October, 2022
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
For Contra Costa County citizens who value progress on the agendas, policies, and actions of city government, school boards, and county leadership, this 2022 mid-term election is a must-get-out-the-vote situation.
Fortunately, Lamorinda Democratic Club members and associates are among the most informed and active Democrats in the county. Our communities are counting on the energetic, enthusiastic, and motivating efforts of the LDC to help outstanding candidates win these local elections.
To support a remarkably qualified field of dedicated, responsible, experienced, Democratic candidates across the 2022 ballot is an exciting opportunity and should make anyone of us feel proud.
LDC Precinct Organizers are already in the wings and ready for action! By next week, when voters receive ballots, Organizers will have begun the process of connecting with Democrats in their precincts, neighbor-to-neighbor—to provide precinct-specific information about how, where, and when to vote—and a guide to identifying the Democratic candidates and the LDC-endorsed candidates for every race on their ballot. From past election experience, we know that Democratic voters find the guides helpful in informing their voting decisions, and we know that the efforts of LDC Precinct Organizers produce greater Democratic voter turnout.
There is still time to join the Precinct Organizing Team! No experience is necessary. Organizers are provided with the necessary tools, work within their own availability schedules, and reach voters in whatever way they find most comfortable and convenient. If you would like to join the team or find out more, please contact me by emailing: GOteam@LDclub.org.
The next Lamorinda Democratic Club general meeting is Thursday, October 6 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. It will feature the traditional LDC pre-election “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Ballot) program—including a presentation of the ballot propositions by the LDC “Pros & Cons Dynamic Duo,” Peter Ericson and Tom Duckworth.
Please be sure to check out the Lamorinda Democratic Club website for upcoming election information, including a list of the LDC-endorsed candidates, links to candidate websites, and community candidate forums. LDclub.org
I hope to see you at the meeting on Thursday, October 6, and look forward to working with fellow LDC Precinct Organizers between now and November 8!
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
September, 2022
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
Local political races are heating up as quickly as our September weather.
By now, LDC members have had the opportunity to hear directly from 15 Democratic candidates seeking the Club’s endorsement for the 2022 general election.
LDC Issues and Endorsement Committee members have discussed candidates, considered questionnaire answers, and done the homework to make informed and responsible recommendations. The Issues & Candidates Committee has also observed and participated in interviews with many of these candidates during the DPCCC (Democratic Party of Contra Costa County) District 2 endorsement recommendation process.
Now it’s up to LDC Members!
The next general meeting of the Lamorinda Democratic club will take place this Wednesday, September 14 at 7 p.m., via Zoom, and all members in good standing will have the opportunity to vote on candidate endorsements. Please note that this is a different date than our typical schedule.
LDC endorsements are particularly meaningful for those incumbents and candidates seeking reelection and election in local, county, and statewide races.
The announcement of candidates receiving the Club’s endorsement will go out to over 700 of the most active, connected, and dependable Democrats in Contra Costa County.
LDC endorsed candidates will also benefit by having their names highlighted on the information distributed to hundreds and even thousands of voters in each precinct where LDC Precinct Organizers will be Getting Out The Vote neighbor-to-neighbor.
All LDC-endorsed candidates will be featured at the LDC booth at the Lafayette Art, Wine, and Music Festival next weekend: Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18. Over the course of the weekend, the festival typically attracts more than 85,000 visitors—many of whom stop by the LDC Booth to find out how to cast their votes! The festival could not come at a more perfect time—just two weeks ahead of ballot mailing. We hope that LDC-endorsed candidates will use the Lamorinda Democratic Club booth as a “home-base” from which they can distribute campaign materials, and meet as many voters as possible. (See LDC booth location details at the end of this email.)
Decisions made at every level of government have micro and macro implications. The ways in which local elected officials work and collaborate to make our communities more inclusive, more diverse and equitable, cleaner, greener, safer, and better connected, can have profound effects beyond the confines of their offices.
The threads of democracy run through every race on the ballot. It matters who is elected as a school board member, city council member, county supervisor, or county clerk. Decisions made by water district and fire district board members have never been more critical.
Lamorinda Democratic Club members, I hope you will participate in Wednesday’s 2022 Candidate Endorsement meeting.
