent grading or site work may have affected wetlands, drainage patterns or stormwater flow connected to the Lake Tapps watershed. Although the land is privately owned, county regulators say compliance matters because alterations in wetland or flood-prone areas can impact neighboring properties, water quality, and downstream flooding risk. The investigation remains ongoing.
- Emergency Shelters and Warming Locations Available in Pierce County
- With fluctuating winter temperatures, Pierce County officials remind residents that day centers, overnight shelters, and temporary warming locations are open throughout Tacoma and Pierce County during cold weather events. Warming and shelter services are available in Tacoma, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Puyallup and other communities. Pierce Transit is providing free transportation to all warming centers and shelters; riders only need to inform the driver that they are traveling to or from a shelter location. Bed availability and site openings are updated daily. Individuals needing assistance locating shelter may contact the Shelter Access Hub at 253-444-4563 or visit PierceCountyWA.gov/shelter for current listings.
- New Outdoor Warning Sirens Activated in South County
- Pierce County’s Department of Emergency Management has added two new Outdoor Warning System sirens at the Eatonville Public Safety Building and Tehaleh Heights Elementary School in Bonney Lake. The sirens broadcast emergency tones and recorded messages in English and Spanish and include blue strobe lighting for visibility. Monthly tests will begin March 2 at noon and continue on the first Monday of each month. The system now includes 42 sirens across the Puyallup and Nisqually river valleys.
- Broadband Expansion Moving Forward in Nisqually Area
- A public-private partnership between Pierce County and Astound Broadband will expand high-speed fiber service to more than 3,500 homes in the Nisqually region. The $13.3 million project includes approximately 113 miles of new fiber infrastructure along the Highway 702 and Highway 7 corridors. Construction activity may result in temporary lane adjustments and shoulder closures. The expansion is partially funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars allocated by the County.
- Pierce County ALERT Registration Encouraged
- County officials are urging residents to enroll in Pierce County ALERT, the region’s emergency notification system. The free program delivers updates via phone call, text, email, and TTY/TDD. Participants may register up to five addresses to receive location-specific alerts. Residents can sign up online, call 253-798-6595, or text “PCALERT” to 888-777.
Local Governance
- Tacoma Police Chief Jackson Sworn In
- Chief Patti Jackson was officially sworn in Feb. 26, marking the end of her interim leadership period and the formal start of her tenure as Tacoma’s police chief.
- I-5 and Steilacoom-DuPont Road Interchange Update
- Portions of the new diverging diamond interchange at I-5 and Steilacoom-DuPont Road are now in use, including the southbound on-ramp. WSDOT has confirmed the full two-way traffic opening is scheduled for March 21, 2026. The project is designed to reduce congestion near JBLM and improve safety.
- Good Neighbor Village (Spanaway) Infrastructure Work
- The 285-unit Good Neighbor Village project in Spanaway has secured $1 million in state CHIP funding. Site development is underway, with current work focused on water and sewer infrastructure. First residents are not expected until late 2026 or early 2027.
- Addison Grove Affordable Housing (Fredrickson)
- Groundwork is beginning for Addison Grove, a 102-unit affordable housing development in Frederickson serving households earning 50–80 percent of area median income. State infrastructure funding has accelerated the project timeline.
- “Home in Tacoma” Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- The City of Tacoma is analyzing public feedback from recent forums regarding 2026 Comprehensive Plan amendments. Proposed updates include adjustments to special needs housing policies, childcare facility permitting, and expanded “missing middle” housing density.
- Nyanza Road Roundabout (Lakewood)
- Construction continues at the north end of Nyanza Road at Gravelly Lake Drive. Crews are completing curb and gutter work for the new roundabout, with a traffic shift expected in early March as paving progresses.
- Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Awards
- The Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission is accepting nominations through March 17 for the 2026 Historic Preservation Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations contributing to heritage preservation efforts. Submit your nominations here: https://tinyurl.com/nhesttrs
- 2026 Parks Bond Proposal
- Parks Tacoma’s proposed April 28 bond measure would fund improvements at 13 neighborhood parks, including Wright Park, Jefferson Park, Sheridan Park, Norpoint Park, Wapato Hills Park, and others across the city. Tacoma residents will have the opportunity to vote on the parks bond during a special election on April 28, 2026.
- Tap to Pay Comes to ORCA Stations
- Contactless payment options, including digital wallets and tap-to-pay methods, are being added to ORCA card readers throughout the Puget Sound region, expanding fare payment options for transit riders. This upgrade allows riders to pay with the credit cards or mobile wallets they already carry, making transit faster, more convenient, and easier to use for visitors and occasional riders.
- Special Election Results Certified
- The Pierce County Canvassing Board has finalized the Feb. 10 Special Election results, reporting a voter turnout of 26.50 percent. A total of 127,378 ballots were accepted and counted. School district measures across the county received majority approval, including funding propositions in Tacoma, Puyallup, University Place, Bethel, Franklin Pierce, Peninsula, Orting, White River, Fife, and Dieringer districts. The levies will support staffing, student programs, operations, and services not fully funded by the state. Residents can view the certified results and full election report at the Pierce County Auditor’s Elections page: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/elections
- Public Hearing Scheduled on Justice and Public Safety Tax Proposal
- The Pierce County Council will hold a final public hearing March 3 at 3 p.m. regarding a proposed one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax dedicated to criminal justice and public safety services. The measure would equal 10 cents per $100 spent, excluding groceries, prescription drugs, and certain medical and hygiene items. Council members cite rising staffing costs, state mandates, and population growth as drivers of increasing public safety expenditures.
