A Party of Contrasts – Notes From the Annual Summer BBQ
Just seventy-two hours after announcing his resignation as Mayor of San Diego, Bob Filner attended the club’s Annual Summer BBQ. The circumstances were quite different from last year when he attended midway between his hard fought primary and general election campaigns.
Club members Judi Curry and the folks who run the San Diegans for a Progressive Future had slightly different takes on his visit.
Judi writing for her OB Rag column noted:
“In talking about the Mayor, most of us were very surprised to see him attending the meeting. In a way it was very sad and was bitter-sweet, because we were all aware of what “could have been” if things had worked out differently… There is a lot of hope, a lot of skepticism, a lot of discontent by the members of this group. The uncertainty of what is to come is stressful.”
San Diegans for a Progressive Future’s Facebook page wrote:
“We were there and many, both men & woman clamored to have their photo taken with Bob and everyone was happy to see him and every group of people I joined conversations with were defending him and talking about how wrong the whole situation is. He was not his usual ebullient self to be sure, and he looked like he has lost some weight, but it was great for him to attend and he was most definitely amongst friends!”
Channel 10 managed to try to disparage the Mayor for posing with Judi and a beer in his hand. Judi put the record straight in an interview and on the OB Rag.
After the hamburgers, and before the deserts, President Susan Peinado called the official meeting to order at approximately 5:00 PM.
Guest Speakers
State Senator Marty Block addressed the club and provided an overview of his legislation, including AB 1731 which requires hospitals to check newborns for heart defects prior to discharge. He also spoke about his successful efforts to secure $30 million in new resources for disabled community college students. Senator Block’s office is available to assist constituents and attendees were encouraged to reach his office via http://www.martyblock.com.
For those seeking information and guidance on implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Senator Block referred to Covered California.
City Council District 2 candidate Sarah Boot addressed the club and provided a brief overview of her background and candidacy. She promised to uphold a Progressive vision and agenda if elected. Ms. Boot will kick off her campaign with a fundraiser on October 2nd (details of this event will be shared at a later time.)
Mr. Chris Ward introduced himself as a potential candidate for City Council District 3. The timing of his candidacy depends on whether City Council President Todd Gloria runs for Mayor in the immediate future.
New BusinessSusan introduced newly appointed officers as follows:
Mike Johnson: Vice PresidentGretchen Kinney Newsom: Secretary
Anne Marie Kaukonen moved and Jane Gawronski seconded a motion to approve the appointment of these officers. The motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Peinado also introduced the rest of the club’s Executive Board, including the newly appointed positions:
Patrick Schultheis, Organizing For Action LiaisonBarbara Houlton, Action CommitteeRobert DeVries, Central Committee Liaison
AnnouncementsHannah told us about the Democratic Convention to be held at the Pala Indian Reservation October 4-5th. The deadline to make reservations is extended to Thursday, September 12th, and she said it would be an exciting event.
Othree Hendrix and Brandon McDonald from the “Western Service Workers Association” thanked everyone for bringing back to school items and supporting their organization.
Alana and Bruce Coons who are involved with SOHO San Diego were greeted as new members. (We’ve since learned that Bruce is running for Mayor.)
The San Diego chapter of the League of Women Voters is hosting a community discussion on mental health on September 12th at 10:30am at the Point Loma Library.
Next month’s meeting on September 22nd will focus on the Affordable Care Act.
Thanks
Thanks to everyone for attending and bringing such great food and drinks. The party was very pleasant and afforded a chance to meet and talk to elected officials and candidates as well as members new and old.
Related articles
Monthly Meeting – Our Annual Summer BBQ! (pointlomadem.org)
Sep 22 – Monthly Meeting – Covering California With Obamacare (pointlomadem.org)
Bob Filner Failed, Not Democratic Ideology (pointlomadem.org)