The Democrats of Shasta County held a virtual fundraiser for their state and federal endorsed candidates on September 20 which included appearances from several state leaders, as well as a Congressional trailblazer from New Mexico.
Representative Deb Haaland is one of the first 2 Native American women elected to Congress in 2018. Rep. Haaland introduced Congressional candidate Audrey Denney from her home in New Mexico. Citing Denney’s background in farming and community development, Haaland gave Denney her strong endorsement, adding: “Audrey is the fierce fighter we all need in Congress, and I encourage all my native relatives in Congressional District 1 in California to support and vote for her.”
State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson introduced candidate Pamela Swartz. The two shared their concerns about fire management, and Jackson noted that as someone with a degree in Forest Management and Forestry, Swartz would be listened to, and respected in Sacramento.
With a warming climate, fires “racing through our state” and impacting the economy, the environment, and quality of life, she said, “we need someone like Pamela,” who understands rural California. “She’s got the credibility, the experience, and the education to be a strong voice.” Jackson also noted Swartz is committed to bringing more resources to the community, expanding rural broadband, and greater educational opportunities. “It is very clear that she is the voice that you need in Sacramento to represent the interests of rural counties,” she said. “Pamela really gets this.”
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis was introduced by State Assembly candidate Elizabeth Betancourt. Kounalakis, the former President of her family’s construction firm, had worked with Betancourt, now a state water resource manager, as a young staffer on the Sacramento Water Forum. Kounalakis, the state’s first woman Lieutenant Governor, previously served as Ambassador to Hungary under President Obama.
Also appearing at the event was California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Rusty Hicks, Chair of the California Democratic Party, Mayor of Shasta Lake, Janice Powell, and Redding City Council Member Kristen Schreder.
Shastapalooza also featured over a dozen performers including satirist Roy Zimmerman, The Redding Raging Grannies, The Cowell Brotet, local singers Leia Annaliese and Anna Jae, The Jim Dyar Band, jazz players Cleveland Bonéy and Bruce Calin, Mumblefinger, and folksinger Jonathan Foster.