News from the Skagit County Democrats

Posted on July 27th, 2020

Action Newsletter–27 July 2020

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DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1. HEADS UP!The ballots are out!
If you have not yet received your ballot, contact the Skagit County Auditor’s Office at 360-416-1702 or email. Click Here for their webpage. Ballots for the Primary are due Tuesday, Aug 4 by 8:00pm. The general election will be held Nov 3.

Ballot Drop-box Locations:

  • Anacortes
    • Anacortes Public Library (behind library near drive-up book-drop), 1220 10th Street
    • Skyline Beach Club – 6041 Sands Way
  • Burlington
    • Burlington Parks and Recreation Building, 900 East Fairhaven Street
  • Concrete
    • Skagit Upriver Services/Library, 45770 A Main Street
  • La Conner
    • La Conner Regional Library, 614 East Morris Street
  • Mount Vernon
    • Mount Vernon Police Department, 1805 Continental Place, Mount Vernon
    • Skagit County Auditors Office [Courthouse], 700 South 2nd Street, Room 201, Mount Vernon, (in U-shaped parking lot accessed from 3rd Street near Kincaid)
  • Sauk-Suiattle
    • Last Chance Casino & Bingo, 6020 Mountain Goat Way
  • Sedro-Woolley
    • Sedro-Woolley Post Office, 111 Woodworth Street, Sedro-Woolley (in alley between Eastern Ave and Metcalf)
  • Swinomish
    • Social Services Building (in front), 17337 Reservation Road

2. NEWSkagit County Democrats will host a phone bank on Tuesday, Jul 28 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Contact Lynn Campbell at chair@skagitdemocrats.orgfor further details if you would like to participate.

3. Skagit County Commissioner Candidate Forum sponsored by the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday, Jul 28, 5:30pm – 7:00pm via Zoom
Click Here to register. Questions will be developed by the Chamber and Downtown Association, and can be submitted during the forum.

4. NEWGOTV (Get Out the Vote) Tour and Dialer Phone Bank w/ Rep Rick Larsen, Helen Price Johnson, & Rep Dave Paul, Wednesday, Jul 29, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, on-line
“Join the Washington State Democratic Party for a virtual Get Out The Vote tour on Wednesday, July 29! We will be joined by special guests Rick Larsen, Helen Price Johnson, and Dave Paul for a live chat and to call voters ahead of the August 4 primary election! Sign up to call Washington voters and help get out the vote in 2020, all from the comfort of your home! This virtual event will start with a brief live video training before we begin dialing, and you will have the opportunity to chat with fellow Democratic volunteers around the state throughout the phone bank!” Click Here to sign up.

5. NEWJustice for Vanessa, Joel, & Black Lives Matter Peaceful Protest, Thursday, Jul 30, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Skagit County Courthouse, 205 West Kincaid Street
Come and be a support to our community at this EMPOWERING PEACEFUL PROTEST! Please wear a face mask! Feel free to bring posters.

6. NEW2020 Magnuson Awards, originally scheduled for Saturday, Aug 8, will not be held in person due to coronavirus concerns
Please stay tuned for updates on a new date for a virtual Magnuson Awards! Click Here for more information.

7. Any Tech Questions?
Any Tech Questions? is a weekly Zoom meeting hosted by the Skagit County Democrats to assist anyone in the community with technical questions about the use of Google Apps and Zoom. It also includes some other topics specific to the Democrats’ mission to nurture democratic values in our elected officials. The sessions are scheduled for every Wednesday at 5:00pm. The Zoom link is available by emailing Tech@SkagitDemocrats.org.

To learn more about how to use our Google Drive, Click Here.

8. Links to League of Women Voters recorded Candidates forums

9. Coronavirus Face Mask Fundraiser
For a donation of $20 you will receive a hand-made face mask especially designed by an engineer/industrial designer at the request of the Medical Director of Pediatrics at Mission Hospital in California. The masks provide full coverage and are comfortable. Click Here or Hereto see examples of the masks. If you would like to donate, Click Here. Under purpose on the donation, please indicate “Mask” and indicate which fabric you would like: #1 first on the left, #2 the middle, #3 on the right (for example: “Mask #3”).

10. The Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 300A South First Street, Mount Vernon, will be staffed from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
It will not be open to the public. Staff will be able to hand out campaign signs without admitting entry. We ask that masks be worn at all times when ordering from the door and during pick up. Call ahead to the HQ phone (360-336-1555) and staff will pick them and have ready at the door. You may also email staff@skagitdemocrats.org after hours and the message will be relayed to the volunteers staffing the HQ. Some pick ups can be arranged outside of open hours. Just call or email to inquire. Most campaign signs are free. Biden signs will be available as soon as possible. Cost TBD.

