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.

THURSDAY, JAN. 6, 2011 >>>

1. Load up your sack lunch with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with the crusts cut off and head to the Tacoma Art Museum for Tacoma historian and former City Councilman Thomas R. Stenger chat, "Hotel Living: From the Tacoma to the Hobo" at 11:30 p.m. It's party of the awesome Mighty Tacoma: Photographic Portrait 2010 exhibit.

2. The "Green" community hugs it out over drinks from 5:30-8 p.m. inside Primo Grill in Tacoma as part of the monthly Green Drinks gathering. It's an informal affair that's meant to be fun. If someone tries to make you sign something or ask you for money, they'll be banished to the Yellow Drinks group.

3. Enjoy riding Pierce Transit to Point Defiance Park? How about riding it to the grocery store? Due to an ugly drop in sales tax revenue and an effed-up economy, like many transit agencies across the country, Pierce Transit is facing drastic revenue shortfalls.  Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland will have none of it. The good mayor and community leaders will kick off a "Save our Buses" campaign at 6 p.m. inside the Hub Event Space in Tacoma's Stadium District. The goal? Convincing folks to vote for a 0.3 percent sales tax in February.

4. The Come Out And Play Open Mic at Tempest Lounge is hosted by the uber talented Kim Archer and Nick Sandy. Get your song on from 7-10 p.m.

5. Big Whisky Saloon in downtown Tacoma hosts country dance lessons at 7:30 p.m. followed by DJ Tyler spinning rock and country videos from 10 p.m. to close. The Weekly Volcano's Nosh League will taste whiskey before next week's dance lessons. RSVP to our Jan. 13 tasting here.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Happy hours!

DINING NEWS, NIBBLES AND BITS IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

November Bonus: Cutters Point Coffee in Gig Harbor's Uptown Shopping Center has busted out new gourmet omelet sandwiches. They'll toss in a free 12-ounce cup of coffee if you order an omelet sandwich during this month.

Voted Sticker Deal: Drop by the Varsity Grill in downtown Tacoma after 5 p.m., show them your "I Voted" sticker, and they'll knock 20 percent off your food purchases. The sports bar also plans to broadcast the election results on their multiple screens.

Future Things Are Coming: El Gaucho Tacoma hosts a L'Ecole Wine Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12. The cost is $75 per person. For reservations, call 253.272.1510.

Food Matters: Eleven great chefs share their families' secret Thanksgiving recipes.

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

MICHAEL SWAN: LAST DAY >>>

The Washington Dems reminded us that today is the last day to register online or by mail to vote in the 2009 General Elections. Visit the Online Voter Registration Web Site here.

The Online Voter Registration Web site reminded us that they are currently down.