Updates from Tacoma Weekly http://tacomaweekly.com What's one of the most important things you can do to better your community? According to Dan Burden, director of Walkable Communities, it's to make your town a more pedestrian-friendly, walkable place. The city of Tacoma invited Burden to perform two "Walkability Audits" - one at the University of Washington's Tacoma campus and the other in the St. Helens neighborhood - to see how the city could improve its pedestrian thoroughfares. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1937 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1937 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTmerkkinen@tacomaweekly.com(Meghan Erkkinen) DaVita, a national leader in kidney dialysis and a major employer in Tacoma, has announced that it needs more office space to meet its needs. The company has leased space in the former Schoenfelds furniture building on Pacific Avenue since the late 1990s. Tacoma was at one point the headquarters for the company. El Segundo, Calif., is now the headquarters, but much of its business operations remain here. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1938 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1938 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTjlarson@tacomaweekly.com(John Larson) Area residents could be taking train rides to Northwest Trek this summer. Metro Parks Commission passed a resolution during its May 12 meeting that authorized Executive Director Jack Wilson to enter into an interlocal agreement with Tacoma Rail to launch a new excursion train. Gary Geddes, director of zoological and environmental education with Metro Parks, told the commission that he, Wilson, Tacoma City Council members Connie Ladenburg and Spiro Manthou met in December with Paula Henry, who until recently was superintendent of Tacoma Rail, which is part of Tacoma Public Utilities. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1939 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1939 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTjlarson@tacomaweekly.com(John Larson) The new Tacoma-Pierce County Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) facility was opened for public viewing for the first time on May 9. Built to replace the EOC's original facility, located in the basement of the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma, it provides a visual representation to area residents of what could happen when all levels of government come together for the greater good of the community. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1940 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1940 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTnews@tacomaweekly.com(Tiffany Richards) May 11 was not only Mother's Day, it was also the official kick-off day for AmeriCorps Week 2008, which runs through May 18. In Pierce County, to celebrate the week and bring attention to how all Americans can serve their country locally, a handful of well-known Tacomans experienced what it's like to work for AmeriCorps by rolling up their sleeves and going to work alongside Washington Service Corps/AmeriCorps members at various social service agencies around town. Ken Miller, board member for Tacoma Housing Authority, served at the Lakewood Area Shelter for the homeless May 12. On May 13 Sharon Parker, chancellor for equity and diversity at University of Washington Tacoma, served at United Way of Pierce County, and Drew Mikkelsen, South Sound bureau chief for KING 5 News, served at Goodwill Industries. Jud Morris, director of the Family Support Center for Children's Home Society in Pierce County, will work at the Tacoma Rescue Mission on May 16, the same day Tacoma City Councilmember Rick Talbert goes to work for a day at Bates Technical College. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1941 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1941 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTmattnagle@tacomaweekly.com(Matt Nagle) Children's Museum of Tacoma has been looking for a new location for some time. Earlier this year its interest in a parcel on Thea Foss Waterway generated considerable controversy, as open space advocates united against building a museum on land that was purchased with funds set aside for open space. Not wishing to be the center of controversy, the museum withdrew its interest. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1942 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1942 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTjlarson@tacomaweekly.com(John Larson) A city pilot program credited with reducing crime and blight will soon be expanding. The city launched Community Based Services (CBS) in neighborhoods surrounding three elementary schools - Bryant, at South 8th and 'I' streets on Hilltop; Jennie Reed, adjacent to Interstate 5 just west of Tacoma Mall; and Edison, between South 56th and 66th streets. The fourth pilot area is Tacoma Avenue. Between 2005 and 2007, crime in the four areas was reduced, respectively, by 8 percent, 39 percent, 22 percent and 48 percent. CBS combines the expertise of police officers and code enforcement officers with the knowledge of community activists seeking to improve their neighborhoods. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1943 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1943 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTjlarson@tacomaweekly.com(John Larson) What would a livable community look like to you? Would it be safe from crime, or would it be environmentally concious? Would it be a place where everyone had access to education, or would it be walkable and friendly? Those are questions Pierce County residents are invited to explore at the fourth biennial Livable Communities Fair, to be held May 17. More than 150 booths will be set up, representing government organizations, non-profits, environmental programs and a variety of other groups. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1944 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1944 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTmerkkinen@tacomaweekly.com(Meghan Erkkinen) When Paula Bonds woke up on May 7, she had no idea that by mid-morning she would be the top principal in the state. She may have caught on when the morning's assembly had local media lining the walls of the gymnasium, and when the guest of honor for the day mysteriously never showed up. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1945 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1945 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTcjensen@tacomaweekly.com(Clare Jensen) They engaged in spirited debate on topics ranging from an official state bird to more serious fare like health care in the halls of state government in Olympia. Students from several Tacoma schools joined hundreds of their peers from around the state for the 61st annual YMCA Youth Legislature, which took place April 30 through May 3 at the state capitol. Don Brevik, an employee of YMCA of Tacoma/Pierce County, is the local program committee chair. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1946 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1946 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTjlarson@tacomaweekly.com(John Larson) When Rondi Boskovich moved to the Tacoma area 35 years ago, she had no idea that she would one day be a fixture for eclectic shoppers in one of the city's most coveted business districts. Boskovich opened fashion boutique Jasminka in the North End's Proctor District a quarter of a century ago, and in that time it has become a go-to place for ethnic, unusual clothing for local women. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1947 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1947 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTcjensen@tacomaweekly.com(Clare Jensen) Establishments in Ruston that offer gambling to their customers could be facing a steep tax increase in the near future. Ruston Town Councilmember Wayne Stebner is proposing an increase in the city's gambling tax from the current 3 percent to 20 percent, the maximum allowed under state law. Stebner said Point Defiance Caf and eacute; and Casino currently produces about $40,000 a year in tax revenue for the town. Were the tax to go up to 20 percent, his rough estimate is the revenue from the casino would be about $233,000. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1948 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1948 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTjlarson@tacomaweekly.com(John Larson) Making errors in a softball game against a talented team is a good way to put extra runs on the board for your opponent. Making eight errors in the same game, as the Stadium Tigers learned May 9 against the Wilson Rams, is a good way to cost yourself a win and a Narrows League title. The Rams (17-2) used errors and a strong pitching performance by Kelly Ruth to defeat Stadium (15-2) by a score of 5-1 to earn their third straight Narrows League championship and the No. 1 seed to the West Central District playoffs. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1923 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1923 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTbmiller@tacomaweekly.com(Ben Miller) Two years ago, Dave Alwert accepted a job at Lakes High School to be the head basketball coach. It was a position he had already filled for four years from 2000-04 before two years at Sumner High School. But when the teaching position at Lakes that came along with the coaching job fell through, he decided to go back to Sumner. However, when the opportunity to coach at Wilson High School became available this year, he decided that he was going to make a change, even without a teaching position at the school. "I kind of regret that I didn't go back to Lakes two years ago," he said. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1924 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1924 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTbmiller@tacomaweekly.com(Ben Miller) After starting 0-4 in the Narrows League season, the Stadium Tigers rebounded in a big way heading into the West Central District playoffs. The Tigers won eight in a row to end the season and the Narrows League playoffs before facing the Curtis Vikings in the opening round of the district tournament May 10. No. 3 and 4 hitters Kevin Meyers and Tony Rossetto both hit home runs as the Tigers stretched their winning streak to nine with a 10-4 win against the Vikings. That set up a showdown with fellow Narrows League competitor South Kitsap for a bid to State. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1925 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1925 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTbmiller@tacomaweekly.com(Ben Miller) Bellarmine pitcher Anna Olson struck out seven batters and gave up just four runs, while the Lion bats provided all the offense as they defeated Mount Tahoma 6-0 on May 9 in Narrows League tournament action at the South End Recreation Area in Tacoma. With the victory the Lions clinched the Narrows League's sixth and final spot in the West Central District tournament. Alex Pollastro got the scoring started in the first inning when she drilled a hit into the outfield. Paige Redmon, who had gotten on base with a walk, scampered past third base. A T-bird infielder bobbled the throw from the outfield, allowing Redmon to score. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1926 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1926 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTjlarson@tacomaweekly.com(John Larson) Since 1980, making the state playoffs for the Bellarmine boys soccer team has been about as common an occurrence as the Seattle Mariners overpaying for free agents: it happens all the time. This season is no different, as the Lions shutout the Emerald Ridge Jaguars 2-0 in district play to earn their 23rd trip to State in school history. It is also the fifth consecutive season that Bellarmine will be participating in the state playoffs, which ties the school record for consecutive appearances with three other such streaks. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1927 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1927 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTbmiller@tacomaweekly.com(Ben Miller) "It is better to give than to receive" is a phrase that usually describes one's generosity toward one another. Such was the case May 10 at Bob Maguinez Field at the Heidelberg Sports Complex as the Emerald Ridge Jaguars defeated the Bellarmine Lions by a score of 7-4 in the West Central District Playoffs. "We lost a lot of opportunities and didn't make plays when we had to," Lions skipper Rick Barnhardt describing his team's play. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1928 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1928 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTnews@tacomaweekly.com(Steve Mullen) Tacoma Weekly: When did you start playing sports? Amy Pudists: I started playing sports when I was four. I joined an indoor soccer team, and from then on I started playing baseball. And when I was a sophomore is when I started golf. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1929 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1929 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTbmiller@tacomaweekly.com(Ben Miller) Tacoma's William Traver Gallery has scored a coup in landing a major show by Dale Chihuly, arguably the most famous of the currently living sons of Tacoma, and the single most influential figure in the making of the Puget Sound region into a world renowned center of fine art glass. The show, "Dale Chihuly: Baskets, Cylinders and Drawings," opened May 10. A reception for the artist will occur May 17 and a wine tasting reception will take place May 31. "Dale Chihuly: Baskets, Cylinders and Drawings" consists entirely of new work all done within the last two years. There is, however, a hearkening back to an earlier time involved in the main themes of this show. The "Cylinders" and the "Baskets" are two of the first series of works by which young Chihuly began to make a name for himself in the art world. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1930 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1930 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTdave@tacomaweekly.com(Dave R. Davison) Proctor District turned pink May 8 to make a public show of support and encouragement for women with breast cancer and those who are surviving it. Many women and a good number of men, about 300 altogether according to organizers, turned out for the first-time evening event called "Puttin' on the Pink." The outing served as a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Center (BCRC) in Tacoma, an independent, grassroots organization founded in 1998 by breast cancer survivors and local healthcare professionals to address the holistic needs of people affected by breast cancer or who are at risk. BCRC provides community outreach and education, assistance with mammography vouchers, customized exercise classes, support groups, literature, wigs, prostheses and a network of volunteers to help clients gather information regarding diagnosis and treatment options. Services are delivered in a warm, caring, supportive environment at no cost to clients. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1931 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1931 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTmattnagle@tacomaweekly.com(Matt Nagle) For the 20th year in a row, works by students at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) have been chosen for publication in the annual "Best of College Photography" from the publishers of the award-winning Photography Forum magazine. Since 1988, Bea Geller, an associate professor of art at PLU, has encouraged her students to send their work in to be judged for possible inclusion in the book, and every year at least two or more get chosen, some years from among as many as 30,000 entries sent in by college students across the country. Geller said the students not only enjoy the prestige of being published in the big glossy volume but also see it as a positive commentary on the work they put into their efforts at PLU. "It's an important marker for the students and it's good for the school," Geller said. "My students take initiatives that go beyond the classroom." http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1932 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1932 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTmattnagle@tacomaweekly.com(Matt Nagle) Seattle Children's Theatre's (SCT) "Busytown" is a hoot. It is based on several stories by children's author Richard Scarry. The central character is Huckle Cat, who wonders, "What do people do all day?" "Busytown" answers this query. All the regular Scarry characters are there: Huckle Cat (Matt Wolfe, who played the rabbit in "Good Night, Moon"); his mother Grocer Cat (Lisa Estridge, who also plays the mailman with a constantly increasing roll-around bag); Sergeant Murphy, the policeman on a motorcycle (Allen Galli); the air mail pilots and mechanic, dock workers, the Gorilla who steals bananas, Farmer Alfalfa (Auston James, who was the snail and a bird in "A Year with Frog and Toad" and Horton in "Seussical") who grows the food; the construction workers who build a house; Stitches the tailor (Khanh Doan) who sews clothes; and the iconic Lowly Worm is his apple car. