Fire in North Renton and all hail the new chief

Late last night, the flames from the back of the Law Offices on Park Ave. could be seen from the front rooms of residents on North First Street in the neighborhood of North Renton. While the big trucks came and three fire departments responded, the 2 alarm fire did not injure anyone and started at the carport in the rear of the building. Okay, there was a very hurt Lexus parked there, and the fire department was on the scene this morning trying to ascertain the cause.

The last of the big trucks left the scene at about 1 am this morning. From 10 until midnight there still seemed to be billows of smoke pouring out and the neighbors in jammies were wandering at the sidelines.The KOMO News truck was there last night and again this morning, covering our local burg.

The front of the law offices seems relatively unharmed by the fire and rather quiet for a work day. Guess it was better to stay at home until further notice.

Good news is that we all get to welcome 30 year fire department veteran, Mark Peterson to the post of Renton Fire Chief. Announced in the Renton Reporter yesterday, it comes as no surprise that the guy who has been holding the fort down since Chief Daniels left last year should be named to take his place. Congratulations Mark!

Barks,beers and little woofs

June 13th the Renton Offleash Dog Park will receive another good boost in the arm - the Barks and Beers event to benefit the park will be held at the Dog & Pony and the tickets are going fast. The Dog and Pony has always held human's best friend in high regard - the patio out to the side of the establishment is dog friendly and is used in the warmer months by many as a great place to dine on some great pub food and beer along with the furry "other half".

And while I have your attention - I want to put in a word for the smaller woofs in the crowd. Wookie, above, is a Chinese Crested Powder Puff, who weighs in at a whopping 4 pounds. Just this week he was grabbed up in the jaws of a much bigger dog at a dog park that does not have an area for "smaller dogs". His human, Sue Rider, hopes that in the entire 5 acres that is being allotted for the park, some consideration will be given to the wee folks who don't always have the easiest of times with those 80 pound four leggers. I second that motion. I have a wee one and he is just plain afraid of anyone else's shadow when it comes right down to it, even though he likes to make out with his initial annoying barking that that is not the case. Napoleon complex - owner diagnosed.

Barks & Beers Saturday June 13th 5-9pm
Dog and Pony Grill and Alehouse 351 Park Ave (425) 254 - 8080
www.thedogandpony.com
Tickets available now at the Dog for $30/$35 at door (but only some will be available)
Includes two dog-themed beers and your choice of hamburger,veggie burger, hotdog served with some tasty side dishes.

Another hardy soul ventures into business

Just over the last couple of days Mucho Bueno, a family mexican restaurant, changed it's color and announced a new change of owner. When I went today, I couldn't get any more details, but it looks like another hardy soul is entering into the restaurant fold with a Northwest Bar and Grill.
I recall seeing that the owner of Mucho Bueno at N. Third St. and Park Ave. had his business listed for sale on Craigslist last summer because of "family" issues that made him want to sell. Maybe he finally got the buyer he wanted after all.

Stay tuned as I look to see when and how this bar and grill will open as we approach our "summer" - ah, summer, what a lovely, dry and warm prospect....