News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on March 6th, 2022
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for March 7, 2022
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. Fidalgo Democrats will meet Tuesday, Mar 8, 7:00pm, online
“Please join us for a special night with our new Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. Learn what the Secretary of State is responsible for in Washington State. He oversees our elections and much more. What are the issues and what can we expect? He will take questions following his presentation. Barbara Cooper, Chair, 360-293-4123”
Last month’s meeting with 2nd Congressional District Representative Rick Larsen can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgqwLel5jBU.
2. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Central Committee meets Saturday, Mar 12, 10:00am – 12:00pm, via Zoom
Our endorsement committee has worked very hard making some amendments/changes to our endorsement policy which they will be presenting to you all for your approval. If you have not received an invitation and would like to attend, please email Chair@skagitdemocrats.org.
3. NEW – The 10th Legislative District Democrats have scheduled their 2022 Caucus for Saturday, Mar 26, 10:00am via Zoom
The Caucus will select delegates and alternatives to the Jun 24 – 26 State Convention. “All candidates to be a delegate MUST declare themselves digitally by registering HERE! . . . The 10th gets to send 21 delegates and 10 alternates to the convention . . . For more information, contact chair@10thLDDemocrats.org.”
4. NEW – Want to Help Rick Larsen get re-elected?
Get Involved Sign-Up: https://forms.gle/efBgcRmkYtmcggJh8. We’re also hiring a Communications Director & hiring Field Coordinators based out of Whatcom & Snohomish. Click Here for those job descriptions.
Editor’s Note: Rick Larsen has previously been certified by the Skagit County Democrats.
5. NEW – Washington State Redistricting
On February 8th, the state legislature adopted final redistricting maps. These can be found at: https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/final-maps.
6. UPDATED – Legislative Committee Calls to Action
Over the past weeks we’ve asked you to write to your representatives to show support for selected bills identified by your Skagit Democrats’ legislative committee. So many of the bills we support are gaining momentum as they near the finish line! Thank you for taking the time to send those emails. It really does make a difference.
This week, we ask that you email your representatives AGAIN in support of the bills listed below. We need to show ongoing support as these important bills move out of committee and onto the floor. March 4 is the last day for the legislature to pass many of these bills. Let’s see what we can do!
Make sure to include your name and address at the end of each email. Thursday, Mar 10 is the last scheduled day of this year’s Washington Legislative Session.
ESHB1169
Dear senator, <liz.lovelett@leg.wa.gov; keith.wagoner@leg.wa.gov; ron.muzzall@leg.wa.gov>
It is time to pass ESHB1169 and begin to fix our sentencing structure to be tougher on criminals committing drug related crimes. Please give this bill priority and get it passed.
(Sentencing enhancements) [Previously passed the House, now on the Senate floor calendar.]
SHB2018
Dear senator, <liz.lovelett@leg.wa.gov; keith.wagoner@leg.wa.gov; ron.muzzall@leg.wa.gov>
I strongly support HB2018, a 3-day tax holiday to help families prepare for school opening and to support small businesses is a fantastic idea.
[Finally passed the House! Because this bill is budget related it is exempt from cutoff. It should get fast tracked through the Senate. With a hard push from the people we might see the Senate get this bill to the Governor..]
ESSB5078 – [This bill passed the House and Senate with your help!]
ESSB5974 – [This bill passed both chambers! But, the Senate refuses to concur in House amendments. Asks House for conference thereon. Conference committee appointed. Senators Liias, Saldaña, King.]
SHB1876 – [Passed both the House and the Senate!!]
7. Call for Volunteers
“We can start to defend democracy this year by working on our local level. Volunteer to work in the office and pitch in to support our elected officials and those who are planning to run. You can work at your comfort level, whether it is writing post cards or thank you cards, or making phone calls, or answering phone calls. We welcome your thoughts and ideas for the future of our county. Current Office Hours are two-hour slots, at 10am, noon, and 2pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and we have openings. As we approach the primary and then election in November, we plan to have the office open on Fridays as well. Can you help? This is a great way to get active in our county!” If you are interested, please email staff@skagitdemocrats.org.
8. 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.
- Climate Change Is Already Taking a Big Bite Out of Our Food Supply
- They Persisted for Suffrage
- How Sitting Bull’s Fight for Indigenous Land Rights Shaped the Creation of Yellowstone National Park
- The Seven Habits That Lead to Happiness in Old Age
- Future Uses of Space Out to 2050
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, Mar 13 at 2:00am
Move the clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed Saturday night. Standard time resumes Sunday Nov 6. Click Here for a history of Daylight Saving Time. Click Here for a New York Times article on the subject.
2. NEW – No More Bombs will be bannering on the Blackburn I-5 overpass on Friday, Mar 11, 3:00pm
“Our banner reads “NO NUKES”. There’s a gravel parking area on Blackburn just West of the bridge. Join us if you can. Bring a sign or simply wave at motorists. Contact Julia at 360-724-3404.”
