AWARENESS • EDUCATION • ACTION
Our mission is to promote the highest degree of social and economic justice and well-being for all, encourage active interest in the political process and the Democratic Party, and foster and contribute to democratic ideals through informed participation in political affairs. Serving Del Mar, Solana Beach & neighboring cities.
Dear Club Members and Friends,
This month we are trying something a bit different from our regular monthly meetings. We will be meeting IN PERSON, without Zoom access, at Bushfire Kitchen in the Beachfront Del Mar Shopping Center, 2602 Del Mar Heights Rd, Suite #102, April 25th at 6:00pm. We have a private area on the patio reserved, and our program will feature an informal “book club style” discussion of the book How Civil Wars Start and How to Stop Them written by local UCSD Professor Barbara F. Walter.
You are welcome to order your own food and beverages at the Bushfire counter and bring them with you to our meeting area.
There is no need to read the book to participate in our informal discussions. Related topics like political polarization are in the news everyday and we welcome all insights for discussion on this vitally important subject.
Barbara F. Walter is a leading political scientist who has been studying civil conflicts for 30 years. You can order her book HERE and/or you can watch fascinating discussions about this book with Ms. Walter on any of the YouTube links below.
UCTV video featuring UCSD Professor Thad Kousser with Ms. Walter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-_0EEjyNo0
Penn State Law School Presentation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7mHdT4BelA
American Academy of Arts and Science presentation (at UCSD): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbH-AvNLzWQ
Center for Brooklyn History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5PkM6E1458
Dear Club Members and Friends,
Please join us for our monthly Club meeting, Thursday, March 28th at 6:00pm (via Zoom). Our program this month will include a revealing presentation on the ongoing risks of the 3.6 million pounds of nuclear waste currently being stored at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). Our guest presenters, from the non-profit group Public Watchdogs, will be founder Charles Langley and Director of Development Nina Babiarz. Coincidentally, March 28th, 2024 will be the 45th anniversary of the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear meltdown. You can watch videos HERE of our guest presenters speaking at a SONGS “Community Engagement Panel” 5 years ago on the 40th anniversary of the TMI accident. We’re grateful for their continuing advocacy to address the risks at SONGS.
You can view the agenda for our Club meeting HERE.
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING (VIA ZOOM)
March 28th, 2024, 6:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87106677935?pwd=Qlo1MkVaaysvVTJrR3YrdjBPZzdYdz09
Meeting ID: 871 0667 7935
Passcode: 190259
Dear Club Members and Friends,
We had another great meeting Thursday evening with very informative presentations and discussions. We thank former Club President and current Del Mar GO Team Community Coordinator Wayne Dernetz who presented an enlightening summary of the pros and cons of March 2024 ballot Proposition 1, Mental Health Care and Addiction Treatment Reform & Bonds to Build Places for Treatment and Supportive Housing. Although Prop 1 has widespread support, the opponents have some compelling arguments that deserve careful consideration. Wayne prefaced his analysis of Prop 1 with a brief summary of the historical background of federal and state mental health services in California. This background provided insightful context for understanding the progression path that Prop 1 intends to achieve. You can view a copy of Wayne’s presentation HERE.
We thank our special guests, including several candidates for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 77. We also thank our guests representing elected officials. They provided internet links in our Zoom Meeting Chat for those that want additional information. If you would like to learn more, you can follow the links below:
From Japhet Perez Estrada, candidate for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 77: https://japhetforsandiego.com/
From Danny Avitia, candidate for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 77: https://sites.google.com/view/dannyforsd/home
From Doug Case, representing CA Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins: California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan Program for first-time, first-generation homebuyers
From Stephen Baker, representing Terra Lawson-Remer, Vice Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors: Canvassing and Text Banking volunteer opportunities, Re-Elect Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer- Yard Sign Request, for questions: stephen.baker@seiu221.org
Dear Club Members and Friends,
Please join us this month for our Club meeting on Thursday, February 22nd at 6:00pm (via Zoom). For this month’s program we will continue our discussions on the pros and cons of California March 2024 Ballot Prop 1, Mental Health Care and Addiction Treatment Reform & Bonds to Build Places for Treatment and Supportive Housing. This proposition has widespread support. However, opponents claim that it would reallocate funding for mental health treatment from counties to the state, reducing the counties’ ability to prioritize spending for specific programs according to local priorities. Opponents also claim that it would broaden forced institutionalizations. Our recent Club members’ survey showed that housing and homelessness issues are top areas of concern for our members, and Prop 1 deserves careful consideration in helping to address these issues. You can view the agenda HERE.
