Neighborhood News
- Tacoma’s Next Peacemaker
- Nominations are open for the 2026 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize, which honors local leaders who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to peace, justice, and community harmony in the South Sound. The award recognizes individuals doing meaningful work to build a more equitable community. Nomination form: tinyurl.com/tacomapeaceprize
- Endangered Red Wolves at Pt Defiance
- Two critically endangered American red wolves, Bronto and River, have arrived at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium as part of the SAFE American Red Wolf conservation program. The pair has joined the Woods habitat. According to the zoo, fewer than three dozen red wolves remain in the wild. The species was declared extinct in the wild in the 1970s, with approximately 280 red wolves now living in managed care facilities nationwide.
- TCC’s Building Recognized for Design
- The American Institute of Architects Washington Council has awarded a merit award to Tacoma Community College’s Center for Innovative Learning and Engagement. Designed by Mithun and built by Korsmo Construction, the honor is the second-highest award in its category. Opened in spring 2025, the LEED Gold certified, 51,325-square-foot building supports collaborative learning for students and faculty, with gorgeous views of Mount Rainier.
- Fees up at Humane Society, Pet Surrenders Also Up
- Horn Creek Rescue reports a sharp increase in pet surrenders following fee increases at the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County. The nonprofit says it foes not charge surrender fees and that about 90 percent of animals it receives are pets previously turned away elsewhere. As of June 2025, surrender fees reportedly increased from $70 to $400 per animal.
- Puget Sound Women’s Show February 7 at Tacoma Mall
- In partnership with the American Heart Association and Showcase Magazine, the Tacoma Mall is hosting its annual Puget Sound Women’s Show Saturday from 11am to 4pm in the Macy’s court. Relax and recharge will free chair massages, hand aromatherapy and health and beauty tips, catch a live fashion show with local stars in attendance like Miss Pierce County, register for giveaways and get a free gift bag and more.
Local Governance
- Tacoma’s New Police Chief Patti Jackson
- Patti Jackson has been serving as the Interim Police Chief of Tacoma since March 2025 and brings 35 years of law enforcement experience to the position. In January, the Tacoma City Council unanimously voted to confirm her as the city’s new police chief. City leaders praised Jackson’s focus on staffing, modernization, transparency and community connections.
- Council Member Rumbaugh Asks for Contingency Fund for Youth STI Testing
- Oasis Youth Center is requesting $30,000 from the Tacoma City Council’s Contingency Fund to expand on-demand, staff-guided HIV and STI self-testing for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14+ in Pierce County who reported the second highest STI rate of youth 15-24 in WA in 2024. The funding would support the administration of 300 tests, addressing a critical public health need. If funded, Oasis would provide free tests, along with self-collection kits for STIs, within its existing drop-in services. Trained staff would guide with testing, result interpretation, and connect to follow-up care and treatment.
- Bonding Basics Workshop to Empower Business Owners
- The City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting team is hosting a “bonding basics” workshop on Friday 19 from 8 – 9:30am. The workshop will be in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual options. In person attendance will be held at the Tacoma Municipal Building Room 243. Items covered include: what surety is, types of bonds, project and contract review, costs associated with bonding, underwriting, financial statements, indemnity and red flags. Registration at makeittacoma.com/events.
- Residential Street Restoration Programs Brings More Closures this Week
- Upcoming street closures allowing for maintenance work are projected to start February 9 and are anticipated to be completed by mid-March, though the work is weather dependent. Current expected closures include south 4th Street from St. Helens Ave to Fawcett Ave, South 5th Street from South I Street to South J Street, and South 7th Street from South J Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
Arts & Entertainment
- Creative Colloquy: Poetry of Place
- Saturday February 21 from 1 to 3pm, Creative Colloquy is hosting Poetry of Place: Exploring Our Notions of Home with former Tacoma Poet Laureate Kellie Richardson. Richardson will guide the participants through reading poetry that will provoke you to confront your story of home, discussions of how writers use poetry place to reimagine their relationship with home and response to visual prompts with opportunity to share and get feedback. Register here.
- David Corry Gallery Viewing at Catholic Community Services Building
- Through February 27, you can view an amazing mixture of photographs featuring Washington naturescapes, architecture and portraits by artist David Corry at the Catholic Community Services main building on the second floor. The photography is both in color and black-and-white and also feature a unique music scene. Corry is a local artist based in the San Juan Islands. The gallery is open during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4pm at 1323 Yakima Ave, Tacoma.
- Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront Gallery Opens in Gig Harbor
- The Harbor History Museum presents Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront, an immersive and richly illustrated exhibition that explores more than a century of Filipino American histories, labor, culture and community along Washington’s saltwater shores. The exhibit runs through February 20. Explore the migration and maritime journeys, labor at the waterfront, military service and culture, foodways and community. Learn more at fanhs.dudasites.com
Opportunities
- YESS Climate Festival
- The Youth Engaged in Sustainable Solutions Climate Festival invites young people ages 14 to 22 to join its planning team. Participants help shape festival activities, values, and programming, develop submission criteria, promote the event, and serve as community ambassadors. Learn more: piercecountywa.gov/yessclimatefestival
- Tacoma Historical Society Call for Homes
- The Tacoma Historical Society is seeking homes for the Historic Homes of Tacoma Tour, with a focus on the North Slope neighborhood. Homeowners interested in participating can contact the society for details. Email: info@tacomahistory.org, phone: 253-472-3738
Recreation
- Free Adult Ballet
- Free adult open ballet classes are offered at Tacoma City Ballet on Tuesdays from 10 to 11am with live piano accompaniment by Marina Katsel. Some prior dance experience is required. Additional evening classes are available through the school.
- Hilltop Urban Gardens Events
- Hilltop Urban Garden hosts weekly programs including a Yoruba singing class on Wednesdays at 5:30pm, an Unmuted Open Mic on Fridays at 6pm and a Community Market Jam Session every fourth Sunday from noon to 2pm. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/3shzppk8
- Make Your Park Shine, February 17
- A community cleanup will take place at Titlow Park on February 17 from 9 to 11:30am. Participants can help clean the park while searching for Monkeyshines. Park Guides will provide Lunar New Year and Monkeyshines education, along with cleanup supplies. No preregistration is required.
- Aging Wellness Day, February 25
- A free, drop-in Aging Wellness Day will be held February 25 from noon to 3pm at the Center at Norpoint. The event connects seniors, families and caretakers with local resources and information focused on healthy aging, independence and quality of life.
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