LOTS OF IMPORTANT STUFF HAPPENED THIS WEEK >>>

This is the first edition of what will be a weekly blog series on Spew highlighting some the local political and community happenings of the past week, and looking forward to notable events in the upcoming week. Bear in mind this is not all encompassing, nor will it include every relevant thing that occurred. It's just... well, to be frank... my personal attempt at staying in the know locally shared with you. 

This particular week the hearts and minds of many Tacomans have been far from the City of Destiny, with the people of Japan struggling to come to grips with their devastating losses. The City of Tacoma is encouraging citizens to gather and reflect on the March 11 earthquake and tsunami this Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. until noon at Thea's Park (405 Dock St). Elected officials and representatives from Tacoma's Japanese community will be on hand and members of the public will be encouraged to speak and sign a book that will be sent to Japan.

Perhaps the most important local political happening of the week was Pierce County Council's appointment of a four-member committee to oversee the county's redistricting process.  The council appointed two Republicans, Mike Abernathy and Deryl McCarty, and two Democrats, Ken Blair and Sam Ross. The four appointees will choose a fifth member to lead them as chair. The county districts are redrawn after very census, a process that is far more political than the general public would like. We'll be on the lookout for shenanigans as this process continues. 

Former Tacoma Mayor Karen Vialle announced her intention to run for Position 5 on the Tacoma School Board this week. A substitute teacher in the Tacoma School District, Vialle will be challenging incumbent Kim Golding. The two women may have many of the same ideals and stances on educational issues, which should make for an interesting race.

Speaking of the Tacoma School Board, current board member Jim Dugan will not seek re-election and the favorite to fill his seat looks to be Scott Heinze, Board Chairman for Communities in Schools of Tacoma. Formally a staffer for U.S. Rep Adam Smith, a Homeland Security advisor to Christine Gregoire, and currently a policy advisor and small business partner, I might have rather seen Hienze make a run for Tacoma City Council, but if he's elected to the school board he should be a progressive force.

I know, I know ... It's early for talk about local elections (we'll be voting on School Board and City Council members this August and November), but word is some of these candidates are out doorbelling already.

So be forewarned: election season may already be upon us.