SANTA CLARA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE

6:45 PM, County Building Cafeteria, 70 W. Hedding St., San Jose

MINUTES FOR Thursday, January 7, 2010

 

 

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER:  7:15pm

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

a.          Absent:  Alberto Torrico, Paul Fong, Joe Coto, Bill Monning, Joe Simitian, Elaine Alquist, Marie Highby, Andre Macapinlac, Ron Lind, Jey Surier, Eric Larson, Tom Cochran, and Denise Alejandro.

b.         Alternates For:  Ira Ruskin, Anna Caballero, Ellen Corbett, Jerry McNerney, Mike Honda, Zoe Lofgren, David Parker, James Kim, and Marsha Grilli.

c.          Excused:  Jill Chesler

d.         Proxy:  Anna Eshoo

 

  1. IDENTIFICATION OF VISITORS

a.          Gary Sirbu – Chair of Prop13 Task Force, Former Assemblyman John Laird, Jeff Rosen - Santa Clara County District Attorney Candidate, Margaret Abe-Koga - City of Mountain View Councilmember, Josh Becker - 21st Assembly District Candidate, Yoriko Kishimoto - 21st Assembly District Candidate, Jim Cogan - San Jose City Council Candidate District 9, Assemblyman Jim Beall 24th District, Donald Rocha - Cambrian School District Board Member and San Jose City Council Candidate District 9.

 

  1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Add Under New Business-AD27 Nomination

Motion to Approve as Amended; Seconded; Motion Approved

 

 

  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Minutes are/will be posted at sccdp.org)

a.       December 3, 2009 Minutes

b.      Amendment to reflect Erica Shafer was in attendance.

c.       Motion to defer to February meeting to clarify Abel Maldonaldo statement; Seconded; Motion to Defer Approved.

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

a)      Resolution in Support of A Split-Roll Commercial Property Tax Fairness Initiative (Available at Meeting)

a.       Gary Sirbu – Chair of Prop13 Task Force.  The task force is based in Oakland, CA and only deals with the reform of Prop13.  The purpose is to educate the public about the pressing need for Prop13 reform.

                                               i.        Prop 13 was enacted by voters 30 years ago.  Proposition gave relief to the entire business community.  Billions of dollars have been lost since its passage.  Because business property changes ownership less than property owners, homeowners have a greater share of the taxation.

                                             ii.         Split-roll tax would not have an effect on residential property.  Commercial/non residential properties would be brought to up to current market value. 

                                           iii.         Working with the California Tax Association on the Resolution.  Doesn’t believe businesses would be moving out of California.  Proposition would require a 2/3 vote to be placed on the ballot. Prior to Prop13, Commercial/non-residential property owners were paying 2/3 vs. residential owners were paying 1/3.

                                           iv.         Motion to Adopt Resolution as it stands; Seconded; Motion Approved.

Steve Preminger informed attendees that the resolution would need to be revised prior to being sent to State party. 

b)      Finance Nomination – Hope Cahan

                                                              i.      Motion to Approve; Seconded; Motion Approved.

 

c)      AD27 Nomination

                                                              i.      Appoint Alex Kennett; Seconded; Motion Approved.

 

Visitors:

Former Assemblyman John Laird:  Informed attendees that if Abel Maldonado is confirmed as Lt. Governor, John will run for his seat.  The District covers 5 counties.  Significant information – 58% carried by Obama; Sam Blakeslee will run from San Luis Obispo.  Currently 2 votes short of 2/3 vote in Senate.  Currently, no other democrats are in the race.

 

Jeff Rosen, Candidate for Santa Clara County District Attorney:  Currently a Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney.  It has almost been 30 years since there was a Democrat District Attorney.

 

Margaret Abe-Koga, Mountain View City Council was elected Vice Chair of Valley Transportation Authority.

 

Josh Becker - 21st Assembly District Candidate:   Described his Democratic background, his progressive and labor values and would bring new ideas to Sacramento.

