SANTA CLARA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE

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

 

 

MINUTES FOR Thursday, April 5th, 2007

 

1.             CALL TO ORDER

 

2.             ROLL CALL

Absent: Ron Lind, Peter Chiu, Francis La Poll, Xavier Campos, Kevin Moore, Alex Kennett, Dan Kenney, Dennis Kennedy, Greg Sellers, Craig Mann, Deniese Alejandro, Bruce Morasca, Rebecca Scheel, Alberto Torrico, Sally Lieber, Ellen Corbett, Joe Simitian, Anna Eshoo, Mike Honda, Zoe Lofgren, Jay James

 

Excused: Jon Kessler for Elaine Alquist

 

Alternate: Carolyn Curtis for Jim Thurber, Brandon Sulser for Anna Song, Alex Kobayashi for Ira Ruskin, Claudia Shope for Joe Coto, Adrienne Grey for Jim Beall, Clark Williams for John Laird, Chris Cote for Anna Caballero, Swanee Edwards for Jerry McNerney

 

3.             IDENTIFICATION OF VISITORS

Kristen Johnson, Tim Quigley, Jon Graff, Shawn Bagley, Brian Brennan, Barbara Sprenger, Jim Jabr, Paul Fong, Adrian Lupercio, Sarah Lind, Kansen Chu, Daisy Chu

 

4.             ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Addition of the affiliation with the CDC under new business and filling the vacancy in the 20th AD under old business. Motion to approve as amended, second, so moved.

 

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

Motion to approve, second, so carried

 

6.             ISSUES

 

7.             NEW BUSINESS

Support for resolutions submitted to CDP convention on the following topics:

 

Healthcare Reform: recommend adding public health to line 40

 

Fair Trade: recommend adding language to impose tariffs on goods from other countries

 

Gulf Coast

 

Support for Clean Money: recommend adding that the work is done during the current legislative session.

 

Genuine Diplomacy with Iran: pulled by Dan Hoffman. Discussion in support of by Mortese. Friendly amendment by Herb to delete opposing comprehensive sanctions due to lack of timeline indication. Discussion on Herb’s amendment. Vote to support as written, motion carries.

 

Motion to support all resolutions not pulled with language recommendations, second, so carried.

 

Re-affiliation with the CDC: Herb Engstrom: Central Committees are charged $25 to re-affiliate with the CDC, motion to re-affiliate at $100, second, discussion, motion carries

 

8.             REPORTS FROM OFFICERS AND OTHERS

A.      Executive Board: Steve Preminger

Discussed the notes from the last meeting and how the directors are moving forward with the efforts they are responsible for. Everyone in the Central Committee should join one of the created committees.

 

Philip Bump resigned from his position as Campaign Services due to his move to New York.

 

B.      Chair:  Steve Preminger

Further discussion on follow up from last month’s meeting. The new committees will be introduced at the Central Committee meetings so that members will be able to join the committees of interest. The detailed list of the information gathered at the last meeting will be compiled in detail and posted in a password-protected manner for review by the members.

 

The trial against the Veterans Administration was this week with our attorney Scott Rafferty. Steve testified today in support of the importance of veterans having their rights to vote upheld.

 

C.      Vice Chair:  James Kim

To accomplish all of the things that we want to do, we need funds. Please contribute tonight to our PAC

 

D.      Treasurer: Drina Collins

 

E.       Secretary:  Hope Cahan

Visitors please sign the sign in sheet

 

F.       Community Services and Voter Registration:  Carolyn Curtis

Adrienne has agreed to help with voter registration this year, pro-bono, to make sure that we are registered for all of the upcoming events and farmers markets and to work with Carolyn on finding organizations/volunteers to cover them.

 

G.      Finance: Jim Thurber

Steve: if you would like to help on the finance committee, please tell Emy or Jim. This committee will work on ways to fund all of the ideas that we came up with last month.

 

Hope: We changed the JJ dinner date to September 8th and have a great committee working on selling program ads, tables, tickets, and researching additional fundraising activities for the dinner.

