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Jan. 30, 2026

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”

-- Madeleine Albright --

Representing Auburn in Washington D.C.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 94th Winter Meeting, where mayors from across the country gathered to share ideas, advocate for our communities, and work together on the issues that matter most to our residents.

I was proud to join several of my colleagues from our region, including Mayors Ralph (Kent), Pavone (Renton), Ferrell (Federal Way), Mullet (Issaquah), Birney (Redmond), Wilson (Seattle), and Brown (Spokane), as we advocated for the needs of South King County and the Puget Sound region. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to make sure Auburn’s voice is heard at the national level.

On Wednesday, we met with Senator Maria Cantwell, who was incredibly generous with her time and her staff. While meetings with senators are often brief, Senator Cantwell spent a full hour with us discussing key issues facing our communities. Our conversation focused on the urgent need for renewed federal investment in transportation infrastructure, including highways, arterials, and local roads. Over the years, funding for local projects has declined, and we shared concerns about the potential loss of advanced appropriations that have helped support safer streets, major projects, and railroad crossing improvements.

We also discussed the possibility of federal budget cuts that could impact Medicaid beginning in 2027, and of course, we talked about Auburn’s recent flooding and recovery efforts. I expressed my sincere appreciation for Senator Cantwell’s continued support. She recommended bringing South King County communities together to better identify our needs and strengthen coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers -- a recommendation we fully intend to pursue.

On Thursday, we met with Senator Patty Murray, and our discussion echoed many of the same priorities. We thanked her for her leadership and support during the flooding, and she emphasized the importance of working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure accurate monitoring and capacity markers along the Green River. We also spoke about the growing need for affordable housing and the importance of sustained federal partnership to help cities meet this challenge.

During the conference’s opening plenary session, we heard from Senator Elizabeth Warren, who shared her bipartisan work with Senator Tim Scott on legislation aimed at reducing barriers to affordable housing. She noted that our nation is currently short nearly three million housing units. Their “Road to Housing” legislation, which has passed the Senate unanimously, includes provisions to streamline environmental review, expand access to federal loans for manufactured housing, create pre-approved housing plans, and establish an innovation fund. With more than 40 components, the bill is designed to encourage faster, more affordable housing development across the country.

We also heard from Mayor Daniel Lurie of San Francisco, who spoke candidly about the importance of returning to common-sense governance and rebuilding public trust. He emphasized that public safety and community pride must remain central to city leadership and reminded us of the importance of leading with authenticity. His message resonated with many mayors in the room.

Thursday’s morning session featured a panel of new mayors -- Eileen Higgins (Miami), Helena Moreno (New Orleans), and Katie Wilson (Seattle) -- who shared their experiences and priorities. Mayor Higgins highlighted the need for permitting reform to support housing and business development. Mayor Moreno spoke openly about addressing a significant budget deficit while protecting essential services. Mayor Wilson focused on housing affordability and childcare, emphasizing the importance of long-term solutions that support working families.

Later that afternoon, we were joined by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who spoke passionately about public service and civic responsibility. He reminded us that local government work, from filling potholes to building housing, matters deeply to people’s daily lives. He encouraged mayors to stand up for democratic values and to ensure that communities remain safe, welcoming, and resilient.

Attending this conference was a valuable opportunity to advocate for Auburn, strengthen relationships with federal leaders, and learn from cities across the country. Whether we are working on flood mitigation, transportation funding, housing affordability, or public safety, these conversations help ensure that Auburn remains prepared, connected, and well-represented.

As always, I am proud to bring Auburn’s priorities to the national stage and to continue working on your behalf -- locally, regionally, and in Washington, D.C.!

