IT'S IN YOUR FREAKIN' BACKYARD! >>>

Y'all I have got to rant about something for a minute. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the country, and yet all I hear about from my friends who don't live here is how awful the rain must be. How could anyone live in a place that gets rain 485 days per year? And don't get me started on the Seattle-ite bias toward Tacoma. I love Seattle. I love my friends who live there and I love spending the day there. But good lord, getting them to come down here to visit or even say something nice about it is challenging. So, whenever I do get someone to co me visit me I do my best to leave them speechless. I could go on and on about a whole itinerary, but for the outdoors addicts among us, I'll stick to how I wow them. On a nice day, I take them to Chambers Bay.

Officially known as the Chambers Creek Properties, Chambers Creek Regional Park - or the more popular name Chambers Bay - is comprised of more than 950 acres located along the shores of the Puget Sound, in University Place. It includes a world-renowned golf course (Chambers Bay Golf Course, thus the commonly used name), enormous central meadow, miles of paved trails, beach access, and off leash dog area, playground, soccer fields and some of the most stunning views in Pierce County. Everyone I've ever taken there on a sunny day has the same reaction, "holy cow!" It's a stunner ladies and gentlemen. And in my experience shuts up even the biggest critics.

Over the last 200 years, the entire Chambers Creek Properties area has been used as a location for a paper mill, a proposed match company, a major industrial center, multiple lumber companies, a railroad center and a gravel mine. The gravel mine left the largest imprint with the hillside having been carved away, and large concrete structures left dotting the landscape. Pierce County purchased the property to house its wastewater treatment plant. Yes, on the part of the property not open to the public there is a sewage treatment plant. But the beauty of their plan was that the plant only takes up a fraction of the property. The rest is for the public to enjoy.

If you are a golfer, I will warn you the green fees are a little steep, and no golf carts allowed, but the Scottish style links course is one people dream of playing. The 2015 US Open will be played on it. And it's in your backyard! For the rest of us non-golfers, I could write several weeks worth of columns for all there is to do. I promise to revisit it. But for now just the highlights:

• A large off leash dog area - let the puppies run!
• Miles of trails. Just the loop around the golf course is approximately 3 miles.
• The Central Meadow. A seemingly permanent kite flying breeze, perfect Frisbee tossing grass, picnicking possibilities, and really I could go on. Anything you would want to do on a wide-open expanse of grass.
• Beach access. Terrific beach for finding treasures, tossing rocks in the water and watching the sunset.

The breath taking view of Puget Sound, Fox Island and the Olympic Mountains is my favorite part. Inevitably, after taking an out of town guest there they say, "Now I get it." And even the most critical Seattle-ite has admitted there is something nice about Tacoma/Pierce County. So really folks, go fall in love with your hometown a little more.

Directions

Take Exit 130 off of Interstate 5 to South 56th Street West.  Take the Tacoma Mall Boulevard ramp toward South 56th Street West. Turn Left on Tacoma Mall Boulevard. Then right onto 56th. Stay on 56th for approx. 3 miles when 56th becomes Cirque Drive West. Get out of your car and stretch. Get back in your car and continue on Cirque Drive West to Grandview Drive West. Turn Left at Grandview Drive West. Pass through one roundabout. Chambers Bay will be on the right.

LINK: The Foothills Trail

LINK: Owen Beach

LINK: Scenic Beach State Park

WANDERING THE AISLES >>>

When it comes to grocery shopping I have become more aware of what goes into my food and how unhealthy it can be. I have begun to strive toward a healthier lifestyle that includes whole foods and local produce. A few artisan markets in the South Sound make this lifestyle achievable on a daily basis, including the recently opened Harbor Greens in University Place.

Located just off Bridgeport Way and 27th Street West, sandwiched between a Walgreens and AutoZone, Harbor Greens is a lovely, upscale shopping experience.

I've never seen so much beautiful, natural produce - a lot of it bought from local farmers. Smart to place the colorful array at the entrance.

Also on site is an impressive wine, liquor and beer selection, and by impressive I refer to the stock choices. I took note of many local, small batch distilleries and breweries including Heritage Distillery and 7 Seas Brewing. Harbor Greens, founded in Gig Harbor, is clearly a supporter of local vendors.

