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New I-405 Exit 3, Talbot Road, gives Benson Hill and Fairwood better access to the north
Washington Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond victoriously holds up the cut ribbon on the new Talbot interchange, with cheerful Renton officials, state officials and builders at her side. Photo from Auburn Reporter.
I enjoyed participating in a festive ribbon cutting ceremony today on a new on-ramp to I-405. There were due congratulations all the way around for the completed project. After 8 years of planning, and a year and half of aggressive construction, Merlino Construction (a Renton firm) delivered the new I-405 Exit eight months ahead of schedule. Furthermore, their construction design/build team process helped bring the project in under budget.
The new on and off-ramps will save significant drive time (as much as five to ten minutes) for motorists living on Benson Hill and desiring to take I-405 toward Bellevue. Likewise, the new on and off ramps will save time for motorists making their way from north to south Renton. For instance my wife, who takes our kids from our North Renton Highlands home to the Homeschool HOME program at Spring Glen Elementary, will now be able to take I-405 to exit 3, and then simply head up Talbot. The new ramps will also reduce the congestion on the Rainier Ave on and off ramps, as well as reduce traffic on Grady between Rainier and Talbot. This will be a great step for congestion relief.
The event was well-covered by TV and other local media, so I’ll leave it to them to communicate all the details. Here is one of the first articles I have found posted. UPDATE 7:10PM Here is the story, with more detail, in Renton Patch.
Renton Mayor Denis Law addresses public officials, builders and citizens assembled to mark the opening of the new Talbot on and off ramps. (This photo is on the on-ramp, under the new Benson Bridge, facing north-east.)
Renton gets a new professional on-line news source: the Renton Patch
Renton has just gained an additional professional news source. The Renton Patch www.renton.patch.com went live yesterday, and the online newspaper promises new professionally-written stories about Renton everyday. In addition, the Renton Patch will incorporate contributions from a cadre of paid columnists and free-lance writers, who will submit stories on a variety of topics related to living in Renton.
The Renton Patch is one cell of a national “Patch” system, which creates online newspapers in communities throughout the US using a common format. Each individual community cell has a professional journalist overseeing the website, and contributing his or her own stories on a daily basis.
The Renton Patch is being edited and managed by professional journalist Jenny Manning (photo from www.renton.patch.com)
Renton’s Patch page is being managed/edited by a professional journalist named Jenny Manning. Ms. Manning has already become a fixture at city events, and she can be found all over town investigating stories and taking pictures. She has met with city council members and the mayor, and is catching up to many other local decision makers as she gets oriented in her new role. Ms. Manning’s bio can be found here . She resides in an apartment at the Landing, and she’ll work from her computer on-site where news is happening, and in local coffee shops, restaurants, libraries and other locations where people get together. (As a virtual newspaper, there is no brick-and-mortar office.)
The Renton Patch joins Renton Reporter and Renton Magazine as professional news sources dedicated entirely to our city. We also get coverage as part of the region from Seattle Times and Seattle PI, KOMO, KIRO KING5, and other specialty journals like The Business Report.
And thanks to the internet, there are a variety of blogs (like this one), facebook pages, and other internet sites that also cover Renton events.
Citizens of a community benefit when the number of information sources increase. It’s healthy to have more reporters looking for news, and more perspectives on big events when they occur.
Be sure you visit the Renton Patch and leave your comments. And if you run across Jenny Manning please welcome her into our community and thank her for her contribution to the flow of information.
Renton Highlands Revitalization plans moving forward; Environmental Impact Statement in work
The Sunset Terrace Redevelopment Concept Master Plan is one of several projects that could improve Renton Highlands. This concept and other projects were discussed at Renton City Council Committee of the Whole on Monday night
On Monday night our Senior Planner Erica Conkling gave us an update on Renton Highlands Revitalization Planning efforts. She and her colleagues have been working on a district-wide Environmental Impact Statement for the Sunset Corridor in the vicinity of Harrington Avenue, which will facilitate some attractive and much-desired redevelopment. There are some promising projects already being sketched-out by property owners in this area, and others are more likely to come forward once the EIS is complete. Furthermore, the competed EIS will make it easier for us to obtain grants for public infrastructure improvement in the area and/or make the area eligible for other state-sponsored economic incentives. Ms. Conkling and the team have done excellent work, and the presentation was great. Her Department Director, Alex Pietsch, also assisted in the discussion Monday night. It’s clear that Highlands revitalization remains an Economic Development/Planning Department priority in sync with the City Council.
