Our hearts continue to go out to the family and friends of George Floyd, and to all victims and targets of race-based violence and harassment.
Our souls are steadfastly pledged to seeking an end to the scourges of racism, inequality, and injustice in America.
Here's some of what your PPDC is up to in trying to make the world a better place.
We're grateful to everyone who attended our 4th of July virtual Biden fundraiser —
— which was a huge success:
PPDC and all the other area co-hosts helped raise around $700,000 toward taking back the White House.
So thank you, and watch this space for future events,
along with an anticipated website redesign!
•
Meanwhile, if you want to take action now,
email us here to work directly with the PaliDems (organizing events, attending board meetings, etc.)
or here for Get Out The Vote election volunteering via our partnership in the Westside Democratic HQ
Read about the latest PaliDems actions in support of
and more!
COVID-19: Keeping Los Angeles Safe
Click here for official Los Angeles website
With resources and Mayor Garcetti's addresses
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Via State Sen. Ben Allen: Front line workers need our help!
This is a call to action for all of us in L.A. County to engage and ensure ALL WORKERS have the needed personal protective gear to keep them safe as they serve others. Here are two sites for donating PPE or funds:
Greater Los Angeles Hospital Registry
http://bizfedinstitute.org/covid-19-supplies/
•
Click here for
Unsanitized: The COVID-19 Daily Report
Written by American Prospect executive editor
David Dayen,
who was a superb PaliDems Hot Topics speaker!
REP LIEU STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY RELIEF BILL
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after the House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act:
"We are living through truly challenging times. COVID-19 is a grave threat to our nation. The United States now has the most COVID-19 cases in the world...."
For more click here:
https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-statement-passage-coronavirus-emergency-relief-bill
Made it to our Hot Topics: Census 101 event in February? Then you know the drill:
The 2020 Census is a big deal.
The count has to take place even amid the anything-but-normal stay-at-home orders.
Forms should have made it to your mailbox, but if not, you can still participate online. Read on for instructions....
Your Census ID can be found on the letter or questionnaire you receive from the Census Bureau. All Census IDs have 12 characters (letters and numbers). These mailings are marked with the 2020 Census logo and show the U.S. Department of Commerce in the return address.
>>If you have not received anything from the Census Bureau, you can still respond online. <<
Visit the online form and select “Start Questionnaire.” Below the ID field, click the link that says, “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.”
More info here
https://census.lacounty.gov/census/
and here
https://2020census.gov/en
Volunteering update
during stay-at-home days: Meet your WDHQ
There's also a runoff for Christy Smith (fighting to hold Katie Hill's former seat for Dems) on May 12 that many voters don't know about, so we have to tell them
So:
1) All WDHQ phone bank and postcard shifts will continue as virtual shifts
We're building in a social element, which is what makes phone banks fun! We'll start with Zoom check-in/training, and at the end we'll have a virtual Zoom happy hour! Postcarders and texters join too
Click here for shift times and much more info!
Huge thanks to Ellen for this info and for running point on so many things : )
If we had a Medal of Honor handy, we'd give it to each and every person reading this who was brave enough to vote in person on March 3.
We heard from many of you that your experience at the polls on Election Day was as difficult as ours here in the Palisades.
Every time we fielded a complaint — and thank you to all who reported to us — we forwarded it to our contact at the L.A. County Registrar of Voters office.
This story from the L.A. Times at least offers the hope of immediate investigations and future fixes.
Elected officials are demanding action, including State Senator Ben Allen, who will introduce legislation this month to address the snafus encountered across Los Angeles. We've got only eight months to get everything cleaned up.
Until then, watch this space for the many ways you can work with us to make a difference in November's election ... and ensure Democratic victories ... without having to stand in long lines!
EVENT POSTPONED —
Stay tuned for updates
Westside Dem HQ event Sun., 3/22, 3 – 5 PM -->
POSTPONED TILL FURTHER NOTICE
William Turner Gallery at Bergamot Station in SM
Join Team T.O. Resist and Rise with Westside Democratic HQ for a super-fun event to help elect Democrat Mark Kelly for US Senate (AZ). With special guests Gabby Giffords, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Ted Lieu, Sup. Sheila Kuehl
As we face the incredibly high-stakes Congressional races and Presidential primaries / general election of 2020, the HQ is continuing its successful model of grassroots fundraising. Our 5th Making Waves for Democracy event will support efforts to Flip the US Senate!
