(INTERIM) PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Greetings Torrey Pines Dems,
Our founding president, Diana Aguirre, resigned her office on January 31st, after she relocated to Carlsbad last year. Diana remains a Torrey Pines Dem and continues on our Executive Board. The Executive Board, or “EBoard,” appointed me as interim president pending your approval at our next General Meeting, and until the next elections for Club officers.
I’d like to introduce myself. My wife Liz and I have been active members of Torrey Pines Dems since 2017. I also volunteer as Community Coordinator for the Del Mar GO Team. I have enjoyed that honor for the past three years. Liz and I live on 9th Street in Del Mar. My background includes degrees in Economics and Public Policy, and a law degree from Cal Western. During my career, I served as a city attorney, a city manager, and held other positions in local government over a forty year period.
As interim president, my role is to maintain our present course. With Covid-19 protocols still in place, we’ll continue facing some challenges in the coming year. We don’t expect to return to in-person meetings until, perhaps, this coming fall.
This is an “off-year” for electoral politics. Without the frenzy and distractions of elections, we’ll have time to make some changes in Club procedures towards the goals of improving transparency and accessibility for our members. We have a dedicated EBoard and I think we will make great progress. We hope also to bring outstanding programs of interest to you, our members.
At our next General Meeting, February 25th, in recognition of Black History Month, our main speaker will be Nicole Forrest who is African American. Nicole and her family live in Del Mar where she has been active in the Black Lives Matter movement. Nicole will share with us some of her experiences as a Black woman, and her views on how each of us can recognize and help reduce systemic racism in our community and our nation.
I urge you to attend our February meeting to hear from Nicole and get back in touch with your friends and neighbors.
Until then,
Wayne Dernetz
Nicole Forrest to Lead Racial Justice Workshop
The Torrey Pines Democratic Club will honor Black History Month by hosting a special Zoom event on Thursday, Feb 25th at 6pm. The Zoom meeting invitation is linked below. Local resident and activist, Nicole Forrest, will lead an interactive discussion on “Ending Racial Injustice.” All are invited to sharpen their skills, share ideas, and learn strategies to address structural racism and advance racial equity.
Ms. Forrest gained local acclaim in the Spring of 2020 when she designed and distributed the eye-catching “Black Lives Matter” lawn signs seen all over Del Mar and surrounding neighborhoods. Forrest is a real estate entrepreneur specializing in new ventures that address social and environmental justice as well as neuroaesthetics. She has lived in Del Mar with her husband and three children since 2015.
The TP Democratic Club meets via Zoom on the 4th Thursday of each month, from 6-8pm. All are welcome and there is no cost to attend. Please visit torreypinesdems.org for more details.
REGULAR MEETING (VIA ZOOM)
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Please Note: Registration To Join the Meeting is Required. To register, click on the link above or go to: www.torreypinesdems.org/calendar
PRELIMINARY AGENDA
6:00pm Meeting Room opens
6:15pm Meeting Called to order by Chair
Quorum Check – Janette Shelton, Vice President – Memberships
President’s Welcome
Comments from local elected officials and Democratic candidates for office (3 minute limits)
Additions or Deletions to the Agenda
PROGRAM: In honor of Black History Month, Del Mar resident Nicole Forrest will offer comments and observations on what we can do toward ending Systemic and Institutional Racism in our community and beyond. The program will include an interactive discussion (45 or more minutes). Nicole Forrest will be Introduced by Marisa Hildebrand-Criqui, Vice President – Programs
CLUB BUSINESS
Presentation of Recommended Amendments to Club Bylaws,
Wayne Dernetz, Chair – Bylaws Committee
- Introduction of Committee Members
- Review of Bylaws Amendment Procedures
- PowerPoint presentation on Recommend Changes (10 to 15 minutes)
- Discussion, Questions and Responses
Note: You may review the recommended changes in the Bylaws at www.torreypinesdems.org/bylaws/
REPORTS AND OTHER NON-SCHEDULED BUSINESS NOT SCHEDULED
- Treasurer’s Report – Phil Currier, Treasurer
- Membership Report – Janette Shelton, Vice President – Memberships
- Future Programs Report – Marisa Hildebrand-Cruqui, Vice President – Programs
- Communications Report – Ken Burtt, Director – Communications
- Members’ Comments For the Good of the Order
8:00pm ADJOURNEMENT
It is Time for our Club Membership Renewal Drive
We hope that you will consider renewing and supporting our continuing efforts to provide a forum for Democrats. Annual Membership dues are payable by March 31st. Please don’t let your membership lapse. There are several categories of membership as outlined on our website Membership page. Why join? We have done a lot in one year and have a lot more to do. Your membership provides the financial support to make these things possible.