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 "In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside 24 hours."
-- Mark Twain --
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Congresswoman Kim Schrier's Mayor's Meeting
It’s been quite a week! Filled with efforts to represent Auburn on a regional basis. On Tuesday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier held a Mayor’s Meeting with the mayors within her district. Since her district encompasses both Western & Eastern Washington, you can imagine the issues are not exactly the same for all of us. As always, Rep. Schrier and her team were knowledgeable of the issues and listened intently. We are looking forward to meeting again – this time in person – this summer in Cle Elum.
 Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587 Safety Task Force Kick-Off Meeting
Thursday morning was jam-packed with a meeting of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority where I serve as the South King County representative on the Executive Board. Immediately following, I was honored to attend the King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force. The task force was established in response to urgent public safety concerns on and around our transit system. You may recall the tragic death of Shawn Yim, a King County Metro bus driver who was fatally stabbed while working on December 18, 2024.
Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587 Safety Task Force Kick-Off Meeting
The task force was established at the request of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587 with support from regional leaders to develop real, measurable solutions to urgent transit safety challenges. Public transit operates within the broader public sphere where mental health crises, substance use, housing insecurity and law enforcement gaps directly affect safety of the rider and operator. We came together to address these issues, and will continue to meet to come up with real world solutions. Transit safety isn’t just about being on a bus, light rail or train, it spills out into our communities and vice versa. Remember the gun violence last summer at a bus stop in south Auburn? That led to our Safe Auburn Community Conversations, invaluable discussion and measurable action. I will continue to be involved locally and regionally because it matters to your safety.
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph's State of the City Address
Rounding out the week, on Thursday night I attended Kent Mayor Dana Ralph’s State of the City – as she attended ours just a few weeks ago. I am proud of the relationships that have been established and nurtured over time to ensure Auburn and South King County have a strong, unified voice.
 Spring is here, and Auburn Magazine is buzzing -- literally! This issue dives into how bees are boosting pollination in our parks and green spaces (page 20).
Check out the MICROCOSMS photography exhibit at the White River Valley Museum (page 7) and get a sneak peek at the Postmark Center for the Arts’ exciting renovation (page 9). Plus, Petpalooza returns in May with the Dog Trot 3k/5k, acrobatics, reptiles, and the Unleashed Pet Contest -- see you at Game Farm Park!
We’re also celebrating the legacy of longtime Parks Director Daryl Faber (page 14) and sharing updates on key Public Works projects (page 28).
There’s so much more inside -- please enjoy this issue, which is in your mailboxes, or read the full version online!
A reader has already devoured her copy -- and had this to say!
Photo courtesy of Mellissa Ray
Auburn resident Melissa Ray wrote in early Thursday to share some feedback about the magazine -- and share photos she took of bees in and around Auburn.
I'll let her take it from here:
"I saw your article in the Auburn magazine,
Buzz Worthy! I loved it and yes those tiny heroes on page 20.
I am unsure if you are aware, but there are many green bees aka Sweat Bees (Agapostemon) that fly around in the Auburn area. I first discovered them in Seattle, but looking closely in Auburn they are hidden in plain sight. I sometimes get lost in a frenzy, capturing these beautiful creatures. Attached are my photos. I was wondering if would like to use some of my photos locally for different events because right now I just post on Facebook and they’re just sitting. I don’t have a business license so it wouldn’t be a monetary request, but just the love of our Auburn community’s nature. Maybe we can post it on a big photo canvas in Townhall or even someplace visible to the public in Auburn. Bees are so important to our life source that I have years worth of photos that are beautiful. Many of my photos were captured in Auburn.
If this is something that you’re please let me know."
Melissa, this IS something we do! We would love to share your photos!
Photo courtesy of Mellissa Ray
Photo courtesy of Mellissa Ray
Photo courtesy of Mellissa Ray
 While we're expected to get a huge helping of rain this weekend, next week it's looking like it might clear up, with highs into the upper 60s and lower 70s! I hope you can take some time this spring to enjoy the warmer weather and maybe explore a city park or two.
 For my money, you can't go wrong with Game Farm Park and Game Farm Wilderness Park, and especially the new bridge linking the two! It was installed last fall and for the first time in the history of the two parks, they're linked by a short stroll over the White River.
 Speaking of Spring, Easter Sunday will be here sooner than you know it, and that means Clean Sweep is right around the corner!
