Here comes Round 4 of the Democratic Presidential debates!
Tuesday, 10/15/19, 5 – 8 PM
Rusty's on the SM Pier, 256 Santa Monica Pier
Again we'll gather at Rusty's to watch the action and cheer on our favorite candidates (and maybe jeer a few gaffes)
Twelve candidates have already made the cut for this debate, but it's likely this will be the last time some of them will appear on the debate stage...
DNC Chairman Tom Perez is promising to raise the bar in November and December to highlight the party's strongest candidates and eliminate those who haven't "made progress" with voters. So join the HQ team on Oct 15 as we watch the candidates hash out the issues we care about so deeply. So far, we can expect on the stage:
- Former Vice President Joe Biden
- Sen. Bernie Sanders
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren
- Sen. Kamala Harris
- Sen. Cory Booker
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar
- Representative Tulsi Gabbard
- Mayor Pete Buttigieg
- former Representative Beto O’Rourke
- former Cabinetmember Julian Casto
- businessman Tom Steyer
- entrepreneur Andrew Yang
Expect a boisterous crowd, special guests, and a good time as we take a closer look at the top candidates for the (D) nomination
No RSVP necessary -- just show up!
Hosted by the Westside Democratic HQ consortium:
Heart of L.A., Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Stonewall, West L.A., and Westchester-Playa Democratic Clubs
PPDC's most prestigious event is back!
2019 Froehlich-Berke Political Courage Awards
Honoring ROBERT REICH for his continual and resolute political courage
introduced by MIKE FARRELL
Emcee PAULA POUNDSTONE
Sunday, November 3, 4 – 7 PM
RSVP HERE
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RECENT EVENTS:
Our Meet The Candidate series returned
with
Tom Steyer
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Wine and cheese reception 5 PM
Steyer speaks / Q&A 5:30 – 7 PM
St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 3590 Grand View Blvd., Mar Vista
(not that far -- west of the 405, near the Santa Monica Airport)
Meet the Candidate series hosted by
Malibu Democratic Club • Pacific Palisades Democratic Club • Santa Monica Democratic Club • WLA Democratic Club
MEET THE CANDIDATE EVENTS ARE NOT ENDORSEMENTS
Your local clubs are hosting a series of informational candidate events leading up to 2020
From the campaign: Tom Steyer is an American billionaire, hedge fund manager, philanthropist, environmentalist, liberal activist, and fundraiser. Tom and his wife Kathryn “Kat” Taylor have donated tens of millions of dollars to charitable projects that advance education, renewable energy, clean air and water, healthy food, sustainable agriculture, self-sustaining communities and more
Tom founded NextGen America in 2013, a nonprofit group that combats climate change, promotes social justice and increases participation in our democracy through voter registration and grassroots organizing. In 2017, Tom became the first major Democrat to rally millions of Americans with a public call to impeach Donald Trump
On his website, Tom states that in order to create a society where everyone has a fair chance at success, we need five fundamental rights to be protected by law. No one — not corporations and their lobbyists — should have the ability to take any of these rights away, just to make a profit
These 5 Rights represent essential freedoms that should be guaranteed for all Americans: voting rights protections, a clean environment, a complete education, a living wage, and good health
SPECIAL FREE TICKETS for PaliDems members
The Great Hack
Screening and discussion with Rep. Adam Schiff
and others
Sunday, October 6, 2019, 2 – 5:30 PM
Harmony Gold Theatre, 7655 Sunset Blvd., L.A.
It's going to be a special afternoon, with the timely topic of election security, and a panel that includes both Congressman Schiff and the reporter who broke the story, and Patricia Arquette as moderator
Rep. Schiff's office is pleased to offer some free spots to Pacific Palisades Dem Club members so that you can be part of this moment
See the Eventbrite link for more details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-hack-screening-and-discussion-with-adam-schiff-tickets-70553574641
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Use this event code: SCHIFFPARTNERS
Learn all about L.A. County's new voting setup here
https://lavote.net/home/voting-elections/current-elections/mock-election
or in person Sat., 9/28 at Santa Monica College! Click the link above for more info
Big congrats to PPDC board member Julia Jaye Posin for receiving the 2019 Eco Star Award by Sustainable Works!
