Democrats to hold 27th Democrat of the Year celebration
Humboldt County Democrats are honoring Debbe Hartridge and Ira Blatt, Esq. on Friday, September 16 at the Eureka Woman’s Club, 1531 J Street in Eureka. This will be the 27th occasion honoring one or more local citizens for their contributions to the community.
This year’s honorees have lived their commitment to Democratic values in both their personal and professional lives. After receiving her B.A. at Boston University Debbe earned her teaching credential at Humboldt State University, later completing the Teaching English as a Second Language program at HSU. Debbe spent years assisting people with disabilities become more independent through her work at Redwoods United in Humboldt County, and as a Field Leader at the Humboldt County Office of Education. She was also Camp Fire youth group leader for seven years, PTA president, Eureka High School parent newsletter editor and a founding member of the Eureka Recycling Center.
Debbe spent over twenty years supporting access to healthcare for all at Six Rivers Planned Parenthood, for ten years as Director of Education and Public Affairs. Before being hired she volunteered time there and was President and Chair of the Education Committee for many years. She has also served on many other boards and commissions, including as President of the Humboldt County Integrated Waste Board. Debbe spent nearly a decade on the Eureka City Schools Health Curriculum Advisory Committee and six years as an elected Member of the Humboldt County Board of Education. During these years she also earned PTA Life Membership, the Maggie Award for outstanding contribution to reproductive rights, the Planned Parenthood Federation Excellence Award for Education Programs and the Association of Planned Parenthood Leaders in Education Award for Courage and Creativity. Debbe did all of this while raising three wonderful daughters; she and Ira are now the proud grandparents of four brilliant and delightful grandchildren.
Ira earned his Economics degree from Reed College in Portland, OR. After participating in demonstrations at the 1968 Democratic Convention, Ira changed his post-graduate direction and went to the University of Chicago for law school. He then returned to the West Coast and settled in Arcata where he has practiced law for over 40 years. Upon moving here he first served as Director of Open Door Clinic, one of its two paid positions. He opened his private practice in 1974, focusing on serving injured workers and individuals with disabilities.
Ira has worked to support crisis intervention training for first responders, and served as Board President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Humboldt, where he continues to serve. He has served on many boards and commissions, including on the Arcata Economic Development Board and 25 years at Redwood Legal Assistance. His commitment to grass roots action has involved him in “Get Out The Vote” work and campaigning for political candidates. He is also a long-time supporter of Six Rivers Planned Parenthood.
Due to redistricting, the North Coast will have a new Congressional Representative after next year’s election. In attendance at our 27th Democrat of the Year dinner will be the following candidates: Supervisor Susan Adams, Assemblyman Jared Huffman, Entrepreneur Stacy Lawson, Councilwoman Tiffany Renée and Author and Activist Norman Solomon. This may be Humboldt County residents’ one opportunity to see our Congressional candidates together, and have face time with them, before next year’s elections. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to explain the unique attributes and needs of Humboldt County.
The event begins with a no-host reception at 6 p.m. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Dinner follows at 7 p.m., prepared by Cassaro’s Catering, and a vegan option may be ordered in advance. Tickets are $65 in advance, $70 at the door. For more information or to make reservations, visit the website http://www.humboldtdemocrats.org or call Democratic Headquarters at 445-3366.