Toward the back of the house are fresh meat, seafood and an in-house butcher. I've never seen meat trimmed quite so beautifully as the steaks, chops and loins laid out on display. The butchers can do special orders.

The hearty, inventive sandwiches range from Chad's Fav ($6.99) includes chicken breast, provolone cheese, sundried tomato mayo, veggies, on a Rustique roll to The Gobbler ($6.99) - a Thanksgiving on a Rustique roll that includes turkey, bacon, pepper jack cheese, cranberry and cream cheese, chipotle mayo and veggies. Or, make sandwiches at home with Harbor Greens unique selection of local cheeses, as well as cheeses from around the world. Gourmet hot dogs may be devoured in its cafe setting or taken back to the office.

A couple of pleasant surprises included a plethora of Harbor Greens branded pickled delights, jarred jams and dressings and canned fruits - all made in Gig Harbor - as well as an outdoor greenhouse featured a large assortment of potted trees and house plants.  

Harbor Greens provides a shopping experience similar to farmers markets, Tacoma Boys and Trader Joes, with loads of local, edible treats.

HARBOR GREENS, 7 A.M. TO 8 P.M. DAILY, 2620 BRIDGEPORT WAY W., UNIVERSITY PLACE

TIME TO START PLANNING >>>

Late last year, we got our company Corolla impounded (don't ask), and had no choice but to explore the Pierce Transit bus system. we found ourselves pleasantly convenienced: There were plenty of bars and city services within busing distance, and the hands-free commute allowed for reading and ear-budding and window-gazing like we were in high school again. We'd study the Pierce Transit map every day, looking for new destinations. It was like a game.

But for daily commuters traversing Pierce County's 292 square miles trying to get to work, school, medical clinics and such, Pierce Transit's public transportation system is about to be a darkening nightmare, especially for those with disabilities. That's because cuts in service are on the way due to the loss of Proposition 1 in November 2012. Pierce Transit currently operates 417,000 annual service hours. Once the service reduction plan is implemented, Pierce Transit will operate 300,000 annual hours, a 28 percent cut.

What the hell? Pierce Transit will tell you at nine public meetings beginning today at noon inside the Pierce Transit Training Center. The reductions will happen in late September 2013. Don't get caught holding the map in the middle of nowhere. Get your butt to a meeting.

LAKEWOOD: Wednesday, March 6, noon to 2 p.m., Pierce Transit Training Center (Rainier Room), 3720 96th St. SW, Lakewood

>>> Served by Routes 48, 300

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON - TACOMA: Thursday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m., William W. Phillip Hall (Jane Russell Commons), 1918 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 

>>> Served by Routes 1, 48, 53, ST 590 (Northbound),ST 594, ST Link light rail

NORTHEAST TACOMA: Wednesday, March 13, 4-6 p.m., Northeast Tacoma Police Substation, 4731 Norpoint Way NE, Tacoma

>>> Served by Route 62

PARKLAND / SPANAWAY: Monday, March 18 5-7 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma

>>> Served by Route 1

PUYALLUP: Thursday, March 19 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Puyallup Library (North Room), 324 S. Meridian, Puyallup

>>>Served by Routes 400, 402, 409

GIG HARBOR: Wednesday, March 20, 5-7 p.m., Gig Harbor Civic Center (Council Chambers), 3510 Grandview St., Gig Harbor

>>> Served by Route 100

PUYALLUP: Tuesday, March 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Puyallup Library (North Room), 324 S. Meridian, Puyallup

>>> Served by Routes 400, 402, 409

UNIVERSITY PLACE: Tuesday, April 9, 6-7:30 p.m., University Place Library, 3609 Market Pl. W., Ste. 100, University Place

>>> Served by Route 2

Detailed service reduction plan information is available online at www.piercetransit.org, or by calling customer service at 253.58.8000. A public hearing on implementation of the service reduction plan is scheduled for the May 13, 2013 Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners meeting.