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
Lamorinda Democratic Club Issues & Candidates Committee
Candidate Endorsement Recommendations
Board of Supervisors
Ken Carlson (District 4)
East Bay Municipal Utility District
Marguerite Young (Ward 3)
Acalanes Union High School District
Jennifer Chen
Orinda City Council
Latika Malkani
Stuart House
Lafayette School Board
Katy Foreman
Robert Sturm
Dave Smith
Orinda School Board
Edda Collins Coleman
Contra Costa County Board of Education
Sarah Butler (Area 2)
Moraga Orinda Fire Protection District
Chris Young (District 1)
Steve Danziger (District 3)
Michael Donner (District 4)
Contra Costa Community College District
Rebecca Barrett (Ward 3)
Contra Costa County Clerk
Kristin Connelly (endorsement carries over from the primary election)
Lamorinda Democratic Club Issues & Candidates Committee
Statewide Proposition Endorsement Recommendations
YES on Proposition 1 (Provides a state constitutional right to reproductive freedom, including the right to an abortion)
YES on Proposition 28 (Requires funding for K-12 art and music education)
YES on Proposition 31 (Upholds the ban on flavored tobacco sales)
Calendar for 2022 Candidate Community Forums
LDC Members and Friends—please support our candidates by attending as many upcoming candidate forums as your schedule allows. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers.
Monday, October 3 at 7 p.m.
Candidates for Lafayette School District Board
Sponsors: League of Women Voters-Diablo Valley, Las Trampas Creek Council of PTAs
Stanley Multi-Purpose Room, Stanley Middle School
3455 School St., Lafayette
Tuesday, October 4 at 6 p.m.
Candidates for Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, District 4
Sponsors: League of Women Voters-Diablo Valley, Contra Costa Libraries
Walnut Creek Main Library
1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
(CCTV will record and televise. Available on LWV/DV YouTube and votersedge.org)
Wednesday, October 5 at 7 p.m.
Candidates for Acalanes Unified High School District Board
Sponsors: League of Women Voters, Diablo Valley, Acalanes Parents Club, Campolindo Parents Club, Las Lomas PTSA, Miramonte Parents Club
Del Valle Education Center
1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek Room 401
Thursday, October 6 from 6-8 p.m.
Candidates for Orinda City Council
Sponsors: League of Women Voters-Diablo Valley, Orinda Association
Orinda Library
Thursday, October 6 from 6-8 p.m.
Candidates for Moraga Orinda Fire District Board
District 3 and District 4
Sponsors: League of Women Voters-Orinda Association
Orinda Library
Thursday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Candidates for Orinda School District Board
Sponsors: League of Women Voters-Diablo Valley, Orinda Association, Orinda News, Orinda One, Las Trampas Creek Council of PTAs
Orinda Library
(Recording available via Zoom on LVW/DV YouTube and http://www.votersedge.org)
Thursday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Appointed Lafayette City Council Members for 2023
Sponsor: Lafayette Homeowners Council
Thursday, October 13 at 7 p.m.
Candidates for Lafayette School District Board
Sponsor: Lafayette Homeowners Council
Thursday, October 20 at 7 p.m.
Candidates for Acalanes U.H. School Board
Sponsor: Lafayette Homeowners Council
Lamorinda Democratic Club Booth
Lafayette Art, Wine & Music Festival
Saturday, September 17 & Sunday, September 18
Please come and join us at the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival!
The LDC’s Booth Location is in front of Learning Express at 5205 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Booth #469.
Extra August, 2022 Letter – Candidate Meeting
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
Don’t miss the opportunity! TOMORROW (Thursday, August 25), at least 13 fantastic Democratic candidates on the November ballot will be participating in the Lamorinda Democratic Club’s “Meet the Candidates Night” starting at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
It will be an LDC Candidate Lalapalooza! So please join the meeting and hear about why these candidates are motivated to run for office, what sort of experience has prepared them for the roles they’re seeking, and what they will uniquely bring to the position.
If you plan to attend and have a question for any of the participating candidates, please email it directly to the LDC Issues & Candidates Committee Chair Craig Cheslog at issues@LDClub.org. There is a possibility that time constraints may not allow your question to be asked on Thursday. If that is the case, we will forward questions to the candidates so they can answer you directly.
