renton reporter comprehensive reporting 2012
DESCRIPTION
Five stories and an editorial exploring "Making a Stand in North Renton."TRANSCRIPT
GOLDEN QUEST | Go ahead, try to � nd some gold in the Cedar or the Raging [16]
REPORTER .com
R E N T O N
REPORTER NEWSLINE 425.255.3484A DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING
FRID
AY J
ANUA
RY 2
7/12
CurveCard | Any time is a good time to shop at local businesses that honor the CurveCard [9]
All-state soccer | See which local players made an all-state team, and more in Sports [19]
in today’s
Business Pro� les
RENTON REPORTER
Renton o� cers take a man into custody outside Trophies Bar and Eatery in December after conducting a warrant check of patrons and others inside. Police later identi� ed the man as a security guard for Trophies who was wanted on a warrant from Tukwila. City of Renton
BY DEAN A. RADFORD
Ol’ Man Winter threw wind and rain at Renton this week, adding a chill to the ongoing cleanup from last week’s storms.
� e Renton School District will make up the two days lost because of the storm on June 20 and 21.
Cleanup of debris continued at homes and at business, with the sound of chainsaws and chippers seemingly everywhere.
� e next step for the City of Renton is to assess the damage and the cost of cleanup, expected next week.
“We believe that in terms of public facilities the primary areas of damage are the parks , trails and streets from the trees and other debris,” said Preeti Shridhar, a city spokes-woman.
Counties typically collect assessments of damage to private property. A federal disaster designation hasn’t been made for this storm.
One place familiar to many is in need of some cleanup help.
� e Shadow Lake Nature Preserve, home to the famous bog, is holding cleanups today, Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m.
� e preserve is at 21656 184th Ave. S.E., in east Renton. � e phone number to call to volunteer is 425-432-4914 .
Organizers are reporting that the preserve su� ered considerable damage from fallen trees and branches. � e trails and pond need clearing.
What’s needed in particular are chain saws, wood chippers and bow saws. Wear work clothes.
Life backto normal
after week of storms
MAKING A STAND IN NORTH RENTON
BY DEAN A. RADFORD
Gun� re erupted outside Trophies Bar and Eatery the night of Dec. 9. A bullet struck the front door of a nearby home.
It’s one reason why the City of Renton wants the state to revoke Trophies’ liquor license.
“We fear it’s just a matter of time before an innocent resident is going to be shot by an errant bullet,” Mayor Denis Law wrote
in a Dec. 13 letter to the enforcement chief of the Washington state Liquor Control Board.
Trophies is but one of the issues the City of Renton is addressing to make residents feel safe in north Renton. But there are other issues on the city’s radar screen, too, that are a� ecting residents’ quality of life in
this classic Renton neighborhood.Absentee landlords let properties deteri-
orate or don’t fully check the backgrounds of their tenants. Even the judicial system lets juvenile o� enders o� easily, who then return to north Renton to o� end again, Law says.
But as a public safety issue, Trophies has stood out.
In a recent interview earlier this month with the Renton Reporter, Trophies managers Darron Cage and Kai � omas said Trophies will be a much di� erent place when its liquor license comes up for renewal in June.
� e biggest change is the name. Starting
City targets bar’s liquor licenseTrophies changing its name, music, trying to become bar for the whole neighborhood
NEXT
During the next several weeks, the Renton Reporter will continue to report on e� orts by the City of Renton and the residents themselves to improve the quality of life in this venerable neighborhood between downtown and Kennydale.
North Renton
[ more NORTH RENTON page 22 ]
567670
206.949.1696www.marciemaxwell.com
Lisa LamRealtor, CRS,ABR & ASP
Marcie MaxwellAssociate Broker, Realtor & CRS
More coverage, photosPages 12,13
Friday, Trophies will have a new one, Nations Pub:liq. It will become an internationally themed sports bar featuring soccer and other sports in season on TVs.
It’s been closed for several days for some remodeling and will have a grand reopening at 2 p.m. today (Friday).
“Trophies doesn’t exist any more,” � omas said Wednes-day.
Trophies opened in summer 2010 as a sports bar and nightclub, with the idea of showcasing young artists.
“In this area, in this demographic it’s mostly rap,” Cage said of the music the club featured.
� e formula drew a big crowd that � lled the dance � oor and made money. Trophies had security work-ing inside the club and in the parking
lot.But that young crowd became the source of many of
Trophies’ problems, along with employees who weren’t fol-lowing the rules and were let go, � omas said.
So now, the music will change 80s and 90s cover bands, with a so� er rock.
“We’d rather make a slow dollar rather than a fast one any day if it’s going to keep people safe,” said Cage, whose brother Art owns Trophies.
� e menu is upgraded, with breakfast, lunch and dinner.Law’s letters to the liquor board go back to last fall. In a
letter to board chair Sharon Foster Nov. 3, Law wrote that in the previous 15 months, Renton o� cers responded to Trophies 135 times, including 29 calls for disputes, � ghts and assaults.
Trophies has its own history with the liquor control
board.Trophies opened in September 2010 on Park Avenue
North; the next month it received three verbal warn-ings, including one for disorderly conduct. � rough early December, Trophies has received 18 verbal warnings or violation notices from enforcement agents.
Last August its liquor license was suspended for � ve days because of inadequate lighting, which meant the agent didn’t have enough light to read a patron’s identi� cation.
Trophies is what the liquor control board calls a “loca-tion of strategic interest,” a place that will receive extra
www.rentonreporter.com[22] January 27, 2012
Darron Cage, left, and Kai Thomas are the managers of Trophies Bar and Eatery, which as of Friday is known as Nations Pub:liq and will become an internationally themed sports bar. DEAN A. RADFORD, Renton Reporter
TAKING A STAND IN NORTH RENTON
‘Trophies doesn’t exist anymore,’ says manager[NORTH RENTON from page 1]
“We’d rather make a slow dollar than a fast one any day if it’s going to keep people safe.” Darron Cage, a Trophies’ manager
[ more NORTH RENTON page 23 ]
...obituaries
Place a paid obituary to honor those
who have passed away, call Linda at 253.234.3506
[email protected] notices are subject to veri� cation.
Donald O. CarlileDonald Oland Carlile, 72, went home
to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 12, 2012. He was born April 16, 1939 in Holdrege, Nebraska, to Edwin C. and Mildred Arlene (Merchant) Carlile.
He attended Seattle Pacific College majoring in business administration until he was drafted, then served in the Army from 1961-64.
In 1966 he married Susan Harrison and they settled in the Seattle area. In 1978 he moved with his family to Dutch Harbor, AK, where he worked in office management for the fishing industry. He was divorced in 1987. In 1991 he moved to Renton, WA, where he lived for 20 years.
Don loved music, people, and his family. He taught himself to play the piano at a very young age and loved to play for people wherever he went. He played for his church and at many gatherings, weddings, funerals, and the Renton and Mt. Si senior centers.
His family was his greatest joy and he took delight in encouraging and supporting them. In November 2011, Don moved to Eugene, Oregon.
Donald is survived by his daughter, Heather, and her husband, Corey Fisher of Veneta, OR; grandchildren Kathlina Fisher of St. Louis, MO, and Mirianna, Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and Rosalie Fisher of Veneta, OR. Don made friends wherever he went and will be greatly missed by many.
A celebration of life service and funeral will be held January 28, 2012, at 11 am at the Renton Church of the Nazarene, 850
Union Ave. NE, Renton, WA.576853
To place your Good News ad,call Linda at 253.234.3506
GOOD NEWS!WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT
Courtmanch and EvansRandi Marie Courtmanch
and Matthew (Matt) Paul Evans were married on September 17, 2011 at the Fremont Abbey in Seattle.
Randi is the daughter of Bruce and Norma Courtmanch of Renton. She teaches at UW Bothell and Momentum Dance Studio, and is also program coordinator at CD Forum for Arts and Ideas. Matt is the son of Terry and Donna Evans of Huntington Beach, Calif. He is a manager at Trader Joe's in Everett.
The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii and are now settled in Seattle.
575648
566950
19426 68th Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032 • 425.255.3484 • www.rentonreporter.com
DELIVERY TUBESAVAILABLE
The Renton Reporter is published every Friday and delivery tubes are available FREE to our readers who live in our distribution area.
Our newspaper tube can be installed on your property at no charge to you. Or the tube can be provided to you to install at your convenience next to your mailboxreceptacle or at the end of your driveway.
Pick up your FREE tube at the Kent of� ce, locatedat 19426 68th Ave. S., Kent, WA during regular business hours.(Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
DELIVERY TUBESAVAILABLEFREE!
