News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for May 3, 2021

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1, NEW – 2021 Candidate Filing period begins Monday, May 17 and ends Friday, May 21
For more information, Click Here for the Secretary of State’s Elections website. Click Here the the Skagit County Auditor’s website.

2. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Executive Board meets Saturday, May 8, 10:00am via Zoom
If you have not received an invitation and would like to attend, please email chair@skagitdemocrats.org to request connection information.

3. NEW – 40th Legislative District Senator Liz Lovelett, Representative Debra Lekanoff, and Representative Alex Ramel will host a Virtual Town Hall, Thursday, May 6, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
There are multiple ways to tune into the livestream – the House Democrats Facebook page, the House Democrats YouTube channel, or Debra Lekanoff’s Facebook page. Click Here to submit questions to the panel ahead of time. Please note, the livestream will not appear on most of the platforms until the event begins. You also do not need a Facebook or Twitter account to view the livestream and the video will be saved on YouTube.

4. NEW – 40th District Democrats Trivia Night Fund Raiser, Thursday, May 6, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, via Zoom
Click Here to register. Please join us as we have some fun and compete to see who among us has the biggest brain! Sign up with teams of up to four to show off your extensive knowledge of all things (relating to Washington’s 40th Legislative District) and take home the prize! If you plan to bring a team with you, make sure they register as well and let us know by emailing us at 40thdems@gmail.com or messaging our Facebook page!

This event has a suggested donation of $5-$25. Donations are not required but, as a volunteer organization, they are very appreciated as we rely entirely on donations for everything we do. Donations can be made at: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/wa40thdems. If you need any kind of accommodation for the event, please email 40thdems@gmail.com to let us know. Earlier notice will allow us to make the event as accessible as possible despite our limitations in resources. Questions? Contact us at 40thdems@gmail.com!

5. NEW – Fidalgo Democrats meets Tuesday, May 11, 7:00pm, via Zoom
The meeting will include Liz Lovelett, Debra Lekanoff, Alex Ramel and Dave Paul. The Democratic Legislators from the 40th and 10th Districts will report on the legislative session. This is your opportunity to talk to your representatives and to have your questions answered. For more information contact Barbara Cooper, 360 293-4123.

6. NEW – The 10th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 10:30am – 12:30pm via Zoom
This E Board meeting is open to all members of the 10th LD. Check the 10th LD website for connection information.

7. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Endorsements Committee has published four documents to share

• Election Deadlines
• Requirements for Certification
• Requirements for Endorsement
• Endorsement Questionnaire

8. 40th Legislative District Representative Debra Lekanoff is up for the Emily’s List Rising Star Award
Click Here to register a vote for her on the Emily’s List website.

9. Democracy Summer, an educational program dedicated to training the next generation of political activists, organizers and leaders, is open for application
The program is open to high-school and college-aged activists. Fellows will receive a $500 stipend and are expected to participate Monday-Thursday for a total of 20-30 hours a week. Additional information and the application for the Fellowship can be found HERE. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 12. Information can also be found on Suzan DelBene’s website.

10. Union Summer Internships
“Union Summer is the paid ($17/hour) summer internship program of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions for people interested in getting involved in the labor movement. Union Summer participants will spend an exciting seven weeks — June 20 to August 7 — working full-time and hands-on with different campaigns, talking to our community, marching for justice, and gaining first-hand experience in the movement.” The application deadline is Friday, May 7. Click Here for more information. Click Here to apply.

11. Washington State Democrats will present “Build the Blue”, a virtual gala Tuesday, May 11, 4:30pm, online
” In order to build relationships and strengthen Democratic values across the state this next year, the Washington State Democrats will be hosting our first-ever “Build the Blue” Gala on May 11th! We hope you will join Democrats from all over Washington State to hear live speeches from key party leaders from the national scene, celebrate our 2020 victories and plot the course for an even more successful election cycle.” Click Here for tickets and more information.

12. Join the conversation with Skagit County Democrats on Facebook and Twitter!
Engaging with our social media content by liking, commenting, and sharing helps us reach more viewers, builds community in a digital space, and provides opportunities to better mobilize when opportunities arise. If you haven’t already, please consider:

1. 1. Following us on Twitter.
2. 2. Liking our Facebook page.
3. 3. Joining the new Skagit County Democrats private Facebook group. This is open to all Skagit Dems members, voters, and like-minded constituents. The link directs you to the group, where you’ll have to request to join and an Online Media Posting (OMP) Committee member will approve your request.

For questions about Skagit County Democrats social media, please contact OMP@skagitdemocrats.org.

13. Skagit County Democrats Volunteer Opportunities

• Are you active with social media? If you love to Tweet or post Facebook messages, we need you! Please contact Kat Lohman at kat@sidenoteconsult.com.
• Are you a policy wonk and are actively tracking bills? Please be part of a new committee – the Legislative Committee. Contact chair@skagitdemocrats.org.
• We have various Committees needing volunteers, including the Candidate Recruitment, Social Media, Finance, Outreach, and Fundraising Committees. Due to Covid-19, all events and meetings are online, and everyone is working from home. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering and being on our Committees, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinators, and they will help you find the right fit for your skills. We can also connect you to the Committee Chairs or our Party Chair. Please reach out to Larry at Larry.Hilliard@gmail.com for more information about Committees or Ashley at ash.gregorius@gmail.com for Outreach and Candidate Recruitment Committees.