Here is the line-up, but this is not an indication of the timeline, or who will go first. We are trying to remain flexible and nimble as additional candidates may be added to the list, and other accommodations are made.
East Bay Municipal Utility District
Marguerite Young (Ward 3)
Acalanes Union High School District
Jennifer Chen
Orinda City Council
Latika Malkani
Stuart House
Lafayette School Board
Katy Foreman
Robert Sturm
Dave Smith
Orinda School Board
Edda Collins Coleman
Contra Costa County Board of Education
Sarah Butler (Area 2)
Moraga Orinda Fire Protection District
Chris Young (District 1)
Steve Danziger (District 3)
Michael Donner (District 4)
Contra Costa County Clerk
Kristin Connelly
REMINDER: Only members who have renewed their membership or joined the club by the end of today, Wednesday, August 24, will be eligible to vote for candidate endorsements on September 14. To renew or join online, please click here: https://ldclub.org/join-donate-square/.
If you have questions about the status of your membership, please contact LDC Membership Chair Mike Rusk by emailing membership@LDclub.org.
One thing is certain: we can be incredibly proud of each and every one of these candidates who are throwing their hats in the ring. As individuals, they are unbelievably impressive and as a group, formidable. Let’s get our selected elected!
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
CONTRA COSTA DEMOCRATS ANNUAL PARTY BBQ!
LDC Members:
As a sponsor of the 2022 DPCCC BBQ, the Lamorinda Democratic Club receives two complimentary tickets. The first two members to individually email info@LDclub.org with the subject line “ Count Me In!” will receive our two tickets.
This annual fun event will be held at Concord Community Park (3501 Cowell Rd, Concord, CA 94518) on Saturday, September 10th, 2022, from noon to 5:00 p.m. The BBQ (which this year is really a taco bar!) is a great way to connect with county Dems, elected officials, candidates, and activists.
August, 2022 Letter
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
If you attended the Lamorinda Democratic Club’s Hot August Night Political Trivia Championship last Thursday, you may have reconnected with some friends, made new ones, or joined the club for the first time!
You may have chatted with candidates for school board, county clerk, or fire district board. Perhaps you met city council and committee members from Concord, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek. Maybe you were on the team “Waiting for Garland” or “Trump Looks Good in Orange.” You may even have heard LDC member Leonard Dorin describe what it was like to attend FDR’s speech, in Chicago, following his fourth inauguration! But one thing is certain: you would have noticed that we just had a good time being together, in person—sharing the same space, and struggling to remember the general election year that Chubby Checker’s Twist was a number one hit.
There is, however, nothing trivial about these opportunities to connect. They are at the core of how we understand each other, solve problems, organize, energize, support, and elect.
Photo of the 2022 Hot August Trivia Champions
Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in this year’s event. You made it so much fun! Congratulations to the 2022 championship team Niners
Pictured from left to right: Kevin Wilk (Walnut Creek City Council), David Clark (Lafayette Creeks Committee & LDC Board Member), Carl Anduri (Lafayette City Council), and Wei-Tai Kwok (Lafayette City Council)
Congratulations also to Silver medalists: Winners, and bronze medalists: Trump Looks Good in Orange. Many thanks also to LDC Members Mark and Marcia Dunaway for crafting and donating such beautiful prizes for the winning team.
Members also voted to elect Peter Ericson as the LDC Representative to the DPCCC (Democratic Party of Contra Costa County) and Craig Cheslog as the Alternate for the remainder of this calendar year and for the following two-year term beginning in January 2023. Congratulations Peter and Craig, and thank you very much for your willingness to represent the Lamorinda Democratic Club.
So “What’s up next?” you ask? The LDC calendar is chock full of more opportunities for us to get together! Please take a look at the list below, and do let us know if and how you’d like to get more involved.
Stay cool,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
Thursday, August 25, at 7 p.m. on Zoom
LDC Virtual “Meet the Candidates!” Night
This is an LDC special event and another chance to hear from some Democratic candidates who have requested an LDC endorsement before our club endorsement votes at our September 14 meeting. You can register for the August 25 Meet the Candidates meeting by clicking here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArc-qoqTwjGdDxXxvlZx3op9uqcTqeirV7.