Last year, this award went to CA State Sen. Ben Allen, earth-friendly products company ECOS, and human rights advocate Bonnie Nixon. We're thrilled Julia was honored along with these other accomplished change-makers.
Julia has had the privilege of collaborating with Sustainable Works, an environmental impact organization, since 2008. As a Santa Monica College student, she participated in, and then went on to lead, their sustainable workshop series. Sustainable Works activates environmentally conscious practices through student workshops, green business programs, and community events. They play a vital role in ensuring L.A. is on course to be carbon-neutral by 2050 per the city's Green New Deal
From our friends at the Santa Monica Democratic Club
The 2019 Sammy Awards
Sunday, September 22, 4 – 7 PM
Private Residence in Santa Monica
Address: 939 San Vicente Blvd
Members pay $35 now, or $40 on Sunday.
Non-Members pay $50 now, or $55 on Sunday.
Why wait??
SMDC congratulates all of our honorees:
UNITE HERE Local 11
Congresswoman Maxine Waters
Congressman Adam Schiff
Senator Kevin de León
The Democratic Party of Orange County
SMC Boardmember Sion Roy
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dolly Sloan
Tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/smdc
September debate-watching excitement at the historic Rusty's
on the Santa Monica Pier
Miss June and July's watch parties?
Join us for round three
Thursday, 9/12/19
Doors open 4 PM
Debate 5 – 8 PM Pacific Time
Rusty's, 256 Santa Monica Pier (map)
Town Hall with Rep. Ted Lieu
El Segundo High School Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, August 28, 2019, 7 – 8:30 PM
SUNDANCE AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY SCREENING of Dark Money
w/ REP. ADAM SCHIFF
Saturday, 8/3 • Line for ticket holders 5 PM | Standby line & doors open for reception 6 PM | Showtime 7 PM
Congressman Adam Schiff invites you to join us for an important conversation on the state of big money in politics. (PPDC is a Community Partner for this event.) Through the lens of Dark Money, the Sundance award-winning documentary, we’ll examine the influence of untraceable corporate donations on our elections and elected officials.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the Rep. Adam Schiff and producer/director Kimberly Reed. The discussion will be moderated by comedian, filmmaker, and Crooked Media podcaster Kiran Deol.
More info and RSVP link
2nd round of debate-watch gatherings
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NIGHT 1 (Tue., 7/30)
Rusty's on the Santa Monica Pier for Happy Hour drinks and classic American food -- with a welcome from
Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party
Mark Gonzalez, chair of the L.A. County Democratic Party
Also planning to attend were
State Sen. Ben Allen
City Councilmember Mike Bonin (L.A.) and Greg Morena (SM)
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NIGHT 2 (Wed., 7/31)
The Del Monte Speakeasy
52 Windward Avenue, Venice
Special guest: Assemblymember Autumn Burke
Large-screen TV. Plenty of seating. Free admission. Complimentary pizza and desserts!
Great seeing 2000+ people (!) at the fifth in our Meet the Candidate series,
this one featuring
Sen. Bernie Sanders
Friday, July 26, 2019, 6 PM
Memorial Greek Amphitheater, Santa Monica High School
Sanders is the longest serving independent in U.S. congressional history and a member of the Democratic caucus. A self-described democratic socialist and progressive, Sanders is known for his opposition to economic inequality. On domestic policy, he broadly supports labor rights, and has supported universal and single-payer healthcare, paid parental leave, and tuition-free tertiary education. On foreign policy, he broadly supports reducing military spending, pursuing more diplomacy and international cooperation, and putting greater emphasis on labor rights and environmental concerns when negotiating international trade agreements.
THESE EVENTS ARE NOT ENDORSEMENTS
Your local clubs are hosting a series of informational candidate events leading up to 2020
We want as many people as possible to hear from as many of the presidential candidates as possible!
