I got this interesting email from a Renton motorist who has noticed that the red-light enforcement camera at Maple Valley Highway and Sunset seems to be taking photos when no one appears to be violating any laws. I had actually observed this myself a couple times, after my wife pointed it out to me last week. While I was proceeding safely on the green light through this intersection, making a left turn onto Sunset, I got flashed in the face by a camera taking a picture of nobody. (Have any of you readers observed this?)

I’ve asked our traffic department to look into it.

Here’s the email I recieved….
__________________________________

Hello Randy.

I am a long-time citizen of the wonderful city of Renton, and I have long been a fan of your blog. However, I couldn’t find the proper outlet on there to e-mail you (couldn’t find your contact info), so I had to Google the way to e-mail you.

I have a question about one of the traffic cameras that have been installed in Renton. There is an intersection along Sunset Boulevard that intersects with the beginning of Maple Valley Highway, and the I-405 on ramp. If it doesn’t ring a bell, along side the area is a restaurant called “Stir” (one of the great Renton “gems”, in my opinion), and directly across is the water collection pond.

I was wondering why this camera seems to be a lot more active than most of the other cameras in the area? I have been at and around that intersection numerous times, and I swear I have seen it flash when there were no infractions being committed. Even more so, I have had people I know remark that this camera seems a bit… “spazzy”. A few of my friends have been “flashed”, but were well within the time frame of a green light, and never had any tickets mailed to them.

I suppose the gist of this e-mail would be a recommendation for this intersection’s traffic control system to be re-evaluated. I’m sure each picture taken has to be examined by someone in the traffic department — thus causing extra funds to be wasted on unnecessary non-infraction examinations.

What is your take on this?

This slide show reminds us why we take a special day to honor the sacrifices and courage of our men and women in uniform.

(I borrowed the above link from Marcie Maxwell’s facebook. Thanks Marcie.)

And remember…

You can arrange for engraved tiles honoring the veterans in your life (living or deceased) at our Renton Veterans Memorial. Click here for more information. Cathy and I have placed tiles there honoring my uncle and her father for their years of service in our military.

Initially, this sounds like it may be a dispute of non-residents who randomly ended up fighting in Renton. I’ll be anxious to hear more details on this case.

First, the official media release:
__________________________________

Commander Floyd Eldridge 425-430-7500 May 23, 2009

Renton Police Department
Media Release

On May 23, 2009, at approximately 02:25 a.m. the Renton Police Department responded to a report of a fight involving gunshots in the 4400 block of Lake Washington Boulevard. When Patrol Officers arrive they located a 31-year-old male, dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

The suspect involved took the vehicle driven by the victim; the suspect and vehicle are at large at this time.

The Renton Police Department Investigations and Special Operations Divisions are investigating the case.

Commander Floyd Eldridge
Investigations Division
Renton Police Department
_____________________________________________________________
…and here is an update from Mayor Law at about 6:45 this morning:

Dear Council,

I believe Commander Eldrige included you in a short press release regarding our first homicide of the year. It took place right at the NE 44th St. offramp from I-405 and escalated a block west onto Lake Washington Blvd. The victim died at the scene.

Our Special Operations officers are searching for a suspect at this time. The victim, a young man in his 20s, may reside in Federal Way.

Denis

She TOTALLY should have stopped. Now it does not matter why they hit– she is a criminal. Since the police found her car, they will catch her eventually. Here is the story:

______________________________________

Commander Paul Cline 425-430-7597 May 21, 2009

Renton Police Department
Media Release

On May 21, 2009, at 7:26 a.m. the Renton Police Department responded to a report of an injury motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Talbot Road S and S 177th Street. A motorcycle driven by a 30-year old Renton man was southbound on Talbot Road approaching S 177th Street when a westbound Ford Fusion pulled out from a stop sign on S 177th Street onto Talbot Road into the path of the motorcycle and collided with it. The female driver of the Ford left the scene without stopping after striking the motorcycle. Witnesses at the scene were able to describe the Ford, and officers located it parked and unoccupied in the northwest parking area of Valley Medical Center.

The driver of the motorcycle was transported to Valley Medical Center with serious but non life-threatening injuries.

The Renton Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating the collision. The preliminary investigation at the scene indicated that the driver of the Ford failed to yield the right of way to the motorcycle.

Commander Paul Cline
Patrol Operations Division
Renton Police Department

Here is a fun advertisement that was played for us at our Monday Council Meeting:

MEDIA ALERT: Renton FilmFrenzy Partnership announced
with Seattle International Film Festival

50-Hour Filmmaking Frenzy Returns to Renton;
2009 Registration Opens September 1

Renton, WA – If you are an aspiring, ahead of the curve filmmaker, Renton, Washington, will be the place to be this October for the epic 50-hour Second Annual Renton FilmFrenzy. Details of the 2009 Frenzy were announced today and include a new sponsorship of the 2009 Seattle International Film Festival’s (SIFF) FutureWave program.

“We are excited to bring back the Renton FilmFrenzy after its overwhelming success last year. The Curvee Awards will be even more coveted this year, so mark your calendars and prepare for the action!” said Renton Mayor Denis Law.

Registration for the 2009 Renton FilmFrenzy opens September 1. Details about the 2009 Renton FilmFrenzy can be found at www.RentonFilmFrenzy.com.
The Renton Community Marketing Campaign, sponsor of the Renton FilmFrenzy, also announced a new sponsorship of the SIFF’s FutureWave program, which offers the region’s youth a direct link to SIFF Cinema, the Seattle International Film Festival, and the diverse local filmmaking community. (Additional FutureWave information can be found at http://www.siff.net/presents/seriesDetail.aspx?FID=29)

Finally, the 2009 FilmFrenzy organizers have commissioned a video, “You can never get away from the paparazzi in Renton,” to help promote this year’s Frenzy. The video was written and directed by Sam Graydon and Chris “Bob” Anderson, who produced the Renton FilmFrenzy’s 2008 Best Picture winner, “Finger of God.”

The FilmFrenzy, October 16-18
The heart of the FilmFrenzy is a 50-hour filmmaking competition taking place in Renton. Competing filmmakers will have from 5 p.m., Friday, October 16, through 7 p.m., Sunday, October 18, to write, shoot, edit and submit a short film. At the beginning of the competition, participating filmmakers will be provided with “CurveBall” Challenges, which may include incorporating a line of dialogue, a task and/or filming at a specific location in Renton.

Films can be up to four minutes in length and must be shot completely in Renton. All genres are welcome, although films must be appropriate for all audiences. Renton FilmFrenzy filmmakers may enter their films in one of two divisions: Student Division (high school and below) and Open Division. There is a $50 entry fee for the Open Division and a $25 entry fees for student competitors. There is no limit to the number of films that may be entered.

The films will be judged by local filmmakers, representatives from the media, and a Renton Municipal Arts Commission member.

Registration opens on September 1. The deadline to apply to participate in the FilmFrenzy is 5 p.m., Friday, October 9.

Curvee Awards Gala, October 27 READ MORE »