REPORTER .co
mR E N T O N
Read us online 24/7 with regular updateswww.rentonreporter.com
www.rentonreporter.com [23]January 27, 2012
New BeginningsChristian Fellowship
8:00am & 11:00amwww.thenbcf.org19300 108th Ave. SE
Renton, WA 98057 567169
SKY Center for Spiritual living879 Rainier Ave N. A-100 (PS Business Park)
Renton, WA 98057Sunday Worship Service: 10:00am
9:00am - Adult & Youth Empowerment studies425-221-1504 • [email protected]
Rev. Dr. Linda M. Smith, Pastor 567175
YOU NEED HELP –They need work.
Reach over 2 million readers with many skills throughout Washington by advertising
your job in 106 Community Newspapers!LOW COST • ONE CALL • ONE BILL
Buy a Region or the Entire State!
Request a free information kit today:425-255-3484
REPORTER .com
R E N T O N
425-988-2598 (24-hours)304 Main Ave. S.Downtown Renton
www.SerenityRenton.comSERENITYFuneral Home and Cremation
Whether you choose burial or cremation,we promise you compassion and honesty always.
565213
569161
Team You Can Trust.
$4000OFF
Save $40.00 Off The First VisitNew customers only, not valid with other offers.
merrymaids®
Check our web brochure atwww.MM346.isiedge.com
AAA Washington Travel Ad for: Renton ReporterRun Date : 1-27-12File created by: Jessica AmoatengAd Size: 2 x 4
If you have any questions please contact: Stacie Holder: [email protected] ORJessica Amoateng: [email protected]
(800) 430-9001 | AAA.com | No Service Fees*
RSVP
Join us for a special presentation by Holland America Line. Learn about the newest destinations and amenities, and SAVE on your next Holland America cruise.
AAA Renton Offi ce: 3900 E. Valley Highway, #105
Date: Wednesday, February 8Presentation: 1:30 p.m.Hosted by: AAA Travel and Holland America Line
SAVE DURING HOLLAND AMERICA MONTH
(425) 251-4811
*AAA does not charge service fees on the purchase of cruises and tour packages. Other service fees may apply for items such as airline tickets, passports, fees imposed by other companies or gov’t entities, etc. Restrictions and limitations apply per product. Ask AAA for details. Agency #178-018-521
Members and Non-Members Welcome
resources and attention. That could include undercover operations and education and training.
“Bottom line, Trophies is on our radar,” said Brian Smith, a liquor board spokesman. “We have and will continue to dedicate resources to this location to address the public safety issues associated with it.”
Across Park Avenue from Trophies stands a 6-foot wooden fence, put there by residents who feared their homes would get hit by bullets.
In that Dec. 9 shooting a bullet hit a front door of one of the houses.
“People are to that level of frustration and desperation that they are trying to do what they can to protect themselves,” Law said.
But as Law pointed out, a wood fence isn’t going to stop a bullet from a 45-caliber gun.
The shooting outside Trophies turned into what officers described as “chaos,” Law wrote in his letter to the liquor con-trol board. A man had fired a round at a woman, but missed her. A large crowd came out of Trophies and several more rounds were fired from a large-caliber gun.
“While we sincerely hope that there is a strong enough case pending to allow you to revoke the liquor license from this establishment, I want to formally request at this time that any application for renewal of a liquor license for Trophies Bar and Eatery be denied,” he wrote on Dec. 13.
Now, Trophies is talking with the liquor board about trans-ferring its liquor license to under the new name, Thomas said. The ownership doesn’t change.
Before Trophies opened in September 2010, the space at the corner of Park Avenue North and North Second Street was occupied by Northwest Sports Bar, which closed earlier in the year.
Early on, Cage said, a liquor board enforcement agent visited Trophies, telling the managers that Northwest Sports Bar had been a problem. The agent was there to make sure Trophies wasn’t causing the same problems, Cage said.
Business was brisk and they didn’t have any problems outside what normally occur running a bar, Cage said. There were four security guards inside and two outside “keeping peace,” he said; now there are three total.
The bar checks IDs; police will do warrant checks. If there’s a fight or other problem, 911 is called. Problem patrons aren’t allowed back in.
Police have told Cage about shootings outside, he said. He and Thomas are willing to talk with police and Law about the issues raised by police and the liquor control board.
“That’s why I am frustrated,” Cage said. “I want to know what the big problems are.”
Both were surprised to learn that police received 135 com-plaints about Trophies. Nor had they seen a complete list of verbal and written violations from the liquor control board.
Law said the city is “always willing to work with the man-agement of any establishment that wants to cooperate in deal-ing with criminal activity that is impacting a neighborhood.”
A letter Trophies management sent to City Attorney Larry Warren “acts totally oblivious to knowledge of any criminal activity or violence on their property, which makes me ques-tion if there is any sincere desire to work with us to resolve issues,” he said.
In an interview, Cage and Thomas said there is the desire.
In recent months business at Trophies has “slowed down,” Cage said, in part because of the intense police and liquor board attention. The change in music also reduced the crowd.
Trophies is also at risk of losing its lease. The property owner is in the process of starting an eviction procedure. The city is gathering documentation for the landlord about the police response to Trophies, which it also will provide to Trophies.
Renton Police officers stand outside Trophies in early December during a warrant search and premises check. City of Renton
fyiWashington State Liquor Control Board· 10-02-2010: disorderly conduct (verbal warning);· 10-26-2010: unauthorized alterations (verbal warning);· 10-30-2010: advertising violation (verbal warning);· 11-10-2010: unauthorized alterations (verbal warning);· 12-09-2010: inadequate lighting – (verbal warning); · 12-10-2010: disorderly conduct (AVN); Paid $300 in lieu of 5-day
suspension)· 03-08-2011: employee drinking on-duty – (verbal warning);· 03-20-2011: disorderly conduct (verbal warning);· 04-11-2011: minor frequenting – (AVN); Paid $300 in lieu of 5-day
suspension)· 06-16-2011: over-service – (AVN); (5 day or $500; formal hearing
requested)· 07-13-2011: inadequate lighting – (verbal warning);· 07-15-2011: furnishing alcohol to a minor – (AVN); day suspension;
formal hearing requested· 08-04-2011: inadequate lighting – (verbal warning);· 08-04-2011: NSf check – (verbal warning);· 08-05-2011: inadequate lighting/criminal conduct (AVN and written
warning); 5 days or $100, missed deadline; 5-day suspension imposed· 09-26-2011: inadequate lighting – (AVN); 5 day suspension or
$500.00; formal Hearing requested· 10-12-2011: employee drinking on-duty/criminal conduct – (AVN
and verbal warning). 7 day suspension; informal requested· 12-01-2011: Over-service (AVN); 7 day suspension, hearing
requested.Administrative Violation Notice (AVN) can result in a fine or license
suspension.
Violation history
[NORTH RENTON from page 22]
Trophies is on liquor board’s radar screen
To place a Legal Notice, please call 253-234-3506
or e-mail [email protected]
PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 1
OF KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON
VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING TIME CHANGE
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Public Hospital District No. 1 of King County, (Valley Medical Center) scheduled for the 1st Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m., has been rescheduled to the first and third Mondays of every month at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Valley Medical Center. Meetings will be moved to Tues-
day if the Monday is a holiday. This meeting schedule will become effective at the next reg- ular meeting, February 6, 2012.BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSPUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 1 OF KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON (VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER)By: Sandra Sward Assistant to the Board of Commissioners Published in the Kent, Renton, Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond Reporters on January 27, 2012 and February 3, 2012. #577278.
PUBLIC NOTICES
www.rentonreporter.com[6] January 27, 2012
Do you know what our state’s fundamental obligations are toward its citizens? � e answer to that question is the all-consuming task and responsibility of our representatives and sena-tors.
But I think we can all agree that making and enforcing laws to protect its citizens is one of the more important obligations.
So let’s review just two new proposed bills and one new law that our legislators consider as the state’s fundamental obligations.
• HB 1877 and SB 5780 have been introduced this legislative session proposing a ban on most plastic bags.
• SB 6245 also has been introduced listing smoking, spitting, littering, playing radios, urinating or defecating in places other than approved plumbing � xtures, carrying � rearms or � ammable liquids, roller-skat-ing, skateboarding, gambling, trying to pass oneself o� as a ferry worker, and letting a pet o� its leash as misdemeanors
on state ferries.• Finally, RCW 59.20.134 was signed into law
in 2011 stating that owners of manufactured-home parks shall provide written receipts to ten-ants for payments by cash, or when requested, for payments other than cash - when paying their monthly rent.
