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This Week in Renton
Friday, April 16, 2021 | Vol. VI | Issue 14
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
“Hatch Day” is Saturday
Come downtown this Saturday to celebrate the third anniversary of Erasmus’ “hatch.”
Activities include a dragon hunt to find 45 of Erasmus’ closest friends who’ve gotten lost on their way to the celebration. Download and print a Hatch Day Scorecard to find 10. Then email your scorecard to arts@rentonwa.gov by noon on April 18 to be entered into the prize drawing. You can also pick up a card on Saturday at the City Center Parking Garage (655 S Second St.), Sparkle Gifts & Whatnot (824 S Third St.), or Smoking Monkey Pizza (613 S Third St.).
At 2 p.m. Renton Municipal Arts Commission presents a Renton Road Show from 2-4 p.m. at 229 Wells Ave. S. Stop by and enjoy local musicians Abel Ames and Neo Soul Sensation, Luna Lunabby.
COVER STORY
The city has eight one- and two-story pre-approved ADU models from which to choose. They range from approximately 418 to 1,000 square feet and include kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom facilities.
ADUs: city introduces an affordable housing option
They go by many different names: backyard cottage, in-law suite, granny flat, carriage house or multigenerational home. They can be apartments over the garage or a tiny house on a foundation.
They're called accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Renton is making it easier and less costly to add one to your property through the new Permit Ready ADU (PRADU) program.
"We see stories every day covering the exploding housing market in our area," says Chip Vincent, the city's community and economic development administrator. "Accessory dwelling units are a viable option. We're promoting housing stability while efficiently using existing assets."
The city will introduce this highly anticipated program by hosting an online open house on Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The open house will provide an overview of the program, including the application process and eligibility requirements. Staff will also share completed PRADU designs for the first time. The city has developed eight base plans, which have been pre-approved by the building division. The plans range from approximately 418 to 1,000 square feet and include kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom facilities. All models have 1, 2, and 3 bedroom options.
Costs will be further reduced by expediting the review process and application costs. The city has waived most fees associated with building permit application and review, as well as impact fees for transportation, fire, parks, and school impact for those ADUs built within the Renton School District.
The open house will also provide an opportunity to answer questions. If you are unable to attend, questions can be directed to planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
The Impact of Prejudgment and Bias
Renton Chamber of Commerce will host the next DEI CommUNITY Conversation via Zoom on Thursday, April 22 at 4 p.m. In the first of a two-part discussion, James Donaldson will moderate a discussion on “The Impact of Prejudgment and Bias" from the perspective of a small business owner.
A long-time Seattle resident, James is a former NBA player, owner of The Donaldson Clinics for 28 years, and author of two books. He is a strong advocate for women- and minority-owned businesses and is involved with numerous chambers of commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
Part two of the conversation will be in May with Zenovia Harris, Kent Chamber of Commerce CEO and Benita Horn, City of Renton equity and inclusion consultant.
SOLID WASTE
Take the Earth Day Bingo Challenge
Earth Day is April 22. It is the perfect time to challenge yourself, family, and friends to find new ways to conserve resources and prevent waste.
To help, our Utility Systems Division has created an “Earth Day Bingo Challenge" with 25 tips to help protect our planet. From repurposing torn clothes and watering plants with recycled water, to taking 5-minute showers or going meatless one day a week, there's sure to be activities that you can fit into your daily routine.
By picking at least one activity and making it a habit, we can collectively make significant strides toward protecting our Earth’s resources. Let’s make Earth Day every day.
PROCLAMATION
Supporting our 911 operators
Interestingly, 911 operators in Washington state are not classified as "first responders" but as “Office and Administrative Support Occupation” under the government’s Standard Occupational Classification System (SOCS) system. Legislation (911 SAVES ACT) to reclassify 911 operators as first responders have been stalled in the legislature for over two years.
These professionals are, without a doubt, our first responders. They provide life-saving pre-arrival instructions, triage, mediation, de-escalation, and a calm presence on the telephone and radio focused on both responder and public safety. Valley Communications, which receives 911 calls from Renton, handles an average of 1,700 calls per day.
On Monday, Mayor Pavone proclaimed, and the City Council unanimously passed, a proclamation calling for "911 Public-Safety Telecommunicators at Valley Communications Center 911 to be recognized and elevated to the status of First Responders who serve our community.” The proclamation recognizes our 911 operators for the critical role they play in emergency response.
POLICE IN THE COMMUNITY
Shred-a-thon is April 24
Renton police will host their Shred-a-thon, Prescription Drug Take Back & Food Drive on Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Renton Memorial Stadium, 405 Logan Ave. S.
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Documents are limited to household papers and will be shredded on-site.