 

Yoriko Kishimoto - 21st Assembly Candidate:  In 2001, was elected to the Palo Alto City Council; re-elected in 2005, and become Palo Alto City Mayor in 2007.  Informed attendees she will be having a signature gathering kick-off on Saturday, January 16.

 

Jim Cogan – San Jose City Council District 9 Candidate:   Informed attendees of his unique experiences.  He is the Chief of Staff for Pete Constant.  Visit his website at votecogan.com.

 

Swanee Edwards:  Requested Central Committee agendize a speaker from the local taxpayer and protection act. Steve Preminger stated the subject would be discussed at the next E-Board meeting.

 

Jim Beall, Assemblyman-District 24:  Informed attendees that John Perez was elected as Speaker of Assembly by a 48 to 26.  The term of office extends to 2014.  John is from the 45th District of Los Angeles.  He will focus on jobs and the economy as well as balancing the budget and supporting education.  John is the first gay speaker in the history of the State of CA, which reflects the diversity of our state.  Sam Blakeslee obtained the 26 Republican votes.

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. REPORTS FROM OFFICERS AND OTHERS

a.      Executive Board:  Margie Mitchell

a.       Discussed Call-for Action, which will be discussed by Diane Rolfe this evening. Shawn Bagley made a Center for Change presentation.

b.      Chair:  Steve Preminger

a.       Nothing to Report

c.       Vice Chair:  Clark Williams

a.       Not Present

d.      Treasurer:  Drina Collins

a.       487.00 balance.

b.      New Clubs are to pay $25 for 2 years.  The new membership year started 2010.  Members of Central Committee are able to votes; if member is not here, the alternate pays the membership fee.

e.       Secretary:  Margie Mitchell

a.       Nothing to Report

f.        Issues:  James Kim

a.       Not Present

g.      Community Services and Voter Registration: Judy Pipkin

a.       Receiving phone calls indicating they are disappointed with the Democratic party.  Volunteers are dropping off.  Judy is currently trying to build up the volunteer base.  Everyone needs to volunteer and get interested again.  A voter registration and a petition regarding the Nummi plant closure will be held at Home & Garden Show, which is a 3-day event at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.

h.      Finance:  Hope Cahan

a.       Need as much support as possible for J J dinner.  Will be working on fundraising.   Asked for donations from attendees.  JJ Dinner will be May 7, 2010 at the Fairmont.  Currently working on getting a dynamic speaker.  Announced that Jim Cogan purchased a VIP table.  Iranian Club has purchased 1 table and Swanee Edwards has purchased 2 tables.

b.      Thanked Jim Thurber for the wonderful job he did as the previous Finance Director.

i.        Candidate Recruitment and Endorsement:  Jon Kessler

a.       Getting ready for interviews for local office candidates.  Interviews will be held the 2nd half of March.  More information will be provided at the February meeting.

j.        Communications:  David Cohen

a.       Recruiting people who would like join the Communication Committee.  Would like to get a monthly newsletter out.

k.      Campaign Services:  Tom Cochran

a.       Not Present

l.        Political Outreach (Clubs):  Diane Rolfe

a.       20th Chartered Club – West Valley for Change Club.

b.      Thanked the Milpitas and South County DemClubs for the evening’s refreshments.  Next month will be the Bay Area for Change and Obama Club.

c.       Officers of the West Valley for Change were introduced.  Thanked Herb Engstrom for his assistance in getting chartered. The first general meeting will be held on Saturday, January 9, at San Jose’s West Valley Library at 1:30pm.  Guest speaker will be Pete Constant.

d.      Call-For-Action:  On February 20, Steve Preminger and Diane Rolfe will be hosting a gathering of clubs in Palo Alto.  A representative from each club is needed to participate.  The Call-for-Action is a Counsel of the clubs addressing the critical issues of the State of California.

m.    Regional Director:  Emy Thurber

a.       Announced  2-day free training sessions.  One 2-day session is held each month.

b.      California Democratic Party Convention will be held weekend of April 16-18 in Los Angeles.  Everyone who is a delegate to Central Committee is also a delegate of the State Central Committee.