Are these laws necessary or nonsense?Let’s stop fooling ourselves by making excuses
that plastic bags are useful and we use them over and over. We all know their fi nal resting place is the land� ll where they live happily ever a� er.
Or, they become litter. Bags don’t litter, people litter. We already have an anti-litter law that we ignore. And did you notice that SB 6245 also contains the word “littering”? How many laws do we need before we change this behavior?
Simply by retraining ourselves in the proper use of cloth and bio bags and refusing to litter, we can eliminate the need for this law.
Clearly, the State Patrol should have some
legal ammunition when confronting anti-social behavior on a con� ned ferry, other than a child-ish statement as “Pretty please,” when respond-ing to an equally childish comment, “You can’t make me.”
Respect for others, especially when there’s no where for them to run, is the responsible action required – not a law.
When was the last time you didn’t automati-cally get a receipt for a service or a purchase?
Most businesses consider issuing a receipt a business courtesy and written con� rmation of a business transaction, so why should taxpayer money and legislator’s time be spent to force a small group of park owners to issue a receipt to their tenants, under penalty of law if they don’t?
I’m not arguing that laws aren’t essential in maintaining a civil society, but do we really want laws that govern all aspects of our lives? Should issues like – using plastic bags, issuing receipts and spitting in public transportation - be the state’s fundamental obligations?
Shouldn’t they be ours?In every election, many look for candidates
who can get big government out of their lives. Isn’t that a bit risky considering many can’t seem to control their social behavior unless there is a law? I would argue we are getting exactly the type of government we deserve.
And we will continue begging our govern-ment to enter our lives, until we acknowledge that we, not just the state, have fundamental obligations towards our fellow citizens. Replac-ing nonsense laws can only be achieved with the law of common sense. It’s up to us.
Unless we change the “You can’t make me” attitude, these laws will just keep coming – be-cause the rights of the common good trump in-dividual rights. Our rights end, where another’s begins.
� e next time we’re thinking about the role of government in our lives, we should � rst think about our life in the role of government.
Tish Gregory is a freelance writer. She can be reached at [email protected].
Mayor Denis Law has taken a stand in north Renton.
He’s tired of a juvenile justice system that frees young people who are not yet ready to
behave themselves, often with dangerous results.He’s tired of landlords who don’t maintain their proper-
ties and don’t bother to do thorough background checks on tenants.
And he’s tired of bars and taverns that become a magnet for patrons who seem bent on firing guns into the air or at each other, sometimes sending errant bullets into front doors.
And so are we. How sad that a child has to move to a different bedroom just to avoid bullets.
Right now, Trophies Bar and Eatery in north Renton is under a magnifying glass. It’s a high priority for enforce-ment agents with the Washington state Liquor Control Board. And the Renton police officers have made dozens of calls there in the 18 months since it opened.
Trophies certainly isn’t the root of all evil in north Renton. There are societal problems that have dogged the neighborhood for years.
But Trophies, at least as a night club featuring young rap artists, wasn’t the right fit for a neighborhood, not so much because of the music but because of the crowd the music attracted. The rap is gone.
To their credit, the managers are now trying to right the ship, as one says. Maybe a change of music will change the crowd. That’s been tried at other bars in Renton, with limited success, mostly financial.
They are moving away from being a night club to becoming a neighborhood bar that feels like a sports bar. They’ve changed the menu and the music to 80s and 90s cover bands. And they’ve changed the name: Trophies is now Nations Pub:Liq
Still, and this is working against them, we don’t sense they understand the seriousness of the criminal activity that’s happened outside their bar and the liquor violations inside their bar. Because of that activity, they are facing possible eviction.
Nor can they express surprise at the number of police calls to Trophies. Officers show up; reports are made. One of their own security guards was arrested on a Tukwila warrant outside the bar in December by Renton police.
Maybe Trophies can right the ship and become a neighborly neighborhood bar before late June, when its liquor license expires. Law is already on record as asking the state to deny the license renewal, so it already has a foe with a say in the approval process.
We, of course, support local businesses and wish them well. But Nations Pub:liq is on a short leash and time is running out. We can’t support a business that contrib-utes to an unsafe environment. Now we’ll wait and see whether the new format turns them into a good neighbor.
OUR VIEWOPINIO
NR
EN
TO
N● Q U O T E O F N O T E : “We fear it’s just a matter of time before an innocent resident is going to be shot by an errant bullet,” Mayor Denis Law
on gun� re from Trophies Bar and Eatery
● L E T T E R S . . . Y O U R O P I N I O N C O U N T S : To submit an item or photo: email [email protected]; mail attn Letters, Renton Reporter, 19426 68th Ave. South, Suite A, Kent WA 98032; fax 253.872.6735. Letters may be edited for style, clarity and length.
Ellen Morrison Publisher: [email protected]
425.255.3484, ext. 1050
Dean A. Radford Editor: [email protected]
425.255.3484, ext. 5050Advertising 425.255.3484
Classi� ed Marketplace (800).388.2527Letters [email protected]
A Division of Sound Publishing
For delivery inquiries 253.872.6610 or email circulation@
soundpublishing.com
19426 68th Ave. South, Suite AKent, WA 98032
?Question of the week:“Do you support a statewide ban on plastic bags?”
Vote online:www.rentonreporter.com
Last week’s poll results:“Did you lose your power during last week’s storm?”
Yes: 54% No: 45%
You said it!
REPORTER .com
R E N T O N
Renton needsto take hard line in north Renton
COM
MEN
TARY
Tish
Gre
goryNonsense vs. common sense
BOEING, JOBS | A six-point plan to strengthen aerospace industry in King County [3]
REPORTER .com
R E N T O N
REPORTER NEWSLINE 425.255.3484A DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING
FRID
AY F
EBRU
ARY
17/1
2
578109
206.949.1696www.marciemaxwell.com
Lisa LamRealtor, CRS,ABR & ASP
Marcie MaxwellAssociate Broker, Realtor & CRS
ON THE GO?GET OUR FREE MOBILE APP
Scan this code and start receiving local news on
your mobile device today!
MAKING A STAND IN NORTH RENTON
BY TRACEY COMPTON
To Jerry Lee, the North Renton neighbor-hood is the center of the universe.
It’s home to the world’s best-selling aircra� , early 1900s houses that families have mod-ernized, shopping and entertainment at � e Landing and recreation o� the shores of Lake Washington at Gene Coulon Park.
Lee has lived all over Washington state but says nothing compares to his community that he’s called home for seven years.
Now if he could only get Trader Joe’s, the popular grocery-store chain, to see the prom-ise he sees in the community and move into the area, he would be content, Lee said.
Di� erent people have their own ideas about how North Renton should be devel-oped.
� e neighborhood has been the backdrop to Boeing’s roll out of record-breaking num-bers of 737s and to eating establishments’ run-ins with the police and the Washington state Liquor Control Board.
Like any community, North Renton has its pluses and minuses. To hear the people who live there tell it, the community is an up and
coming area. � is, they say, despite the fact that there
are some dilapidated homes, slumlords and mismanagement of some commercial properties.
Resident Cathy Matthew believes there is and can be greater community in the neigh-borhood.
She started a community-building project last fall with her husband Jim that has hom-eowners � ying American Flags from their properties to evoke a sense of patriotism and unity in the neighborhood.
“� is area particularly has had some issues with some rental houses, where people aren’t really responsible about who they rent to,” Matthew said.
� e problem was so bad they actually
Jerry Lee George Daniels Sally Daniels
Cathy Matthew and her husband Jim led an e� ort in North Renton to bring unity to the neighborhood by � ying the American Flag. TRACEY COMPTON, Renton Reporter
BY DEAN A. RADFORD
Renton school o� cials were considering their options this week following the likely failure of a $97 million bond measure to build a new middle school.
� e bond measure needs a 60 percent yes vote for passage. � e yes vote climbed slightly a� er Wednesday’s tally to 57.17 percent.
Randy Matheson said Wednes-day that overcoming a three-per-cent de� cit was “highly unlikely.”
One option for the school board is to place the bond measure on the April 17 special election ballot, the last election until the August primary election.
But to do so it would need to act at its Feb. 29 meeting to meet the deadline, Matheson said.
Two levies, the replacement maintenance and operations levy and the technology levy, were winning handily with a roughly 60 percent yes vote a� er Wednesday’s count.
“We had a clear message from voters that the two levies are important,” said Matheson, noting they pay for day-to-day operations and for technology.
