Did you know that 14.9% of Jackson Countyâs population is Hispanic or Latino? September is the month to celebrate the contributions of the diverse Hispanic and Latino Communities in our county.
"I identify as indigenous South American and have so much respect for the Latino/a/x community here in Southern Oregon. It is no secret that marginalized communities have not had a voice at the table when it comes to politics, and that some members of these communities are distrustful of âthe systemâ. Here in Jackson County we are working to change that as we reach out to more Hispanic households and inform them about elections and measures that will have an impact on their communities in 2024. The Hispanic culture has contributed so much to our way of life, from food to music, from literature to cultural icons. Moving forward as Vice Chair I am working hard to ensure we are reaching the Hispanic and Latino/a/x communities in a culturally respectful way."
- Isabella Lee Tibbetts, Vice Chair of the Jackson County Democrats
A collaborative partnership between 3 local community organizations produces the first Talent community Dia De La Independencia celebration since 2019 on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 3 to 8 pm in downtown City of Talent.
Produced by Talent Business Alliance, Coalición Fortaleza, Rogue Action Center, and Rogue World Music, this FREE community event features:
El Mercadito showcasing an opportunity to shop, connect, & take action.
FREE Music on the Commons concert featuring San Francisco-based rising music star, La Doña.
A resource & activity fair organized and hosted by Rogue Action Center.
Featuring folkloric dancing from regions throughout Mexico by Luiza and Hector Zaragoza, a mural-in-a-day open to public participation by Gabriel Barrara of Scenic G studios, food trucks, music provided throughout the day by DJ Fresa, this celebration promises a FREE, family-friendly day of connection, play, discovery, and fun for the 2,000 anticipated attendees at this culturally-significant event.
El Mercadito details:
Location: Outside Historic Town Hall
Time: 3- 8 pm
25+ art, clothing, food, jewelry vendors, Mural painting, Folkloric dancers, activities for kids by Talent Maker City.
Music On The Commons details (FREE):
Location: Commons Stage at Commons Library Park (between Talent City Hall & Library)
Time: 6 - 7:30-ish pm
La Doña is a reggaeton singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She combines her deep roots in Latin folk traditions like corridos and rumba with the modern sounds of reggaeton, cumbia, and hip hop.
Bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Kids are welcome to play on the playground at the park during the event. Picnic dinners from home, local restaurants, or food trucks at the event are encouraged. No alcohol allowed in the public park.
Jackson County residents will soon reap the benefits of two bills passed recently by the Oregon Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek. The Climate Resilience Package will invest in community-focused solutions to increase energy efficiency, keep Oregonians safe from extreme weather, and build a more sustainable and equitable energy system.
Meanwhile, the Governor also signed the Drought and Water Investment bill, which will provide $100 million to ensure families, farms, and wildlife across Oregon have clean, safe water â now and into the future.
It takes time for bills like these to have their impact locally â but it will happen. Recently, thanks to passage last year of the Community Renewable Energy Program (product of a bill sponsored by state Rep. Pam Marsh, Democrat-Ashland), funding has been provided to create back-up power systems, vehicle charging stations, and other renewable energy projects for a number of local school and governmental entities including the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center, Medford and Phoenix-Talent School Districts, Rogue Community College, and the cities of Ashland and Talent.
In 2024, weâll have another opportunity to elect a Democrat to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners â something that hasnât happened since 2006, when Dr. David Gilmour was elected to a second term. Position 2, currently occupied by Dave Dotterer, will be on the ballot. Candidates can file for the office via the county's election website as early as Sept. 14, and the filing window will remain open through March 12, 2024.
If Republicans are going to govern in Jackson County, they must earn that privilege. At the very least, we must ensure they work hard for it. You can help by monitoring the goings-on of our current commissioners here.
And if the Republicans govern badly? We must organize ourselves so that we can show them the door.
Going 17 years without electing a Democrat to the county commission can make one feel like a Blue Dot in a Red Sea. But did you know Jackson County has more than 43,000 registered Democrats? Plus there are thousands of non-affiliated voters (NAVs) who are sympathetic to Democratic Party values and would like to see those embodied in our county governance. Weâve already identified more than 2,000 of these voters, and if you want to help us find more of them â and elect more Democrats â email David Sours at Chair@jcdemocrats.org.
To help defend democracy, you donât have to be a public speaker, or knock on doors, or lead a rally (but you can if you want!). Jackson County Democrats have opportunities for everyone who has the passion. Here are just some of the skills and aptitudes weâre looking for:
Communications skills of all kinds (writing, editing, graphics, answering common questions, social media, marketing)
Computer skills (spreadsheets, email, file sharing, data entry and management, etc.)
