Happy Friday Newsletter

Arts & Entertainment

Looking for a Hot Spot to Get Your Mardi Gras On?
Several venues in Pierce County are gearing up for Mardi Gras celebrations:Bourbon Street Creole Kitchen in Puyallup, which has been serving Cajun cuisine since 2013, will host the Buckshot Brass Band on March 1 and 4 with two seatings and a special menu featuring jambalaya, étouffée, and Louisiana platters. There will be line dancing and festive decor.Chez Lafayette in Tacoma, a newer Creole brasserie, will celebrate its first Mardi Gras with live jazz on Feb. 28, March 1, and 4.Velvet’s Big Easy in Spanaway, another new spot, will host a zydeco band and offer a special menu with beignets and live music on March 1.Doyle’s Pub in Tacoma will serve a From the Bayou menu from Feb. 7 to March 4, with New Orleans-inspired dishes and desserts like Doberge cake and bread pudding.Pasteles Finos del Angel in Tacoma will offer king cake and special king cake doughnuts, known for gluten-free and vegan treats. Reservations are recommended at many of these spots.
Dive into the Sea Creatures Ball at Foss Waterway Seaport!
Get ready to make a splash at the most enchanting night of the year! Join us for the Sea Creatures Ball at the stunning Foss Waterway Seaport, where the wonders of the ocean meet an unforgettable evening of fun!Date: March 15, 2025 | Location: Foss Waterway Seaport | Time: 6-10pmDance the Night Away: Our fantastic DJ will keep the vibes going as you groove under the moonlight, surrounded by fellow sea lovers!Capture the Moment: Stop by our complimentary photo booth and snap some fabulous photos in your whimsical sea creature getup!Delicious Delights: Indulge in a mouthwatering menu crafted by Carrs Catering, featuring delightful fruit skewers, veggie matchsticks with housemade ranch or sun-dried tomato basil orzo.Sips & Spirits: Enjoy our cash bar stocked with beer, wine, hard seltzers, and two specialty cocktails designed to refresh your spirit! Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available at no charge because everyone deserves a treat!

Aerial Artistry: Marvel at breathtaking aerial performances that will transport you to a world of maritime magic!Dress Code: Dress to impress in formal wear— but let your imagination run wild! Become your favorite sea creature for the night; whether you transform into a regal mermaid, a funky jellyfish, or a dapper dolphin, the ocean is your runway!

Ticket Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/sea-creatures-semi-formal…Together, let’s support the Foss Waterway Seaport and celebrate the beauty of our marine world!
City of Destiny Award Nominations Now Open
The City of Tacoma is accepting nominations for the 39th Annual City of Destiny Awards, recognizing local volunteers for their exceptional contributions. Nominations are open until 11:59 p.m. on March 14, 2025. Categories include Adult and Youth Leadership, Lifetime Service, Environmental Sustainability, Disability Advocacy, Economic Development, and more. The City of Destiny Awards have honored over 330 individuals and groups since 1987. Nominations can be submitted online at tacomavenues.org. For questions, contact [email protected] or call 253.573.2523. More details, including sponsorship opportunities, are available on the website.

Neighborhood News

Downtown On The Go’s Friday Forum Panel on Aging in Place
As housing costs continue to rise, our seniors face unique issues in retaining access to services, community, and stability. Join Downtown On The Go for a panel exploring the challenges impacting Tacomans ability to Age in Place, and how addressing them can make Tacoma a better place for everyone to live, work, and play.This free Friday Forum panel event will be held on February 28th from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in person at the University of Washington Tacoma in Milgard Hall Room 110, and virtually over Teams Webinar. Panelists Cheryl Lee (Korean Women’s Association), Bucoda Warren (City of Tacoma), and Nalani Linder (TACID). Moderated by Tanisha Jumper (Tacoma Public Schools).Thank you to UW Tacoma’s Office of Events and Conferences for supporting these forums by providing us with an in-person space. Please register here. Downtown On the Go’s Friday Forums bring together local leaders, experts, and the community to talk about transportation issues facing Tacoma and our region. In 2025 we’re exploring how Tacoma – both the City and its residents – is changing, through discussions on new and upcoming policy, the impacts of rising housing costs and displacement, and the future of transit in the South Sound. Learn more about the 2025 Friday Forums series and access recordings of past forums here.Downtown On the Go events are free to attend but not to put on. Please consider making a donation to support their work here. DOTG works to increase safe mobility for all people in the greater Tacoma area.
17th Annual South Sound Sustainability Expo Coming this April
Don’t miss the 17th Annual South Sound Sustainability Expo! This free, family-friendly event brings the South Sound community together to celebrate and promote environmental sustainability and resiliency. Explore a vibrant mix of vendors, activities, and displays showcasing regional organizations working to improve the environmental sustainability and/or resiliency of the region. The Expo is hosted by the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department.Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMLocation: University of Washington Tacoma Campus Prairie Line Trail (1900 Commerce St.) & Tollefson Plaza (1548 Commerce St.)Cost: FreeVendor Registration Details: Organizations interested in participating as a vendor must register in advance. To participate, vendors must have a clear mission or body of work that contributes to improving the environmental sustainability and/or resiliency of our region.

