Minutes of the meeting of  Thursday, February 1, 2001

1.  CALL TO ORDER

    The meeting was called to order by Chair Steve Preminger at 7:34 PM.

2.  ROLL CALL

    Absent were: Ron Lind, Peter Chiu, Jewelle Gibbs, Simon Salinas, Liz Figueroa, Byron Sher, John Vasconcellos, Anselmo Chavez, Pete Stark, Anna Eshoo.
    Excused were: Tom Cochran, David Cohen, Emy Thurber, Larry Carr, John Dutra, Chris Stampolis.

3.  IDENTIFICATION OF VISITORS

• Claudia Shope, former member now running for vacant 23rd AD seat on the Central Committee.
• Deniese Alejandro
• Bill Ferguson
• Jack Higgins
• Bob Dhillon
• Sylvia Alvarez
• Benjamin Ng
• Jay Jackman
• Frank Aguilar of the 24th AD
• Olivia Graeve

    Agenda was adopted without comment.

5.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES    (Minutes are posted on  www.scc-democrats.org)

    Minutes of the meeting of January 4, 2001 were approved by voice vote.

6.  FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

• 20th AD: 3 vacancies.  Nominated were Allan Thiessen and Bill Ferguson.  As there were no further nominations, nominations were closed and Mssrs. Thiessen and Ferguson were declared elected.
• 21st AD: 1 vacancy.  Nominated was Francis La Poll. As there were no further nominations, nominations were closed and Mr. La Poll was declared elected.
• 22nd AD: 1 vacancy.  This seat became open due to the resignation of Chris Stampolis, who holds an another seat due to his election to the Democratic National Committee.  Nominated for this were were Rosemary Stasek, Sally Lieber, Lorre Vaughn, and Anna Song.  After a secret ballot using instant runoff procedures, Ms. Song was declared elected.
• 23rd AD: 1 vacancy. Nominated were Claudia Shope and Deniese Alejandro.  After a secret ballot Ms. Shope was declared elected.
• 28th AD: 1 vacancy.  Nominated was Alex Kennett. As there were no further nominations, nominations were closed and Mr. Kennett was declared elected.

• The volunteer party, originally scheduled for January 24 has been postponed, probably until the summer.
• The “democrats” e-mail list has been established to keep in touch with all Democratic volunteers and activists.  We need names and e-mail addresses for this list.  When we send the mass mailing to invite volunteers to the party, we will ask all for their e-mail addresses.
• We decided not to make to minor changes in the bylaws until we have accumulated a list of all such minor changes.
• The membership list needs revision for the 2001-2002 term.  Steve took upon the responsibility of culling old names from the previous list.  He’ll then return it to me for updating.
• Emy will undertake the re-affiliation of Democratic Clubs.
• On the web site, we will post minutes for the previous two years only.

    The CC membership roster is being revised.  Liz McDavit will report on voter registration and tabling; we find that many people want to volunteer.
    At this point Jay Jackman rose to comment that we need a strategy to convert Republican districts to Democratic as happened in the Rebecca Cohn and Mike Honda races.  If we can identify the key elements in these successes, we can change other districts throughout the nation.
    Tony Alexander moved to reopen nominations for the remaining CC vacancy from the 20th AD.  The motion passed, and Francine Davis was nominated.  As there were no further nominations, nominations were closed and Ms. Davis was declared elected.

C.  Vice Chair: Tom Cochran.

    No report.

D.  Treasurer: Dennis Chiu.

    No report.

E.  Secretary:  Herb Engstrom.

• Another interesting link has been established to the Census Bureau: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html
• The "democrats" e-mail list of volunteers and activists has been established.  We need names and e-mail addresses from AD committees, Democratic clubs, and campaign organizations.
• The web home page has a photo of the swearing in ceremony in January thanks to David Cohen.
• I need names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of alternates and associates either in writing or by e-mail.  You must resubmit for this term.

    On Jan. 20th "anointment day" we held a big voter registration drive with information on the tables.  It was very successful.  We covered 6 locations comprising 3 malls and 3 Costcos.  We had lots of volunteers.  Our sign-up sheet said, "Help us take back Congress in 2002 and the White House in 2004."  In the past at this point in the election cycle we get few new registrations.  This time we got 58 Democrats, which was a very successful result.  We tried for media coverage and KPIX almost came but backed out.  Voter registration statistics for Santa Clara County:

January 1, 2001

Total registered voters:    799,161
              Democrats:    369,674
            Republicans:    241,630
  Ratio of Dems to Reps:       1.53

September 12, 2000

Total registered voters:    752,603
              Democrats:    347,690
            Republicans:    232,817
  Ratio of Dems to Reps:       1.49

  Democrats registered between 9/12/2000 and 1/1/2001:    21,984
Republicans registered between 9/12/2000 and 1/1/2001:     8,813

October '98

            Democrats:    339,795
          Republicans:    238,010
Ratio of Dems to Reps:       1.43

    At this point newly elected Congressman from the 15th CD arrived and addressed the Committee.

