 "Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you."
-- Roger Ebert --
 Tickets for this year's State of the City address at the Muckleshoot Casino Events Center have sold out, but that doesn't mean you have to miss the action! The casino is livestreaming the event on their website -- bookmark now, and follow along this Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m.! After the address, our team will put the feel speech on our YouTube and Vimeo channels.
 For those attending in person -- first of all, thank you for taking the time out of your busy week. Parking at the casino is free, either via the parking garage, or valet service. Doors open at 5 p.m., and speech starts promptly at 6 p.m.
Light refreshments will be provided, and alcohol is available for purchase.
I'll see you Wednesday!
 Wednesday and Thursday, your six councilmembers and I were in Olympia for Association of Washington Cities (AWC) City Action Days (CAD). Local electeds from across the state gather each year to hear updates on legislation, other hot topics and to lobby their respective state representatives and senators. We had meetings scheduled with Representative Jamila Taylor & Senator Claire Wilson of the 30th, Representatives Drew Stokesbary, Josh Penner and Senator Phil Fortunato of the 31st, and Representatives Chris Stearns, Debra Entenman and Senator Claudia Kaufman of the 47th.
One of the sessions was on public safety and included Steve Strachan, Executive Director of Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). The past few years have seen a multitude of legislation surrounding law enforcement and public safety. Steve believes we seem to be getting more centered. WASPC works well with AWC, and the message that we’re all trying to share is that Public Safety should be a core function of government. After George Floyd was murdered, we’ve been trying to find the correct path forward, and that’s rightfully so.
 Steve stated that police officers are frontline social workers. Some are the most humble people he’s ever met. I would have to agree!
Washington is 51st in the nation when discussing staffing per capita, but it’s not just about throwing more bodies into the job. You need officers to do the job right - respectfully, with humility and done safely.
He spoke about what de-escalation is. It is teaming up and slowing down. It’s not reacting all the time, it’s strategic - reading reports, understanding trends. The culture of a department comes from supervision, monitoring and training. A wellness focus is also huge to a department. This is in exact alignment with the op-ed that Chief Caillier and I authored a few weeks ago for the Seattle Times.
 Last week I shared a letter written for our Legislature around House Bill 1380 and regulation of public property, and I wanted to share our overall legislative priorities for 2025 to anyone and everyone who wants to keep up with the action in Olympia.
The City of Auburn, like most communities, faces a number of issues that impact our community negatively. What is becoming very clear, we cannot treat each issue as separate. Instead, the City is committed to continue efforts that look at solving our challenges in a comprehensive manner. Our belief is that the following problems can only be solved with an interconnected strategy for success.
The 2025 Washington State Legislative session began Monday, January 13 and is expected to end Sunday, April 27 (105 days). The City of Auburn legislative delegation includes senators and representatives from three legislative districts - the 30th, 31st and 47th.
To effectively perform their job, legislators rely heavily on input from many different sources. Yet, much of what they actually decide depends on the views, interests and preferences of the people who elect them.
|
30th Members
- Rep. Jamila Taylor
- Rep. Kristine Reeves
- Sen. Claire Wilson
|
31st Members
- Rep. Drew Stokesbary
- Rep. Joshua Penner
- Sen. Phil Fortunato
|
47th Members
- Rep. Chris Stearns
- Rep. Debra Entenman
- Sen. Claudia Kauffman
|
I strongly encourage Auburn residents to reach out to their representatives in Olympia and voice your concerns or compliments about the issues that matter most to you.
 Please check out our Legislative Priorities webpage here, or the button below, and see the bills and priorities we're tracking key areas like public safety, regulatory land use, transportation and infrastructure, social services, parks, budget and finance, and more!
Don and Loretta Parson
A hometown hero has passed away. Donald Lewis Stevenson, known to many as the "Pacing Parson," passed away on February 2nd, surrounded by his loving family. His life was one of service, devotion, and an unrelenting commitment to helping others. Through thousands of miles walked and countless hours dedicated to charitable causes, Don left an indelible mark on the world. His heart for people was evident in all he did, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched. A quote that embodies his life and mission reads, “The most peaceful people on earth are those who give their lives to help others.” That was simply who Don was—a man of kindness, faith, and action.
Don’s journey of service was as remarkable as the miles he walked. Since 1998, he logged more than 55,000 miles in support of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and other charities, including a 3,000-mile trek across America. His dedication was unwavering, whether he was planning a 300-mile journey around Auburn for Fred Hutchinson Research Center or taking steps—both literal and figurative—to uplift those in need. Through his walks, he raised awareness, funds, and hope for many. His impact stretched far beyond the roads he traveled.
