While Edison City Diner, located at 5640 South Tacoma Way, may be themed like a 1940’s diner, the actual history of the restaurant reaches even further back. In 1909, when South Tacoma was known as Edison City, it served as a wagon wheel repair shop and was turned into an eat-in diner in 1917. Today, Edison City Diner is owned by Leian Susee, whose sweets and eats do the old school restaurant proud.

While looking for a place to sell her freshly made desserts, she found the Edison City Diner location in 2012. The restaurant’s long history as a diner was too much to ignore.

“It was such a diner atmosphere that it just sung towards making it that,” Susee said.

Edison City Diner offers various lunch and dinner menu items including chicken fried steak – hand breaded and griddle fried steak smothered in delicious bacon gravy and served with three eggs of any style and your choice of potatoes and toast or a biscuit.

“It’s handmade. This is real chicken fried steak,” Susee said.

The diner also offers homemade corned beef hash, with three eggs of any style and a choice of toast or a biscuit for $12.95.

For lunch, Edison City offers a unique chili burger, a burger served open-face and smothered in house made chili, topped with diced onions and Tilamook cheddar cheese for $ 11.25.

For a lighter affair, sandwiches are also available, for example, the Clubhouse, three layers of toasted bread spread with mayo and piled high with lettuce, cheddar, Monterrey jack cheese, ham, turkey bacon and tomatoes for $10.95

All of these menu items are made from scratch, with fresh ingredients right in the restaurant.

“I don’t cut corners,” Susee said. “I crack eggs, I use fresh butter, fresh milk and all that stuff makes a huge difference.”

Edison City Diner is open on Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays for breakfast only from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The diner can be contacted at (253) 473-1517.

Before I begin, I’ll admit that I had several people question my judgment about this assignment. They told me roller derby wasn’t a sport and was more akin to WWE Wrestling than anything else.

Of course, if the Tacoma Weekly handed me a fifth page for the sports section, I’d probably fill it with pro wrestling news and action photos. Also, I still refer to them as the WWF and I’m never going to change that, I don’t care what they call themselves.

I kid of course (except for the WWF part). Sports pages are meant for real sports and not “sports entertainment.”

And it’s also true that back in the day, roller derby was considered a rigged game just like pro wrestling was, is and always will be. It was all about the spectacle, and apparently it needed to be controlled to maintain a certain level of excitement and interest.

Let’s just cut to the chase – I’m pretty much a Disciple of Women’s Roller Derby now.

I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “Justin, you’re already jumping the shark, and it’s been such a relatively short run.”

Sometimes you need to seek out and find those sports and events that you’ve never witnessed or maybe even heard of.

I thought covering a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament and the Dockyard Derby Dames semifinals in one day was a fantastic example of scheduling some serious bang for my buck – and I feel that I grew as both an individual and a lover of odd sports.

That’s right, roller derby is a sport. If you saw the hip-checks, the elbows, the welts, the sweat and the crashes that I saw Saturday night at Pierce College, I’m pretty sure you would walk away sold on it as a sport, and probably with a new T-shirt or beer cozy.

It was the semifinal round of Tacoma’s Dockyard Dames Roller Derby League with the Femme Fianna facing off against the Marauding Mollys and the Hellbound Homewreckers against the Trampires.

If the team names don’t lure you in, the players’ names might seal the deal for you. Some of my personal favorites were Alicat Tastrophe and Lt. Stryk-her from the Femme Fianna - Booty Trapp, Slim Sayde, Verona Hematoma and Dara Sheblows from the Marauding Mollys – Judy Asa Punk, Gingersnap Ya Leg and Pretty in Punk from the Trampires and from the Hellbound Homewreckers I have to go with Ivanna Pound-U, Jess Add Whiskey, Noodle Caesar and Mytai Smashya.

How can this not be fun?

Let’s talk about the rules. On second thought, they make my head hurt and you’re better off just watching and absorbing the action. There’s two 30-minute periods, so after awhile you begin to sense what is going on. Perhaps it’s an osmosis-type happening. I don’t know, I’m not a brain scientist. You can’t explain it, but something begins to push back the fog of confusion and you’ll exclaim to the person next to you – “Hey, I get it!” Just trust me on this.

About 500 fans cheered on their favorite roller girls, and many were dressed for the occasion. There were pirates supporting the Marauding Mollys, a leprechaun, a gentleman dressed from head to toe in a purple leotards, plenty of team shirts, face paint and a whole mess of folks wearing sombreros in the beer garden – although I still can’t find the connection for the sombreros, but they looked like they were having fun nonetheless.

In the end the Marauding Mollys were too much for the Femme Fianna, beating them 195-125 and the Hellbound Homewreckers handled the Trampires 241-117. The two winners will face each other for the championship May 10 at Pierce College. A grudge match between the other two teams will kick off the evening.

I was impressed by how family-friendly the night was. Other than a few semi-naughty names worn by some skaters, there was just some great music bumping all night, some hilarious MCs talking up the action throughout and plenty of happy people in attendance.

The Dockyard Derby Dames have got themselves a new fan in yours truly. I can’t promise regular coverage of roller derby in the Tacoma Weekly, but I can assure you the phony days are long gone and this is definitely a sport – albeit one that has rules that I find hard to fully comprehend.

An errant Mount Tahoma handball in the box put Decatur’s Marco Bravo in position to put his team ahead 1-0 just ten minutes into the April 1 non-league match and the senior punched it into the back of the net at Mt Tahoma Stadium.

For the next 70 minutes, Mt. Tahoma (1-3-1) controlled the ball, dictated the flow of the game and had several chances for an equalizer goal, let alone a handful more. Instead, the Thunderbirds were plagued by numerous offside calls, poorly struck kicks in front of the goal and a few headers that were almost good enough.

The Gators (2-1) played a strong game, especially freshman goalkeeper Jose Barbosa, who saw nothing but Mt. Tahoma runs and corner kicks at the Decatur goal for most of the match.

“The last couple of years I maybe wouldn’t have wanted to even schedule a game against Decatur because I might be afraid of what might happen,” said MT coach Scott Nelson. “So now I think it shows the advancement of the program. I can take guys off the bench and they still contribute. It’s not like we’ve got seven or eight players and everybody else is kind of making up the numbers. I’ve got a real squad here.”

Thirty minutes into the match, Mt. Tahoma’s Shina Arborowa punched a near-perfect left-footed crossing pass from outside of the box that Vitaliy Dimov headed just a foot over the crossbar.

“That header was a little too high. I tried to get it in there,” said Dimov. “I think we controlled this game and our other two losses, but we just didn’t finish the game.”

Dimov and the Thunderbirds had numerous opportunities in the second half but were whistled for three offside penalties within the first five minutes that looked to be solid chances. Eleven minutes in, Anthony Garibaldi saw an uncontested 10-yard kick sail just right of the goal.

It would be a trend for Mt. Tahoma the remainder of the half. While constantly pressuring and on the attack, the results were offside, wide-right, over the crossbar or wide-left.

“If we play the same, control the game and just finish, we’ll start winning,” Dimov said. “We want to win league, but we’ve got to get some goals to get some wins.”

Coach Nelson felt confident, following the game, that his squad was getting very close to turning the corner on the season and becoming a threat in the 3A Narrows League race.

“You don’t get points for style or for the number of shots and possessions and things like that,” Nelson said. “You get points for goals in the net, and that’s the part we’ve got to work on. I feel like we’ve got the personnel to win games and do well enough to make the playoffs and that’s our goal. Next up we’ve got Wilson and that game’s for real.”

Mt Tahoma hosts Wilson at 6:30 p.m. April 15.

Walter Cotter served in the Navy during World War II. He came home, put himself through college on the G.I. Bill, and eventually becoming a well-regarded neurosurgeon.

His profession allowed him to put six kids through private school, including his son, Tom, who was studying pre-law at Ohio's Denison University when he dropped a horrifying bombshell.

