News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for August 2, 2021

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

PRIMARY ELECTION VOTING DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, AUG 3

1. NEW – Volunteers needed for our Headquarters Office move on Sunday, Aug 8
We are organizing for the move and will need volunteers to help with it in various forms. We need help transporting office material, breaking down and reassembling desks, clean-up at the old office, and other assorted tasks. If you can possibly help, please contact Lynn Campbell (chair@skagitdemocrats.org) or Curt Huber (curthuber@gmail.com) or Karen Russell (karenrussell1@gmail.com).

2. UPDATED – New Headquarters Office Space
The lease has been signed for the new Headquarters Office space at 2021 College Way, Mount Vernon. We will be occupying the space previously used by Farmer’s Insurance. In addition to the office space, we will have access to a large conference room on the ground floor for meetings. We will also have access to a smaller conference room on the upper floor. The move comes with ample parking and easy access via College Way or LaVenture Road. Click Here for a map. Although we will be downsizing a bit, the move represents a significant monetary saving over the next several years.

3. NEW – We need volunteers to be Election Observers. If you are interested in helping with this, please contact chair@skagitdemocrats.org.

4. Important dates for upcoming election season
The following is from the Skagit County Auditor’s Office

• August 3, Primary Election
  • Ballots have already been mailed!
  • August 3 – Deadline for in-person registration and voter updates – Closes 8:00 PM
  • August 3 – 2021 Primary Election Day – Closes 8:00 PM
  • August 10 – Canvassing Board Meeting – 1:30 PM*
  • August 17 – Primary Election Certification – 1:30 PM*
• November 2, General Election
  • September 17 – Military and Overseas ballots mailed
  • TBD – Official Logic & Accuracy test
  • October 13 – Domestic ballots mailed
  • October 25 – Deadline to register or update existing registration online and by mail
  • November 2 – Deadline for in-person registration and voter updates – Closes 8:00 PM
  • November 2 – 2021 General Election Day – Closes 8:00 PM
  • November 16 – Canvassing Board Meeting – 1:30 PM*
  • November 23 – General Election Certification – 1:30 PM*

*Times may change if a scheduling conflict arises. Changes will be posted on the Auditor’s web site.

All Logic & Accuracy Tests, Canvassing Board, and Certification Meetings are held at: Skagit County Elections Department, Skagit County Auditor’s Office, 700 South 2nd Street, Room 201, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

5. NEW – 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 E. Fairhaven Street
• Concrete?
  • Skagit Upriver Services/Library, 45770 A Main Street
• Mount Vernon?
  • Mount Vernon Police Department, 1805 Continental Place
  • Skagit County Auditor’s Office [Courthouse], 700 S. 2nd Street, Room 201, (in U-shaped parking lot accessed from 3rd St. near Kincaid)?
• Sauk-Suiattle?
  • Last Chance Casino & Bingo, 6020 Mountain Goat Way
• Sedro-Woolley?
  • Sedro-Woolley Post Office, 111 Woodworth Street (in alley between Eastern Ave and Metcalf)

Both La Conner (Regional Library) and Swinomish (Social Services Building) locations are closed for this election.

6. Skagit County Democrats 2021 Endorsements
The membership has endorsed the following candidates running for office or a board position this year.  

• Anacortes
  • Ryan Walters
    • Position Sought: Mayor, City of Anacortes
    • Campaign name: Committee to Elect Ryan Walters
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: campaign@ryanwalters.com; (360) 610-7770
    • Campaign website: https://www.ryanwalters.com/
    • Campaign mailing address: 1803 10th Street, Anacortes WA 98221
  • Amanda Hubik
    • Position sought: Anacortes City Council, Position 4 (At-Large)
    • Campaign name: Friends of Amanda Hubik  
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: Amanda4Anacortes@gmail.com; 360-499-3856
    • Campaign website: https://www.amandahubik.com/
    • Campaign mailing address: PO Box 3014, Anacortes WA 98221
  • Sara Holahan
    • Position Sought: Anacortes City Council, At-Large Pos. 5
    • Campaign name: Citizens for Sara
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: sara@saraholahan.com
    • Campaign website: http://saraholahan.com/
    • Campaign mailing address: PO Box 1702 Anacortes, WA 98221
  • Anastasia Brencick
    • Position Sought: Anacortes School District 103, Director Pos. 1
    • Campaign name: Anastasia Brencick
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: anastasiaforschoolboard@gmail.com
• Burlington
  • Tonya Bieche
    • Position Sought: Burlington-Edison School District 100, Director District 2
    • Campaign name: Tonya Bieche
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: biechebieche@gmail.com; (360)757-1020
• Mount Vernon
  • Iris Carias
    • Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 1, Position 2
    • Campaign email and phone number: VoteIrisCarias@gmail.com; (360)-333-7836
    • Website: http://voteforiris.com/wp/
  • Juan Morales
    • Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 1, Pos. 1
    • Campaign name: Juan Morales
    • Campaign E-mail address: morales2021.citycouncil@gmail.com
    • Campaign mailing address: PO BOX 2261, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
  • Richard Brocksmith
    • Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, At-Large Position
    • Campaign name: People for Richard Brocksmith
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: electrbrocksmith@gmail.com; 360-826-2094
    • Campaign website: https://www.richardbrocksmith.com/
    • Campaign mailing address: PO Box 372 Mount Vernon WA 98273
  • Melissa Beaton
    • Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 3, Position 2
    • Campaign name: Re-Elect Melissa Beaton to Mount Vernon City Council
    • Campaign email and phone number: melissabeaton@comcast.net; (360)630-7070
  • Chris Sadler
    • Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 3, Position 2
    • Campaign name: Christopher Sadler for Mount Vernon City Council
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: csadlercitycouncil@gmail.com, (360) 540-9902
    • Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/csadlercitycouncil
  • Stefanie LeJeunesse
    • Position sought: Skagit Public Hospital District Commissioner Pos. 6
    • Campaign name: Vote Stefanie: Stefanie LeJeunesse for Skagit Public
    • Hospital District Commissioner
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: info@votestefanie.com; (360)223-3741
    • Campaign website: http://www.votestefanie.com/
• Sedro-Woolley
  • David Baer
    • Position Sought: Sedro Woolley City Council, At-Large Position
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: votedavidforcitycouncil@gmail.com
    • (360) 320-6838
  • Joseph Burns
    • Position Sought: Sedro Woolley City Council, Ward 6
    • Campaign name: Friends to Elect Joe Burns
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: joe@electjoeburns.com; (360) 474-7223
    • Campaign website: https://electjoeburns.com/
  • Enrique Lopez Cisneros
    • Position Sought: Sedro Woolley School District 101, Director Dist.1
    • Campaign name: Enrique Lopez Cisneros
    • Campaign E-mail address and phone number: sedrounited@gmail.com