Registration Opens: February 1, 2025
Registration Deadline: March 14, 2025
Cost: Free for all vendorsRegister your organization today!As a vendor, you’ll have the opportunity to:Connect with thousands of community members, showcase your environmental initiatives, and inspire action toward a more sustainable future.For more information or questions, contact [email protected] or call (253) 381-2228.
Level Up Small Business Series
Big things are happening! Join CJK Community Homes & TAPCO CU on Saturday, March 1st, from 10 AM – 1 PM at TAPCO Credit Union for the official kickoff of the Level Up Small Business Series! 🎤 Special Guest: Celebrity Comedian & Entrepreneur, Nate Jackson Owner of the Nate Jackson Super Funny Comedy Club will be dropping gems on business, securing funding, and challenges facing entrepreneurs! Then, we’re diving into a grant & loan application workshop led by the City of Tacoma, breaking down new capital access opportunities that launched and close on March 14th—so you don’t want to miss this!💻Bring your laptop! We’ll be working on-site to fill out applications with 1:1 support so you can leave with real progress toward securing your funding.
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/qJML6zcoeRQV6zpt7

If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just looking to secure funding and scale, this event is for you. ✅ Free to attend ✅ On-site Application preparation This is just the beginning of the Level Up: Fund, Build, Grow series—come through and get started on your funding journey! 📍 TAPCO Credit Union 6312 19th ST W 📅 Saturday, March 1st ⏰ 10 AM – 1 PM 🔥 Don’t wait—pull up and let’s secure the bag together! This program is funded by a grant from the Community Reinvestment Project, a project of the WA Department of Commerce.
Another Chain Looking to Fill the Vacant Spot Next to Starbucks on Pearl
Chipotle is expanding its presence in Pierce County with plans for a new location at the Westgate South shopping center in West End Tacoma, specifically in the former MOD Pizza space at 2303 N. Pearl St. The plans include indoor dining and a small patio. Construction is expected to begin in May, although dates may change. Chipotle has not confirmed the location yet, but a representative stated the company is exploring opportunities in Tacoma. The chain, which has nearly 80 locations in Washington, is increasingly focusing on pick-up locations, such as the Chipotlane drive-thru, and plans to open 315 to 345 new restaurants in 2025, with 80% featuring a Chipotlane. The Westgate South center recently lost its Big Lots store, which closed due to bankruptcy.
Wheelock Library to Close March 4th Through Spring
The Wheelock Library branch in Tacoma’s North End will temporarily close starting March 4 for HVAC system upgrades aimed at improving comfort and energy efficiency. During the closure, which is expected to last until mid-June, the teen area will also be updated. The Wheelock branch is the busiest in the Tacoma Public Library system, accounting for 38% of all checkouts. Approximately 11,000 people visit each month. Book drops will be closed during the repairs, but patrons can still pick up holds and return items during limited hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The library system encourages patrons to use other branches for services and programs.Book drops will be closed at the branch while repairs are underway, according to the library system. Patrons also won’t be able to browse the books there, which might make hold times longer for all in Tacoma. In the meantime, residents can pick up holds and drop off returns there Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local Governance

Vacated Seat on Board of Park Commissioners Filled by Carla Santorno
Carla Santorno has been appointed to complete the remaining term of Tim Reid’s position on the Board of Park Commissioners after a unanimous vote. Santorno, a retired superintendent from Tacoma Public Schools with 49 years in education, will serve until 2025. She is scheduled to be sworn in on February 24. Santorno replaces Tim Reid, who passed away in December.The process to fill another vacant position remains open for applications until February 18. The Park Board has also appointed Alisa Lee to fill a seat left by Aaron Pointer. The final position, vacated by Rosie Ayala, will be addressed in the coming months, with interviews and appointments expected by March 10.