“After that investment, of all that money, he finds out that I want to tell jokes about my penis to strangers in bars. He was not thrilled,” recalled Tom Cotter, who will headline Tacoma Comedy Club for five big sets April 10, 11 and 12.

“It was not something he could brag about. It wasn't a badge of honor,” he said. “But when I did 'The Tonight Show' he realized, finally, that I was not a wasted sperm. We grew up watching Johnny Carson religiously in our house. So he knew I wasn't a complete failure.

“My oldest brother is a colonel, so he is the favorite, of course. I'm still joke boy, and I know my place. But that's okay with me.”

The 50-year-old standup comedian is being somewhat facetious, of course. His star has been rising for a while, and he's been an especially hot commodity since he lasted the entire seventh season of NBC-TV's “America's Got Talent” in 2012.

He ultimately finished second to animal act Olate Dogs. But he's not bitter about it. “People always ask me that,” he said. “They think I went out that night and just started randomly kicking dogs, which is not the case. I've always loved dogs. That hasn't changed. I did draft Michael Vick to my fantasy football team the next day, but that was coincidental.

“'Britain's Got Talent' was won by a dog act that year, also. So it was the year of the dog, and I'm fine with it. In all honesty, I didn't expect the dog act or me to even be in the finals. I didn't think we'd make the top six. ... So the fact that we were the two standing there at the end, I was flabbergasted.”

Cotter only had 90 seconds to impress judges Howard Stern, Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne on the show, and thinks he benefited from the lightning round delivery he developed working Boston comedy clubs early in his career.

“The style of comedy's kind of a rapid-fire style,” he said. “It's for A.D.D. people. You're banging out a lot of jokes in a short amount of time, and so that's what I've always done. I added misdirection to that with just a lot of one-liners and left turns; double-entendre and misdirection, all those things. So my act was perfectly suited for that show; and for six years everyone – managers, agents, casting people – would call me every and say you've gotta go out to the show. It's perfect for you.”

He just had one hangup. “I wouldn't (try out) because Piers Morgan was a judge,” Cotter said, recalling the English pundit's penchant for trashing comedians. “With a British accent he'd say, 'You're not funny. I didn't laugh once. You're not original.' And not only would he not advance their careers, but he would set them back in front of millions of people. So I said, 'I'm not gonna let this snobby British (jerk ruin) me in front of the world.'”

Cotter may be best known for “America's Got Talent,” but some of his earliest accolades came 20 years ago here in the Pacific Northwest. He took first place in the Seattle International Comedy Competition in 1994, something that might not have happened had his geography been any worse.

“I probably shouldn't be telling people this, but the truth is, I'm a moron,” he said. “I was going to a wedding in San Francisco – and I'm an East Coast Guy (so) I thought I could drive. I thought it was like an hour away.

“It was a surreal thing because it was at a time when the grunge thing that was big. … One night you'd be in a basement in Seattle with a bunch of people wearing tie dyes and Birkenstocks sandals. They had just come in off the street from getting stoned. The next night you'd be at a Naval sub base, so it would be a completely different demographic. Some of the guys were doing the exact same set for both audiences, and I couldn't believe they weren't mixing it up a little bit.

“So that's what I remember learning from that. You play to your audience.”

Cotter's set times in Tacoma are at 8 p.m. on April 10 and 8 and 10:30 p.m. on April 11 and 12. Tickets are $10 for the April 10 show and $15 for the others. For further details, call (253) 282-7203 or visit http://www.tacomacomedyclub.com.

8 p.m. April 10

8 and 10:30 p.m., April 11, 12

Tacoma Comedy Club

933 Market St., Tacoma

$10 to $15

(253) 282-7203 or http://www.tacomacomedyclub.com

Tacoma singer-songwriter Vicci Martinez was a big hit on the inaugural season of NBC-TV's “The Voice,” ultimately finishing second in the TV talent search before recording “Come Along,” her duet with pop mentor Cee Lo Green.

It was fellow Tacoman Stephanie Anne Johnson's turn to make waves last year; and now, with the sixth season in full swing, another local singer has her eyes on first prize. Federal Way native Ayesha Brooks – a.k.a. Music Box – is competing on Team Usher, after being stolen from pop singer Shakira's squad last week.

She couldn't tell us if she'd be in both of this week's episodes, which aired at 8 p.m. Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1, but we've sure got our fingers crossed. Here's some of what she had to say about the impact her national platform has had on her so far.

Tacoma Weekly: How did you get your stage name?

Brooks: When I was younger, I had really bad stage fright so I decided to come up with an alias to kind of help me describe how I feel. … I just needed to separate who I am around my friends and family from the person I am on the stage.

TW: People see you on the show now. But where might they remember seeing you perform around here?

Brooks: Right now I'm trying to do the solo thing, just as Music Box. But, before being on “The Voice” I performed with a group called Imagine the Giant. We performed a lot in Fremont and Portland. We did a lot of West Coast shows. We were kind of like a garage band. We did rock-soul music.

TW: Obviously, you want to win. But how else do you hope to build on this experience?

Brooks: I really wanna be a voice for people that have stage fright … and I also want to be a voice for single parents, people that are doing it on their own. It's a really scary thing to wake up every day and have to take care of another human being (while) also not giving up on your dreams, and showing your children how to pursue … a life of passion. For me, that's deeper than winning the show.

Also, this is just a platform to show who I am as an artist and to show my love for my city. I love being from Washington. I love being from Federal Way, and I love how musical this state is. I mean, we have Allen Stone. We have Nirvana. We have Jimi Hendrix. We have so much amazing music that has come out of Washington. So I just want to be a part of that legacy.

TW: Well, the past few seasons they've had some local folks on there. Vicci Martinez was the favorite on season one, and Stephanie last season.

Brooks: Yeah, Stephanie and Austin (Jenckes, from North Bend).

TW: Is there anything you learned from those guys or that you took away from their appearances?

Brooks: Absolutely, I would say having pride in where you're from and sticking to who you are as an individual. I've gotten to meet Stephanie, and I've gotten to meet Austin, and they're just really positive people, and I'm the same way. I think it's given me pride in where I come from because we kind of all have the same outlook on life, and I think that just comes from being from Washington.

TW: Most recently, we saw the “Eternal Flame” episode. Take me back to that experience.

Brooks: I took a chance, and I was like, “I'm gonna put myself in the song. I'm gonna do it the way I feel this song touches me.” That was a risky thing to do, I feel, because Shakira wanted me to be a little bit more vulnerable.

I kind of wanted to take it more to church. In the end, I'm glad I did because it really resonated with Usher. But I was really nervous because I felt Deja (Hall) had the advantage in the fact that she is so young, and she sings so vulnerably, just naturally. She has a softer voice. And we became really close, so I wanted her to progress on, too.

TW: What's it been like working with Usher versus being on Team Shakira?

Brooks: I think where I relate to Shakira is she's a mother, and she's juggling being a mother and being an international superstar. So she was able to just tell me not to think so much. I think, as Moms we try to control, and a lot of times on stage you don't have any control. You have to be a vessel to the music and allow yourself to be flexible. I learned that from Shakira.

From Usher, I think I'm just going to learn how to really be a little more confident in who I am as an artist and make decisions that have purpose.

TW: Is there anything behind the scenes that has surprised you or been different than you expected?

Brooks: I think the thing that surprises me the most is how down to earth the celebrities are. You have an idea of how Shakirah would be, and she's really very fragile and kind of a little bit more shy than I would think she is. That has shocked me the most, how human they are.

TW: I know you can't say too much, but can you tell us anything about what's coming up next?

Brooks: All I can really say is stay tuned and watch. (She laughs). That's all I’m allowed to say.

From “The Voice” contestant Music Box to “American Idol” phenom Sanjaya Malakar, many South Sound residents have enjoyed 15 minutes of fame on reality TV. Could you be the next one?

CBS-TV’s “Big Brother” will hold an open casting call for its 16th season from noon to 3 p.m. on April 12 at South Hill Mall, 3500 South Meridian, in Puyallup. “Bring your outgoing, fun personality – no need to bring anything else,” reads the announcement from CBS.