11. National 2020 Caucus/Primary and Debate Schedule

  • August 4 – Washington State Primary
  • August 11 – Connecticut (rescheduled)
  • August 17 – 20 – 2020 Democratic National Convention, Milwaukee (and on-line)
  • August 24-27 – 2020 Republican National Convention, Charlotte, NC (and on-line)
  • September 29 – First presidential debate, South Bend, IN
  • October 7 – Vice presidential debate, Salt Lake City, UT
  • October 15 – Second presidential debate, Ann Arbor, MI
  • October 22 – Third presidential debate, Nashville, TN
  • November 3 – Presidential election

12. NEWA message from 2nd Congressional District Representative Rick Larsen
“The August 4 primary is right around the corner, and we have been working hard to get out the vote. Please remind your family and friends to return their ballot through the mail or at a drop box. You can visit VoteWA.gov for a list of ballot drop box locations.

On Wednesday, I will be joining Washington Democrats, Helen Price Johnson and Dave Paul for a GOTV tour. You can sign up to join us at bit.ly/3eO9ZTx.

I am currently in Washington, D.C., voting. Last week, I voted for the Great American Outdoors Act,a bipartisan bill to permanently, fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and help address the backlog of maintenance work at national parks and public lands.

I also recently announced that I have been endorsed by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare for my efforts to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, stand against privatizing Social Security and lower prescription drug costs.

For a full list of endorsements, visit ricklarsen.org/endorsements. It is an honor to have broad support from the community. And I hope to earn your vote! Rick”

13. NEWA message from 1st Congressional District Representative Suzan DelBene
“I often tell my colleagues I represent the most beautiful congressional district in America. While we are happy to showcase our incredible region (such as the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Skagit Wild and Scenic River, North Cascades National Park, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Glacier Peak Wilderness, North Creek Forest, and so much more), our parks need funding to protect the majesty of these spaces, repair trails, and maintain things like restrooms and campgrounds. That’s why Congress overwhelmingly passed the Great American Outdoors Act, which I cosponsored.

The bill fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has been one of my priorities for years, and ensures that the non-taxpayer dollars that go towards it are used expressly for their intended purposes and not diverted elsewhere. The Great American Outdoors Act also directs up to $9.5 billion in non-taxpayer funds to address priority repairs in national parks and on other public lands.

This is big. The Great American Outdoors Act passed the Senate with broad support in June and now goes to the president’s desk. It is one of the most important conservation bills in recent history. It is also incredibly timely. With most indoor activities closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, more people are finding a new hobby in hiking, long walks, and other outdoor activities.

While our parks are finally receiving the investment they deserve, please make sure to protect yourselves and others when enjoying them. Wear a mask, stay six feet apart from others, wash your hands, and stay home if you feel sick. For more information on outdoor recreation in the time of COVID-19, check out this Q&A I held with guests from the National Forest Service and the WA State Department of Natural Resources.

As always, I am here to help you. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my Bothell office at (425) 485-0085. For more updates on what I’m doing for WA-01, you can follow me on social media at the links above. Take care, Suzan”

14. NEWLinks of the Week
The Link of the Week provides in-depth pieces the Editor has found to be relevant, insightful, and thorough on important issues of the day.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. NEWMarblemount Community Hall Salmon Barbeque Fund Raiser, Saturday and Sunday, Aug 1 & 2, noon – 6:00pm, 60155 State Route 20, Marblemount
“Shaved ice will be served up by KONA ICE, and musical performances from JP Falcon Grady and Undecided are on tap too. Because any part of this event may change because of COVID-19, we will have take-out and drive-up services. We also will offer indoor and outdoor dining. While indoors, we encourage masks to be worn, per Gov. Inslee’s direction. All workers will wear gloves and masks. This year we will not have a salad bar or buffet-style dining. Everyone is welcome, and all support and donations are accepted.”

2. NEWVolunteers Needed for Clean Sweep Downtown Mount Vernon, Hosted by Mount Vernon Downtown Association, Saturday, Aug 1, 10:00am – 12:00pm, 325 Pine Street, Mount Vernon
“PLEASE RSVP (click link above)! Adverse weather will result in rescheduling. Our June Clean Sweep was such a success, we’re hosting another. With city revenue severely impacted by COVID-19, budget cuts have resulted in layoffs, mandatory furloughs, and the decision not to hire seasonal laborers. These factors, along with virus-related changes to the Community Works Program, have created a gap in available resources to keep our downtown clean and attractive. In response, the MVDA is reviving our recession-era “Clean Sweep” program to help keep our sidewalks and alleys looking their best for pedestrian use.”

