Club President Susan Peinado welcomed and introduced new members Amy and Jon Garapich, Hannah Bingham, Don Donbar, and Linda Perine. She also introduced guests Peg and Tim Liebert.
Dallin Young, on behalf of the Congressman Scott Peters re-election campaign, was introduced and he noted that their efforts have registered over 500 absentee voters. He encouraged club members to join their May 10th precinct walk, followed by additional Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts and events. He noted that there would be a joint phone bank with Sarah Boot for City Council, located at Sarah Boot’s campaign office on Thursday.
John Hartley informed the audience that the club had endorsed the Clean Elections Campaign last year and noted that the Union Tribune issued an editorial in support of Clean Elections.
Ryan Trabuco, President of Clairemont Town Council, noted that the Town Council would hold a debate with District 2 and 6 candidates on Thursday, May 1st at Cadman Elementary School.
Guest Speakers Susan Guinn and Ed Harris
Susan Peinado introduced Susan Guinn, candidate for County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk. Ms. Guinn provided an overview of her background and candidacy. Ms. Guinn is a consumer advocate attorney for over twenty years and has protected taxpayers from fraudulent taxes and fees. She noted that this office can sue on behalf of taxpayers (i.e. current Assessor Droneberg’s actions to oppose gay marriage) and the position can affect local land use policy. She further noted that utility companies and commercial banks are receiving significant tax and assessment breaks.
Susan then introduced Ed Harris, our District’s new Councilmember for who was appointed to fill out the remainder of Kevin Faulconer’s term. Councilmember Harris provided an overview of his priorities and background. He particularly noted that the 30-foot development height limit needed to be defended and maintained and that he is addressing public safety and quality of life issues in Ocean Beach.
Reports
Treasurer’s Report – Barbara Houlton
Barbara reported the club’s income this year and account balance. She also noted that we have 110 members enrolled so far for 2014.
Events Committee – Mike Johnson
Mike announced the club would have a booth at the OB Street Fair on June 28th and he requested 3 more volunteers to sign up and help run the booth. Mike is also the Treasurer of the Veterans Democratic Club and requested club members to show support for the Veterans club by becoming a member. The Veteran’s Club has a goal to reach a level of 50 members by July 4th. Mr. Johnson noted that one doesn’t need to be a Vet to become a member.
President’s Report – Susan Peinado
Susan announced that the memorial service for Robert DeVries would take place on May 10, 2014, 1:00pm at Saint Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church in Pacific Beach. She also informed the club membership of the nomination and awarding process wherein our club become the 2014 San Diego County Democratic Club of the Year.
Grassroots Organizing (GO) Team Liaison – John Loughlin
John gave an overview of the GO Team and their priorities to mobilize Democratic voters and activate volunteers.
New Business
Susan Peinado requested the club make Steve Rivera, Region 20 California Democratic Party (CDP) Director, an honorary member of the Point Loma Democratic Club (PLDC). It was moved and seconded to make Steve Rivera an honorary member and the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Peinado announced that Cynara Velasquez would chair the 60th Anniversary PLDC Celebration committee and help identify a location for the Summer BBQ.
Howard Singer, member of five local Democratic clubs including PLDC, noted that there is an “embarrassing lack of diversity, equality & inclusiveness in LA Jolla.” He is a member of the San Diego County Diversity & Inclusiveness Group (SDCDIG) and they are seeking to have the La Jolla Christmas Parade change the title, branding, and orientation to become the ‘La Jolla Holiday Parade.’
Ms. Cynara Velasquez informed PLDC that she created a new website that posts all campaign messages and political advertisements: www.Politicalpropaganda.org. She requested that members please send her mailers and other campaign materials to: info@politicalpropaganda.org
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Events and announcements were made:
- June 3rd election ballots will be mailed May 5th.
- Endorsed local candidates include CC D2 Sarah Boot; AD 78 Toni Atkins; CD 52 Scott Peters; San Diego Unified School Board ‘C’ Dr. Mike McQuarry
- OB Kite Festival, Free Admission Saturday, May 10th, 10:00am-4:0pm Dusty Rhodes Park
- OB Town Council Meeting, Wednesday, May 28th, 7pm, Masonic Center, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. 92107
- 35th Annual OB Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Saturday, June 28th, 10am
- The Ocean Beach Planning Board, meets monthly, first Wednesday, 6pm, OB Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Avenue
- Peninsula Community Planning Board, meets monthly, third Thursday, 6:30pm, Point Loma Branch Library, 3701 Voltaire Street
- Next Club Meeting May 18, Sunday, 4pm
Then there was cake.
Notes: Gretchen Kinney Newsom, Secretary
Photos: Patrick Schultheis, OFA Liaison
POINT LOMA & OB DEMS 