October 24, 2020
Halloween is just a week away and families, businesses and organizations have been busy at work devising ways to ensure that our youngest residents can stay safe this year without missing out on all the fun. From candy shoots to stay-at-home parties, 2020 is giving us all a chance to think outside the box about ways to keep the fun going.
Here at City Hall, our offices are often full of ghosts, zombies, witches and more on Halloween day. This year, I have asked staff to send me photos of them in full costume with their families for us to share with the team. But I want to see what our residents have planned as well! Send photos of you or your family dressed in your costumes to communications@auburnwa.gov and we'll share them throughout the week on my Facebook page. Happy haunting, Auburn!
 On Thursday, I joined Congresswoman Kim Schrier as moderator for her virtual South King County Coffee Break with Kim event.
There was some great conversations around a wide variety of issues, but much of the discussion understandably focused around COVID.
Congresswoman Schrier spoke about the process that is currently underway by pharmaceutical companies to develop a vaccine as quickly - but safely - as possible. She talked in-depth about the major steps forward that have been made in vaccine development but also reassured the audience that the companies and organizations involved had all pledged to honor the full medical trial process and not rush anything to market to ensure that the final result is safe.
If you are interested in this topic, Congresswoman Schrier also spoke recently with Dr. Larry Corey, President and Director Emeritus at Fred Hutch, about the process. You can find a recording of the conversation on her Facebook page.
After almost six years of service as an Auburn School District board member, Ryan Van Quill has resigned from the ASD school board. Van Quill represents district 5 and has served on the board since 2014. If you are interested in serving on the board, here's some information that ASD Superintendent Alan Spicciati passed along:
“Director Van Quill is a strong advocate for students with special needs and values career preparation as a pathway. His passion and service on the board will be missed.”
The ASD Board of Directors developed a timeline to fill the open board seat. Applications to be considered for the board position are due November 2. Interviews will be held via a Zoom public meeting November 10 and the new board member will be sworn-in November 23.
Any community member who lives in Director District 5 may apply to be considered. District 5 includes the unincorporated area surrounding Lake View Elementary and Lea Hill north of SE 312th. A map of district 5 is on page 6 of the document linked here.
Application letters should be submitted to Laurie Bishop, ASD Board President, 915 4th ST NE and should include a brief resume of qualifications, background and reasons for wanting to serve on the board.
For more information, contact Ashlea Muxen at 253-931-4914 or amuxen@auburn.wednet.edu."
Links for information and updates regarding COVID-19:
City of Auburn COVID-19 Updates
Seattle King County Public Health
Washington State Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office of Governor Inslee
White House
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"Democracy is not a spectator sport."
- Marian Edelman
November 3 is just around the corner and if you haven't filled out your ballot yet, this weekend is the perfect time to do it! South King County has some of the lowest voter participation ratings in the state, but I have a feeling we just might change that record this time around. No matter what your political beliefs, your vote is a critical part of what makes our democracy strong, so grab a cup of coffee, sit down, and fill out that ballot!
Here are some tips from King County Elections (the same information is true for all of our Pierce County residents as well):
You can vote and return your ballot as soon as you receive it. Returning your ballot early allows time to correct any issues with your signature so we can count your ballot. You can return your ballot by mail or to a ballot drop box.
By mail
No stamp is needed to return your ballot! You can vote and return your ballot through the U.S. Postal Service as soon as you receive it. We recommend dropping your ballot in the mail by the Friday before Election Day to make sure it gets postmarked in time to be counted. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day.
Vote Centers
King County vote centers are available to voters who need assistance completing their ballot. Trained staff and specialized equipment are available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot.
 On Monday afternoon, I had the opportunity to take a tour of the new Fieldhouse USA facility that will be opening at the Outlet Collection in the space that was previously the Sam's Club.
It is an impressive facility that has space and opportunity to play almost any sport, as well as some great spaces built out for community and team gatherings.
I'll share more as we get closer to the official opening day, but until then, here are some pictures and renderings of the facility!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month first began in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” but has continued strong for nearly 40 years each October as a way for us all to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and ways to stop it, and to uplift survivor stories.
Domestic violence affects millions of people, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status and it will take us all raising awareness and serving as advocates to bring it to an end. If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, please reach out! Below are some of many resources available to get you to safety:
The Hotline
Break the Cycle
NoMore.org
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