June 2023
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
Don’t miss seeing your Democratic friends in action at the next Lamorinda Democratic Club event! I hope to see you at the Lafayette Rink on June 17 for the LDC Dinks & Dems Pickleball Fundraiser for the Precinct Organizing Project. Please help us prepare for 2024! Your participation and support will provide the necessary funds to expand Democratic voter outreach in Contra Costa County and help Dems win elections. If you are not able to participate as a player, or in the Newbie Clinic, please sponsor a player!
Please feel free to forward the invitation to your friends and neighbors.
See you at the courts!
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
The Lamorinda Democratic Club invites you to participate in a
PICKLEBALL FUNDRAISER
for the
LDC Precinct Organizer Project
Saturday, June 17 – 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
at the Lafayette Community Center Rink
576 St. Mary’s Rd. in Lafayette
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Intro to Pickleball Clinic
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Pickleball Tournament
Register today! Players and Sponsors – register and donate here
The LDC Precinct Organizing Project is about grassroots organizing, connecting, and mobilizing.
We are a team, together reaching thousands of Contra Costa County Democratic voters each election cycle to engage, inform, and help elect competent, dedicated, and effective Democratic representatives and leaders to every spot on the ballot.
Unique, Effective, Local, Grassroots Organizing in Contra Costa County
The LDC “POP” (Precinct Organizing Project) is unique in its established and growing network of Precinct Organizers who connect with their Democratic neighbors each election cycle to identify all the precinct-specific Democratic candidates on their ballot, provide helpful precinct-specific information, and turn out the vote.
In the 2022 General Election, LDC Precinct Organizers reached more than 20,000 registered Democrats and Contra Costa precincts covered by LDC Precinct Organizers saw an average of 76.6% turn-out in registered Democrats! That is 16.1% higher than the Democratic voter turn-out for the county and 19.2% higher than the registered voter turn-out for the state of California.
Now it’s time to get ready for 2024!
Register today: Players and Sponsors – register and donate here
All fundraiser proceeds will go directly to support the work of LDC Precinct Organizers.
There are three ways to participate:
PLAY in the Dinks & Dems Tournament
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Register today: Players and Sponsors – register and donate here
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Find your sponsors. Click here for fundraising tips: https://ldclub.org/pickleball/
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Ask sponsors to donate online or by check.
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Play pickleball! Matchplay from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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Enjoy the after-party.
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All matches will be doubles. If you don’t have a partner, no problem! We will connect you with a partner.
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Feel good, knowing that you made a big difference in Getting Out The Vote, and helping to elect terrific Democrats across the ballot.
SPONSOR a Player
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To sponsor a player online click here: Players and Sponsors – register and donate here
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Encourage your Pickleball enthusiast friends to play for Precinct Organizing, and offer to sponsor them.
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To sponsor a player by mail. Send check to:
Lamorinda Democratic Club
PO Box 61
Orinda, CA 94563
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If sponsoring by mail, please be sure to include the name of the player or players you are sponsoring, or indicate that you would like your donation to count towards any team needing a boost to make the minimum. [Write “Any Team” on the memo line of your check.]
LEARN
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Participate in the Pickleball Clinic pre-event from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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There will be two divisions: one for Pickleball Newbies (those who have played a little), and one for Pickleball First-Timers (those who have never played.)
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Register for the Pickleball Clinic with a $50 donation to the LDC Precinct Organizing Project. Register for the Newbies Pickleball Clinic
Just make a donation to Pickleball fundraiser
For more on the Precinct Organization Project, click here: Precinct Organizing Project
Questions? email: info@LDclub.org
May 2023
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
Neither the unseasonably cool and rainy evening nor the first game of the Warriors-Lakers NBA Playoffs stood in the way of a surprisingly full house at Stanley Middle School in Lafayette on Tuesday night. Lots of familiar faces from the Lamorinda Democratic Club, Lafayette City Council, and Lafayette School Board, were among those who came to hear an update from our Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.