The premise of the show is a group housemates living together in a specially constructed house, having their every move monitored by in-house television cameras. Contestants are evicted throughout each season, and the last one standing takes home $500,000.

Can’t make it to the Puyallup casting call? Aspiring contestants can also apply online at bigbrothercasting.tv.

Ernest A. Jasmin, Tacoma Weekly

FRI-SUN APRIL 4-6 – TRIPLE-A BASEBALL

Albuquerque Isotopes at Tacoma Rainiers

Cheney Stadium

SATURDAY APRIL 5 – COLLEGE TRACK

J.D. Shotwell Invitational Track Meet

UPS Baker Stadium – 10 a.m.

SATURDAY APRIL 5 – COLLEGE BASEBALL

Green River CC at Tacoma CC – Doubleheader

TCC – 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.

MONDAY APRIL 7 – HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

North Thurston at Wilson

Heidelberg Field – 3:45 p.m.

Gig Harbor at Bellarmine

Bellarmine HS – 4 p.m.

MON.–WED. APRIL 7-9 – TRIPLE-A BASEBALL

El Paso Chihuahuas at Tacoma Rainiers

Cheney Stadium

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 – HIGH SCHOOL GOLF

Foss at Stadium – Boys & Girls

North Shore GC – 2:45 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 – GIRLS TENNIS

Lincoln at Stadium

Stadium HS – 3:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 – BOYS & GIRLS TRACK

Wilson & South Kitsap at Mt Tahoma

Mt. Tahoma HS – 3:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 – BOYS LACROSSE

Peninsula at Stadium

Lincoln Bowl – 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 – HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

Foss at Lincoln

Lincoln Bowl – 3:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11 – BASEBALL

Mt. Tahoma at Lincoln

Heidelberg Field – 3:45 p.m.

Keep a chemo calendar, my husband told me. Log your treatments, he said, and every day, note how you feel. That way, he said, we'll get the pattern of how the drugs hit my body. We'll be able to predict how I'll feel. We'll have a sense of what I can eat, when I have the energy to write, and when we can try a walk.

It's the best advice anyone has given me since I started on chemotherapy in February.

Naturally, I did not follow it.

I was a doof, and I regret not bothering to build what could have been one of the most valuable tools in managing my response to the effects of chemo.

I did not recognize that chemo would shift my status with my own body from owner to observer, and that I would need every bit of predictive data I could muster.

Welcome to “The Lucky Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, Chemical Warfare Calendar Edition.”

Chemotherapy, as every nurse, doctor and pharmacist who gets the drugs into us will tell you, is always improving. So are the drugs that mitigate its effect on us. But the basic tactic remains the same: It goes after greedy, fast-dividing cancer cells – and any cell that acts like cancer. Those include hair follicles, the soft linings of our mouths and guts and the white blood cell factories in our bone marrow.

The symptoms vary with the drugs we get – and you'd be surprised by how many different variations and combinations there are. Thanks to science, we get the medicine best equipped to kill our personal tumors and rogue cells.

Still, all chemo meds have brute force in common, and they all threaten us with symptoms. We can go bald and get mouth sores. We can forget why we ever loved food, what with it tasting like coppery crud and all. Once we get it down, we can resort to great new drugs that help us keep it down.

We might get bone pain. Imagine being a length of metal siding, and having people shake you at both ends. Lucky for us, someone figured out that a daily dose of the antihistamine Claritin chases that pain away.

There's a pill for most every chemo ill, and I am nothing but grateful to the miracle of modern chemistry.

But then there is the fatigue. It lays us so low as to amaze and alarm even the people who are on to our secret slacker ways.

That is why I feel so guilty about not doing the one simple thing my husband requested. I should add that he even proffered the 2014 Longs Drugs “Kauai – The Garden Isle” 99-cent calendar to keep that chemo log.

It would have been a great help to him, as it would be to anyone who is kind and strong enough to be helping someone through any kind of cancer treatment.

The log would put every appointment, weeks out, on the bulletin board or refrigerator. It would show the difference between a blood draw or a shot and a doctor's visit followed by three hours of infusion. It would give an idea of whether I can go by myself, or whether it would be a good idea to have another set of ears in that meeting with the doc, or someone to drive.

It would show when I need to be drinking a gallon of fluids a day. That takes nagging, and hot tea, and ice water, and sherbet sodas and Jell-O. No beer, though. That would be too easy.

That log would track the fatigue. It would alert us to the days when, after an exhausting night of deep sleep, I'd get up, have a banana, juice and yogurt, then need a four-hour nap. It would flag the day we need to hit the library to stock up on recliner reading.

That calendar would prove that the good days come around with every treatment. It would tell my sweet husband when we could maybe catch a matinee, or a late lunch of fish and chips. It would tell him when we could go for a drive punctuated by errands, just to prove that we remember normal, and we're ready for it – any day now.

HELP FUND MARITIME PROGRAM FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS

The Tacoma Youth Maritime Academy is a maritime program for special needs children and young adults in Tacoma. The program needs funding to restore and modify the academy’s flagship, the USS Defiance – a 72-foot retired U.S. Navy boat. She is in need of repairs, new paint and accommodations for children with special needs, and disabilities. To help raise money, Tacoma Youth Maritime Academy has set up a page at www.gofundme.com. The academy is in need of community support and volunteers to help bring the USS Defiance to the condition she needs to be in to serve kids. To donate, go to http://www.gofundme.com/7xstjs. For more information on the Tacoma Youth Maritime Academy, visit http://www.sailondefiance.com.

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR COMING TO TACOMA

Journalist and best-selling author Max Blumenthal is coming to Tacoma on Monday evening, April 7 to talk about “Israel Today, Unadorned & Unsanitized.” Sponsored by the Tacoma chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, he will be speaking at 7 p.m. at King’s Books, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma WA 98402.

Blumenthal’s writings have appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Daily Beast, The Guardian, the Huffington Post and many other publications. His 2009 book, “Republican Gomorrah: Inside The Movement That Shattered The Party,” is a New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestseller.

“Goliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel” is his current book. In the preface, he wrote that it is "Americans’ tax dollars and political support that are crucial in sustaining the present state of affairs" in Israel and that, in the book, he wanted to show what that money is paying for and to present the facts, using the same journalistic methods used in his previous book, “Republican Gomorrah.”

Blumenthal says that pro-Israel zealots aren't happy with “Goliath.” Jewish Voice for Peace invites you to come and hear what this is all about.

For additional information, write to Tacoma@JewishVoiceforPeace.org or visit http://www.JewishVoiceforPeace.org.

SHARE YOUR IDEAS FOR BROWNS POINT LIGHTHOUSE PARK

A public meeting will be held April 15 at 6 p.m. to discuss the Browns Point Lighthouse Park. MetroParks Tacoma wants to know your ideas about parking options, accessibility improvements and general park enhancements. The meeting will be held at the St. Matthew Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 6800 Eastside Dr. NE. Get more info at http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/browns-point-lighthouse-park. Questions? Call Roger Stanton at (253) 305-1082 or e-mail rogers@tacomaparks.com.

DETAINEES CALL FOR WORK STOPPAGE

As the hunger strike at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma entered its 21st day on March 27, Hassall Moses, detained immigrant and U.S. Army veteran, faced swift retaliation after suggesting hunger striking detainees add a work stoppage to their peaceful protest. Attorneys visiting hunger strikers were informed that Moses had been pulled from the general population after attempting to print a letter calling for a work stoppage.

In an audio recording made on March 26, Moses states he is in solitary confinement “because I tried to type up a letter making a work stop protest.” He explains, “I got put into segregation last night. I printed out a letter asking my fellow detainees to come together as one people, united.” He goes on to describe how his letter was intercepted by a GEO employee, who “called the sergeant and they put me in segregation.” He describes his reasons for calling for a work stoppage, stating, “Basically this facility is run by the detainees, and that if everybody stopped working, we could negotiate the pay raise, because right now everybody is working for a dollar. We could talk about the quality of the food, the living conditions.” He explains that he has been detained for 21 months, fighting his deportation without legal representation, and is “just trying to do this for my kids.” Between 80 and 90 percent of those detained at the Northwest Detention Center navigate their deportation cases before the Immigration Court without legal counsel.

