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Home My WebLink About2025-10 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 45 No. 10Community volunteers lending their efforts to the Green Tukwila Partnership OCTOBER 2025 VOLUME 45, NUMBER 10 StormwaterAwareness Week is October 6-11 Please see back cover A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities FREE event for Tukwila residents Recycling Drive-thru Event Paper Shredding and Yard Waste Saturday, November 1-10:OOAM to 2:00PM Tukwila Community Center -12424 - 42nd Avenue S, Tukwila Tukwila's Police & Public WorksDepartments are holding a combination paper shredding and yard waste collection event. Come down and take advantage of this great opportunity! PAPER SHREDDING: • Limit 4 file boxes or bags per vehicle. • Documents are securely shredded on site. • Paper only. For more details about this event, contact recycle@TukwilaWA.gov or call 206-431-2445 This event is made possible in part by support from Washington State Department of Ecology and King County Solid Waste Division YARD WASTE: ACCEPTED MATERIALS • Leaves, weeds, grass clippings • Branches & limbs up to 3 inches in diameter and up to 3 feet long • Biobags and paper bags NOT ACCEPTED MATERIALS • Stumps • Large branches • Pallets • Sod • Manure • Dirt • Plastic bags • Rocks • Trash • Concrete and construction debris Tukwila: The City of Opportunity, the Community of Choice Mayor's Message We want to know: how would YOU spend $100,000? How would YOU spend $100,000 to improve Tukwila? For the first time, we're presenting an opportunity for community members to decide how the City invests funds that are set aside for small, visible improvements. This `participatory budgeting' initiative is called The People's Project. To ensure a fair and inclusive process, residents representing diverse backgrounds and different neighborhoods are serving on the steering committee. I'd like to thank Arizona Proctor, Ardo Hersi, Debbie Gordon, Myo Han, Steve Miller, and Sara Rivas for their leadership and commitment. Together, they are guiding the process and conducting outreach. The first step is to submit your idea. Beginning October 1, you can complete the Idea Submission Form to describe your idea. Why is it important? What problem do you hope to solve? Who does your idea benefit? Forms accepted through November 15. The form is available in English, Amharic, Burmese, Somali, Spanish, &Vietnamese Idea Submission Form: TukwilaWA.gov/thepeoplesproject/survey I'm asking for your participation, and to make sure your neighbors know about this exciting opportunity! For more information: TukwilaWA.gov/PeoplesProject 2 Mayor, City of Tuk ila J� Tukwila SCHOOL DISTRICT • '�� a world of possibility Tukwila Promise: Free college for Foster graduates Tukwila Promise is opening doors for our students and our city's future. Through this partnership between Tukwila School District, the City of Tukwila, Highline College and the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, every Foster High School graduate in the classes of 2025 and 2026 can attend Highline College tuition -free. The impact is already clear —this fall, the number of Foster graduates attending Highline nearly tripled compared to last year. Tukwila Promise is more than free tuition —it's an investment in families, workforce development, and the future of our community. Learn More: TukwilaSchools.org/news-events/media-releases/board/ media-releases/post/tukwila-promise-media-release SCAN ME Mayor Tom with the Foster High School Football team Celebrating culture, community, and fall activities This season, Tukwila School District is proud to honor and celebrate the richness of our community. From Sept. 15-Oct. 15, we join the nation in recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month, uplifting the voices, traditions, and contributions of our Latinx community. On Oct. 13, Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor the history, resilience, and cultures of Indigenous peoples. Fall also brings excitement to our schools with athletics in full swing —from cross country and football to golf, volleyball, swimming, and tennis, our scholars are showing their talent, teamwork, and school spirit across the region. The Hazelnut - October2025 Board/Commission/Committee vacancies The City of Tukwila is assisted in its operations by the volunteers who serve on our Boards, Commissions and Committees in several areas. These advisory bodies provide guidance to decision -makers and represent the diverse viewpoints of the community, bringing public participation into government. Volunteers serve a vital function by offering their time and expertise as members. The following advisory bodies currently have vacant positions or positions: Community -Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board (COPCAB)- Business Representative Position COPCAB currently has a Business position open for the remainder of a 4-year term ending March 31, 2028, as well as a vacant Student Representative position. COPCAB works with the Chief of Police to promote public safety and community policing. For questions regarding COPCAB, please contact Phi Huynh at 206- 433-7175 or P.Huynh@TukwilaWA.gov. