We began the year at our January meeting discussing 2014 election prospects with Howard Wayne, Vice Chair, Central Area of the San Diego County Democratic Party.
We’ll end the year at the Pt Loma Assembly (as we don’t have a December meeting) with Howard summarizing the results, discussing the repercussions, and looking ahead for 2016.
A lot of Howard’s warnings for the national races turned out exactly as forecast, with low Democratic turnout leading to predictable results.
San Diego County proved itself to be one of the redder parts of California with the statewide contestants losing in the County (other than the Governor’s landslide). Despite this Scott Peters won the 52nd by a higher percentage than he did in 2012 (thank you to Rebecca Taylor (@N0StoneUnturned), Tim Hanna and all of the club members who donated and volunteered time) by appealing to independents, moderate Republicans and younger voters.
There were other bright spots:
- A supermajority on the Chula Vista City Council and elected a Democratic mayor — the first Latina mayor elected in the county’s history
- A seat (and a de-facto majority) on the Oceanside City Council
- A seat on the Lemon Grove City Council
- A seat on the MiraCosta Community College Board
- Two seats (and majority) on the Poway Unified School Board
- Four out of five new members to the Sweetwater Union High School Board
- A seat on the (now all-Democratic) Chula Vista Elementary School Board
- Four seats and a majority on the Palomar Health Board
- Defeated a Tea Party-affiliated candidate for Superior Court Judge
- Elected (hopefully) a Democrat as Mayor of Imperial Beach
- Clubmember Dr. Mike McQuary won election to the San Diego Unified School Board
- Club endorsed School Board President Kevin Beiser won another term
Around San Diego County in 2012 Democratic Party endorsed candidates won about 70% of the races, and this year about 64%. So why does it feel so different? it’s because of the importance of the races we lost – the Mayoral race, District 2, and most recently District 6.
We’ve lost the veto proof majority on the City Council, and we’re in danger of losing a Democratic majority unless we strategize and better prepare for the upcoming local races.
In 2016 the odd numbered City Council districts are up for grabs:
Sherri Lightner is termed out in District 1 and two of our club members are considering contesting the open seat – Barbara Bry (@BarbaraBrySD) and Joe LaCava (@joe_lacava).
Todd Gloria will vacate District 3 where one of his current staff members, Anthony Bernal (@AnthonyBernalSD) will be running against one of Marty Block’s staff members, Chris Ward (@ChrisWardD3). Will Todd endorse one of the candidates?
We’ve yet to hear of a Democratic contender for District 5, but in District 7 Justin DeCesare (@JustinDeCesare) will be running against Scott Sherman.
Jan Goldsmith will be termed out in 2016 and Democrats Gil Cabrera (@GilCabrera) and Rafael Castellanos (@RafaSanDiego) are running for the open position.
Kevin Faulconer, as the GOP’s rising star, may well be picked to leave town and run for higher office. Who is preparing to run for the open Mayoral spot or, if he hangs around, to go up against him in the Primary?
As none of this year’s proposed changes were made to the City Charter these races could be decided in the 2016 Primary, that’s only about 18 months from now.
RSVP to let us know you’re coming.
Social Time before the meeting starts around 3:30pm and we’ll be treated to jams from club member Judi Curry, who has just released her latest book, Jamming with Judi.
4:00PM – 5:30PM
Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot St, San Diego, CA 92106
For additional info call (619) 800-5098
Directions and parking information
Social Time
Members are encouraged to get together from 3:30pm before the meeting starts, please bring whatever light drinks/snacks that you’d like to share.
After the meeting ends we suggest adjourning to the Point Break Cafe at 2743 Shelter Island Dr to sit outside on the (dog-friendly) deck and continue our progressive conversation. Happy Hour is until 6:30pm.
POINT LOMA & OB DEMS 