If you are a candidate seeking the club’s endorsement and would like to participate in our virtual “Meet the Candidates Night, please email Craig Cheslog at issues@LDclub.org as soon as possible and no later than Monday, August 22.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 at 7 p.m. on Zoom:
“LDC 2022 Candidate Endorsements”
LDC General Meeting Featuring Membership Vote
Members, don’t miss the opportunity to weigh in on LDC endorsements for the upcoming election. Candidate endorsement votes will follow the presentation of the LDC Issues & Candidates Committee recommendations.
Members who have renewed their membership or joined the club by Wednesday, August 24, will be eligible to vote for candidate endorsements on September 14. To renew or join online, please click here: https://ldclub.org/join-donate-square/.
If you have questions about the status of your membership, please contact LDC Membership Chair Mike Rusk, by emailing membership@LDclub.org.
Saturday, September 17–Sunday, September 18:
LDC Booth at Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is back! And the excitement is palpable! Please stop by the LDC Booth (in front of Learning Express at 5205 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) to say hello, find some cool Democratic swag, mingle with all the Dems who visit, or meet Democratic Candidates on the November ballot.
If you would like to volunteer for a two-hour shift at the LDC booth, please let us know that too at info@LDclub.org! There will be at least one LDC Board member for each shift, so please do not let inexperience keep you from volunteering. In addition to meeting and greeting festival goers, we will also be registering voters and introducing candidates to voters.
The LDC Booth is a terrific opportunity for candidates to meet voters in a friendly and informal way as the festival attracts more than 85,000 visitors! If you are a candidate and would like a scheduled slot at the LDC booth, please contact Tracy by emailing president@Ldclub.org.
LDC Precinct Organizing Project Election 2022 Kick-Off
(Date, Time, and Place to be determined in Early October)
The LDC “POP” Precinct Organizing Project is the Lamorinda Democratic Club’s superpower, and LDC Precinct Organizers are its superheroes!
Each election cycle, LDC Precinct Organizers together reach about 20,000 voters throughout central Costa Contra County. But we are working to reach more! Currently, Organizers connect with voters, neighbor-to-neighbor, in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon. If you are a current Precinct Organizer, or have participated in the past, please drop us a line to say “Count me in for November!” Email Tracy at GOteam@LDclub.org.
If you are new to the club or have never done any voter outreach before, but would like to know more, please contact us! If you have a friend or neighbor, you can also organize as a “dynamic duo!”😉 It’s fun, it significantly increases Democratic voter turn-out, and helps get great candidates elected, and it feels good to be making a positive difference.
First & Third Thursdays of Most Months at 10 a.m.
LDC Virtual Coffee Club
Join LDC Membership Chair Mike Rusk for friendly conversation about the political news of the day. This is another avenue for new members to meet fellow members and share what’s on their minds. Typically, the group is around six people and the conversation goes on for an hour. If you’d like to participate, please email Mike at: membership@LDclub.org.
Call for Contra Costa Poll Workers
Poll workers are critical to maintaining safe in-person voting for voters without reliable access to mail service, voters with disabilities, voters who need language assistance, and voters who simply prefer to cast their ballot in person. For more information, or to apply, visit https://www.cocovote.us/poll-worker-center/become-a-poll-worker/.
July, 2022 Letter
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
Yes, it’s that time of year! It’s time to register for the not-to-be-missed Lamorinda Democratic Club Hot August Night Political Trivia Championship on Thursday, August 11, at 6 p.m.
This is one of the LDC’s most popular annual events. “Trivia Night” offers the opportunity for our members and friends, LDC Precinct Organizers and activists, candidates, and elected officials to come together in an informal way over complimentary frozen margaritas and finger foods, some political trivia, friendly competition and banter, and just for fun. I hope you can join us! Just like last year, the 2022 ”Trivia Night” will take place at the Lafayette Library, outside, on the patio. Seating is limited, so please register soon using this link: https://forms.gle/Cwq55VapXFsQJJNM7.
LDC Members, LDC Precinct Organizers, and elected officials receive complimentary admission with advance registration by Friday, August 5. If you join the Lamorinda Democratic Club now through August 1, your membership will carry through to December 2023. Click here to join the club or renew your membership: https://ldclub.org/join-donate-square/. For other non-members attending, the registration fee is $15 per person.
