SANTA CLARA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE

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

MINUTES FOR Thursday, March 5, 2009

 

 

1.       CALL TO ORDER:  7:15p.m.

 

2.          ROLL CALL

a.     Absent:  Ron Lind, David Parker, Albert Torrico, Bill Monning, Anna Caballero, Alyson Huber, Elaine Alquist, Anna Eshoo, and Martin Monica.

 

b.    Alternate:  Jeanne Lamar for Craig Dunkerley, Clark Williams for Ken Yeager, Drina Collins for Hope Cahan, Margie Mitchell for David Cohen, Alternate for Denise Alejandro, Alex Kobayashi for Ira Ruskin, Darcie Green for Joe Coto, Sunshine Borelli for Jim Beall, Keith Wesloss for Joe Simitian, Albert Beltran for Mike Honda and Mia White for Zoe Lofgren

 

c.     Excused:  Swanee Edwards for Jerry McNerney.

 

3.          IDENTIFICATION OF VISITORS

a)    Jon Graff, Jon Silver, Allen and Teresa Souvignier, Galen Swain, Andrew Crockett, Shawn Bagley, Randy Okamura, Teresa Alvarado, Kan Suseenthiram, Marcene VanDierendouk, Marv Modell, Edesa Bitbadal, Christina Lokke, Marie Higan, Janet Strongberg, Forest Williams, Ash Kalra, Madison Nguyen, and Rose Herrera.

b)    Steve Preminger recognized Madison Nguyen and the volunteers who assisted on her No Recall campaign.

c)    Madison Nguyen informed the attendees of her appreciation of the support she received and thanked all volunteers.  Madison recognized Clark Williams, who wrote the initial no recall proposal.

 

4.          ADOPTION OF AGENDA

a.        Motion to Approve; Seconded; Motion Approved

 

5.          APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Minutes are posted at sccdp.org)

a)    January8, 2009 (were not available for approval at February meeting) and February 5, 2009.

1.        Attendees were notified that minutes have been posted on website.

2.        Motion to Approve; Seconded; Motion Approved

 

6.          NEW BUSINESS:

a)       Approval of Slate of Directors

1.        Community Services and Voter Registration – Judy Pipkin

2.        Finance – Jim Thurber

3.        Candidate Recruitment and Endorsement – Jon Kessler

4.        Communications – David Cohen

5.        Campaign Services – Tom Cochran

6.        Issues – James Kim

7.        Political Outreach (Clubs) – Diane Rolfe

                Steve Preminger informed attendees that recommendation came from the Executive Board.

                Motion to Approve; Seconded; Motion Approved.

 

b)       Sri Lanka Resolution Proposal

1.        Resolution proposal presented by Jey Sathe

2.        Resolution and background information was distributed to attendees.

3.        Jey informed attendees that the resolution is starting in Santa Clara County and then will go forward for nationwide support.

4.        Motion to Approve; Seconded.

5.        Attendees voiced concerns that clarification was needed on some of the resolution’s language.

6.        Recommendation was made that Jey would work with Emy Thurber and Bill James on resolution wording.

7.        Revised resolution would be given to Executive Board for approval prior to submittal to the State level.

Motion Approved as Presented.

 

c)       Environmental Resolution on Over-Population

1.        Resolution proposal was presented by Diane Rolfe and Emy Thurber.

2.        Resolution and background information was distributed to attendees.

3.        Motion to Approve; Seconded, Motion Approved.

 

7.       OLD BUSINESS

a)       State Democratic Party Candidates:

                                1.            Hilary Crosby – State Party Controller.  Website:  hilaryforcontroller.org

                                2.            Evan Low – State Party Vice Chair

 

9.     REPORTS FROM OFFICERS AND OTHERS

a)       Executive Board:  Margie Mitchell

1.     Informed attendees of an initial program, which was proposed by Jim Thurber, Executive Board Finance Chair.  Program would allow individuals to contribute monies on a monthly basis.  The monies would be used towards funding different club activities and mailings.

 

b.     Chair: Steve Preminger

1.     Executive Board appointed Clark Williams to review the Central Committee’s by-laws in order to bring it up-to-date.

 

c.        Vice Chair – Clark Williams

a.        Thanked Steve Preminger for his leadership on the No Recall campaign.  Also thanked attendees for volunteering.

b.       Informed attendees the by-laws have been reviewed and are currently on the Central Committee’s website in addition to the associated acts.  Clark asked for assistance in updating the by-laws.  Stated it would take a couple of months to get through committee.  Individuals interested in working with him were to contact him via e-mail or Facebook.  The first by-law meeting would be posted on the Central Committee Yahoo-group.

