PAUL SCHRAG: COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES >>>

Hey … pssst … remember government of the people, for the people and by the people? Some crazy people in Tacoma are trying that old game again. And it sort of works.

Now a year in the making, the so-called Community Based Services program is an experiment in community involvement, led by the City of Tacoma and plain old citizens. Local officials met with a group of community volunteers at Lincoln High School last night to review successes, recruit new soldiers and to talk about moving forward with a program that Tacoma should be proud to be among the first to try.

Officials in charge of the program say their goal is recruit members of the community and integrate city services delivery in a way that makes governing things more sustainable and effective … and probably save some tax dollars. So far, a lot of cleaning has been done. Edwina Magram, who attended the event and self-identified as a general troublemaker, says she and her fellow citizens, along with help from the City, have achieved goals such as cleaning up 70 litter-strewn yards during a weekend “Call to Haul.” Programs like this show the power of the people, and that local government still apparently needs citizens to be involved to get things done.

So how about it Tacoma?

LINK: Community Based Services Web site.

DANIEL BLUE: MEET SAM PASCOE >>>

Sam Pascoe was born in Tacoma in 1980, and is a true Tacoma Lifer. Educated at the Annie and Charles Wright's primary and secondary private schools, Pascoe is a gentleman and a scholar.

"After School, I took a job in Denver reinsuring new construction projects, it was boring," says Pascoe. "I came home."

I met Pascoe in the front room of the Kickstand Café nearly five years ago. He was a quiet customer, and at the time was drinking free coffee for having supplied the struggling new ownership with a playlist that the young majority of their customers would enjoy hearing. Music is a necessity for a café of caliber, we were all thankful not to have to hear Dawn's "meditation music."

I invited him out for a game of after-hours foursquare one night, he was a natural, and his quiet demure faded quickly once he had dominated the king square for a few rounds. I found him to be highly intelligent, and he educated me on many of the subtleties of class and culture in the North Haven of Tacoma's neighborhoods.

Having a taste for the finer things, Pascoe is an excellent resource for the high-ticket consumer. These days he can be found zipping around town on the back of a red Yamaha or at the Black Water Cafe with his nose buried in the New Yorker.

MICHAEL SWAN: SEE YOUR FUTURE, BE YOUR FUTURE >>>

COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES: Gather with your fellow neighbors and take a bite out of crime.
Monday, June 2, 6 p.m., Lincoln High School, 701 S. 37th St., Tacoma.

LOCAL LIVING LOUNGE: Support local farmers, organizations and businesses and check out the Local Living Lounge for hands-on community interaction.
Thursday, June 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., no cover, Broadway Tacoma Farmers Market, Broadway between Ninth and 11th, downtown Tacoma.

FROST PARK CHALK CHALLENGE: Tacoma community draws on the sidewalk for prizes and mean looks from the City of Tacoma street sweepers.
Friday, June 6, noon, free, Ninth and Commerce, downtown Tacoma.

SOUTH SOUND SATURDAY RESTORATION PROJECT: Meet friends and family at Titlow Lagoon for a day of restoration of the area's habitat.
Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Titlow Park, 8425 Sixth Ave., Tacoma.

EVENT
Relay for Life
The Relay for Life began in Tacoma as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer in 1985. Dr. Gordy Klatt wanted to raise money for his local American Cancer Society office. He spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at the University of Puget Sound for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. Today, the American Cancer Society hosts relays across the nation.  Friday, Tacoma’s version will see teams of eight to 15 people taking turns walking on a track and camping out overnight to support the ACS’s mission of eliminating cancer. â€" Michael Swan
[Mt. Tahoma High School, May 30 6 p.m. to May 31 6 p.m., 4634 S. 74th St., Tacoma]

ROCK
Hell’s Belles
Hell’s Belles has been around for a while now. Their all-female tribute to AC/DC is nothing new. There’s a good chance you’ve seen them, and there’s a good chance you’ve read about them before in the Weekly Volcano.

Bobble Tiki doesn’t care. It’s true, Hell’s Belles has been doing the same thing (albeit with lineup fluctuations) since 2000 and true, AC/DC’s catalog of hits hasn’t really grown or diversified since then. But who cares? Not Bobble Tiki. Bobble Tiki knows Hell’s Belles is the prefect band to get blitzed to. And Bobble Tiki knows the sight of five smoking ladies strutting and rocking like Angus and Co. is enough to make his heart engorge with blood â€" among other organs. â€" Bobble Tiki
[Hell’s Kitchen, Friday, May 30 with Pride Tiger and Plaster; Saturday, May 31 with Weight Of The World and The Coloroffs; 9 p.m., $12-$15, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759. 6003]

LINK: Eddie Spaghetti and others in the clubs tonight.
LINK: We have the movie starting times here.
LINK: Let’s eat Japanese tonight.