But it was clear from the results, Matheson said, that voters didn’t want to proceed with building or renovating schools. � e school board has to balance that with the district’s “great needs,” he said.
� e total vote for the technology levy initially fell about 1,100 votes short of the total for the other levy and bond, likely because voters didn’t notice it on the back page of the ballot, Matheson said.
� e district learned of its loca-tion a� er ballots were mailed; vol-unteers in their calls urged voters to turn over their ballots.
Levies pass;bond to build middle school was in doubt
With a sense of pride, place, North Renton
is building a community
NEXT
The Renton Reporter today continues its special report on e� orts by the City of Renton and the resi-dents themselves to improve the quality of life in this venerable neighborhood between downtown and Kennydale. Today, we pro� le the neighborhood and explore the aspirations that city o� cials and residents themselves have for North Renton.
North Renton
[ more NORTH RENTON page 7 ]
www.rentonreporter.com [7]February 17, 2012
584598
& Donna’s Boutique
226 Wells Ave. So. • Renton 98057Hours: Mon., Wed-Fri. 10-6; Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-5; Closed Tues.
Furniture, Appliances, Clothing, Sporting Goods, Tools & More!
NOW
OPEN
425-572-5844
583056
Sell us $150 or more in gold and geta free box of Seattle Chocolates!
WE BUY GOLD!Planning a VACATION? - Need to pay SOME BILLS?
Want a NEW HDTV?SELL YOUR GOLD TODAY!
Our font for our logo is: BlairMdTC TT
BACI JEWELERS
RENTON VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER 601 SOUTH GRADY WAY SUITE R
425-277-GOLD
BACI JEWELERS
585789
585455
SAVE THE DATE!!Monday, April 30th
3rd Annual
FRIENDS OF RENTON SCHOOLSBene� t Breakfast
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bonnie DunbarFormer astronaut of 5 space missions
Hosted by: Our very own Meeghan BlackKing 5 Evening Magazine
Renton Pavilion Event Center - 233 Burnett Avenue South,Renton, WA 98057
7:00 am check in - 7:30 to 9:00 am program
For more information or to make a donation contact Pam Teal at: [email protected] or Bob Bridge at: [email protected] Or visit
our website: www.friendsofrentonschools.org
Every Friday up to the breakfast we willrecognize new contributors in this box.
This week we thank:BECU, Dr. Mary Alice & Eugene Heuschel, Bob Bridge Toyota Scion, Walker Renton Mazda Subaru, Renton Reporter, Boeing,
First Savings Bank NW, Kaye-Smith, Seattle Seahawks & Seattle Sounders FC,
and Family Fun Center
GOAL$250,000
TODAY$105,000
$115,000
$160,000
$145,000
$130,000
$205,000
$190,000
$175,000
$235,000
$220,000
considered moving at one point. “But, I grew up in North Renton and I
actually got kind of ownership mad,” she said, chuckling. “And (I) said, ‘No this is my home, this is my neighborhood and there are a lot of good people here’.”
It’s a priority for Mayor Denis Law to make the residents of North Renton feel safe and secure in their homes.
“You find a lot of real pride of ownership throughout North Renton,” said Law, who has met with residents to talk about what the city plans for their neighborhood. “They deserve to have peace and harmony.”
Crime can happen in any neighborhood, he said in an interview. But he said he “shifted into another gear” when he heard the story of a North Renton family who moved a child to another bedroom to avoid getting hit by stray bullets fired in an alley.
Police officers are walking the neighbor-hood, handing out business cards, and letting residents know that if they need anything to
call the police, he said.“We are making a huge presence in that
neighborhood,” he said.But, some residents feel a big police pres-
ence isn’t the answer to North Renton’s problems.
“I’m truly not a believer that more cops make it more safe,” said Lee. “I think that’s just a scare tactic.”
It’s more effective to get buy-in from the community on the importance of security and from that assist the police to do their job, he said.
The media and others promote the idea that having a lot of cops on every corner promotes security, Lee said, but he feels that’s not ac-curate.
“It’s just not possible,” he said. “I think that the community needs to support the police and police need to support the community.”
Toward that idea, the Renton City Council adopted a nuisance ordinance in October 2011.
This ordinance (No. 5629) seeks to hold “nuisance” property owners criminally and
financially responsible for the financial burden they put on the City of Renton.
Spelled out, that burden means repeat calls for service, complaints, or requests for inves-tigations and, or inspections of the nuisance properties that require the time and resources of city staff, the police department, the city attorney’s department and the court.
That is the official language of the ordi-nance.
Though it is a citywide ordinance, it “will help address the chronic concerns in North Renton if there are unlawful, unkept, unsafe and improperly maintained premises that im-pact properties and cause burden to residents and the city,” said Preeti Shridhar, Renton’s communications director in an email. “How-ever, the ordinance requires a certain amount of calls in a defined period of time in order to take effect. Currently, the city is still gathering that information.”
Alex Pietsch, the City of Renton’s communi-ty and economic development administrator,
City Council adopts nuisance ordinance[ north renton from page 1]
FYI
For the purposes of this story, the Renton Reporter is defining North Renton as north of the Cedar River, east of Logan Avenue, south of North Sixth Street and west of Interstate 405.
The following information was compiled by the City of Renton, based on the 2010 Census.
total population: 1,763White: 1,159Asian: 215Hispanic: 196Black: 172American Indian: 20Pacific Islander: 5Some other race: 88Population by genderFemale: 904Male: 859Population by ageAge 0-19: 263Age 18+: 1,521householdsHouseholds with 1 person: 454Households with 2+ people: 355Family Households: 265Median household income: $44,088
north renton: A profile
[ more north renton page 8]
www.rentonreporter.com[8] February 17, 2012
connect , learn & share
learn more about living with relapsing MS and a treatment option through this informative discussion featuring health care professionals and people living with relapsing MS. Connect with others like you and share your experiences!
program sponsored by
Pfizer respects your privacy. We require your RSVP for headcount only. When you RSVP, it is not necessary to provide your name; you should simply identify yourself as a consumer who is accepting the invitation. Pfizer’s educational programs for consumers are conducted in accordance with the same high ethical standards that we apply to our programs for health care professionals. The purpose of consumer programs is to educate you on general health care issues. Pfizer cannot provide diagnosis, treatment or other medical advice to you. If you have any medical questions regarding your own health, diagnosis or treatment, please consult your health care provider.
MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families, and is sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. MS LifeLines is a registered trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates. © 2010 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved. RBU00710
We’ll save you a seat. Register today! Call 1-877-969-1722.
Speakers and MS LifeLines® Ambassadors who participate in live events are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Living With MS
February 29, 2012 6:00 pmEmbassy Suites, 15920 W Valley Highway
Seattle, WA
connect , learn & shareconnect , learn & share& share&
learn more about living with relapsing MS and a treatment option through this informative discussion featuring health care professionals and people living with relapsing MS. Connect with others like you and share your experiences!
program sponsored by
Pfizer respects your privacy. We require your RSVP for headcount only. When you RSVP, it is not necessary to provide your name; you should simply identify yourself as a consumer who is accepting the invitation. Pfizer’s educational programs for consumers are conducted in accordance with the same high ethical standards that we apply to our programs for health care professionals. The purpose of consumer programs is to educate you on general health care issues. Pfizer cannot provide diagnosis, treatment or other medical advice to you. If you have any medical questions regarding your own health, diagnosis or treatment, please consult your health care provider.
MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families, and is sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. MS LifeLines is a registered trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates. © 2010 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved. RBU00710
We’ll save you a seat. Register today! Call 1-877-969-1722.
Speakers and MS LifeLines® Ambassadors who participate in live events are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Living With MS
February 29, 2012 6:00 pmEmbassy Suites, 15920 W Valley Highway
Seattle, WA
defines the neighborhood’s boundaries as north of the Cedar River, east of Logan Av-enue, south of North Sixth Street and west of Interstate 405.
Renton’s City Center Plan, which will be implemented during the next 20 years, is concerned with preserving and strengthen-ing established neighborhoods like North Renton, said Pietsch.
North Renton is diverse in age and race with slightly more females than males.
One of the many reasons Lee chose the area is because of the diversity. As an Afri-can American he said he even wished it was more diverse.
But, he enjoys the fact that it is cen-trally located and he can quickly get to the airport, downtown Seattle for events during the week, Bellevue and Southcenter.
Lee is an attorney, but works as the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for the City of Tacoma and likes his reverse com-mute to work.