The theme of the 2022 event is “TV Game Shows of the 70s.” So get ready to Tell the Truth, avoid a Family Feud, and find out whether the Price is Right! The table exhibiting the most team spirit may receive special recognition or prizes.😉 So be inspired! Round up your friends, fellow Precinct Organizers, neighbors, Club members, or favorite city council members, and enter as a team. Or come on your own! Everyone who attends will participate as part of a team. Will team “Good Trouble” return for a shot at victory again? Or will the once-upon-a-time “Young Dems” try to recapture their youth with a win? And what about Democrats of Rossmoor? Will they be back with their besties on the Walnut Creek City Council?
In the meantime, the Lamorinda Democratic Club is gearing up for the November 2022 election. The LDC Issues and Candidates Committee is already receiving and considering candidate requests for endorsement, and LDC Precinct Organizers are preparing to reach thousands of registered Dems in Contra Costa so we can Get Out The Vote for our amazing Democratic candidates. If you or someone you know would like to join the Precinct Organizing team or have questions, please send an email to: GOteam@LDclub.org, and be sure to include your voter registration address. LDC Precinct Organizers live in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Alamo, Danville, Martinez, and San Ramon, and we welcome new Organizers and Volunteers at any time! No experience is necessary, and as an LDC Precinct Organizer, you can reach out to your Democratic neighbors in whatever way works best for you and the voters in your precinct. Spend as little or as much time as your schedule allows, or volunteer to help in a neighboring precinct with an experienced Organizer. Please join us!
Also, please save the date for Lamorinda Democratic Club’s (Virtual) Meet the Candidates 2022 on Thursday, August 25, at 7 p.m. All candidates seeking the endorsement of the Lamorinda Democratic Club are invited to attend. The evening will allow LDC members to hear directly from candidates ahead of the September 14 general monthly meeting, when endorsement voting will take place. If you are a candidate for election in November 2022 and wish to be considered for an LDC endorsement, please get in touch with Craig, Chair of the LDC Issues and Candidates Committee, at issues@LDclub.org.
I hope to see you at “Trivia Night” in August!
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
May, 2022 Letter
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
If the recent and alarming news stories coming from Nashville school boards, North Carolina city councils, Texas and Oklahoma state houses, the Senate, and now the Supreme Court, share a common thread, perhaps it is that “Elections have consequences.” (Barack Obama, 2009)
To advance our Democratic goals of safe, fair and just treatment under the law, a cleaner greener environment, protecting reproductive rights and voting rights, and expanding education, economic, and housing opportunities, we must continue to get Democrats to turn out and vote in every election — for every level of government.
So please, consider joining the LDC Precinct Organizing Project. Become a Democratic Leader and Organizer in our community. Help engage, educate and elect Democrats — the mission of this club. The June primary is fast approaching, but it is never too late to join the team! No experience is necessary, and you can Get Out The Vote on your own schedule, in your own precinct, and in a way that works best for you and your neighbors.
Together, LDC Precinct Organizers reach tens of thousands of Contra Costa Democratic voters each election cycle, neighbor-to-neighbor. The program is effective in getting out the vote, and it’s fun being part of a team effort. It’s also great way to get to know your Democratic neighbors, and other members of the Club. Current LDC Precinct Organizers live in Lamorinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, Martinez, and San Ramon.
To join the Precinct Organizing team or find out more, please send an email to:
GOteam@LDclub.org
The next Lamorinda Democratic Club general meeting is on Thursday, May 12, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. It is our June 2022 Primary “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Ballot) meeting, where we will go over the ballot, and answer remaining election questions. Additionally, next Thursday’s meeting will provide another “Round-Table” discussion opportunity. Using break-out rooms on Zoom, members will gather around the table (virtually) to share ideas and thoughts about the upcoming election and other political news items.
I hope you can join us on Thursday, May 12! In the meantime, be sure to look for your ballot arriving by mail soon, and please return it early!
