Press release from Humboldt Progressive Democrats:

Humboldt Progressive Democrats recently endorsed candidates for both Arcata and Eureka City Council. During Wednesday’s special meeting, each candidate spoke about their vision and platform and answered questions from members. Topics ranged from repairing the relationship with Cal Poly Humboldt to sea level rise to law enforcement oversight.

Members voted to endorse the following candidates in the November General Election:

  • Eureka City Council (2nd Ward) – Kati Moulton
  • Arcata City Council – Genevieve Serna, Sarah Schaefer, Stacy Atkins-Salazar

Kati Moulton is the incumbent Councilmember, running for re-election in the diverse 2 nd Ward, and is a proven effective leader. Her accomplishments include initiating the Eureka Police Department Citizen Oversight Board, working with the community and stakeholders on the Jacobs Campus visioning, and revitalizing the Kamisu Sister City Exchange. In the context of such key issues as Housing, Public Safety / Quality of Life, and Climate Change / Sea Level Rise, Kati defines her progressive values as “I believe that it’s the job of the government to use public resources to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Economies are grown from the ground up. Communities succeed when people have a decent place to live, food in their bellies, and the ability to work for a fair wage in a safe environment.”

Genevieve Serna seeks to bring a fresh voice to the Arcata City Council – one of youth and diversity. Her three key issues are Housing, Active/Public Transportation Mode Shift, and Reconnecting the Cal Poly Humboldt/Arcata resident communities. Genevieve moved here in 2014 to attend Cal Poly Humboldt. She currently serves on Arcata’s Transportation Safety Committee in addition to her day job with the County of Humboldt. As with many in the Progressive movement, her activism was influenced by Senator Bernie Sanders: “I am someone who believes that things such as healthcare, housing and medical care are human rights and as such that our elected officials have an obligation to advocate for these causes. I’ve grown up in a home of democratic voters and had aligned with the values of the party, however in 2016 when Bernie Sanders ran his first campaign for president, I saw that, while aligned with the party on social issues, we could be doing more for working people. I have aimed to examine my party and its candidates through this newer lens. That aligning with social issues, however important, was not enough to bring true prosperity to American people if policies around basic care did not improve.

Sarah Schaefer is running for re-election to the Arcata City Council. Her top issues are housing, climate, and economic development. As a renter, she also focuses on tenant’s rights, ensuring rentals are safe and sanitary (Residential Rental Inspection Program), and supports infill, including the Gateway Plan. As Mayor, Sarah led study sessions on inclusionary zoning, addressing sea level rise, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. She also points to COVID ARPA funding, which allowed the City to create and fund many successful cutting-edge programs. Sarah describes herself as solidly progressive: “I have always been an ardent supporter of people’s civil liberties and rights to express themselves in our society. I believe that the billionaires and corporations should pay their fair share to support healthcare and social programs in this county. I am pro-union and believe that the rights of workers and fair payment impacts our entire society.”

Stacy Atkins-Salazar is also running for re-election to the Arcata City Council. Over the past term, she has helped implement housing and transportation initiatives, worked with community members on a cease-fire resolution, and engaged with different neighborhoods to understand and help resolve their challenges. Her constituents have helped shape her priorities – housing for all; parks, trails and open spaces; and environmental responsibility. Stacy also points to her commitment to Infrastructure and Fiscal Responsibility – Arcata boasts a healthy and balanced budget. She aligns her progressive values with the goals of “housing for all including infill housing, protecting and prioritizing open/green spaces, universal healthcare, a strong social security system, creating walkable communities, living wages, protecting our climate, reproductive rights, Unions, racial justice and equity, fair and humane immigration laws and prioritizing diplomacy.”

Humboldt Progressive Democrats has also weighed in on two housing ballot measures, recommending:

  • Vote Yes on California Proposition 33 - Expands Local Governments’ Authority to Enact Rent Control on Residential Property. Initiative Statute.
  • Vote No on Eureka Measure F - Initiative to Amend the City of Eureka’s General Plan as the Plan Affects City-owned Parking Lots and Eureka City Schools-owned Jacobs Site.

This election will be key to maintaining progressive majorities in these two city councils, and to providing tools and funding to build affordable housing locally. Chair Hélène Rouvier noted that “Housing is a human right! Let’s not let outside monied interests impose their own agenda and decide what is in the best interests of our rural communities. Don’t fall for the scams and outright lies being bankrolled by bad actors. We are sick and tired of yet another conman trying to derail our democracy.”

Humboldt Progressive Democrats is an official Democratic Party Club, chartered by the Humboldt County Central Committee. We are grassroots, progressive activists mobilizing political participation for social, environmental, & economic justice. Our vision is a free, open, transparent election process where electeds, candidates, and legislation can focus on achieving public needs, free from corporate money and influence. Please join us in making progressive change locally and beyond. Learn more at www.hpdems.org.