Don leaves behind his beloved wife, Loretta, with whom he shared 40 wonderful years, along with eight children, 48 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was a man of honor, a beacon of generosity, and a true servant leader.
He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all!
Miss Auburn Chandler Groce and Miss Auburn's Teen Malia Watanabe-Collier stopped by City Hall Wednesday to record the latest episode of the Auburn on Main podcast, which is set to release on Wednesday, Feb. 26 -- follow the shows on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and get ready to listen.
 This statement is true every year, but these Miss Auburns are truly special. Chandler's story is one of perseverance and determination -- having been diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17, she's spent years navigating her mental health and sharing her story with others in the hopes that nobody goes through this alone. Her goal is to finish writing and publish her children's book about a young boy named Theo, who like her, is diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age.
And Malia, at just 14, has already accomplished so much. She has lofty goals to change the world, but after hearing her on stage at the Miss Auburn competition earlier this month, I'm as convinced as ever that she's going to accomplish just that. She loves to read, she's great at math, and she can dance the Hula as good as anyone I've seen!
 Auburn's drive-thru burger joint Frugals is donating 100% of its profits made on Monday, Feb. 24, to the Auburn High School Choir!
Dine with Frugals on Monday at 1817 Howard Rd to help contribute to a great cause! You can't go wrong with the Frugal Burger, but also, don't sleep on the double cheeseburger!
 This week we bid farewell to longtime Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber, a man whose presence at the City of Auburn has been about as granted as a statue of a large crow eating fries.
 I'm certainly going to miss his boisterous laugh and infectious smile and somehow always upbeat attitude. While I don't want to spoil the entire article, we've got something for Daryl running in the Spring 2025 edition of the Auburn Magazine, written by Communications Manager Jonathan Glover, which I'll share just a bit from.
For more than four decades, Daryl Faber has been shaping communities – not just with brick and mortar, but with something more ephemeral. Playgrounds, trails, community spaces, and yes, pickleball courts – spaces that, with some love and care, will outlast us all. If you listen carefully, you’ll probably still be able to hear his booming laugh. Especially at the golf course, where he’d happily golf 18 holes with you.
Better ask soon, because after 41 years in the world of parks and recreation, Auburn’s longtime Parks, Arts, and Recreation Director is hanging up his clipboard, leaving behind a legacy of green spaces, cultural hubs, and programs that have brought people together in ways they may not even realize.
“I just figured it was time,” says Daryl, who landed his first parks job in Edmonds, organizing adult sports leagues and implementing fitness programs in a city where volunteers had long called the shots. From there, he moved through Tacoma, Burien, and finally, Auburn, leaving a trail of newly built parks, athletic fields, and community centers in his wake. “We all have to hang up the cleats at some point, and I’m happy to be leaving Auburn’s Parks, Arts and Recreation department in the capable hands of talented leaders.”
To read the rest, check your mailboxes around March 20, or bookmark this page to read online!
 It's been a minute since I've talked about it here, but I wanted to congratulate three recent graduates Auburn's Community Court for a job well done!
This court does amazing work connecting low-level offenders with treatment and housing and recently expanded to allow in-custody hearings with defendants in the South Correctional Entity (SCORE).
 Frank (J.R.) Iriarte has demonstrated unwavering commitment to his recovery from day one, attending every court hearing on time and excelling in his substance use disorder treatment. J.R.’s passion for photography has flourished along his journey—he’s even taken on freelance jobs and generously offered to share his work with Community Court. Graduating a month early is no small feat, and we couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments!
 David Yun is known for his infectious energy and ability to uplift those around him. Even after experiencing setbacks, David took the steps needed to stay on course with his recovery. His positivity has left a lasting impact on everyone in the program, and we know he will continue to inspire others as he moves forward.
And Laura Richardson, while we weren't able to get a photo, has faced numerous challenges, including housing insecurity and a mid-program relapse. But she refused to give up. Laura took charge of her recovery, built a relapse prevention plan, and stayed committed to her treatment. Today, she is employed, actively working toward stable housing, and proving that perseverance makes all the difference.
Their stories remind us that transformation is possible with determination, support, and a strong community. Congratulations, J.R., Laura, and David -- we celebrate you and all that you’ve achieved!
|