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - Business Positions The City is looking for individuals to serve on its Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC). It provides recommendations to Mayor and Council regarding the levying and application of Hotel/Motel tax collections. For questions regarding LTAC, contact Brandon Miles at 206-431-3684 or Brandon.Miles@TukwilaWA.gov. Park Commission - Community Position and Student Representative The Tukwila Park Commission currently has a Commu- nity Member position open for the remainder of a 3-year term ending March 31, 2027; as well as a vacant Student Representative position. The Commission advises City officials regarding the acquisition, development, expan- sion and operation of parks and recreational facilities NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING! Do you live or work along Interurban Avenue South or Foster Point? The City of Tukwila is hosting a gathering and you are invited! Learn about City initiatives - including projects in your area - and share what's important to you. When: Tuesday, October 14 - 6:00 to 8:OOPM Where: Billy Baroo's Restaurant - Banquet Room 13500 Interurban Avenue South Information/RSVP/Accommodations, contact Jo.Anderson@TukwilaWA.gov and programs. For questions regarding the Park Com- mission, please contact Matthew Austin at 206-433-7157 or Matthew.Austin@TukwilaWA.gov. Planning Commission - Business Representative The Tukwila Planning Commission currently has a Business Representative opening for the remainder of a 4-year term ending March 31, 2028. Tukwila's Planning Commission hears and makes recommendations or decisions on comprehensive planning, zoning, subdivision and land use permits. Sits as Board of Architectural Review to provide design review of proposed development plans. The City of Tukwila encourages applications from people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. Individuals interested in joining our team must be committed to racial, social and economic equality for all people in our community. To apply, please submit a completed Boards, Commissions and Committees Application for Appointment to the Mayor's Office by 5:00PM on October 31, 2025. For more information/an application form, call 206-433-1850 or visit TukwilaWA.gov/boards. c PA rgLc R NOW ENROLLING! Serving K-5 Students • NOW ENROLLING! After -School Activities Program ASAP is a fun, active and safe way for kids to spend their after -school hours each day! The program operates Monday through Friday, from the end of the school day to 6:OOPm, and serves students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. The program serves the Tukwila School District and Impact Public Schools. REGISTER TODAY: bit.ly/After School_Activities_Program The Hazelnut - October2025 3 Celebrate Salmon this October! October is salmon season on the Green-Duwamish River, and we're hosting events for the whole community to connect with - and support - these incredible fish. Salmon Saturday: Family Festival; Sabado del Salmon: Festival Familiar Saturday, October 18 I Tukwila Community Center Bring the family for a fun day celebrating salmon! Enjoy kid -friendly activities, hands-on learning, art, and community booths —all while discovering how salmon are connected to our local ecosystems and culture. Salmon & Science Walks with a Naturalist Tuesday, October 15 & Saturday, October 25110 AM Take a guided walk along the Green-Duwamish River with a local naturalist. Learn about the salmon life cycle, the barriers they face, and the ways we can all help restore healthy salmon runs in our watershed. All events are free, open to everyone, and offered in Spanish and English. Todos los eventos son gratuitos, abiertos a todos y se ofrecen en espanol e ingles. Sign up today at TukwilaWA.gov/GreenTukwila CTOBER 18TH,1:00-4:00 PM TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER Join us for an afternoon of family -friendly science MLR activities, watershed education & salmon jumping in the Duwamish River! Learn More & Sign Up: Follow us: @greentukwila www.LukwilaWA.gov/greentukwila GREEN TUKWIW es EHVIRONMFNrAL S(�4N.4F {4M4R GREEN TUKWILA PARTNERSHIP Plant tomorrow's forest, today... Volunteer! Come join local Forest Stewards Help us plant young native trees, shrubs, and pollinator plants in Tukwila's parks. No experience needed —just bring your energy! Lots of opportunities All tools and training provided Everyone welcome Help grow a healthier, greener community —one plant at a time! Sign up today at TukwilaWA.gov/GreenTukwila Green Tukwila opportunities in October October 8 October 9 October 14 October 17 October 18 October 25 Riverside Restoration Planting at Cottonwood Corner Planting at Riverton Park Forterra Friday, Blackberry Blast Duwamish Alive Planting 57th Avenuje Mini Park Go to our website for more details 4 The Hazelnut - October2025 COUNCIL CORNER We welcome a new pro tem member and focus