Posts by Randy Corman

Renton City Retro, May 13-14; Great fun for fans of cosplay, retro gaming and pop culture

Feb25
2023 3 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

Three generations of my family love these sci-fi, gaming, and pop-culture events, and we have put together some elaborate cosplay costumes (dressing up as favorite characters in the past. I love how more of these conventions have been held in Renton in recent years. We don’t have to deal with Seattle’s traffic or parking challenges, and out-of-towners can discover Renton’s great hotels and restaurants.

Marcel Bower of Renton City Retro sent me this description of their upcoming May 13-14 event in Renton’s downtown Pavilion event center:

3 Comments Posted in Uncategorized

Important Public Safety Committee Meeting Monday Feb 27th, 4:45 PM

Feb23
2023 14 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

FOR THOSE TRYING TO LOG IN, PLEASE USE THIS LINK:

Click here for zoom link to Public Safety meeting

Click here for zoom link to above meeting

Crime and safety has been on everyone’s radar recently, and many readers may be interested in attending this Public Safety Committee meeting. You may attend either in person or by zoom. The City Council conference room will only comfortably seat about 10 guests in addition to the meeting attendees, so zoom may be a good option for many of you.

Council Members on this committee are:

Chair: Kim-Khánh Văn
Vice-Chair: Ed Prince
Member: Carmen Rivera

14 Comments Posted in Police

New Renton Community Calendar! Please enjoy, and send us your events!

Feb23
2023 3 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

randycorman.com now features a comprehensive community calendar, thanks to a suggestion and hard work by Marcie Palmer. The updated calendar with clickable links can be accessed through the link on the upper right hand side of the website.

Former Renton Council Member Marcie Palmer recently pointed out to me that our community was in need of a comprehensive community calendar. In recent years technology has somehow made it more difficult to track down start times and locations of events in our community, since printed schedules and posters have largely disappeared. Many online invite systems like “Facebook Events” use algorithms that randomly hide events right when you look for them.

3 Comments Posted in Calendar

Wizards of the Coast preparing to level-up to Southport. It’s magical to see the lights on

Feb22
2023 4 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

The office space at Southport was ready for tenants right around the time the pandemic hit, delaying occupancy. Marcie Palmer sent me this beautiful photo showing the lights finally on in the Southport offices, to the left of the Boeing factory. The lit up space will soon be occupied by Renton’s own global trend-setting game designer, Wizards of the Coast.

It’s appropriate for Wizards of the Coast to settle in next to Boeing. When I was a systems engineer at Boeing, I worked with engineers that had regularly played a pre-production version of “Magic the Gathering” with their colleague Peter Atkison during their 40-minute lunch breaks. “He would bring new hand-drawn cards for us to evaluate every week” they told me. Mr. Atkison had started a small side business, “Wizards of the Coast”, which took its name from the adventuring group he and his friends had created when they played “Dungeons and Dragons.” Mr. Atkison was close friends with a gamer named Richard Garfield, the creative inventor of Magic the Gathering (and also a great-great-grandson of US President James Garfield). Peter Atkison’s small company was working to bring Richard Garfield’s product to the market, and his fellow nerds at Boeing were an outstanding test market.

4 Comments Posted in Business

Council split! One Renton council member trying to limit police pursuit authority

Feb21
2023 17 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

Renton’s 11th District Legislator Steve Bergquist (center, in blue) is co-sponsoring a bill to restore police pursuit authority. Last week he was given encouragement by six Renton Council Members and the Mayor who showed up at his office: from left Council Member Alberson, Mayor Pavone, Council Members Van, Perez, O’Halloran (not shown but participating, CMs Prince, and McIrvin). Renton Council Member Carmen Rivera was lobbying for the other side.

The City of Renton has a long, important partnership with the Association of Washington Cities (AWC), a respected professional organization that lobbies on behalf of all 281 cities and towns in our state. AWC just urgently informed cities that the Police Pursuit bill needs everyone’s help (bolding is theirs): “AWC is encouraged HB 1363 is continuing to move forward. Cities still need to reach out to legislators and ask them to support this bill because it still faces opposition and a difficult path to full passage”. Mayor Pavone and six council members are helping as requested.

But one Renton Council Member is doing the opposite, actively lobbying against the bill. Real Change just published an extensive interview with Council Member Carmen Rivera.

17 Comments Posted in Crime, Legislation

Tonya’s story… “I thought that we’d live there forever”

Feb20
2023 3 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

City of Renton police photo

Crime is currently one of the biggest concerns of many residents in Renton and our region. I’ve heard from countless Renton residents who are extremely worried about this issue, and sadly some of them have become so concerned they’ve either already moved or are making plans to move. While some elected officials are actively working the crime issue, others are still denying that crime is a significant problem. I’ve asked permission from readers to share a few of the stories I’ve heard, with the goal of ensuring a common understanding of the problem so that it may be worked seriously and productively. A reader named Tonya generously offered to share her poignant story as she and her family begin a new chapter of their lives in Eastern Washington.