 

H.      Candidate Recruitment and Endorsement:  Steve for Jon Kessler

Would like contact information for the official club representatives for the committee

 

I.      Communication: David Cohen

Seeded time to Kansen Chu who gave an update on his campaign. His headquarters is located at 1982A Zanker Road, the corner of Zanker and Brokaw.

 

Communications committee needs assistance with the website, database, and newsletter.

 

J.        Campaign Services: 

K.       Issues:  Adrienne Grey

The details of the issues committee are still under construction. Those with ideas for the committee for speakers, topics, etc., please email them to Adrienne at issues@sccdp.org

 

L.       Political Outreach:

Club, AD, SD, & CD Reports

Tom Cochran: need the clubs current president and contact info.

 

APA will take care of next month’s dinner and LGBT will bring the food in June.

 

Evergreen Democratic Club at the Villages: Beverly Waller Wharton

January speaker, Jacquie Hefner, gave an excellent presentation on the effect of the Internet on the organization and success of political campaigns.

 

Membership of the club stands at 235 as of January 2007.

 

A group of 12 or so has been meeting (in addition to our monthly general meetings) to discuss a variety of topics such as “Bush vs. a Democratic Congress on Iraq”, “Can a Woman or Afro-American Be Elected President in 2008”, and “What Economic Issues Do You Want the Democrats to Push in Congress?”

 

February’s speaker was William B Gould, Professor Emeritus at Stanford and former Chair of the National Labor Relations Board during the Clinton administration. Our March program featured a lively open discussion on “Civil Rights,” with Sanjeev Bery, the Director of the San Jose Office of ACLU of Northern California, acting as moderator.

 

Last Tuesday a standing-room-only crowd of over 100 members (and even some Republicans) were on hand to hear Congresswoman Lofgren speak on immigration, Iraq, and accomplishments of the new Democratic House in its first 100 hours and days, and issues they will continue to address to Defend our Country, Grow our Economy, Care for Children and Families, Protect Our Planet, and Restore Accountability.

 

The club sent a congratulatory letter to our Councilmember, Dave Cortese, on his appointment as Vice Mayor and a letter of support to the Sunshine Reform Task Force.

 

Past club president Bob Applebaum is actively involved in promoting SB840 (the Kuehl single payer universal health bill). He and other club members, with supporters of public funding for elections, met with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to lobby for election reforms. A return visit is planned with ACLU’s Sanjeev Bery to lobby for civil liberty issues.

 

Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley Wanda Bryan

Meetings: March 19, 2007 and April 4, 2007

 

We unanimously endorsed and adopted the Jerry McNerney and Charlie Brown Campaigns for Congress 2008. Sent each one a letter informing them of our action.

 

Sent a Thank you letter to Congressman Honda for sponsoring the Student Primary Protection Act of 2007.

 

Several members attended the Clean Money - Clean cities Conference in San Jose on March 23.

 

We listened to Task Force Reports of up coming activities. Details are on the DFALink flyer on the back table.

 

We had a PowerPoint presentation, Holding Your Rep. Accountable, Legislative Advocacy 1A, by Don Mayall, with assist by Stephanie Grossman and Carolyn Curtis on How to Lobby Effectively, plus a handout - the source was (DFA Night School). Very informative.

 

We watched the most recent televised exchange of Howard Dean and Chris Matthews. Always fun to watch Chris Matthews try to trip up Howard Dean, who deftly evades!

 

Silicon Valley Young Democrats: Justin Carvalho

 

The Silicon Valley Young Democrats will hold their next general board meeting on Sunday April 15th, 2007.  Among the topics to be discussed are endorsements for CYD (California Young Democrats) elections that will take place in San Diego during the CDP Convention.  SVYD will also be making an endorsement for the San Jose City Council District 4 race at the same meeting.  The executive board will meet next Monday (April 9th) to discuss their own recommendations for the aforementioned endorsements that will be passed onto the general membership.