    "I've just come from the 'State of the City' address by Mayor Ron Gonzales.  Each of you here made for an astounding victory.  I have been appointed to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  Our ex-mayor, Norm Mineta, though long and hard about taking the position as Secretary of Transportation in the Bush cabinet.  I told him he should do it.  I'm assured that arguments would be made and the we'll have access to the cabinet.
    "The Democratic caucus is really active.  It's like a family: there are arguments and factions but we are doing the best we can.  The important issues for me are the budget, energy, and taxation together with education and reauthorization of the welfare bill.  My main concern is how to align myself.  Zoe, Anna, Pelosi, and Farr pushed though my appointment to the Transportation Committee.  We are fortunate to have supporters like these.
    "I'm also trying to get on the Science and Technology committee.  And I'm trying to maintain good relations on both sides of the aisle.  Sacramento was easy in comparison.  Trying to pass myself off as Norm didn't work.  'Right race, wrong face,' was the comment made.
    "We're working on the census and redistricting to maintain Democratic control of California.  Your help made the Bay Area a Republican free zone!"

G.  Finance: Jim Thurber

    The UDC balance is $8,658 with one large bill outstanding.  We need the JJ dinner so that the UDC can continue.  The dinner is planned for May 4th at Lou's Village Restaurant.  We are planning an Asian theme.  We will soon have "save-the-date" fliers.  In the past we have sold an entire table of 10, but this time we are trying something a little different.  We will recruit "table captains" each of whom will be asked to recruit 9 others to join the captain at the table.

H.  Campaign Services:

    No report.

I.  Candidate Services:

    No report.

J.   Issues:  Willie Wool.

    In the aftermath of Bush's reduction of funding of international family planning organizations, there is a campaign to raise funds for these organizations in the name of George Bush.  Donations are being raised for Planned Parenthood.

K. Political Outreach: Jim Thurber for Emy Thurber

    All clubs have to be reaccredited for this term.  We have received accreditation from DAWN, the PDC, and the Santa Clara County club.  Accreditation requires a membership list of at least 20 members and documentation of ongoing programs.

21st AD Committee:  Rich Watters

    On January 13th, the 21st AD Committee held its re-organizing meeting at Twin Pines Park Community Center in Belmont (San Mateo County). The Committee elected the following officers:

Chair - Ian Bain of Redwood City
First Vice Chair - Greg Loew of Atherton
Second Vice Chair - Jodi Wittlin of Stanford
Treasurer - Nancy Bain of Redwood City
Corresponding Secretary - Janice Hough of Palo Alto
Recording Secretary - Ann Tosello of Menlo Park

23rd AD Committee:  Terry Gregory.

    At our January organizational meeting we elected Ben Tripousis, chair, and Terry Gregory, vice chair.

28th AD Committee: Gene Wagner.

    We held the organizational meeting.  We are planning a 28th AD lobby day; members will take the train to Sacramento.  The dates will be posted on the web site.  We are also planning two social days, one at an Oakland A's game, the other being a YD's retreat.  We need to come up with interns.  The annual State of the Assembly dinner will take place in the fall.

African American Democratic Coalition:  Tony Alexander.

    On Feb. 9 the Club will interview candidates for the San José District 5 city council seat and select candidates for endorsement.  On the 20th we will have our annual meeting at which the election of Club officers will take place.

Clinton*Gore Action Network: Margie Baker.

    The presidential election was unconstitutional.  The Supreme Court picked the president, who in turn picks the Supreme Court.  I have an article by John K. Galbraith, who says that what we now have is corporate democracy, not a democratic or republican form of government.  Call Feinstein and Boxer; ask them to block every Supreme Court nominee.  No way should George Bush be able to appoint justices.

Democratic Action for Women Now (DAWN): Willie Wool.

    Our last meeting featured Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and was well attended with 55 participants.  We endorsed Nora Campos for San José City Council.  Dues are due; our address is on the DAWN calendar.  The next meeting is March 18.

Evergreen Democratic Club at the Villages:  Beverly Wharton.

    Our next meeting will be February 6 and feature Peter Szego discussing redistricting.

Santa Clara County Democratic Club: Ann Shirkey.

    The Club was frustrated by the election.  At our last meeting we broke into small groups to plan outreach and strategy.  At our last "Straight Talk" taping, we featured Steve Chessin on instant runoff voting.

South County Democratic Club: Alex Kennett.

    The South County Club will sponsor a buffet lunch for elected officials on April 7.

West Valley Democratic Club:  David Wilkes.

    We recently lost two of our members, which makes the future of the Club uncertain.  We will have a reorganization meeting on Feb. 18th at the home of Barbara Nesbet, Mayor of Monte Sereno..

