Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone proclaimed April 2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month during the April 8 meeting of the Renton City Council.
“I encourage all residents to join advocates and communities throughout King County in taking action to prevent sexual violence by standing with survivors,” said Renton City Clerk Jason Seth on behalf of the mayor.
The proclamation cited that in the United States, every 68 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted. Additionally, the proclamation included that Black, Indigenous and other people of color, people living in poverty, LGBTQ+ people, elders, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically oppressed have been disproportionately affected by sexual assault in the U.S. The proclamation cited that sexual violence exists on a continuum of behavior that includes racist, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, ableist, or other hate speech, ranging from rape jokes to verbal harassment to physical assaults.
Accepting the proclamation was Kate Krug, CEO of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center. Krug addressed sexual assault victims, letting them know they’re not alone — sexual assault is common, with half of women and one-third of men having experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. She cited that people from marginalized communities are at even greater risk of sexual assault.
“KCSARC has assisted more than 4,800 individuals and their family members in 2023,” Krug said. “Almost half of KCSARC’s clients are teens and children, and we all know that young people are the most vulnerable to sexual assault, and they’re the least likely to speak up about and to be believed when they do.” She added that help from KCSARC is free and available to the community through a 24-hour helpline at 888-998-6423.
In other council action
• At the April 8 meeting, the council approved the authorization to initiate further legal proceedings against The Landing Gear Works LLC to enforce its lease with the Renton Municipal Airport. At the council meeting, three individuals used their public comments to show support for The Landing Gear Works. Owner Tom Anderson asked the council to allow him to present evidence showing why his business should not be evicted from the Renton Municipal Airport.
• Public Works Maintenance Services was approved to purchase a 2024 Peterbilt 548 Gap Vax Truck for $674,833.80 and to execute an agreement with Gary Merlino Construction Company to purchase a 2016 Peterbilt 567 Mixer Truck for $140,760.
• The finance committee recommended the mayor and city clerk to approve the Washington State Military Department and the Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management Performance Grant, and approve the 2024 budget adjustment of $58,285. Additionally, there was an agreement with Moffat and Nichol for $141,971 for the Springbrook Trail Boardwalk Repairs Project. This project was enacted due to an arson that took place in April 2023.
