 April 7, 2023
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Mayor Armondo Pavone has proclaimed April Volunteer Appreciation Month to honor the hundreds of volunteers who make Renton a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
"We have a genuinely representative government because our residents volunteer their time and talents," said the mayor. "Their diverse viewpoints, experiences, and perspectives help us define city policies and keep us focused on the efficient and effective delivery of services. We owe them a debt of gratitude."
Renton's volunteers serve on the city's almost two dozen boards, committees, and commissions, advising city staff on topics ranging from the city budget to senior issues.
They also help beautify and maintain our parks by planting trees and flowers, weeding and spreading bark in play areas.
On April 26, our city's volunteers will be honored at the Volunteer Appreciation celebration. The annual event is another way we let them know how much we appreciate their numerous and invaluable contributions to our community.
As Mayor Pavone said in his State of the City address, “Our work to make Renton the best place to live, work and do business is continuous. Becoming active in local government helps us become a truly representative government.”
We have several volunteer opportunities and openings on boards, committees, or commissions if you're interested. In addition, your voice can be heard during public comment periods at our city council meetings.
 Mayor Armondo Pavone presents the Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation to Mary Ellen Stone, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center chief executive officer.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Mayor Pavone has also proclaimed this month Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Renton. Our city has been home to King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) since it started as Renton Rape Line in 1976.
“Renton has always been our home,” said Mary Ellen Stone, KCSARC’s chief executive officer, in accepting the proclamation. “The support from the city has been extraordinary. Renton was one of the first cities to stand up with us and ensure we had funding. That means so much because it sends a message to everybody that the city understands, and you want people to change their behavior.”
She shared with the mayor, city council, and audience that KCSARC saw 353 Renton residents who were victims of sexual assault last year, and two-thirds were children. As a result, the center is working with Renton School District on a three-year pilot program.
Sexual assault is among the most underreported crimes because victims fear not being believed or being traumatized by a system supposedly designed to protect them.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual assault, there are resources available:
By working together, we can alleviate the trauma of sexual violence. We must ensure supportive resources are available to all survivors while standing up to harmful attitudes and behaviors contributing to sexual violence.
 Mayor Pavone presents Benita Horn the proclamation making April 3, 2023, Benita Horn Day in Renton.
Benita Horn Day
Renton has earned a reputation as a national Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leader. Our well-regarded programs area tribute to Benita Horn, our long-term equity consultant.
Mayor Pavone proclaimed Monday, April 3, as Benita Horn Day in Renton to honor her contributions.
"Take pride you're leaving Renton a better place," Mayor Pavone told Benita during the ceremony. "We can't appreciate you enough."
Since joining the city in 2014, she has worked to make our elected leaders and staff aware of the importance of recognizing implicit bias and bringing equitable programs and inclusive access to city services. She was also instrumental in establishing the Mayor's Inclusion Task Force (2016), Renton Multicultural Festival (2016), and Equity Commission (2022).
While Benita is stepping away from her involvement with our DEI programs as a Renton resident, we’ll still hear from her.
 Mayor Pavone and City Council honor Renton police officers honored for exceptional bravery.
 Renton Police Department promotions: (from left) Sergeant Scott Woodward, Mayor Armondo Pavone, Chief Jon Schuldt, Commander Steve Morris, Deputy Chief Ryan Rutledge, and Deputy Chief Jeff Hardin.
Renton Police Department commendations and promotions
In March, Renton Police Chief Jon Schuldt honored 13 officers for exceptional service and bravery.
Life-Saving Award: Officers Adam, Mazure, Paget, and Tibeau
Medal of Valor: Officer Carstensen
Medal of Valor/Life Saving Award: Officers Bills, Christiansen, Edmunds, Moynihan, Raygoza, Thielman, Wisnewski, and Sgt. Summers
Chief Schuldt also announced three promotions:
Sergeant Scott Woodward will oversee North-end Dayshift in Patrol; Commander Steve Morris will oversee Patrol Services Division (traffic); Commander Ryan Rutledge will serve as Deputy Chief.
Dragon Dash Fun Run & Walk to close streets
Three downtown streets will be temporarily closed on Saturday, April 15, for the inaugural Dragon Dash 5K/10K Fun Run & Walk.
The affected streets are:
- S 3rd Street between Williams Avenue S and Mill Avenue S
- Wells Avenue S between S 2nd Street and S 3rd Street
- Main Avenue S between S 2nd Street and S 4th Street
The closures will be in effect from 9 to 11 a.m. Detour routes will be in place.
 Renton Teen Academy: Civic Services
Teenagers interested in learning about the daily operations of the City of Renton can enroll in the first Renton Academy of Civic Services: Teen Edition. Sessions are held every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for 6 weeks starting April 13. Participants must complete a minimum of 5 classes to be eligible for the graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 20.