3. NEW – Ukraine Aid Lists
Below are several lists of recommended agencies that are providing Ukraine Aid
- NPR – https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1082992947/ukraine-support-help
- BOSTON WCVB Channel 5 – https://www.wcvb.com/article/donations-for-ukraine-february-26-2022/39241164#
- Global Citizen – https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ways-to-help-ukraine-conflict/
- Fortune Magazine – https://fortune.com/2022/02/25/how-to-help-ukraine/
That is, if you get a round to it . . .
5. The 8th Annual La Conner 2022 Daffodil Festival runs from Mar 1 – Mar 31
6. UPDATED – Skagit County, Anacortes accepting comments on Shoreline Master Programs
“Skagit County is accepting comments until 4:30 p.m. March 1 [NOTE: Public Comment Period Extended to April 1st, 2022] and will hold an online public hearing at 10:30 a.m. that day on Zoom. Anacortes is accepting comments until 5 p.m. March 9.” Click Here for more information.
- Click Here for the Skagit County Shoreline Master Program Update.
- Click Here for the Anacortes Shoreline Master Program Update.
7. UPDATED – COVID-19 Information
Current Skagit County Information – The following is taken from the Skagit County COVID-19 Update of Mar 2
Local COVID-19 Case, Hospital & Vaccine Data
Skagit County’s 14-day case rate has decreased by 44 percent since last week, and our hospitalization rate has decreased by 17 percent. Our county has seen 4 new COVID-related deaths this week.
This week, Skagit County moved from ‘High’ to ‘Substantial’ for our transmission levels.
Please note: This graphic uses the CDC COVID-19 transmission level maps, found here: https://bit.ly/3C6sWhF. This map only looks at the new COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 persons over the past 7 days.
Another new tool, the CDC Community Levels by County map, is found here: https://bit.ly/3ICCoLV. This map was introduced last Friday and looks at the following metrics to arrive at the status by county:
- New COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 persons over the past 7 days
- Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients
- Total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 persons over the past 7 days
Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate Lifting March 12th
Governor Inslee announced yesterday the statewide mask mandate will be lifted a bit earlier than previously stated. The mandate will now lift at midnight on Saturday, March 12th. At this time, masks will no longer be required in indoor locations such as restaurants, grocery stores, malls, public-facing offices, K-12 schools, and childcare locations throughout the state.
The lifting of the mask mandate will not include certain indoor settings considered to be at high-risk for disease spread including healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, and correctional facilities.
Following the lifting of the mandate, Washingtonians can continue to wear a mask if they so choose. This goes for businesses, as well, who will retain the right to choose stricter masking requirements if desired.
Please note that state policies do not change federal requirements, which still include masks on public transit.
Vaccine at the Public Health Office
COVID-19 prime, pediatric, and booster vaccinations are available at the Public Health office in downtown Mount Vernon at 700 S 2nd Street. To make an appointment, go to www.skagitcounty.net/COVIDvaccine or call (360) 416-1500. Walk-ins are also available, though appointments are preferred.
Beginning next week, the clinic will be open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Available appointments include:
- Wednesday 3/09 –click here
- Thursday 3/10 –click here
- Friday 3/11 –click here
- Wednesday 3/16 –click here
- Thursday 3/17 –click here
- Friday 3/18 –click here
Testing Site to Relocate After March 4th
The Skagit County Fairgrounds COVID-19 Testing Site will be relocating after Friday, March 4th, with a new location scheduled to open in mid-March. More information will be available on this relocation by next week.
Antigen Testing at the Fairgrounds
The Fairgrounds will be open this Thursday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Testing is free and available to anyone 5 years and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Skagit County. Individuals must be symptomatic or have had recent exposure to COVID-19 to qualify for service at the site.
For information about our site or for a full list of testing providers in Skagit County: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirusTESTsites.htm
At-home COVID-19 Testing
Free at-home test kits can now be ordered online through the following sites:
- sayyescovidhometest.org (no longer limited to one order per household!)
- covidtest.gov (limited to one order per household)
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, are symptomatic, or have been recently exposed, please refer to the CDC’s Isolation and Quarantine Guidance found here: https://bit.ly/3JQLIwF.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. The League of Women Voters of Washington has a group – ACT via Zoom (Action Coffee Time) – focused on topics currently being debated in Washington State Legislative session
Mondays, 10:00am – 11:00am (with optional 11-11:15 social time). Attend as your interest in a topic and schedule allows. Each session will be recorded for viewing anytime. The continuing Zoom connection link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82841749719?pwd=K3cweWNUbkg0bkM0ZzRML2U1TXVBdz09 – Meeting ID: 828 4174 9719. Passcode: 619917.
This week’s session – Last minute actions: LWV Issue Chairs
Next week’s session – Legislative Wrap up