 

d.        Treasurer:  Drina Collins

a.        Ending balance was $1,071.92

b.       Dues are $25 for 2 years.

 

e.        Secretary:  Margie Mitchell

a.        No Report

 

f.         Community Services and Voter Registration:  Judy Pipkin

a.        No Report

 

g.      Finance:  Jim Thurber

a.        Madison Nguyen No Recall Campaign:

                                                               i.      Monies were raised to help phone bank, walk, food for volunteers and other activities.

                                                              ii.      There is still not enough for the new program to go forward, such as the new Headquarter and salaries for 2 people. 

                                                            iii.      Asked for people to attend JJ Dinner in order for sustainability.

 

h.      Candidate Recruitment and Endorsement:  Jon Kessler

a.        Ballot Propositions – A special election to be held on May 19 as a result of the budget process.  Two lawsuits have been filed.

b.       2F – Prevent any legislatures, who are serving in the office of a late budget, to obtain a salary increase.

c.        Prop 1A – Rainy day stabilization fund:

                                                               i.      Yes – Various state budgeting practices would be changed.

                                                              ii.      No – No change to current state budgeting practice. 

                                                            iii.      Lawsuit - Language was not clear.  If proposition passes, the recently passed tax increase would increase for the next 2 years.  Would impose spending caps on state budget.

d.       1B – Education Funding:  Requires extra supplemental funding to schools and community colleges.

                                                               i.      Yes – State would make supplemental payments beginning in 2012.

                                                              ii.      No – The state would not make the supplemental payments, but would make other supplemental payments as in current law.  i.e. Prop 98.  Governor tied this to 1A.  $8 billion.  Supported by CTA.  If passes, schools and community colleges will get $8 billion.

e.        1C – Lottery Modernization Act.  Borrow future profits from the lottery that would likely go to education and be put in the general fund.

                                                               i.      Yes – Borrow $5billion and borrow additional funds later.

                                                              ii.      No.  State would not be able to borrow from lottery funds.

f.         1D – Children’s Services Funding – Reduce funding.

                                                               i.      Yes – A portion of funds would be redirected to the general fund.

                                                              ii.      No – Will continue to receive all funding.

g.       1E – Mental Funding – Prop 63 – Children’s Health Services.

                                                               i.      Yes – A portion of the funds to support expansion of program.  The balance would go towards general funds.

                                                              ii.      No – No changes will be made.  Prop 63 was authored by Darryl Steinberg.  Taxes the wealthiest earners in state in order to support the mental health of children.

h.       Need to take a harder look and investigate to see how we want to endorse each proposition.  When lawsuits come to a conclusion, we will then know how the state party’s vision will be.  Will try and get additional information out to members in advance of Democratic Convention.

i.      Next Steps:  Discussion at next Executive Board meeting.  Jon informed attendees that he may have additional information regarding the proposals at the April 2nd meeting.

j.      Proposition information will be linked to the state’s website.

k.     State party will take the propositions up at state convention in the form of a resolution.  Problem:  Absentee ballots have already been mailed.

l.      Steve Preminger informed attendees that all state party candidates have been invited to speak at the April 2nd meeting.

 

i.         Communications:  David Cohen

a.        Emy Thurber – Committee has been formed to review the website.

                                                               i.      Committee met and discussed on how to improve the website and keep it up-to-date.

                                                              ii.      Needs:  1) Find someone who will check website every Monday morning; 2) Help clubs set up website (i.e. consultant); 3) Expand and up-date calendar; 4) Jackie Heffner – Newsletter/Blog:  Assist Jackie and David Cohen with newsletter (write articles/fact or fiction) and blogs.

 

j.         Campaign Services:  Tom Cochran

a.        No Report

 

k.       Political Outreach (Clubs):  Diane Rolfe

a.        Recognized the DEAN Democratic Club, who provided the food.  Next month:  Silicon Valley Democratic Club.

b.       Recognized Herb Engstrom, who made the name tags.

c.        Notified Central Committee had received all paperwork for the San Jose State University Democratic Caucus.

                                                               i.      Andre Macapinlac informed attendees there have been several on-campus events.

                                                              ii.      Have registered 200+ new voters, held debate watch and election night parties.  Held a Prop 8 forum – guest speakers included Sally Lieber and Clark Williams.  Helped get 3 college students elected to the state convention as delegates. 

                                                            iii.      Upcoming Events:  March 11 - Second Annual Young Democrats in Politics – Getting involved and pursuing politics.  March 2 - 10,000 students to march at the State Capitol in support of higher education.  Next Semester - Voter registration drive for upcoming election.