Here is Ms. Conkling’s presentation from our Monday Committee of the Whole meeting. (It’s a large file, so it may take 30 to 60 seconds to load on your computer)
From our Emergency Preparedness Team; Minor flooding possible this weekend from “Pineapple Express”
Today we received the following email from Deborah Needham, our Emergency Preparedness Manager. While a “Pineapple Express” is predicted to hit this weekend, experts are currently not predicting flooding of the Cedar River or the lower Green River near Renton. However, the mid-section of the Green may experience minor flooding in rural areas. (Note that any torrential downpour can cause local flooding on streets if storm drains get plugged or overwhelmed, so small pockets of local flooding are always a risk during a “Pineapple Express.”)
___________________________________
Subject: Pineapple Express according to the National Weather Service (2 pm briefing)
Importance: High
You may have heard the media describe the incoming weekend storm as a pineapple express. This is indeed the wettest storm system the National Weather Service has seen in two years. However, for those who have been anxiously watching the Green River due to the problems with the Howard Hanson dam, this is NOT our big one.
Here’s what to expect from the heavy rainfall that will begin Saturday:
Cedar River: NO flooding.
Green River: NO flooding in the “Lower Green” (where we are); minor flooding in the “Middle Green” (the rural areas)
Urban and small streams: Localized flooding possible due to heavy and rapid precipitation beginning Saturday.
Landslides: Steep slopes with saturated soils are more at risk of landslides with this storm event.
The EOC Duty Officer will continue to monitor conditions through the weekend. EOC activation is not anticipated, but to reach the EOC Duty Officer if field conditions suddenly require activation, call 425-766-2720 (24/7 number). If the call rolls to voicemail, please leave a message and we will return the call immediately. For email contact, please email eoc@rentonwa.gov. The EOC email is always forwarded to all three EOC Duty Officers in the rotation.
If conditions change there will be another update. Otherwise, silence is golden. Here’s hoping for a quiet weekend.
deb
Cathy and I are going to be grandparents!
My daughter Katie and her husband Brandon are expecting their baby in April. (Photo by Katie’s life-long friend Jacqui Sandor)
Cathy and I received some joyful news earlier this autumn. We are going to become grandparents in April, thanks to our oldest daughter Katie and her husband Brandon. At this point they don’t know the baby’s gender, but we expect to find out soon.
The new baby will be the first grandchild on Brandon’s side of the family as well, so baby’s cup will be overflowing with love and attention. (Brandon’s parents have had a busy fall, as they have just opened “Eyes on the Landing” with their partner Evie Lawson.)
The soon-to-be grandmothers, Donna Jones and my wife Cathy. Grandfathers will be me and Bob Jones. The spoiling will begin in April. 🙂
Coulon Park once again shimmers under spectacular holiday “Clam Lights”
Following a countdown, Renton children help Mayor Law throw the switch to illuminate this year’s “Clam Lights” at Coulon Park.
Last night’s clear skies were perfect for enjoying the official kick-off of “Clam Lights” at Renton’s Coulon Park on Lake Washington. In addition to the glorious display of lights, bundled-up crowds enjoyed carols sung by the Lindbergh High Choir, a lighted parade of boats, horse-drawn wagon rides, dancing clams, a fire-side sing-along, and of course great food at Ivars and Kidd Valley.
There was a large turn-out for the celebration this year, and Cathy and I enjoyed catching up with many friends that we don’t get to see often enough.
Our parks department has introduced more LED lights this year, which will save power and be more durable year after year. As always, this event is largely funded by donations from Ivars. In addition, Puget Sound Energy donated to this event.
My thanks to Ivars, Puget Sound Energy, Renton Parks Department, our Parks Board, the Lindbergh Choir, the Rainier Yacht Club, and the many volunteers who make this beautiful annual event possible.
Here are some additional photos from the event.
Lindbergh High Carolers entertained the crowd before the official lighting
My son Danny and wife Cathy at Kidd Valley.
Me and Susie at Kidd Valley.
A newly-minted Boeing 737 provides an appropriate Renton backdrop for the sparkling Parade of Boats
Some of my kids goofing off with their friends
Mayor Law visits with Amy and Rachel Thibadeau.
A few photos from “Eyes on the Landing” now that the work is complete
I posted this journal entry on Thursday about the work going on at “Eyes on the Landing” in preparation for their Friday opening. After all the effort that Donna Jones and Dr. Evie Lawson put into the new optometry, I felt I should show a few images of the finished product. Here they are:
Creative Mom Toys is now open at the Landing!
Cheri Saburi, owner of Creative Mom Toys, was happily assisting a steady stream of customers on opening day of her first “brick and morter” toy store. Prior to opening this store at the Landing, she has sold her toys through her online store creativemomtoys.com.
Creative Mom Toys opened today at the Landing (840 North 10th Place, Renton, 100 feet west of Regal Cinema). The Creative Mom behind the store, owner Cheri Saburi, is very experienced in the toy business– in addition to being an experienced mom, she also runs a successful online toy store in which she has been offering and receiving feedback on different products for a long time. You can find her online store here . She chooses toys that represent “getting back to basics”; wooden, educational and developmental toys. On her website she explains “What is so fun with these toys is that any child can manipulate and transform any toy into what their mind chooses for the moment. And yet, when that same child comes back to that same toy, it more than likely will be used in an entirely different way. No screen for the child to look into and more importantly, no directions! Please take a moment to think back to the wonderful creative toys you grew up with and see how the toys listed here can have the same memories for your child.”