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Boxes should be 12 to 15 inches deep and 10 inches high (e.g., bankers box) or its equivalent amount in a paper or plastic bag.
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Documents should be free of paper clips and other metal (staples do not need to be removed).
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Items not accepted include plastic items such as credit cards, notebooks, and compact disks.
The event will also be an opportunity to dispose of any prescription drugs you might have around the house.
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Prescription and over-the-counter medications in pill or liquid form will be accepted.
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Solid dosage or capsules may be removed from the container and placed in a bag or brought in their original container.
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If the original container is submitted, remove any identifying information by removing the label or use a permanent marker to block out personal information.
The following items will not be collected:
Collections will also be made to benefit the Renton Salvation Army Food Bank. Please consider canned goods, dry goods, and monetary donations.
COMMUNITY
Show Some Love: Donate Blood
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Keep the supply flowing in our community by donating blood at Renton Community Center on Thursday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cascade Regional Blood Services has served the South Sound region for 75 years. Appointments are in 15-minute intervals and can be reserved online or by calling 1-877-242-5663.
PARKS AND TRAILS
The new play area at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park has play areas specifically designed for ages 2-5 and 5-12.
Park spotlight: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park covers 57 acres along Lake Washington and provides a wide variety of water-related recreational activities. The park has an eight-lane boat launch, four picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, a fishing pier, a 900-foot pier/water walk with picnic floats, and a summer swimming area.
The play area at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is one of the most recently replaced playgrounds in Renton, opening earlier this year. The new play equipment provides opportunities to swing, slide, climb and spin. In addition to the main 5-12 age group play structure, two additional climbing structures offer a chance to explore inside and out. Group play is encouraged by the all-abilities see-saw and group spinner. For the 2-5 age group, a cozy igloo, spinners, and a central structure allow younger children to climb, play and slide.
Get outside and enjoy Renton’s enticing parks and trails
Parks give all of us, no matter our age, the chance to socialize, relax, and enjoy our beautiful surroundings. For others, they offer the opportunity to exercise and play. Parks showcase our city as a destination for visitors, increase property values, and help protect the environment.
Renton has 29 public parks, 13 miles of trails, 813 acres of public open space, an award-winning 18-hole golf course, two lake-front beach parks, an aquatics center, and a public boat launch. Since 2019, the city has replaced playgrounds at Coulon, Thomas Teasdale Park, Cedar River Trail Park, and Tiffany Park. We have also added a new playground at Sunset Neighborhood Park. Over the next six years, more playground replacements are scheduled, including Cascade Park and Kennydale Beach Park in 2021. All these projects are funded through the Capital Improvement Program.
These new playgrounds incorporate different equipment to create a unique play experience. Age- and skill-appropriate equipment is chosen for children based on two age groups: 2-5 years and 5-12 years. The safety surfaces utilized are one of two types, either Engineered Wood Fiber or poured-in-place rubberized surfacing. The selected surfacing depends on existing site conditions and budget. All of our playgrounds have ADA-accessible components. Typically, a playground will last 15 years.
Play equipment selection, layout and installation, and safety surface selection are thoroughly reviewed. Each playground strictly meets the latest Consumer Product Safety Council (CPSC) and American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) certification for playground safety conformance.
Parks and Trails update
Warm weather is here, and that means more of us will head to Renton’s beautiful parks and trails.
When using our outdoor amenities, please remember these guidelines:
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Follow CDC and Public Health guidelines–practice good hygiene, keep safe distances, limit unnecessary exposures, and wear face coverings. Please do not use parks or trails if you are sick or not feeling well.
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Picnic shelters at parks are still closed until larger gathering sizes are allowed.
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Dogs are not allowed at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park or Kennydale Beach Park. Dogs are permitted on six-foot leashes at all other city parks and trails.
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Bicycles are prohibited on pathways at Coulon Park.
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Cedar River Dog Park is an off-leash park located along the Cedar River Trail.
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Boat launch permits for parking at Coulon Park can be purchased online or by calling (425) 430-6700; press 8.
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The basketball court at Thomas Teasdale Park will be cordoned off until mid-summer for repairs.
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The lower walk of the Cedar River Trail through downtown Renton has reopened for the spring and summer seasons. For everyone’s safety, please remember that this section of trail is a ‘Dismount Zone’ for bicyclists and follow directions on all posted signage.
For the most current information, please visit rentonwa.gov/parks or contact Community Services at (425) 430-6600.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Reuniting lost pets with their owners
Losing a pet can be traumatic, but the city wants to help get you reunited.
To see if a lost animal within Renton's city limits is in the care of our animal control division, check their Facebook page.
Be sure your pet has some form of identification, such as an ID tag or microchip. That information will assist our officers as they make multiple attempts to contact the owner. Animals without identification are held for a minimum three-day period. They then are put up for adoption according to health and temperament.
