Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee release: 

Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) is thrilled to host its 2023 Democrat of the Year event on Saturday, October 21, as we honor Debra Garnes and Nick Bown-Crawford for their commitment to our community and Democratic values. We are also excited to introduce the inaugural recipients of the “Service Award” to Pam and Bob Service in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Democratic community. 

About Debra Garnes: Debra Garnes is a native of Detroit, Michigan, who attended Northern Michigan University and later enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years aboard the Pearl Harbor-based USS Jason. Upon being honorably discharged, she moved to Sacramento, where she worked for Sacramento Municipal Utility District as a Hazardous Waste Technician until her retirement in 2001. Garnes moved to Rio Dell in August 2003 after living a year off the grid in Zenia, CA. She was elected to the Rio Dell City Council in 2014 and is now serving her second term. Garnes has shown strong, hopeful leadership in the aftermath of the destructive earthquakes and ongoing recovery, and she is dedicated to progressing projects and improvements that will elevate the City of Rio Dell.

About Nick Bown-Crawford: Nick Bown-Crawford was born and raised in Humboldt County, and after extensive time abroad overseas and in the US, he recently returned to the Redwood Coast where he now resides in Bayside, CA. Nick is currently the Executive Director of Humboldt Made, a local non-profit that focuses on creative projects and support services to positively impact economic development in the region. Nick stepped up to assist in the leadership and formation of Humboldt’s newly formed COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster), contributing his systems knowledge and experience to developing emergency food access plans tailored to our rural area.

About Pam Service: Pam Service is a distinguished political scientist and accomplished author, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in History and Archaeology from the University of London. Pam’s leadership and involvement within the HCDCC and as a delegate to the California Democratic Convention speaks volumes about her commitment to Democratic ideals. Beyond her political pursuits, Pam is an esteemed member of the Humboldt County Historical Society, is very involved with Humboldt community theater, and has previously served as a city council member in Bloomington, Indiana.

About Bob Service: Bob Service–a university professor, former HCDCC president, and past Democrat of the Year–has dedicated his life to advancing Democratic principles. With a wealth of experience as a congressional staff member and legislative aide, Bob’s contributions have helped shape the Democratic agenda on a state and local level. Bob has also served as a delegate to the California Democratic Convention and is regularly involved in Humboldt community theater.

We’ll host this year’s event at the River Lodge in Fortuna with a lavish Roaring ‘20s gala perfect for a costume-inspired date night out on October 21st. Buy tickets by October 16th to be guaranteed a seat. 

2023 Democrat of the Year Gala

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Time: Doors open 5:30 PM

Venue: River Lodge Conference Center, 1800 Riverwalk Dr, Fortuna

Theme: Roaring ‘20s

Get tickets online

About Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee:
The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) is dedicated to promoting Democratic values, supporting Democratic candidates, and engaging the community in meaningful political discourse. With a focus on inclusivity, integrity, and progress, HCDCC strives to create a vibrant Democratic community in Humboldt County.