14. Skagit Democrats Fundraisers

• Greeting Card Fundraiser: Social distancing and staying safe makes it difficult for us to get out and look for cards to mark special occasions or just say hello. For a donation of $15.00 you will receive a box of 6 – 8 beautiful hand-made greeting cards. These are one-of-a-kind cards so no two boxes are the same and aren’t made to order. Let us choose your lovely card set. Pictured on the web site (Click Here or Here) are samples of the kinds of cards you will receive. If you would like to donate, Click Here. Under purpose on the donation, please indicate “Cards” and the number of boxes you want.
• The Our America signs are still available at $10 each. Call (360-336-1555) or email staff@skagitdemocrats.org for pick up times and payment information.

15. NEW – Links of the Week
The Links of the Week provide in-depth pieces and resources the Editor has found to be relevant, insightful, and thorough on important issues of the day.

• Universal bank accounts necessary for families to bank on Child Tax Credit
• Melting Mountain Glaciers May Not Survive the Century
• Super-spreaders of Malign and Subversive Information on COVID-19 – Russian and Chinese Efforts Targeting the United States
• Report says Amazon’s algorithms promote extremist misinformation

COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. NEW – Mobile Vaccination Clinic with one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine coming to Skagit County after May 10
“If you can gather up 20 farmers/employees/individuals the Washington State Department of Health will bring their mobile clinic after May 10th to administer the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Please respond directly to Polly Dubbel (pollyd@co.skagit.wa.us) at Skagit County Public works if you are interested.” Please include the following information: Business Name, Address, Contact Name, Phone Number, Email Address, Number of Employees interested in J&J

2. NEW – J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) speaker series, Tuesday, May 4, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, via Zoom
“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace” by Zenovia Harris. Free event.

3. Skagit County Commissioners Schedule East County Virtual Public Forum for Wednesday, May 12, 3:00pm
“East County residents with questions for the Skagit County Board of Commissioners – or representatives from various county departments and local agencies – are invited to attend a virtual public forum May 12th. The forum is set for 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 where public comment will be taken through a virtual meeting platform. The meeting will focus on COVID-19 and COVID-19 recovery, as well as the future of the East County Resource Center and Library space. However, residents are encouraged to discuss any issue of interest. The meeting will include presentations from Skagit County Public Health, Skagit County Administrative Services, and Community Action of Skagit County.

To attend the meeting, dial in from your computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/271182277. You may also call in to the meeting by dialing (571) 317-3122; Access Code: 271-182-277. For more information or assistance with how to access the virtual meeting, please contact the Commissioners’ Office at commissioners@co.skagit.wa.us or 360-416-1300.”

4. No More Bombs presents Hanford’s Legacy, Tuesday, May 18, 7:00pm, Online
“Author and activist, Trisha Pritikin has fought over thirty years for justice for the thousands who, like herself and her family, have suffered serious illnesses and death following radiation exposure at Hanford and elsewhere. Hanford, in our backyard, produced the plutonium used for the first ever nuclear bomb, Trinity, and on Nagasaki and continued producing it for more than 40 years. “No More Bombs” is honored to host Trisha and we hope you can join us. A Zoom link will be available at www.nomorebombs.org a few days prior to the presentation . . . We’ll give away two copies of The Hanford Plaintiffs!”

5. Farmer’s Markets
Common sense COVID-19 precautions remain important. Keep a 6’ distance between yourself and other people. Wear an appropriate face covering per state regulations. Practice good hygiene – wash your hands with soap and water before you visit, while you are here at one of our handwash stations, and when you get home. Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms.
Anacortes – Saturday, 9:00am – 2:00pm, The Depot, 611 R Avenue – Opened May 1
Concrete – Saturday, 10:00am – 1:00pm, 45821 Railroad Avenue – Opens May 29
Mount Vernon – Saturday, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Riverwalk Park, 501 Main Street, Opens May 15
Sedro-Woolley – Wednesday, 3:00pm – 7:00pm, Hammer Heritage Square, Corner of Metcalf & Ferry Streets, Opens May 19