on TIB zoning RECENT COUNCIL ACTIONS • Authorized an Interlocal Agreement with Water Resource Inventory Area 9 for Salmon Habitat Recovery and water quality improvement • Amended business license regulations (Ord. 2768) • Appointed Joe Camacho as Councilmember pro tem to Position 6 • Awarded bids for the Gilliam Creek Culvert Erosion Repair and 2025 Annual Small Drainage projects • Accepted WSDOT grant funding for the Commute Trip Reduction Program through 2027 • Accepted WSDOT grant funding for the Transportation Demand Management Regional Mobility Grant Program through 2029 • Updated cannabis use regulations to allow retail in certain zones, and to limit total number of producers, processors and retailers (Ord. 2769) City Council meeting minutes and the complete text of all legislative items are available online in the Digital Records Center at TukwilaWA.gov. For additional information about the work of the City Council, please call 206-433-8993. :EIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII— Share Your Vision for = __ Tukwila Parks & Recreation =_ The City of Tukwila is updating its Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, _ _ and we need to hear from you! ▪ This plan will guide the future of our parks, trails, programs, and open spaces. Your voice is essential! Input from our customers will help set priorities, identify improvements, = and ensure Tukwila's parks and recreation system = = continues to serve everyone in our community. _ Your voice matters! _ bit.ly/TukwilaParks_Future_Survey =▪ iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii by Tosh Sharp, 2025 Council President On Monday, August 25, the City Council appointed Joe Camacho to serve in Position No. 6 as Councilmember pro-tem following a thorough application and interview process. We received 11 applications from community members. I sincerely appreciate everyone's willingness to volunteer, since serving on the City Council is a significant commitment. Joe teaches environmental science at Foster High School, and we look forward to working with him in the months ahead. In the meantime, our thoughts remain with Jovita McConnell and her family as she continues her healing journey. It is unprecedented in Tukwila to have had so many Council appointments in such a short period, and I appreciate the dedication and cooperation of all who have helped make these transitions smooth. This year, the Planning Commission and Planning & Community Development Committee have been leading a major project to update zoning in the Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB) District. The proposal includes updates to allowed uses, parking requirements, multifamily and mixed -use design standards, development standards, and co -living requirements. This neighborhood has long been a priority for revitalization. While much progress has already been made, the zoning update represents an exciting opportunity to shape its future. The Comprehensive Plan envisions Tukwila International Boulevard as a true destination, not simply an arterial, and this work is an important step in that direction. The Council is expected to discuss the proposal at the October 13 Committee of the Whole meeting. As we continue building Tukwila's future, I also want to highlight the importance of voting in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 4. Ballots will be mailed in October and may be returned by mail, at a ballot drop box, or in person on Election Day. Every vote matters, and your participation ensures Tukwila reflects the values and priorities of our community. Thank you for staying engaged and committed to our city's future. The Hazelnut - October2025 5 TAUOWW SAFETY TiPs 1. PROVIDE ADULT SUPERVISION Adult supervision is essential. Get together with other adults and make an evening of it. 2. STAY ON THE SIDEWALKS Keep children on sidewalks, and guide them carefully when crossing the road. In areas without sidewalks, walk on the far edge of the road, facing traffic. 3. CAREFULLY CHECK CANDY Check candy for choking hazards like gum and hard candies. Discard any candy that is not sealed with a wrapper. Avoid homemade treats from strangers. 4. CHOOSE BRIGHT, VISIBLE COSTUMES Opt for bright -colored outfits. Add a touch of reflective tape to the material and on their trick -or -treat bags. Equip costume with a must -have flashlight or glow stick. 5. WELL -FITTED & SAFE COSTUMES To prevent accidental tripping or entanglement, buy costumes - and accessories such as swords, canes, or sticks - that aren't too big or long. Buy costumes, wigs & accessories labeled flame resistant To avoid blocking the vision of a child wearing a mask, buy one with large eye, nose and mouth openings. You can also opt for makeup or face paint as an alternative. 6. COSTUME MAKEUP SAFETY Make sure it is non -toxic; on a small area of child's skin, test it first looking for allergic reaction or skin irritation. Before your child goes to bed, remove all makeup. 