RSVP here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mw4d-5
* * *RECENT EVENTS:
JULY 4, 2020: THE REBIRTH OF DEMOCRACY!
3 – 4 PM PT
and newly added:
Sec. Julián Castro • Bryan Cranston • John Densmore
LaTanya Richardson Jackson • Isabel Kagoo • Sheryl Lee Ralph
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
This Fourth of July, We, the People will declare our independence from the fear, lies, oppression, and division of the Trump administration with a virtual MAKING WAVES FOR DEMOCRACY fundraiser, for which PPDC is on the host committee. Please join us...
To support Democratic nominee Joe Biden for President!
Event details will follow but we're working on an exciting lineup.
We, the People need to raise money for Joe NOW!! Tickets start at $50, but give please chip in as much as you can.
•
Please RSVP/donate here to be part of this star-studded event
and support a Democratic takeover of the White House:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mw4d6?refcode=PacPalDemClub
If you want a little more info, click here for the motivation behind the fundraiser
Virtual Town Hall in support of
** George Gascón **
for L.A. County District Attorney
Thu., June 18, 2020, 7 – 8 PM
Missed the meeting but want to learn more
or contribute to a candidate committed to major criminal justice reforms
if elected L.A. district attorney? Click here
Sponsored by PPDC & SMDC
Read PPDC's February admonishment of current DA Jackie Lacey here
Join us for a special Zoom event
Tuesday, June 16, 2020, 7 – 8 PM
Our Public Schools: Meeting New Challenges & Moving Forward
with guest speakers
Kalkidan Alemayehu, PCHS Black Student Union President
& Nick Melvoin, LAUSD District 4 Board Member
Perfect opportunity to hear about the experiences of Black students and learn what electeds are doing to meet today's challenges. Also, please share this with any high school or college students you know!
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Whether or not you attended, click here for post-meeting action items (school reform, anti-racism, and more)
and click here to read the Palisadian-Post write-up on what went down
Pacific Palisades Democratic Club's Virtual House Party
with Special Guests
L.A. City Councilmember Mike Bonin
Chair of the L.A. County Democratic Party Mark Gonzalez
Chair of the Westside Democratic HQ Jane Wishon
Tue., May 19, 2020, 7 PM
Everyone who wants to DUMP TRUMP can sign up
House parties — in person or virtual — are a powerful tool to persuade, organize, motivate and activate people who support our Democratic values and want to see positive change in our communities and our nation. President Obama used house parties to win the Presidency in 2008!
We know that in order to win up and down the ballot this year, we need to invite friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to get involved. House parties are the perfect tool for making those connections. We'll discuss easy ways for new volunteers and experienced ones alike to get involved for 2020.
A house party utilizes the power of our natural social networks and our own stories to energize people who are already active and to persuade & motivate people who are hungry for change but have not yet found a way to be active.
Invite your friends and neighbors to join you on Tuesday, May 19th at 7 PM as we organize to hold the majority in Congress, flip the Senate and TAKE BACK the White House!
Looks like this one didn't go the way we wanted in the special election May 12.
But we get another shot at the seat come November, so keep hope alive and get ready for a deferred win!
Christy Smith is running in the special election on May 12 for Katie Hill's open Congressional seat in CA-25, and Trump wants his crony to win!
Trump endorsed Christy's oppenent and the Republicans are spending millions on false and misleading ads. This entire special election will be vote by mail. That means the campaign has had to switch its entire strategy in order to communicate with voters — and that costs money!
Christy's greatest need right now is for funds.
If you missed the Zoomraiser, you can still donate!
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/westsidedems0425
OR
Volunteer to make calls!
https://www.mobilize.us/westsidedemocratichq/
Westside Democratic Headquarters Virtual House Party
with Special Guest State Sen. Ben Allen
Saturday, May 2, 2020, 3 PM
As you've likely heard, Christy Smith is running in the special election on May 12 for Katie Hill's open Congressional seat in CA-25, and Rusty Hicks, Chair of the California Democratic Party, calls this one of the most important races in the country.