6. Skagit County continues in COVID-19 Phase 3 Recovery
Activities – – – Phase 3 Guidance

• Social and at-home gathering size – indoor – – – Max of 10 people from outside your household
• Social and at-home gathering size – outdoor – – – Max 50 people
• Worship services – – – Indoor maximum 50% capacity
• Retail stores (includes farmers’ markets, grocery and convenience stores, pharmacies) – – – Maximum 50% capacity, encourage curbside pick-up
• Professional services – – – Remote work strongly encouraged, 50% capacity otherwise
• Eating and drinking establishments (establishments only serving individuals 21+ and no food remain closed) – – – Indoor dining available 50% capacity, end alcohol service/delivery at 12 AM. Outdoor or open-air dining available, max 10 per table
• Weddings and funerals – – – Ceremonies and indoor receptions, wakes, or similar gatherings in conjunction with such ceremonies are permitted and must follow the appropriate venue requirements. If food or drinks are served, eating and drinking requirements apply. Dancing is prohibited.
• Indoor sports and fitness establishments (includes gyms, fitness organizations, indoor recreational sports, indoor pools, indoor K-12 sports, indoor sports, indoor personal training, indoor dance, no-contact martial arts, gymnastics, climbing) – – – Sports competitions and tournaments allowed in all risk categories. Fitness and training and indoor sports maximum 50% capacity. Showers allowed.
• Outdoor sports and fitness establishments (Outdoor fitness organizations, outdoor recreational sports, outdoor pools, outdoor parks and hiking trails, outdoor campsites, outdoor K-12 sports, outdoor sports, outdoor personal training, outdoor dance, outdoor motorsports) – – – Sports competitions and tournaments allowed in all risk categories. Maximum spectators allowed 400 with capacity restriction depending on facility. Guided activities allowed without hard caps subject to restrictions.
• Indoor entertainment establishments (includes aquariums, indoor theaters, indoor arenas, indoor concert halls, indoor gardens, indoor museums, indoor bowling, indoor trampoline facilities, indoor cardrooms, indoor entertainment activities of any kind, indoor event spaces) – – – Maximum 50% capacity or 400 people, whichever is less. If food or drinks are served, eating and drinking requirements apply.
• Outdoor entertainment establishments (includes zoos, outdoor gardens, outdoor aquariums, outdoor theaters, outdoor stadiums, outdoor event spaces, outdoor arenas, outdoor concert venues, rodeos) – – – Walk-up tickets allowed with restrictions. Maximum spectators allowed 400 with capacity restriction depending on facility.

7. UPDATED – COVID-19 Vaccines
“Skagit County Public Health vaccine clinics held at the Skagit County Fairgrounds are now open to those eligible under Phases 1a and 1b-Tier 1 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Vaccine is available based on current supply. Scheduling for appointments can now be done online via the PrepMod scheduling tool. Phase Finder, the state’s online vaccine eligibility tool, will no longer be required to verify COVID-19 vaccine eligibility beginning Wednesday, March 31st. All vaccine providers have been provided guidance around this change and should no longer be requiring proof of eligibility at vaccine appointments. To schedule an appointment, visit: https://prepmod.doh.wa.gov/.” Click Here for the Skagit County Public Health Department vaccine webpage and the most current information about availability. Evening appointments are now available at the Fairgrounds. On March 31, Governor Inslee announced that all adults, ages 16 and older, are eligible for vaccination beginning on April 15.

NOTE: Please, No Pets at the Fairgrounds – Skagit County Public Health asks that people do not bring pets to the Fairgrounds. Service animals are permitted. This is to ensure the safety of our nursing staff and patients.

8. Northwest Labs is offering drive-through COVID-19 Testing by appointment at the Burlington Outlet Mall
“Beginning Thursday, April 22nd, Northwest Laboratories will be offering drive-through COVID-19 Testing in the Burlington Outlet Mall parking lot, located at 448 Fashion Way, Burlington, WA 98233. The Testing Site is available to anyone, at any age, needing or wanting a test. This new testing location will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30am-11:45am and 1:15pm-4:30pm. Testing is provided by appointment only. Appointments can be made online at https://www.testdirectly.com/patient/home or by phone at (360) 543-6904. Both the call-center and the Testing Site will have bilingual staff available.

Northwest Laboratories will be using a ThermoFisher TaqPath RT-PCR test at this location and results will be available within 24-48 hours. This is not a self-swab test; qualified nurses will collect swab samples. Testing is available to those with or without medical insurance. In most cases, tests will be provided at no-cost to the individual, although some restrictions may apply. For full details, visit: https://www.nwlaboratory.com/billing-faq/. For those who are insured, insurance information will be required at the time of scheduling. For more information about the new Testing Site at the Burlington Outlet Mall, please contact Northwest Laboratories at (360) 543-6904 or visit https://www.nwlaboratory.com/. For a list of other testing options near you, go to: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/TestingforCOVID19/TestingLocations.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. 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) – KSVR 91.7 FM (Skagit Valley College), Wednesdays 5:00pm, rebroadcast Sundays 8:00pm; KSVU 90.1 FM, Hamilton, Sundays 8:00pm and Thursdays 8:00am; KMRE 102.3 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 Wednesday, May 5 – Federal Censuses & Redistricting
This information comes from a February Fidalgo Democrats meeting on redistricting after the 2020 Federal Census. Redistricting happens every ten years within a two year period after a census. It is about what our legislative and congressional districts will be for our next Federal elections. April Sims, the House Democratic Appointee to the Redistricting Commission, will explain how redistricting will affect us.

In all 50 states, various bodies will re-draw state legislative districts. Washington has an independent Redistricting Commission. Find out what this means and how it impacts our area in Washington State. If you live in a rural area, it may mean yet ANOTHER legislative & possibly congressional district. Click Here for a description of redistricting from Loyola Law School.