Dozens of individuals continue on hunger strike in the Northwest Detention Center. They remain committed to their demands for improved detention conditions and a moratorium on deportations, and are calling for their release to their families and communities. At the Joe Corley Detention Facility in Conroe, Texas, where detained immigrants last week began a hunger strike of their own, ACLU attorneys were denied access to hunger strikers yesterday, and concerns over ICE’s retaliation continue to grow. Both hunger strikers and outside supporters are gearing up for the April 5 national day of action to mark two million deportations under the Obama Administration, with a large rally planned that day outside the gates of the Tacoma facility.

PUBLIC INPUT NEEDED ON STORMWATER DOCUMENTS

The City of Tacoma is inviting interested members of the public and construction and development professions to attend a technical workshop on proposed changes to Tacoma’s Stormwater Management Manual, Public Works Design Manual and the City’s municipal code from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 10.

At the workshop, Environmental Services staff will take comments and present an overview of draft changes to the City’s Stormwater Management Manual. The City’s Stormwater Management Manual outlines mitigation measures for new and re-development projects. Many of the proposed changes are designed to encourage low impact development, a stormwater and land use management strategy to minimize impervious surfaces, retain natural plants and decrease stormwater runoff.

Staff will also discuss their process for updating the Tacoma Municipal Code to encourage low impact development, including changes to the Public Works Design Manual. The Public Works Design Manual, last updated in 2004, regulates: street design, wastewater and stormwater systems design, street lighting, traffic signals, channelization, pavement markings and planning and design elements.

The updates are a requirement of the City’s Municipal Stormwater Permit, which is regulated by the Washington State Department of Ecology under the Clean Water Act. The full Stormwater Management Manual is available at http://cityoftacoma.org/stormwatermanual.

Environmental Services is hosting the free workshop at the award-winning Center for Urban Waters, 326 E. D St. RSVP to the workshop or submit public comments in writing by April 18, 2014 to swmupdates@cityoftacoma.org.

TACOMA MALL TO HOST EASTER EVENT FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Tacoma Mall has announced the return of its Caring Bunny Photo Experience. The event is intended to offer families of children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience. Caring Bunny will take place Sunday, April 13, from 9-10:30 a.m. in Tacoma Mall’s JCPenney Court. Pre-registration is required and can be completed at: http://tacomamallcaringbunny.eventbrite.com.

Many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers at the Caring Bunny event, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. The subdued environment is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary):

Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo set, dimming the lights and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event.

Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called.

Special activities geared toward the needs of the child during the “wait” period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit.

“We’re so thrilled to offer Tacoma Mall as a location for this unique experience during this time of year,” said Director of Marketing and Business Development Sarah Bonds. “We look forward to welcoming local families to be a part of Caring Bunny.”

Caring Bunny has been developed by Simon Property Group and is guided by AbilityPath.org, a national online resource hub and special needs community. Over 80 Simon properties will host the Caring Bunny this season.

NARROWS BREWING COMPANY CELEBRATES NEW ALE

Spring has just about sprung, and in celebration of the budding season, Narrows Brewing Company is celebrating with their Siren’s Call Hibiscus Saison.

This seasonal release is a Northwest take on a Midwest-made and internationally inspired recipe. Back in 2010, Narrows Brewing Company’s head brewer, Joe Walts, brewed his first batch of the farmhouse style ale in his hometown of Madison, Wis., after his friend, Robyn Klinge, returned from Egypt bearing gifts of dried hibiscus flowers. The two concocted the fragrant brew at Joe’s house, and distributed a few bottles at Vintage Brewing Company. The brew was locally revered, and brewmaster Scott Manning adapted the recipe, offering it as a Spring and Summer seasonal at the brewhouse.

Several years later, Walts has resurrected the subtly sweet, tart and fragrant flavors found in this farmhouse style ale, and has integrated it as the most recent installment to the Narrows Brewing line-up.

‘BIKENOMICS’ WITH AUTHOR ELLY BLUE

“Bikes are good for the economy” and other little known truths about transportation and our collective and personal health and wealth will be part of the discussion this Friday, April 4, 2014 from noon to 1 p.m. at UW Tacoma (Joy 117).

Author Elly Blue will be in Tacoma to talk about her book "Bikenomics: How Bicycling Can Save The Economy" at the second annual Downtown On the Go Book Club. Attendees need not to have read the book and it will be available for purchase at the event. Learn more about the book at http://takingthelane.com/product/bikenomics/.

Join VeloFemmes, a local group of women who ride bikes, for an informal conversation with the author at 4 p.m. at Anthem Coffee and Tea the same day.

The event is free and open to the public. UWT is accessible by Pierce Transit routes 1, 41, 53, 400, 500, and 501 and Tacoma Link. On-street bike parking is available. For details and to RSVP visit the Facebook event.

DOTG’s Friday Forums are a chance to learn about transportation issues and opportunities in Tacoma, discuss real challenges facing downtown commuters and residents, and hear about new ideas in the transportation world.

Thanks to Landau Associates for sponsoring the event and to BLRB Architects for sponsoring our quarterly Friday Forum series.

PREPARE FOR CITIZENSHIP EXAM AT PIERCE COUNTY LIBRARY

Permanent residents can learn about becoming a citizen and prepare for the citizenship exam during free classes at Pierce County Library. Partcipants will study U.S. history, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, while improving their English at the same time.

Classes will take place on evenings and Saturdays. To sign up, attend a required information session at Tacoma Community House, 1314 S. L St., in Tacoma – 5:30 p.m. on April 10, 10 a.m. on April 18, 10 a.m. on May 2 and 10 a.m. on May 30.

Information session includes a general program overview, complete intake and eligibility screening as well as registration for an English language level testing appointment. Bring photo ID or driver’s license and Green Card.

For more information, call (253) 383-3951 or email citizenship@tacomacommunityhouse.org.

Free classes made possible by a partnership between Pierce County Library and Tacoma Community House. Funding from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Grant Program.

COUNTY ROADSIDE HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS UNDERWAY

An initial application of herbicides to combat weeds along road shoulders started April 1 and will continue through June. Targeted noxious weeds and brush control applications will occur through the end of November as needed. Only federal-and state-approved herbicides are used.

Workers will also mow, cut brush and trim trees along roads during the spring and summer. The work, which will be carried out weather permitting, is part of Pierce County’s integrated roadside vegetation management program.

 “Properly maintained roadsides improve safety for motorists and pedestrians,” said Bruce Wagner, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities road maintenance manager.

The annual maintenance also reduces fire danger, optimizes storm water drainage, helps control noxious weeds and non-native plants, and promotes native plant growth.

Property owners who do not want roadsides adjacent to their properties sprayed can sign an “Owner Will Maintain” agreement with Pierce County. Under this agreement, the property owner agrees to maintain the vegetation. If the property owner fails to perform as required, the maintenance of the right-of-way reverts to the county.

The agreement must be renewed each March. The owner must display a sign indicating their participation in the program prior to the application of herbicides.

Agreement applications and signs are available at the Central Maintenance Facility, 4812 196th St. E. in Spanaway, and by appointment at the West County Maintenance Facility, 13209 Goodnough Drive in Gig Harbor. Call (253) 798-6000 for an appointment.

More information can be found at http://www.piercecountywa.org/ownermaintain or by calling (253) 798-6000.

COUNTY NEAR BOTTOM THIRD OF HEALTH RANKINGS

In the 2014 County Health Rankings, Pierce County ranked near the bottom third on overall health – 25 out of 39 – compared with other counties in the state.

The county’s position has remained relatively unchanged since the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation began the national ranking of counties by state in 2010.

