 “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”
-- Winston Churchill --
 Thank you Lea Hill for coming out to Auburn Mountainview High School Tuesday to chat community safety!
There were thoughtful questions about tough topics like shooting incidents at The Seasons Apartment Complex, youth and gang violence, traffic and speeding along busy corridors, and more. I understand these can be difficult conversations, but I want to thank everyone who took time out of their afternoon to discuss an important subject.
 If you were unable to attend, we have the whole meeting recorded and our team is putting together a video as you read this. While it's not quite done yet, it should be out soon! Bookmark our YouTube page or visit SpeakUpAuburn.org for updates.
And for those unable to attend at Mt. Baker Middle School last week, that video is now available on YouTube and Vimeo.
Final meeting is this Thursday at Chinook Elementary
 * Thursday, Feb. 6
* 5:30 - 7 p.m.
* Chinook Elementary School | 3502 Auburn Way S
* Free, refreshments provided
 Blood donors are urgently needed to combat a severe shortage: less than half of the donors needed in February have signed up to give. Patient need is high locally and requests for emergency shipments of blood are coming in from across the country due to severe weather events and other crises. What can our community do to help? We’re urging everyone who is eligible and feeling healthy to help fill immediate appointments to donate at a donor center or blood drive near you. There are immediate opportunities to donate, and appointments in the weeks ahead are just as vital. Right now, universal Type O and Platelet donors are extremely important, especially for cancer, trauma, and emergencies. Giving blood is easy to do and saves lives in our local hospitals. January is National Blood Donor Month, and with this blood donor shortage, the importance of blood donation is keenly felt. Appointments can be made made at www.bloodworksnw.org/giveblood, 800-398-7888, email schedule@bloodworksnw.org, or text bwapp to 999777 to download the Bloodworks Mobile App.
Facts:
- Over 27,000 open appointments left to be filled through February.
- Over 7,500 need to be filled in the next 10 days.
- Local hospitals are transfusing more Type O blood than is being donated locally.
- You do not need to know your blood type to become a donor. Learn about blood types.
 On Sunday evening, I was invited to the 76th Republic Day Celebration of India, along with Mayors Ralph and Pavone. It was a spectacular event, held at Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle.
 The Republic Day of India marks the adoption of India's Constitution and celebrates the democratic principles and rich cultural heritage of our nation.
 This year, as we commemorate the 76th anniversary of this historic occasion, we are planning a grand celebration to highlight the enduring friendship and shared values between India and the United States.
 The event included the national anthems of both countries, opening remarks by Consul General of India, cultural performances, and brief remarks by Governor Ferguson, Mayor Bruce Harrell, members of Congress and Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO. It was a beautiful night to celebrate, and I was honored to be invited.
 Congratulations to Deputy Mayor Cheryl Rakes on being appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2025 Public Safety and Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee. Deputy Mayor Rakes was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on crime prevention, corrections, substance abuse, gun violence, municipal fire policy, juvenile justice, disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and homeland security. The appointment was announced by NLC President Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio.
 In the press release announcing the appointment, Deputy Mayor Rakes said, "Public safety and crime prevention are important topics that require collaboration across all levels of government. I’m excited to work with my colleagues throughout the United States on solutions that make a measurable difference nationally, and right here in Auburn.”
I couldn't agree more!
As a member of NLC’s Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee, Rakes will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocating on behalf of America’s cities, towns and villages before Congress, with the administration and at home.
Congratulations, deputy mayor!
 Our Parks, Arts and Recreation department had quite the year in 2024! (That statement holds true every year, by the way).
 From expanded youth camps and thriving athletic leagues to specialized recreation, outdoor adventures, and a booming Farmers Market, the department kept the community engaged and active. Major milestones included the completion of Cedar Lanes Park, continued work on the Postmark Center for the Arts, and record-breaking attendance at community events.
Read the full Year in Review to see all the highlights!
 A group of 23 students and two teachers from Buena Vista Seventh-day Adventist School's South Korean sister school, and six students from Japan, visited City Hall and our Auburn Police Department on Monday!
 We had a great time talking civic engagement, life in America, and everything they've learned while on a week-long journey experiencing the United States education system and culture.
Come back any time!
 Friday morning, we welcomed Ristrettos Coffee to Auburn! That's right, the long-time Maple Valley Ristrettos Coffee & Wine has opened a second location in Auburn, sans the wine (sadly).
But they've got plenty of coffee, teas, muffins, scones and more!
 Swing through for a morning cup or afternoon pick-me-up! Located at 27 15th Street NE, on the corner by Las Margaritas.
 Help make the Auburn School District's and Auburn Food Bank's 20th year of this event the best yet! Contact your neighborhood schools and find out how you can get involved today!
Find your closest school locations.
For more information, visit the Auburn Food Bank website.
Dates and times:
Weekdays on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 to Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 (7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
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