All posts tagged: Gloria Johnson

Notes on November Meeting with Special Election Analysis

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Susan Peinado called the meeting to order at 4:00pm and welcomed and introduced Sarah Boot, candidate for City Council District 2. Then she handed over to Patrick Schultheis to introduce the panel of journalists who are covering the Mayoral Special Election. The panel discussion covered the results of the Primary and speculation on the run up to the run off with an open format, and multiple questions from the audience. The discussion covered – Results of the Primary (polls, changes) – Campaign strategies and styles – Role of ‘independent’ PACs, negative ads – Where do we go from here? Predictions (Slides used at the discussion can be downloaded here.) The group of local journalists represented the San Diego Free Press, The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint,  NBC7 and La Prensa San Diego. Club member Judi Curry wrote a comprehensive review of the meeting for the OB Rag, here are some bullet points from the discussion – Andy Cohen San Diego Free Press – Nathan says he knew the timing was wrong – Flood of negative ads was a deciding factor …

Gloria Johnson’s Celebration of Life – August 26, 1937 to September 22, 2013

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Thursday, November 7, 2013, at the First Unitarian Church of San Diego in Hillcrest, a powerhouse of San Diego Democrats gathered to honor the life of Gloria Johnson, an early and vocal advocate for LGBT issues. I was caught with only my IPhone for a camera, but I could not let this important occasion go undocumented. Gloria was the first open lesbian to be elected to the San Diego Democratic Central Committee, delegate to many Democratic National Conventions and worked on both Christine Kehoe’s and Donna Frye’s campaigns. She had many honors and numerous activities during her long and very productive life. She was very active in NOW and advocated tirelessly for LGBT issues. She was inducted into the San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame in 2009, and in January of this year, Mayor Filner named her as a “Mayor’s Living Legend” for her community work. Related articles Remembering Gloria Johnson, Trailblazer for Equal Rights (pointlomadem.org)

Remembering Gloria Johnson, Trailblazer for Equal Rights

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This week San Diego Democrats mourn the passing of Gloria Johnson (1937-2013), who was known for four decades as one of California’s most forceful activists for feminist and lesbian issues and Democratic politics. Gloria became the first openly LGBT person to serve on the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee in 1976; she was named a Lifetime Member this year. She was a longtime board member and past president of San Diego Democrats for Equality (previously known as the San Diego Democratic Club). In 1978 Gloria served as the San Diego Co-Chair of the committee to defeat the Briggs Initiative (Proposition 6), which would have banned gays and lesbians from teaching in California public schools. Gloria was a longtime member of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and served as Co-President of the San Diego County Chapter and Vice President for Political Action for California NOW. Before her retirement in 1999, she worked as a social worker for San Diego County for 30 years, where she supported clients living with AIDS. Those fortunate enough to …

Great Turnout for Sunday’s Meeting with Cindy Marten, Kevin Beiser, Scott Peters & Ed Harris

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Scott Peters updated the club on his work in congress, trying to deal with unreasonable tea-party Republicans as well as reasonable GOP members. He answered members questions and praised club members for their efforts in bringing awareness to Democratic Party causes. Ed Harris announced his candidacy for District 2. Ed spoke to the club in February, 2013 about Lifeguards, Beaches and Politics. Cindy Marten gave a superb overview of her career to date, and how she intends to fill the role of Superintendent for the San Diego Unified School District. Everyone was impressed by her breadth of knowledge and clear articulation of complex issues, as well as her warmth and pragmatism. She explained that each school faces different challenges and by way of example recounted how she had worked to provide employee day care at one, and a healthcare center for children at another. Supported by the School District Board (unanimously), the unions, principals and a Mayor who understands educational issues well, Cindy will be a great Superintendent. She answered members questions at length, and …

Nancy Witt

Nancy Witt 
- Volunteer of the Year!

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As many of you already know, Nancy Witt has been named San Diego County Democratic Party Volunteer of the Year! Nancy will be officially honored at the Roosevelt Dinner “Painting The Town Blue” on May 4th. We hope that everyone will attend to help celebrate! Nancy was raised in Wisconsin, the fifth eldest of twelve children. Her mother was a great organizer with boundless energy and Nancy remembers being trained to sell raspberries from their farm, door-to-door to neighbors at the age of six – so her canvassing skills were developed at an early age! After college in Wisconsin Nancy started work with the Social Security Administration in South Bend, Indiana. She and her first husband moved from the cold Midwest to sunny San Diego in 1971. While she was working as a federal employee she could not fully participate in political activity under the rules of the Hatch Act. President Clinton was the first to authorize that federal employees could join political clubs (but still only run for non-partisan elected positions). Nancy & Stewart …