“Everything is centered here,” he said. “This is almost perfect for me, except I would prefer to be on the hill.”
Lee likes the view from the higher eleva-tions in the city.
This is why he said he would speak out to protect the property across from him if Boeing ever vacated the two parking lots across from his home. Right now, Lee has easy access to the Cedar River and the Liberty Park trail that terminates at Lake Washington.
He doesn’t want to see a high-density senior living center go up in front of his house.
Lee isn’t the only resident who wonders about the future of the neighborhood and its makeup.
George and Sally Daniels also live in the neighborhood and enjoy walking to many of its amenities and the downtown Renton core.
George Daniels is the president of the neighborhood association and he and his wife Sally are self-employed.
“We’d like to see the whole Park Avenue area turned into nice little shops or fixed up houses or developed rather than things being left abandoned,” said Sally Daniels.
She thinks the new ordinance will help get after landlords with defunct properties.
The Daniels moved into their home in the area in 1989 when there were many single-family homes, but also mixed-use properties.
George Daniels believes the residential character of the neighborhood has been maintained the whole time they have lived in the community.
The core issue for the area is what’s next, he said.
“In other words, are we going to become downtown Bellevue or are we going to become a nice residential community,” George Daniels said.
Tracey Compton can be reached at 425-255-3484. Dean A. Radford, Renton Reporter editor, contributed to this story.
[NORTH RENTON from page 7]
What’s next for North Renton? The City of Renton is offering the
Neighborhood Project Grant Program for 2012, part of its efforts to build strong neighborhoods.
The grants are available to organized neighborhood associations with defined boundaries in Renton that have been of-ficially recognized by the city.
The grants stimulate community projects that help build stronger neigh-borhoods and strengthen partnerships between the city and its neighborhoods, according to the city.
Eligible projects include physical improvements that build or enhance a feature of the neighborhood or benefit the general public.
The grants range from $3,000 to
$5,000 per project, although the actual amount is based on a project’s merit as determined by the Renton City Council based on the recommendation of a staff-level interdepartmental team.
Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 9. Applications may be accessed on the city’s website at www.rentonwa.gov. When submitting an application, applicants must include neighborhood bylaws and a list of board members.
Awards will be announced in early May. For more information or to sched-ule an appointment, contact Neighbor-hood Program Coordinator Norma Mc-Quiller at 425-430-6595 or [email protected].
City offers neighborhood grants
Deadline looms for arts commission grantsThe Renton Municipal Arts Commis-
sion has extended the deadline for the “Art Matters!” arts and culture funding.
The commission will accept proposals for the 2012 Arts Grant Program until Friday (Feb. 17). Funding is for arts and culture community projects that help forward the arts commission’s goal to facilitate the implementation of Renton’s Arts and Culture Master Plan.
The arts commission anticipates
awarding grants ranging from $500 to $6,000 for the 2012 Art Grant Program. Artists and organizations promoting art for the greater Renton community can apply for funding. Grant awards will be announced by March 12 and projects must be completed by Nov. 30.
For more information and an applica-tion, visit ArtsCommission.rentonwa.gov or contact 425-430-6589 or [email protected].
BURGLARY RASH | How to keep your family, home safe [16]
REPORTER .com
R E N T O N
REPORTER NEWSLINE 425.255.3484A DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING
FRID
AY M
ARCH
2/1
2
Youth advocate | Renton coach, counselor has founded a center that will advocate for kids in Renton [3]
State basketball | See how Lindbergh and Renton did at the regional round of state [12]
MAKING A STAND IN NORTH RENTON
BY DEAN A. RADFORD
It seems that Renton is going to have to share the title of world headquarters for Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes Division with the rest of Puget Sound.
At least that’s not Chi-cago, where Boeing’s corporate executives planted their � ag in 2001 on the city’s Near West Side, leaving Seattle and environs feel-
ing jilted. � ey were looking for a more central location for their global company.
Now, sometime this spring, James Albaugh, the division’s presi-dent and CEO, will plant his � ag in downtown Seattle, taking with him about 80 employees now at the headquarters building at Boeing’s Longacres complex in Renton.
He’s also looking for more space and a more central loca-tion between Everett and Renton. About 2,000 Boeing employees will remain at Longacres, part of the company’s total Renton payroll of about 13,000.
A Boeing spokesman said it would be incorrect to say that the headquarters for the commercial division is now in Seattle. � e
headquarters won’t reside in any one build-ing, he says.
“It’s best to consider the headquarters as Puget Sound,” said the spokesman, Tom
Boeing’s CEO of commercialunit moving
to Seattle
The City of Renton is considering a number of ways to protect and enhance the livability of the North Renton neighborhood. They include di� erent ways to move people, possibly with a trolley running on Park Avenue. City of Renton
BY TRACEY COMPTON
George and Sally Daniels have enjoyed their restored 1902 home in the North Renton neighborhood since 1989, an area dominated by single-family homes.
George Daniels does have questions about the future of North Renton.
� e question weighing most heavily on his mind is whether the density of the area will change North Renton from a bedroom community to the piled-high likes of downtown Bellevue.
Other residents in the area express similar concerns.
When posed with this question, City of Renton planners Chip Vincent and Angie Mathias shake their heads and answer no, the residential character of the neighborhood is not changing to the density of downtown Bellevue.
“It’s really about making it a quality, livable, single-family neighborhood because there’s been a lot of issues with incompatible development in the past,” said Vincent.
Instead, the two o� er the City Center Community Plan adopted summer 2011
as proof of the city’s direction, which includes the future of North Renton.
“We’ve got provisions within this plan that speak directly to creating rules that
The vision for North Renton: quality, livable neighborhood
West Side, leaving Seattle and environs feel-
Park Avenue arguably is North Renton’s ‘Main Street,’ a key link for decades between the neighbhorhood and downtown Renton. In the distance is The Landing; the headquarters for Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes Division was once located where Target stands today. Boeing’s 10-18 building is to the left in this photograph. DEAN A. RADFORD, Renton Reporter
Renton has been hometo airplanes division for
decades; now headquarters is Puget Sound, says company
[ more BOEING page 9 ]
James Albaugh
Neighborhood’s future spelled out in City Center Community Plan
[ more NORTH RENTON page 10 ]
588154
206.949.1696www.marciemaxwell.com
Lisa LamRealtor, CRS,ABR & ASP
Marcie MaxwellAssociate Broker, Realtor & CRS
www.rentonreporter.com[10] March 2, 2012
1 Only those WFG Associates who are actively registered with World Group Securities, Inc. may offer securities-related products. 2 Securities products are sold by prospectus, which contain more complete information about charges, risks, objectives and expenses. Copies of specific product prospectuses and statements of additional information may be obtained by contacting your registered representative. Prospectuses should be read carefully and the charges, risks, objectives and expenses should be carefully considered before investing or sending money. 3 This product is offered through securities registered representatives. An investor should consider the investment objectives, risk, and charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. More Information about municipal fund securities is available in the issuer’s official statement. World Financial Group, Inc. (WFG) is a financial services marketing com-pany whose affiliates offer life insurance and a broad array of financial products and services. Securities are offered through World Group Securities, Inc. (WGS), Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products are offered through World Financial Group Insurance Agency, Inc. (WFGIA) or its subsidiaries. WFG, WGS, WFGIA are affiliated companies. Headquarters: 11315 Johns Creek Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097-1517, PO Box 100035, Duluth, GA 30096-9403. Phone: 770.453.9300. WorldFinancialGroup.com
• 401(k)/403(b) Rollovers1 • Long-Term Care Insurance• IRAs/Roth IRAs1 • Disability Income Insurance• Mutual Funds2 • Life Insurances• Fixed/Variable Annuities1 • Funding for College Education3
• Retirement Strategies1 • Tax-Advantage Products1
Your Dreams,Our Strategies™
World Group Securities, Inc.Member FINRA/SIPC
Laura Counsell, MBABranch Office ManagerDirect: (206)396-3161Office: (425)282-1988
Fax: (425)282-63281800 NE 44th St. Suite 201
Renton, WA 98056589619
574139
make development happening around that North Renton neighborhood transi-tion in phases through using good design standards a lot better.”
Vincent is the city’s planning director and Mathias is the senior planner on the project.
� e North Renton neighborhood can expect to have its residential character preserved and enhanced, according to the 20-year City Center Community Plan.
Listening to Vincent and Mathias explain the plan, residents of the neigh-borhood can also expect to see added amenities.
For example, in the North Renton
neighborhood an en-hanced Park Avenue eas-ily traversed by di� erent types of transportation is planned.