“The County Health Rankings make it clear that where you live, work and play determine how healthy you are,” said Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, director of health. “This annual report on our community health is a signal that all community partners need to reinforce our current collaborative efforts to address specific health issues that impact Pierce County residents as well as the underlying problems of poor health, such as education and income levels.”

Pierce County fared worse than the state average in 26 out of 34 health indicators. Examples of worse health factors and outcomes among Pierce County residents include premature deaths, poor mental health days, smoking among adults, food environment index (an index of factors that contribute to a healthy food environment), Chlamydia infections, teen births, ratios of primary care physicians and dentists to people, high school graduation, unemployment and violent crime.

“The County Health Rankings mirror data from our recent Pierce County community health assessment that show Pierce County residents are not as healthy as other places in Washington state,” said Cindan Gizzi, assessment manager for Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

While the health department and community partners have taken important steps to improve the health of our community over the years, according to Gizzi, there is more that those who are interested in improving community health can do to help our residents lead healthier lives.

To combat Pierce County’s poor overall health status, the Health Department has focused on ongoing initiatives such as the prevention-focused Community Transformation Partnership, which has funded community-based efforts such as healthy eating and physical activity, active transportation, tobacco-free living, clinical and community health and health equity. Community partners lead efforts such as Graduate Tacoma! to address the underlying social and economic issues.

In addition, in 2012, the health department initiated the Community Health Improvement Plan, a long-term collaborative strategy to address major community health problems. Completed in partnership with Franciscan Health System, MultiCare Health System, and University of Washington-Tacoma, it will provide valuable information on the county’s top health priorities in order to address them as effectively as possible. Community partners can use the information for their strategic planning, budget preparation, collaboration, grant writing and other efforts. The recently completed the assessment portion of the plan included input from community members, including community leaders and diverse populations.

In the 2014 County Health Rankings, Pierce County scored the lowest in the health behaviors category, which accounts for smoking rates, adult obesity, access to exercise opportunities, a food environment index and sexually-transmitted infections. For example, the county had the highest rate of chlamydia infections in the state as of the 2011 national data. 

In addition, the social and economic factors that affect health outcomes are also worse in Pierce County compared to the state. For example, the high school graduate rate is worse, violent crime rate is worse and the percent of residents with some college or higher is lower than the state average.

The County Health Rankings measure the health of nearly every county in the nation. Published online at www.countyhealthrankings.org, the rankings help counties understand what influences how healthy residents are and how long they will live. The rankings look at a variety of measures that affect health, such as high school graduation rates, access to healthy foods, rates of smoking, obesity, and teen births. The rankings are unique in their ability to measure the overall health of each county in all 50 states.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health and health care in the United States. Learn more at www.rwjf.org.

For more information on the CHIP, visit http://www.tpchd.org/about/community-health-improvement-plan.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS ADVISORY BOARD SEEKS MEMBERS

The Pierce County Department of Community Connections is seeking citizen members to serve on an advisory board that makes funding recommendations for community development grants.

Members of the Pierce County Citizens’ Advisory Board help reduce the impact of poverty and homelessness through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public service and capital projects.

Advisory board members determine community needs, review plans and reports, prioritize program activities, evaluate funding applications, and make funding recommendations to the Community Connections director. Applicants should have an interest in or experience with social service programs or community development activities. While not a requirement, individuals with experience in planning, design, or construction of capital projects or public infrastructure are encouraged to apply.

The board meets on a bi-monthly basis, usually on the first Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m.

If you are interested in volunteering, you may obtain a copy of the application from Pierce County Community Connections website or by contacting Stephanie Bray at (253) 798-6917 or sbray@co.pierce.wa.us.

Overcast skies and slight showers were met with a steady stream of sunny yellow on Saturday, April 5, as the 81st Annual Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade wound its way through the four Pierce County cities of Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting.

Despite the cloudy weather and predictions of rain, the residents of Pierce County still lined the streets in all four cities, ready to take part in the annual celebration of community.

“The weather didn’t scare us!” says Princess Lydia Mangan, from Henry Foss High School. “We kept our energy high.”

Princess Ji Larson, from Lincoln High School, concurs. “It was a little chilly, but dancing around and smiling with all of my other Princesses cured that. It was wet here and there, but I am sure none of us would have minded, even if it was showering… there still would’ve been many people out to enjoy the parade!”

The Parade marks the high point of the journey of the Daffodil Princesses, one that starts at school selections in October and November, sees their official crowning in February, and involves several high-energy months of Boys and Girls Clubs and Pierce County Libraries visits, interactions with community leaders and children alike.

So you’ll excuse them for being a little preoccupied.

“I didn’t really think about the rain,” says Princess Stephanie Jackson-Buena, from Chief Leschi High School, “All I really thought of was how I couldn’t believe the time had already arrived!”

The morning of the parade also marked the beginning of a new event for the festival, the Daffodil 5K Challenge, which traveled through those same four cities as the parade, all in one day, utilizing each of the parade routes in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting as means of conducting four individual 5K races. The Challenge itself was in completing all four.

“It was inspiring to see how many people came to run,” said Princess Kayla McElligot, from Fife High School. “I was also one of the princesses who got to hand out the medals to the runners who finished all four 5Ks… we handed out 138 medals!”

When the big moment came and the princesses arrived to get on their float for the first time, it was a very poignant moment for the Royalty, something some of them had been building up to since they dreamed about it as children.

Princess Sarah Schroeder, from Wilson High School, found herself getting a little more emotional than she had anticipated.

“You can ask the other girls – I just couldn’t hold the tears back! I couldn’t help but cry, and I don’t mean misty-eyed! It was so, so special, and I know I’ll remember that moment forever.”

“It was a little bit surreal,” agrees Princess Lydia. “I felt like I needed to step back and wait a little bit. After all, we were going to be just like those princesses we looked up to when we were little, but on to the float we went! It was all kind of a ‘go, go, go!’ attitude from there!”

The 2014 Daffodil Parade also marked the second year of the Daffodil Festival’s partnership with KING 5, as it was filmed during its run in Puyallup, and broadcasted later that evening, on KONG.

For Schroeder, this was the proof she needed, that something she’d wished for had really come true. “It was so awesome to see that it really happened, and it wasn’t just a dream!”

While the network won’t be airing it again anytime soon, you can still purchase a DVD recording of the event through the Festival.

Says Princess Ji, “My mom is buying three.”

As a whole, they found the experience completely rewarding. Princess Lydia found herself reminiscing on the time she’s spent with her Court so far, as a part of the community experience that is the Daffodil Festival.

“Completely indescribable… we know we can make kids’ days by showing up at their Boys and Girls Clubs or at the Children Museum and spending quality time with them. It was so rewarding to see these same kids we’ve interacted with show up at the Parade and sit on a curb just to see us again.”

Princess Delaney Fry, from Stadium High School, was appreciative of her fellow Court members.

“I just thought about how lucky I was, to get to experience all these special moments with each of these amazing young women. I couldn’t have managed to select a better or more selfless band of people.”

Just because the parade is over for the year, it doesn’t mean the festival is done just yet. What comes after the celebration, for the princesses, is even more community outreach, as well as reaching a little farther, as the Official Ambassadors of Pierce County, traveling to 26 various out-of-town Festivals over the summer.

For Princess Nina Thach, from Mt. Tahoma High School, the title is not one she takes lightly. “I represent Pierce County with open arms and an open mind… Pierce County is huge, and I’m happy to share the glory of making a difference.”

Princess Kayla’s excitement comes from a place of deep appreciation. “I couldn’t be more excited to represent the place that has blessed me more than I could ever imagine! I want to show the rest of the Pacific Northwest just how great Pierce County is, and how much love is in their communities.”

However, that doesn’t mean you won’t still be able to spot the 2014 Royal Court around Pierce County in the coming months. The Princesses will be making appearances at the Spring Fair in Puyallup, the Junior Daffodil Parade on Saturday, April 12 and the Tacoma Yacht Club Marine Parade, on Sunday, April 13.

