This Week in Renton: Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Published on October 09, 2025
One in four women and one in seven men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Domestic violence does not discriminate and crosses all economic, racial, gender, educational, religious, and societal barriers.
During Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Renton.
The proclamation was accepted by Renton Police Department Domestic Violence Victim Advocate, Tina Harris, and Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN) Executive Director, Gina Finley.
Harris commemorated community members who lost their lives due to domestic violence and highlighted the importance of community-based programs and community stakeholders.
Finley reflected on the community’s inaugural Purple Light Nights Walk, held just before the council meeting. Finely also shared DAWN’s year-round work to support, empower, and shelter survivors of domestic abuse in King County. Some of the programs DAWN offers include a 24-Hour Advocacy & Support Line, Children's DV Response Team, Confidential Emergency Shelter, Legal Advocacy, Mental Health Services, and more.
In addition to DAWN, the city recognizes other organizations whose focus is providing resources and support for those impacted by domestic violence.
Those organizations include API/Chaya, Consejo Counseling, Eastside Legal, King County 211, Lifewire, Mary’s Place, Project Be Free, Reclaiming Our Greatness, Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWa), Centro Rendu, Solid Ground, Vine Maple Place, and the YWCA.
This month, you’ll also see Renton Police officers wearing purple ribbon pins and placing purple ribbon vehicle magnets to show support and stand with those impacted by domestic violence.
On Purple Thursday, October 16, we invite YOU to participate in #PurpleThursday. Purple Thursday is a National Day of Action during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and an opportunity to raise awareness and show commitment in promoting healthy relationships. Wear purple and tag us in your pictures on social media! Use the hashtags #PurpleThursday and #RentonPDCares.
Lastly, as mentioned in last week’s issue of This Week in Renton, purple lights can be seen in front of city hall and a display of silhouettes and stories of local individuals who were victims of domestic violence can be found in the lobby.
Learn more and find resources at rentonwa.gov/dv.
Planned southbound I-405 closure this weekend
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans to close southbound I-405 this weekend from Coal Creek Parkway Southeast (Exit 10) to Northeast 30th Street (Exit 6) from 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 10 to 4 a.m. Monday, October 13.
Southbound I-405 drivers will take Exit 10 to Coal Creek Parkway Southeast, Duvall Avenue Northeast, and Sunset Boulevard Northeast to access southbound I-405 again. A signed detour route will be in place.
Crews working for WSDOT will excavate drainage crossings, complete full pavement replacements, and a traffic switch.
WSDOT notes that “work is dependent on good weather and the Mariners playoff schedule. Learn more and find the latest project updates directly from WSDOT on the I-405 project page.
Winter prep has begun!
This week, the Public Works Department began testing and loading equipment in preparation for winter.
Crews are test-driving all winter operations equipment on a “dry run” following their scheduled routes. During test drives, crews note any changes or potential hazards on their routes that may have changed since last year.
Crews must navigate around new curbing, traffic circles, construction zones, new neighborhoods and roads, and other recent changes.
By the numbers, the City of Renton is prepared with:
- Nine sanders
- Eleven trucks with plows
- Three anti-icer applicator trucks
- 9,500 gallons of de-icer
- 700 tons of salt
- 350 tons of mixed salt
- 1,500 tons of sand
Feeling in the holiday spirit? Hear some Public Works staff sing about winter prep here.
Public Works is prepared. Are you? Check out some reminders for extreme weather conditions like snow, ice, wind, and flooding:
- Snowplows prioritize our major roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and fire stations. Neighborhoods will be plowed once all snow and ice are clear from main arterials and critical routes.
- When it snows, please avoid parking on streets so snowplows can better clear the roads.
- Businesses and residents are responsible for clearing their own sidewalks.
- Facilities managed by the city's Parks and Recreation Department operate on the same snow schedules as the Renton School District in case of delays or closures. These include Renton Community Center, Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, and Highlands Neighborhood Center.
Where to report issues
- Report power outages to your utility company (Puget Sound Energy or Seattle City Light).
- Do not use generators or grills indoors.
- Treat intersections without power as four-way stops.
- Report downed public trees and trees that land on public property through Renton Responds.
- Report downed wires by calling 9-1-1.
- If there is an emergency, find information at rentonwa.gov/emergencyinfo.