Here is Tonya’s story in her words (in italics):

3 Comments Posted in Crime

Please give the state legislature your input about police pursuit using these links

Feb20
2023 Leave a Comment

Written by Randy Corman

For those who would like to give the state legislature your input about police pursuit. You have a great chance right now! Police Vehicle Pursuit — HB 1363 — will be heard in the House transportation committee today.

(It takes 30 seconds to comment your support). https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1363

Here is the link to Testify in a Committee Hearing: https://leg.wa.gov/legislature/Pages/Participating.aspx

My wife Cathy and I have each done this. It takes no time at all to register your comments. You’re allowed 5000 words, but if you keep them to a few sentences they are more likely to be read, so I encourage everyone to participate. The bill will give more police pursuit options, so if you want to empower police you should “support” the bill. You don’t have to read the bill to express support, but if you want to, here is the bill.

Leave a Comment Posted in Legislation

Chief Rick Marshall’s urgent warnings prior to 2020 hotel fire, “Let’s not confuse luck with fact”

Feb19
2023 2 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

A few weeks ago KIRO TV broke the story that King County is still paying $330,000 per month in taxpayer funds for the former Red Lion Hotel, which now sits empty with numerous broken windows and a fence around it. While it’s widely known that the hotel was being operated as a homeless shelter and caught fire in December 2020, it’s less well known how hard Renton fire officials worked in the months before the fire to get correction of numerous safety violations in the building and warn the leadership of the Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC-the non-profit that was operating the shelter) and King County of the high fire safety risks.

2 Comments Posted in Uncategorized

Six Renton Council Members and Mayor travel to Olympia to lobby for our city’s agenda

Feb17
2023 7 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

From left, Council members Van and O’Halloran, Mayor Pavone, Council members Perez and Alberson in Olympia Wednesday morning. Council members Prince and McIrvin also participated but aren’t in this photo (they were taking kids to late-start school, due to snow in Renton.)

Every year, Renton Council approves an official list of key Renton priorities for legislators in Olympia. This year’s priorities were approved by the council on a 6-1 vote, and are available here. This week, all six council members who approved the legislative agenda joined Mayor Pavone in Olympia to ask for support face-to-face from state lawmakers.

7 Comments Posted in Uncategorized

The lifesaving example set by lap children; a battle of safety agencies

Feb16
2023 7 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

My grandson Henry takes a drink of water while riding on my lap on a commercial flight. While he would be a little safer during turbulence buckled into a seat, even on my lap he’s 50- 100 times safer than he would be riding in a car buckled into a car seat.

This blog entry is provided for reference in future discussions, and provides an interesting and little-known explanation about why the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows a child under age two to ride on an adult’s lap. This FAA policy has saved the lives of hundreds of precious babies who would have crashed in cars, and prevented horrific injuries to hundreds more. I’m sharing this information here because it is an excellent example of a complete, holistic safety analysis that has protected the most vulnerable in our society. It’s also an example of two brilliant safety agencies both claiming the scientific high ground on an issue, where only one can rightfully claim it. The FAA, which arguably sets the highest standard for safety of any agency anywhere, has been battling the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and consumer groups over this for decades. The NTSB points out that parents can’t hold onto a child in high force conditions like a crash, or in heavy unexpected turbulence. And they have data showing 298 passengers were injured by turbulence from 1980-2008, a rate of 10 injuries per year, although this is a total of all injuries and its not clear if any were babies.

Why the FAA allows lap children:

7 Comments Posted in Uncategorized

Rock bottom yet? Legislature tightens gun purchase laws while enabling gun shop smash-and-grabs

Feb15
2023 8 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

While the legislature debates tough new gun background checks, smash-and-grab burglars break into gun stores with impunity thanks their other legislative changes.

We must be at rock bottom, right?

Gun violence is increasing fast. But while the State Legislature actively debates tough new gun purchase safety laws that include a ten-day waiting period for purchases, stronger background checks, and mandatory safety training, the same Legislature has made it easier than ever to simply steal guns from stores. The legislature appears to be struggling with a cognitive dissonance that is impacting their decisions and endangering the public.

8 Comments Posted in Uncategorized

Renton Council President Valerie O’Halloran shares Council concerns about asphalt plant

Feb15
2023 3 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

Renton Council President Valerie O’Halloran itemizes City Council concerns about proposed new asphalt plant east of Renton

For those not familiar with this issue, King County is in the process of permitting an Asphalt Plant just east of Renton, along Maple Valley Highway, 150 feet from the Cedar River. While almost everyone agrees asphalt is an important commodity and must be made somewhere, nearby residents and some of their elected officials have raised numerous issues about this choice of sites and the proposed design of the plant. This site was chosen in part for its “Industrial” zoning, which was awarded to the site (I would say in error) back when the site was the home of a long-time nursery/landscape business that had sprung up in the rural area along the highway. That business was not of concern to neighbors, and the owner wanted to be “conforming”, so he requested industrial zoning from the county as part of a county zoning update. Ideally, his business should have instead been treated as a non-conforming but grandfathered use, and this issue would not be here today.