It was the Congressman’s 181st Town Hall meeting since he was first elected in 2014. Connecting with thousands of constituents each year in town halls, district offices, schools, and businesses, in every corner of the district is just one part of an impressive record of accomplishments, and as was evident, a part of the job that he enjoys.
Often introduced as “the hardest working congressman in the House,” Congressman DeSaulnier has a reputation for humility, unique in a profession more associated with ego. He has managed to work quietly, under the radar, to serve his constituents and get the job done — until reporters started paying more attention this week.
“Little Known Democrat”… New York Times
“Political Man of Mystery”… Esquire
“Legislative Secret Agent” … Lawrence O’Donnell
[ just three of the monikers used to describe Congressman DeSaulnier this week]
The congressman had a busy week. He presented a $3 million check to the City of Lafayette to improve traffic safety and create safe school routes, another to the City of Walnut Creek to expand broadband and facilitate smart infrastructure, and delivered additional funding to the School Pantry Program at White Pony Express. He awarded students and artists, and presented his ongoing work to improve transportation and infrastructure, advance mental healthcare, and deliver gun safety reforms.
It was, however, news of his draft and introduction of a Discharge Petition, that drew the unusual media attention Congressman DeSaulnier received these last few days. Deployment of the obscure, rarely-used rules device was openly crafted, as an emergency option, should the U.S. reach the precipice of the debt ceiling cliff. Congressman DeSaulnier was fine with describing the weedy, complicated procedure to anyone who inquired. He’s a Rules guy.
“I wrote it in a way to be prepared,” said Mr. DeSaulnier, a former member of the Rules Committee who worked with Democratic procedural experts to craft legislation that could provide a debt-limit escape hatch. “I anticipated there would be these problems with the Republican caucus, whether it was abortion or the debt limit. I think it was the responsible thing as a legislator to do.”
… New York Times May 2, 2023
Lamorinda Democratic Club members and friends know the importance of supporting and electing smart, competent, responsible leaders and legislators to every spot on the ballot.
You never know when a “Little Known Democrat” may try to save the day.
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
Next LDC General Meeting
Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
Legislative and Issues Update by LDC Issues and Candidates Co-Chairs, Craig Cheslog and Tom Duckworth
Membership Vote: LDC Board Officers
Nominated by the LDC Nominating Committee, and recommended by the LDC Board:
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- President: Tracy Brog
- 1st Vice President: Peter Ericson
- 2nd Vice President: Mike Rusk
- Treasurer: Russell Creighton
- Secretary: France Silcox
Dinks & Dems Pickleball Fundraiser for the LDC Precinct Organizing Project
Saturday, June 17th from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Community Center Rink.
To register as a player, or for the Intro to Pickleball Clinic by June 1, click on the appropriate link below.
Players and Sponsors – register and donate here
Register for the Newbies Pickleball Clinic
Just make a donation to Pickleball fundraiser
All tournament matches will be doubles play, but don’t worry if you don’t have a partner. Sign up and we will happily find you a partner!
Find more information on the LDC website: LDclub.orgor email: info@LDclub.org
April 2023
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
There is real scientific evidence that the longer days, brighter colors, and shrinking shadows of spring make us happier and even healthier. Our circadian clocks tick more evenly, and shorter wavelengths of blue and violet light scatter more efficiently across the sky— making it bluer. Spring gets us ready to head outside and excited to move forward.
The upcoming April 13 LDC general meeting literally is sure to get us moving forward in the right direction. The early 2023 LDC focus on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience already provided provocative and engaging presentations on Housing, and Energy. Next up is Transportation and Infrastructure.
We are delighted to welcome local leaders – city and town council members and mayors – from Concord, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga for a panel presentation on Local Motion—an update on local transportation and infrastructure plans, challenges, and improvements.