� e avenue is to be a more lively and devel-oped connector between South Renton and North Renton to � e Landing.
� e idea of a streetcar along Park Avenue has been � oated, along with plans to pos-sibly change the zoning along the street to allow small-scale, mixed-use buildings.
� e other amenity planned in North Renton speci� cally is a greenway prom-enade on the Cedar River corridor.
� e City Center Community Plan was developed during a two-year period and the process involved gathering commu-nity feedback from neighborhood picnics, meetings and online surveys.
It is a plan for more than just the North Renton neighborhood; it covers the down-town Renton core and peripheral areas.
Currently, Mayor Denis Law and the City Council are appointing members to a City Center Community Planning Advi-
sory Board.Recently, the council
approved an ordinance for the creation of the ad-visory board that would decide how to prioritize all the parts of the City Center Community Plan.
� e board could be fully sta� ed within a
month.An improved, more-integrated trans-
portation system in the city center, a greener city center and better quality development are the high-level take-away points of the overall City Center Commu-nity Plan, said Vincent.
Vincent and Mathias are con� dent the plan re� ects what the community wants, because of the feedback they have received through the extensive process.
If anything they heard that residents wanted more opportunities for green space and environmental projects like community gardens and pathways that accommodate various modes of transpor-
Advisory board to set priorities for City Center planMAKING A STAND IN NORTH RENTON
Chip Vincent Angie Mathias
[ NORTH RENTON from page 1]
516 Kenosia Ave • Kent • (253) 852-2737www.leisurecare.com
L i v i n g B e t t e r t h a n e v e r
Our Assisted Living services could be called Relax and Enjoy
Life with a Big Huge Smile On Your Face services.
Quite simply, we can help take the worry out of your worries.
That way you can retire the way you’ve always dreamed. We’re
here to help with your entire health and wellness.
Which brings us to more things that’ll make you smile: our
delicious dining, fitness programs, and social activities. It may
surprise you just how much fun you can have at Farrington Court.
So, call now to schedule your complimentary lunch and
tour. Which, we venture to say, may have you smiling before you
even move in.
you will relax more with our assisted
living services.(smile more, too.)
Our One-Bedrooms Start at $2,150
589768
[ more NORTH RENTON page 11 ]
www.rentonreporter.com [11]March 2, 2012
*All prices do not include sales tax. *All prices subject to change*Tobacco & Liquor company promotes the responsible use of Tobacco products. If you are interested in quitting smoking please visit www.smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT NOW to learn more about the resources available to you.
Visit our website to discover this month’s Reservation Liquor Special
Featuring the hard to find spirits mentioned in the Seattle Times: BroVo Spirits Herbal Liqueurs & Skip Rock Vodka as well as Soft Tail Vodka, Peabody Jones Vodka, Woodinville Whiskey Bourbon, Dry Fly Gin and many more...
Drive Thru Convenience With Reservation Pricing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Come Visit Us Next To The Snoqualmie Casino
DIRECTIONS:I-90 Westbound take Exit 31 (North Bend and follow the signs to the reservation.
I-90 Eastbound take Exit 27 turn left (North). Follow North Bend Way around curve.{ {
snotobaccoandliquor.com
LiqUoR SPeCiaLSVisit our website for
great deals on top brands.
WiN 2 TiCKeTS
To the Snoqualmie Casino Buffet!
Visit us on Facebook for deta
ils.
Marlboro $59.54 $6.35Camel $58.05 $6.21Winston $57.05 $6.11Newport $59.58 $6.36Virginia Slim $63.15 $6.72
Marlboro 72’s $49.54 $5.35Pall Mall Box $54.64 $5.86american Spirit $66.40 $7.04Kool $61.55 $6.56Parliament $64.35 $6.84
MajoR BRaNDS SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Smoke Increases The Risk Of Lung Cancer And Heart Disease, Even In Nonsmokers.
37500 SE North Bend Way. Snoqualmie, WA 98065. (425) 888-3071
oPeN 7am–10pm, 7 DaYS a WeeKWe’re Less Than 15 Minutes Away
CoMPLeTe Carton $39.75 Pack $4.45
PReMiS Carton $38.75 Pack $4.35
TRaDiTioNS Carton $47.49 Pack $4.99
iSLaND BLeNDZCarton $16.49 Pack $1.89
Skookum Creek a LoCaLLy Crafted tribaL brand
WeeKLY SPeCiaLS$5 off any Skookum Creek
Carton Purchase – offer expires 2/29Red Bull
(8oz) 2 for $4, (12oz) 2 for $5, (16oz) 2 for $7
NoW FeaTURiNG FiNe HUMiDoR CiGaRS
Copenhagen: –Wintergreen $9.99 $1.99 –Straight LC $9.99 $1.99 –Natural extra LC $9.99 $1.99Skoal Xtra $9.99 $1.99Grizzly $14.69 $3.29Kodiak $23.99 $5.29Husky $15.29 $3.45
SMoKeLeSS ToBaCCoWARNING: This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
5900
65
3/31
30
The City of Renton has these ideas for Park Avenue in North Renton. City of Renton
tation. “� ere was nothing that was like ‘Wow,
you really didn’t hear what we said at all,’” said Mathias of community feedback and insight.
� e challenges to all of the development plans in North Renton and beyond remain resources, said Vincent.
� at means funds as well as time, but Vincent and Mathias are excited about the appointments to the advisory board.
“We are going to be appointing a large number of people who are stakeholders in the community to really empower them to help us implement the plan,” Vincent said.
Check out the City Center Community Plan here on the City of Renton’s web site:http://rentonwa.gov/uploadedFiles/Business/EDNSP/planning/City%20Center%20Hand%20Out%20Final.pdf?n=8508
[ NORTH RENTON from page 10]
Resources to implement the plan is key challenge
Students in Renton Technical College’s auto-body program � nished painting and assembling a model of a World War II Spit� re airplane on Monday, Feb. 27. They had worked on the model since Thanksgiving. It was to be taken a part and transported to a museum in Tumwater Monday afternoon. The Renton Reporter reported about the project in the Feb. 24 edition. SUBMITTED
Shiny, new ready for view
BY TRACEY COMPTON
� e North Renton neighbor-hood, like many communities, has its own set of challenges.
In previous articles, this series examined development con-cerns, government planning and a local bar’s run-in with the state liquor control board.
But, what are residents and the City of Renton doing to rem-edy the community’s “trouble spots,” as resident Kizzie Funk-houser puts it?
She’s lived in North Renton for four years and recently helped organize a neighborhood clean up project.
� e city recently implemented a citywide program that allows funds to be used to assist clean up e� orts of public and private
properties. City funds are eligible for
properties deemed a nuisance
597059
“Your Residential Specialists”
LIBRARY INITIATIVE | City attorney questions legality of initiative to keep library over Cedar [5]
REPORTER .com
R E N T O N
REPORTER NEWSLINE 425.255.3484A DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING
FRID
AY M
ARCH
23/
12
Rainier improvements | The � nal phase of improvements to major corridor will begin in April [3]
Track previews | Can Renton’s track teams improve on a standout 2011 season? [22]
BY DEAN A. RADFORD
� e word “jobs” sums up the posi-tive tone of Mayor Denis Law’s State of the City address on Wednesday.
“While the last four years have been di� cult, the city has weathered them well,” Law said. “We’ve had challenges, but despite those chal-lenges, our community continues to grow and thrive.”
A packed crowd at the Holiday Inn listened to Law’s annual speech, presented by the Renton Chamber of Commerce.
He cautioned, however, that the e� ects of the reces-sion will continue for at least the next two or three years, especially a� ecting the city’s ability to provide services and maintain its infrastructure.
To meet those demands, he said, “will require additional resources.
“We will need to explore some tax-ing options with our citizens, as most other cities and counties have had to do,” he said.
� e city has begun developing its two-year budget for 2013 and 2014. As it has done in the past, the city will ask citizens and business leaders to help with the process, he said.
As it typically is, Boeing has been the catalyst for some of that job optimism.
In looking back over the past year, Law pointed to what he described as the “landmark decision” to build
Mayor touts job growth but raises tax possibility
MAKING A STAND IN NORTH RENTON
Mayor Denis Law
Neighbors pitch in to clean up
Volunteers who pitched in to help a neighbor in North Renton as part of the Clean Community Initiative are, from left to right, Steven Ehrlich, Kizzie Funkhouser, George and Sally Daniels, Rich Zwicker, John Thompson, Mike Eastberg, Peggie Howard, John Hisey. Submitted
NEXT
The Renton Reporter today continues its special report on e� orts by the City of Renton and the residents themselves to improve the quality of life in this vener-able neighborhood between downtown and Kennydale. Today, we look at what the city and neighborhood are doing to clean up some of the neighborhood’s unkempt properties .
