Clallam Democrats Rising - March 2026
Vol. 2, #2 - March 2026
Editor’s Note
Nearly every story in this month’s issue is about ordinary people taking action — even when — especially when — it’s the last thing they ever imagined themselves doing. Courage and achievement requires overcoming fear, discomfort, and, often, significant obstacles. As a Republican regime continues tearing down our democratic institutions and replacing them with injustice, chaos, and death, everyday heroes are bravely stepping forward to say, “This. Stops. Now.”
In the March issue of Clallam Democrats Rising:
Chair’s Corner: Our commitment to working people
Local Impacts, Local Actions
How Precinct Committee Officers are helping save our country
Council proclamation distinguishes between local policing and federal anti-immigration tyranny
Raise your voices for International Women’s Day March 8
Takin’ it to the Streets – Again (No Kings Day, March 28)
Melting ICE through social media
Feature Articles:
Taking action — even when you’re scared
Conservation District election – why it matters
Seeking votes for Wendy Rae
Profile in Leadership: County Commissioner Mike French – a local guy doing good things for us
The human cost of illegal deportations
Read on, enjoy, take action!
Note to our readers: For a younger perspective on where we should consider focusing our energies, I've asked my daughter Emily Menshew to be the guest contributor for my column.
In solidarity,
Ellen Menshew
Chair, Clallam County Democrats
chair@clallamdems.org
Our commitment to working people
By Emily Menshew
As our country continues to face extremism and fragmentation, it is important that we remember what makes a democracy strong. Moments like the State of the Union remind us how quickly differences in strategy can be mistaken for divisions in values. While debate and dissent are signals of a healthy democracy, this is a time to remember what ultimately binds us together – our commitment to working people. This is the core Democratic commitment that our leaders in Washington have taken, and it is the sole basis for how we should be judging them; not on whether or not they attended this year’s State of the Union address.
Unity does not mean uniformity; it means choosing collaboration over fragmentation and progress over personal positioning. We witnessed the consequences of a fractured Democratic base in the 2020 presidential primary election, and I would argue we witnessed the consequences of a false sense of unity in the 2024 presidential election. It is time Democrats in Washington form a truly unified resistance, and it’s time we hold them accountable as voters.
“Liberty and justice for all” depends on real progressive policy and radical change at the local, state, and federal levels. We can no longer afford to let doubt and apprehension direct our choices of candidates and policies. We need to act boldly and bravely, and support leaders who do the same.
Emily Menshew is a 25-year-old substitute teacher and Port Angeles High School graduate. She’s lived in Port Angeles for most of her life, but attended Gonzaga University for both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
How Precinct Committee Officers are helping save our country – and why you should consider becoming one
By Paul Kolesnikoff
Hello, Fellow Democrats. As you know, our democracy is at risk, and Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) are playing a big part to help save our country. PCOs are the bedrock of our Democratic Party because they are the elected officials closest to our communities. PCOs can talk to their neighbors to find out their concerns, help their neighbors learn about candidates, and encourage their neighbors to vote. In addition, only PCOs can vote for top officials and by-laws for the County party.
Sadly, half of our Clallam County precincts do not have a Democratic PCO! What’s more, some of our current PCOs will be moving away or retiring. If you’ve been looking for a way you can help protect your country and your community, consider becoming a PCO and filing for the position during the week of May 4-8, 2026.
If you’d like to find out more, the Washington State Democratic Party has developed a wonderful online tutorial for PCOs, with a PCO handbook and training videos. But keep in mind that being a PCO is a volunteer position – you can determine the amount of effort you put into it and the best approach for your precinct.
Over the next few weeks, experienced PCOs will gather in Clallam County Democrats Headquarters meeting room at 5 p.m., before the Federalist Papers talks (every Monday in March). Join us to learn about life as a PCO and help us put names on the precinct map below.
To learn how you could become an elected PCO (one of the cool kids!), come to these workshops, or contact any of the PCOs listed below. Also, please send us your ideas and thoughts on how we can help each other work together, learn together, and win together in Clallam County in 2026!
Thanks for helping Clallam County and our great nation!