Here are just a few questions to get you thinking about the topic:
How do you move through your town for work, recreation, shopping, dining, school?
Has climate change caused you to consider new modes of transportation — for adaptation? Mitigation?
What sorts of obstacles prevent you from making a switch to biking, walking, electrical vehicles, or public transportation?
How can we effectively support the efforts of our local leaders and legislators to create cleaner, greener, safer movement through and around our towns and cities?
In addition to the April 13 general meeting program, the LDC Nominating Committee will present the Board-recommended nominees for 2023 LDC officers. LDC Members-in-good-standing will have the opportunity to vote on:
- LDC Board-recommended Club alternative representative to the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County (DPCC): Valerie Sloven
- LDC Board-approved budget proposed for 2023
- LDC Board-recommended proposed changes to bylaws (Click here to see proposed changes)
I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting. In the meantime, let’s clean out the closets, turn over the soil in the flower beds, open all the windows, and allow ourselves the space to imagine new possibilities and new ways of moving forward.
Best,
Tracy Brog
Next Lamorinda Democratic Club Meeting: Thursday, April 13 at 7 PM via Zoom
Local Motion… an update on local transportation and infrastructure plans, challenges, and improvements
Guest Speakers:
Carl Anduri, Lafayette Mayor
Wei-Tai Kwok, Lafayette City Councilmember
Kevin Wilk, Walnut Creek City Councilmember
Carlyn Obringer, Concord City Councilmember
Latika Malkani, Orinda City Councilmember
Renata Sos, Moraga Mayor
Click here to register for the Zoom link :https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtf-uqrDsjGNO3e5gAXjdpIssg6dkohyhd
2023 LDC Membership Renewal Drive Ends Friday, March 31
To renew your membership for 2023, please go to:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joinldc
Alternatively, you may mail a $60 check for membership dues to:
Lamorinda Democratic Club
P.O. Box 31
Orinda, California 94563
If you find membership dues to be prohibitive or challenging, please contact membership@LDclub.org to request a waiver. All requests are treated confidentially.
Last Day to Renew Membership for CADEM Roster: April 4
April 4 is the last day to renew your membership in order to be considered a “member in good standing” for our roster submission to the California State Democratic Party.
The number of individuals who are LDC members as of April 4 will determine the LDC’s representation at the California Democratic Party Pre-Endorsement Conference. This directly affects our influence on the state Democratic Party’s endorsement of candidates for California State Senate and Assembly as well as the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Please renew today!
Dinks, Drinks & Dems! … a Pickleball Fundraiser for the LDC Precinct Organizing Project: Saturday, June 17, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Lafayette Rink
Save the date for this fundraiser! Pickleball is the fastest growing and most Democratic sport in America! Whether you’re a player, sponsor, or cheerleader, there is a role for everyone who would like to participate in this fun event. All proceeds will go to support the LDC Precinct Organizing Project — reaching more than 20,000 Contra Costa Dems each election cycle — to get out the vote and help win elections in Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, Concord, Martinez, and throughout Contra Costa County.
March 2023
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
Seeing snow on the top of Mt. Diablo this week was a beautiful, if unfamiliar event.
We have certainly witnessed rainy weeks and rare snowy days in this part of the world, but science predicts increasingly longer-lasting, more catastrophic weather patterns ahead.
Now the grey clouds tinged with climate change cling to every new downpour and flood and wildfire—with a foreboding finger-wag, as if to reprimand, “It’s too late to go back! Now it’s about adaptation, resilience, and preparation—not just mitigation.”
In January’s general meeting, we heard Steve Falk describe the intersection of housing, environment, city planning, and climate change. The next Lamorinda Democratic Club general meeting will welcome an expert in the field of energy—so we can hear about emerging climate change resiliency technologies and what else is in the energy toolbox for climate change adaptation.
Learning about this important and topical issue may make us more informed voters, better-prepared citizens, and more confident and responsible community members, leaders, and representatives. More importantly, it may be able to restore some sense of control and hope in the future.
