News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for November 1, 2021

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1. NEW – Ballots are due Tuesday, Nov 2
Ballot Drop-Box Locations
“All locations that will be open for an election are open 20 days before Election Day, and remain open 24 hours a day until 8:00PM Election Night.” Click Here for a map of the 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
  • Skagit County Auditor’s Office [Courthouse], 700 South 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, Darrington
• Sedro-Woolley?
  • Sedro-Woolley Post Office, 111 Woodworth Street (in alley between Eastern Ave and Metcalf)
• Swinomish?
  • Social Services Building (in front), 17337 Reservation Road

The following is from the Skagit County Auditor’s Office:

• 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.

2. NEW – The 10th Legislative District Representatives, including Representative Dave Paul are hosting a Virtual Town Hall on the state of our ferry system Tuesday, Nov 2, 6:00pm
Click Here for more information, including registration.

3. NEW – Applications are open for Emerge Washington‘s 2022 cohort
“Applications are open for Emerge WA’s 2022 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland Cohort! Are you a Democratic woman who’s a leader in your community? Emerge needs YOU to step up and apply. Classes start in January and meet one weekend a month until May. Emerge provides you with the training you need to run for office and win, including a powerful network of Emerge alums. Read about the application process on Emerge’s website and apply today.

To learn more about the Emerge WA signature training program, please visit their website and attend an upcoming information session via Zoom, some of which are regionally based. Upcoming virtual info sessions: RSVP to Emily@EmergeWA.org. November 7th @7pm: General session.”

Applications close November 12th.

4. NEW – Fidalgo Democrats next meet Tuesday, Nov 9, 7:00pm – 9:00pm via Zoom
“Fidalgo Democrats welcome Dr. Justin Irish, the Superintendent of the Anacortes School District and Daniel Williams, the Anacortes High School Principal. They will give us an update on the District’s Strategic Plan and discuss how the schools are working to support all learners. The misinformation about Critical Race Theory and Comprehensive Sexual Health will be addressed. There will be a COVID update. Questions are welcome. For more information and the zoom link contact Barbara Cooper, 360 293-41234.”

The YouTube recording of “Fully Contained Communities” from their last meeting of Tuesday, Oct 12 can be found HERE.

5. Understanding Race and Equity Workshop, Sunday, Nov 7 and 14 (workshop runs 2 days across 2 Sundays), Online
“This workshop presentation introduces participants to the work of understanding how the concept of race creates inequity in everyday life. Participants will walk away with an understanding on why it’s important to have tough and honest conversations on race in order to create a more just world. We will explore such concepts as privilege, voice, silence and color-blind racism . . . Intended audience: White Democrats who wish to broaden their understanding about race and racial justice, and work towards making America a place of liberty and justice for all . . . This workshop is intended for White Allies who are willing to engage in conversations about race in a safe space, free from judgement and ostracization.” Presenter: Marco Morales Mendez, New Horizon Consulting LLC

Click Here to register for this 2-day event across 2 Sundays. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

6. UPDATED – New Headquarters Staffing Schedule
We are slowly working on returning our new headquarters to regular hours. WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS! Shifts are in two-hour blocks. Please email staff@skagitdemocrats.org to let us know your interest and availability. OR you can simply click on and fill out this form and we will contact you and set you up with everything you need. For those concerned about COVID safety, please note that the office is not open to the public at this time, and masks are required whenever more than one person is present. Staffing hours are:

• Monday – 12:00pm – 4:00PM
• Tuesday – 10:00pm – 4:00pm
• Wednesday – 12:00am – 4:00pm
• Thursday – 12:00pm – 4:00pm
• Friday – Closed

7. UPDATED – Redistricting News
The four Commissioners’ maps for Congressional and Legislative Districts have been updated and released. They can be viewed here and commented on. Click Here for the Congressional District maps. Click Here for the Legislative District maps. Monday, November 15, is the deadline for the Commission to submit final maps to the Legislature.

2021 Skagit County Redistricting – In Skagit County information on the redistricting of County Commissioner Districts can be found HERE, including proposed maps. One more public hearing is scheduled for County redistricting: November 22, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (public hearing for a final redistricting plan). If you have questions or need additional information, please visit https://www.publicinput.com/skagitcountyredistricting. You can also email redistricting@co.skagit.wa.us or call 360-416-1700 for more information.”