A big shout out to all the candidates who have stepped up to run this year. Running for office is hard work and costly. They need our help with getting out the word, phone-banking, door belling, and raising money. Let’s all do our part by giving them our full support.

7. NEW – The 40th Legislative District Democrats are soliciting applications for Board positions
Current vacancies include:

• Finance Committee Chair
• Actions Committee Chair
• Community Committee Chair
• Deputy Treasurer
• Young Democrats Representative

A description of the positions, tasks, and time commitments can be found Here. If you have any questions, please email 40thdems@gmail.com.

8. Mark your calendars and plan ahead – Soups for the Democratic Soul, Sunday, Sep 19, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, 628 Old Samish Road, Bellingham
“The 40th Legislative District Democrats are excited to invite you to our first in-person event in over 16 months: our Soup Cookoff! Come vote on your favorite soup and enjoy good conversation and great times. $15 Suggested donation (minimum to vote), free for kids under 12. Registration: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/soups. Music by Sharon Abreu and Michael Hurwicz. It’s a POTLUCK! Please bring a salad or a dessert! We will provide French bread/Rolls and Drinks (water, coffee, juice). We also need chairs so please bring your preferred seat(s) if you’re able! If you or your organization are interested in becoming a contestant and throwing your soup into the ring, please email cedarwaxwings@gmail.com by September 10th for more information! Top 3 winners will win gift baskets.”

9. 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:

• Following us on Twitter.
• Liking our Facebook page.
• 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.

10. 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.

• The pandemic hurt low-wage workers the most—and so far, the recovery has helped them the least
• The Age of Zombie Democracies – Why Autocrats Are Abandoning Even the Pretense of Democratic Rituals
• On the Road with the Green Book
• Food Insecurity Among Veterans
• Democrats should mount a campaign for real tax reform. Starting now

COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. Anacortes Arts Festival, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, Aug 6, 7, & 8, 10:00am – 7:00pm, Commercial and 2nd – 10th Streets, Downtown Anacortes
Booths, working studios, food & beverage, music and youth area at 7th Street.

2. NEW – La Conner Classic Boat & Car Show and Car Cruise, Saturday, Aug 7, 10:00am – 2:00pm, at the South basin of the La Conner Marina
Click Here for more information.

3. NEW – Statement of Jul 26 from Dr. Howard Leibrand, Skagit Health Officer
“Earlier today, several of my colleagues issued a joint statement recommending masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. It is the goal of this recommendation to protect high-risk individuals and those who are not able to be vaccinated, including children under twelve years old.  

It is clear that masks protect individuals from COVID-19. It is never a bad idea to wear a mask in an indoor situation, particularly as we see the delta variant becoming more prominent in our communities.

With that said, I want to assure my community that vaccination is–and will continue to be–the absolute best tool we have to stop the spread of COVID-19. Local data shows that from March 1, 2021 to July 13, 2021 96% of all COVID cases were in unvaccinated individuals. This perfectly highlights the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines.

It is true that the delta variant is particularly concerning. It is much more transmissible than the variants that have been circulating in our county prior to July. Delta variant may cause more serious illness. If you are unvaccinated and not using precautions like masking and social distancing, you are at very high risk of becoming infected with delta variant and getting seriously ill in the coming days and weeks. Therefore, if you are unvaccinated, I highly recommend that you wear a mask in all crowded situations and continue to encourage your loved ones to do the same.