For Princess Lydia, the end of the Parade certainly didn’t mark the end of her Daffodil journey.

“I don’t think there was really a bring-it-all-together moment for me, and frankly, I hope there never will be. I want to continue to touch lives and serve in my community… it’s good to think of all that’s happened and be grateful, but I hope I never go through a season in which I have no further aspirations to achieve.”

Princess Ji feels the same way. “I really appreciate having all these people in my life, and I don’t plan on losing them anytime soon… I only hope to be able to give back to them as much as they’ve given me.”

Junior Daffodil Parade – April 12

Don’t miss the 53rd Annual Junior Parade on Saturday, April 12 in Proctor District starting at 10 a.m. Geared to children, this special parade encourages fun and creativity for the young people of the area. Costumes, pets, music and non-motorized floats make this parade a special event! The Daffodil Princesses play a big role in the parade leading things off in the parade and then take a seat to watch all of the other entries perform.

Tacoma Yacht Club Marine Parade – April 13

To wrap up the Daffodil Festival, the celebration is on water. The Tacoma Yacht Club hosts the Daffodil Royalty and dozens of other yachts and marine vessels in the Daffodil Marine Festival and Parade. This year’s theme is "Neptune's Garden." Starting at 11:30 a.m., the events begin at the Tacoma Yacht Club near Point Defiance ferry terminal and continue along the waterfront to the Foss Thea Waterway in downtown Tacoma. There are many places to watch the parade and enjoy our beautiful day on the water.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUBJECT OF PUBLIC EVENT

SPIPA –South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency – would like to invite you to join us in our Sexual Assault Awareness Event on Human Trafficking. Human trafficking is becoming more and more common in our community. Human Trafficking is a form of modern day slavery, sexual exploitation, and effects foreigners, American citizens and children. Human Trafficking is a worldwide problem that is happening here in Washington State. Please join us on Thursday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We are working in collaboration with Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center for Pierce County, Washington Engage, WARN – Washington Anti-Trafficking Response Network, FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, and Safe Streets. The event will be held at the Pierce SPIPA – TANF Office, 2316 S. State St., Suite #C, Tacoma WA 98405. Lunch will be served.

Due to the sensitive topic, organizers are requesting that people not bring children to this event.

Please call Pamela at (253) 722-0580 if you have any questions. If possible, RSVP to 253-250-0550.

WALK TACOMA SERIES IS UNDERWAY

The fifth annual Walk Tacoma series is underway, with the first walk on April 2 winding through historic Wright Park and the National Register-listed Stadium Historic District.

Walk Tacoma 2014 is an eight-event walking series held on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from April through August. Themed walks encourage downtown employees and residents to exercise and enjoy the outdoors and Tacoma's built environment. Walk Tacoma events are free and no pre-registration is required.

Free walking maps of the routes are available at Downtown on the Go, 950 Pacific Ave., Suite 300, at many downtown businesses, or by contacting the Downtown on the Go Coordinator at (253) 682.1734 or

dotg@tacomachamber.org. For more information on the series, visit http://www.DowntownOnTheGo.com. For maps from previous years, including ones featuring the historic Brewery District and Hilltop neighborhoods, visit http://www.downtownonthego.com/see/walk-tacoma-maps.

NIEGHBORHOOD GROUPS INVITED TO EMERGENCY DISASTER PRESENTATION

On Tuesday, April 22, the City of Tacoma Emergency Management Team and the Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division will present “Emergency Disaster Preparedness &

Responding Procedure Presentation.” This is the first time ever that these two public services will come together to present this powerful presentation to neighborhood watch groups. The event is organized by Safe Streets Campaign and hosted by Stewart Safe Streets Neighborhood Watch Group. It will be held at The Chapel, 5010 S. G St., Tacoma (corner of South 50th and G St.). Schedule: 5:30 p.m. doors open; 6-6:30 p.m. socialize and light dinner); 6:30-6:45 p.m. open remarks; 6:45-8 p.m. presentations. Please RSVP with Darren Pen at (253) 272-6824 or dpen@safest.org.

TWO NEW ART INSTALLATIONS NOW ON VIEW

Hilltop Artists staff has just finished installing a series of student-made glass artworks in the W.W. Seymour Conservatory for “Symbiosis: A Mutually Beneficial Relationship.” Hilltop Artists students invented, designed,and created imaginary glass birds, bugs and plants that represent symbiotic relationships that are now placed throughout the Conservatory. Now, until June 16, the installation will be open for public viewing. Admission to the Conservatory is $3, and children ages 11 and younger are free.

Your first chance to view and purchase the glass art in the installation will be at the ticketed Sneak Preview Event on Friday, April 11 from 6-8 p.m. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $20 each, in honor of Hilltop Artists’ 20th Anniversary. The deadline to purchase tickets online is Thursday, April 10; however, guests will be able to purchase tickets at the door.

You can also celebrate “Symbiosis” at an opening reception for young artists and their families on Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and door prizes will be available.

Hilltop Artists students also created an installation for the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way! “The Plant Hunter” will be displayed from now through the end of May, and features imagined plant species throughout the Botanical Garden's live plant displays. Most of the glass plants are carnivorous species, so be sure to watch your step for Venus Fly Traps, spiky cacti and ferocious slugs.

TACOMA MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS GET $15,000 DONATION

Sports in Schools, a statewide organization that helps increase athletic opportunities in schools, donated $15,000 to Tacoma Public Schools in support of expanding the district’s middle school athletic program to include junior varsity teams.

The donation, received at a March 22 Sports in Schools auction, offers students with financial hardships and other life challenges a bridge to a better life with the chance to participate in after-school sports activities, which keeps them healthy, active and engaged in school.

"We are grateful for this donation and the support that Sports in Schools is creating for schools and youth across Washington state," said TPS Student Life Director Jennifer Kubista. "They are truly an organization focused on developing the whole child."

In January, Sports in Schools gave Jason Lee Middle School more than $900 worth of wrestling head gear.

For information about TPS' athletic opportunities and sports schedules, go to http://www.tacomaschools.org/athletics.

ANOTHER SUCCESS FOR COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF LAKEWOOD

The hour was early… but there was a buzz in the room. On March 27, 2014, over 200 guests from businesses, service clubs, agencies, JBLM, schools and the general public came together for the benefit breakfast at Old Country Buffet in support of Communities In Schools of Lakewood (CISL). Elected officials, including Senator Steve O’Ban, Representative Dick Muri, retired Senator Rose Parks and Lakewood and Pierce County council members were in attendance. Superintendent Debbie LeBeau, Pierce College Chancellor, Dr. Michele Johnson, Fire Chief, Jim Sharp, and JBLM Commander Col. Chuck Hodges Jr. also attended the annual Champions For Youth Breakfast.

This annual breakfast highlights the impact CISL has in supporting 1500 Clover Park students each year. The $21,000 raised at the event will strengthen and expand After-School, Mentor and Readiness-to-Learn programs. Thirteen sponsors were generous with each providing $500 or more in underwriting this year’s breakfast.

Keynote speaker, Brandon Stodsgill, author of the book, “The Boy with a Gun: From Incarceration to Higher Education,” spoke passionately about the importance of surrounding young people with caring adults who can encourage them to pursue their dreams. Executive Director Dave O’Keeffe emphasized the importance of close collaboration with school staff and the value that community partners add to schools. Thirty-five partners are currently active participants with CISL to “surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.”

Champions Mentor Coordinator Leah Livingston recognized Kathryn VanWagenen and her mentee, Jacinda Farnsworth, for being the 100th active mentor match for Clover Park students, a milestone made possible by Livingston’s leadership in the Champions Mentor Program. Livingston was recently honored as a national Unsung Hero by the CIS national office, which was noted by a video of her work with Tillicum students.

Emcee Walter Neary brought the breakfast to a conclusion urging guests to support the work of CISL programs by volunteering or donating funds. Just one hour a week can make a big difference with a student who needs additional support at school. To volunteer or make a contribution, call (253) 589-7489 or visit the website http://www.lakewood.ciswa.org.