MICHAEL SWAN: SEE YOUR FUTURE, BE YOUR FUTURE >>>

WASHINGTON TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION: The organization announces the 2008 Most Endangered Washington State Properties on the Murray Morgan Bridge.
Tuesday, May 27, 11 a.m., 11th Street, downtown Tacoma

TACOMA FARMERS MARKET/LOCAL LIVING LOUNGE: Support local farmers, organizations and businesses and check out the Local Living Lounge for hands-on community interaction.
May 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., no cover, Broadway Tacoma Farmers Market, Broadway between Ninth and 11th, downtown Tacoma

FROST PARK CHALK CHALLENGE: Tacoma community draws on the sidewalk for prizes and mean looks from the City of Tacoma street sweepers.
Friday, May 30, noon, free, Ninth and Commerce, downtown Tacoma.

MATT DRISCOLL: HISTORY MAKES HIM HOT >>>

Historic places are great and all, but I like them so much more when they’re “official.” It takes inclusion in a historic list or register of some sort for me to really get excited about an old building, area or structure. Face it, if an old building, area or structure hasn’t made a list of historic places yet, it’s probably not all that historic.

Of course, I’m joking. It’s one of the only things I’m good at.

But seriously, as far as lists of historic places go, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Most Endangered Historic Properties” is a pretty big one. The list annually highlights and identifies local historic landmarks in danger of being lost. When a building or landmark makes this list, often times it sparks action from a community or local government and said historic gem is preserved.

This year, Tacoma’ Murray Morgan Bridge makes the list. In fact, the bridge will host what’s being referred to as a “press event” by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation on Tuesday, May 27 at 11 a.m. Mayor Bill Baarsma and Rep. Dennis Flannigan will help unveil this year’s complete collection of endangered historic properties, and historic preservation fun is sure to be had by all.

Sounds like a hoot, doesn’t it?

Ok. I know what you’re thinking. It’s a “press event.” That makes it sound like Average Joe isn’t invited.

I say wrong, laser-breath.

Let’s face it. It’s the age of the Internet. Anyone with a computer and a Web connection can be a journalist. I say anyone interested should show up next Tuesday â€" and if someone gives you a hard time just snap some photos and write some nasty shit in your blog about them.

That’s what journalists do, right?

STEVE DUNKELBERGER: LOCAL SCHOOL FAIR WELL IN ROSTER >>>

The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle has announces the nominees for its sixth annual 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards. This high school version of the Tony Awards allows drama students from around Washington to meet, celebrate and honor the exceptional musical theater productions presented during the school year.

Several South Sound students are on the nomination list. They are:

Olympia High School received honorable mentions in the categories of Outstanding Musical Production  and Outstanding for its production of The Music Man. It is also a nominee in the categories of Outstanding Musical Direction, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Costume Design, Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design; and a host of individual acting and ensemble awards.

Bellarmine Preparatory is a nominees for Outstanding Orchestration and Hair and Makeup Design for its production of Les Miserables.

Outstanding Scenic Design nominations have been handed to Gig Harbor High School for Damn Yankees and Tumwater High School for Little Shop of Horrors, which also is in contention for Outstanding Program Design honors.

Capital High School is in contention for Outstanding Costume Design for Into the Woods.

The 5th Avenue Awards will be held at 7 p.m. on June 9 at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St. Tickets are available by contacting the drama departments of the nominated schools.

EVENT
Livable Communities Fair
Alert the tree huggers and break out the patchouli for a day. Let your armpit hair flow free as you step into the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall for the Livable Communities Fair today.

Pierce County and the City of Tacoma have partnered up to give you an all-inclusive playground that demonstrates how our fine, environment-loving community works, and what we can do to use it wisely. These dedicated government employees are providing us with interactive displays on stuff like energy conservation, recycling, neighborhood emergency preparedness, water quality, public safety, clean environment, agriculture, recreation, health, education, volunteering, and children's activities.