Cherry Cherry - Neil Diamond Tribute Cherry Cherry is one of the coolest renditions of the Neil Diamond experience you’ll ever see. All the hits, horns and hoopla make this show rock! Cherry Cherry performs timeless hits with skill, evoking memories that every crowd will enjoy. Experience Neil Diamond’s music like never before. Cherry Cherry will entertain audiences young and old alike. 📅 Saturday, Jan. 31 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St. 💲 Tickets ($27 regular, $25 student)

Blood Drive at Auburn City Hall  Be someone's hero today and donate blood. The Bloodworks Bloodmobile will be located outside City Hall.  Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience. Same-day appointments available at most locations. Photo ID required. For safety, we kindly request no visitors under 16 at our donation sites. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation. Book your one hour appointment at bloodworksnw.org/giveblood 📅 Tuesday, Feb. 10 ⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street 🎟️ Register

Make and Mingle @ Postmark Stop by the Postmark for our Make & Mingle session! Join us for a cup of coffee with whatever art project you might be working on. A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to gather... you can talk with other artists, ask for feedback or critique from on-site staff if available, bring your sketchbook to work out ideas, or just quietly draw in the gallery or work on your art! Intended for ages 18+. 📅 Wednesdays ⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave. 💲 Free

Drop-In Drawing @ Postmark Come stop by for our new Drop-In Drawing sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to drop-in to draw from a still life or the gallery. Stay for whole two hours or only 10 minutes. Bring tools to either shade or color with, and your own sketchbook or drawing pad. There will be on-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome. Ages: 15+ Registration: $0 Instructor: Postmark Staff 📅 Fridays ⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave. 💲 Free

Drop-In Painting With Amy Sie @ 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 for watercolor painting. On-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.  Ages: 18+ Fee: $0 Instructor: Amy Sie 📅 Fridays ⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave. 💲 Free

Love Run The Almost 5K Love Run & Walk is an in-person fun run, part of our Almost 5K, Always Fun Run Series. The Love Run & Walk is perfect for all ages and abilities (kids in strollers permitted)! Join us for this fun event as we kick off American Heart Month. ON-LINE REGISTRATION Early registration includes a t-shirt. The Almost 5K Love Run & Walk is an easy run/walk around Les Gove Park. This fun run will utilize the big loop at Les Gove Park. Five loops around is “almost” a 5K (short of a 5K by 1,138 feet). Community Vendors will be onsite to share information on American Heart Month. Activities will keep the festivities going after you've completed your laps. Early Registration Fee: $20 until January 7, 2026 (T-shirt sizes guaranteed through January 7) Late Registration Fee: $25 until January 8 - February 4 On-Site Registration Fee: $30 on February 7, 2026 ON-LINE REGISTRATION Questions?  Contact Kjerstin Lange or call 253-931-3043 📅 Saturday, Feb. 3 ⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon 📍 les Gove Park | 910 Ninth St. SE 💲 Register

Wildwood Angels Born from a shared love of traditional country music, Wildwood Angels brings heartfelt lyrics, timeless vocals, and the mesmerizing beauty of the pedal steel guitar to the stage. The duo plays timeless hits from Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and more along with a mix of popular tunes and originals you are sure to love. 📅 Friday, Feb. 13 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave. 💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student)

Shaping the Valley Mid-Winter Break Drop-in Days Looking for something to fill your days during mid-winter break from school? Join us each day for new fun activities and crafts exploring the different industries that built the valley. View more info at www.wrvmuseum.org. 📅 Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Friday, Feb. 20 ⏰ Noon - 4 p.m. 📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H Street SE

Comedy at the Postmark MOVED TO: Postmark Center for the Arts! Comedy at the Course will keep you laughing all night long as three comedians work to twist your funny bone. Ages 18 and over only. 📅 Friday, Feb. 20 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave. 💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 senior)

State of the City with Mayor Nancy Backus Please join Mayor Nancy Backus Wednesday, February 25 for her State of the City address at the Muckleshoot Casino Events Center (2402 Auburn Way S.) 5:00 PM - Door's open and reception: Enjoy refreshments and connect. 6:00 PM - Mayor's Address begins. Please reserve a seat below (for free!) by 5:00 PM the day before. More details (including parking) in the RSVP link. Free (plus-ones encouraged!) 📅 Wednesday, Feb. 25 ⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m. 📍 Muckleshoot Casino Events Center | 2402 Auburn Way S. 🎟️ Register

Buddy Ritchie & The Bopper - Honoring the Day the Music Died This tribute pays respect to three entertainers who were taken from us way too early in their young musical careers, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Backed by five professional musicians, this show will keep your toes tapping and make you want to dance in the aisles to songs like That’ll be the Day, Peggy Sue, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace and much, much more. 📅 Saturday, Feb. 28 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St. 💲 Tickets ($27 regular, $25 student)

