 This week was the 92nd meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington D.C., and I attended along with many of our Washington mayors, including Cassie Franklin - Everett; Jim Ferrell - Federal Way, Mary Lou Pauly - Issaquah, Dana Ralph - Kent, Angela Birney - Redmond, Armondo Pavone - Renton, Bruce Harrell - Seattle, and Tom McLeod - Tukwila.
Our opening session on Wednesday began with a panel discussion, “The New Wave of Artificial Intelligence and Cities,” about the excitement and freedoms that AI will bring. We were told as mayors that it is our duty to be “good parents” to ensure long-term societal gain and good health from AI.
 We heard about how AI can help with behavioral health challenges. It can diagnose disease at a higher rate than a doctor. That doesn’t mean we don’t need doctors, but with assistance, the doctor can diagnose more quickly.
AI can be used to connect people to an available healthcare provider in an inclusive way.
MARCo Health also uses AI and can help fill the gaps in the mental health system - allowing 24/7 access to help. It’s meant to be the frontline and began use on college campuses. The student can talk to Marco (mental health assistant robot -- the doll in the 4th chair). Consider it being like journaling. With the shortage of providers, it can help people get the basic help they need.
 We also heard from Senator John Fetterman (PA), a former mayor. He told us that being a mayor is the real work -- our cities must function, and we don’t get the option of a government shutdown. The politics in D.C. are challenging. He had a bout with depression that became a huge media point for the country. He realized he needed to get help. His strongest advice was this: Don’t spend time on social media -- it does not promote mental health! He suffered from depression during his recent campaign, and it got worse after he won. He couldn’t get out of bed, and it was hurting his children. He couldn’t explain why what he had wasn’t enough. He began wondering if there was a way out. He needed help and checked himself into Walter Reed National Medical Center. When he did that, he believed his career was then over. What he found instead was that there was a lot of support, and it’s both a red and a blue county issue. If you suffer from depression, please get help! When it’s unchecked, the inner discussions lead to self-harm. He realized he couldn’t make this the blueprint for his children’s lives.
There’s a strong link between mental and physical health. Senator Fetterman had a stroke during this time.
He talks about his challenges because he doesn’t want anyone to suffer any of the ways he has - if his words can help someone get the help they need.
The conversations need to begin and continue across our nation. It is a bipartisan issue!
“Politics is a rough business, and social media is very difficult to navigate.” Those were his parting words.
 We next heard from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who delivered remarks before the compromise for continued federal government funding. Her succinct message: Failing to fund the government by Friday will be tragic. She strongly urged a compromise! Fortunately, that is exactly what happened!
 The guest speaker was Representative Mark Pocan (WI), who was an original sponsor of the Equality for Marriage Act. He is also a member of the Equality Caucus and said it is definitely an interesting time in Congress. I think we can agree that this might be an understatement!
Jodie Winterhof with the Human Rights Campaign stated that we are still in crisis when it comes to hate crimes and statistics show that they are disproportionately against the LGBTQ community. Their research reflects that the public is starting to understand attacks aren’t grounded in facts. Eight out of ten Americans support full equality for everyone.
From left: Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and U.S. Senator from Washington Maria Cantwell and staff
On Thursday afternoon, Mayors Franklin, Pavone, Ralph and I had an opportunity to meet with Senator Cantwell to discuss the fentanyl crisis. We discussed the need for more than Narcan to fight this battle. We shared the need for additional resources at the city level and asked for more focus on Sublocade - an extended-release buprenorphine that will stay in the system for 28 days, as opposed to the need for daily doses of methadone or buprenorphine. It allows the individual to focus on the other decisions they must make to regain control of their life.
Each mayor is battling this crisis with the tools we have available, but the federal funding goes to the states and the counties. We need to be able to have pilot programs at the city level -- we are ground zero for this pandemic. The four mayors are passionate about this work, and I am proud to work with them!
 While I wasn't able to attend due to being in Washington D.C. all week, it warmed my heart seeing the photos and hearing the stories of the opening reception Wednesday for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe's "Alive and Strong" exhibit at the Postmark Center for the Arts.
 All nine of the artists in the group exhibit -- Isiah Corwin, Julie James, Sam Obrovac, K. Saladin, Tyson Simmons, Joyce Starr, Donny Stevenson, Keith Stevenson and Gail White Eagle -- have shared a piece of themselves and a piece of their rich Native American culture and history.
 Art has always been a looking glass into the soul. And what you see when peering into each of these works is a reflection of the wonderful traditions and experiences of our Muckleshoot Indian Tribe neighbors. Each artist has expressed that feeling in a different way, and our city and our collective involvement is all the better for it.
From left: Donny Stevenson, Tyson Simmons, Gail White Eagle, Kim Saladin, Sam Obrovac, Keith Stevenson, Isiah Corwin
I hope you get a chance to view the pieces in person! The free gallery is open for all to see!