Dust off the Birkenstocks â€" you’re going to need them to carry in the cans of food I’m asking you to bring for the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Want to know the best part of it all? The admission is free. That right there makes the community in my wallet a much more livable place. â€" Steph DeRosa
[Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, 2727 E. D. St., Tacoma, 253.798.6691]

ROCK
The Lonely H
Looking at a band like the Lonely H, three fourths of which is 19, the other fourth an elderly 21, I can’t help but be seriously impressed by what they’ve managed to accomplish at such a young age. A band that singer Mark Fredson, guitarist Eric Whitman, drummer Ben Eyestone and bassist Johnny Whitman formed even before they reached high school, the Lonely H has been going for five years now. With their Robert Plant hair and faded, ’70s-style threads, which this band of teenagers wears with strange classic rock pride though they were born long after the mudshark had left the Edgewater, the Lonely H has gone in search of the magic of ’70s rock, and the results have been surprisingly good. They’ve toured extensively, played SXSW, released multiple well received records, and more importantly suggested that classic rock may have possibilities beyond the “Stairway to Heaven,” repeat mix we’ve come to know it as. The Lonely H have surely done and seen things that most kids their age can’t even fathom. It’s mighty impressive. â€" MS
[Hell’s Kitchen, The Lonely H, Speaker Speaker, The Pete Moss Band, The Globes, 5 p.m., all ages, $7, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

ROCK
Bob’s Java Jive
There are a few bands in this town that I always keep my eye on. Whenever I see their name, I know the show’s worth paying attention to.

The Fuxking Eagles are one of those bands.

Face it. The Fucking Eagles rule. Not only do they have “fucking” right in their band name (which just screams dangerous, doesn’t it?), but their grimy garage rock meets maximum R&B could be the soundtrack to our city. The Fucking Eagles always put together killer lineups, too. When you see the band scheduled to rock, you know the whole night will be good. â€" Matt Driscoll
[Bob’s Java Jive, Roy Loney & The Long Shots, The Fucking Eagles, The Tripwires, Darrren Selector, Saturday, May 17, 8 p.m., 2102 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.475.9843]

LINK: Straight On (Heart tribute) and others in the clubs tonight.
LINK: Let’s eat outside today.

STEPH DEROSA: LOCAL LIVING LOUNGE >>>

I caught up with the Local Living Lounge peeps today at their inaugural appearance with the Broadway Tacoma Farmer's Market.  They lounged around.  And lounged.  And lounged.

Along with all the lounging came a hearty poll question of "What do you LOVE about Tacoma?"

Answers were interesting, fair, and came from people other than men in suits sitting at a board meeting.  They came from market goers, moms, hippies, and even Yogi Bear himself.  At the end of the summer results will be displayed through some sort of media outlet (TBD) right there at the local lounge.

The local lounge is just going to get bigger and better ever week, so go check that stuff out and give them your input while you can.  If you don't heed my advice now, then I don't ever want to hear you bitching about something you'd like to see different in Tacoma again.

Here are a few photos I snapped in the Lounge today.

I love Tacoma.

ROXANNE MURPHY: MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA SUNDAY >>>

One of the things I always tell people about Tacoma is that if you really want something positive to happen here, and if your idea is good enough, this entire city will come out in force to support it.

This theory has been proven yet again through the unique individuals and organizations that have come together to create Rock the Cause, taking place this Sunday, May 18 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Jazzbones.

I'm one of the leaders of Love Tacoma, and I hoped to create an event that showcased different kinds of local Tacoma bands that deserved additional exposure.

Love Tacoma also wanted to forge a partnership with Project:U, an incredible group that attracts 20-and 30-somethings through cool events and volunteer activities that are philanthropic fund-raisers for the United Way of Pierce County.

But I went into this idea initially with hesitation. I'm a master event planner, but I've yet to organize any kind of music festival. Among so many details, I wondered how we would pay for the bands and for the venue to host them since Love Tacoma functions on zero funding, solely on donations.

Fortunately, I reached out to Jennifer Johnson from Jazzbones, and she set all of my concerns at ease.

Jazzbones had been wanting to host a Love Tacoma event (yea!), and even better, Jennifer was willing to coordinate the band lineup and logistics. What I really can't believe is that all of the bands agreed to play for free since the proceeds from this event are going to a good cause, the United Way's Community Solutions Fund.

Love Tacoma is now eternally indebted to Evan Purcell, Fear Train Caravan, Matt Coughlin, Nasty Left, Paris Spleen, The Vamanos and Trip the Light Fantastic.

When I met with the Project:U crew, they were so amped about Rock the Cause and ready to support it, but they had one additional request: Could we ask people to bring their old cell phones so they could be reused through yet another good cause: The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center. OF COURSE!!!

As an additional partnership, The Weekly Volcano has been so kind in donating ad space and throwing words our way in today's edition.

Now, the rest of the support for Rock the Cause will come from you, Tacoma. Please plan on attending this unique event to show your love for local music, a small business and the community at large for just $8 from 2 to 9 p.m. this Sunday, May 18, at Jazzbones.

I'm serious: I really, really do love Tacoma.