 

Peninsula Democratic Coalition: Rich Watters

 

The PDC annual meeting was held on Sunday, February 25th from noon to 2:00 pm at

the Los Altos Youth Center. At this meeting officers and directors were elected for the current year. PDC's new president Jon Kessler, Vice President Danielle James Secretary Diane Rolfe and Treasurer Joe Rolfe were elected by acclamation, as were the fifteen directors of the Board. The election of non-incumbent candidates for two of the top offices (President and Vice President)

and one-third of the at-large directors represent one of the largest changes in club leadership in recent memory.

 

The featured speakers at this meeting were Rob McCord, candidate for treasurer in Pennsylvania, and Steve Westly, our former California State Controller. McCord shared his views of the national election last fall, along with some sobering insights about how Democrats won the Congress. Westly offered his very positive vision for our Party and its future, especially in California, with

some cautionary notes about how we must build a lasting constituency.

 

South County Democratic Club:

Is co-hosting an event with Congressman Mike Honda, Senator Elaine Alquist, Assemblymember John Laird, and Mike & Mary Cox to meet Congressman Jerry McNerney for a discussion on renewable energy. The event will be Saturday, April 21st from noon to 3pm at Mike & Mary Cox’s Villa Del Lago at 405 Atherton Way in Morgan Hill.

 

M.     Regional Director: Emy Thurber

The meeting for Region 5 last month had about 58 attendees. We will have another meeting after the convention to discuss what happened at the convention and how to improve things. Anyone who is not going to this year’s convention please let me know so that I can fill your positions with proxies. I am leaving town the week before the convention, so any last minute issues will have to be handled through Steve.

 

If anyone is driving and has room in his/her car, please let me know. Most of the hotels are already very full. If you hear of any hotels that are nearby, in good condition, and with vacancies, please let me know.

 

I am running for re-election for the position as Region 5 Director.

 

N.      Democratic National Committee: Chris Stampolis

DNC will be hosting the Western conference over Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco. Chris is trying to get a portion of the weekend open to all of the Central Committee activists at no charge.

 

O.      Pro-Choice Coalition:  Claudia Shope & Buu Thai

Claudia announced that Buu Thai just joined on as public affairs director for PPMM and Bu gave the following report:

 

Local

 

CAPITOL DAY, MAY 2, 2007 7:00-5:00PM

Sign Up NOW for Planned Parenthood Capitol Day!  Reserve your space TODAY.

Capitol Day is a great way to show your dedication to reproductive health care and make a difference by communicating directly with legislators and their staff. Over 500 Planned Parenthood activists from across the entire state of California will be traveling to Sacramento to make a difference and learn about current issues. Meet fellow activists, have fun and make friends!

About Planned Parenthood Capitol Day:

When: ALL DAY on Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Where: Sacramento! Carpooling and free group transportation available

Cost: FREE registration, t-shirt and lunch!

Why: To advance reproductive health care

Email Buu Thai directly at: sanjosepa@ppmarmonte.org with "Capitol Day" in the subject line to learn more and sign up, or call me at (408) 297-9255 Ext. 217 by April 18th.  We are counting on your support to make Capitol Day a success! 

VOICES FOR CHANGE, JUNE 16, 2007 4:00-6:00 PM

Save the date for Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte’s second annual Voices for Change, a garden reception honoring several distinguished individuals for their contributions to protecting reproductive rights and privacy. Honorees include: KAREL, a popular radio personality, the HONORABLE JOE SIMITIAN, State Senator, and CAROL MAYER MARSHALL, community leader.  Featuring FRED KEELEY, advocates board chair, as emcee.  Contact Taylor Fields at (408) 297-9255 ext. 225 or taylor_fields@ppmarmonte.org for more information about becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets.

 

PRO-CHOICE COALITION MEETING

The next meeting of the Pro-Choice Coalition will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at 1605 The Alameda. Please join us and get more involved with the Pro-Choice Coalition. 

 

 

State

 

This year, two high priority bills for us are AB 629 and AB 1541.  We ask you to contact Assemblymember Sally Lieber and solicit support for these two bills.

