"Whether you are here as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or as an ally, we support and stand in solidarity for increased visibility and representation. It remains one of the most honorable and brave things to do to live your truth and bring your authentic self to your community.
"The LGBTQIA+ community has made significant progress and achievements in Renton and throughout the United States in recent years - but we also must be cautious about falling into complacency and thinking that discrimination or intolerance is a thing of the past - we acknowledge there is still work to be done.
"We must continue to strive for equality, acceptance, and respect for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We must continue to educate ourselves and others, and we must continue to push for policies and laws that protect and support the LGBTQIA+ community."
For Deborah Needham, the issue of marriage equality for same-sex couples was personal and profound.
"My partner was in a devastating accident in 2004, and I was denied access to her in the hospital. That galvanized me in wanting to ensure we could do something about that. I started with the city in 2007 and discovered we didn't have domestic partnership benefits here. So I said, 'Hey, that's important to me, and here's why.' Before I knew it, Council had already passed domestic partnership benefits. So later, when the state mandated employers to treat same-sex couples in domestic partnerships equally as married couples, Renton was way ahead. We'd already had that for two years.
"Many gay people or people with a gender identity different than they were born with find that their families of origin have rejected them. We've had to choose families because we've often lost our families. The Renton family being welcoming and feeling that sense of belonging here, to me, as a gay person, is very important. So, I want to thank Renton and the Mayor for making Renton a welcoming place."
The flag will fly over City Hall through June 11.
Mayor Armondo Pavone presents the LGBTQIA+ Pride Month proclamation to Lanette Sargeant.
Later Monday evening, during the city council meeting, Mayor Pavone proclaimed June LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Renton. Accepting the proclamation was Lanette Sargeant. A lifelong Renton resident, Lanette is an advocate for education and LGBTQIA+ rights and a board member for the Renton LGBTQIA+ community.
Recycle event #2 is Saturday
Tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Avenue NE), our Solid Waste Utility division will host the second of three recycling events. This event collects mattresses, box springs, cardboard, Styrofoam, and tires.
They will also collect non-perishable food items for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
Juneteenth celebrations
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last remaining enslaved African Americans were freed in Galveston, Texas. As joyous as it was, it was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln freed all persons held as slaves within the Confederate states through his Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
Juneteenth is a federal and city holiday, so all city facilities will be closed on Monday, June 19.
Before then, enjoy these Juneteenth events:
Sunday, June 11: Renton City Concert Band, under the direction of conductor Michael Simpson, presents its Juneteenth Celebration Concert at 2 p.m. at McKnight Middle School (1200 Edmonds Ave. NE, 98056). Please note the venue change. Tickets are $10 (adults) and $7 (students & 50+). Purchase tickets on the day of the performance or before at Renton Community Center or Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center.
Saturday, June 17: Renton School District’s Skyway Juneteenth Celebration and Festival at Campbell Hill Elementary, 3-7 p.m., presented by Renton School District, Skyway Coalition, and NAACP. Events include:
Sunday, June 25: Reclaiming Our Greatness: Juneteenth Celebration, Liberty Park (1101 Bronson Way N, 98057), 12-5 p.m. The greatness of the African American people exists in the ability to reclaim the greatness inherited through their ancestors.
The event features:
- 3-on-3 basketball tournament
Hosted by Elevate PR Management and Renton Residents for Change; event partners include: City of Renton, Valley Medical Center, and Black Love Market.
In addition to these Renton-area events, we compiled a list of Juneteenth events in surrounding communities.
Renton River Days returns July 21-23
There is still time to be part of Renton River Days, our annual family festival and community celebration. River Days is a three-day run of family-friendly events taking place July 21-23.
Parade: Applications are being accepted for participation in the Renton River Days parade, sponsored by Brotherton Cadillac, on Saturday, July 22, at 10 a.m.
Sponsorship: Promote your company and build community. Email [email protected] to become a festival sponsor.
Summer Bazaar: Vendor applications are being accepted for the 2023 Summer Bazaar at Renton Community Center, Friday through Sunday.
Community Booths: Booths are available for non-profits. All participants must provide an activity that represents families, children, and senior populations.
Community Booths: Booths are available for non-profits. All participants must provide an activity that represents families, children, and senior populations.
Volunteering: Several volunteer opportunities are available over all three days of the event. Details and times are on our website under the “One-Time Volunteer Opportunities” tab.
Nighttime closure starts Monday on Rainier Avenue S at S 2nd St
Work crews will close Rainier Avenue S at S 2nd Street for approximately two weeks starting Monday, June 12. The closure will run Monday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. It will allow the installation of a new underground water main.
Detour route signage will direct traffic onto Airport Way via Lake Avenue S, S Tobin Street, and Shattuck Avenue S.
The most current information on major road construction projects in the city:
No Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Due to safety concerns and ongoing construction at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, the city will not be able to host its annual Fourth of July fireworks show this year. We appreciate your patience as we work to keep this much-loved city park functional and well-maintained.
To ensure the health and longevity of Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, the city needs the necessary time to safely and efficiently complete the North Water Walk Project. The project has made significant strides and we are working toward an expected opening in late summer 2023.
Residents are still encouraged to enjoy Coulon Park in the meantime, however, please note, the park will close early on July 4, and signage will be posted.