Project coordination (willing to take a project and run with it)
Tell us what gives you fulfillment and weâll connect you with meaningful volunteer work. We donât expect you to upend your life. We know that to sustain ourselves through this work, we all need balance in our lives. We do ask for a commitment that you feel you can honor. Contact David Sours at Chair@jcdemocrats.org.
Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery Website
On this website, you'll find information about:
Developing a plan before you experience a wildfire
Making a âGo Kitâ
Taking care of seniors and people with disabilities
Protecting pets and animals
Jackson County Health & Human Services
Steps to take to prepare for wildfire smoke
How to make your own DIY air cleaner to reduce wildfire smoke indoors
Watch Duty: A very helpful tool for tracking fires near you
This is the program used by law enforcement and fire agencies to track fires
Watch Duty is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit alerting you to nearby wildfires and firefighting in real time
Accessible on your computer at ââhttps://app.watchduty.org/
Downloadable to your smart phone on Apple Store or Google Play
And donât forget the masks!
With fire and smoke come respiratory issues for many people. Plus â Covid is knocking again. With that in mind, here are a couple of websites with recommendations on the best N95 masks â and where to get them.
https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-n95-masks-ncna1288842
https://www.wired.com/story/best-disposable-face-masks-n95-kn95-kf94-surgical/
The time is NOW to invest in the upcoming crucial 2024 elections in Jackson County. At a recent Central Committee Meeting, your Jackson County Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) set a goal of raising $40,000 for funding of our campaign efforts for the 2024 election. We know from past experience that early investment in local campaigns is essential. We've begun fundraising for the 2024 election cycle so we can have funds available to jump start campaigns for Democratic candidates and issues. Generous donations raised at the Wine in the Garden event got us off to an excellent start . . but now we need your continued support to meet our goal.
You can easily donate through ActBlue:
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/jackson-county-democratic-party--or--1
You can also send in a check to:
Jackson County Democrats
P.O. Box 4474
Medford, OR 97501
Please include your address, employer if youâre currently employed, email and phone number when you send in your check.
In August a contingent of Jackson County Democrats participated in the 2023 Democratic Party of Oregon Platform Convention, which took place at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. Thank you to all our delegates; Chair David Sours, Vice Chair Isabella Tibbetts, Former Chair Tonia Moro, Secretary Cole Daneman, Allen Hallmark and Chair of Jackson County's Health Care Caucus, Lauri Hoagland. A number of legislators participated in the platform convention, serving as facilitators of breakout sessions and as the chair and vice chair of the convention. This convention was a great opportunity to meet people from around the state, set policy priorities (primarily for state and federal legislators), and learn more about all sorts of important issues.
Delegate Lauri Hoagland was instrumental in adding this plank to our state platform: "We believe substance abuse disorder is a medical condition and not a criminal behavior. We support ongoing support including harm reduction, withdrawal support, and recovery services across Oregon!"
The new DPO Platform and Priority Legislative Action Items will be available on the DPO's website by the end of the month.
Come join Rogue Valley Health Care for All Oregon chapter on Sunday October 8, 2023 at the Medford Library big conference room from 4:00-5:30 PM for a solutions-oriented discussion on the effects of heat and smoke on the health of Jackson County residents. We will have four speakers from our community including Representative Pam Marsh address the challenges, projections and possible interventions to ensure health in our Southern Oregon world.
Stop by the Jackson County Democratâs Booth at these Community Events Happening this Fall
*Greater Medford Multicultural Fair - September 30-10:00 - 4:00 pm
- Pear Blossom Park in Medford (Across from Lithiaâs Corporate Office Building and Common Block Brewing)
*Southern Oregon Pride -October 7 in Ashland
- Parade from 11:00 - 12:00 - Downtown Ashland
- Booth: 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Lithia Park
*Talent Harvest Festival - October 7 in Downtown Talent-10:00 - 4:00 pm
- WE WILL BE HAVING A FOOD DRIVE at OUR BOOTHâPlease bring a donation of
- Nonperishable food in order to help our neighbors in the South Valley!
Coming Up in November: An evening of music and dancing, the first âI Canât Dance, Danceâ FUNdraiser with the Jackson County Democrats. (No worriesâDancing will not be required!) Stay tuned for more information.
Can You Help out with any of these events?
Volunteers are needed for all of these upcoming events. To offer your assistance, please email Chair@jcdemocrats.org
The City of Ashland has openings on the Housing and Human Services Commission, the Wildfire Safety Commission, the Climate Policy Commission and more! More information on the City of Ashland Commission Vacancies.
The City of Medford has openings on the Commission on Access, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Housing Advisory Commission, the Planning Commission, the Police Advisory Committee and more! More information on the City of Medford Committee and Commission Vacancies!
Follow the Jackson County Democrats on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
PO BOX 4474, Medford, OR 97501 | 541-858-1050 | jcdemocrats.org
Jackson County Democrats
PO BOX 4474
Medford, OR 97501
United States
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