 

d.       Motion to Certify; Seconded; Certification Approved.

 

l.         Regional Director:  Emy Thurber

a.        No Report

 

m.      Democratic National Committee: Chris Stampolis

a.        No Report

 

n.       Pro-Choice Coalition:  Claudia Shope

a.        Next Meeting – April 15.  Meetings will now be held quarterly.

b.       April 22 - Planned Parent Action Day in Sacramento

 

o.        DTV Report:  Steve Chessin

a.        Guest Speaker – Sr. Foreclosure Intervention Counselor Marlene Santiago discussed the foreclosure crisis, including what one can do if faced with foreclosure.

 

p.        CDC Report:  Jay Jackman

a.        No Report

 

10.                                                     ANNOUNCEMENTS

a.                     Emy Thurber:  1) Regional meeting to be held on March 14 at 9:30am.  Location:  Hillview Community Center in Los Altos.  Expecting most of the candidates for statewide office.  2) Informed attendees that volunteers are still needed for the convention.  Anyone interested in attending the Convention are to contact Steve Preminger or her.  3) Century Club to meet on March 13.  Guest speaker - Joe Simitian.

b.                    Shawn Bagley – 1) Seeking re-election as the Region 9 Director.  2) Center for Change – Built on moving the Obama vision forward.  Reaching out to democrats and major donors.  3) Camp Obama to be held on March 28:  Trains new leaders.

c.                     Motion to approve Evan Low for State Party Vice Chair; Seconded; Motion Approved.

 

11.                                                     EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

 

12.                                                     ADJOURNMENT:  9:20p.m.

 

Club Reports:

Evergreen Democratic Club:  1) Guest speaker was Dr. Lois Speedler, Corporate Personhood - Talked about the increase of corporate power.  2) Club took action to join 21st Century Club.  Will have 1 table at J.J. Dinner.

 

South County Democratic Club:  1) Going through changes.  2) Have new leadership.  3) Speakers for the March meeting:  Rosemary Kamei and Jerry McNerney. 

 

Dean Democratic Club:  1) Participated in the No Recall campaign.  2) Focus on education and passage of the California Fair Elections Act. Health care, SB810, and worked on HR6786.  2) Red to Blue Dinner tickets - www.consumercal.org.  3) Guest speakers at recent meeting:  Ira Ruskin, Jim Beall, and Joe Simitian - talked about the state budget.  4) Club is putting together 2 tables for J. J. Dinner.

 

Santa Clara County Democratic Club:  March 16th Guest Speaker:  Representative from Ira Ruskin’s, 2) Worked on Madison Nguyen’s No Recall campaign.

 

Silicon Valley Young Democrats:  1) March 28 will be the Club’s 1st fundraiser.  Funds will be used to support 25 delegates to the state convention.  Event will be at Ash Kalra’s residence.  Cost:  $50 each.  2) Now has an Associate Membership - $100/yr.

 

Silicon Valley African Democratic Club:  1) April 3 – Club will host a fundraiser/membership meeting at Tom Cochran’s residence.  2) Board endorsed the appointment of Javier Gonzalez for Trustee of the San Jose/Evergreen Community College

 

DAWN:  1)  March 29 at 11:00 will be the Annual Potluck Brunch.  Location:  The Commons Clubhouse.  Guest Speakers:  Madison Nguyen and Evan Low.  1) June 7 - Fundraiser:  At the home of Meri Maben.  3) Friendraiser – Late September/Early October.  Outreach event to people in the South County.

 

Silicon Valley Democratic Club:  1) Had the Club’s first meeting.  2) Many members came out and put out a lot of effort towards No Recall campaign.  3) Will have 1 table at J. J. Dinner.

 

LGBT:  1) Rebuilding phase within the Club.  2) Currently working on overturning Prop 8.

 

Silicon Valley Latino Democratic Club:  1) Had a Board Retreat.  Guest speakers:   Nora Campos, Joe Coto, and George Shirakawa.  2) Currently doing fundraising to support candidates.

 

Bay Area Iranian American Democrats– 1) Persion New Year March 21st; 2) Club supported Madison Nguyen’s No Recall campaign; 3) March 11 - Monthly Meeting; 4) Will have 1 table at J. J. Dinner.

 

PDC:  1) Installation of new Directors; 2) Guest Speaker:  Ted Lembert, who spoke about the state of education.

 

Milpitas Democratic Club:  1) Have more Milpitas members rather than non-Milpitas members.  2) Website:  Milpitasdemocraticclub.org.