8. 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: sara@saraholahan.com
    • Campaign website: http://saraholahan.com/
    • Campaign mailing address: PO Box 1702 Anacortes, WA 98221
• 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
• 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

9. 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 Fall and Rise of Techno-Globalism – Democracies Should Not Let the Dream of the Open Internet Die
• Commercial and Military Applications and Timelines for Quantum Technology
• Bystander Intervention on Social Media: Examining Cyberbullying and Reactions to Systemic Racism
• The Facebook Papers – ‘History will not judge us kindly’

COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. NEW – Planned Parenthood resumes monthly rallies Saturday, Nov 6, 11:00am – 12:00pm, 1805 East Division Street, Mount Vernon
“I’m very happy to announce that our monthly rallies to support Planned Parenthood and reproductive rights will resume the first Saturday of each month, from 11a-12p – RAIN OR SHINE. Meet on the sidewalk in front of the Mount Vernon health center at 1805 E. Division St in Mount Vernon. Bring your signs, your friends, your family, and your masks. Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Saturday, November 6th. For questions, please email me at [debbiegrant01@gmail.com].”

2. NEW – Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov 7, 2:00am
Turn the clocks BACK 1 hour (effective 2:00am). For more information Click Here.

3. NEW – What Happened on First Street, Saturday Nov 13, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, online event
“Gen J, in community with Snohomish Education Association and Snohomish For Equity, presents a look back at the events that occurred during spring 2020 in Snohomish, Washington. In response to a peaceful protest honoring the life of George Floyd, members of the community and local Proud Boys took to First street openly consuming alcohol, carrying firearms, and creating an intimidating atmosphere on May 31, 2020. In this film, people of color in Snohomish and their allies share their truth of “America’s Favorite Town” and how we can come together to move forward as a community and country.” Click Here for more information and to sign up.

4. NEW – Highway 20 passes are scheduled to close Monday, Nov 15
“The closure points will be milepost 134/Ross Dam Trailhead on the west side and milepost 171/Silver Star Gate on the east.” Click Here for more information.

5. UPDATED – COVID-19 Information
Current Skagit County Information – The following is taken from the Skagit County COVID-19 Update of Oct 27
Local COVID-19 Case, Hospital & Vaccine Data

Skagit has a total of 11,022 cases; an increase of 490 new cases since last Wednesday; Hospitalizations are at 623 total (increased by 23 since Wednesday), and 110 deaths (increased by 2).

Skagit currently has a case rate of 571.1 per 100k over the last 14 days and a hospitalization rate of 10.7 COVID patients per 100k over the last seven days. Skagit County Public Health’s Health Officer published a statement on Monday about our current high case rate, as well as guidance for the holidays. To read his full statement: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/Home/press/102521.htm.

A total of 179,776 doses have been administered in Skagit County. We are now at 74.0% partially vaccinated amongst our population 12 years and older, and 68.1% fully vaccinated amongst Skagitonians 12 and older.

Vaccine Boosters now Available

Booster doses are available — by appointment only — for eligible individuals. At least six months after completing the primary Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series, the following groups of people are eligible for a booster dose:

• Those 65 and older,
• Those 18 – 64 who live in long-term care settings,
• Those 18 – 64 who have underlying medical conditions or those at increased risk of social inequities, and
• Those 18 – 64 who work or live in high-risk settings.

At least two months after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (J&J), it is recommended that everyone 18 and older receive a booster dose.

According to the FDA and CDC, studies found “mixing and matching” boosters is safe and effective. This means your booster shot does not have to be the same COVID-19 vaccine type your primary vaccination was. For example, someone who received the J&J vaccine can receive a booster dose of J&J, Pfizer, or Moderna. Likewise, someone who received two doses of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) can receive a Moderna, Pfizer, or J&J booster.

To make an appointment for a Booster, go to: https://prepmod.doh.wa.gov/. Search for “Skagit County Public Health” under Name of Location.

Appointments are limited at this time. Please check on Mondays for newly added appointments or call the Hotline for assistance: 1-833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357), then press #.

Update on Vaccine for Children 5-11

An independent panel of vaccine experts met on Tuesday to consider whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should grant emergency authorization to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children 5 to 11 years old. The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) voted 17-0, with one abstention, to recommend the agency authorize the vaccine.

A formal decision by the FDA is expected in the coming days, and a CDC advisory panel is scheduled to meet November 2nd and 3rd to recommend how the vaccines should be used. From there, the CDC’s Director, Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, and the WA Department of Health will need to weigh in before vaccines will be available in Washington State.

Skagit Fairgrounds – Testing Information

REMINDER: The Skagit Fairgrounds is not a good testing option for those seeking proof of vaccination to attend an event or for travel.

Free antigen testing at the Skagit Fairgrounds is now limited to individuals who live, work, or go to school in Skagit County. Those coming for testing must be 5 years or older and must (a) be currently symptomatic or (b) have had recent exposure to COVID-19. Please expect long wait times.

For a list of other testing providers in Skagit County, go to: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirus.htm#.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Speak Up, Speak Out
Although Speak Up, Speak Out (SUSO) has not been airing new broadcasts, past broadcasts going back to March 2006 are still available for the next year at their website: http://speakupspeakoutradio.org/.