Mayor Dana Ralph used her weekly update to highlight domestic violence resources, thank volunteers and local service providers, recap an Orca Recovery Day river-health volunteer event at Riverview Park, and list several upcoming community events and volunteer opportunities.

"October is domestic violence awareness month, and I wanna say thank you to Dawn, a local service provider here in Kent that provides support to people that are, victims of domestic violence and helps them turn into survivors," Ralph said. She urged residents who are experiencing domestic violence to seek help and noted resources are available.

Ralph also thanked volunteers and the Green River Coalition for work at Orca Recovery Day at Riverview Park, describing the effort as part of maintaining river habitat that supports salmon and, indirectly, orca populations. "We don't necessarily love why orcas love love salmon, but if we don't have that whole entire ecosystem there with, a plentiful salmon supply making it out, our orcas, that population is not sustainable either," she said, describing concerns about water temperature, dissolved oxygen and needed resting habitat for juvenile salmon.

The mayor announced openings on the parks and recreation board, bicycle advisory board and the disability and retirement board and directed interested residents to kentlaw.gov/boardsandcommissions to apply. She also reminded residents that ballots for the current election have been mailed and encouraged participation, saying local races can be decided by a handful of votes.

Upcoming community events mentioned in the update included a paint-recycling event at Hoban Park on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (details at kentwa.gov/talkingtrash); the Kent Spotlight Series at the Kentwood Performing Arts Center (Motown and Soul) with live music starting at 7:30 p.m. (tickets at kentwa.gov/spotlightseries); a downtown 21+ "sip and savor" event and a family "Street of Treats" downtown from 2 to 5 p.m.; a Haunted Boulevard trunk-or-treat at Kent Station on Halloween from 5 to 7 p.m.; and a Seattle Thunderbirds game at the Showare Center at 7:05 p.m. on the same night.

Ralph closed with safety reminders for trick-or-treaters to wear reflective clothing and for drivers to watch for children.

No formal votes or motions were noted in the mayor’s update for these items; the segment was informational and promotional for city events and volunteer opportunities.