The academy is an opportunity to ask questions, learn about city functions, tour some city facilities, and understand how the city serves its residents. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion and a class photo with the mayor. In addition, participants can receive documented community service hours to meet graduation requirements.
Register at rentonwa.gov/register using the keywords “Renton Academy.”
 Two eggs found, two to go!
The first two eggs in the Dragon's Quest Scavenger Hunt have been found. There are still two remaining; if you need to register, there's still time. The clue for egg #3 is dropping today (Friday). Happy hunting.
Also, at least 20 beautiful glass dragon tokens have been hidden downtown at Sunset Park and Renton Community Center. When you find a token, please keep it as a reminder of your dragon hunt. Or you can hide it somewhere around the city to keep the magic of Erasmus alive for others.
 Mondays – Free Community Grocery Store, St. Matthews Church (1700 Edmonds Ave NE), 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Presented by Sustainable Renton.
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pop-Up Lunches
April 12 – Sidney Wilson House (1150 Oakesdale Ave. SW), 12-2 p.m. Sponsored by SOS Pop-up. Regularly on the first and third Wednesday through December 2023, rotated throughout the city.
April 14 – 126 South Logan Ave. N, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsored by SOS/Food Lifeline Pop-up. Regularly held every Friday through December.
April 19 – 300 Rainier Ave. N, 12-1:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Emergency Feeding Program/SOS. Regularly held on the second and fourth Wednesday through December 2023.
Erasmus Celebration Events
April 1 to 15 – Dragon Scavenger Hunt. Keep an eye out for dragon eggs hidden across the city. Register to receive the clues and use your keen eye, sharp wit, and courage to find them. The hunt ends when all four eggs have been found. Winners will receive prizes on April 15.
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 (1719 SE Maple Valley Hwy). Early bird registration is open. Cost: $28 for 5K; $38 for 10K. Register before April 7 and receive a long-sleeved t-shirt.
April 7 – Renton Library Resource Days, Renton Library (100 Mill Ave. S), 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. For community members in need of support. Local service providers will assist with healthcare, legal aid, obtaining a phone, and more. Gently used clothes, hygiene kits, and a free lunch will be available.
April 13 – Public Works Street Maintenance Story Time, Renton Library (100 Mill Ave. S), 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet the crews who maintain our city. Hear a story, then go outside and visit their heavy equipment. Open to ages five and older with a caregiver.
April 15 – Shredathon and Rx Prescription Drug Take Back, Renton Memorial Stadium (405 Logan Ave. N), 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
April 15 – Nagar Kirtan, Khalsa Gurmat Center (2835 S. 344th St., Federal Way 98003), 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
April 20 – June 1 – Renton Emergency Management CERT classes, Renton Regional Fire Authority Station 14 (1900 Lind Ave SW 98057), 6-9 p.m. from April 20 to June 1. Final drill, Saturday, June 3, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register online using the keyword CERT. Ages 18 and up.
April 23 – Neighborhood Picnic, Thomas Teasdale Park (601 S 23rd St.) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Sustainability” is the theme.
May 12 – Renton Library Resource Days, Renton Library (100 Mill Ave. S). For community members in need of support. Local service providers will be on hand to assist with healthcare, legal aid, obtaining a phone, and more. Gently used clothes, hygiene kits, and a free lunch will be available.
May 13 – Metal & Styrofoam Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Non-perishable food items collected for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
May 20 – Neighborhood Picnic, Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy), 12 to 3 p.m. Theme: “Grad Party & Job Fair”
June 6 – Renton Farmers Market, Opening Day, Piazza Park (233 Burnett Ave S), 3-7 p.m.
June 10 – Mattress, Box Spring, Cardboard, Styrofoam & Tire Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Non-perishable food items collected for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
June 23 – Neighborhood Picnic, Cascade Elementary School (16022 116th Ave SE), 4 to 7 p.m., “U.N. Public Service Day”
July 19 – Neighborhood Picnic, Renton High School (400 S 2nd St.), 5 to 8 p.m. “Celebrate Renton!”
Sept. 9 – Styrofoam & Document Shred Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Non-perishable food items collected for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
 In other news this week
A recap of the 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
Arts and Culture Grants (due April 21)
CERT spring classes start on April 20
City Council (agendas, documents, and meeting video)
Parks Projects (Arnold, Coulon, Kiwanis)
Pet Microchipping (free for Renton residents)
Rainier Avenue S Phase 4 construction project
Recreation Guide (current classes, activities, leagues & events for January to April)
Report issues via Renton Responds
Summer Employment Opportunities
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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