When Cathy, Susie and I stopped by this afternoon, we found Cheri and her staff helping a steady stream of customers. The shop is very inviting, with interactive play areas for children to try out toys and costumes, and for kids and parents to sit down and look at books, crafts and art supplies.
The shop is stocked with toys that will expand children’s knowledge and problem solving skills, such as puzzles, models, books, magic kits, and thinking games.
The shop’s environment is conducive to learning and play, and visitors were having a great time there today. Cathy and I found some of the toys that were our favorites while raising our five kids, and others that we wish we had during those years. We will surely be shopping here for the other youngsters in our lives.
Please stop by and welcome Cheri and her staff to the Landing, take a look at their products, and thank them for opening their business in Renton. And let your friends know there is a new toy store in town.
And remember, all Renton citizens benefit when we shop locally. Shopping locally generates local jobs and funds city services by keeping part of our sales taxes in town. It also helps the owners of these local businesses, who deserve our support for choosing to invest in our town when there are so many other cities competing for investment dollars right now.
Here are a few photos of the store.
“Eyes on the Landing” is opening for business tomorrow
Dr. Evie Lawson adjusts a chandelier in the lobby of Renton’s newest optometry “Eyes on the Landing.”
Donna Jones and Dr. Evie Lawson will be formally opening their beautiful new optometry “Eyes on the Landing” tomorrow, just in time for the holiday shopping season. The spacious, warm and tastefully decorated shop is a welcome addition to the Landing. Dr. Lawson will begin taking patient appointments immediately, and they can of course also fill your existing eyeglass prescriptions. They’ll carry a broad selection of eyeglass frames, including many stylish and unusual designs. And they work with most major insurance companies. Here is their website for more information.
Eyes on the Landing is one of six new shops opening at the Landing in the coming weeks. Please stop in to the new optometry to welcome them into the neighborhood, thank them for opening their business in Renton, and take a look at their frames and services. And be sure to shop in the nearby stores as well while you are in the neighborhood. New businesses like “Eyes on the Landing” have been helping us keep the Renton City budget balanced during this recession without having to cut public safety services.
The store is tentatively scheduled to open at 10:00 AM tomorrow morning. The contractors have completed all their work; Evie, Donna, their families and colleagues are busy with final decoration and stocking. Here are a few photos from their final preparations.
Donna Jones works on the final decorations today, in advance of tomorrow’s opening.
Kaylie Jones completes a mural in the child’s play area of the main lobby.
Holiday Tree Lighting at the Landing
Susie and Cathy
Some highlights were train rides, reindeer, treats (including cookies offered by “Creative Mom Toys” which is days away from opening), and finally the countdown for the big event. A loud cheer broke out when the lights went on.
I had most of my family with me, and enjoyed running into friends and colleagues. Here are a few photos.
Crowds cheer seconds after the tree is lit
Some of my family
Council-member Marcie Palmer poses with me a few minutes before the tree lighting
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Son Danny off to Seattle’s second annual Steam Con
Son Danny (left) and friend Derek Benigno (right) getting ready to head off to Seattle’s Steam Con.
My son Danny was one of the thousands of attendees at Seattle’s second annual “Steam Con” today. The Seattle PI described this event in an article today here. This year Danny appears to be some kind of Steam-Punk warrior that Jules Verne would have been proud of. (There are pieces of metal, cardboard, and steel hoses all over my garage floor at the moment.)
Cathy and I had fun attending the first one of these conventions with Danny last year, and I covered it with photos and a story here.
Renton Marshalls opens at the Landing
My wife Cathy and daughter Katie made it down for opening day at Marshalls on Thursday. They found some great values, and enjoyed the shopping experience. They felt there were more than enough dressing rooms for everyone, and that the checkout line moved quickly even though there were many shoppers in front of them. They came home with sweaters and slacks, and many nice accessories. Both of them plan to go back often.
At City Hall we are delighted to see new businesses opening during the recession. We are glad that citizens have new close-in shopping options, and approximately one percent of every sale comes back to the city’s general fund as sales tax revenue.
City, County and State officials discussing pros and cons of toll-lane concepts on I-405
I represent Renton on a committee of local officials chartered to review various concepts for adding a new toll lane to I-405, along with much-desired flyover connections between I-405 and I-167. The extra lane and flyover connections would reduce congestion, but the tolling aspect obviously makes it controversial. It’s very important that any chosen concept is as fair to all users and taxpayers as possible. Here is the latest news on this topic in the Bellevue Reporter.
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