 “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”
-- Percy Bysshe Shelley --
 The City of Auburn and the Auburn School District wrapped up our final Safe Auburn: Community Conversation meeting last night at Chinook Elementary school, marking the end of a months-long endeavor to meet directly with all of you, the residents of Auburn, to talk face-to-face about community safety.
 Words can't describe how thankful I am to everyone who made it out to one of the 10 meetings we held across the City of Auburn at area schools. What we learned the past few months has been invaluable, and the feedback we've received will directly impact public safety endeavors throughout the city. I especially want to thank those who shared their personal stories of hardship, like the man last night who was assaulted in a church parking lot as he walked towards his car. There's no room in society for this type of senseless violence, and I want to continue to remind everyone to please write to your legislators and congresspeople to push for more sensible laws, especially when they involve minors accused of committing violent crimes.
 I also want to thank our school district and Superintendent Alan Spicciati for partnering with us and allowing us to use your beautiful schools as meeting locations. And to our City of Auburn staff for organizing each meeting -- there's a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than you might think to make these things work!
(Click image to watch video)
If you've been unable to attend any of the meetings, our communications team has been recording each one and posting to YouTube, TV21 Auburn and Vimeo, and posted to SpeakupAuburn.org.
We'll have more public safety outreach meetings throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled here, on SpeakUpAuburn, or our City of Auburn social media channels for further updates!
 A big kudos to our Public Works team for treating and deicing the roads ahead of the morning commutes this past week! We've had crews out each morning, dark and early well before the sun rises, doing their part to get the roads as safe as possible.
While we do everything we can on our part, it's also helpful to share a few winter weather preparedness reminders so there aren't any unwanted surprises.
The time to get prepared for winter weather is before it happens. These resources can help you get ready for storms, power outages, and snowy or icy conditions.
Snow and Ice Plowing Routes
Take a look at the City's Snow and Ice Routes (PDF) to understand which roads the City will prioritize during the next snow or ice storm. Generally Public Works crews will take care of the hillsides first and other routes as needed for public safety.
Winter Emergency Kit Supplies
In addition to a basic emergency kit, residents should consider adding these items:
- Battery or solar powered light sources with extra batteries.
- Warm clothes and good walking shoes.
- Extra blankets and ways to keep warm.
Residents should also think about getting their vehicles ready for winter. Snow tires or chains, kitty litter, and a small shovel can help cars navigate show and ice.
Keeping food, water, and extra warm clothes and shoes in the car can help if you get stuck, think about what you might want with you if you had to spend one cold night in your car.
Winter Weather Resources
Residents can submit service requests with the SeeClickFix app.
Real Time Traffic Conditions
View our real time traffic advisories map that will show emergency and long term road closures and live web cams for when winter weather strikes.
Michael Braxton, owner of Trotter’s Restaurant, and Rosalie Deresch, who has launched a fundraiser.
Trotter's Restaurant at 8th and Harvey Road is an Auburn staple that for decades has served homecooked meals and piles of ice cream to locals and newcomers alike. My family has enjoyed going to Trotter’s for years for the hospitality and great food. With that age means the need for important building upgrades!
Owner Michael Braxton, who began working at Trotter's as a dishwasher in 2004 and eventually purchased the restaurant from Steve Trotter in 2017, spoke with the Auburn Reporter late last month about a fundraiser launched by a dear friend and longtime Auburn resident, Rosalie Deresch.
 If they want Trotter's to stay open for another 50 years or more, they're going to have to replace carpet, cracked seats, purchase a new fryer and ice cream maker, and repair the HVAC system, they told the newspaper.
“I think this is the best idea I’ve ever had," Rosalie said of the fundraiser. "I just wanted to help him."
Trotter's has so much history in Auburn and for me personally as a lifelong resident. I hope you consider supporting this amazing restaurant!
 Happy Black History Month, Auburn! This February we will honor the 2025 theme “African Americans and Labor” by highlighting the profound contributions that Black workers, activists, and leaders have made to our economy and society, often in the face of oppression and without proper recognition.
Take time to learn, reflect, and celebrate. This month the White River Valley Museum is hosting several free events that highlight local and national Black History.
- Fly For Freedom: Homefront/Warfront: Sunday, 3/9 at 2 p.m. at the White River Valley Museum (general admission)
- Racial History of Auburn Presentation: Wednesday 2/19 at 10 a.m. at the Auburn Senior Center (age 50+)
- Black History Month’s Presentation: Ethel Craven-Sweet’s Story: Thursday 2/27 at 10 a.m. at the Auburn Senior Center (age 50+)
 A big thank you to the Green River College Black Student Union for accepting the mayor's proclamation during Monday night's City Council meeting, and for serving as a motivator to continue to uplift black voices and history!
 Tickets to the 2025 State of the City address are nearly "sold" out -- I use quotation marks because of course, the event is completely free to attend!
Titled Our Auburn: Building a Shared Future, we'll share insights into where we've come from, where we're at, and most especially, where we're headed -- what the next decade looks like in Auburn, and what we can expect a century from now.
5 p.m. - Door's open and reception: Enjoy refreshments and connect.
6 p.m. - Mayor's Address.
Please reserve a seat below by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 while supplies last! More details (including parking) in the RSVP link.
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* Wednesday, Feb. 26
* 6 p.m.
* Muckleshoot Casino Events Center | 2402 Auburn Way S.
* Register (Free)
Bloodworks Northwest is back in downtown Auburn next week for another blood drive, this time, right across the street from City Hall at MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.
Bloodworks has projected a significant shortage of blood in the upcoming month so has issued a “Code Red” to encourage more donations to get blood supplies to an operational level!
Appointments are required for best experience. Photo ID required.
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Tuesday, Feb. 18
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MultiCare Auburn Medical Center | 202 N. Division St.
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