Paul Kolesnikoff, PCO for Port Angeles Precinct 108; 720-409-6070; pa108pco@grinning.us
Doug Taylor, PCO for Sequim Precinct 402; 360-504-7276; papadoug05@gmail.com
Eileen Cummings, PCO for Sequim Precinct 406; 360-440-2892; eileencummings1851@gmail.com
Paul Pickett, PCO for Bellevue Precinct 205; 360-359-3435; fraxinus@reachone.com
Council proclamation draws distinction between local policing and federal anti-immigration tyranny
At the Feb. 25 City Council meeting, Sequim Mayor Rachel Anderson shared a proclamation signed by the City Council renewing the city’s commitment “to serving and protecting all community members, regardless of immigration status.” Mayor Anderson authored the proclamation in response to recent “concerns related to federal immigration enforcement activities occurring in other communities and the uncertainty these actions may cause.”
The declaration reiterates that “local law enforcement does not engage in federal civil immigration enforcement.” In accordance with the Keep Washington Working Act and Sequim Police Department policy, local police officers “are prohibited from taking action based solely on a person’s immigration status.” The document reaffirms the distinction between local and federal authority and underscores the need for “professionalism, transparency, and de-escalation during periods of heightened tension.” It emphasizes that no community member should let concerns about their immigration status make them reluctant to call 911 to seek emergency assistance.
The proclamation concludes with the City of Sequim’s commitment “to maintaining public safety, public trust, and a respectful community for all.” Read the entire proclamation.
Raise your voices for International Women’s Day, March 8
International Women’s Day, Sunday, March 8, takes on new significance as the current regime pushes through decisions affecting the bodily autonomy, safety, education, healthcare, and equality of women and girls in this country. Young people in Clallam County will be marching in Port Angeles to show that their generation is paying attention and will not stay silent when their rights and the rights of marginalized communities are threatened. Show your support by joining this important march, which begins at 1 p.m. in front of the Clallam County Courthouse, located at 223 East 4th Street in Port Angeles. RSVP to attend the march and get more information.
Takin’ it to the Streets – Again on March 28
Our country is being tested, and silence is no longer an option. When the values we cherish are threatened, the most powerful thing we can do is show up visibly, courageously, and together. We’re calling on everyone who loves this country to stand with us. Not out of fear, but out of fierce devotion to the freedoms, rights, and dignity that define us. When harm is being done to our nation, it’s us, the ordinary people with extraordinary resolve, that have to step forward to say: Not on our watch.
Three No Kings protests organized by Clallam County Indivisible groups will take place on Saturday, March 28. All three events begin at noon. In Port Angeles, the protest begins at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E 4th Street; in Sequim, the protest begins at Washington and Priest; and, in Forks, the protest begins at the Forks Transit Center.
Bring your voice. Bring your conviction. Bring your love of country.
Let’s stand shoulder to shoulder and defend what is ours to protect.
Melting ICE through social media
The Freedom Writers Collaborative — one of the first groups advocating and explaining against Project 2025 — has put together a social media kit with customizable posts you can use to expose the truth about devastating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) overreach. These tools can help you organize and demand an end to ICE/DHS illegal attacks, kidnappings, detentions and disappearances.
Taking action … even when you’re scared
For many of us who historically have not been politically active, choosing to “speak up and act” may seem a daunting task. If the outrageous acts of the Trump regime make you want to take some kind of action – even if you haven’t done so in the past – writer Tina Tyler completely understands. She also offers four not-too-scary ways you can launch your own personal resistance campaign.
Conservation District election – why it matters
The Clallam Conservation District (CCD) brings millions of dollars from state and federal grant programs into the county to pay for important work being done to promote sustainable management of our county’s soil, water, and wildlife. Select the link below to read writer Tina Tyler’s interview with Wendy Rae Johnson, who is running for a second term as a board supervisor with the unanimous endorsement of Clallam County Democrats.
Seeking votes for Wendy Rae
During an Indivisible Sequim meeting with an already-full agenda, writer Tim Wheeler quietly conducts a one-man campaign to reelect Wendy Rae Johnson to a second three-year term as a Commissioner for the Clallam Conservation District (CCD). Along the way, he explains why a vote for Wendy Rae sends a message opposing candidates funded by MAGA extremists.