COVID-19 is likely going to be with us for a long time. Like many reportable diseases, there is no clear end to this health concern. I am encouraging everyone to use every tool available in their toolbelt to protect themselves. Masks will always be a great option, but getting vaccinated is most important.

In summation, the strongest recommendation that I can make as a health professional is this: Get vaccinated today.”

4. UPDATED – COVID-19 Information
Case counts are rising again in Skagit County. Click Here to see the Level of Community Transmission in Skagit County. Click Here for the Skagit County Public Health webpage.

Masking – From Skagit County Public Health
“The Centers for Disease Control issued a new recommendation that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks in public indoor spaces in parts of the U.S. where disease transmission that is ‘substantial,’ defined by the CDC as at least 50 new cases per 100,000 residents over the last week. Per CDC data, this includes Skagit County. You can view that data here.

Similarly, our Public Health Officer released a statement on Monday agreeing with these recommendations. Masking can get the transmission of the delta variant under control and can protect those who are not yet vaccinated. That said, vaccination is—and will continue to be—the absolute best tool we have to stop the spread of COVID-19. Local data shows that from March 1, 2021 to July 13, 2021 96% of all COVID cases were in unvaccinated individuals. This perfectly highlights the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines. For the full statement: https://bit.ly/3i5DZ23.”

Businesses and local authorities will continue to have the right to be stricter in their masking requirements after June 30. Guidance for employers is available on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website.

Masking helps protect those who are unvaccinated, including children who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated and others with auto-immune or other conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated. Parents should be reminded that there is real risk to children until vaccinations are available. Kids who aren’t vaccinated still need to wear masks, though children younger than two years old should never wear a mask due to the risk of suffocation.

COVID-19 Vaccines – COVID-19 Skagit County Public Health DRIVE-THRU Vaccination Site at the Skagit County Fairgrounds HAS NOW CLOSED. Other local vaccine sites can be obtained Here by entering your Zip code.

*New* Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics this summer! Find us at the following Skagit County locations:

• Tue, August 3: Cascade West Apartments in Mount Vernon from 5-7pm
• Tue, August 3: Burlington Night Out from 5-8pm
• Wed, August 4: Immaculate Conception Regional School from 11am-1pm
• Wed, August 4: Skagit Transit Station, Downtown Mount Vernon from 5-9pm
• Thu, August 5: Skagit Valley Family YMCA from 4:30-7:30pm
• Sat, August 7: Cascade Middle School, Sedro-Woolley from 10am-12pm
• Wed, August 11: Skagit Transit Station, Downtown Mount Vernon from 5-9pm
• Aug 11-14: Skagit County Fair from 10am-10pm
• Sat, August 21: Anacortes Ready-To-Learn Fair from 9am-12pm

All individuals 12 years of age and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Parent/guardian consent to vaccinate will be required for all dependent minors (ages 12-17) and can be provided either in-person or over the phone at the time of the appointment. Please note: 12-17 years old will need to receive the Pfizer vaccine, as this is the only vaccine currently approved for use in minors.

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.

Testing – Skagit County now lists several locations for COVID-19 testing. Click Here for the list.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Listen to Speak Up! Speak Out! Radio
Listen to Speak Up! Speak Out! – a half hour radio show committed to community, peace, justice, and non-violence issues. The show has aired on Community Radio stations (times subject to change) – KSVR 91.7 FM (Skagit Valley College), Wednesdays 5:00pm, rebroadcast Sundays 8:00pm; KSVU90.1 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/.

NEW – Speak Up! Speak Out! – Aug 4 – Advancing Human Rights and Democracy & Excerpts from past shows.
We open with excerpts from a Fidalgo Democrats recent program, Advancing Human Rights & Democracy. Listen to learn how bigotry impacts our lives, and what is being done to combat it — nationally, in Washington state, and locally in Anacortes. Devin Burgart, Executive Director of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, a social justice organization, will discuss who they are, what they do, and how they do it. They are dedicated to defend against bigotry & defending democracy & human rights.

The last part of the show includes excerpts from some shows: The Delta 5; an MLK presentation by the late Dr. Ernest Tutt, a professor at Skagit Valley College; the late host Ginny Wolff talking with Jewell James a local tribal native; a segment on Homeless Youth; and we close with an update on DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) which started under President Obama to provide undocumented immigrant youth an opportunity to live and work in the United States while attending school. That currently is being revisited (again) by Congress. Please follow what Congress is doing in this regard.

This week we bring you our FINAL Speak Up! Speak Out! radio show. We started with 7 people live in the KSVR studio in March of 2008 honoring Skagit Women since it was International Women’s Day. We increased our reporters to about 12, but for the last 16 months it has basically been Dave McConnell & jim justice. All shows should be available on http://speakupspeakoutradio.org/ for a least a year from today. Listen online or download the audio. Many thanks for the MANY presentations offered by non-profits in the county who allowed us to use some audio of their presentations. May they continue to thrive.
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Many thanks to our listeners since we began in March of 2008, but this is our swan song. Our website will remain active for at least another year so people can go back and listen to shows they might have missed. (And might have been part of …) We’d love it if others chose to continue reporting on various progressive issues here in Skagit/Whatcom.