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING (VIA ZOOM)
February 22nd, 2024, 6:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87106677935?pwd=Qlo1MkVaaysvVTJrR3YrdjBPZzdYdz09
Meeting ID: 871 0667 7935
Passcode: 190259
77th Assembly District Central Committee Candidates on the March Ballot
The Central Committee is the governing body of the County Democratic Party and members are elected by Assembly District voters during Presidential election years. As noted in sddemocrats,org, the Central Committee “conducts the County Party’s general business, approves its budget, coordinates Democratic campaign activity, and endorses candidates for local offices.”
On January 17th the club sent a short questionnaire to all of the candidates to the 77th Assembly District Central Committee that we had an email address for. The Central Committee plays an important role in promoting good Democratic candidates. You will be able to vote for up to 6 candidates on your March ballot.
As of now, we’ve received responses from ten of these candidates and you can view their completed questionnaires HERE. In addition to these responses, Carol Waldman, Destiny Preston, and Ann Crosbie presented to the Torrey Pines Democratic Club on January 25th. All three were recommended as good candidates by the members present.
The club will not be making endorsements but we hope this information will allow you to make a more informed decision.
Dear Members of the Torrey Pines Democratic Club,
On January 17th the club sent a short questionnaire to all of the candidates to the 77th Assembly District Central Committee that we had an email address for. The Central Committee plays an important role in promoting good Democratic candidates. You will be able to vote for up to 6 candidates on your March ballot.
As of now, we’ve received responses from ten of these candidates and you can view their completed questionnaires HERE. In addition to these responses, Carol Waldman, Destiny Preston, and Ann Crosbie presented to the Torrey Pines Democratic Club on January 25th. All three were recommended as good candidates by the members present.
The club will not be making endorsements but we hope this information will allow you to make a more informed decision.
Dear Members of the Torrey Pines Democratic Club,
If you care about our city and county governments, our school systems, climate change, equity in government, fair wages, and good government, then the Torrey Pines Democratic Club needs you and you need us! This is where we discuss these topics and welcome your input, where we hear expert speakers, where we hear out candidates for federal, state, and local offices seeking to serve our region, and where our input matters. We hope you will renew your membership and please, encourage your democratic friends to join with us. Your membership provides the financial support to make these things possible. There are several categories of membership as outlined on our Membership page.
Accomplishments for 2023
- We continued to hold successful meetings via Zoom video conferencing with an eye on returning to in person meetings when possible
- The Club held an endorsement meeting for federal, state and county offices
- Provided a platform throughout the year for direct interaction between our members, elected officials and local candidates running for political office
- Heard a presentation from local school board members about issues effecting their districts
- Enjoyed a picnic social in August and a holiday party in December
- Heard a presentation from a UCSD political scientist discussing trust in elections
- Held a forum on homelessness with a local reporter, elected officials and nonprofit organizations
Why your membership is important
- Our membership totals 57 members and we would love to see it grow
- It provides our club a vote at the pre-endorsements conference
- Member dues help cover meeting room costs/zoom fees
- Dues pay for our County Dem charter renewal
- Dues pay for our post office box and the website
- Being a member in good standing provides you with a vote for club endorsements and other business including electing officers
- It keeps our meetings free
- Your membership is important to help us foster the informed civil society that is so important in these troubled times
- Your membership and your input make a difference!