    I called the state Party, who have dropped the convention packets in the mail.  The date of the convention is March 30 through April 1.

M.  Democratic National Committee: Anna Song for Chris Stampolis.

    Chris flew to Washington DC for the DNC meeting.  The critical issue is selection of the new DNC chair.  Chris was lobbied both by Maynard Jackson and Terry McAuliffe.

N.  Pro-Choice Coalition:  Claudia Shope.

    Planned Parenthood is sponsoring a speaker for Roe v. Wade Day.  Bush has slashed funding for international family planning, which will damage efforts at birth control.  We need to reach out to areas of the county and state to get to people that represent our interests..

O.  DTV Report:  Steve Chessin.

    Democratic Television Producer Steve Chessin reported that our January
taping was with Assemblywoman Elaine Alquist.  Our February guest will
be Nora Campos, candidate in the special election to fill the vacancy in
San Jose City Council District #5.
    We will be on San Jose AT&T Channel 15A February 1st with Keith Garvey,
February 15th and March 15th with Assemblywoman Alquist, and March 1st
and 29th with Nora Campos.
    We could still use some more Democrats on the crew.  No prior video
experience is necessary.
    See http://www.scc-democrats.org/dtv.htm#dtv for the full schedule.

P.  CDC Report:  David Wilkes.

    The CDC e-board meeting will take place this weekend (the 3rd) in San Luis Obispo.

Q.  Welfare Reform:  Sal Alvarez.
 

8.  OLD BUSINESS

    a. Election of delegates to the Democratic State Central Committee.

    At the January meeting a motion was passed that all elected and appointed members of the Central Committee would automatically be delegates to the Democratic State Central Committee.  However, if a CC member is also elected to the DSCC from his or her AD committee, then that person automatically forfeits his or her DSCC from the CC.
    This motion affected four CC members: Steve Chessin and Anna Song of the 22nd AD, Claudia Shope of the 23rd AD, and Alex Kennett of the 28th, all of whom were elected to the DSCC from their respective AD committees.  Alex requested that he be allowed to retain his DSCC seat from the CC, because the 28th AD has already voted to fill the his DSCC position.  Terry Gregory moved that an exception be made in Alex's case, and Terry's motion was made, seconded, and passed.  Thus, Alex Kennett retains his DSCC seat from the CC, and there are three DSCC seats to fill from elected and appointed positions on the CC.
    Santa Clara County qualifies for a total of 41 DSCC delegates, 36 from the ADs plus 5 "at large" delegates.  A question was asked, "How many men and how many women are presently on the DSCC from this county?"  Of the 33 positions filled 22 are men and 11 are women.  To achieve a better gender balance we agreed to nominate women first, and all such nominees would be elected.  Steve Preminger opened the nominations for women, and the following nominations were made:

• Merylee Shelton
• Rosemary Stasek
• Deniese Alejandro
• Jessica Couleur
• Gay Katilius

There were no further nominations, nominations were closed, and all five were declared delegates to the DSCC.
    Nominations of men were then opened, and the following were nominated for the three remaining open positions:

• Steve Preminger
• Frank Aguilar
• Jack Higgins
• Mike Potter

After a secret ballot, the following were declare elected: Steve Preminger, Jack Higgins, and Mike Potter.

        Postponed.

10.  NEW BUSINESS

    a. Endorsement of Democrats in nonpartisan races.

        Postponed.

11.  ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sally Lieber:  The Million Mom March for gun control was a success.  The NRA was there but Dan Hoffman got rid of them.  The next meeting will be Monday, Feb. 26 at the YMCA on South 1st in San José  Plans are for a Mothers Day event and for a trip to Sacramento.

Rosemary Stasek:  Thank you all for my election to the DSCC.  I would like to announce that I am running for California State Assembly from the 22nd Assembly District.

Steve Chessin:  This Saturday, the 3rd, there will be an electoral reform workshop in San Francisco.  Details are on  www.CalIRV.org .  Saturday, March 3, on the Stanford campus there will be another such workshop.

Madge Overhouse:  Elections for Regional Directors will be held at the State Convention.  There will be no reapportionment of districts in Santa Clara County.

Herb Engstrom:  One of George Bush's first actions in office was to end foreign aid to international organizations supporting family planning.  In response Patt Morrison of the L.A. Times has suggested that we all make a donation to a family planning organization for Presidents Day and send a card to Bush with a message like "We have made a donation of $50 to Planned Parenthood in your name."  I suggest we support this effort.

Anne Mack:  The Bob Mack Volunteer-of-the-Year Award will be made at the convention.  Think about who you want to nominate.  A similar award, the Don Edwards Award, will be made at the JJ dinner.

12. ADJOURNMENT

    A motion to adjourn was made and passed at 9:42 P.M.

This page was last updated 2/24/01.
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