GO LOCAL LOVERS >>>

Sure Valentine's Day has become a "Hallmark Holiday," but it's also a time of year when the imagination is the limit to the range of seductive attire, playthings and, of course, food available to woo your loved one. No, I'm not talking about the intimate kind; I'm talking sweets. This year, skip the checkout line at the grocery store and grab sweet treats from local businesses that put a little extra love in their recipes. Not to say that prepackaged goodies can't be sweet and yummy, but it certainly indicates that the big day may have slipped your mind. Here are five local ideas that will win over your lovva:

Celebrity Cake Studio

Voted "Best Cakes in Western Washington" by Evening Magazine, Celebrity Cake Studio is home to decadent delights. Be on the lookout for a delightful, heart-shaped New York cheesecake covered with a layer of chocolate ganache for Valentine's Day. Rich, chocolate and heart shaped, could you ask for more? 314 E. 26th St., Tacoma

Affairs Chocolates and Desserts

This one is a no-brainer. Affairs Chocolates and Desserts serves splendid baked goods of all shapes and sizes. If you're looking to surprise the kids, or have a Valentine-themed shindig, a heart-shaped cake will feed the masses in such flavors as red velvet, coconut cream and chocolate raspberry. Don't want to go big, but want big flavor? Owner Gay Landry makes decadent, sweet truffle balls of goodness packaged in a lovely little box. Chocolate ignites the brain to release endorphins that improve your mood. 2811 Bridgeport Way W., University Place

Black Door Wine Company

I am a firm believer that wine speaks the language of love. The Black Door Wine Company down the street from Tacoma's Proctor District is home (literally in a home) to a variety of vinos sure to elevate the romantic ambiance. Since I'm focusing on the sweet treats, I'd recommend their dessert wines. Champagnes and ports are also excellent ways to initiate or finalize your candlelit dinner. 3906 N. 34th St., Tacoma

Almond Roca

Made in Tacoma since 1923, Brown & Haley'smouth-watering ButterCrunch Almond Roca elegantly wrapped in gold foil is a favorite around the world. These little logs of goodness may not be heart shaped, but you outline a heart with the candy on your bed. Rather than searching local grocery store aisles, go to the source. Brown and Haley offers two outlets loaded with tins of the classic Almond Roca or its sister sweets Cashew Roca and Mocha Roca. 110 E. 26th St., Tacoma or 2105 Frank Albert Road, Fife

Sugar

Sugar, a wee little candy shop in the Proctor District, is overflowing with Valentine's Day sweets. Cheeky, kiddie Valentine candy will ignite visions of elementary school puppy love, not to mention its boxed truffles, heart shaped lollipops, Blow Pops and variety of candies in pinks, reds and whites. 3901 N. 27th St., Tacoma

Have a favorite sweet treat? Share in the comments

APPLAUSE >>>

Tonight at 6:30 p.m. during the University Place City Council meeting, Dance Theatre Northwest and its dancers will be recognized by the city.

Dance Theatre Northwest is a ballet company, one that has spent 26 years providing concerts and performances, guidance and lessons in classical ballet to area youth. The recognition is well deserved, highlighting the Theatre's dedication to award-winning original choreography, costume and sets, presentation of ballet classic, as well as serving as a pillar of support and guidance for area youth.

"The City of University Place recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations that help make our community a better place to live, brings harmony to our community and fosters development of our children," says Javier Figueroa, U.P. councilmember. "Dance Theatre Northwest embraces all of these attributes and much more."

In addition to the entire dance company being recognized, two former students will be honored - Katie Neumann and Chhay Mam. Neumann is now a professional dancer and still attends all DTN performances, has received every award possible from DTN. Mam is also now a professional performer, but has also helped DTN with enhancing its website and ticket system. The city's proclamation will also serve to recognize students who were recently awarded scholarships from DTN for their dedication to the art of dance, citizenship, and community.

"For the City of University Place to recognize us as an organization makes me feel warm all over as I think of the countless hours, professionals from many walks of life, volunteers, and Northwest residents who have helped build this organization and to foster its development," says Melanie Kirk-Stauffer, artistic director. "Our school is dedicated to the teaching of and preservation of classical ballet. To my knowledge, Dance Theatre Northwest is the ONLY Performing Arts group of this caliber to maintain a residency in UP for 26 years."