To those of you who are moms, or playing the role, or celebrating, or remembering your own mothers this Sunday, Happy Mothers Day.❤️
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
NEXT LDC GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
Click here to register and receive the Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsce-tqDgqHNKa8WWki0hlA9d_6GjyczTq
MIND THE GAP
We are trying to fill in a few gaps in our Precinct Organizing voter outreach. If you live in one of the following precincts, we would especially love your help getting out the vote:
Lafayette (LFET) 103,104,110,113
Orinda (ORDA) 103, 104, 106
Moraga (MORG) 102,103
Walnut Creek (WLCR) 105, 107
LDC CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The following CA June Primary Election candidates received endorsements from the Lamorinda Democratic Club:
Contra Costa County District Attorney: Diana Becton
Contra Costa County Assessor: Floy Andrews
Contra Costa County Sheriff – Coroner: Benjamin Therriault
Contra Costa County Clerk Recorder: Kristin Connelly
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 4: Carlyn Obringer
LDC LEGISLATION ENDORSEMENT
The LDC also endorsed California Senate Bill 912, authored by Senator Monique Limón. SB 912 is sponsored by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the University of California. It would increase access to biomarker testing, which can help determine the best treatment plan for a specific patient. Click here to read the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s fact sheet about the bill.
LDC BYLAWS CHANGES APPROVED
Three bylaws changes were approved at the last meeting.
The Club Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget to be approved by the membership.
Unbudgeted expenditures of $2,000 or more shall require approval by the membership.
The LDC President may authorize unbudgeted expenditures less than $2,000 upon LDC Board approval and following consultation with LDC Treasurer – to assure adequate funds.
April, 2022 Letter
- JUNE 9 PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS recommended by the LDC Issues & Candidates Committee (Contra Costa District Attorney, Contra Costa Clerk/Recorder, Contra Costa Sheriff, Contra Costa Board of Supervisors District 4)
- LEGISLATIVE ISSUE ENDORSEMENT recommended by the LDC Issues & Candidates Committee
- LDC BYLAWS CHANGE recommended for endorsement by the LDC Board of Directors
- LDC 2022 BUDGET recommended for endorsement by the LDC Finance Committee
To register and receive the link for the Zoom meeting, please click here: https://us06web.zoom.us/
March, 2022 Letter
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
If there is any subject that can demonstrate the sweeping expanse of our Big Blue Democratic tent, surely it must be California Housing: specifically, the new California laws derived from California SB9 and SB10.
No matter where you are on the spectrum of opinions, we hope you will join us for the next Lamorinda Democratic Club General Meeting on Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m. The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to get answers to your housing questions and to learn about some local implications of the new state legislation.
The evening’s expert panel includes:
- Greg Wolff, Planning Director, City of Lafayette
- Jim Cervantes, Chair of Lafayette GPAC (General Plan Advisory Committee), and newly appointed Member of the California Housing Finance Agency Board
- Cindy Darling, Walnut Creek City Council Member, former Chair of Walnut Creek Planning Commission
Additionally, LDC members will have the opportunity to vote on whether to endorse a recent bill introduced by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. The Saving Local News Act (H.R. 6068) would make it easier for newspapers to become non-profits, allowing them the flexibility to focus less on maximizing profits and more on producing quality content. The local news resolution (H.Res. 821) addresses the urgent need for Congress to prevent the further decline of local media outlets. Please click here to learn more about these bills.
Please be sure to register in advance for the meeting. You can click here to register, and then you will receive a confirmation email.
If you have not yet renewed your LDC membership, please do so by clicking here. Only members who have renewed their membership by March 31 will be eligible to vote for the first round of 2022 Candidates and Issues endorsement recommendations at the April 14 general meeting.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
February, 2022 Letter
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January, 2022 Letter
- Go online: https://ldclub.org/
join/ - Mail a check for $60 to: Lamorinda Democratic Club, P.O. Box 31, Orinda, CA 94563
Questions about membership or getting more involved? Please contact LDC Membership Chair Mike Rusk at MEMBERSHIP@LDclub.org.
December, 2021 Letter
that we need to keep going!November Letter
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends, If the autumn of 2021 has taught us anything, it’s that “All politics are local” is ringing louder and truer than ever before.
From Virginia school board fights over false narratives about “Critical Race Theory,” to Texas legislative attacks on reproductive rights, local issues exploded onto the national scene and may likely have the staying power to drive the elections of 2022.