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1933 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1933 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTnews@tacomaweekly.com(Peg Doman) A line-up of six outstanding local bands will play the Swiss May 18 for a benefit show called Bidding on a Cure to help raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life that happens May 30 at Mt. Tahoma High School. A silent auction will also be underway featuring more than 40 eclectic items to bid on. The six members of Jackie Paper take the stage first at 3 p.m., playing a combination of rock, funk, soul, gospel and hip-hop. Next up is acoustic-based singer/songwriter Vicci Martinez followed by Blues Brothers tribute band The New Blues Brothers. Players Club is up next, a 12-piece outfit that plays a mix of disco, funk, R and amp;B and Motown; then the high-energy Doctor Funk with its phenomenal horn section; and closing will be Dance Factory playing disco and 80s hits. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1934 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1934 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTmattnagle@tacomaweekly.com(Matt Nagle) The Pierce College music department is gearing up yet again for a night of great music and tasty food at its Jazz Expo 2008. The Jazz Expo is a 30-plus year tradition at Pierce College, aimed at raising money for music scholarships and showcasing students' and local artists' talent. This year's expo, in addition to featuring the student Jazz Ensemble and Farwest Vocal Jazz, will feature Louise Rose and Thomas Marriott. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1935 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1935 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTmerkkinen@tacomaweekly.com(Meghan Erkkinen) For only $8, Tacoma area residents can rock out for charity May 18 at Jazzbones. Project: U and Love Tacoma are teaming up to bring seven local acts together for Rock the Cause, with $5 of each ticket sold going to benefit the United Way. "This will be a great way to introduce so many people to the local music scene we have going on in Tacoma," said city spokesperson Roxanne Murphy. "And it will be a nice way to give back to the community on top of that." http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1936 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1936 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTbmiller@tacomaweekly.com(Ben Miller) Those who travel down five blocks of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way may feel the urge to squint, as the area is much brighter than it was in April. Previously overgrown or vacant sidewalk planters are now glowing with bright green grass, marigolds and geraniums. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1914 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1914 Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTcjensen@tacomaweekly.com(Clare Jensen) The city of Tacoma will recognize Tacoma's outstanding volunteers at the 22nd annual City of Destiny Awards May 13. Mayor Bill Baarsma and Tacoma City Council will honor four individuals and four groups for their exemplary service at the 7 p.m. ceremony at Jason Lee Middle School, located at 602 N. Sprague Ave. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1915 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1915 Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTnews@tacomaweekly.com(Tacoma Weekly) Downtown Tacoma has seen a building boom over the past decade, with developers investing in new office buildings and condominium towers. The commercial districts scattered around the city, in contrast, have seen little of this action. The city of Tacoma began designating these areas as mixed-use centers in 1993. Three years later it is creating zoning regulations for these centers, of which there are now 17. http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1916 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1916 Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTjlarson@tacomaweekly.com(John Larson) On May 2, the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County Friends and Servants outreach program for juvenile offenders hosted the official opening of the Greenhouse Project at Tacoma's Remann Hall. The project is based on a similar program operated by the Mel Korum YMCA in Puyallup, which has assisted that area's juvenile offenders for the past 15 years under the guidance of YMCA Friends and Servants Program Director Bill Bowers. "When the kids come to us, we instill in them three core values: you're valuable, we care about you, and there's hope for a better future," he said. "We hope to get them on a better track in life by raising their self-confidence and giving them mentorship and opportunities they've never had." http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1917 http://tacomaweekly.com/article/1917 Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 PDTnews@tacomaweekly.com(Tiffany Richards)