News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on June 9th, 2024
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for June 10, 2024
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – Skagit County Democrats 2024 Gala
The Skagit County Democrats’ Annual Gala and Fundraiser, held on June 1st, 2024, at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge, was a resounding success. Themed "Ensuring Democracy Together," the event showcased a strong community commitment to democratic values.
The evening began with a Candidate Meet and Greet, featuring U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen, WA State Representatives Debra Lekanoff, Dave Paul, Clyde Shavers, and Alex Ramel, WA State 10th LD Senate Candidate Janet St. Clair, WA State Supreme Court Position 2 Candidate Sal Mungia, WA State Court of Appeals Candidate Cecily Hazelrigg, and Skagit County Commissioner Candidate Richard Brocksmith. Their remarks highlighted the critical importance of the upcoming elections.
Lifelong Skagit County resident Joe Bowen delivered an inspiring keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in supporting Democratic candidates at all levels. He also honored his mother, Imogene Bowen, a revered political organizer and campaigner, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.
The Gala was a celebration of unity and shared purpose, demonstrating the Skagit County Democrats' commitment to ensuring democracy through active participation and support for their candidates. The enthusiasm of the evening will propel the community forward toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
Our thanks to the many hard-working, active Democrats that made this such a successful event!
2. The Fidalgo Democrats meet Tuesday, Jun 11, 7:00pm, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th Street, Anacortes
"CSO Brent Lindquist, the Community Outreach Officer, will discuss “How to Avoid Scams and Fraud”. Officer Lindquist will give practical and updated information about what is happening and what you can do to decrease your risk. Contact Barbara Cooper 360 770-3506 for more information."
3. NEW – The 39th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets Tuesday, Jun 18, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link.
4. NEW – Rick Larsen's Skagit County Campaign Kickoff, Thursday, Jun 20, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Mount Vernon
Exact address will be disclosed upon RSVP (Click Here). Click Here to see the full list of Rick's Kickoff Events in other counties.
5. The 39th Legislative District Democrats General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Jun 22, 10:00am – 11:00am, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link.
6. Endorsements
Click Here to see a listing of all the candidates currently endorsed by the Skagit County Democrats.
7. There will be no Skagit County Democrats Membership Meeting in the month of June
8. NEW – Ken Winkes provides another thoughtful "Guest Commentary" in the Skagit Valley Herald
Click Here to read the editorial.
9. NEW – The Washington State Democrats 2024 Convention will be conducted Friday, Jun 21 – Sunday, Jun 23, Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
Delegates have already been selected for this convention. Click Here to view the convention schedule.
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.
- Washington judge denies GOP attempt to keep financial impact of initiatives off November ballots
- Bans on ranked choice voting are now law in many GOP states
- 'The difference between alarming and catastrophic': Cascadia megafault has 1 especially deadly section, new map reveals
- What U.S. states have the best and worst economy?
- Scientists Uncover Cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Potential Treatment
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – Valley of Our Spirits Signage Unveiling, Monday, Jun 10, 5:00pm – 6:00pm, Riverwalk Plaza, Mount Vernon
2. NEW – Burlington Berry Dairy Days, Friday, Jun 14 – Sunday, Jun 16, Burlington
Click Here for the schedule of events and map of activities.
3. NEW – School Closures
The kids are getting out of school! Please be aware and drive carefully! Watch out for the little ones now on the loose!
- Anacortes – Friday, June 14 – Last Day of School/ Half Day K-11
- Burlington-Edison – Monday, June 17 – Last Day of School
- Concrete – Tuesday, June 11 – Last Day of School – Early Release
- Conway – Thursday, June 13 – Last Day of School – Early Release
- La Conner – Friday, June 7
- Mount Vernon – Friday, June 21 – Last Day of School – Early Release
- Sedro-Woolley – Monday, June 17 – Last day of School – Early Release
4. NEW – Juneteenth, is celebrated Wednesday, Jun 19
Several government and school district offices will be closed for this holiday, including (but not limited to):
- Federal Government Offices
- Washington State Offices
- Skagit County Offices
- Skagit Transit Administrative office (buses still run)
- Skagit Valley College
- Most School Districts
5. June is Pride Month
- Anacortes 2024 Pride Parade, Saturday, Jun 22, 11:00am, 3rd Street at Commercial Avenue – Causland Park, 710 N Avenue (Click Here for route map.)
- Anacortes Pride Family Picnic and Talent Showcase, Saturday, Jun 22, immediately following the parade, Causland Park, 710 N Avenue
- 2024 Pride Walk, Monday, Jun 24, 11:30am – 12:15pm, begins 515 Fulton Street (near MV High School), ends Edgewater Park, Mount Vernon
- 2024 Pride Potluck Picnic, Monday, Jun 24, 12:30pm – 2:30pm, Edgewater Park, Mount Vernon
- NOTE: Mount Baker Planned Parenthood will have a table at both above events
6. NEW – Burn Ban takes effect June 15, 2024, for all of Skagit County
Click Here for all the particulars.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Coffee & Cards, Wednesdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon
Coffee and Cards meets on Wednesdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm. This is the group that was previously led by Carol Sullivan and is now led quite capably by Judy Farrar and Judith Chilcote. The group is a way for us to express ourselves about issues of importance to us all.
We will write messages of encouragement and support to people who are making positive contributions as well as messages of concern and opposition to people who are negatively impacting our world – this includes legislators on the local, state, and federal level as well as CEOs of corporations and other people having a significant impact in our world. We will share ideas for people to write to and issues to address.
Postcards and stamps will be provided, but we ask that people bring money to cover the cost of the postcard stamps which are currently $.53. Coffee will be provided or bring your own. As Carol always reminded us, “We are stronger together.” Our office is located at 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon, 360-336-1555."
2. Anacortes Sunday Demonstrations
Progressive folks regularly demonstrate each Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the corner of 12th Street and Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. While this is not an official Skagit County Democrats activity, turnout is encouraged.