March is the perfect month to move forward—focused on positive change, with a renewed energy!
I hope to see you at the next Zoom meeting on Thursday, March 9, at 7 p.m.
Best,
Tracy Brog
President, Lamorinda Democratic Club
NEXT GENERAL MEETING:
Good Energy! … Options for Climate Change Resilience & Adaptation
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m. via Zoom
Dr. Sean Ericson spent six years working at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado and is currently a member of the Energy Systems and Climate Analysis Group at Electrical Power Research Institute. He has a master’s degree in Mineral and Energy Economics from the Colorado School of Mines and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Club Business…Member Vote to Approve the LDC Budget for 2023/24
Please click here to register and receive the Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsc-6gqzkiHtd4CVoGocpQQUk61bzPFWD0. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
LDC ENDORSES ORINDA MEASURE Z
If you are an Orinda registered voter, please Vote “YES!” on Measure Z—to keep great teachers in Orinda Schools!
Special Election: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
February 2023
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
I know we are all still reeling from the news of multiple mass shootings in our own state—and more U.S. mass shootings in January 2023 than there were days in the month. I know we are sickened and heartbroken by the atrocious violence that claimed the life of a 29-year-old Memphis father who loved skateboarding, photographing sunsets, and dinners with his family. I know we feel sick and tired of the effort to affect the kind of change we want to see.
But you know who else must be tired?
The Sandyhook parents who never saw their children blow out the candles on their 6th birthday cake,
the Parkland parents who never heard their teenagers say, “Mom, Dad! You’re embarrassing me!” as they took one more prom photo,
the grandchildren from Half Moon Bay who never had the chance to finish hearing their grandparents’ immigration stories,
Tyre’s mom—who had to hear accounts of her son’s heart-wrenching call for help, “Mom!” while he was being brutally beaten by the police officers who swore an oath to protect him,
and the parents, children, uncles, aunts, grandparents and best friends of the too-short lives taken by guns and violence every day on American streets.
So, while California can boast the strictest gun laws in the country, there is still more we can do. And while charges were filed swiftly against the Memphis police “scorpion” unit, we still have a long way to travel along “the arc of the moral universe” as it bends towards justice.
Engaging, Educating, and Electing Democrats is the mission of the Lamorinda Democratic Club. In times like these, nothing we do seems like enough. But we can draw inspiration and energy from witnessing the parents, children, friends, and family who, with grace and dignity, just keep going—to chip away—with the hope that piece by piece, we will get there together.
In this Lunar Year of the Rabbit, I wish you peace, hope, prosperity, and good health.
Sincerely,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
The Lamorinda Democratic Club 2023 Open House
on Thursday, February 9
7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library
Members, friends, city, county, and state elected representatives, party leaders, and activists—please join us for this fun in-person event at the Lafayette Library (3491 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549) to kick off the new year, meet, mingle, and enjoy drinks and desserts.
Among the featured speakers, we will hear from:
Ken Carlson, Contra Costa County Supervisor
Carl Anduri, Lafayette Mayor
Kevin Wilk, Walnut Creek City Council
Latika Malkani, Orinda City Council
Rob Sturm, Lafayette School Board
Edda Collins Coleman, Orinda School Board
Dave Smith, Lafayette School Board
Steve Danziger, Moraga Orinda Fire District Director
Liz Daoust & Charles Heath, Orinda Measure
PLEASE RENEW YOUR LAMORINDA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEMBERSHIP FOR 2023
To renew online, please click here.
To renew by mail, please send a check ($60 for a single annual membership) to:
Lamorinda Democratic Club
PO Box 31
Orinda CA 94563
Unsure of your LDC membership status? Email Mike Rusk: Membership@LDclub.org
January, 2023
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
I hope you are staying safe and dry on these stormy days. The 2023 rainy season in our part of California is off to a promising start. Now it’s time to replenish the reservoirs of the Lamorinda Democratic Club!