Again, thanks to all of the individuals and sponsors who contributed at the breakfast in support of our Lakewood youth.

PINWHEELS HIGHLIGHT NEED TO HELP ABUSED CHILDREN

Pinwheels will spring up in surprising places this month. Pierce County volunteers known as CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will participate in the “Pinwheels for Prevention” program to raise awareness about child abuse during April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Pinwheels for Prevention began in 2008 by a group called Prevent Child Abuse America. More information is available at www.pinwheelsforprevention.org.

CASA volunteers provide advocacy for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. CASAs and CASA Program staff will plant pinwheels all over the county to bring attention to the 1,400 abused and neglected children in foster care locally. A display of 750 pinwheels will be installed on the lawn in front of Pierce County Juvenile Court, home of the CASA Program, to illustrate the number of abused and neglected children who do not have a CASA to advocate for them.

The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign will make use of social networking as CASA staff snap pictures of the blue and silver pinwheels in various places throughout the county and post them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In addition to raising community awareness of child abuse, the CASA Program hopes to recruit more CASA volunteers to speak up for our county’s most vulnerable young citizens as they make their way through the foster care system on their way home.

LOCAL WOMAN LEADS EFFORT TO IMPROVE HEALTH OF BABIES

The March of Dimes is fighting the epidemic of prematurity. On average, a baby is born too soon every minute. More than 8,700 of Washington’s babies will be born prematurely this year, and business leader Shelly Mullin is working with the March of Dimes to change this.

Shelly Mullin, President of West Pierce Region of MultiCare Health System, knows how important the March of Dimes mission is. As a mother, she has taken on the role of March for Babies Chair to raise awareness and important funding to provide for babies who are born premature or with birth defects. Mullin has made the commitment to raise $40,000 in new revenue as part of the overall goal of $325,000.

March for Babies, the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser, helps fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Last year in Pierce County more than $270,000 was raised. This year, March for Babies Chair Shelly Mullin will focus on recruiting new companies to participate and lead the community in making a difference for the health of moms and babies.

“As a business leader, this campaign gives me and my company a unique opportunity to help the community that I love. And as a mother, I can’t think of a more important cause than our babies,” said Mullin, who will be asking other local businesses for their support. “One in 10 of our babies here in Washington is born premature, and that’s just not acceptable. It takes leaders in our community working together to ensure more moms have healthy pregnancies. More than 20,000 companies are partnering in March for Babies to help reduce the premature birth rate and improve the health of babies.”

Pierce County residents can sign up today at http://www.marchforbabies.org and start a team with co-workers, family or friends. Last year, more than 1,800 people attended the event, which will be held this year on May 17 at Wilson High School in Tacoma.

“We’re so excited to have Shelly on board to help us in Pierce County,” said State Director Jean Allenbach with the March of Dimes Washington Chapter. “Her passion for the cause and commitment to helping our babies will be a huge driving factor in the success of our event. We are grateful for her commitment.”

Convicted child rapist Michael West is a Level III sex offender who is fresh out of prison and already missing in Pierce County. West moved to Tacoma from Snohomish County where he was convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl. He met her at a bus stop, invited her to a party inside an abandoned home, got her extremely drunk and then raped her. Now, he is wanted for Escape from Community Custody and Failure to Register as a Level III Sex Offender.

This guy has been in prison multiple times and has always refused to take part in any sex offender treatment programs. “He was convicted of crimes against children, rape of a child, in Snohomish County,” said Pierce County Det. Ed Troyer. “We believe he could be living anywhere in Western Washington because he has ties up and down the western corridor, so this is somebody we want to know where he’s at and get him picked up on his warrants because he could be living next to a daycare, or school, or somewhere there’s children present.” This is the fourth time West has failed to register as a sex offender. He’s also been busted for a bunch of other crimes including burglary and robbery. Michael West is 39-years-old and known to go by the fake names Mike Chance, Chance West and Eric Dion Jackson. If you know where deputies can find this high-risk child rapist, call an anonymous tip in to: CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Julie Anderson will run for a second term as Pierce County Auditor. She kicks off her campaign on Thursday April 10 at 1625 Historic Tacoma (1625 South Tacoma Way).

Barleywine Revue provides live music, starting at 5 p.m. The program begins at 5:45. Festivities will end at 7 p.m.

The Auditor’s Office is responsible for overseeing elections for as well as business licensing, public document recording, vehicle licensing, animal control, marriage licensing and passports. More than 250,000 people visit the Auditor's Office every year. Annual transactions exceed $2 million.

During her first term, Anderson made it her top priority to de-politicize the office, focusing on professionalization and improved customer service.

“My goal has been to restore faith in the efficiency and integrity of local government,” says Anderson. “I’m committed to putting people before politics."

Since her election in a 2009 special election, Anderson has managed the transition to Vote-By-Mail elections, instituted the state's most-expansive ballot drop program, implemented same-sex marriage and made more transactions available to citizens online.

Announcing her 2014 kick-off, Anderson noted her policy of not accepting contributions from elected officials, candidates, employees or the labor union that represents her employees. "It’s harder to run for re-election without taking these contributions. However, I don't want my re-election colored by any perception of favoritism. The Auditor's Office, more than any other, should be free from back-scratching. The outstanding employees who work in the Auditor's Office operate on merit, not favoritism.”

For more information, visit http://www.JulieAnderson.org or contact the campaign at (253) 761-3602 or Julie@JulieAnderson.org.

A man arrested at a 15th Street bus stop for an outstanding warrant may have been a little too scared as he was transferred to Fife jail for booking. While staying quiet in the patrol car, the man decided to urinate all over the backseat. When questioned about it, the subject, who appeared to be highly intoxicated, admitted to the act but offered no further explanation as to why he did it. The man was booked and the patrol vehicle was kept out of service until it could be decontaminated.

Honesty is definitely the best policy when it comes to dealing with police officers. A man assaulted a patron of Dorky’s Arcade on Pacific Avenue by sucker punching him in the face. When a nearby officer noticed the commotion, he approached the men, when the victim began approaching the officer, the suspect once again sucker punched him in the head. After being restrained, the officer asked the man why he assaulted the victim. The man simply claimed to be an idiot, before admitting he had previously been drinking. The man was transported to Fife Jail and booked for assault.

Compiled by Derek Shuck

Be afraid, Tacoma - be very afraid!

This is the standard warning from the voices of power and the status quo whenever there is the slightest hint of change on the horizon. Their favorite weapon is the "argument of imaginary horribles!" Just imagine if there were change and how horrible it would be. And if it did change, just imagine how it will cost you or all the freedom you will lose because “they” want to control everything.

The current group issuing the warnings to us is firmly rooted in the 1950s, and the warning is about a possible change to the Tacoma City Charter, an outdated document harkening back to the 1900 Populist Era to deal with the corruption problems of big cities like New York and Chicago. Anyone seen Boss Tweed lately? A first-year political science student just fresh from PoliSci 101 will tell you, "The city manager form of government does not work in a city with over 50,000 population." When

Tacoma adopted the current charter it was already too populated for it to work.

A city manager/council government puts the power and the actual operation of the city in the hands of bureaucrats. The council is merely advisory to set down a general policy they hope the manager and his minions will follow. The city manager controls all the information and with staff, who do not work for the council or you, make the final decisions. You voted for your city council member – so what!

If you don't believe in democracy or just don't care if Tacoma has a democratic form of government, you probably are not interested in what the Charter Review Commission is up too. If it doesn't matter if you can vote for the people who will actually make the decisions as to the quality of life you and your family live in, the Charter Review Commission probably doesn't matter to you. So you can quit reading this right now.

If you are like me and do care about Tacoma and its future, consider this. I do believe in democratic government. I want to elect people who will have the power to carry out the programs they campaigned for when I voted for them. I want a thriving, healthy, safe city filled with the best of many diverse cultures living together in the most beautiful spot on the face of the earth. And we can have that, but our city government must be better than it has been in the past.