In stark contrast to the recent, unconscionable, in-person primary election in Wisconsin during the pandemic, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order stating that this race will be entirely vote-by-mail on May 12. That means the campaign has had to switch its entire strategy in order to communicate with voters — and we have been doing our part to get the word out!
Christy's greatest need right now is for funds!
Can you pitch in?
Please join Hosts
Westside Democratic HQ,
Pacific Palisades Democratic Club,
Santa Monica Democratic Club,
Stonewall Democratic Club, and
West L.A. Democratic Club
(Host committee in formation)
and Special Guests
Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33)
Senator Ben Allen (SD-26)
Holly J. Mitchell (SD-30)
for a virtual fundraiser with
Christy Smith for CA-25
Saturday, April 25, 2020
3 — 4 PM PST
Please RSVP with Meg for Zoom information at:
(909) 831-7276 or meg.kmconsulting@gmail.com
Or RSVP online at: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/westsidedems0425
* * * * * * * *
Co-Host | $2,800
Champion | $1,000
Ally | $750
Supporter | $500
Friend | $250
Guest | $100
Activist | $50
* * * * * * * *
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/westsidedems0425
Contributions to Christy Smith for Congress are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. The Committee may accept contributions of up to $2,800 per election from individuals and non-multi-candidate PACs and $5,000 per election from federal multi-candidate PACs. The Committee may not accept contributions from corporations, labor organizations, national banks, federal government contractors and foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status. Contributions must be made from the donor’s own funds and may not be reimbursed by any other person.
Westside Dem HQ | 6036 W 85th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90045
P.S. from Councilmember Bonin:
Even though many City facilities — including my offices — will be physically closed to the public, my staff and I remain at work and available to serve you. If you want to reach us, please call 213-444-3508. It is a new central number that allows you to reach us even when my staff is telecommuting. You can also email us, and you can call 311 to request basic city services. We are committed to continuing throughout this public health crisis the work we do every day to help solve problems in our neighborhood.
You are cordially invited to
"A Night In" with
Our Representative, the Hon. Ted Lieu
Thursday, April 16, 2020, 6:30 – 8 PM
RSVP Required
To Register, Click Here
And See instructions below
If you have difficulty with the Zoom registration, contact MalibuDems@gmail.com or 310-457-4592
Rep. Ted Lieu has kindly agreed to meet with us this Thursday night for a conversation on developments in Washington, Covid-19, and what lies ahead in the next 6 months — including the changing landscape for our elections.
Once you register with the Zoom link you will receive an email with the link and password for the call. Look forward to seeing you this Thursday night!
Click here for more info and detailed instructions
Telephone Town Hall
with Congressman Ted Lieu
LIVE Wed., 4/1/20, 1 PM (and viewable afterward)
Deadline to register
is noon Wednesday -- click here
From Rep. Lieu:
I understand that you may have a prior commitment that prevents you from being able to join the telephone town hall. To ensure everyone has a chance to listen, our call will be recorded and uploaded to my YouTube page shortly after. To listen to our last telephone town hall that took place on March 17th, click here. For more updates, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For new information and resources related to COVID-19, visit my coronavirus webpage.
PaliDems Speaker Series is back for 2020!
First up is
Census 101: What you need to know
Monday, February 24, 2020, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Pacific Palisades Public Library
Some folks hear "census" and their eyes glaze over. Don't be one of those people! The 2020 Census will have profound impacts on the distribution of almost a trillion dollars' worth of federal spending, plus the number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes California is granted.
There's a lot at stake, and this presentation should be surprisingly fascinating for people who want to understand the process. Our guest speaker, Herbert S. Ferguson, is a Census employee who knows it all from the inside.
6 – 6:30 PM Doors open, mingle time
6:30 – 7:30 PM Presentations & Q&A
7:45 PM Library says everybody out!
Parking: in lot & on street
This event is non-partisan and open to the general public
See you in Nevada?