Click to view Entertainment Calendar

Business & Opportunities

Artists: Connect with Collectors Through Email Marketing, Workshop
A free workshop titled “Connect with Collectors through Email Marketing” will take place on Saturday, February 22, at 11am CT. The session will cover email marketing basics, how to start and grow your email list, best practices and answer all your questions about email marketing and newsletters – why you should or shouldn’t do it, how it works best, how to get started if you have no list, how to grow your list, and more. Participants are encouraged to come with questions. If you can’t attend, sign up to receive the replay. To prepare, the speaker suggests focusing on what you can control, staying present in your work, and practicing self-compassion. Sign up for the workshop through the provided link.
Free Property Tax Exemption Seminar Hosted by Assessor-Treasurer
Seniors and individuals with disabilities are invited to attend a free Property Tax Exemption Seminar hosted by the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s Office in partnership with the South Sound Housing Affordability Partners and Pierce County Human Services (PCHS).These informative sessions will provide guidance on eligibility and how life changes such as retirement or loss of a spouse may impact tax relief. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to apply for property tax exemptions. PCHS will also host resource tables offering valuable information on programs and services available to the community, including veterans’ support and aging and disability resources.Monday, Feb. 24 | 10 AM | Puyallup Public LibraryTuesday, March 11 | 9 AM | Sumner Senior CenterAttendance is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. Visit https://bit.ly/3WEb74G to learn more.
Tacoma Venues and Events has Job Openings
Tacoma Venues and Events has multiple job openings:The Guest Services Team Member performs various duties at various city-operated venues, such as fielding event and facility inquiries on the phone and in person during event time, providing travel and parking directions, or providing information on tickets and seating for public events. The Guest Services Team Member also acts as hosts in multiple premium guest areas by welcoming guests and providing customer service to the area – Applications close on Monday, March 3rd at 5:00pmAssistant Maintenance Chief is semi-skilled work in the performance and supervision of the set-up/tear-down, conversion, maintenance and custodial functions in the Tacoma Venues & Events facilities. Responsibilities include assisting the TVE Maintenance Chief and TVE Director of Operations in supervising employees in the operation of specialized equipment, technical systems and general custodial and maintenance services throughout the department’s facilities – Applications close on Thursday, February 27th at 5:00pmAs an HVAC Mechanic at TVE, you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems in special purpose facilities. But more than that, you’ll be part of a team that’s committed to making every event great – Applications close on Tuesday, March 4th at 5:00pm. Apply Here
Calling Muralists to Beautify Tacoma in the Most Vandalized Places
Pierce County is inviting mural artists to transform areas often affected by graffiti into vibrant art spaces. They have opened applications for three mural opportunities at locations in Tacoma-Parkland, Parkland, and the Waller community. The project aims to reduce vandalism, boost community involvement, and improve neighborhood aesthetics. Budgets for the murals range from $10,000 to $75,000, covering insurance, supplies, and permits. The initiative is funded through the County’s 1% for the Arts Program and a special fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Artists must submit proposals by March 31, with eligibility for those 18+ and authorized to work in the U.S. A webinar on February 26 will provide additional details, and all information can be found on the Pierce County Mural Project website.
Auditions for Rocky at Tacoma Little Theater
Tacoma Little Theatre is holding auditions for the Washington premiere of Rocky. This production will be directed by Chris Serface, choreographed and assistant directed by Ashley Roy-Simpson, and musically directed by Lindsay Delmarter. Auditions will be held on Sunday, March 9th and Monday, March 10th at Tacoma Little Theatre (210 N I Street, Tacoma WA 98403), and Tuesday, March 11th at the Star Center (3873 S 66th St, Tacoma, WA 98409). Audition appointments will be set starting at 6:00pm on Sunday and 7:00pm on Monday and Tuesday. Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, March 12th at Tacoma Little Theatre. All actors must schedule their appointment using Casting Manager at the link below.Rocky Balboa is a small-time Philadelphia boxer who is chosen to take on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, when the undefeated fighter’s scheduled opponent is injured. While he diligently trains for the fight, Rocky begins a relationship with Adrian, a wallflower who is tired of being pushed around by her brother. As their love grows, they find their inner strength and bring out the best in each other. Rocky is a hard-hitting yet tender musical with music and lyrics by Tony®-winners and Academy Award® nominees Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, and a book by multiple Tony®-winner Thomas Meehan, adapted from the acclaimed Oscar®-nominated screenplay by Sylvester Stallone.Anyone and Everyone is invited to audition for any production at Tacoma Little Theatre regardless of any physical attribute, gender, race, age, ability, body type, ethnicity, expressions, or experience. All roles are available. Auditioners are asked to prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre style song. Please bring sheet music in the correct key, an accompanist will be provided. All actors cast receive a travel reimbursement up to $150.00.Once cast, Rocky will begin rehearsals on April 14th. Rehearsals are Monday-Thursday from 7:00pm-9:30pm. The production will run from June 6th to June 29th for a total of 13 performances. To reserve an audition time, click here or call our Box Office for assistance at (253) 272-2281.