Check the Postmark Center for the Arts webpage for hours and info!
I'm sad to announce the passing of Jean Price, our Police Department's long-time records specialist. Jean's supervisor Tracey Carter wrote a wonderful eulogy that was shared to the department's Facebook page last week.
I'll let Tracey take it from here.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of long-time Records Specialist Jean Price. Jean passed away on Saturday, January 06, 2024, due to complications from cancer. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 39 years Steve, two daughters – Tamarra and Alexis, and 5 wonderful grandchildren.
Jean was born July 14, 1963, in Walla Walla, WA. Jean and Steve married in 1988 and had two beautiful daughters. Jean found her forever home as a Records Specialist at Auburn Police Department in 2006 and worked tirelessly until her passing.
Jean was very devoted to two things: Her family - including her 2 potbellied pigs, Mater & Maxwell - and her work at Auburn PD. Even with cancer taking its toll on her, Jean could always be heard mentioning that she needed to get back to work stating, “I just don’t want to stop working.”
Even though she rarely missed a day’s work, Jean’s motto to her co-workers was “Work is work, and home is home.” When not at work, Jean enjoyed riding her Spyder with her husband, listening to Elvis, and spoiling Mater, Maxwell, and her 5 grandkids.
Jean was the backbone of the Records Unit, with a larger-than-life personality, and will be sorely missed.
Tracey Carter
Records Supervisor
On Wednesday, at about 11:30 a.m., a small plane crashed into a chain-link fence on the west side of the 3900 block Auburn Way North in Auburn. Early information suggested the pilot lost power after takeoff and attempted to return to the airport.
Miraculously, the pilot -- the sole occupant of the plane -- sustained only minor injuries!
Auburn Way North was blocked in both directions for a few hours while police and the National Transportation Safety Board investigated.
I'm incredibly thankful nobody was seriously hurt, either in the plane or on the ground. Let's continue to stay safe this weekend, Auburn!
Creative Writing for Teens Workshop at Postmark
Develop your storytelling skills as we learn about creating exciting plots, interesting characters and rich dialogue. We will learn how to use literary devices and emotive language to help readers picture what is happening and feel what characters are feeling. We will practice several genres of writing including fantasy, biography, science and historical fiction and poetry forms. Come join us for a good time of writing and sharing!
Ages: 12 - 19 years
Fee: $10/$12 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Katrinna Fischer
📅 Thursday, Jan. 11 - Thursday, Feb. 1
🕐 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave.
🎟️ Register online
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Live Music: Michael Powers
NW favorite Michael Powers plays Funk, Pop, Soul, Blues, Jazz and Latin! He is an innovative cross-genre guitar sensation who developed his skill by playing with all types of bands in a quest to play “any kind of music that featured a guitar as a solo voice.” Michael uses time honored traditional technique to power his special high-tech instrument to play the sounds of saxophone, piano, harmonica, flute, voice and brass. Michael will perform music from his "Cinco de Michael" CD release along with other fan-favorites including his radio hit cover of Hall and Oates' "Sara Smile". Come and join Michael and his guitar for a night of amazing music!
📅 Saturday, Jan. 20
🕐 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
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Drop-In Painting with Amy Sie at Postmark
Amy Sie is offering Drop-In Gongbi Painting sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for you to start a new painting, or work on an old one. Please bring your own tools and materials. On-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 18+
Fee: $0
Instructor: Amy Sie
📅 Friday, Jan. 19
🕐 10 a.m. - noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave.
🎟️ Register online
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January Comedy at the Course - Julia Hladkowicz
Julia Hladkowicz is a comedian and actor who has appeared on Comedy central, HBO, MTV, YTV, PBS, Conan, Laff Tracks, Kevin Hart’s LOL network and on SiriusXM.
Hladkowicz has toured all over North America performing at clubs and at multiple festivals including San Francisco Sketch Fest, Laughing Skull Comedy Competition in Atlanta, NXNE and the Seattle International Comedy Competition.
She is a two-time finalist in SiriusXM’s Top Comic, has performed numerous times at JFL in Toronto and is a regular at Just For Laughs in Montreal.
She made her Just For Laughs debut at New Faces in 2015 and has returned to multiple tapings over the years.
Julia has a Canadian Comedy Award nomination and an I Heart Jokes nomination for Best Female Stand-up.
She just released a new comedy album called “This Time I’m Serious” which is available on all major streaming platforms.
📅 Friday, Jan. 26
🕐 7:30 p.m.
📍 Auburn Golf Course - Bogey's Public House Banquet Room, 29630 Green River Road SE
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
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 Open houses are just as much about the art as they are about the food! I'm glad folks were able to dig into the delicious spread of appetizers.
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