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Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | Vol. IX | Issue 43
Before Monday evening’s council meeting, the city celebrated its first Filipino American History Month. The celebration included a reception and proclamation at Renton City Hall.
The Filipino community has a long history in the United States, Washington, and Renton. Filipinos represent many individuals in key leadership roles, from medical to engineers.
This year’s theme is ‘Struggle, Resistance, Solidarity, and Resilience.’
About 200,000 Filipinos live in Washington State and are the third-largest foreign-born population in Renton.
“Our story is not one dimensional, you are not one dimensional. You are all different, you are all special” said Dr. Dorothy Cordova, Founder of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), when speaking about the Filipino American history and experience.
Attendees enjoyed food provided by Manila Sunset. After several speeches, Filipino American Community of Renton (FILAMCOR) board member Mary Tuifua sang the Star-Spangled Banner and Bayan Ko.
During the council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated October as Filipino American History Month in Renton. Several of the attendees and members of the organizations joined the mayor for a photo. Two of the Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force members, Violet Aesquivel and Rolly Polintan, accepted the proclamation. Rolly is also the past president of the Coalition of Filipino American Organizations of Washington (COFAO).
Violet read the proclamation in Tagalog, and shared a few words of thanks, along with Rolly Polintan.
Several thanks to the organizations for participating in the celebration. Participants included COFAO, FILAMCOR, Marvin Rosete, Dr. Dorothy Cordova, FANHS, Association of Filipino - American Engineers of Washington (AFEW), Miss Earth Washington Kiara Landon, Miss Mutya Ng Pilipinas Overseas Communities Aiyen Ysabel Maquiraya, Valley Medical Chairman, Rick Polintan, Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force members, planning commission members, Senator Bob Hasegawa, Jasmine Ines, Washington state delegate to the Democratic National Convention and chair of the executive board of the 11th Legislative District Democrat, and members of the community.
Recognizing the people, ideas, and development during National Planning Month
Behind every housing development, building, or active space is a plan. National Planning Month recognizes the projects and dedication that improve Renton for its current and future residents.
During last Monday’s council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated October as National Planning Month. To accept the proclamation were the city's Planning Director, Matt Herrera, and several planners within the city's Community & Economic Development Department.
A few projects to highlight:
- Sunset Gardens: In partnership with the Renton Housing Authority, Sunset Gardens is the newest affordable housing development in the Sunset neighborhood. The new four-story building provides 76 units for veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors. It is also the new home of the Renton Housing Authority's administrative offices.
- Solera: The Solera development is the largest private investment in Sunset Highlands. Phase I includes a mixed-income and mixed-use development providing 590 apartments and large commercial and public plaza space. Phase I will be complete towards the beginning of 2025. Phase II will include about 90 townhomes beginning at the end of 2025 and completed in early 2027.
- Renton Library: The City of Renton constructed the original 19,500 square-foot Renton Public Library over the Cedar River in 1966. The community treasured this iconic library and its unique location. Based on the repairs needed, a new location was considered, but the final plan moved forward with rebuilding the library on the existing site.
A spooktacular weekend ahead in Renton
Not one but two opportunities to celebrate Halloween in Renton take place this weekend.
Starting on Friday, October 25, join the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and other city departments for the annual Truck or Treat event at the Renton Community Center.
The main event starts 6 p.m. and will be a walk-thru this year. For families with sensory sensitivities or accessibility needs, register for the soft sensory drive-thru from 5 to 5:45 p.m.
Register at rentonwa.gov/register and search for course #22193 (walk-thru) or #22192 (sensory drive-thru). The event is $12 for nonresidents and $10 for residents for the walk-thru. $22 for nonresidents and $18 for residents for the drive-thru.
The next day, head downtown for the Olde Fashioned Halloween Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, October 26.
Hosted by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and Renton Downtown Partnership, join the fun from 1-4 p.m. at Gateway Park. Download the Spooky Decal Hunt Gamecard and mark it as you discover the decal downtown to claim a prize.
Outside the scavenger hunt, there will be more activities like a costume contest (both for humans and pets), music by Mikey the Rad Scientist, sweet treats, and games.
Early bird registration closes on November 1 for the K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk
It is never too early to register for the 2024 K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk. Early bird registration ends on November 1, with fees set at $20 for ages four to 17 and $28 for ages 18 and up. Fees will increase to $27 for ages four to 17 and $35 for ages 18 and up after November 1. Sweatshirts will also be available up until November 22.
Renton Parks and Recreation will host the K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run at Renton Community Center (RCC) on Sunday, December 8, starting at 9 a.m.
The course is an out-and-back beginning at the RCC, heading on the Cedar River Trail to Riverview Park, and returning back to RCC. Strollers are welcomed on the course for both humans and dogs.
Register for early bird prices now.
Are you an organization seeking local talent? Register for the free Eastside Virtual Job Fair
Join the free Eastside Virtual Job Fair on November 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is in partnership with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County and several cities including Renton, Issaquah, Bothell, Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland.
Organizations can connect with local talent online, preview resumes, schedule appointments, and access resumes for six months after the event. Space is limited, and organizations must register by October 25. A Workforce representative will assist in setting up your virtual booth.
2024 Diversity in Law Enforcement Career Workshop
Thinking about a career in law enforcement? Join Renton Police Department and other South King County Valley law enforcement partners for their annual Diversity in Law Enforcement Career Workshop on Saturday, November 2.
The workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to learn valuable information on the hiring process, make in person connections with officers, and learn about the benefits of a career in law enforcement.
Registration is required and participants must be 18 or older. The workshop will be held in Renton and a specific location will be provided to registered participants.
Explore a career in the Renton School District: Attend the first Showcase of Careers event
Renton School District will be hosting its first Showcase of Careers event on November 5, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at IKEA Performing Arts Center next to Renton High School.
This is a free event open to the public as an opportunity for educators to meet with schools and departments in the Renton School District to discover openings and meet with district leaders.
Opportunities range from substitute teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, nutrition specialist, and more.
Explore what the Renton School District has to offer!
Fill out the online form to register for the event. For existing job opportunities, visit the district’s career page.