 "Easter egg hunts are proof that children can find things when they really want."
- Unknown -
 I had the pleasure of joining Deputy Mayor Larry Brown, and Councilmembers Cheryl Rakes and Hanan Amer for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Chaska Bar and Grill along Auburn Way South downtown. We were also joined by City of Auburn's Human Services Director Kent Hay and Economic Development Manager Jenn Francis.
For anyone who's already visited the restaurant, you'll know it's been open for a few months, but last week was our first opportunity to celebrate together as a city. This particular location has a long lineage of restaurants, most recently Vinefera, which sadly closed late last year. And for those of you who have been around Auburn as long as I have – Flapper Alley. Oh the memories!
 Chaska is in good hands, because the food is amazing, and the owners and staff are wonderful! The cuisine is described by ownership as Indian fusion, and the first thing you'll notice when you walk in are all of the wonderful smells, followed closely by the beautiful decor and easy atmosphere. The menu is simple and clean, with plenty of vegetarian and nonvegetarian options, like butter chicken (my personal favorite), curry, paneer saag, tikka masala, garlic naan, and lamb.
 The wonderful kitchen and wait staff were kind enough to bring out plates of cauliflower bites and fish pakora -- fish fillets coated in spices and chickpea flour, deep fried to perfection. Both were absolutely incredible.
I'm already looking forward to my next visit! Welcome to Auburn, Chaska! You're going to fit right in!
 I’ve often mentioned how much I appreciate the partnerships in South King County, and this week I appreciate them even more. Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone and I met Wednesday evening at Bogey’s at the Auburn Golf Course for dinner and to discuss the issues we’re facing and how to continue working together.
Our topics included an organization that all three cities are utilizing to assist with domestic violence situations – Project Be Free (they’re doing amazing work in our cities), our frustrations with how auto theft and “low level property crimes” have increased in SKC (and our frustrations with how some agencies don’t seem to want to deal with the accountability), increases in juvenile crime, challenges with hiring police officers – if you know of any great candidates, please have them join us on Wednesday – our recent respective state of the city addresses (we attended each other’s for support), and the good fortune we have of being friends as well as peers.
We were able to share a few laughs and catch up on what our families are doing, too. We’ve committed to doing the after 5 meeting at least quarterly and are hoping our friend Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell will be able to join us next time.
 The new pump track at Cedar Lanes Bike Park is officially open! The fences surrounding it were removed after the Pioneer Bike Club took it for an inaugural spin Tuesday afternoon.
You can read all about the club in our blog and magazine. The after-school program teaches dozens of kids from Pioneer Elementary everything from how to ride a bike, how to be safe as possible, and how to master everything in-between.
 About 100 students got to test out the new asphalt on Tuesday, under the supervision of our talented Parks staff. It's incredible to watch someone who's a master at riding take a few laps on the track, which is specifically designed so you never have to peddle. In fact, the "pump" in the name comes from the motion of generating momentum up and down with your arms and legs, rather than pedaling or pushing.
 I have it on good authority the pump track is a hit – take a look at the determined faces in the photos when you click on the link below!
I'm looking forward to our Parks Department sharing more news in the months to come when the final stages of the Cedar Lanes Bike Park additions are completed!
It's Easter this Sunday, which means it's time for Peter Cotton Trail in Auburn! Hop around Auburn's parks and trails in search of the elusive bunny who'll be hidden in various locations around Auburn parks. Find the bunny, have a chance to win prizes and have a blast doing it! This will be a fun and safe event for families, seniors, our specialized recreation community or anyone looking for an opportunity to get outside and get active in an outdoor setting.
This year our Parks Department has added Frank Fulmer Park to the list, so even more area to explore.
Prizes this year include gift cards to the Auburn Golf Course and area grocery stores, free camp passes to the MyGym Children's Fitness Center in Kent, tickets to BRAVO performances, boccee ball sets, board games, and more!
You can learn more by visiting the link below, including how to print a bunny score card. The event goes through the weekend and ends 8 p.m. Monday.
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