I do not mean to pick apart past city councils or officials. Mayor Karen Vialle created the Neighborhood Councils. Mayor Brian Ebersole was certainly a driving force behind much of the wonderful UWT, Washington State History Museum, Federal Building development transforming part of Pacific Avenue. But this had much to do with Ebersole's personal abilities and political skills and Vialle's strong personality. Being Mayor of Tacoma simply opened up opportunities they knew how to use. But several other well meaning and bright people have been elected to the city council only to be stymied by the wall of bureaucrats in a city government controlled by the unelected city manager.

Never forget why the city manager form of government was developed in the first place: because the promoters DID NOT TRUST THE PEOPLE! They believe you (the voter) cannot be trusted to elect the "right" people to govern. And we are seeing this core ideology raising its ugly head as the debate on whether or not Tacoma should throw the city manager form of government out and bring in an elected Mayor-Council system.

This very point has been put forward by the supporters of the status quo on the Charter Commission. One members asks plaintively how can we be sure the "right" people will be elected? The answer can be provided by quoting Winston Churchill: "Democracy is a very imperfect form of government but it is so much better than all the others." Democracy comes with risks!

The president of a local governance institute told the review panel, "Most people believe the mayor controls the city, but it is really the city manager because the mayor has no authority." He also pointed out, because the system creates a continual turnover of council members, there is always a limited pool of knowledge about city affairs by the council as a whole. Since the mayor is just another member of the council with no authority, he/she has no "bully pulpit" to lead from so Tacoma has government by committee. By default and the charter, Tacoma city governance falls almost exclusively into the hands of the city manager and his "team" of bureaucrats.

The word is the review commission may well recommend some major changes to the city charter. So be ready, citizens, because you will be warned "Be Afraid, Tacoma – Be very Afraid!!!

William F. (Bill) Johnston is a Vietnam-era veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a graduate of Western Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and history and a Masters in political science. He is a first-place award recipient for Excellence in Journalism from the Society of Professional Journalists and is a current member of the National Writers Union – UAW 1981 (AFL-CIO).

When President Obama permanently grounded America’s space shuttles a couple of years ago, he made a huge mistake. He gave Russia carte blanche over the International Space Station, and we now pay $70 million each for our astronauts to hitch a ride.

With Vladimir Putin flexing his muscles in the Ukraine and thumbing his nose at the United States and rest of the world, what happens if he gives our astronauts the boot? We’d be up the creek without a paddle. Our shuttles were hauled off to museums.

Not only did Obama tube the shuttles, he canceled the Constellation program, the successor to America’s historic space shuttle program. Although the complex program was plagued by delays and cost overruns, taxpayers lost the $11 billion they’d invested when the president shut it down. Obama says he also opposes returning to the moon – another huge blunder. Instead, he plans to send astronauts to asteroids and, eventually, to Mars.

To reach Mars from Earth, Obama’s budget funds the design and production of massive new heavy lift rockets. But because gravity on the moon is one-sixth that of the Earth, it would be far easier to launch Mars missions from the moon. China thinks so, as well.

In abandoning the lunar program, the president missed the point. It is not about “been there, done that,” it is about having a place from which to launch deep space missions – like his mission to Mars – test new technologies and develop limitless supplies of clean energy.

Space physicist David Criswell believes the moon could supply clean renewable energy for our entire planet. He and others envision a series of lunar power facilities to capture massive amounts of solar energy and beam it back to Earth. The moon receives more than 13,000 terawatts of energy and harnessing one percent of that energy could satisfy our planetary needs.

Apollo 17 astronaut Dr. Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, a geologist and one of the last two people to walk on the moon, believes Helium 3 found on the moon is the key to the second generation of fusion reactors. A light non-radioactive isotope, Helium 3 is rare on Earth, but plentiful on the moon and scientists believe it could produce vast amounts of electricity.

Potential lunar colonization got a healthy boost a year ago when ice was discovered by NASA scientists at its south pole. That means there could be drinking water, oxygen for breathing and hydrogen for rocket fuel on the moon itself.

China sees the strategic advantage of establishing bases on the moon and plans to start within 10 years. While some in the scientific community support Obama’s plan, many high-profile astronauts oppose it. The first and last men on the moon, the late Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan, said Obama's proposal "destines our nation to become one of second- or even third-rate stature." Former astronaut Winston Scott, dean of the college of aeronautics at the Florida Institute of Technology, said, "You can't call yourself a leader if you have to hitch a ride with someone else.''

Encouraging the private sector to provide shuttle transport in the future is a good idea. But that could be a long time coming. American space hero John Glenn proposed that our existing space shuttles keep flying until the private sector has a proven alternative.

Through decades of risk, sacrifice, heroism and hard work, America has led the world in space exploration. Now, we are reduced to cosmic hitchhikers with our thumbs out begging a ride as Russia’s Soyuz and China’s Shenzhou spacecraft pass us by.

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He recently retired as president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and now lives in Vancouver. He can be contacted at theBrunells@msn.com.

Dear Editor,

Does the current Tacoma City Charter effectively serve the needs of working families? Does it sufficiently protect the environment? Does privatization serve our best interests?

Currently, there is a Charter Commission appointed by the Tacoma City Council that will help to adopt a new city charter that will guide our government in the upcoming years. Public hearings are being held around the city, and citizens will have three minutes to voice their options.

What would a better charter, one that serves working families, look like? I have a few ideas (everyone is entitled to my opinions.):

1.) The Charter Commission was hand-picked by the current Tacoma City Council. While I am sure that its members are well intentioned, it seems top-heavy with the usual crowd. The first thing that the Charter Commission should do is to provide for an elected Charter Commission.

2.) All members of the Charter Commission should actually live in Tacoma.

3.) The goal of the charter should be to expand democracy, accountability and transparency in Tacoma's government.

4.) The city manager system should be discarded in favor of a system directly responsible to our elected leaders.

5.) The city council should be expanded to provide greater representation. At-large positions should be abolished in favor of neighborhood representation. We need to have a council that represents all of the constituencies in Tacoma – particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

6.) The charter should provide express protections for working families, e.g., a living wage, paid sick days and paid vacations.

7.) No privatization of city services. No council takeover of Tacoma Utilities.

It is my opinion that an expansion of democracy and neighborhood participation would position us to have a city council more adequately provide for neighborhoods.

Jim Williams - Tacoma

Former labor organizer and social worker

FRIDAY APRIL 11 – HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Mount Tahoma at Lincoln

Heidelberg Field – 3:45 p.m.

SATURDAY APRIL 12 – WOMEN’S FASTPITCH

PLU at UPS – Doubleheader

U of Puget Sound – Noon & 2 p.m.

SATURDAY APRIL 12 – MEN’S RUGBY

Tacoma Tsunami at Parkland Warriors

Washington HS – 1 p.m.

SATURDAY APRIL 12 – COLLEGE BASEBALL

Grays Harbor at Tacoma CC – Doubleheader

TCC – 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.

SUNDAY APRIL 13 – WOMEN’S FASTPITCH

UPS at PLU – Doubleheader

Pacific Lutheran University – Noon & 2 p.m.

MONDAY APRIL 14 – HIGH SCHOOL GOLF

Wilson at Bellarmine

Fircrest Golf Club – 2:45 p.m.

TUESDAY APRIL 15 – BOYS SOCCER

Wilson at Mount Tahoma

Mount Tahoma Stadium – 6:30 p.m.

TUES.-FRI. APRIL 15-18 – TRIPLE-A BASEBALL

Salt Lake Bees at Tacoma Rainiers

Cheney Stadium

WEDNESDAY APRIL 16 – HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

Bellarmine & Gig Harbor at Stadium

Stadium Bowl – 3:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 16 – HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Timberline at Wilson

Heidelberg Field – 3:45 p.m.

THURSDAY APRIL 17 – GIRLS TENNIS

Foss at Lincoln

Stewart Heights – 3:30 p.m.