The Lost/Found form can be used to assist our officers in locating a pet or return it to its owner. Complete the form and email it, along with a photo.
REGIONAL ISSUES
Cedar Hills Regional Landfill community meeting
King County Solid Waste Division and Bio Energy Washington representatives will host an online community meeting on Wednesday, April 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is your opportunity to ask questions and learn about the latest activities at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill and the landfill's gas-to-energy facility.
METRO MATTERS
Metro increases passenger limits; offers vaccine appointment rides
Metro will start a gradual increase in passenger limits beginning tomorrow. Passenger limits will increase from 12 to 20 customers on their 40-foot buses and from 18 to 30 customers on 60-footers. Similar passenger limit updates will be made on other modes. The increase is in line with the governor’s guidance for public transit agencies.
Metro also encourages those who have made their vaccine appointments to “Take Transit to Take Your Shot.”
Groups serving low-income populations encouraged to apply for transit tickets by April 23
Organizations that serve either homeless or low-income populations are encouraged to apply for subsidized Metro transit tickets for their clients.
Through the Human Services Bus Ticket Program, 90% of the ticket value is subsidized by King County Department of Community and Human Services and King County Metro. The service organization pays 10%. Tickets can be used for bus and light rail.
To learn more and to apply, go to RFP for the 2021 Human Services Bus Ticket Program. The spring 2021 deadline for technical assistance is April 21, and the request for proposals closes on April 23.
COVID-19
State pauses use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
On Tuesday, the Washington State Department of Health paused statewide use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This action followed guidance from the Food & Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A rare but serious side effect, including serious brain blood clots combined with low platelet count, was seen in six patients, all women under 50.
Use of the vaccine will remain on hold until federal partners recommend how best to move forward.
About 160,000 doses of the J & J vaccine have been administered in Washington, out of more than four million doses total. The state is not aware that any of the six patients who experienced blood clots were Washington residents.
Washingtonians 16 and older are vaccine eligible
Effective yesterday, all state residents age 16 and up are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The state’s Vaccine Locator is an excellent way to schedule an appointment. The locator is available in 30 languages and will add seven more languages by the end of the month. Those who have further questions or need help making an appointment can call the state’s COVID-19 information hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available.
Pandemic help available at Skyway Resource Center
Next Friday, April 23, from 3-5 p.m., Renton Innovation Zone Partnership continues their community support in this free drive-through multi-service event at Campbell Hill Elementary.
Baby supplies, household items, food boxes and frozen family meals will be available. There will be information for housing, medical and health insurance, childcare, preschool consultation and developmental screening, WIC and First Steps. Signups are also available for free laptops and rental assistance referral, ORCA LIFT cards, and free academic and career trade training.
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Armondo Pavone (center front) is flanked by the 2021 Renton City Council. Ruth Pérez and Council President Randy Corman are seated in the front row. Standing: Valerie O’Halloran, Ed Prince, Council President Pro Tem Ryan McIrvin, Kim-Khánh Văn, and Angelina Benedetti.
April 12, 2021 Meeting
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Renton City Council meets via Zoom. For information on viewing or participating in a council meeting, go to rentonwa.gov.council. Past meetings are available at rentonwa.gov/youtube.
CALENDAR
Daily, Senior Meals, Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m., free, drive-thru sack lunch pick up at Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Limited quantities.
Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sustainable Renton free drive-through grocery store at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. NE.
Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Renton Live! online connection promoting business, nonprofits and activities within the greater Renton community. Find the weekly link on the Renton Live Facebook page.
Library resources and events, ongoing. Filter by event, program, and location. kcls.org
April 17, 10 a.m., Erasmus Hatch Day Celebration!, downtown
April 17, Sat. at 11 a.m., Guided Nature Walk for all ages at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. rentonwa.gov/register with code #9539, $12R / $15NR.
April 22, Thur. 7-9 p.m., Virtual Bunco Night with Renton Chamber of Commerce on Zoom! Network with business and community leaders. Win prizes from local Renton businesses. Register with the chamber.
April 24, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Shred-a-thon & Prescription Take-Back at Renton Memorial Stadium, 405 Logan Ave. S.
April 25 or 26, 11:30 a.m., Botanical Awakening introduction to plant life for age 18+ in the Black River Riparian Forest. Register at rentonwa.gov/register for Sunday 9532 or Monday 9559, $22R / $27NR.
April 25 or 26, 10 a.m. Birds of a Feather: Social Birding Adventures for age 18+, an engaging, approachable bird-focused outing at the Black River Riparian Forest. Register at rentonwa.gov/register for Sunday 9551 or Monday 9552, $22R / $27NR.
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