7. JACK-O-LANTERN SAFETY Rather than carving, young children can paint or color their pumpkins . Or have them draw a face with markers and an adult can do the carving. Instead of candles, use colorful glow sticks to prevent burns or fires. 8. HOME DECORATION SAFETY Turning your home into a haunted house? Keep safety in mind. Make sure steps, sidewalks, porches and paths are well -lit and free of decorations and holiday props. Keep decorations away from fireplaces and candles. 9. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PRANKS & VANDALISM Going away during Halloween? Make it appear you're still home: turn down the volume of your phone, cover your garage windows, and leave your curtains in normal positions with valuables out of sight. Trim shrubs and large trees so trespassers have fewer hiding spots. Install outdoor lighting (activated by a photocell or movement) to illuminate the area around your home. 10. PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE Keep your car parked inside if you can. Lock car and make sure windows are not down/cracked. Hide your valuables; provide no incentive for break-ins. 11. USE EXTRA CAUTION WHILE DRIVING If you have to drive through a neighborhood on this chaotic night, take it much slower than normal. Watch for kids who may dart between cars and into the road without looking. Food donation programs help Tukwila residents For many in the Tukwila community, food insecurity is a serious issue. Addressing this overall need are programs that - through your donations - help to feed the families of our neighbors. STILL WATERS' SNACK PACK PROGRAM Donation webpage: Stillwaters.services/donate The program's preference is for financial donations that can be used for the specific foods and materials (backpacks, etc.) needed. Donations can be made through the website listed above. Checks can be sent to the agency's address at P.O. Box 88984, Tukwila, WA 98138. As a point of reference, $25 can provide weekend meals for one student for one month. TUKWILA PANTRY Donation webpage: TukwilaPantry.org/donate Financial donations can be made through their website. Monetary donations allow the Pantry to purchase much - needed food such as rarely -donated proteins - canned chicken, canned tuna, canned salmon, canned beef, canned ham (SPAM), chili, stew, meals -in -a -bag and other shelf -stable high protein foods. Physical donations of items can be delivered between 8:00AM-2:00PM on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays to the church's circle drive at 3118 S. 140th Street, Tukwila, WA 98168. Riverton Park United Methodist Church also has a free thrift shop that accepts donations of clothing and household items. 6 The Hazelnut - October2025 TUKWILA POLICE Presented by the City of Tukwila Police Department ki./"Itte4414(26j'rWm...1,4 Wome#t Safety Tactici Friday, October 24, 2025 6:00 to 8:OOPM Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue South In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Tukwila Police Department is hosting an event at TCC for the women in our community to learn how to keep themselves safe. There will be resources for domestic violence at this event, along with mental health resources. Choose to participate in the safety tactics portion, or stop by our booths to learn about services. Come learn about: ► Simple self-defense tactics from Tukwila Police officers ► Crime prevention through a facilitated discussion ► Dangerous situations and how to avoid them This event is suitable for participants age 14 + up Two words: Swag bags! Have any questions? Please call our victim advocate at 206- '•':-•`• `•: 433-1872. You can also sign up ::°':r'::• in person at the Justice Center. Program for Tukwila teen creatiued The Tukwila Public Art Program is launching a new program this fall 2025just for teens! The Tukwila Teen Art Collective is an opportunity for Tukwila teens who create art, enjoy art, or who are beginning to explore their creative side. PARTICIPANTS CAN... • Develop leadership skills. • Learn about community building. • Discover collaboration skills. • Support the local arts community through their creative work. TUKWILA TEEN ART COLLECTIVE MEMBERS... • Are 14-18 years old. • Will meet 16 times a year on Tuesday afternoons (every other week). • Get along well with others. • Want to learn new things. • Enjoy creativity and art. • Care about their community. APPLY TODAY! TukwilaWA.gov/TeenArtCollective SCHOOL'S BACK IN SESSION — LET'S KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE! STOP when a bus has its stop sign out and red lights flashing. k Never pass a stopped school bus - it's illegal and dangerous. O Be extra cautious during pick-up and drop-off hours. 