 

AB 629 The California Community Sexual Health Education Act (Brownley): This bill is a reintroduction of SB 1471 (Kuehl) which created standards for community based organizations providing state-funded sexuality education. Senator Kuehl has decided not to author the bill this year instead choosing to focus on health care reform.  We are proud to announce that Assemblywoman Julia Brownley will be the new author of this bill. She is a freshman representative from the 41st district, which includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.  She has a strong background in implementing SB 71 locally – that bill created standards for public schools teaching sexual health education. 

 

AB 1541 Comprehensive Reproductive Health Care Act (Nava): This bill is similar to AB 2742 last year.  The goal of the bill this year is to make family planning services for eligible Medi-Cal beneficiaries the same and to codify federal statute that allows Medi-Cal Managed Care beneficiaries to go out of plan for family planning services. 

 

CALIFORNIA APPROVES PILOT PROJECT IN EFFORT TO EXPAND ACCESS TO FIRST TRIMESTER ASPIRATION ABORTIONS

 

The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) has approved a Health Manpower Pilot Project (HMPP) authorizing the training of advanced practice clinicians to perform first trimester aspiration abortions.  This landmark clinical pilot project will test out the hypothesis that early abortions can be performed by non-physician providers as safely, as effectively and with equal patient satisfaction as when performed by physicians.  The successful completion of the pilot project will enable a new class of practitioners who are trained and competent to offer early aspiration abortions, particularly in areas where access to care is limited or non-existent. 

 

Our meetings are the 2nd Wed of every month; this month’s meeting is on April 11th at 6:30 at PPMM.

P.       DTV Report: Steve Chessin

 

Q.     CDC Report:  Chris Stampolis and Herb Engstrom for Jay Jackman

Herb: Thank you to the Central Committee for making a contribution to the CDC in the amount of $100.

Plumas County now has its first Democratic Club and a permanent headquarters. They have a population of 20,800 people, most of whom are Republicans. If they can get a permanent headquarters, we should be able to. Contra Costa County has 36 (out of 88) precincts covered by precinct captains. Sonoma County also established a permanent headquarters. Charlie Brown is going to run again in 2008.

 

Organizational meeting for the new West San Jose Democratic Club will be April 22nd at 2pm at my home

 

Chris: We will be able to immediately put the $100 donation to work with the clubs in our County. CDC is offering free copies of every county’s voter registration list to Democratic Clubs that ask for it. The State Convention is August 10-12th in Southern CA. Anyone interested in starting a new club should contact CDC for support.

 

9.             OLD BUSINESS

Vacancy in 20th AD: nomination to fill the position with Sara Lind. No other nominations. Move to fill the position with Sara Lind, second, so moved.

 

10.          ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ann Mack: The Century Club meeting is on April the 13th and Anna Eshoo will be the speaker. Please RSVP if you plan on attending.

 

Chris Cote: South Santa Clara County has the worst air quality of the Bay Area. A new power center was recently installed and the fumes are blowing into South Santa Clara County. The City of San Jose says that there is no room in South San Jose to install the air monitoring station that has been sitting in storage for the past 4 years. Chris urged the Central Committee to take this issue up and to urge the City of San Jose to install this monitor.

 

Rich Watters: “California Health Care Crisis: What can you do about it?” will be discussed in a free public forum on Wednesday, April 11th at 7pm at the Unitarian Church of Palo Alto on 505 E Charleston Rd. The speakers will be Sara Rogers, Health Consultant from the Office of Senator Sheila Kuehl and Greg Miller, RN, Board of Directors of the California Nurses Association.

 

Mary Creassen: San Jose City Council passed a pilot project to monitor spending by the city council.

 

Dan Hoffman: Paul Fong is running for Sally Lieber’s Assembly seat. Kansen Chu has many opportunities for volunteers. There are sign up sheets in the back of the room. I would like the eboard to discuss “What can the Democratic Party of SCC do for the re-election of Jerry McNerney?”

 

11.          EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

                Next Tuesday, April 10th

 12.              ADJOURNMENT: 9:00. Thank you to the 23rd AD for dinner this evening