The Nevada Democratic Presidential Caucus will be held
Saturday, February 22, 2020
We can help by going to Clark County (Vegas) and running caucus meetings for the party so that everything goes smoothly
Volunteers will travel on Friday; the caucus will end by early afternoon Saturday
(and for vanpool and carpooling information)
CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY 2020
COORDINATED CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
L.A. County Palmdale office opening
SATURDAY, February 1, 2020
9 AM – 1 PM
1529 E. Palmdale Blvd. Palmdale, CA 93550
Join us for a day of action with speakers:
CADEM Chair Rusty Hicks, Asm. Christy Smith for CA-25,
Kipp Mueller for SD-21
Rally, Precinct Walk, Lunch
RSVP and more info here
Vanpools from Santa Monica and Culver City
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Thanks to all who attended the
PALIDEMS "ANNUAL MEETING" (open to all!) with ELECTEDS and Q & A
Sunday, January 26, 2020, 2 – 4 PM at the Palisades Woman's Club
State Sen. Ben Allen
Assemblymember Richard Bloom
L.A. City Councilmember Mike Bonin
and a special addition this year:
Jeff Klein, Manager of Voter Education, Outreach and Community Relations at the L.A. County Registrar of Voters, will explain and answer questions about L.A.'s new early voting system (aka VSAP, Voting Systems for All People), which will be used for the first time in the March 3, 2020 primary election
PPDC 2020 Approved Board Slate here
Voted in by unanimous acclamation of PPDC members in good standing who attended
DNC Candidates Forum
Sunday, January 12, 2020, 3 – 5 PM (doors open 2:30 PM)
Santa Monica Public Library, 601 SM Blvd., MLK Auditorium
Ever hear of a decision made by the DNC and ask yourself "Who ARE these people that decided THAT??" Now is your chance to find out
There will be a public forum for candidates running to represent California at the DNC. The event will be moderated by David Dayen, Executive Editor of the American Prospect, contributor at The Intercept, The Nation, and others
All are welcome but the hosts especially extend an invitation to voting members of the state party's Executive Board (since they're the ones who will elect "these people")
Hosted by SMDC, co-hosted by PPDC and others
Westside Dem HQ invites you
January 11, 2020
and also Sun., 1/12/20
Canvass for Christy Smith
(to hold Katie Hill's seat)
in the Antelope Valley
Click here for info and to sign up
Can you canvass for Christy Smith THIS WEEKEND?
Kick off 2020 feeling good when you join us THIS WEEKEND to knock doors for Christy Smith in the Antelope Valley! Christy will be there to kick everything off at 1 PM on the 11th, so you will have the chance to meet her either before the afternoon canvass or after the morning canvass
We know that it's super important for Christy's message to reach voters, and for them to know they are being heard and represented by our campaign. Canvassing is an excellent way to do just that, and we can't do it without you!
1529 E Palmdale Blvd
Palmdale, CA 93550
Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 12th — the Grassroots Democrats HQ will be hosting a grand-opening event to celebrate its new brick-and-mortar location in Westwood Village! Join Christy Smith and local elected officials for an afternoon of Democratic activism and grassroots energy as we gear up for 2020
The Grassroots Democrats HQ will be open through Election Day 2020 as a hub for volunteers looking to stop Trump and the GOP in their tracks. We are targeting nine California Congressional districts, five Senate seats, and the White House to take back our country. Volunteers are able to walk in the door and in 15 minutes start working on a campaign — making calls, writing postcards, texting, registering voters, or canvassing
GDHQ is proud to partner with Women's March Action to host a poster-making party for the 4th Annual Women's March Los Angeles on January 18
Food and supplies will be provided for all volunteers, and we will have Women's March merchandise on site as well. Postcard-writing opportunities for Christy Smith will be available as well. Please join us for an evening of music, fun, and activism!
