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Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | Vol. IX | Issue 41
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. Each October, organizations and individuals unite for a national effort to highlight the needs and experiences of survivors, and the City of Renton is proud to join this effort.
During Monday evening’s council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation was accepted by Tina Harris, the Renton Police Department's domestic violence advocate. Katya Wojcik, the director of Project Be Free, joined in the designation as this year's highlighted partner.
"It's important to remember that domestic violence isn't confined to certain days or months; every day, it silently affects our community," said Wojcik. "At Project Be Free, we are committed to providing immediate, intentional crisis response services to those impacted by domestic violence."
The city has had a domestic violence advocate position within the Renton Police Department for 20 years. Outside of the city’s advocate, the city funds 14 agencies and organizations whose focus is providing resources and support for those impacted by domestic violence.
Organizations include:
- Catholic Community Services
- Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN)
- Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA)
2024 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which has changed how the city responds to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking while providing the community with the needed services.
The National Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2024 theme is Heal, Hold, and Center. The City of Renton reaffirms its commitment to a holistic approach to the support provided through a focus on healing, education, and prevention as tools to lessen domestic violence and control extending to all residents, including those most marginalized.
Join the City of Renton in raising awareness and honoring domestic violence victims. Visit Renton City Hall to view the purple lights display and the Silent Witness display in the lobby.
For more information, please visit Renton’s domestic violence resource page. Renton police officers and vehicles will display purple ribbons in solidarity. Wear a purple ribbon to show support and stand with those impacted by domestic violence.
2025 Renton Art Grant applications are now open
The Renton Municipal Arts Commission extends grants to individuals, organizations, and community groups aiming to enrich the city's cultural landscape. Grant applications for 2025 are now open.
These grants provide flexibility, ensuring access for individuals and groups not covered by the annual Community Arts Support Program.
To be considered for specific funding periods, please submit applications electronically by 4:30 p.m. on the deadline. The upcoming deadline for events and programs focused on January and March is October 18.
Other deadlines for 2025 funding are:
Before applying, make sure to review the grant guidelines thoroughly.
For any questions or additional information, please contact [email protected].
Winter prep has begun
For 2024-2025, our region expects a La Niña year, meaning in the next six months (October through March) Renton will see a wetter and colder winter in the Pacific Northwest.
Earlier this week, the Public Works Department began its month-long preparation for the cold weather ahead. During this preparation, they focused on testing all equipment and vehicles, checking supplies, and doing dry runs of their snow routes.
The department currently has approximately 9,500 gallons of de-icer, 700 tons of salt, 350 tons of mixed salt, and 1,500 tons of sand ready for any harsh weather in Renton ahead.
A few reminders in extreme weather conditions from snow, ice, wind, and flooding:
- Snowplows prioritize arterials, secondary arterials and collectors, bridges, schools, hospitals, and fire stations. These areas are first pre-treated with an anti-icer to help keep ice and snow from bonding to the pavement, allowing quicker snow removal through plowing. Neighborhoods will be plowed once all snow and ice are clear from main arterials and critical routes.
- 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. Affected facilities include Renton Community Center, Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, and Highlands Neighborhood Center. Please call the city’s inclement weather line at 425-430-6719 to check for updates on changes to activities for the day.
- To avoid flooding, clear storm drains of leaves and debris.
- Do not approach any downed wires; call 9-1-1.
For more tips on how the city functions during extreme weather conditions, visit rentonwa.gov/winterprep.
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Renton Small Business Empowerment Think Tank Series: Valley/Talbot Neighborhood Event RSVP
Take advantage of the fourth Renton Empowerment Think Tank Series, focused on the Valley/Talbot Neighborhood business community.
Hosted by the City of Renton's Community & Economic Development Department, this series allows business owners within the Valley/Talbot Neighborhood to connect and engage with other local businesses, share insights, and ignite innovation.
Attend the event on Friday, October 25, at Seattle Gummy Company, 421 SW 41st St. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for networking, followed by a kick-off at 9 a.m.
Activities will include an engaging brainstorming session with breakout groups to help tackle specific business challenges. In addition, attendees will have the chance to network with successful local entrepreneurs and community leaders. Discussions on strategies to empower, uplift, and grow businesses in the Valley/Talbot area aimed to help business owners get motivated and energized to take on new challenges.
Space is limited, so register online if doing business in the Valley/Talbot area. For more information, contact Fatoumata Traore at [email protected].