Learn more about winter prep operations at rentonwa.gov/winterprep.
2026 Lodging Tax Grant Application open
Do you have a creative idea to drive tourism to Renton? Applications for the 2026 Lodging Tax Grant program are now open!
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding focuses on supporting tourism projects that generate overnight stays and attract visitors, particularly outside the busy season. City initiatives are underway to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, so available grant funds will prioritize complementary projects that enhance Renton as a destination.
Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), which will make funding recommendations to the Renton City Council for final approval.
For questions, contact Jessie Kotarski, Economic Development Manager, at 425-430-7271 or email.
Funding for the Lodging Tax Grant is through Washington State's Hotel-Motel Tax collected from short-term lodging stays within the city.
RECS offers Amateur Radio Tech Licensing Class
Did you know that Renton has a dedicated group of amateur radio operators known as the Renton Emergency Communication Service (RECS)?
RECS will be offering a two-Saturday Amateur Radio Tech Licensing Class on November 1 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This course prepares participants to pass the FCC licensing exam.
Register at rentonwa.gov/amateurradio.
Bring art to Renton with the Renton Arts Grants program
The first round of Renton art grants is now open for events and programs happening in early 2026!
If you have a project that brings art opportunities to the public—festivals, performances, exhibitions, or community programs—consider applying for funding.
Before you apply, please review the 2026 Art Grant Guidelines and make sure your project aligns with the funding criteria.
Applications for the first round of grants are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Find more details, including deadlines for future funding rounds, visit rentonwa.gov/RMAC.
For questions, contact arts@rentonwa.gov.
Connect with the Renton Police Department
Join Renton police officers for open and honest conversations that help build trust and understanding in our community. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, and get to know the individuals who serve our city every day.
Bring your teens, friends, and your voice—everyone is welcome. Let’s take a little time to connect and get to know one another.
Cops & Barbers takes place on the third Thursday of the month (October 16, November 20, and December 18) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Good Vibes Only Barbershop (3700 NE Fourth St.).
Location Insights for Entrepreneurs
Join us on Thursday, October 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 201 Williams Ave. S. for an informative panel discussion on choosing the right location for your business.
Hear from a commercial broker, local business owners, and an advisor from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as they cover current market trends, available spaces in the region, and practical strategies for lease negotiation.
Panelists will share lessons learned, including what they wish they had known before signing a lease, while the SBDC advisor will provide actionable guidance to help entrepreneurs navigate site selection with confidence.
After the panel, participants are invited to stay for coworking and networking, connecting with peers and resource partners to continue the conversation and build valuable relationships.
RSVP for free at startup425.org.
Hosted by Startup425 and the Community & Economic Development Department.
Around Renton
Renton City Council meets every Monday (excluding fifth Mondays and holidays) at 7 p.m. at Renton City Hall’s seventh floor council chambers. Find the agenda and sign up to speak at rentonwa.gov/council.
October 11 – Cedar River Salmon Festival, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N. Hosted by Environmental Science Center and Renton Parks & Recreation. Supported by Renton Public Works. Free.
October 16 – Cops & Barbers, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Good Vibes Only Barbershop, 3700 NE Fourth St. Hosted by Renton Police Department and Good Vibes Only Barbershop.
October 23 – The Right Place, The Right Business: Location Insights for Entrepreneurs, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 201 Williams Ave. S. Hosted by Startup425 and the Community & Economic Development Department. Free. Register here.
October 24 – Truck-or-Treat: Walk-Thru Spectacular, 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register here.
October 25 – Senior Holiday Craft Bazaar, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free admission.
October 25 – Fish or Treat, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Liberty Park Building, 1101 Bronson Way N. Hosted by Environmental Science Center. Supported in part by the city’s Public Works Department. Free.
October 25 – Costume Contest for you and your pets during Olde Fashioned Halloween Party, 3 – 4 p.m. Cugini Florists parking lot, 413 S. Third St. Hosted by Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Free. Register in-person on event day from 1 – 3 p.m.
November 1 & 8 – Emergency Preparedness Academy - Amateur Radio, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Renton Technical College, C-101 Blencoe Auditorium, 3000 NE Fourth St. Hosted by Renton Emergency Communication Service and Executive Services Department. Two-session commitment. Register here.
November 6 – Veterans Day Dance, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register here. Ages 50 & up.
In other news this week