This year's Clean Sweep will feature a handful of projects across the city, particularly at Les Gove, Game Farm, Brannan, Sunset, and Veteran's Memorial Parks!
Online registration closes Wednesday, April 23 at 5 p.m. Registrations will not be accepted April 24 or 25, so please make sure to register early.
📅 Saturday, April 26
⏰ 7:30 a.m.
📍 Auburn Community and Events Center | 910 Ninth St. SE
💲 Register (free)
 Hop around Auburn's parks and trails in search of the elusive bunny hidden in various locations around Auburn parks. Find the bunny, have a chance to win prizes and have a blast doing it! This will be a fun and safe event for families, seniors, our specialized recreation community or anyone looking for an opportunity to get outside and get active in an outdoor setting.
Prizes this year include Parks, Arts and Recreation gift cards, family packs for the Auburn Poker Run, splash pad sprinkler systems, board games, gift cards to Haggen, Dave & Busters, Legendary Doughnut, Z Street Coffee, Nekter Juice Bar, Grocery Outlet, and so much more!
To learn more, including how to print a bunny score card, visit our website. The event goes through Easter weekend and ends 8 p.m. Monday.
📅 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, April 18 - 21
⏰ Various times
📍 Parks across Auburn
💲 Learn more
 We're continuing our council conversation series with Councilmembers Yolanda Trout-Manuel and Kate Baldwin!
 Head on over to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or YouTube to watch or listen to the latest episode.
Follow or subscribe and get ready for our final conversation next Friday with Councilmembers Tracy Taylor and Hanan Amer.
Have an idea for future podcast guests? Let us know!
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Different Drummer @ Postmark
Different Drummer is a multi-genre chamber ensemble comprised of violin, cello, double bass and percussion. This unlikely quartet creates an exhilarating visual and musical show, adding a whimsical element to the chamber/jazz ensemble. Percussionist Don Dieterich delights audiences with his “drum set” comprised of a desk, typewriter, telephone, lampshade, trash can, desk bells, stampers, and a suitcase kick drum! Experience the fun of Different Drummer!
📅 Friday, March 21
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Tickets ($19 student/senior, $22 regular)
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Make and Mingle @ Postmark
Stop by the Postmark for our Make & Mingle session! Join us for a cup of coffee with whatever art project you might be working on. A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to gather... you can talk with other artists, ask for feedback or critique from on-site staff if available, bring your sketchbook to work out ideas, or just quietly draw in the gallery or work on your art! Intended for ages 18+.
📅 Wednesdays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Book Explorers with KCLS - Gifts From Georgia's Garden
Free Program!
Calling all Book Explorers! Looking for a literary adventure? Join us for book discussions and museum activities.
Do you have a garden? Why are we so drawn to natural beauty? Celebrate spring and Women’s History Month with an artist who painted the nature she loved. Then dig into activities connected to gardens and art.
Ages 7 and older.
📅 Thursday, March 27
⏰ 4:30 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. Southeast
💲Free
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Drop-In Drawing @ Postmark
Come stop by for our new Drop-In Drawing sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to drop-in to draw from a still life or the gallery. Stay for whole two hours or only 10 minutes. Bring tools to either shade or color with, and your own sketchbook or drawing pad. There will be on-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 15+
Registration: $0
Instructor: Postmark Staff
📅 Fridays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Drop-In Painting With Amy Sie @ Postmark
Amy Sie is offering Drop-In Gongbi Painting sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for you to start a new painting, or work on an old one. Please bring your own tools and materials for watercolor painting. On-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 18+
Fee: $0
Instructor: Amy Sie
📅 Fridays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Comedy at the Course
Comedy at the Course will keep you laughing all night long as three comedians work to twist your funny bone. Ages 18 and over only.
📅 Friday, March 28
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Auburn Golf Course - Bogey's Public House | 29630 Green River Road
💲 Tickets ($19 student/senior, $22 regular)
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Framing for Beginners
Framing artwork can be expensive and intimidating, so being able to DIY is a wonderful skill to have! In this workshop City of Auburn arts staff will teach students how to use basic supplies to mat, frame, and install hardware to artworks for professional-looking display. There is no experience required and all are welcome!
