 April 28, 2023
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Last weekend we celebrated Arbor Day and Earth Day with two events, one established and one new.
On Saturday, 69 volunteers participated in our annual Arbor Day/Earth Day celebration at Cedar River Trail Park extension. Under the direction of our Urban and Community Forestry Division, they planted 19 trees and shrubs, spread bark, and marked storm drains. Each volunteer received an event t-shirt, lunch, and a sapling to take home and plant.
Urban and Community Forestry maintains and regulates the city's urban forest, composed of public and private trees. They recently completed an update to the city's 10-year Urban Forestry Management Plan and a new canopy cover assessment.
Their series of free brochures is an excellent resource for residents, covering various topics. A tree inventory and a 90-minute guided self-tour of historic trees downtown are also available to residents.
Thanks to the division’s efforts, the city has earned an Arbor Day Foundation designation as a Tree City USA for the 15th consecutive year and, for the first time, Tree City of the World recognition. The benefits of trees are endless—cooler temperatures, cleaner air, higher property values, and healthier residents, to name a few. We are committed to properly maintaining and sustainably managing our urban forests and trees.
Our Neighborhood Program hosted “Sustainability” at Thomas Teasdale Park on Sunday, the first of four free, themed city-wide neighborhood barbeques.
Attendees visited booths about city initiatives, including sustainability and solid waste, clean economy strategy, electric vehicle charging, urban forestry, and emergency management. In addition, Renton police and firefighters were there, plus representatives from the Environmental Science Center and King Conservation District. Attendees also enjoyed free hot dogs, art activities, and lawn games.
These events emphasized the importance of protecting our planet and highlighted the city and neighboring entities’ efforts in sustainability.
 Bronson Way S to close as soon as May 15
The Bronson Way Bridge seismic retrofit and deck maintenance project could start as early as Monday, May 15. The project will completely close Bronson Way S between N. Riverside Drive and Mill Avenue S for up to 60 days.
Our website has detailed project information, including detour routes for vehicles and pedestrians. Detour signage will be in place for the duration of construction.
 Rainier Avenue S Phase 4: traffic to shift
All traffic on Rainier Avenue S between S 3rd Street and NW 3rd Place will be shifted to the eastern side of Rainier Avenue S, allowing crews to safely complete underground utility work. The traffic shift will be in effect 24/7, with traffic reduced to one lane in each direction. Flaggers and uniformed traffic control officers will be present.
This project includes:
- Sidewalk widening with streetscaping
- Pedestrian-scale lighting
- Pedestrian-activated traffic signal
- Upgrading existing traffic signals
- Transit improvements, including an extended Business Access and Transit lane (BAT lane)
- Planted buffer strips and landscaped medians
 Farmers Market has staff openings
We’re seeking individuals to work at Renton Farmers Market from June to September.
Team members assist with the setup and takedown of market equipment and materials that support vendors and shoppers. Work is occasionally needed on non-market days. This is a seasonal position; wages range from $15.75 to $20.00 per hour based on experience.
If you are enthusiastic about working with small businesses and market shoppers, enjoy doing varied tasks, and are a problem solver, apply online.
Renton Farmers Market is every Tuesday, June 6 through September 26, from 3-7 p.m. at Piazza Park.
 Distracted Driving Awareness Month ends; dangers do not
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. But, as the month ends, the dangers of driving distracted do not. Liberty High School junior Lucas Counts entered the above graphic in the Impact Teen Drivers' Create Real Impact contest. The contest is designed to educate his peers about car crashes—America's number one killer of teens. Research shows 75% of these crashes are caused by reckless and distracted driving. Thank you, Lucas, for taking the lead to protect all drivers.
 Members of American Legion Post 204 honors Emergency Management Coordinator Michelle Theurer (center) for conducting emergency preparedness classes for their members. Also pictured is Deputy Chief Administrator Officer Kristi Rowland (far right).
Renton now a “StormReady” community
At Monday’s council meeting, Emergency Management Coordinator Michelle Theurer updated the mayor and city council on Renton’s designation as a StormReady Community by the National Weather Service. To be StormReady, a community must:
- Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center.
- Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public.
- Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally.
- Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars.
- Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
Michelle was also honored with a certificate of appreciation by Carol Stripling, commander of American Legion Post 204. The award recognized Michelle for conducting emergency preparedness classes to members of the post.
 RPD offers free middle school youth academy
Renton middle school students can register for a free youth academy this June.
The academy is presented by Renton Police Department in partnership with the King County Sheriff's Office and Newcastle Police Department. Students will get an exclusive glimpse into the roles and functions of public safety personnel (officers, deputies, special agents, and firefighters). Hands-on activities will include mock crime scenes, traffic stop scenarios, fingerprinting, CPR 101, and an obstacle course challenge. In addition, there's a field trip to the Henry Moses Aquatic Center, recreational time with officers and firefighters, and a graduation ceremony.
The academy will be held on June 26-28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students entering grades 6-8 this fall are eligible. Space is limited.
 Volunteers honored at appreciation dinner
Thursday, we honored the volunteers who donated their time and talents on boards, commissions, and committees, park projects, and as coaches in adaptive recreation programs during 2022 at the “Picture Perfect Volunteer” Appreciation Event.
Honorees were treated to games, raffle baskets, and delicious hors d'oeuvres, with Mayor Armondo Pavone serving as master of ceremonies.
On April 3, Mayor Pavone proclaimed the month of April as National Volunteer Month in recognition of the vital role our volunteers have in making our community stronger.
 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.
April 28 – Pop-Up Lunch, 126 S. Logan Ave. N, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsored by the SOS/Food Lifeline Pop-up. Regularly held on Fridays through December 2023.
May 3 – Pop-Up Lunch, 1150 Oakesdale Ave S, 12-2 p.m.
May 4 – Electric Vehicle Workshop, Zoom, 6-7 p.m. The future of charging electric vehicles. (re-scheduled)
May 5 – Pop-Up Lunch, 126 S Logan Ave N, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 10 – Pop-Up Lunch, 300 Rainier Ave N, 12-1:30 p.m.
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. Theme: U.N. Public Service Day
July 19 – Neighborhood Picnic, Renton High School (400 S 2nd St.), 5 to 8 p.m. Theme: 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
Bronson Way Bridge: closure for seismic retrofit project
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 May to August)
Report issues via Renton Responds
RPD Youth Academy (free for middle school students)
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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