Hosted by
Malibu Democratic Club • Pacific Palisades Democratic Club • Santa Monica Democratic Club • WLA Democratic Club
MONDAY, 7/22, 4:30 PM
Meet the Candidate series #4
Governor Jay Inslee (D-WA)
After successful events with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Michael Bennet, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard,
we were pleased to welcome Gov. Inslee and over 250 people in attendance!
Doors open 4:30 PM; event 5 – 6:30 PM
Pacific Palisades Woman's Club, 901 Haverford Ave
Washington state Governor Jay Inslee is running for president with the intent of making climate change the single most important issue in the race. The entire focus of his campaign has been about elevating the existential threat that climate change poses. And he has released multiple, detailed plans which lay out a blueprint for a real Green New Deal. But Inslee doesn't see himself as a single issue candidate. Rather, he sees climate as an umbrella under which all other issues fall.
Free and open to the public • Refreshments and light lunch provided
Hosted by
Malibu Democratic Club • Pacific Palisades Democratic Club • Santa Monica Democratic Club • WLA Democratic Club
With PPDC's own Gail Matthius Wirth (click to learn more about her awesomeness)
Wonderful to see over 100 people in attendance!
With thanks to Gail, the Spolin Players, and all who came
Thanks to all who marched with us in the Palisades Fourth of July parade!
SUNDAY, 6/30, 4:30 PM
Meet the Candidate series #3
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Bennet was the Superintendent of Denver Public Schools when he was appointed to become a US Senator from Colorado. In the decade since, he was an original co-sponsor of the DREAM Act, was a key vote for the Affordable Care Act, participated in Senator Chris Murphy's gun control filibuster, and has been a national leader on cannabis legalization and regulation
The event will be hosted and moderated by screenwriter Billy Ray, known for writing such films as The Hunger Games, Captain Phillips, and Shattered Glass
[NOT AN ENDORSEMENT -- the clubs are hosting a series of informational candidate events leading up to 2020]
Great turnout at our June Debate Watch Gatherings!
The Santa Monica Dem Club, PPDC, West L.A. Dems, and Malibu Dems co-hosted
at Gramercy, The GasLite, and Earth Wind & Flour in Santa Monica
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Watch this space for info on July's debates!
Packed house at Meet the Candidate event #2
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), May 28, 2019, 1 PM
[NOT AN ENDORSEMENT -- the clubs are hosting a series of informational candidate events leading up to 2020]
Santa Monica Library, MLK Auditorium
This event was free and open to all!
Hosted by
The Santa Monica Democratic Club
Co-Hosts:
The Malibu Democratic Club
The Pacific Palisades Democratic Club
Huge crowds at the first Meet the Candidate series events with
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Two intimate events were hosted by
The Malibu, Santa Monica, and Palisades Democratic Clubs
[NOT AN ENDORSEMENT -- the clubs are hosting a series of informational candidate events leading up to 2020]
An Afternoon With Tulsi Gabbard
Sunday, May 12, 2019, 2 – 4 PM
Malibu Library
and
An Evening with Tulsi Gabbard
Monday, May 13, 2019, 6 – 8:30 PM
Santa Monica Library, MLK Auditorium
The Meet the Candidate series gives you the opportunity to hear from Presidential candidates in person, free!
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PaliDems supports
Clean Money -- get big $$ out of politics!
Click image or here for more info from CA Clean Money, and to learn how you can help!
Full house for our STRAWS event (short film/panel/taco truck) -- maybe you were there? If so, thanks for coming!
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If not, learn what you can do to fight plastic pollution
Step 1: No more plastic straws!
Click for more pics and resources
Letter Writing, Phone Banking & Texting
Sometimes Tues., sometimes Thurs., and ongoing
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Friday, June 7, 2019 is National Gun Violence Awareness Day. And on June 7, we're all wearing orange.