Weathering four elections in the space of the last 16 months was no small task for our club. In each election cycle, the LDC performed an outsized role in Engaging, Educating, and Electing Democrats.
GOTV
The Lamorinda Democratic Club Got Out The Vote for Democratic candidates across Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Saranap, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo, Concord, Martinez, and San Ramon.
LDC Precinct Organizers reached more than 20,000 Contra Costa Democratic voters in each election cycle, person to person, producing Democratic voter turnout that was above state and county percentages. In the last election, Contra Costa precincts “covered” by LDC Precinct Organizers saw an average 76.6% turnout of registered Democrats! That is 16.1% higher than the Democratic turnout for the county and 19.2% higher than the registered voter turnout for the state.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
The LDC saw another successful year bringing together local Dems to meet, learn, and build community.
Monthly Zoom meetings (including a virtual Open House), the annual Hot August Night Political Trivia Championship, and the LDC booth at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival are just a few examples of the ways in which we reached out, expanded, and connected.
SUPPORTING DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES & ELECTEDS
Whether running for local, city, county, or state office for the first time or for reelection, Democratic candidates and incumbents sought the LDC’s endorsement—knowing it comes with effective volunteer organizing and support that translates into votes.
While you hunker down to stay dry, I hope you can find time to celebrate all this new rain and snow. Please also take a minute to renew your membership, so the LDC can refill its reservoir and continue the mission to Engage, Educate, and Elect Democrats.
Online: https://ldclub.org/join-donate/
By Mail: P.O. Box 31, Orinda CA 94563
I look forward to seeing you at the LDC General Meeting on Thursday!
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
First LDC General Meeting of the Year
Thursday, January 12
7 p.m. via Zoom featuring Guest Speaker Steve Falk
Currently a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy, Steve spent more than 28 years as Lafayette’s City Manager, followed by his roles as Interim City Manager for the cities of Richmond, Oakland, and Hercules. He was also the subject of a 2020 New York Times feature story, Build Build Build Build Build, and was presented with the Bay Area Metro Award in 2019 for his vocal support of housing “to address climate change, income inequality, and housing affordability.” Steve has a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University and also is an artist and writer.
Register to receive a Zoom link for the meeting by clicking here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvf-uurzMsG9Hg8K-BQtGqHihj7XhglM9r. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The Lamorinda Democratic Club 2023 Open House
on Thursday, February 9
7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library
Members, friends, city, county, and state elected representatives, party leaders, and activists—please join us for this fun in-person event at the Lafayette Library (3491 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549) to kick off the new year, meet, mingle, and enjoy drinks and desserts.
CADEM ASSEMBLY DISTRICT DELEGATE ELECTIONS FOR ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 16
There is still time to register and vote in person for our district’s delegates to the California Democratic Party State Convention!
Several Lamorinda Democratic Club members, including LDC Board Member Tom Duckworth, are running. Click here to see a list of all the candidates in Assembly District 16. Registered Democrats in each Assembly District will elect 14 delegates for a two-year term, including seven self-identified females and seven other than self-identified females.
The in-person location for Assembly District 16 will be announced soon, but ballots can be dropped off at any voting location in the state. Click here to see these voting locations and times. In-person voter registration opportunities will end on January 22, 2023.
These Assembly District Elections are one of three major ways delegates are selected for the California Democratic Party. These delegates vote on California Democratic Party business—including endorsements, resolutions, state party officers, and the state party’s platform.
All Democratic Party County Central Committees elect delegates from among their members. The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County elects delegates from each Supervisorial District (ours is District 2) and then the rest in an at-large vote of the entire membership in good standing. These elections among members in good standing will happen at the DPCCC’s Organizational Meeting on Thursday, January 19, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about these elections by clicking here.