Recreation & Wellness

Beach Clean Up to Celebrate Beer Release During Beer Week
Silver City Brewery is partnering with Communities for a Healthy Bay (CHB) to create a special collaboration beer, Gose With The Flow, to support clean water initiatives in Bremerton, Tacoma, and beyond. This refreshing gose features lemon balm and San Juan Island sea salt, capturing the essence of Puget Sound with citrus notes and a hint of salinity. A portion of the proceeds from the beer will go to CHB to help protect and restore South Sound waterways. To celebrate the release, there will be a beach cleanup with CHB and South Sound Surfrider at Les Davis Pier on March 1, followed by a beer release party at Peaks and Pints from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Spring Break is Coming… Is Your Kiddo Going to Camp?
Looking for somewhere for your kids to enjoy their spring break? Parks Tacoma has multiple camps available from April 7-11th. Check them out and register here:Point Defiance Spring Break Camp (Age 5-12)Titlow Spring Break Camp (Age 5-12)Wapato Spring Break Camp (Age 5-12)Specialized Spring Break Camp: Spring into STEM (Age 5-12)Heritage Skills Spring Break Camp – Full Week (Age 10-15)Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO Camp – Game On! (Age 6-10)Outdoor Adventures Camp (Age 10-14)Hike & Bike Camp (Age 10-14)Spring Break Camp at Treetops (Age 4-6)Hobby Horse Galactic Gallop (Age 6-12)Yoga Camp at Owen Beach (Age 6-10)Check out these and more for your camper here!
Swan Creek Needs Input on New Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge
Parks Tacoma is considering building a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over First Creek in Swan Creek Park, aiming to connect surrounding communities, schools, and the park. The two potential locations are at East 48th Street and East 51st Street. An open house was held in January, and voting is now open until February 23 to select the preferred site. The bridge would support walkers, joggers, cyclists, and students. Several design options were presented, including suspension and arch bridges, with community input being sought on style preferences—rustic, contemporary, or artistic.While funding has not yet been secured, nearly $400,000 was provided for preliminary studies. The bridge’s length would vary depending on the location, with spans of 250 feet at East 48th Street and 175 feet at East 51st Street. Following further public input and site analysis, the final location will be chosen in June, with additional design work continuing afterward.
Bloom at the Flower and Garden Show
The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle is offering an early taste of spring, running through Sunday, February 23. One standout display, created by Tacoma’s Emerald City Orchids, features a tropical ravine filled with hundreds of plants and orchids. The display, titled “Worlds Within Worlds,” includes 17 terrariums and incorporates a fun “Mars Attacks” theme with aliens and a spaceship. This is the first display garden by Emerald City Orchids at the show, though owner Joe Grienauer has worked on about ten others previously.The festival also includes various highlights like “Traveler’s Tea” presentations, in-depth seminars on gardening, and talks from experts on topics ranging from houseplants to tree-based meditation. The event is held at the Seattle Convention Center from February 19-23, with tickets priced at $23 in advance or $29 during the show.For more details, visit gardenshow.com.

Film & TV Reviews

TV Series Review: White Lotus

By: Elizabeth Malloy

Breathe in, and out. Breath in, and out. Are those gunshots? Never mind, just keep breathing and focus on calming the mind. Breathe in, and wait, is that a dead body floating past me? If that is a dead body, then that can only mean one thing, Mike White’s The White Lotus has finally returned to the small screen and is as intriguing and dark as ever.

Creator Mike White has crafted a distinctive niche in television, refining a signature blend of dark satire set against the opulence of luxury resorts. Sticking to his winning formula, White delivers another sharp exploration of the elite, this time unfolding in the lavish White Lotus resort in Thailand. The story opens with Zion (Nicholas Duvernay) meditating alongside his teacher in a secluded area of the resort. Their tranquility is shattered by the sound of gunfire erupting on the property. Seeking refuge and turning to prayer, Zion soon stumbles upon a lifeless body floating in a lily pond. From there, the narrative rewinds one week, introducing a fresh ensemble of privileged guests whose stay will unravel into yet another whirlwind of intrigue and tension.

