 February 10, 2023
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This past Monday was celebrated as “Ted Rodriguez Day” in Renton as our community came together to honor the Renton resident, business owner, and community leader for his more than 40 years of service.
“Ted has been a pillar of our community in Renton, and over the years, I've known him as a mentor and fellow restauranteur, as well as a member of the Mayor's Inclusion Task Force," said Mayor Armondo Pavone. "He is warm, welcoming, and quick to offer perspective and support. His story reminds us that we can all contribute to and be a part of the Renton community.”
Rodriguez was honored by family, friends, colleagues, elected officials, and city staff in a reception before the regularly scheduled city council meeting. Included in the tributes was a video from Juan Manuel Torres Arrreola, Presidente of Municipio De Cuautla Jalisco, Rodriguez’s hometown.
The proclamation designating Feb. 6 as "Ted Rodriguez Day" during the council meeting was read in English and Spanish. Mayor Pavone also presented him with the Key to the City, marking only the fifth time it has been presented in the last ten years.
Rodriguez served as a founding member of the Renton Sister Cities Association and was instrumental in facilitating the Sister City relationship between Renton and his hometown of Cuautla, Mexico, and, later, Nishiwaki, Japan. He helped form Washington state's sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, alongside former Secretary of State Ralph Munro. In addition, his behind-the-scenes work on many projects led to improved trade relations between the U.S. and Mexico.
As the owner of Torero's Restaurants, he sponsored Renton River Days for several decades, helping to keep activities for children and families free of charge. In 2018, Mr. Rodriguez served as Renton River Days Parade Grand Marshal.
He helped create a school program to teach Mexican culture to Renton School District students. In 1993, Mr. Rodriguez established Mexican Heritage Day in Renton. He would host approximately 800 students at Torero's Mexican Restaurant on Rainier Avenue South to learn about Mexican culture and eat traditional after-school snacks. At the same time, a live band played traditional Mexican folk music.
In 1997, Mr. Rodriguez received the "Citizen of the Year Award" from the City of Renton, acknowledging his monumental community service efforts. In the years since, he served as a founding member of the Mayor's Inclusion Task Force, providing a direct voice from Renton's diverse communities to city leadership.
Even though Ted Rodriguez is “retiring,” his influence and service to the Renton community will continue, and his legacy will be forever cemented in our continuing history.
 Sound Cities Association Board of Directors
Mayor Pavone appointed to Sound Cities board
Mayor Armondo Pavone has accepted his appointment for a two-year term on the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Board of Directors.
"This expanded role with Sound Cities Association represents a terrific opportunity to continue advocacy for projects that benefit the needs of Renton residents and those living in the South Sound area," said the mayor. "I appreciate the work Councilmember Ed Prince has done in his past role on the Board of Directors for SCA. I look forward to serving and continuing Renton's voice within the Board in the coming year."
SCA provides a voice for King County cities through leadership in economic and community development, transportation, land use, health, government operations, the environment, education, public safety, social welfare, and other public policy issues. The Board oversees general activities and establishes broad policies and objectives. In addition, they adopt policy positions, ensure effective organizational planning, recommend the annual budget to the membership, set the association's mission and purpose, and determine and monitor the association's programs and services while enhancing its public image.
 Chief’s Community Council
Last week the Chief's Community Council held its first meeting. Renton Police Chief Jon Schuldt formed the 22-person council to work with the department and community stakeholders to create practical and effective solutions to issues and develop equitable community policing practices.
"It was my honor to host the inaugural meeting," said Chief Schuldt. "I appreciate all who volunteered their time, experiences, and expertise. We look forward to working with our community on these important issues."
The council will also advise police leadership on current barriers and identify opportunities for:
- Unbiased law enforcement services to the Renton community
- Improved crime prevention and law enforcement services
- Improved relationships and communication between the community and police
- Enhanced transparency from the Renton Police Department membership
For more information about the Chief's Community Council, please visit their page on our website.
 Before/after images from the SAND's safety improvement project.
Safer access to Renton Academy and Fred Nelsen Middle School
Our Public Works Department / Transportation Division planning, operations, and maintenance staff collaborated on enhancements to safely assist students walking and bicycling to Renton Academy and Fred Nelsen Middle School in the Benson Hill neighborhood.