North Renton
BY TRACEY COMPTON
Almost seven months a� er explaining her story to the Renton Reporter, Sally de Leon and her family � nally have a place to call home.
De Leon shared her experiences as a veteran for a series of articles on the county-wide Veterans and Human Services Levy that passed in August 2011.
At the time de Leon and her daughter Bernadette Sheran and son Mark Sheran had
recently found hous-ing at the Compass Veterans Center in downtown Renton.
De Leon had su� ered from post traumatic stress syndrome, went through a divorce,
lost her home and had a mental breakdown before she got enrolled in the supportive housing program through the Compass
Veterans Center.Now she and her family have “graduated”
from the Compass Center to a rental house in Bellevue.
“It feels good, I like it,” said Bernadette, 13. “It’s more space.”
She still misses their apartment at the Compass Center, but likes her nice room, which she calls “pretty big.”
Sally de Leon got the call in November that she quali� ed for the Housing and Urban
Compass vet takes a big step into home
City of Renton gets ready to take worst o� enders to court
[ more NORTH RENTON page 19 ]
[ more VETERAN page 24 ] [ more MAYOR page 18 ]
[19]March 23, 2012www.rentonreporter.com
595110
NORTHWEST STEEL& RECYCLING
Full Service Recycling Center
• Purchase All Scrap Metals• Free scrap metal & appliance drop
(except refrigerators $30.00 Charge)
18407 SE Renton/Maple Valley Hwy
425-432-3960www.northweststeel.net
588166
Body Massage ~ Foot Massage ~ Body Scrub
Star★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Massage140 Rainier Ave S, Ste. 2 Renton WA 98057425-277-1516 ~ Hours: 10:00am - 9:30pm
$5.00 OFF Body Massage
589880
or a public health or safety risk, with no other means to clean them up.
� ere was an elderly woman whose property had become too much for her and became a bit of an eyesore in North Renton.
Funkhouser was called upon by the city, because she lives in the neighborhood and because of her expertise.
She is the supervisor for volun-teer Chore Services of Catholic Community Services.
� at program supports low-income seniors and disabled adults with on-going services.
As part of the new Clean Com-munity Initiative, Funkhouser organized 17 neighbors to tackle the woman’s yard.
� e results were dramatic. � e volunteers were able to
free the yard of waste and tons of blackberry bushes with six trips to the dump.
O� -loading those trucks would not have been possible without help from the initiative, Funk-houser said.
“� ere’s a personal responsibil-ity I think that everybody should take to make their neighborhood a safe, enjoyable place to be,” she said. “But, it’s hard to do that in a bubble. It’s nice to have the support of the city coming in to pro-vide resources, to provide guidance.”
Donna Locher, City of Renton lead code-com-pliance inspector, calls North Renton residents “very proactive in keep-ing their neighbor-hood clean and safe.”
� e Clean Com-munity Initiative was created to help property owners who could not physically or � nancially clean up their properties, Locher said in an email.
“With the recent number of properties � ghting foreclosure, there has been a problem getting
properties cleaned up,” she said. “If a property is facing foreclo-sure, there may not be funds to
clean up the property therefore issuing tickets and � nes is not a solu-tion.”
� e most common code violations in the city are unlicensed or inoperable vehicles and garbage, Locher said.
But, she also stressed that the North Renton neighborhood does not have any more or any fewer violations than the rest of the city.
� e Renton City Council also adopted a new ordinance in
October 2011 that seeks to make it a crime to have a property that is a chronic nuisance or unkempt and unsafe.
Mayor Denis Law spoke of the ordinance in his State of the City
address on Wednesday. � e city will be � ling lawsuits in Superior Court against several property owners soon, Law said.
Although Law didn’t mention any speci� c properties, Nora Schulz, a North Renton resident, has her suspicions for which property owners the new ordi-nance was created.
She and her parents grew up in the neighborhood and all three are landlords.
Schulz believes the cause of North Renton’s ills are Section 8 housing that blights the neighbor-hood with irresponsible property owners.
“We have some landlords who do not take any responsibility for the property that they rent,” Schulz said. “� ey don’t care about the maintenance of it. � ey don’t care about the people they rent to and they don’t have any respect for the people they rent to because they rent to people they
don’t check out.”Schulz faulted Section 8 hous-
ing for being a broken system that allows for this type of behavior from landlords.
To that Mark Gropper, execu-tive director of Renton Housing Authority, had this to say in an e-mail: “It is the responsibility of the landlord to screen potential tenants for suitability, regard-less of whether they have rental assistance or not.”
Renton Housing Authority administers the Section 8 housing program for the federal depart-ment of Housing and Urban Development.
Gropper said of approximately 800 families served by the pro-gram, fewer than 12 a year have their rental assistance terminated because of behavioral and con-duct concerns.
Gropper also maintains that landlords are responsible for maintaining their properties through collection and mainte-nance of appropriate security and damage deposits.
“Neither RHA nor HUD can be held liable for the damages caused by a Section 8 tenant in a privately owned rental unit,” he wrote.
Schulz, who is also the vice president of the North Renton Neighborhood Association, has seen some improvements in the area with commercial property owners.
She once called the bar Pound-ers on Main Avenue “the � � h ring of hell” because of all of its infamous criminal activity. � e establishment has been replaced by � e Berliner, which she’s heard no complaints about.
“I think the community itself has degraded, but I think there is still a concept of community here,” said Schulz. “And, I think that has more to do with people today than it has to do with any-thing else.”
She noted that people in general are more apt to connect with each other on Facebook than across the street, but Schulz said North Renton people still want to know their neighbors.
Tracey Compton can be reached at 425-255-3484.
City to use nuisance ordinance to go after worst offendersMAKING A STAND IN NORTH RENTON
[ NORTH RENTON from page 1]
Mike Eastberg and Steven Ehrlich do some much needed yard work for a North Renton neighbor. SUBMITTED
Volunteers Ellen Tennis, Peggie Howard, Steven Ehrlich and Nora Schultz along with others cleared six truck loads of yard waste and debris with help from the Clean Community Initiative. SUBMITTED
“With the recent number of properties � ghting foreclosure, there has been a problem getting properties cleaned up. If a property is facing foreclosure, there may not be funds to clean up the property therefore issuing tickets and � nes is not a solution.” Donna Locher
BY DEAN A. RADFORD
At least for now, Sally and Dale Johnson can keep the 6-foot fence they say helps keep crime away from their doorstep and hopefully will slow a bullet.
� eir home and two others stand behind the fence, on Park Avenue North at North � ird Street. Next to the front door is a bullet hole; the wall stopped anyone inside from potentially getting injured.
� ere’s another bullet in the house next door.
Gun� re has sent Sally diving for cover in her home or has forced the couple to spend more time in the
back of their house, away from Park Avenue.
But the Johnsons remain in their house, hoping their fence will keep them safe, in part from the tavern across the street.
� eir son recently built a gate for the fence.
“It’s the � rst time I felt safe on this property,” says Sally Johnson, who walks with the assistance of a cane.
� ere’s a sense, from residents
such as Sally Johnson, from the Police Department and Mayor Denis Law that strides are being made to make residents feel safer in North Renton.
And, beyond public safety, residents are eagerly pitching in to help clean up properties that their neighbors, either elderly or disabled, simply can’t maintain
themselves – through no fault of their own.
Law pointed to the pride that many North Renton residents show in their neighborhood.
“� ere has always been a strong group of North Renton hom-eowners who take pride in their homes and work hard to maintain their property,” Law said. He’s seeing “extra activity” in recent months to clean up the area.
A special response unit within the Renton Police Department – the same one that has clamped down on illegal activity at the transit center downtown – has walked the streets of North Renton, talking with residents and encouraging them to call 911 when something doesn’t feel right.
“� eir eyes and ears are impor-tant to us when we can’t be there,” said Deputy Police Chief Tim Troxel.
� e additional police presence in what Law calls “several prob-lem spots” has reduced overall complaints and calls for service.
“We plan to continue with these e� orts and hopefully the residents will be able to see a measurable
Veterans Benefits Seminar Thursday, August 11 at 1:30 pm
Veterans and surviving spouses are invited to learn about little-known VA Aid & Attendance benefits. Thousands are eligible to receive these tax-free benefits, as much as $1,949 per month*.
