Renton residents urge police presence near Satori Elementary after reported open drug use; council schedules ongoing Sixth & Park updates

Anissa Gusti, a Renton resident who said she walks her children to Satori Elementary, told the council she has observed open drug use—specifically fentanyl smoking—near a bus stop across from the school during morning drop‑off and requested a regular police presence.

“Ten days ago on February 14, I saw 2 people, smoking fentanyl with foil, a lighter, and what looked like a straw at the bus stop located on Park Ave directly across from Satori Elementary,” Gusti said. She told the council the activity occurs “2 to 3 days a week” and asked for officers to be present three days a week either at the nearby Shell station or the Hop Garden parking lot.

Why this matters: Open drug use near a school was a direct safety concern raised by a parent. Gusti said prior increased police presence in her area had reduced visible drug activity and she asked the council to consider a similar approach near the school.

Council response and public‑safety follow up Council members acknowledged the report. Council Member Rivera said the public‑safety committee will include monthly updates on the Sixth & Park location in its agenda and that meetings are open and available via Zoom. Rivera said continuing briefings are intended to keep the public informed as officers and partner agencies respond.

Other public comment at the meeting touched on similar concerns about visible drug use, homelessness and downtown conditions. Resident Jolene Amavilago described open drug use in doorways near Renton High School and said parks staff are spending substantial time cleaning paraphernalia.

Ending: The council did not take an immediate action to create a new patrol schedule at the meeting. Council Member Rivera and public‑safety staff indicated the issue will be tracked in monthly committee updates and encouraged residents to provide contact information for follow up.