Ages: 15+
Fee: $15/$19 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Postmark Staff
📅 Thursday, April 3
⏰ 4:30 - 6 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Register ($15 resident, $19 non-resident)
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Sound Worlds featuring violinist Ilana Zaks
Sound Worlds is a one-hour program featuring music for violin and electronics. This program features music by Hunter Prueger, ('Silent Moment', 2023), Brannon Warn-Johnston's A Year with Cancer', (2024), Patrick Long ('Shadow Steps', 2011; finished 2021), Aaron Levin's Videogame Vespers' (2023). This program is intended to bring awareness to underrepresented composers innovating and bringing sounds from their life experiences to one of the oldest existing instruments: the violin.
FREE | ALL AGES
📅 Friday, April 4
⏰ 7 - 8 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Free
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Stonesy – The Music of The Rolling Stones
STONESY is a Seattle based band faithfully reproducing the timeless music of the Rolling Stones on stage! Their vocals, instrumentals and precision drumming combine to create riotous rock 'n' roll like only the Rolling Stones and Stonesy can deliver. Hold onto your top hat and join in the fun – “It's a gas, gas, gas…”!
📅 Saturday, April 5
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
💲Tickets ($22 student/senior, $25 regular)
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Auburn Symphony: Visions of America
Journey with the Orchestra through the breadth and depth of the American landscape. From the quiet beauty of rural America in Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land Suite, to the joyful praise break of a church in Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances, to the inspirational march of a band in William Walton’s Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, revel in the triumphant sounds of the American dream.
Join us at 1:30 before the concert for a talk with Dr. Gwynne K. Brown.
📅 Sunday. April 6
⏰ 2:30 - 4 p.m.
📍 Auburn Performing Arts Center | 702 4th St. NE
💲 Tickets ($10-$45)
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Second Saturdays | Seattle Opera Presents: Earth to Kenzie
Visit Postmark Center for the Arts gallery, open to the public each Second Saturday from 12-4PM! Each month features new and exciting all ages events!
April 12, 2025 | 1 PM & 3PM -Seattle Opera Presents: Earth to Kenzie
Join us for two free performances delivered by the Seattle Opera! Earth to Kenzie is a one-act opera written for youth audiences that tells the story an imaginative fifth grader who finds comfort in her favorite video game when her home is threatened, and she finds herself living in a family shelter with her mom. Featuring approachable tunes, memorable characters, and themes of empathy and finding strength despite adversity, this fully staged and costumed performance is performed with professional singers and live piano accompaniment.
Music by Frances Pollock
Libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo
📅 Saturday, April 12
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Free!
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Seattle Print Arts Annual Print Exchange Opening Reception
Join us for the opening reception of our latest exhibition, the Seattle Print Arts Annual Print Exchange!
The 2025 Annual Seattle Print Arts Print Exchange invites Seattle Print Arts (SPA) members to showcase their work in an unjuried celebration of fine art printmaking. This exhibition highlights the diversity and creativity of both traditional and non-traditional printmaking, fostering knowledge sharing, professional development, and community engagement within the vibrant SPA network.
📅 Wednesday, April 16
⏰ 5 - 7 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Free!
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Cleaners | Film Screening @ Postmark
Content warning: This film contains a non-lethal scene of self-mutilation.
Growing Up: Four Coming of Ages Films from Around the World
Join Orcas Microcinema, hosted by the Postmark Center for the Arts, for a free four-film series exploring the universal experience of coming of age in four different countries: the Philippines, Denmark, Chile, and Japan.
These timeless films dive into themes that transcend borders and generations, sparking reflection and conversation. As part of this community-centered series, we’ll host discussions and feature local organizations connected to the stories and identities represented in the films. Free popcorn and a welcoming space for all will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your community and celebrate the shared experiences that unite us all!
To view this film's description, please visit the Orcas Microcinema website here.
FREE | Rating: 18+
Ages: 18+
Doors: 6PM
Screening: 6:30PM
📅 Thursday, April 17
⏰ 6 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Free (please register)
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Peter Cotton Trail
Friday, April 18 - Monday, April 21, 2025
Hop through Auburn's parks and trails in search of the elusive bunnies who will be hidden in various locations around Auburn. Find 10 bunnies, submit a scorecard, and get entered for a chance to win some awesome prizes! This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, including seniors and those in the specialized recreation community. It's a great way to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors!
📅 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, April 18 - 21
⏰ Various times
📍 Parks across Auburn
💲 Learn more
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The Tammy Frost Trio
This versatile group will captivate your soul! The Tammy Frost Trio, featuring Al Alto and Pete Jungschaffer, offers a diverse musical repertoire that includes original compositions, cowboy songs, jazz standards, 70s hits, and Motown classics. With a remarkable talent for reimagining songs, the trio delivers fresh, soulful, and exciting renditions that captivate their audience.