0 STOP As children head back to school, school zones become increasingly congested, making it crucial for drivers to exercise extra caution. While the standard speed limit is 25 miles per hour, it is reduced to 20 miles per hour when the flashing beacon lights are active. Here's some important tips to help keep everyone safe: Follow School Zone Signs: Adhere to the posted speed limits and always stop for crossing guards. Never pass a bus loading/unloading children, and ensure you give buses plenty of space to safely pick up and drop off students. Watch for Crosswalks: Be vigilant for crosswalks in and near school zones. Keep an eye out for children who may unexpectedly dart across the street or between parked cars. Remember, kids might not always judge the speed and distance of cars accurately. Stay Focused: Avoid using your cell phone or engaging in other distractions while driving through school zones. Watch for children crossing the streets or waiting at bus stops. Maintain a safe following distance, and refrain from passing other vehicles, changing lanes, or making U-turns in school zones. Change Routes: If you're commuting daily and are not involved in school drop-offs or pick-ups, consider choosing an alternative route to avoid school zones, if possible. In Tukwila, the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Speed Cam on South 144th Street will be active again during drop-off and pick-up times. With extra pedestrian and vehicle traffic over the next few weeks, give yourself enough time to get where you're going. Prioritizing safety in school zones helps ensure a smooth and secure environment for students. By following these tips, you contribute to making the back - to -school season safer for all! The Hazelnut - October2025 7 THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 Stormwater Awareness Week in Tukwila The Washington State Stormwater Center has declared October 6 through 11 as Stormwater Awareness Week. As adopted by Mayor's proclamation, the City of Tukwila encourages all businesses and community members to protect our waterbodies by ensuring stormwater systems are fully maintained and entirely functional, by eliminating waste discharge and preventing landscaping from washing away down the drain, and to further protect downstream natural resources including the Puget Sound. Stormwater comes from precipitation that falls on hard surfaces and does not soak into the ground, becoming runoff. Runoff becomes polluted with tire -wear particles and vehicle fluids, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, sediments, litter, and/or pet waste as it runs along roads, sidewalks, parking lots, roofs and lawns. As we enter the rainy season, we can do something to help prevent stormwater from flooding our streets. The national Adopt -A -Drain program ancourages individuals, businesses and community organizations to adopt a nearby storm drain at adopt-a-drain.org. Keep your storm drain clear. Use a broom or rake to sweep leaves, trash, and other debris off the drain surface year round. These steps help prevent water pollution. Keep your neighborhood clean and protect local waterways. Sign up today! Adopt a Storm Drain! lf Sweep up! Rake up! Pick up! Sign up to Keep your adopt a drain drain clear ADOPT DRAIN DRAIN Track your impact III Sign up today! adopt-a-drain.org TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard City Hall campus in -person hours: Monday —Thursday, 8:30AM-4:00PM Phone: 206-433-1800 Fax: 206-433-1833 Email: Tukwila@TukwilaWA.gov Website: TukwilaWA.gov MAYOR Thomas McLeod 206-433-1850 Mayor's Office Administration Offices 206-433-1850 Marty Wine, CityAdministrator 206-433-1851 Brandon Miles, Director, Strategic Initiatives/ Government Relations 206-431-3684 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Community Engagement206-454-7564 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Human Resources - Personnel206-433-1831 Human Services 206-433-7181 Emergency Management206-971-8750 Technology Services 206-454-7575 Community Development Dept. Nora Gierloff, Director 206-431-3670 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Finance Department Aaron BeMiller, Director 206-433-1835 Parks/Recreation Department Pete Mayer, Director and interim City Administrator 206-767-2342 Police Department Eric Dreyer, Chief 206-433-7175 Public Works Department Jen Tetatzin, Director 206-433-0179 Emergency - Fire, Police 911 MUNICIPAL COURT 15005 Tukwila International Blvd206-433-1840 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division 206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services 206-767-2321 Facility Rentals 206-767-2323 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 206-242-4221 PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY All fire -related services 253-856-4300 PugetSoundFire.org 2025 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Tosh Sharp, Council President206 507-6440 Tosh.Sharp@TukwilaWA.gov Mohamed Abdi 206-798-4872 Mohomed.Abdi@TukwilaWA.gov Armen Papyan 206-888-3380 Armen.Papyan@TukwilaWA.gov Joe Camacho 206-351-3378 Joe.Camacho@TukwilaWA.gov Dennis Martinez 206-960-1607 Dennis.Martinez@TukwilaWA.gov Hannah Hedrick 206-580-8123 Hannah.Hedrick@TukwilaWA.gov Verna Seal. 206-724-4548 Verna.Seal@TukwilaWA.gov To email the entire Council at once: CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.gov Laurel Humphrey,Analyst206-433-8993 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:00PM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays Committee of the Whole2nd/4th Mondays