Written by Randy Corman
The Seahawks have posted a really nice video about Renton featuring former Seahawks fullback Mack Strong and his wife Zoe. They talk about the Seahawk training camp, Coulon Park, the Farmers Market, the Landing, Renton’s 258 restaurants (including espresso stops), and many other amenities which will give visitors a perfect day when they come to watch Seahawks training. Sportscaster Tony Ventrella hosts.
Click here to view the seven minute video “Your visit to Renton”!
Written by Randy Corman
Tonight’s Finance Committee was quite interesting. In addition to the usual review and approval of city spending vouchers, we discussed a few other issues.
We agreed to some terms that will allow us to receive state grants for assistance in purchase of additional alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles. We currently have some hybrid passenger cars in our motor pool, and we have a hybrid boom truck; the state grants would provide us approximately $140,000 in funds to upgrade some other vehicle purchases to hybrids, potentially including other work trucks, an Aid Car, and other passenger vehicles. The State is also making money available for installation of Electric Vehicle charging stations, but we will have to compete with several other jurisdictions in King County to win a share of the charging station money.
In separate business, we recommended that the full council approve the hiring of a consultant for preparation of an updated six-year parks and open space plan. We last developed one of these plans in 2003, and it “expired” in 2009. A current plan must be on file with the state for us to qualify for certain grants which are essential for Renton to fund the development of trails and other open space improvements. The creation of the new parks and open space plan will be a highly public process– a consultant will gather and document community input regarding future priorities for new park development. So start thinking about new park amenities you would like to see in the next six years. (I mentioned tonight that a trail on May Creek, where we have been procuring land for 20 years, is high on my list.. but I’m sure readers all have their favorite ideas). In addition to making us eligible for grants, this plan will ensure that the park projects are well coordinated with other city growth management plans.
The last thing we discussed was the plan for determining the sites for two new (modern and larger) public library branches. A consultant will assist us in selecting and acquiring a new site in downtown (probably somewhere near the Piazza and parking garage) for a new Downtown Branch, and a new site in the Highlands (likely on NE Sunset) for a replacement Highlands Library. The Council has expressed interest in building these new library branches as early as next year using bonds that would be paid off with money that was previously dedicated to library operations. As a reminder, starting in 2011 library operations will be funded by KCLS from proceeds of a new levy on Renton property, as a result of the library annexation that was narrowly approved by Renton voters earlier this year. The council and mayor wish to get the new branches built soon to get maximum benefit from the new King County Library Service. Renton and KCLS officials have been working collaboratively on the siting of the new library branches, and a consultant will be assisting them make final siting and acquisition decisions.
Written by Randy Corman
Michael Palmer and his dog compete in the dog-owner look-alike contest.
Crowds of people and dogs packed the fountain plaza of the Landing today, as they enjoyed the festivities of “Doggapalooza.” There were contests, an informal exhibition of dog tricks, face painting, balloon animals, information and merchandise booths, a raffle, special activities sponsored by nearby merchants, and lots of visiting among dogs and dog owners. A team from KISS FM Radio was there to add to the party atmosphere of the event, and their morning DJ Bender served as Master of Ceremonies for the day’s events.
I helped judge dog/owner comparison contests along with co-judge Brandi Ahlgren, founder and editor of City Dog Magazine. Contestants competed in three categories; those who most resembled their dogs, those who looked the most opposite from their dogs, and those who had dressed their dogs and kids to match each other.
The location for the event was perfect. The large architectural awnings on the buildings at the Landing provided generous amounts of shade. In addition the fountain and landscaping kept everyone feeling cool even though the temperature was in the eighties. The Landing’s merchants made sure people and dogs had plenty to eat and drink.
My daughter Susie had her dog Max at the event. Max had to stay in a stroller because he has a broken leg. (His foot was stepped on by our horse)
Camille and Sarah organized and publicized the Doggapalooza event. They work for the Fearey Group, a premier public relations firm which is employed by the Landing to assist with community activities and outreach. Camille (left) maintains “The Landing in Renton” facebook page.