WOW >>>

New and improved. I can't imagine those two words ever applied to Taqueria El Antojo off Orchard Street. The all ready lively restaurant serves a delicious breakfast. Its plump chicken burrito it the Lucky Charms of Mexican food - magically delicious with tons of tiny chicken nuggets, reminding me of the shaped marshmallows in the cereal, only colliding in a sea of beans, onion and cilantro instead of milk. Lucky Charms certainly isn't an appropriate comparison, but I have a bit of cool news and my happy brain cells selected the cereal as a motif. New and improved doesn't apply to me.

Ladies and gentlemen, the bar is open.

When I popped into the University Place Mexican joint to grab a quick burrito I was hit with a fiesta of music, lights, video and smiles. Two months ago Taqueria El Antojo erected a bar along its back wall. It's not an ordinary bar. It's an explosion of neon, glass, televisions, lighting that one would find on a Carnival Cruise, only without the tourists begging to have their pictures taken with a large exhausted iguana in a tiny sombrero. Or something.

Antojo's bar bursts. The decision where to look isn't easy. Every crevice is filled with color. The Mexican music pulsates, forcing tiny movements of glee as one ponders Monday's scratch $3 margaritas, Tuesday's scratch $3.50 piña coladas, Wednesday's $3 mojitos, Thursday's $3 wells and Friday's $3 tequila sunrises - and those aren't officialy part of its 2-5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, Sunday-Friday happy hours.

There's also something called 3D Night every Tuesday beginning at 9 p.m. I'm not exactly sure how Antojo could possible more in your face.

I didn't have time to sip. You tell me how the drinks taste.

If you are a fan of the Tacoma or Lakewood Taqueria El Antojo restaurants but haven't tried this location yet - or if you haven't visited this Antojo in the last two months - add it to your rotation, especially if the game is on. The Taqueria El Antojo in University Place may have injected more fun into its operation, but it hasn't forgotten a thing about great tasting Mexican food.

TAQUERIA EL ANTOJO, 9 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT MONDAY-THURSDAY, 9 A.M. TO 1 A.M. FRIDAY, 8 A.M. TO 1 A.M. SATURDAY, 8 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT SUNDAY, 5502 ORCHARD ST. W., UNIVERSITY PLACE, 253.212.0914

Barring any new Movember drunken people donning mustaches photos, the Weekly Volcano is going to use the holiday as an excuse to take a rare day off. So, please people, for our sake, dig out that ol' music box that plays "Born Free," open a new doughnut shop or start your own Pacific Avenue Streetscape Project.

And we totally want photos of your family's fight to the death over who has the damn Tupperware. The Weekly Volcano knows every year someone brings Tupperware to collect leftovers and every effing year it disappears.

We'll all see you back here tomorrow for 5 Things To Do, The Weekend Hustle and other glorious posts.

Remember: baste often.

LINK: Movies

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

How Many Tacoma Fire Department Personnel Does It Take To Rescue Two Dumbass Beachcombers?: Two engines, three ladder companies, tech-rescue rig and five staff members, as well as two medic brigs. (New Tribune)

What Happens If You Pull A Gun On a Fircrest Police Officer?: You'll get shot. (News Tribune)

Fircrest Vs. University Place: It's all fun and games until you want to improve the roads until you try to charge traffic impact fees for developments. (News Tribune)

Find The Stolen Guns Game: Although the game involves crimes. (News Tribune)

George Zimmerman: He's been released on bond. (CNN)

Obama Power Play: With Republicans blocking his agenda, the president has been using executive powers to enact measures on the environment, education, drug shortages and recess appointments. (The New York Times)

Cats Vs. Dogs: Finally, an answer on which is better. (Buzz Feed)

Old Spice: It's trying to make "smellf" happen. (Time)

Handy Guide: 12 things being sold on eBay because they kind of look like Jesus. (The Awl)

Finally, The Answer: Why do we say "Ye Olde" something-or-other when we want to sound Old English? (Neatorama)

It's Official! The gays prefer Adele to Lady Gaga according to a very scientific Gaydar poll. (The Sun)