What’s coming for 2024
- Key elections in November for President, U.S. Senate, and other state and federal offices representing us
- Important local races for county supervisor, local city councils, school boards, and more that we can influence
- Important ballot measures
- Opportunities to learn about important issues that affect us locally and across the nation
- Continued opportunities to make a difference in our community and to dialogue with like-minded people
- Annual summer and holiday social events
- Endorsement opportunities for local and state offices in this Presidential election year
Thank you very much,
Janette Shelton, Membership Chair
Dear Club Members and Friends,
We had a great meeting in January with very engaging presentations and discussions. Thank you to all our special guests, some of whom provided internet links in our Zoom Meeting Chat for those that want additional information. If you would like to learn more, you can follow the links below:
Carol Waldman, candidate for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 77
Destiny Preston, candidate for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 77
Ann Crosbie, candidate for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 77
Rob Howard, candidate for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 74 (Also, click HERE for more information about North San Diego County NAACP Youth Council’s 6th Annual Black History Celebration Brunch)
Koryn Sheppard, candidate for San Diego County Superior Court Judge, Seat 43 (represented at our meeting by Halima Phillips-Smith)
Jodi Cleesattle, candidate for San Diego County Superior Court Judge, Seat 41
Note: Although our timeframe did not allow for the formal TPDC endorsement process, our Club members present for the meeting voted unanimously to recommend voting for each of the above candidates.
Mandy Butler from the League of Women Voters, the pros and cons of Proposition 1 “Treatment Not Tents” on the March 2024 California ballot. (Click HERE if you would like to learn more about joining or donating to the League of Women Voters of California)
Jane Lea Smith, Vice President of the San Dieguito Union High School District Board of Trustees
Del Mar GO Team Recruiting Volunteers to Help with 2024 Elections
With the March 5th Primary and November 5th General Elections looming on the horizon, the Del Mar GO Team is still seeking volunteers to help with their Get Out the Vote canvassing efforts.
GO Teams are organized by the San Diego County Democratic Party and provide grassroots support on behalf of all Democrats running for office. Volunteers for the GO Teams undergo an initial 90-minute orientation/training program before hitting the streets and phones. The volunteer workers are busy during the four weeks leading up to each election contacting registered Democratic voters and Democrat-leaning independents. Their main objectives are to help these voters with any registration or ballot issues; provide information on the endorsed candidates and recommended ballot measures; and assist voters in returning their mail-in ballots.
GO Teams are led by volunteer Community Coordinators who work alongside the volunteers, organize their canvassing assignments, and provide information and supplies as needed. Volunteers generally canvass within their own neighborhoods. Many volunteers choose to return for each election cycle. The Del Mar GO Team covers the area within the 92014 Zip Code address.
If you are interested in learning more about the GO Teams, or would like to volunteer, in Del Mar contact Wayne Dernetz, Community Coordinator for the Del Mar Team (92014 Zip Code), at wayne.dmgo@gmail.com.
Dear Club Members and Friends,
Please join us this month for our Club meeting on Thursday, January 25th at 6:00pm (via Zoom). This month’s program will feature three special guests who will present important information and lead engaging discussions.
Jodi Cleesattle, candidate for San Diego County Superior Court Judge, Seat 41, will address the club and answer questions.
Mandy Butler from the League of Women Voters will present information on the pros and cons of Proposition 1 “Treatment Not Tents” on the March 2024 California ballot. While most of the March ballot is straightforward for Democratic voters, Proposition 1 is complex and deserves careful consideration, addressing issues that were ranked as important priorities in our recent Club member survey. It has been championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and endorsed by the San Diego County Democratic Party. If you would like to learn more about this Proposition in advance of our meeting, you can view a summary here:
https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_1,_Behavioral_Health_Services_Program_and_Bond_Measure_(March_2024)
In addition, addressing Education-related issues (another priority highlighted in our member survey) will be Jane Lea Smith, Vice President of the San Dieguito Union High School District Board of Trustees, who will provide updates on SDUHSD activities.
You can view the agenda HERE.