Friday, January 10, 2020, 6:30 – 8 PM
Fundraiser hosted by several PPDC members for Astronaut Mark Kelly, candidate for US Senate in Arizona
(Husband of former Congressmember Gabby Giffords)
I think we all agree that astronauts are cool. Astronauts running as Dems? Arguably cooler still. If you'd like to meet one (husband of Gabby Giffords to boot), multiple PaliDems members are hosting this meet-n-greet January 10, and all are invited. PPDC is not endorsing Kelly in the primary — it's out of our district and other Dems are challenging him — but here's the info as an FYI
Address provided upon RSVP Pacific Palisades (Alphabets area)
**THIS EVENT HAS REACHED CAPACITY**
PPDC has not made an endorsement in the primary race. Kelly is running against two other Democrats:
Mohammad Arif (click for more info) , Sheila Bilyeu (click for more), and Mark Kelly (click for more) are running in the special Democratic primary
Primary: August 4, 2020 • General: November 3, 2020
Via a PaliDems board member:
With less than 90 days until the March 3 Special Election, in order to win [and hold Katie Hill's vacated seat],
Christy Smith needs a war chest! Come meet the woman who is going to keep CA-25 blue...
RSVP & donate, and share with friends!
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cs121619
More PaliDems members are opening up their homes for fundraisers to support big wins in 2020 -- so important! Check this one out:
WAS SCHEDULED FOR Sun., 12/15, 5 – 7 PM
POSTPONED
PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE FOR UPDATES
••• Intimate Fundraiser for Audrey Denney •••
Cocktail party in beautiful Rustic/SM Canyon
Get together with congressional candidate Audrey Denney, running in CA-01
Audrey Denney ran an unprecedented campaign in 2018, challenging CA-01's Republican incumbent, a climate change denier and Donald Trump supporter. In just nine months, Audrey narrowed the voting gap from 22% to a hard-fought 9%. Analysis for 2020 shows her to be within 3% in what is usually a reliable red district. CA-01 is flippable!
From our friends at the West L.A. Dem Club:
Hardly anyone knows there will be a new voting system with new technology in place in less than three months! People may be going to their old, defunct polling places to vote. We need you to attend our meeting and be "new voting system" advocates for your friends and neighbors.
Thursday, December 5, 2019
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Peace Center, 3916 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City
With Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters/County Clerk
Dean Logan • Questions and/or concerns addressed in Q&A following the presentation
RSVP here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-voting-systems-meeting-tickets-83588819409
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YES, IT'S HEARTBREAKING. BUT NOW, MEET CHRISTY SMITH
A special election will take place next spring/summer to fill the seat -- an all-but-impossible timeline for us to hold CA 25 if it weren’t for Assemblywoman Christy Smith, the presumptive nominee for the CA Democratic Party. Christy has pledges from 63% of the state delegates and dozens of endorsements from elected officials at all levels already ... and her candidacy is only days old! and watch this space for details of how we’ll work with her to hold the 25th! at Senator Jones (Santa Monica's hot new nightclub/lounge) 2020 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica |
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RSVP HERE (early bird rates apply through Sunday, 11/10) |
Announcement courtesy of the Westside Dem HQ
Join Congressman Ted Lieu for his annual Veterans Appreciation event
this Sunday, November 10, 1:30 to 3 PM
on the West L.A. VA campus in the Rose Garden
(behind Building 220, just past Wadsworth Theater)
Free parking in Lot 10 and Lot 17
Ten veterans, including the new Director of West L.A. VA Medical Center, will join the Congressman on stage and tell a story about something they experienced while serving our country.
The stories are great this year. Two were made into movies!
RSVP at: https://ca33vettalks.eventbrite.com
For inquiries, email Lieu.Staff@mail.house.gov or call 323-651-1040
** TWO OVERLAPPING EVENTS on SATURDAY, 11/9 **
From L.A. City Councilmember Mike Bonin:
I am hosting an informational town hall meeting with the Los Angeles Fire Department this Saturday, November 9, 10 AM to 12:30 PM, at Paul Revere Middle School to discuss this wildfire season, recent fires, and to introduce you and your neighbors to some of the Department's firefighting resources and gear. Please join me there.
We have worked hard to make sure you and your neighbors are prepared for emergencies, and while I believe recent fires are an example of good planning and preparation paying off, there are also lessons we can learn from the experience that will help us keep you safe as the risk of wildfire persists. The community event will begin with a showcase of LAFD equipment on the athletic field at Paul Revere Middle School and will continue in the auditorium with a community debrief on recent fires and a chance for neighbors to ask questions.