📅 Friday, April 18
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Tickets ($19 student/senior, $22 regular)
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Rhythm & Rhymes Story Hour
Join Auburn Symphony Orchestra and the Auburn Public Library for Rhythm and Rhymes Story Hour! Enjoy a fun, interactive music presentation with ASO musicians followed by a story read-aloud with an Auburn librarian. This FREE program is best for ages 3-8 but families of all ages are encouraged to attend. Take home a craft kit to continue the fun at home!
Ages: 3-8
Fee: $0
Instructors: Auburn Symphony Orchestra and the Auburn Public Library
📅 Saturday, April 19
⏰ 10 a.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Register (free)
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The Quiet Migration | Film Screening @ Postmark
Join Orcas Microcinema, hosted by the Postmark Center for the Arts, for a free four-film series exploring the universal experience of coming of age in four different countries: the Philippines, Denmark, Chile, and Japan.
These timeless films dive into themes that transcend borders and generations, sparking reflection and conversation. As part of this community-centered series, we’ll host discussions and feature local organizations connected to the stories and identities represented in the films. Free popcorn and a welcoming space for all will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your community and celebrate the shared experiences that unite us all!
To view this film's description, please visit the Orcas Microcinema website here.
FREE | Rating: N/A
Ages: 13+
Doors: 6PM
Screening: 6:30PM
📅 Thursday, April 24
⏰ 6 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Free (please register)
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Clean Sweep
Auburn’s 2025 Clean Sweep will be held Saturday, April 26. This event is held in honor of Earth Day. Projects will focus on clean-up, environmental restoration, and beautification efforts in and around Auburn. Volunteer groups will work on light clean-up and maintenance; landscaping, painting, weeding, and planting in and around downtown and at various park sites; and a handful of other projects as needed
Volunteers can either choose to participate in a specific project or can ask to be assigned to any project, in which case your group will be assigned where the most volunteer support is needed. Service clubs, social service agencies, faith-based groups, scouting troops, businesses, families, and individuals are being asked to come together and work on these projects.
The morning agenda for Saturday, April 26 is as follows:
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. ……Check in – Auburn Community & Events Center
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. ……Welcome Breakfast – Auburn Community & Events Center
8:45 – 9:00 a.m.. ......Check in at project location – emailed in advance
***Be sure to bring your own water to your project***
9 a.m. – noon ......Volunteers commence project tasks
Online Registration closes Wednesday, April 23 at 5 p.m.
📅 Saturday, April 26
⏰ 8:30 a.m.
📍 Auburn Community and Events Center | 910 Ninth St. SE
💲 Register (free)
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Comedy at the Course
Comedy at the Course will keep you laughing all night long as three comedians work to twist your funny bone. Ages 18 and over only.
📅 Saturday, April 26
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Auburn Golf Course - Bogey's Public House | 29630 Green River Road
💲 Tickets ($19 student/senior, $22 regular)
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Queens (Reinas) | Film Screening @ Postmark
Join Orcas Microcinema, hosted by the Postmark Center for the Arts, for a free four-film series exploring the universal experience of coming of age in four different countries: the Philippines, Denmark, Chile, and Japan.
These timeless films dive into themes that transcend borders and generations, sparking reflection and conversation. As part of this community-centered series, we’ll host discussions and feature local organizations connected to the stories and identities represented in the films. Free popcorn and a welcoming space for all will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your community and celebrate the shared experiences that unite us all!
To view this film's description, please visit the Orcas Microcinema website here.
FREE | Rating: N/A
Ages: 13+
Doors: 6PM
Screening: 6:30PM
📅 Thursday, May 1
⏰ 6 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Free (please register)
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It wouldn't be spring in Western Washington without a little rain.
 Auburn is rich with history — from historical Main Street to the artifacts preserved throughout White River Valley Museum — I am excited to share these stories with all of you each week.
(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)
The earliest written records of Korean immigration to the White River Valley comes from the 1910 census, where we see farmers Peter H. Kim and Yuenton or Yeun-jun Kim lived on their own farm in the Algona/South Auburn area. Korean immigrants arrived in Washington state beginning in the early 1900s, but most moved to the Yakima Valley after first being hired as farm laborers in Hawai’i. After Japan invaded Korea in 1910, Korean immigrants were subject to anti-Asian laws directed primarily at people of Japanese descent, including being required to register as “enemy aliens” during World War II.
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