Representatives were on-hand from RUFF, the dedicated volunteer organization that created the Renton off-leash dog park
Written by Randy Corman
The old Benson Ave Bridge over I-405 is coming out tonight, to allow the freeway to be expanded with an extra lane each way. The bridge removal will require that the entire freeway be closed both directions from starting in a few hours. The freeway will reopen by 11:00 AM Sunday. Note it will be closed all day Saturday, so plan your driving carefully to avoid traffic jams. We’ve tried to get motorists to take I-5 and I-90, but much freeway traffic will also be detouring through Renton.
Here is more info in the Seattle Times.
Written by Randy Corman
Don’t forget Doggapalooza at the Landing tomorrow! I’ll be down there serving as a judge. I hope to see you!
Click below for all the details:
Written by Randy Corman
It appears that Seattle has retaken the world’s record for the most “zombies” in one place. Seattle obtained this record at their first annual “zombie walk” last year, only to lose it to England shortly afterward. But now we are once again the zombie capitol.
This year Seattle got some help from some of the Renton Corman clan, as my son Kenny and his wife Anastasia dressed up as zombies, signed in for official counting, and then danced “Thriller” with thousands of others.
Here are a couple videos which give a sense for this event. The first one was put together by a youtube user, and shows off the crowd’s costumes and dancing. The second video is one I took of Kenny and Anastasia practicing their “Thriller” dance here at the house.
I’m thinking I may have to try dressing up as a Zombie next year… it looked like a lot of fun.
Thousands of Zombies dance “Thriller” in Fremont last Saturday
Son Kenny and his wife Anastasia practice their dance before the big event
Written by Randy Corman
Miss Washington Contestants from across the state pose for a photo at their official welcome event at Renton’s Tea Palace Restaurant (Photos by The Tea Palace)
Miss Washington contestants from across the state have been arriving in Renton for their annual pageant week. They have many official pageant activities planned, and a few public stop-offs. I’ve heard you might be able to see at least some of the contestants at the Farmers Market tomorrow.
Yesterday they attended an official welcome ceremony at the Tea Palace Restaurant in Renton Highlands. Here are a few more photos from this event. (The Tea Palace is an outstanding venue for very large banquets. Their food and service are excellent, and they can accommodate over a thousand people.)
Written by Randy Corman
Fourth of July Parade, sometime before 1918. (Do any of you readers know antique cars well enough to identify the precise year?)
The above photo and other historic photos can be found here.
And if you have the chance, be sure to catch the festivities at Coulon Park today. The Celebration runs all day, and will culminate with a professional fireworks display tonight after dark (around 10:00 PM).
The above photo was shot by Mayor Law during last year’s display.
Written by Randy Corman
We received an email today from a citizen suggesting council consider a less-restrictive ban on fireworks. I’ve attached the email below.
I personally enjoy SAFE fireworks on the Fourth of July, and I’m always interested in hearing from citizens; but unless things have changed significantly since November 7, 2006, council would probably be reluctant to change the ban on fireworks.
This is because this issue went to the voters during the 2006 general election, and voters overwhelmingly chose to maintain the fireworks ban. Renton voters favored a ban at a rate of 62.57 percent to 37.43 percent.
Voters chose to maintain a ban that had been put in place by council by unanimous vote (including me) in 2004. Council had originally put the ban in place after the state had allowed the definition of “Safe and Sane” to become so inclusive that flaming rockets could now be labeled “Safe and Sane”, followed by a Fourth of July in which two Renton building burned to the ground from fireworks: a brand-new single family home and a publicly owned building on park land (across the Cedar River from Carco Theater).
Voters affirmed the council fireworks ban in 2006. Here is the link to the 2006 ballot proposition, and here is the link to the election results.
Below you will find the recent email council received on this topic.
To: Council
Subject: Fireworks ban
Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2010 9:39:29 AM
I exchanged several emails with Lisa Garvich, and she directed me here to ask my questions about the fireworks ban. I have looked at the meeting minutes and wanted to know the best way to propose that the current ban be amended.
I believe that the same improvements to the safety and security can be achieved with a less restrictive ban that would allow citizens their freedoms to celebrate and allow for additional revenue inside the city.
I have analyzed the numbers associated with fireworks injuries and fires, and compared this to other legal activities. I have also evaluated the causes of injuries related to types of fireworks, and believe if the ban were to be limited to specific types it would still achieve its desired purpose.
I know it is too late to affect this independence celebration, but I hope to get a change for the next.
Thank you,
A.B.
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