3. UPDATEDStrawberry Shortcake Parade 2020 has been cancelled

4. No More Bombs will host a local remembrance of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan on Aug 6 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm via Zoom – Click Here to check for Zoom link
This Aug 6 and 9 is the 75th anniversary of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Tracy Powell and Bud Anderson will speak. We will show one local and one international short video and end with a live discussion with Amanda Hubik moderating.

5. NEWThe 2020 Skagit County Fair, originally scheduled for Aug 11 – 14, has been cancelled

6. Drive-through COVID-19 testing is now open 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, at the east parking lot of Skagit Valley College
Online registration is no longer required. No appointments are needed. Spanish speaking interpreters on site to assist with registration and testing. Skagit County Public Health will test anyone seven years of age or older that feels they should be tested, and is encouraging anyone who fits into the following guidelines to get tested:

  • Those who are essential workers
  • Anyone with any COVID-19 symptoms
  • Anyone whose physician recommended they be tested
  • Anyone who lives or works in a congregate setting
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone who is a close contact or has a known exposure to COVID-19

Click Here for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Listen to We Do the Work, Tuesdays, 5:00pm, and Sundays, 5:30pm at KSVR, 91.7 FM or KSVU, 90.1 FM
A weekly local worker radio program that features news, interviews, music, and comments, “We Do the Work” believes American workers are at the heart of our economy and culture, deserving dignity, respect, and a decent family wage. To hear our other shows, go to We Do The Work Archives. Questions about interviews? Email – ksvrwedothework@gmail.com.

NEW – We Do The Work’s program for Tuesday, Jul 28, 5:00pm and Sunday, Aug 4, 5:30 – Angelica Guillen, Farm Worker, Educator, Activist, and Poet, Part 2
Interview by Mike Dumovich and Gary Kanter:  Angelica talks about her life after growing up in a migrant camp; her father; being an educator; as an activist as well as reading some of her wonderful poetry.

We Do The Works Comments:

  • Joel Joseph gives 10 economic myths that show the decline of America.
  • Italy is putting billions into their school system and the US nothing.
  • #LaborRadioPod

2. Listen to Speak Up! Speak Out! Radio
Listen to Speak Up! Speak Out! – a half hour weekly radio show committed to community, peace, justice, and non-violence issues. The show airs on Community Radio stations (times subject to change) – KSVR91.7 FM (Skagit Valley College), Wednesdays 5:00pm, rebroadcast Sundays 8:00pm; KSVU90.1 FM, Hamilton, Sundays 8:00pm and Thursdays 8:00am; KMRE102.3 FM, Bellingham, Sundays 11:00am and Wednesdays 7:30am. Our shows are available online. Stream or download a show at http://speakupspeakoutradio.org/ anytime.

NEW – SUSO for Wednesday, Jul 29 – Skagit COVID-19 Update
“Part 1 – Skagit County Communications Coordinator, Laura Gelwicks talks with Jennifer Johnson head of the Skagit Public Health Department to provide a COVID-19 update for Speak Out. Much has changed in our local world and beyond in dealing with COVID-19. When we last reported, the county was on the verge of moving to Stage 3, but some black men, in particular, were killed around the country and protests occurred. Skagit County COVID-19 updates via  http://www.skagitcounty.net/coronavirus.

Part 2 of SUSO this week is the start of a series of updates on what is happening with various non-profits which have served our communities so well over the years. This week we present the Mount Vernon Farmers Market and what it had to do to open this spring & how it has evolved since it opened in mid-May.”

3. Coffee ‘n Cards
Coffee ‘n Cards is temporarily “Coffee – no cards” via Zoom from 10:00am – 10:30am on Monday morning. Contact Carol Sullivan by email (carolosully@yahoo.com) for invitation that will include Meeting ID and Password. There is no screen sharing, participants enter thru waiting room (muted), the and meeting is locked when all are in attendance. 2020 card total: 3,116; Grand total: 11,272.

Since we quit meeting in person, Coffee ‘n Cards has sent 1,400 cards in support of Dave Paul and Helen Price Johnson. Cards on other issues and candidates are also included in the totals.

4. Anacortes Weekly Demonstrations
Do you have a cause or a candidate that you are passionate about? If yes, join us at the “protest corner” in Anacortes, 12th Street and  Commercial Avenue (the Safeway Corner) EVERY Sunday from 12:00pm – 1:00pm – wet or sunny, hot or cold, all year around.  Bring your own signs or use one of our extras.

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