This Week in Renton: Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month in Renton

Published on May 16, 2025

Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

During Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.

The proclamation was accepted by restaurant owner of Saimin Says, Angie Mose. Angie shared her background as a first-generation Tongan-American and highlighted the importance of community. She shared that “in order to find what our true purpose is... is to find out what truly we value,” and explained how her love for community gives her purpose.

Prior to the proclamation, the city hosted its first AANHPI reception featuring cuisines provided by Saimin Says and New Zen Sushi, several speakers including Washington State Commissioner on Asian Pacific American Affairs Lydia Faitalia and former Vietnamese School Administrator Lihn Nguyen, and a performance by the Lindbergh Senior High School Vietnamese fan dance team.

AANHPI Heritage Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders through their enrichment of our history, society, and culture. The month also acknowledges the challenges and struggles they have faced.

Bring Your Own Cup + Zero Waste

Hate that papery taste when drinking your coffee?

The Public Works Department’s Sustainability team and Community & Economic Development Department are partnering with businesses across Renton to reduce waste from single-use cups. Now, the only thing you’ll taste with your coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, are the benefits to both you and the environment!

Bring in your own reusable cup when you visit these participating coffee shops and drive-throughs. You might even get a discount for bringing your own cup!

BeanWater Espresso
Benson Espresso
Black Bear Coffee Company*
Boon Boona Coffee
Candor Coffee
Cedar River Cafe
City Scene Cafe*
Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes
Filling Station Coffee and Bistro
Fit Bar Cafe
Liberty Cafe*
Macadons
Rain City Cafe
Redondo Coffee and Crepes
Refuel Cafe
The Rose Gift House and Coffee*
Starbucks*

*Businesses that offer discounts when you bring your own reusable cup

The Washington State Retail Food Code allows consumer-owned beverage containers to be refilled by food establishments. Establishments reserve the right to only accept clean customer-owned cups.

Learn more at rentonwa.gov/bringyourowncup.

Feeling inspired to reduce waste? Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the Zero Waste Plan at yourvoice.rentonwa.gov/zero-waste-plan. Feedback must be submitted by June 30.

Councilmember McIrvin earns his Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities

During Monday’s city council meeting, Councilmember Ryan McIrvin was awarded the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). The certificate was presented by District 13 Representative for AWC and Mayor of Auburn Nancy Backus and AWC board member and Councilmember Ed Prince.

AWC’s Advanced CML program recognizes city and town elected officials for accomplishing training in several core areas including roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements, public sector resource management, community planning and development, effective local leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The advanced certificate requires 30 additional CML credit hours including at least one training in diversity, equity, and inclusion competency and at least two years of community service.

Councilmember McIrvin is the fourth member of the council to earn an Advanced Certificate, joining Councilmember Ruth Pérez (2019), Councilmember Valerie O’Halloran (2022), and Councilmember Ed Prince (2023). Mayor Armondo Pavone (2023) and Councilmember Kim-Khánh Văn (2022) also hold advanced certificates.

The full release is available on the city’s website.

Business networking with IKEA & fellow entrepreneurs

The city’s Community & Economic Development Department is excited to partner with Startup425 and IKEA to bring you a special event for local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Join us Thursday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at IKEA Swedish Restaurant (601 SW 41st St.) to learn from the IKEA Renton Business Team and connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

Discover how local businesses can partner with IKEA, from supplying products and services to aligning with their community initiatives.
Network with like-minded professionals and explore new ways to grow your business through collaboration.

Three city events tomorrow, Saturday, May 17

Check out the first-ever Safety Fest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Renton Community Center.

This inaugural event hosted by Renton Parks and Recreation will feature family-fun, demonstrations, giveaways, and more!

Learn from a variety of departments and community organizations and agencies.
Youth are encouraged to bring their own bike to participate in the bike rodeo!
A limited number of air purifiers will be available.

RSVP at rentonwa.gov/register (course #23782).

Get recycling from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Renton Technical College's Parking Lot 3.

This is the first of three recycling events in 2025 hosted by the Public Works Department. Items accepted tomorrow include scrap metal, large appliances, Styrofoam, and arts and craft items.

For more details, visit rentonwa.gov/recycleevents.

Adopt a furry friend from 1 to 4 p.m. at Eastside Veterinary Associates.

This adoption event is hosted by Renton Police Department's Animal Control team and Eastside Veterinary Associates.

All pets are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. Adoption fees will be 50% off ($50/dogs, $25/cats).

Find all event details at rentonwa.gov/events.

Around Renton

Renton River Days applications are now open. Be part of the festival by visitingrentonwa.gov/riverdays.
Renton City Council meets every Monday (excluding fifth Mondays & holidays) at 7 p.m. at Renton City Hall’s 7th floor council chambers. Find the agenda and sign up to speak at rentonwa.gov/council.
May 17 – Recycling Event: Metal & Styrofoam Collection, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renton Technical College, NE 6th Pl. & Monroe Ave. NE. Hosted by the Public Works Department. Free.
May 17 – Safety Fest, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free. Register now.
May 17 – Animal Control Adoption Event, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Eastside Veterinary Associates, 1700 NE 44th St. 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by the Renton Police Department and Eastside Veterinary Associates.
May 21 – What's Brewing with Ed – Conversations with Renton’s CAO, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Berliner Pub, 221 Main Ave. S. Hosted by the Executive Services Department. Free. RSVP on email or Facebook.
May 21 – Gardening Class: Incredible Edibles: Grow Your Own, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Virtual. Hosted by the Public Works Department, Renton Parks & Recreation, and Saving Water Partnership. Free. Register now.
May 22 – StartUp 425 Business Networking Event, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. IKEA – Swedish Restaurant, 601 SW 41st St. Hosted by StartUp425, IKEA, and the city’s Community & Economic Development Department. Free. Register now.
May 26 – Memorial Day Ceremony, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park, 523 S. Third St. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
May 30 – Neighborhood BBQ 2025 Series, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Philip Arnold Park, 720 Jones Ave. S. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free. RSVP today.
June 3 – Gardening Class: Top 10 Eco Gardening Hacks, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Virtual. Hosted by the Public Works Department, Renton Parks & Recreation, and Saving Water Partnership. Free. Register now.
June 4 – What’s Brewing with Ed – Conversations with Renton’s CAO, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Luther’s Table, 419 S. Second St. Hosted by the Executive Services Department. Free. RSVP on email or Facebook.
June 7 – Recycling Event: Mattress, Box Spring, Cardboard, Tires, and Styrofoam, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renton Technical College, NE Sixth Pl. & Monroe Ave. NE. Hosted by the Public Works Department. Free.
June 15 – Renton City Concert Band: Lights, Camera, Music, 2 p.m. Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Buy tickets at Senior Activity Center, Renton Community Center, or at the door.

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