Torrey Pines Democratic Club

Newsletter February 2024

Dear Club Members and Friends,

We had another great meeting Thursday evening with very informative presentations and discussions. We thank former Club President and current Del Mar GO Team Community Coordinator Wayne Dernetz who presented an enlightening summary of the pros and cons of March 2024 ballot Proposition 1Mental Health Care and Addiction Treatment Reform & Bonds to Build Places for Treatment and Supportive Housing. Although Prop 1 has widespread support, the opponents have some compelling arguments that deserve careful consideration. Wayne prefaced his analysis of Prop 1 with a brief summary of the historical background of federal and state mental health services in California. This background provided insightful context for understanding the progression path that Prop 1 intends to achieve. You can view a copy of Wayne’s presentation HERE.

We thank our special guests, including several candidates for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 77. We also thank our guests representing elected officials. They provided internet links in our Zoom Meeting Chat for those that want additional information. If you would like to learn more, you can follow the links below:

From Japhet Perez Estrada, candidate for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 77:  https://japhetforsandiego.com/

From Danny Avitia, candidate for Democratic Central Committee, Assembly District 77: https://sites.google.com/view/dannyforsd/home

From Doug Case, representing CA Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins: California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan Program for first-time, first-generation homebuyers

From Stephen Baker, representing Terra Lawson-Remer, Vice Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors: Canvassing and Text Banking volunteer opportunitiesRe-Elect Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer- Yard Sign Request, for questions:  stephen.baker@seiu221.org 

 


Dear Club Members and Friends,

Please join us this month for our Club meeting on Thursday, February 22nd at 6:00pm (via Zoom). For this month’s program we will continue our discussions on the pros and cons of California March 2024 Ballot Prop 1, Mental Health Care and Addiction Treatment Reform & Bonds to Build Places for Treatment and Supportive Housing. This proposition has widespread support. However, opponents claim that it would reallocate funding for mental health treatment from counties to the state, reducing the counties’ ability to prioritize spending for specific programs according to local priorities. Opponents also claim that it would broaden forced institutionalizations. Our recent Club members’ survey showed that housing and homelessness issues are top areas of concern for our members, and Prop 1 deserves careful consideration in helping to address these issues. You can view the agenda HERE.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING (VIA ZOOM)
February 22nd, 2024, 6:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87106677935?pwd=Qlo1MkVaaysvVTJrR3YrdjBPZzdYdz09
Meeting ID: 871 0667 7935
Passcode: 190259


77th Assembly District Central Committee Candidates on the March Ballot

The Central Committee is the governing body of the County Democratic Party and members are elected by Assembly District voters during Presidential election years. As noted in sddemocrats,org, the Central Committee “conducts the County Party’s general business, approves its budget, coordinates Democratic campaign activity, and endorses candidates for local offices.”

On January 17th the club sent a short questionnaire to all of the candidates to the 77th Assembly District Central Committee that we had an email address for. The Central Committee plays an important role in promoting good Democratic candidates. You will be able to vote for up to 6 candidates on your March ballot.

As of now, we’ve received responses from ten of these candidates and you can view their completed questionnaires HERE. In addition to these responses, Carol Waldman, Destiny Preston, and Ann Crosbie presented to the Torrey Pines Democratic Club on January 25th. All three were recommended as good candidates by the members present.

The club will not be making endorsements but we hope this information will allow you to make a more informed decision.


Dear Members of the Torrey Pines Democratic Club,

On January 17th the club sent a short questionnaire to all of the candidates to the 77th Assembly District Central Committee that we had an email address for. The Central Committee plays an important role in promoting good Democratic candidates. You will be able to vote for up to 6 candidates on your March ballot.

As of now, we’ve received responses from ten of these candidates and you can view their completed questionnaires HERE. In addition to these responses, Carol Waldman, Destiny Preston, and Ann Crosbie presented to the Torrey Pines Democratic Club on January 25th. All three were recommended as good candidates by the members present.

The club will not be making endorsements but we hope this information will allow you to make a more informed decision.


Dear Members of the Torrey Pines Democratic Club,

If you care about our city and county governments, our school systems, climate change, equity in government, fair wages, and good government, then the Torrey Pines Democratic Club needs you and you need us! This is where we discuss these topics and welcome your input, where we hear expert speakers, where we hear out candidates for federal, state, and local offices seeking to serve our region, and where our input matters. We hope you will renew your membership and please, encourage your democratic friends to join with us. Your membership provides the financial support to make these things possible. There are several categories of membership as outlined on our Membership page.

Accomplishments for 2023

  • We continued to hold successful meetings via Zoom video conferencing with an eye on returning to in person meetings when possible
  • The Club held an endorsement meeting for federal, state and county offices
  • Provided a platform throughout the year for direct interaction between our members, elected officials and local candidates running for political office
  • Heard a presentation from local school board members about issues effecting their districts
  • Enjoyed a picnic social in August and a holiday party in December
  • Heard a presentation from a UCSD political scientist discussing trust in elections
  • Held a forum on homelessness with a local reporter, elected officials and nonprofit organizations

Why your membership is important

  • Our membership totals 57 members and we would love to see it grow
  • It provides our club a vote at the pre-endorsements conference
  • Member dues help cover meeting room costs/zoom fees
  • Dues pay for our County Dem charter renewal
  • Dues pay for our post office box and the website
  • Being a member in good standing provides you with a vote for club endorsements and other business including electing officers
  • It keeps our meetings free
  • Your membership is important to help us foster the informed civil society that is so important in these troubled times
  • Your membership and your input make a difference!

What’s coming for 2024

  • Key elections in November for President, U.S. Senate, and other state and federal offices representing us
  • Important local races for county supervisor, local city councils, school boards, and more that we can influence
  • Important ballot measures
  • Opportunities to learn about important issues that affect us locally and across the nation
  • Continued opportunities to make a difference in our community and to dialogue with like-minded people
  • Annual summer and holiday social events
  • Endorsement opportunities for local and state offices in this Presidential election year

Thank you very much,
Janette Shelton, Membership Chair