c.       On March 20 at the Los Altos Community Center, Region 5 will be holding an endorsement meeting.  Information will be mailed.

n.      Democratic National Committee:  Chris Stampolis

a.       Democrats are showing less energy.  In the Presidential election, 28 states voted for Obama; 22 for McCain.  Of the senators who are Democrats, 13 Democrats were elected from states who voted for McCain.  In 4 states where both senators are democrats, those states voted for McCain.  In states who voted for Obama, won 9 republican + Lieberman.

b.      Super Delegates – Country felt uncomfortable about the process.  A commission was created.  Recommendations will be brought before the Rules and Bylaws Committee in Washington DC.  Asked attendees “What do you want your DNC to do?  Washington DC meeting will be held February 4-6.

o.      Pro-Choice Coalition:  Claudia Shope

a.       Phone banks will be held in San Jose to take action to prevent the Stupak and Nelson amendments, which both restrict abortion.  For additional information, contact Fran Linkin at 795-3768 or fran_linkin@ppmarmonte.org.  Phone bank dates:  January 12, 14, 21, and 28 from 10am to 1pm    On Noon, January 22, the annual Roe vs. Wade March will be held in downtown Los Altos.  March will start at 12:30pm at Los Altos Youth Center at 1 N. San Antonio Rd.

p.      DTV Report:  Steve Chessin

a.       December guest was Esther Peralez-Dieckmann, Director of the Santa Clara County Office of Women’s Policy (formerly Office of Women’s Advocacy).  January guest TBD.

q.      CDC Report:  Jay Jackman

a.       Nothing to Report

 

  1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
    1. Melodi Masaniai – CISAC (Center for International Security and Cooperation) is holding a discussion on January 25, 1010 at Stanford University.  Speakers will be Sidney D. Drell and George P. Shultz.
    2. Dan Hoffman – January 18, 2010 will be a National Holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Tickets to ride the Freedom Train from San Jose to San Francisco are $10.
    3. Chris Stampolis on behalf of Anna Song – Santa Clara County Office of Education is holding a Charter School Summit on January 30, 2010.  Register on sccoe.org website.
  2. EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

 

  1. ADJOURNMENT:  9:30 pm

 

Club Reports:

 

SVYD – Holiday party was successful.  The Club held a toy drive and donated funds for Sacred Heart.  A Resolution will be presented at the next Central Committee meeting in support of a new stadium in Santa Clara.  The campaign kick-off will be held in the near future.

 

Santa Clara DemClub – A Holiday party was held on Thursday, December 10, 2010.

 

DemClub at the Villages – Craig Dunkerly was the guest speaker at the December, 2009 meeting.  The Club endorsed the California Fair Election’s Act and also gave $250 to help pass the act on the June, 2010 ballot.

 

Bay Area for Change – The Club held a Holiday party.  On January 20, 2010 at 6:30, a discussion will be held regarding the need for a Constitutional Convention.

 

Bay Iranian – The Dean of History at Notre Dame University in Belmont will be the guest speaker at the January 13, 2010 meeting.  Meeting will be held in the Campbell Community Center Board Room.

 

DemClub of Sunnyvale – Had a successful holiday party.  Next meeting will be held on the 3rd Saturday of January.  Club will be setting up their 2010 priorities.  Meeting will be held at the Willows Ranch Mobile Home Community Park at 2:00 pm.

 

Silicon Valley DemClub – The holiday party was successful.  Club has increased their membership by 50 members over 2009.

 

DEAN – The next meeting will be held on January 18, 2010 at 7:00 at the I-hop in Cupertino where they will be ranking their 26 goals.

 

Latino DemClub – The Club’s website is up.  The website has articles by Larry Aceves, Albert Torrico, and Elaine Alquist. 

 

DAWN – Membership dues are now due.  Due are $30, $10 for retiree/unemployed/students, and $45 for a family.

 

Obama DemClub – The Club helped pass the healthcare bill.  Galen Swain made over 5K calls in support of the healthcare bill.  A holiday party was held on December 10, 2010.