Profile in Leadership: County Commissioner Mike French
In a relaxed conversation with writer Paul Pickett, Mike French reflects on his family’s history in the community, how being a member of various community boards, a local business owner, and a City Council member helped teach him to work with people with different viewpoints to accomplish good things for our community — and why he believes Democrats need to return to their working class roots.
The human cost of illegal deportations
The Freedom Writers Collaborative has captured stories of the human suffering being perpetrated by the Trump regime’s illegal Immigration Wars. The eight stories they share make it abundantly clear: No one is immune from the lawlessness of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security, including our own communities here in Clallam County.
Sunday, March 15, 4 p.m. – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with CCD ☘️
Clallam County Democrats (CCD) invite you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us on Sunday, March 15, beginning at 4 p.m. The event, featuring a traditional Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner (vegetarian option available), will take place at the Black Diamond Community Hall, 1942 Black Diamond Road in Port Angeles. Tickets are $30 and are available for purchase online. Deadline for reservations is March 10.
Mondays through March 23 – Alex, Jim and Jay ‘splain the Constitution, March 9, 16, & 23 at 6 p.m.
Even if you missed the first three sessions of this fascinating series on the U.S. Constitution, it’s not too late to join the final three sessions on Monday, March 9, 16, and 23 at 6 p.m. Retired American History teacher Tom Peet’s new series of Civics Education explains the Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. This series of articles grappled with the complex issues that had to be resolved before all 13 Colonies could agree to ratify the newly written Constitution. Some of these same issues face the American government today. Classes will be held at Clallam County Democrats Headquarters, 124-A West First St. in Port Angeles. Sign up via the link on the clallamdems.org website calendar. Or, participate on Zoom.
Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m. – Support immigrants living in Clallam County
The Immigration Action Committee meets Tuesday, March 10, at 6 p.m. on Zoom. During this challenging time for immigrants, we have a lot going on, so join us to find out more. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month. For more information and to get a Zoom link to attend the March 10 meeting, contact the Action Committee Chair.
Tuesday, March 17, 12 p.m. – CHAT n CHEW No-Host Lunch
Every third Tuesday of the month is a chance to get together for a visit over lunch. No RSVP needed. Everyone is welcome! Meet at Asian Buffet (near Harbor Freight) in Port Angeles Plaza, 1940 E 1st St., Port Angeles. Cost: $20.
Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. – Take-Action Thursdays continue! March 5, 12, 19, & 26
On Thursday afternoons, drop by Clallam County Democrats headquarters to enjoy a meal with like-minded people and discuss ways we can take positive action to preserve our democracy. Bring your preferred beverage, your appetite, and your ideas. HQ is located at 124-A West First St. in Port Angeles.
Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Vigil for Democracy, Four Corners: WA/Sequim Aves, March 6, 13, 20, 27
Join us every Friday for a peaceful vigil for community members to meet and support each other as we work together to save our democracy. We’ll gather at the four corners in Sequim (Washington Street and Sequim Avenue). Bring signs to “Save our Democracy.”
Saturdays, 1-3 p.m. – Practice true community March 7, 14, 21, 28
Many of our fellow community members are unhoused, food insecure, battling addiction, and suffering from illness and loneliness. Help the most vulnerable in our community by showing up at Jesse Webster Park in Port Angeles, at 3rd & Eunice St., behind Swains, with warm clothing, food (especially sandwiches), and a willing pair of hands to set-up, serve, and clean up. Sponsored by Tree Park Collective, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Stay tuned for all of our exciting winter events!
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We need your stories! Submit your ideas to newsletter@clallamdems.org. Deadline for April newsletter submissions is Tuesday, March 24.
We need your help! Volunteers are always needed for our newsletter – writing, editing, graphics, layout – lots of opportunities to creatively contribute. To learn more, send a note to newsletter@clallamdems.org.
Thank you for reading, and for being a part of the change and resistance our country needs. Together, we will defend Democracy. Stay active, and we’ll see you next month!
Working with Our Allied Partners in Wise Environmental Stewardship:
- Center for Responsible Forestry
- Earth Law Center
- Elwha Legacy Forests
- Friends of Ennis Creek
- Legacy Forest Defense Coalition
- Olympic Climate Action