- Community Input Requested for Future Juvenile Justice Center
- Pierce County’s Juvenile Justice Task Force is gathering public feedback as it evaluates options for a new juvenile justice facility. The 16-member panel is reviewing facility design concepts, program alignment, financing strategies, and long-term operational considerations. Residents may participate through an online open house and comment process. Residents can review project materials and submit feedback through the online open house at PierceCountyWA.gov/juvenilejustice.
Opportunities
- Election Department Hiring Temporary Staff
- Pierce County Elections is recruiting up to 200 temporary workers to support the 2026 Primary and General Elections. Roles include ballot processing, drop box collection, mail sorting, and voter services assistance. Work begins in July for the Aug. 4 Primary and again in October for the Nov. 3 General Election. Training is provided, and background checks are required. Applicants can learn more and apply online through the Pierce County Elections employment page at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/elections
- Pierce County Aging and Disability Outreach
- Pierce County continues outreach efforts focused on long-term care access, transit options, and health benefits. Local offices on Pacific Avenue are offering drop-in assistance this week. Residents can find office locations, hours, and available services through Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/aging
- Running Start Information Sessions at TCC
- Tacoma Community College is hosting upcoming virtual Running Start information sessions for families interested in tuition-free college credit for high school juniors and seniors. Dates include March 16, April 2, April 21, May 27, and June 25. Families can register for upcoming sessions and access a recorded presentation at https://www.tacomacc.edu/runningstart
- Small Business Marketing Series
- William Factory Small Business Incubator, in partnership with MCA Marketing, is offering a four-part workshop series (Feb. 28, March 14, April 11, May 16) focused on branding, visibility, and revenue growth strategies for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs can learn more and register for the series through the William Factory Small Business Incubator at https://www.williamfactory.com
- Paid Summer Internship Applications Now Open
- Pierce County is accepting applications for its 2026 summer internship program. The paid, 12-week positions provide hands-on experience in departments such as public works, community development, public safety, and administrative services. The program is designed for students and early-career professionals interested in public service careers. Applicants can view eligibility requirements and submit an application through Pierce County’s employment page at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs
- Volunteers Needed for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- The County’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking volunteers to advocate for residents in nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen receive training and ongoing support while serving as independent advocates who address concerns, investigate complaints, and safeguard resident rights. Individuals interested in volunteering can learn more and apply through the Pierce County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/LongTermCareOmbudsman.
Recreation
- Coldest Night of the Year Walk (Tacoma)
- The Coldest Night of the Year walk takes place Feb. 28 from 4–6 p.m. at Wright Park. The fundraiser supports Associated Ministries and services addressing homelessness in Tacoma. Participants can register to walk or donate at https://cnoy.com/location/tacoma
- Dupree Dance Convention (Greater Tacoma Convention Center)
- The Dupree Dance Regional Event runs Feb. 27 through March 1 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. The competition brings thousands of dancers and families to downtown Tacoma. Event details, schedules, and spectator information are available at https://www.dupree.com
- High School Teen Late Night Swim
- People’s Community Center will host a Teen Late Night Swim for high school students (grades 9–12) on Friday, March 6, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The pool will be open for free recreational swim, and additional activities will include open gym time, sports, cooking, and games. A valid school ID is required for entry.
- Parks Tacoma Spring Break Camps
- Parks Tacoma is offering Spring Break Camps at multiple locations, including Titlow Park, Wapato Park, and the Center at Norpoint. Additional programs will be held at Tacoma Nature Center and Fort Nisqually, along with adaptive and specialized camps designed to provide additional structure and support. Camps include a mix of physical activity, games, and enrichment opportunities. Registration and program details are available at https://www.parkstacoma.gov/activities-and-sports/category/camps/
- Parkland Community Trail Construction
- Work continues on the Clover Creek pedestrian bridge crossing as part of the Parkland Community Trail expansion. Crews are installing structural footings for the future bridge connecting the Parkland Prairie to school and recreation routes. Project updates and construction information are available through Pierce County Planning & Public Works at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/parklandtrail
- “Cider & Salsa” Latin Night Returns to Gig Harbor
- Studio 6 Ballroom will host its monthly “Cider & Salsa” Latin dance night at Locust Cider in Gig Harbor on Friday, March 27, returning to a last-Friday schedule for 2026. The evening begins with a 7 p.m. mini lesson, followed by open dancing from 7:30 to approximately 10:30 p.m. Early-bird ticket discounts are available online through the day before the event. Food and beverages are available for purchase. The event is open to all ages, and no partner or prior experience is required.
- Studio 6 Ballroom Expands Tacoma Dance Offerings
- Tacoma-based Studio 6 Ballroom continues its regular dance programming throughout the spring. “Latin Brew” and “Mix-Tape Brew” dance nights take place on the second Saturday of each month at ESB, 1901 Dock St., with beginner lessons followed by social dancing. The venue is 21 and over. Studio 6 also hosts Friday Salsa and Mambo classes and in-studio practice sessions in Tacoma, along with select Saturday live swing music events at Urban Elk Restaurant. A May 8–10 competition weekend in Seattle is open to dancers of all ages and levels.
- March is National Reading Month
- Local venues are hosting reading-related events, including storytimes and family programming at STAR Center and the W.W. Seymour Conservatory. Independent bookstores throughout Tacoma are also highlighting National Reading Month. Residents can find event schedules and program details at https://www.metroparkstacoma.org and by checking individual bookstore websites and social media pages.
- APCC’s 28th Annual New Year Celebration
- The Asian Pacific Cultural Center will host its 28th Annual New Year Celebration this weekend, featuring Cambodia as the 2026 host country. The event includes more than 100 vendors, continuous cultural performances, and community participation representing countries across Asia and the Pacific. Cambodia will take center stage with traditional music, dance, and storytelling, alongside performances from other participating cultures. The family-friendly celebration marks the Year of the Horse and offers activities for all ages. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/events/765613562550617/
Screenshots