China Knuckles: It's for the girl who wants to be chic and eco-friendly while still being conscious of self defense. (Who Killed Bambi)

HELP US FIND THE SEXIEST PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Once again, the Weekly Volcano is unleashing The Sexy Issue, giving one and all the chance to gaze at the sexiest people in the South Sound - as voted on by all of you, our dear readers. The great thing about the Volcano's annual Sexy Issue, if we do say so ourselves, is how it manages to prove, year after year, that you don't have to be on a Kia Super Bowl ad to be smoking hot. Our annual Sexy Issue is the Weekly Volcano's way of showcasing the South Sound's sexiest denizens - and by denizens we don't mean celebrities; we're talking about regular dudes and dudettes who just happen to look sexy as hell when taking us on test drives, trimming our meat or brewing our beer. These folks can be just as hot - and a hell of a lot more accessible, theoretically - as anyone you typically see on TV and in magazines. 

This year, we are asking you to nominate the person who makes you all hot and bothered in the following categories: Actor/Actress, Artist, Brewer, Karaoke Host, Lead singer, Lawyer, Butcher, Car Salesperson, Blogger and Personal Trainer.

On Thursday, June 7, the Weekly Volcano will publish The Sexy Issue, immortalizing the sexy, chosen few forever.

Help us find them.

Voting ends May 11 at 5 p.m. - so help the Weekly Volcano find the South Sound's hottest citizens. Vote today!

Vote for the South Sound's sexiest people

TOO MANY TO REVIEW >>>

There's too much art. I can't possibly review everything. Following are a few blurbs on shows I may or may not get to see, starting with Tacoma's newest gallery. It's called Iota. Nice name for a gallery specializing in small art. It means a jot, a whit, something tiny. Their first show opened in March and will run through April. The featured artist is Susan Cowan, a Portland artist who also has a studio in Tacoma. Her paintings, all around 10-by-10 inches, are scenes from a recent trip to France, which is fitting because Iota specializes in "the unusual and decidedly French feeling items," according to gallery owner Sharika Roland.

"Susan has an exquisite style that is from years of teaching and traveling and working constantly. Her jewel-like paintings are so detailed that you have to stare at them a long time to fully see all she has painted. Even the smallest detail is flawless," Roland says.

In addition to small-format art, Iota sells accoutrements such as handmade designer pillows and curtains and tuffets "and a unique mixture of jewelry and honey products and sock monkeys and hand felted soaps."

The gallery at 1901 Jefferson Ave. Suite 101 is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Down in Olympia, the fourth annual Native American Heritage Exhibit just opened at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts Gallery at South Puget Sound Community College. The show runs through April 26 and features a wide variety of works by local and regional native artists including paintings, basketry, carved wood pieces and mixed media. The gallery is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact the gallery via e-mail artgallery@spscc.ctc.edu or call 360.596.5527.

Nola Tresslar (last seen in a show at Flow Gallery) has a new show with photographer Madison Vanchu, at the Greenspot Tea House & Gallery,3318 Bridgeport Way W., Suite B, University Place. The show is called "Starting Earth." It will run through May 30.

For something different, there seems to be a surge in ceramics shows around here. Tacoma Community College just had one and Fulcrum is having one, and there's another one at Childhood's End in Olympia. The show at Fulcrum Gallery is called "Creatures of Habit" and it features animal-themed ceramics by Heather Cornelius and Spencer Ebbinga. The gallery calls is contemporary ceramics on the edge. We shall see. I'll be reviewing it for my Visual Edge column. The Childhood's End show is called "The Art of Storage," and it features about a dozen ceramics artists.

Finally, Museum of Glass has a new show called "Scapes," a new collaborative exhibition by siblings Laura and Alessandro Diaz de Santillana.The exhibition comprises four installations, or rooms, based on the Hindu belief that the world is a series of disks made up of wind, water and earth upon which float four continents in a vast circular ocean. The Santillanas created all of the works for this installation while working as guest artists in the MOG Hot Shop. This show sounds fascinating. I plan to see it, but don't wait for my review. Check it out on your own.

LINK: Alec's Visual Edge column