3 Comments Posted in Uncategorized

Hotel at Exit 6?

Feb14
2023 13 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

Photo from VisitMobile.com

Kennydale residents are likely to be asked whether they support rezoning that would allow a hotel at Exit 6. This blog entry is taking no position on this zoning decision.

In evaluating this zoning decision, Renton residents deserve to be knowledgeable about new state law that was passed in 2021 and expands on city hotel zoning.

13 Comments Posted in Uncategorized

Twenty five billion dollars only buys “temporary” housing; permanent housing costs extra

Feb13
2023 5 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

Photo Courtesy City of Seattle. Even after $25 billion is spent on homelessness in King County, the plan is that some residents will still be living in tiny houses, safe RV parking, and safe vehicle parks. Permanent housing will cost extra.

There’s been a lot of media and public commentary on the King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s (KCRHA) proposed 5-year plan, currently out for public comment. The main reaction has been shock and dismay at the high price tag. It runs roughly around 8 billion in capital costs and 17 billion in 5-year operating costs.

But one aspect of this plan is still not widely known, and deserves explanation. The KCRHA plan is a $25 Billion dollar 5-year plan to provide “Temporary Housing.” Permanent housing for the 23,000 homeless covered by the plan is still up to Cities, Counties, and local housing authorities. You read that right: when the $25 billion dollar plan is fully implemented, people will still be living in a conglomeration of shelters, safe vehicle parking spots, tiny houses, skilled nursing facilities, converted hotels, supportive apartments, and emergency shelters. Once individuals are healthy and independent enough to safely move to a proper long-term home, that will cost extra. Per item 2 on page 26 of the plan, “…responsibility for permanent housing capital financing and development remains with the federal, state, King County, and city/local jurisdictions..”

5 Comments Posted in Uncategorized

Single Mom’s life turned upside down by car theft attempt; happening to three people per day in Renton.

Feb12
2023 6 Comments

Written by Randy Corman

During the past year, I’ve heard from dozens of people with heartbreaking stories about how crime has adversely affected them. Policy makers often dismiss “property crimes” as simple financial inconveniences. I’m going to run some stories to illustrate the actual impact and fallout of these crimes. This is the first.

Melyza, a young single Mom whose close friends call her Mely, moved to Renton thirteen months ago. She was determined to find a great location to raise her daughter who has some special needs. Renton was appealing to Melyza for it’s services, relative affordability, and quality of life.

She found an apartment she liked at Regency Woods, in Renton. A hard worker, Melyza picked up two jobs to cover her rent, car expenses, and the many other costs of supporting her small family. Between her two jobs, she was even able to save a little money each month to put away for emergencies and for her future.

6 Comments Posted in Uncategorized

Hi, I’m Randy Corman. Welcome to my blog! I served on Renton City Council for 28 years, 1994-2021, with six years as Renton Council President. I’m also a mechanical engineer and manager, and worked for the Boeing Company for 33 years, from 1984- 2017. My wife and I have five kids and six grandkids, and we all live in Renton. I’ve kept this blog for 19 years, and get thousands of readers each month. Please share your feedback, ideas, and opinions in the comments.

Your comments are very appreciated and they add value to this blog. You may comment anonymously by leaving your name and email out of the comment form (there is no sign-in required). Please keep your comments civil and respectful; policy discussions are encouraged but avoid personal attacks. No threats of violence against anyone, or inciting violence in any form. No racist, sexist, or hateful comments of any kind. Be truthful. Do not make allegations of criminal, unethical, or other personal wrongdoing that you do not have proof to back up. Avoid profane, obscene, vulgar, lewd, discriminatory, or sexually-oriented language. Honest, respectful, good-faith discussion of public officials’ actions and their results are protected speech. Private persons deserve more discretion, so avoid any unfair criticism of them.

Posts by Randy Corman

Renton City Retro, May 13-14; Great fun for fans of cosplay, retro gaming and pop culture

Important Public Safety Committee Meeting Monday Feb 27th, 4:45 PM

New Renton Community Calendar! Please enjoy, and send us your events!

Wizards of the Coast preparing to level-up to Southport. It’s magical to see the lights on

Council split! One Renton council member trying to limit police pursuit authority

Tonya’s story… “I thought that we’d live there forever”

Please give the state legislature your input about police pursuit using these links

Chief Rick Marshall’s urgent warnings prior to 2020 hotel fire, “Let’s not confuse luck with fact”

Six Renton Council Members and Mayor travel to Olympia to lobby for our city’s agenda

The lifesaving example set by lap children; a battle of safety agencies

Rock bottom yet? Legislature tightens gun purchase laws while enabling gun shop smash-and-grabs

Renton Council President Valerie O’Halloran shares Council concerns about asphalt plant

Hotel at Exit 6?

Twenty five billion dollars only buys “temporary” housing; permanent housing costs extra

Single Mom’s life turned upside down by car theft attempt; happening to three people per day in Renton.

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