The Lamorinda Democratic Club has always recognized the power of LOCAL. We know the importance of understanding what’s happening in our neighborhoods, and harnessing the influence of our local members, organizers, and activists to affect change in, and well beyond our communities. And we know that our mission to “engage, educate, and elect Democrats” can make a positive, lasting change in the lives of our families, neighbors, and the friends we have yet to meet.
Please join us for the next, and last, LDC General meeting of 2021, when city council members from Concord, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek will be presenting Adapting to Climate Change—a Local Update this Thursday, November 11, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. If you would like to receive a Zoom link, please send email to: webzoom@LDclub.org
How is climate change already affecting local city planning for housing, transportation, land-use and development, water, energy, traffic, local economy, emergency management? Our Thursday meeting will provide an opportunity to hear from local elected leaders about adaptation strategies, actions and ideas, and about some of the specific challenges our communities face.
Thank you to the following invited speakers for participating in what we hope will be just the first in a series of presentations dedicated to the topic:
- Carlyn Obringer, Concord City Council
- Carl Anduri, Lafayette City Council
- Wei-Tai, Lafayette City Council
- Teresa Onoda, Moraga Town Council
- Amy Worth, Orinda City Council
- Ken Carlson, Pleasant Hill City Council
- Kevin Wilk, Walnut Creek City Council
- Cindy Darling, Walnut Creek City Council
In this season of grace and giving, thank you to each and every member and friend of the Lamorinda Democratic Club for doing your part to respect and improve the lives of our neighbors—regardless of their immigration status, their race and ethnicity, how they’re employed, where they live, or who they love.
Thank you for your compassion, empathy, and understanding.
Thank you for listening to all sides of the argument, trusting science, and recognizing reason.
Thank you for being part of the LDC team, and for making a difference.
May the Veterans among you enjoy a peaceful Veterans Day. Thank you and your families for your service.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
On the Calendar:
Time to Renew or Join! The Lamorinda Democratic Club Membership 2022 Renewal Campaign begins officially on Tuesday, November 30, which also happens to be “Giving Tuesday!” Please remember the LDC when you are writing annual checks for your favorite non-profits! To join, renew, or donate, please click on this link, or you may mail a check to:
Lamorinda Democratic Club
P.O. Box 31
Orinda, CA 94563Questions about membership? Contact LDC Membership Chair Mike Rusk at membership@LDclub.org
LDC Thursday Morning Coffee
Join us on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 10 a.m. for lively banter about the news and politics of the day! If you are new to the Club, or new to town, this is a particularly great way to meet some long-time members and friends of the LDC, as well as some LDC Board members.
We’d like to know what’s on your mind! Contact: membership@LDclub.org
How to Run a Political Campaign
The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County is offering two trainings this month: :
- Candidate Basics Training: Saturday, November 13, 1-2:30 p.m. Click here to register.
- Campaign Management 101: Saturday, November 20, 1-2:30 p.m. Click here to register.
Contra Costa Democrats Connecting!
Join the Contra Costa Young Dems and the Lamorinda Democratic Club for a no-host get-together on Wednesday, December 15, 7-9 p.m.
Drop in at Headlands Brewing in Lafayette to meet new Dems or reconnect with friends!
3420 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Facebook Event Link: https://fb.me/e/1qfacSPtE
In Memoriam: Our community will miss long-time Lamorinda Democratic Club member, Betty Karplus of Orinda, who passed away on September 22.
“What a wonderfully talented, generous, and energetic person she was!” from LDC Board Member Mary Ann Hoisington.
“A brilliant, and remarkable woman — modest, down-to-earth, and kind.” from LDC Board Member Valerie Sloven.
Betty was a World War II welder, a physicist, researcher, teacher, Orinda Citizen of the Year, a pioneer for the rights of students with disabilities, mother of seven, grandmother of sixteen, and great grandmother of sixteen! In her 70’s, Betty joined the Peace Corps and worked for two years in a home for handicapped children, in Jamaica. The obituary in the Orinda News included a photo of Betty in July 2021, painting a picnic table in Sequoia National Park—as part of a refurbishment project—her way of celebrating her 95th birthday. She was 96 years old. To those of you who were lucky enough to have called Betty a friend, our sincerest condolences. No doubt, her life well-lived will continue to inspire so many of us.
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