Please visit http://bit.ly/Bonin-LAFD-TownHall-Nov2019 to find out more about the event and to RSVP to attend. I hope to see you on Saturday!
and via State Sen. Ben Allen:
Saturday, 11/9, 10 AM – 4 PM
State Sen. Ben Allen is sponsoring "We Are: 25 Years Beyond Prop 187"
It's a campaign to highlight the legacy of Prop 187, connecting leaders from the fight against 187 with the next generation ... shining a light on the importance of being counted in the 2020 Census and registering to vote in advance of California’s 2020 Presidential Primaries.
Come for a day of action as we stand against racism, hatred, and bigotry at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. The rally will feature elected leaders, special performances, food trucks, and more!
A PaliDems member is hosting a fundraiser in the Alphabets Nov. 6 for Haley Stevens, freshman congressperson from MI who is under siege — the GOP wants her out. Haley's district is the home of Ronna Romney McDaniel, Chair of the RNC. So this one is going to be a war.
Because of that, her seat has become a personal target of the Trump White House. Politico reports "Team Trump is pushing John James to run for the House [... as] Trump scrambles to reverse Rust Belt slide."
Come to the fundraiser to learn more and support Rep. Stevens.
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
New Voting & Elections Help
Exploring the new voting system for L.A. County
Wed., 10/30/19
Doors open 6 PM, program 6:30 PM (early start)
Santa Monica Library – MLK Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd., SM
The Santa Monica Dem Club's membership meeting will be open to all and dedicated to exploring the new voting system to be implemented by the L.A. County Registrar's Office for the first time in our March 3 primary election
Hear from ...
Jeff Klein, the Manager of Voter Education Outreach & Community at the L.A. County Registrar/Clerk's Office. Klein will give a detailed presentation about the new voting system
State Sen. Ben Allen, the former Chair of the Elections & Constitutional Amendments Committee of the California State Senate
The Executive Board of the club will be available from 6 – 6:30 PM for an informal meet-and-greet. The main program will start at 6:30 PM
The event is free and open to the public
Light refreshments will be provided. Parking available. Accessible
HEALTH JUSTICE FOR ALL FORUM
Featuring Rep. Pramila Jayapal
with UCLA's Prof. Mark Peterson
and Deborah Burger, RN
Sunday, October 27, 2019 10:15 AM – 1 PM
10:15 – 10:55 AM Coffee Reception
11 AM – 1 PM Program
IMAN Foundation Cultural Center, 3376 Motor Avenue, L.A.
Our WLA Dems friends are excited to present Health Justice for All, headlined by Rep. PRAMILA JAYAPAL, lead sponsor of the Medicare for All Act of 2019!
This will be an informational, public service program, comparing and contrasting the four healthcare plans being proposed by our leading presidential candidates: Medicare for All, Expansion of the ACA, Medicare Buy-in and the Public Option
Street and limited lot parking. Valet lot $5. We encourage walking, biking, ridesharing, carpooling and taking public transit
SUGGESTED DONATION: $10 (No one turned away!)
RSVP
SATURDAY, 10/26/19
New SMDC/Westside Dem HQ opportunity, courtesy of
Rep. Adam Schiff
Last month at the Santa Monica Dem Club's Sammy Awards, Congressman Adam Schiff pledged $500 to the club so long as it was used to send the first van of volunteers down to Orange County to protect our important House victories from last fall...
Next Saturday, October 26, SMDC will be taking Rep. Schiff up on his offer and sending out a van of committed volunteers to knock on doors on behalf of the freshman Congressman, Rep. Gil Cisneros.
Click to RSVP: smdemocrats@gmail.com
Round 4 of the Democratic Presidential debates
was Tuesday, 10/15/19, 5 – 8 PM
Rusty's on the SM Pier, 256 Santa Monica Pier
Again we gather at Rusty's to watch the action and cheer on our favorite candidates (and maybe jeer a few gaffes)
Twelve candidates made the cut for this debate, but it's likely this will be the last time some of them will appear onstage...
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
- 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
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. Or, lately, on Zoom, of course.
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
