 "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
-- Charles M. Schulz --
A pile of garbage on King County property just outside of Auburn city limits
The City of Auburn is committed to addressing homelessness with real solutions—not one-size-fits-all mandates from Olympia. House Bill 1380 proposes restrictions that would undermine our ability to regulate public spaces effectively, placing additional burdens on local governments already investing millions in services and outreach, which is why I and the City of Auburn are opposed to the proposed legislation.
 Auburn has prioritized resources, from shelter beds and a community resource center to sober housing subsidies and outreach programs. Just last year, we connected with over 470 unhoused individuals, and over 1,300 interactions, securing stable housing for more than 200 people. However, legislation like HB 1380 would shift resources away from solutions and toward unnecessary litigation, making it harder to address the root causes of homelessness, including addiction and mental health challenges.
 Public safety and compassionate service must go hand in hand. Auburn’s ordinances and procedures have helped connect people with critical services—not criminalize them. We urge lawmakers to support policies that empower local solutions like ours, not hinder them.
I hope you can read our full letter to the members of the House Appropriations Committee on HB1380, which includes key data on Auburn’s homelessness response.
To comment on this proposed bill under consideration, or any bill, please call or email your legislator directly. Details about commenting on legislation can be found here.
 I realize the recent sentencing of former Officer Jeffrey Nelson has been difficult for many in our community, and there have been many stories online questioning the City of Auburn's response during and after the trial.
I'd like you to read an op-ed Chief Mark Caillier and I wrote and had published in the Seattle Times. We hope that it speaks for itself. Read here, or below.
Following the sentencing of former Officer Jeffrey Nelson to 16 years and 8 months in prison, members of the community have raised concerns about the culture of the Auburn Police Department. This was the first charge and conviction of a police officer after the passage of Initiative 940, and with that have come necessary reforms and policy changes in Washington law enforcement.
Much has been written — here in The Seattle Times opinion pages and online — about the stain this leaves on the department and the city of Auburn. Many have wondered what this trial and aftermath means for the brass and leadership — what can be done, realistically, to repair public trust and confidence following a tragic loss of life. And where do you start?
Let’s be clear: The death of Jesse Sarey was a tragedy, and we acknowledge the heartache and loss felt by his family and the broader Auburn community. Words cannot erase that pain and our thoughts remain with those who continue to grieve.
As an elected official voted in to lead an entire city, and as a police chief tasked with steering the ship of a police department with over 100 commissioned officers, we realize every decision has weight.
Since 2012, every use of deadly force in Auburn has been reviewed and investigated by the Valley Independent Investigation Team, well before the Legislature created the Office of Independent Investigation. And for good reason — because a responsibility as important as community policing requires ongoing independent review of incidents involving deadly force.
But as we reflect on this moment, it’s important to emphasize: The Auburn Police Department is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability and service to our residents.
We will not let the actions of one former officer define the entire department, nor can we ignore the opportunity this has created for meaningful growth and reflection. When an officer is sentenced following a jury’s conviction, we respect that decision. And yet, we still support the whole person — their friends and family, many of whom still work at the department — and sometimes that means being physically present for them in court.
We take the responsibility for policing seriously, and we recognize public trust is paramount. Since 2019, we’ve implemented new reforms, including enhanced use-of-force policies, expanded de-escalation training, and we’ve increased oversight of officer conduct, consistent with the Attorney General’s Model Policies. These measures are in place to help prevent the very type of force that led to Sarey’s death, while ensuring our officers have the tools necessary to effectively police the community.
A recent Seattle Times op-ed made a poignant argument about culture — and we agree. A culture defines an organization, and it tends to outweigh policy at just about every turn. Which is why we have continued to foster a culture where officers are held accountable for illegal actions, and where concerns can be addressed transparently.
And let’s talk about culture for a moment. In 2019, we formed the Police Advisory Committee, which helps guide policy, informs recruitment strategies and provides general advice. Each member represents an important and varied voice within our community.
For years, we have worked aggressively to hire a diverse police force that is more reflective of the community. Since 2019, we have welcomed 84 new officers of our current 110 from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. After their significant training on all upgraded standards through the Criminal Justice Training Center, they go through additional training in Auburn before they are on the streets serving the public.
In Auburn, we believe in justice, fairness and integrity, and in more than just words — in action and commitment. Our community expects and deserves nothing less.
We welcome continued dialogue with our residents, civic leaders, and fellow law enforcement professionals. We’ve been holding public safety meetings across the city for the past few months, where we’ve heard a lot and learned a lot.
In Auburn, we are looking forward — not by ignoring the past but using it as a foundation for something better.
JROTC Cadet Mary Perdomo Palma
I recently attended the Lakota Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution annual awards and recognition event Saturday, and I wanted to highlight two amazing young women for their accomplishments.
The first, pictured above, is JROTC Cadet Mary Perdomo Palma, who won the JROTC Bronze Medal. And below is Lily Wagner, Auburn High School Youth Citizenship Award winner.
Lily Wagner, Auburn High School Youth Citizenship Award winner
Congratulations, ladies!
Cecelia Picket Pin and her dog "Dog," pictured and profiled for the Summer 2024 edition of the Auburn Magazine
I’m asking you to do a lot of reading this week, but I wanted to share a kind email I received from a woman named Aisha Pleasant, who had nothing but praise for Min Feng and our Senior Center Resource Navigation Program staff who assist seniors and veterans in connecting to resources and services to improve their quality of life and address any barriers to accessing assistance.
I'll let Aisha take it from here.
Good morning. I wanted to take a moment to sincerely acknowledge the incredible work that Min Feng is doing and the profound impact that she is making in the community! Min Feng works as Resource Navigation Program Coordinator and the Auburn Senior Resource Center and her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to serving others goes beyond just performing her job- she is truly making a difference in people's lives. The amount of support and assistance that Min has given to help my mom, Margie Miller, has filled myself and our family with so much gratitude and appreciation. It's rare to find someone who not only excels in their role but carries such a deep sense of purpose in what she is doing. Min has a way of connecting with people , offering support when it's most needed and creating a meaningful change that extends far beyond the immediate moment. Min efforts are not just seen, they are felt and appreciated, and have a lasting ripple effect on the lives she is touching. Leadership like yours, which fosters and recognizes individuals like MIN FENG is invaluable. It takes a strong and supportive environment to allow someone's strengths to flourish, and I have no doubt that who she works for has played a role in her ability to thrive and serve so effectively. Please extend our gratitude to MIN FENG for her dedication, and know that her work truly makes the world a better place. Thank you for these programs that profoundly impact the community. Sincerely,
Dave Farrens, pictured and profiled for the Auburn Magazine
Our Summer 2024 edition of the Auburn Magazine dove into the incredible work done by the Resource Navigation team and Min Feng, and followed two area seniors on their journey into stable housing. You can read it online here.
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