Del Norte Democrats

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Del Norte Democrats Official page for the Del Norte County Democratic Central Committee. It's a simple but powerful idea: we are stronger together.

The Del Norte Democrats believe that cooperation is better that conflict, unity is better than division, empowerment is better than resentment, bridges are better than walls, and women have the right to control their own bodies.

Pathetic what the lure of corrupt trump cash can do to weak men's morality.
10/22/2026

Pathetic what the lure of corrupt trump cash can do to weak men's morality.

10/21/2026

In My View by Kevin Hendrick (10/20/26)

Prologue:

I wrote the following column for the Del Norte Triplicate, October 23 edition. Then I read the October 16 publication and found for the second week in a row, they did not publish my column. When I asked why, they told me it’s “nothing personal” but they did not have space for my column.

I will not continue to write columns for the Triplicate if they will not print them.

The Triplicate has a new owner who may not realize how many people subscribe to the Triplicate to read my column. If you think that there should be room in our local paper for a voice that will bring balance to conservative messaging, contact the new owner and let him know what you think.

Email the owner Paul Scholl, [email protected] and email the local manager Nick Maietta, [email protected] or call (707) 464-2141.

For now, I am done writing for the Triplicate, but I will post this recent column on the Democrats’ page as I did with the last two columns that Triplicate failed to publish.

Here is the new one.

Brie Fraley is an Advocate for Children

The Del Norte Democrats did not adopt an endorsement for School Board which is a non-partisan race. This is only my opinion and does not represent the position of the Democratic Party.

The success of our schools, School Board, teachers, and students is vitally consequential for our collective future, so today I will expound on the School Board contest.

No one filed to run against incumbent Abbie Crist, so she will win unopposed. No one ran for the open First District seat, but fortunately, John Pritchett stepped forward to be appointed to fill this vacancy. Thank you, John and Abbie!

The only school board position that is being contested will represent the Fifth District - which includes Klamath, Bertsch Tract, Elk Valley Road and Parkway. I ran for County Supervisor in the Fifth District, so I am very familiar with this sprawling district.

I am impressed with School Board candidate Brie Fraley and her approach to education. Recently, I attended a “Coffee with Brie” event and I got to listen in on a very detailed policy discussion. Brie was speaking about the need for more facilitation to access Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

IEPs give students with disabilities special education services and support. IEPs meet a student’s specific needs. The problem that Brie identified is that the process to get an IEP approved is cumbersome and may be beyond the capacity of some parents to follow through.

IEPs also cost the District extra money so there is resistance to expanding these services. Not accepting this limitation, Brie will support programs that enable all students to succeed. To reduce the burden on local taxpayers, she is committed to lobbying for more State and Federal funding to make this possible.

This is not idle talk. Last weekend, I was at a meeting where Brie was speaking with Congressman Jared Huffman about the need for more Federal Special Education Funding. Brie is already working for our children, and she hasn’t even been elected yet!

Brie knows about our local education policies because she is also a mom with children in school. Brie emphasized to me that she will be an advocate for children. I think there is tremendous value in having a parent on the School Board and Brie will bring a practical perspective.

Brie explains, “I am running for School Board because I care deeply about the environment where our children learn and grow. I want our schools to be safe welcoming places where students enjoy learning, teachers feel supported and families feel connected.”

“Our children deserve the best education and school experience we can provide. When we invest in them, we invest in the strength and future of our entire community.”

If you live in the Fifth District, I recommend that you vote for Brie Fraley for School Board.

The deadline for returning your ballot is Tuesday November 3. Ballot drop off locations are open during regular business hours at the Senior Center, 1765 Northcrest Drive; and the Elections Office, 981 H Street, Crescent City or at any poll up until 8PM on election day. Don’t wait. Vote now!

If you have questions or have not received your ballot, call the Elections Office (707) 465-0383.

Kevin Hendrick

10/17/2026

No Kings is HAPPENING!

Why is October 17th important?
10/17/2026

Why is October 17th important?

10/14/2026

In My View by Kevin Hendrick

Vote Early is the Theme of the No Kings Rally

There will be No Kings Rallies across the country this Saturday, October 17. The local No Kings Rally will be on the sidewalk near the Del Norte County Fairgrounds from 12-2 PM. This event is listed on nokings.org as a volunteer organized, non-partisan community event. The theme is “Vote Early.”

Concurrently, there will be a Vote Early Forum sponsored by the Del Norte Democrats in the Fairgrounds Floral Building. From 11AM – 12PM there will be a short program focusing on ballot propositions. This building will remain open from 11AM to 2 PM with a silent auction, refreshments and bathrooms.

