 “Your individuality is important, but so is belonging. Recognize the parts of your culture that have shaped your past, and the parts you want to carry with you into the future.”
-- Sol Peralta --
 Thursday and Friday found me in the Tri-Cities attending the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) board meeting and retreat. I am proud to represent District 13 (South King County) on the board and bring the issues that are significant to us for discussion and action. Surprisingly, most cities -- large or small, east side or west side -- have similar issues and concerns. AWC represents all 281 cities within Washington with the following statements:
 Vision: To be the national leader in programs, services and policy impact. Together we are building strong cities, and a great state.
Mission: The Association of Washington Cities builds connections between our state’s diverse cities and towns, while providing our members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data-driven education, nationally recognized pooling programs and nonpartisan advocacy.
 At this year’s retreat, we identified our 6 goals to work on: Lead, Inform, Educate, Advocate, Serve and Engage. I came away re-energized and appreciative of the leadership across this state. Partisan politics are in the limelight right now, but at the local level we are nonpartisan and understand the importance of working together!
 Lights on! Stage set! BRAVO Performing Arts is back this Fall with shows beginning at the end of September. The City of Auburn will present an incredible lineup of music, comedy, theater, and kids’ programming as part of the 2024-2025 BRAVO Performing Arts Season.
Performances will be held in various venues around Auburn, including the Auburn Performing Arts Center at Auburn High School, the Auburn Community & Event Center or Les Gove Gymnasium located in Les Gove Park, Cascade Hall located at Green River College, Bogey’s Banquet Room at Auburn Golf Course, and Auburn's new Postmark Center for the Arts.
Full show details and ticket information can be found at www.auburnwa.gov/theater.
 On Tuesday evening I had the good fortune of presenting 16-year-old boy scout Cameron James Down of Troop 401 with an award for an incredible achievement -- completing all 139 (yes 139) merit badges! We celebrated him within the past year for reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, and he just keeps going.
Some badges can take months and even years to attain, and all of them require a lot of hard work and dedication. Notice the length of the merit badge sash Cameron has - much longer than the traditional sash that ends at the waist.
 Cameron, this accomplishment is an example of your immense work ethic and perseverance, and it gets the imagination going on what you will achieve next. Of course, we know that this wasn’t accomplished alone, so my appreciation to everyone that was involved.
Congratulations!
 On Wednesday, our City of Auburn employees gathered at our Community and Event Center for a lunch in the sun (sorry, rain, you had your fun)! There were food trucks, movies, a photo booth, and an amazing magician.
 I want to thank Team Auburn for all of the hard work they do day in and day out, oftentimes to little fanfare or appreciation! You all truly make this city function, and your dedication and expertise make all the difference. Wednesday was for you!
 Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15th – October 15th, we celebrate the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and influential contributions of people with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. September also coincides with Independence Day celebrations of Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Chile.
Hispanic and Latino communities were instrumental in shaping Washington State. This includes exploring the Pacific Northwest in the 1770s on behalf of the Spanish government, assisting with the transportation system for the mining economy in the 1800s, and carrying the U.S. through its agricultural labor shortage during World War II. Hispanic and Latino communities often faced exploitation and abuse while acting as backbones to our state and country’s success. Mexican Americans played a significant role in the broader Civil Rights Movement by leading the Chicano Movement, also known as El Movimiento. During this time, Mexican Americans advocated for workers’ rights, voting rights, education equality, and an end to racial discrimination.
(Click the photo to view video)
Today, Hispanic and Latino communities continue to make significant contributions to our state’s culture and economy. Follow our social media pages for weekly highlights on Hispanic and Latine people making a difference in the Auburn community.
 At Monday's night's Council Meeting, the council approved an amendment to the existing camping ordinance. This amendment, effective October 1, 2024, makes camping on all public and city property illegal. The ordinance will be strictly enforced in the following areas:
- Parks (closed from dusk until dawn)
- Critical environmental areas
- Wetlands
- Other city-owned properties
So what does this mean?
- No camping is allowed on any city property, unless previously permitted, or using the camp facilities at a Game Farm Park Campground site after paying the required fees,
- Areas such as critical habitats and wetlands are protected from damage.
- Parks will be closed for all activity during nighttime hours (dusk to dawn).
This ordinance is designed to protect our community spaces, environmental areas, and ensure Auburn remains clean and safe for everyone.
 Local area members of the Seattle chapter of the 99s -- a name inspired by the 99 female pilots who came together in 1929 because of their love of aviation -- met on Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Auburn Airport to paint a 35-foot compass rose!
Compass Roses first appeared on ships’ navigational charts around 1300 and were called such because of the design that resembled rose petals. The first airmarking program using a Compass Rose began in 1933, and these navigational aids have been helping aviators find their way ever since.
 With the help of the 99s, Auburn now proudly joins the list of airports that include the Compass Rose. We are grateful for the group of volunteers who joined to paint it and look forward to it helping visiting pilots navigate our beautiful city and region!
 We didn't let a little rain spoil all the fun at Saturday's Hops and Crops Festival at Mary Olson Farm. While it did eventually start to come down in buckets around 3 p.m., festival goers for the most part were hydrated and happy! Already looking forward to next year.
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