In 2013, 15 year old Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed in Chicago. After her death, her friends wore orange to raise awareness about gun violence in their community. Then, Hadiya's friends asked all of us to Wear Orange to honor Hadiya and the hundreds of Americans killed and injured by gun violence every day. They inspired Wear Orange, which now includes a broad coalition of nonprofits, cultural influencers, and elected officials working to reduce gun violence in America.
Orange has become the defining color of the gun violence prevention movement. So save the date and raise awareness for gun violence!
Thanks to all who attended our Hot Topic Speaker Series event
Addicted: The Opioid Crisis in Our Backyard
We took a close look at how the opioid epidemic is affecting our own city, including discussion of California’s Hub and Spoke Initiative. The Initiative is funded by the state to increase access and availability of medication-assisted treatment options throughout California.
CLICK FOR LIST OF RESOURCES.
And kudos to all who braved the weather Feb. 9 for the Will Rogers Beach Cleanup!
Did you make it to the meeting January 27?
If so, thanks so much for coming!
Of course we'll have many meetings in 2019 -- the PaliDems board of directors meets monthly, and we'll be announcing exciting public events throughout the year ...
but this was our official "Annual Meeting," with as many of your elected officials in attendance as we could gather. (Members in good standing also had the opportunity to ratify our board and officer slate)
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A D E M S -- Your vote counted, and not one but two PaliDem board members won:
Club President Erika Feresten and Westside Dem HQ co-manager Tamara Levenson!
But what are ADEMS?
ADEMS, or Assembly District Election Meetings, are held every two years to elect seven "self-identified female" and seven "other than self-identified female" to be Assembly District Delegates (ADDs) to represent the Assembly District they are registered as a Democrat in.
AD Delegates to the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) are responsible for planning and attending informational meetings throughout the region and working with other DSCC delegates throughout California to represent their community.
AD Delegates vote on behalf of the community they represent at CDP Regional Meetings, the California Democratic Party Convention, and those who are also elected to serve as an Executive Board member are responsible for voting and representing their community at the semi-annual E-Board meetings
Click here to read about the candidates who ran in AD 50
Our 2019 membership drive is open!
Click to join or re-up
Tuesday, November 6, 2018 RESULTS
State election results are here:
L.A. County results here:
https://lavote.net/home/voting-elections/current-elections/election-results
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Spoiler alert -- thanks to you and people like us across the country, Democrats did phenomenally well. Some pundits initially fretted that there wasn't a big Blue Wave, but there was.
From Salon (full article here):
The 2018 midterms were a blue wave — despite what Fox News hosts blared on Wednesday morning, mimicking the line White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders offered late on election day.[...]
The first affirmation of the wave was the volume of voters. As millions of votes are still being counted (in states like California), the votes cast so far total approximately 100 million, with experts estimating that figure will reach 111 million — a 47.3 percent national turnout. That is the first 100-million voter midterm, and the highest turnout since 1970, according to the University of Florida’s Michael McDonald.[...] As of Wednesday morning, the New York Times’ live (and therefore slowly updating) dashboard of results showed there were 4 million more votes for Democratic House candidates and 12.1 million more votes for Democratic Senate candidates.* That’s a blue wave by any fact-based measure.
-- Excerpted from Salon (full article here)
*11/13 update: tally now 5 million more votes for (D) House candidates, 14 million more for Senate
*January update: final tally 7.5 million more votes for (D) House candidates, 18 million more for Senate!
To explore pre-2019 past events, click here ...
Board meetings generally held the first Tuesday of every month,
7 – 9 PM, at locations TBA.
Call 310-230-2084 or email us if you're interested in attending!
The Pacific Palisades Democratic Club (aka PaliDems, or PPDC) is one of the largest, most active Democratic clubs in Southern California. Since our founding in the 1950s, we've been working to insure that the following Democratic values and goals stay or become fundamental American priorities:
Women’s access to abortion and contraception
Scientific research and development
Electing progressive Democrats to city, state, county, and federal offices
Environmental protection, addressing climate change
Improved and expanded Medicare-for-All, single-payer system
The list goes on -- click here to read more