On multiple occasions, staff noticed that vehicles were not stopping for students and pedestrians crossing at the intersection of S.E. 29th St. and Benson Road S (aka 108th Ave SE). City staff installed a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon and thermal crosswalk striping at the intersection, making the crossing more visible to approaching traffic. Our staff is working with Puget Sound Energy to provide power for new streetlights to illuminate the improved pedestrian crossings.
Our new SAND (Safer Access to Neighborhood Destinations) program coordinated the improvements. This pilot program, which focuses on the Benson and the West Hill neighborhoods, is a collaboration between the city and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). One of its objectives is to design and implement safe routes to neighborhood destinations. SAND is funded by a grant from the Walker and/or Roller Safety Enhancement Project.
 K-9 Odin and Officer Moynihan.
After eight distinguished years, K-9 Odin has retired from Renton Police Department.
"Odin has always been a goofball, although you would never know it when you walked past him in a patrol car," said Officer Moynihan, his partner for the last six years. "I could not imagine trusting another human or animal partner in the same way."
Odin's value to the community extends beyond his ability to track. He's made numerous appearances at community events, including RPD's Community Police Academy, school visits, meet-and-greets, and training demonstrations. He will now spend his well-earned retirement living at home with Officer Moynihan and his family, eating treats and sleeping in.
"My daughters and I are excited to give him a comfortable, well-earned retirement."
Please join us in wishing K-9 Odin a happy and healthy retirement.
 Renton Farmers Market returns in June for its 22nd year downtown.
Farmers Market featured
Carrie Olson, Renton Farmers Market coordinator, was featured in the latest edition of Washington Grown Magazine. Carrie explained the importance and impact of farmers’ markets on shoppers and the opportunity they provide dozens of small business owners to sell their products.
Renton Farmers Market returns for its 22nd year on Tuesdays from June to September at Piazza Park downtown.
 Black History Month
Feb. 10 - Renton High School Multicultural Show, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St.), 6 p.m.
Feb. 12 - Renton High School Multicultural Show, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St.), 1 p.m.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are $5 and available at the door or online.
Feb. 17 – The Snow Ball, A Winter Family Dance, Renton Community Center (1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy), 6-8 p.m. $15 for Renton residents and $18 for non-residents. Register online (Keyword: Snow Ball).
Feb. 18 – Free Museum Day, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Feb. 28 – Deadline for adding tiles to the Wall of Honor at Veterans Memorial Park.
March 1 – Free Museum Day, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
March 19 – Music Sings, Music Dances, Renton City Concert Band, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St.), 2 – 4 p.m. Tickets: $10 (adults), $7 (Students & 50+ Seniors). Tickets can be purchased at Renton Community Center, Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, and at the door on the performance day.
March 21 - Mayor’s State of the City Address, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St.), 6 p.m.
April 2 – Renton Downtown Dragon Pub Crawl, Rain City Market (700 S. 3rd St.), 1-4 p.m. Visit multiple stops (locations to come) for samples and specials downtown. Tickets include a commemorative cup and taste or drink specials. Tickets are $20 and will increase to $25 on March 1.
April 5 – Free Museum Day, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
April 15 – Dragon Dash 5K/10K Fun Run & Walk, 10 a.m. Open to competitive and fun runners, walkers, and families. Start downtown at Erasmus (826 S 3rd St.) and end at Henry Moses Aquatic Center. Early bird registration is open. Cost: $28 for 5K; $38 for 10K. Register before April 7 and receive a long-sleeved t-shirt.
 In other news this week
Here, find a recap of news posted on the city’s social media accounts. You can find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Arts in Renton
Black History Month
City Council (agendas, documents, and meeting video)
Keep Storm Drains clear
Parks Projects (Arnold, Coulon, Kiwanis)
Pet Microchipping (free for Renton residents)
Recreation Guide (current classes, activities, leagues & events for January to April)
Report issues via Renton Responds
Traffic Projects (information on impact projects)
This Week in Renton
This Week in Renton is posted on the City of Renton’s website where it can be translated. For additional translation services email communications@rentonwa.gov.
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Story ideas or comments: communications@rentonwa.gov
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