We first meet the Ratliff family, a staunchly conservative clan from North Carolina who have traveled to Thailand to support their daughter’s thesis on Buddhism. However, their seemingly innocent trip takes a turn when relentless journalists begin hounding the family’s patriarch, Timothy (Jason Isaacs), setting off a chain of events that will put their tight-knit, traditional dynamic to the test. Meanwhile, his heavily medicated wife, Victoria (Parker Posey), remains as oblivious and chatty as ever, unaware of the brewing storm. But beneath the surface, tension simmers among their three children—Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), and Lochlan (Sam Nivola)—whose unsettlingly awkward bond hints at long-buried family secrets. Cue Sweet Home Alabama.

Next, we meet the free-spirited Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) and her much older boyfriend, Rick (Walton Goggins), an unlikely pair navigating a rough patch in their relationship. Chelsea embraces the wellness-focused atmosphere of the White Lotus, feeling right at home, while Rick—whom she suspects has a criminal past—seems out of place and increasingly uneasy in the resort’s serene setting. However, it soon becomes clear that Rick isn’t just here for a getaway. His real motive centers around the resort owner’s husband, Jim Hollinger, a man he appears disturbingly fixated on finding.

Lastly, we meet three lifelong friends—Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb), and Laurie (Carrie Coon)—reuniting after years apart. Jaclyn is a glamorous movie star, Laurie a high-powered corporate executive, and Kate, is a devoted housewife. Though their reunion begins with warm smiles and polite conversation, beneath the surface, old resentments, jealousy, and unspoken grudges simmer. As their stay unfolds, tensions mount, and it’s only a matter of time before their fragile truce shatters.

White wastes no time immersing the audience in the tropical splendor of Thailand, seamlessly introducing his latest ensemble of characters. The setting is breathtaking—lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, and a serene atmosphere that promises paradise. But beneath the surface of this idyllic retreat, tensions begin to simmer almost immediately. As secrets unravel, hidden agendas take shape, and long-buried resentments come to light, it’s only a matter of time before the cracks in these seemingly perfect lives start to show. With each interaction hinting at deeper conflicts to come, the stage is set for yet another gripping, darkly comedic exploration of privilege, power, and personal turmoil. I can’t wait to see how the drama unfolds.

TV Series Reviews: YellowJackets

By: Elizabeth Malloy

Yellowjackets have finally returned for its third season after a two year hiatus and it is needless to say that the series has a lot of work to do. After a mixed second season, the series had a big uphill battle to get back into the groove that was seen in the first season after they wrote themselves quite a corner. And based upon the first two episodes, it feels like they haven’t climbed themselves out of the pit yet.

There is no doubt that the teen/wilderness arc is still the best part of the show as it is the only narrative that feels whole and has an ultimate endgame. Spring has finally arrived for the Yellowjackets and they are not just surviving, but thriving in the wilderness (yes, I am aware this was a narrative shortcut to fast track them to spring instead of showing how they survived the cabin fire, but it still works). However, despite the warmth of spring, everything is not fine and dandy. Tensions are still high and alliances are being formed as their madness begins reaching a boiling point. So it is clear where that storyline is going to go, so I don’t have any complaints so far.

However, the same can’t be stated for the survivors 25-years-later as it feels more lost than ever. It is very clear that they have hit the narrative reset button as they have abandoned many plot points they set up in the second season, such as Nats death, the pedo cop murder cover-up, the Adam Martin murder, Tai’s family, etc. However, it is clear that the showrunners still have no idea what to do with the survivor’s arc and are just giving them busy work as no narrative has been clearly being set up. Which is mind boggling because they had a compelling narrative for them in the first season that they could have returned to.

It was very clear that in season one, the survivors arc was going to be a narrative about the destruction that is caused when you don’t confront your grief and trauma. How these survivors are willing to burn everything to the ground, including themselves, in order to lock their trauma away from everyone. This compelling narrative was sadly abandoned in season two, and from the looks of it, this narrative appears to be dead in season three, as the series is more focused on showing the audience how quirky its characters are.

Let’s have a sleepover with a mentally unstable woman and treat her like family, even though she wanted to kill you a few weeks ago. Let’s abandon my family and go be with an old flame and be menaces to society. The adult narrative in the first two episodes makes no sense and outside of the narrative surrounding Christina Ricci’s Misty, I completely have checked out of the adult narrative only two episodes in. Which would be a shame, because I don’t want to see an ensemble as talented as this one be completely wasted by incompetent writers.

Overall, the third season of Yellowjackets is not off to a very strong start as it feels like the showrunners and writers have not learned anything from their mistakes in season two. However, there are still eight episodes left in the season so there is plenty of room for the series to find its groove again. The acting, direction and overall filmmaking is still incredibly strong, however, I have a feeling this season will ultimately make or break this show. We shall see what happens in the coming weeks.