Hawaiian Luau Saturday, August 13 at 11:00 am
Evergreen Place is also hosting a Hawaiian Luau with singer Ron Herring and Hawaiian dancers. RSVP by August 12. Welcome to Holiday. Welcome home.
Your service to our country could be worth thousands.
©2011 HARVEST mAnAgEmEnT Sub, LLc 14795
Evergreen PlaceI n d e p e n d e n t R e t i r e m e n t L i v i n g
1414 monroe Ave nE, Renton, WA 98056425-226-3312 | evergreen-place.net
600107
Veterans Benefits Seminar Thursday, August 11 at 1:30 pm
Veterans and surviving spouses are invited to learn about little-known VA Aid & Attendance benefits. Thousands are eligible to receive these tax-free benefits, as much as $1,949 per month*.
Hawaiian Luau Saturday, August 13 at 11:00 am
Evergreen Place is also hosting a Hawaiian Luau with singer Ron Herring and Hawaiian dancers. RSVP by August 12. Welcome to Holiday. Welcome home.
Your service to our country could be worth thousands.
©2011 HARVEST mAnAgEmEnT Sub, LLc 14795
Evergreen PlaceI n d e p e n d e n t R e t i r e m e n t L i v i n g
1414 monroe Ave nE, Renton, WA 98056425-226-3312 | evergreen-place.net
Veterans BenefitsSeminar
Thursday, April 12at 2:00 pm
For moreinformation, see our ad on page 5
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE | Hospital board questions its legality [17]
REPORTER .com
R E N T O N
REPORTER NEWSLINE 425.255.3484A DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING
FRID
AY M
ARCH
30/
12
50 years | Curtis Walker of Kent has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for murdering 12-year-old Alajawan Brown [3]
Spring sports | Catch up on Renton’s spring sports as teams get into league play [12]
MAKING A STAND IN NORTH RENTON
Police efforts pay off in neighborhood
BY TRACEY COMPTON
Proponents of keeping the downtown library over the Cedar River have gathered enough signatures to keep their e� orts alive.
King County Elections O� ce told the Renton Reporter late Wednesday a� ernoon the group had gathered enough signatures to validate its initiative.
� e group now has 6,383 valid signa-tures, eight more than the 6,375 needed to validate the initiative.
With just 10 days to do so, the Citizens for the Preservation of Renton’s Cedar River Library collected an additional 2,108 additional signatures a� er their months-long signature drive fell short. � e group submitted the last batch of names to City Clerk Bonnie Walton on March 12.
� e petition asks that library improve-ments for a downtown library occur at the existing location and not at any other location unless the alternate location is ap-proved by a majority of Renton voters.
Next, the City Council will decide how to proceed with the initiative.
Initiative to keep library over Cedar is validated
Sally Johnson points to a bullet hole next to the front door of her home on Park Avenue North. There’s a similar hole in the blue house next door. Sally and her husband Dale hope a fence will keep crime, and bullets, at bay. DEAN A. RADFORD, Renton Reporter
FINAL
The Renton Reporter today concludes its special report on e� orts by the City of Renton and the residents themselves to improve the quality of life in this vener-able neighborhood between downtown and Kennydale. Today, we look at the police response in the neighborhood and one family’s e� ort to feel safe .
North Renton
“It’s the � rst time I felt safe on this property.” Sally Johnson on the gated fence along her property on Park Avenue
[ more POLICE page 11 ]
[11]March 30, 2012www.rentonreporter.com
We Have The Music… Bring Us Your Voice!
Free Vocal InstructionWe rehearse at:
First Evangelical Presbyterian Church19800 108th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98055
Monday at 10:30 am—1:00 pmMonday at 10:30 am—1:00 pmMonday at 10:30 am—1:00 pmMore info:
[email protected] or [email protected] or 206.232.1073
spiritofsoundsingers.org
We Have The MusicWe Have The Music
AMA Appliances & Repair
Sales-Service
12626 Renton Ave S206-306-3222 59
7072
ServingRentonSince1978
425-226-3215Renton Village
601 South Grady WayRenton WA 98057
www.sierra� shandpets.net
5943
25
Vote for Us“Best of Renton”
AlpineNursery Inc.
Family Owned & Operated
16023 SE 144th St.Renton, WA 98059
425-255-1598Directions:
Head east on NE 4th St,right on 160th Ave.
Continue to 144th and turn left.
594757
Best Thaiin Renton
5941
47
Best Thai
425-271-4219104 Rainier Ave. S., Renton 98057
Open Daily 11 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Buy 1 lunch or dinner entree & receive
$5.00 Off 2nd entreeOffer expires 5/31/2012
5941
51
www.commongroundcupcakes.com
900 S. 3rd St., Unit A
Renton
phone 425.235.1717
fax 425.687.3152
Renton’s NeighborhoodNursery & Garden CenterCheck out our vegetable & plant lists and sign up for our newsletter at:
www.mintersnursery.com13043 Renton Ave S
Just West of the Renton Airport
Hours: Daily 10AM-6PM Sunday 10AM-5PM
425-255-7744 5935
78
www.vincesitalian.com2815 NE Sunset Blvd. • Renton
425.226.8180Federal Way 253.839.1496
Burien 206.246.1497
Enjoy your favorite Italian dishes & hand-tossed pizzas
www.vincesitalian.com
Vinces’Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
5935
80
5962
93
…easter services
improvement in their neighborhoods,” Law said.
Statistics provided by Valley Communications, the regional dispatch-ing center in Kent, show a steady decline in calls during the last year. There were roughly a dozen calls monthly in spring 2011 in North Renton; those num-bers declined by roughly half through early this year.
In particular the area around Meadow and Garden avenues and North Third Street was “a big draw” on police resources a year ago, said Troxel.
Park Avenue and North Third Street also drew plenty of attention from the Renton Police Depart-ment and the Washington state Liquor Control Board. That’s where Nations Pub:liq bar, formerly Tro-phies, is located.
Police calls there are down, too.
It remains to be seen whether Nations Pub:liq can, as the managers plan, become a neighborly neighborhood bar. Troxel calls the city’s efforts there “a work in progress.”
Law said the city will “stay the course” in enforc-ing its regulations at Na-tions. The property’s own-ers, he said, have expressed a willingness to work with the city to address criminal activity.
“We are willing to work with the owners but will not tolerate any additional violence or criminal activ-ity that has impacted this neighborhood for the past couple years,” he said.
Until Nations becomes neighborly, the Johnsons can keep their illegal fence, which, along with Park Avenue, separates them and the two other houses next to them from tavern.
But that 6-foot fence vio-lates city code; for months
the Johnsons have tried to resolve the matter with the City of Renton.
The Johnsons contacted the mayor’s office recently. They were asked to clean up some of their property, which they did.
“I think we are even,” Sally Johnson said this week. She says they can’t take down the fence as long as they live in the house.
But the fence can’t re-main forever.
“I have instructed our staff not to address the code issue with the fence until we are convinced that the ongoing at that business (Nations) have been elimi-nated,” said Law.
Long-term, however, there may be “acceptable changes” to the fence that will work for the Johnsons and meet city code.
Dale Johnson said one possibility is a shorter fence.
Sally Johnson said the police are keeping a “an eye out for us.” And, she says, she’s on Law’s side in his fight against crime.
“My objective is to make this town a little safer,” she said.
For Law it was a story about a Renton family that reinforced a desire to become proactive in North Renton.
A local mother e-mailed Law, telling him her family loves North Renton. But she wonders whether she’s an irresponsible parent to keep living in her home of 10 years.
One night guns were fired in the alley behind their house; they moved a son to an upstairs bedroom.
“He has his own room
back of the house, but we don’t feel comfortable hav-ing him sleep there with only one wall between him and any of the stray bullets coming down the alley,” she wrote in her email.
Law said in an interview he wouldn’t live under those conditions. So, he took action.
Law has drawn together multiple departments to deal with the complex is-sues facing North Renton. One visible result of those efforts will come soon, with the filing of lawsuits against the owners of “nuisance” properties.
“I’m pleased with the effort by our police, code enforcement and city attor-ney’s office to aggressively deal with these issues, and feel confident that we are taking effective measures to help residents feel safer in the neighborhood,” Law said.
Dean A. Radford can be reached at 425-255-3484.
‘Big’ police draw is Meadow, Garden
Dale Johnson stands next to the 6-foot fence he constructed several months ago to help keep criminal activity away from his home. Across Park Avenue is Nations Pub:liq, a tavern that has drawn police attention, but has changed its music lineup to a softer rock. deAN A. rAdford, Renton Reporter
[ police from page 1]