California Democratic Party delegates are also selected by appointment from statewide party officers and by Democratic Party Elected Officials (or the highest vote-getting Democrat if no Democrat was elected) for statewide offices; the U.S. Senate; and State Assembly, State Senate, and Congressional offices.
RENEW YOUR LAMORINDA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEMBERSHIP
To renew online, click here: https://ldclub.org/join-donate/
To renew by mail, please send a check ($60 for a single annual membership) to:
Lamorinda Democratic Club
PO Box 31
Orinda CA 94563
December, 2022
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
May you and yours find comfort and joy in this holiday season.
We look forward to the year ahead and thank you very much for being part of the LDC family as we build community and continue to meet the mission of the Lamorinda Democratic Club: to Engage, Educate, and Elect.
Please be sure to mark your calendars for the first two LDC events of 2023!
Best wishes and Happy New Year!
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
First LDC General Meeting of the Year on Thursday, January 12
7 p.m. via Zoom featuring guest speaker, Steve Falk
Currently a lecturer at University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy, Steve spent more than 28 years as Lafayette’s City Manager, followed by his roles as Interim City Manager for the cities of Richmond, Oakland, and Hercules. He was also the subject of a 2020 New York Times feature story, Build Build Build Build Build, and was presented with the Bay Area Metro Award in 2019 for his vocal support of housing “to address climate change, income inequality, and housing affordability.” Steve has a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University and is also an artist and writer.
Register to receive a Zoom link by clicking here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvf-uurzMsG9Hg8K-BQtGqHihj7XhglM9r
The Lamorinda Democratic Club 2023 “Open House” on Thursday, February 9
7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library
Members, friends, city, county, and state elected representatives, party leaders and activists:
Please join us for this fun in-person event to kick off the new year, meet, mingle, and enjoy drinks and desserts.
Join the Club/Renew Your Membership for 2023
Please click here to pay dues online: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joinldc
Or, you may pay by check:
Lamorinda Democratic Club
P.O. Box 31
Orinda, CA 94563
Dues are $60 per year per individual membership, $120 per year per family membership.
Your membership is important to us. If you are a student, or find membership dues to be prohibitive, please contact Membership@LDclub.org to request a waiver. All waiver requests will be treated confidentially.
November, 2022
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
Are we there yet?
As organizers, candidates, and active Democrats, the long election season can remind us of being seven years old in the backseat of a station wagon on a long road trip. But now, with just two days to go, the election energy and excitement is electric and Lamorinda Democratic Club members and friends are rallying enthusiastically to cross the finish line together!
LDC Precinct Organizers are the heart and soul of the Lamorinda Democratic Club’s mission: to Engage, Educate, and Elect Democrats. From the time that ballots were mailed out in early October, LDC Precinct Organizers have been meeting, mailing, emailing, and calling Democratic voters in their neighborhoods, and most will continue to Get Out The Vote until polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8.
Early Democratic voter ballot returns in neighborhoods covered by LDC Precinct Organizers demonstrate the success of our determined efforts. Until every Democrat votes, turnout is never as high as our hopes, but the Lamorinda Democratic Club can feel proud of building a strong team of Organizers, creating an inclusive and welcoming community, and supporting outstanding responsible, capable, and qualified candidates running for every race on the ballot.
The LDC has become a trusted resource for the community in guiding local Democrats and candidates. LDC Members recognize that the decisions made by local government can affect positive, meaningful change on many of the issues about which Democrats care most.
City councils and school boards, district and county representatives,d and legislators can have a powerful influence on lives, even beyond the times and communities in which they directly serve.
I hope that by the time all the ballots are counted in Contra Costa County, we will have much to celebrate.
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
RENEW YOUR LAMORINDA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEMBERSHIP
To renew online, click here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joinldc
To renew by mail, please send a check ($60 for a single annual membership) to:
Lamorinda Democratic Club
P.O. Box 31
Orinda CA 94563
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:
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.
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.
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. 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:
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
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:
- 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.
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!
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
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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