Both events are open to the public.

According to the national No Kings sponsor, “We’re Reclaiming Our Power. Families across the country are struggling to afford groceries, gas, electric bills, and the everyday cost of getting by. The decisions made by those in power shape our lives, our communities, and our future.”

“No Kings: Vote Early is the next step of reclaiming our power after a year of mass mobilizations. It's a day of nonpartisan voter participation, being in community with each other, and making sure every eligible voter has a plan, knows their options, and is ready to make their voice count.”

If you attend the rally, please follow these rules, “No Kings: Vote Early events are nonpartisan and are designed to increase participation from all eligible voters. A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action and no civil disobedience.”

“We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.” (Go to nokings.org for more information)

This is the fourth national No Kings Rally, and our county has participated in every one. At one event more than 900 demonstrators lined up on Highway 101. This was an impressive exercise of free speech and peaceful protest. Our founders would be proud of these patriots standing up to resist a wannabe king.

This reminds me of the 1966 Vietnam protest song by Buffalo Springfield, For What It’s Worth.
“A thousand people in the street. Singing songs and carrying signs. Mostly saying hooray for our side. It’s time we stop. Hey what’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down.”

History doesn’t repeat itself, but sometimes it rhymes. Sixty 60 years later, our President has gotten us into another intractable war. The Iran War has cost us $100 billion and after seven months there is no end in sight. Meanwhile, the people are paying the price through more expensive gas, goods and groceries.

The most effective way to protest is to vote! There is no reason to wait to return your ballot. You may drop it off at the County Elections Office, 981 H Street or the Senior Center in Crescent City. If you have questions or have not received your ballot, call the Elections Office (707) 465-0383.

Remember, the last day to register to vote is October 19.

Kevin Hendrick is a 33-year resident of Del Norte County

At this point, what hope is there for the hardcore red hats?
10/13/2026

At this point, what hope is there for the hardcore red hats?

Hard to be too concerned about Daylight Savings Time
10/11/2026

Hard to be too concerned about Daylight Savings Time

10/09/2026

In My View by Kevin Hendrick
Why is Roger Gitlin running for City Council?

I do not live in Crescent City, but I know that successes in Crescent City benefit everyone who lives in the County. I do wonder why Roger Gitlin is running for City Council. Why did he file to run at the last minute?

I went to the Election Office to read Roger’s candidate statement, which tells voters what you hope to accomplish. I found that he did not spend the $400 to submit a ballot statement. I am curious to know what his agenda is, but I have observed him long enough that I have some idea of what he would do.

People may recall when Roger was on the Board of Supervisors. I cannot think of one thing that he accomplished except putting a sign at the entrance to the Board of Supervisors chamber that says, “In God We Trust.” Mostly I remember that he was very contentious and unproductive.

Recently, Roger was the Editor of the Del Norte Triplicate where he almost drove the newspaper out of business. After being warned by the owners to stop libeling Harbor Commissioner Annie Nehmer, he persisted with his attacks. Consequently, he was fired and the newspaper was sold to avoid a lawsuit.

It was reported to me that Roger spoke at a recent City Council meeting encouraging the City to stop building affordable housing because it will attract more poor people to move here. He has already been told that this subsidized housing is reserved for local people that need homes. Did he forget this?

Roger rails against the tarnish on our community from the local unhoused population but will not support efforts to provide housing. This sentiment reflects Gitlin’s apparent prejudice against poor people. He doesn’t want more outsiders to move here even though he moved here from Los Angeles County.

I have noticed that Roger is often impervious to facts. Once he makes up his mind, he will resist considering information that conflicts with his opinion. This is not a demeanor that will help solve problems. City Council is a non-partisan position, and Roger is too politically extreme to be effective.

In contrast, there are two candidates who will think objectively and be great for this non-partisan elected
position. Incumbent Steve Shamblin gained experience with City policy as a Planning Commissioner and Measure S Oversight Committee Member. Steve has been a good addition to the City Council.

David Sedgwick will bring new energy and fresh ideas to the City Council. What I like most about David is that he clearly cares about the wellbeing of other people. He strongly believes that everyone deserves to have a place to live, even poor people. I believe he will bring harmony to the deliberations.

David and Steve are committed to downtown revitalization and affordable housing. They support improving roads, maintaining water and wastewater infrastructure and improving police and fire services. They promise responsible balanced budgets and transparency in all aspects of city government.

Remember there are two City Council positions to fill, so you can vote for two. I recommend that City voters elect David Sedgwick and Steve Shamblin for City Council. This would be good for us all.

Kevin Hendrick is a 33-year resident of Del Norte County

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