Linda FM & Bandwidth Get ready for an epic night of music and entertainment straight from your FM dial! This music variety show is packed with incredible talent and diverse musical styles. Connect with others, celebrate music, and savor unforgettable memories when American Top 40 on the FM dial dominated the airwaves. Join Linda FM and Bandwidth for a great evening of wonderful music! 📅 Friday, March 6 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave. 💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student)

Blood Drive at Auburn City Hall  Be someone's hero today and donate blood. The Bloodworks Bloodmobile will be located outside City Hall.  Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience. Same-day appointments available at most locations. Photo ID required. For safety, we kindly request no visitors under 16 at our donation sites. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation. Book your one hour appointment at bloodworksnw.org/giveblood 📅 Tuesday, March 10 ⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street 🎟️ Register

Artifact ID Ever wonder what that strange thing was you found in grandma’s attic was? Sign up below to have your curious artifacts identified by Curator of Collections Hilary Pittenger. Must RSVP to attend - Register Online 📅 Thursday, March 12 ⏰ 1 - 2 p.m. 📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE 🎟️ Register

Auburn Community Players: Legally Blonde The Auburn Community Players present a fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! 📅 Friday, March 13 - Sunday March 15 ⏰ Various times 📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St. 💲 Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)

The Legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Act Join author Trish Hackett Nicola as she brings life to the case files of Chinese laborers and their families that were impacted by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 in her new book Chinese in Washington: The Legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Act. 📅 Saturday, March 14 ⏰ 2 - 3 p.m. 📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE 🎟️ Register

Spring Fling Family Dance Little ones ages 5-11, grab your VIP and join us for our Spring Fling Family Dance! Dress your best as we dance the night away. Visit one of our activity tables for a temporary tattoo, 360° photo, beaded keychain creation, or spend the whole night out on the dance floor. Light refreshments and dessert will be available. Vegan and gluten-free option available. Pre-registration required for all attendees. Registration includes 1 adult and 1 child. Availability to add additional adults or children. $36/$45 – additional attendees $12/$15 Call 253-931-3043 to Register Now! 📅 Saturday, March 14 ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. 📍 Auburn Community & Event Center | 910 9th Street SE

Auburn Community Players: Legally Blonde The Auburn Community Players present a fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! 📅 Friday, March 20 - Sunday March 22 ⏰ Various times 📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St. 💲 Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)

Cultures of the Valley Family Day Free Family Event! Learn more about some of the cultures that call the valley home in the first of two Family Day programs during our exhibit Shaping the Valley. Join us as we explore Japanese and Marshalles cultures through fun activities and crafts. Be sure the visit again in May to learn about more cultures that make the Valley great! All ages welcome! View more info at www.wrvmuseum.org. 📅 Saturday, March 28 ⏰ Noon - 4 p.m. 📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE

Peter Cotton Trail Friday, April 3 - Monday, April 6 Hop through Auburn's parks and trails in search of the elusive bunnies who will be hidden in various locations around Auburn. Find 10 bunnies, submit a scorecard, and get entered for a chance to win some awesome prizes! This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, including seniors and those in the specialized recreation community. It's a great way to get outside, stay active and enjoy the outdoors! More info on auburnwa.gov. 📅 Friday, April 3 - Monday, April 6 ⏰ Dawn to dusk 📍 Various parks

Our Comms and Emergency Management team went up to UW this week to talk to some seismologists -- why? You have to read the Sping 2026 Auburn Magazine to find out! Hits mailboxes in March.

Auburn is rich with history — from historical Main Street to the artifacts preserved throughout White River Valley Museum — I am excited to share these stories with all of you each week. 

We never go out of style

(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)

Kelly and Michelle Cavanaugh of Auburn posing together in white formal dresses, 1985. While these dresses might feel unmistakably 80s (hello, wicker screens and curly perms!), if you took away their hairstyles it might be hard to distinguish these outfits from trendy 1940s formal wear. 1940s retro was very cool in the 80s: peep-toe heels were popularized by Hollywood stars in the early 1940s, and both off-the-shoulder ruffles and long-sleeved sheer lace dresses were popular options for late 1940s brides.