Author Archive: Jan Bell

Proclamation in honor of May 1st International Workers’ Day

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A PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY 2024

WHEREAS International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is recognized around the world as a day to honor and fight for working people’s rights; and 

WHEREAS May First was selected as the date to honor working people and continue the campaign for an eight-hour workday that led to the general strike in 1886 and other actions by working people; and 

WHEREAS International Workers’ Day continues to be a celebration of the efforts of the working and middle class in the United States and around the world to organize for improved working conditions and rights; and 

WHEREAS persisting gender and racial pay gaps are a sobering reminder of how far we have to go towards achieving equal rights and fair wages for all working- and middle-class people; and

WHEREAS President Biden was the first sitting president to walk a picket line on September 26, 2023, and emphasized economic issues of importance to working- and middle-class people of all generations, as well as social issues, in his 2024 State of the Union address; and

WHEREAS 2023 was a year of renewed union activity with the successful United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) strike at Stellantis, successful strikes of the entertainment industry by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), and efforts to organize retailers such as Starbuck’s and REI while Space-X, Starbuck’s, Amazon, and Trader Joe’s have launched a suit to render the National Labor Relations Board impotent when the ability of the Supreme Court to act as a fair and impartial referee has been severely degraded; and

WHEREAS labor unions play a vital role in ensuring a strong working and middle class by advocating for fair pay, humane and safe work conditions, improved benefits, and increased civic engagement by working people to advance and protect the rights, economic opportunities, and security of working and all people; and

WHEREAS Contra Costa County is home to more than 110,000 union members representing more than 85 unions in various trades and industries; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County joins in the worldwide celebrations of workers’ rights activism taking place on May 1, 2024, and acknowledges how working people are the vital heart of every workplace, industry, and community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County calls upon all elected officials to join efforts to ensure the rights of all working people are protected and that government at all levels, as well as civil society, actively promote and protect the rights and economic security of the working and middle class.

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, April 18, 2024

May 2024 Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

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PROCLAMATION OF MAY 2024 AS

ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER (AAPI) HERITAGE MONTH

WHEREAS, the month of May was chosen as Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese citizen, Nakahama Manjiro, to the United States on May 7, 1843, but also the anniversary of the May 10, 1869, completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad, built with the back-breaking labor of nearly 20,000 Chinese immigrants; and

WHEREAS, Contra Costa County’s population is more than 18 percent Asian American and Pacific Islander and includes devoted community members who serve as artists, business owners, educators, health care professionals, lawyers and judges, elected officials, clergy members, first responders, military personnel and essential front-line service workers; and 

WHEREAS, in the 1920s and 30s, Filipino immigrants arrived in the United States seeking fortune but facing discrimination as they worked in the vast agricultural fields of California.  These manongs and manangs played a significant role in building the farm workers movement, including leading the Delano Grape Strike in 1965; and


WHEREAS, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that enrich our history, society and culture, we also must be aware that AAPI history has been whitewashed and significantly erased in American curriculum, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Alien Land Acts, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans, among many other issues. We must also acknowledge a darker aspect of the AAPI experience in America – structural discrimination, prejudice and injustice that most recently manifested itself in racist attacks on Asian Americans, specifically in Half Moon Bay, CA, in January 2023; and 

WHEREAS, an analysis by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, found that overall hate crimes in America’s largest cities decreased by 7 percent in 2020; while hate crimes targeting people of Asian ancestry rose by nearly 150% during the same time period, and, from 2023 AAPI Data, 2 in 10 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (23 percent) say they have experienced being verbally harassed or abused in the last year, and 22 percent have been called a racial or ethnic slur; and

WHEREAS, individual AAPI populations fare very differently when disaggregated. For example, Pacific Islanders and Southeast Asians fare significantly worse in life outcomes in comparison to East and South Asians, and that colorism in AAPI populations also impact treatment and access; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have distinguished themselves as leading researchers in science, medicine, and technology; innovative farmers and ranchers; distinguished lawyers, judges and government leaders; in the arts, literature, and sports; as war heroes who defended our country from fascism; and as essential service workers and peacetime healthcare heroes currently on the front lines of the pandemic; and 

WHEREAS, today more than 20 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders live in the United States and through their actions, make America a more vibrant, prosperous, and secure nation.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County celebrates May 2024 as AAPI Heritage Month, and encourages all in our community to learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, and work to combat racism and xenophobia as we celebrate this month with cultural events and educational activities.

Reviewed by Susan Hildreth and Brodie Hilp, District 2 elected members, March 2024

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, April 18. 2024

May 2024 Jewish American Heritage Month

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PROCLAMATION

Declaring May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month

WHEREAS, from our Nation’s earliest days, Jewish Americans have been an essential part of the American story, greatly contributing to the religious, cultural, political, economic, and intellectual advancement of all people even while in the face of discrimination and adversity, working to realize the American dream; and 

WHEREAS, as we celebrate the rich heritage of the Jewish American community, in Contra Costa County, California and the nation, we recognize that American Jews have worked tirelessly to strengthen the promise of religious freedom and civil rights in the United States by joining together with all faiths to reject ignorance and intolerance, teach empathy and compassion, and root out hatred wherever it exists, and through our understanding and study of the Holocaust, we know the human devastation that can come from systemic prejudice, and are compelled to “never forget”; and 

WHEREAS, May has been recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month by Presidential Proclamation stating that The Jewish American experience is a story of faith, fortitude, and progress, and 

WHEREAS, in spite of the vibrant and diverse culture and contributions, we are reminded that the Jewish people have and continue to experience prejudice and discrimination in Contra Costa County, within the State of California, across the United States, and internationally, and continue to confront bigotry, hostility and unprovoked violence; and 

WHEREAS, antisemitism in the U.S., already on the rise before, has increased over 300% from 2022 to 2023 after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023, where educational, religious, political and community institutions are being targeted,[1] and seeing a similar and unprecedented rise of antisemitic incidents in the Bay Area before the attack, also surging after October 7th, and with more than half of Bay Areas Jews surveyed between November 21 and December 6, 2023 mentioning antisemitism, discrimination or safety as the most important problem facing Jews today, compared with 37 percent from last year.[2]

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we share the obligation and responsibility to condemn and combat rising anti-Semitism and hatred wherever it exists and honor Jewish Americans — past and present — who have inextricably woven their experience and their accomplishments into the fabric of our national identity.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month. We celebrate the hard-fought progress won through the struggle and sacrifice of Jewish Americans, and we rededicate ourselves to building a world where all diversity is respected, valued and protected. 

Renee Zeimer, Elected representative, District 2
Joy Pinsky, Alternate representative, District 4

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, April 18, 2024

[1] U.S. Antisemitic Incidents Skyrocketed 360% in Aftermath of Attack in Israel, according to Latest ADL Data, Published: 01.09.2024, Updated: 01.17.2024

[2] Most Bay Area Jews are more fearful since Oct. 7, survey finds, by Maya Mirsky, December 21, 2023, The Jewish News of Northern California

April 2024 is Arab American Heritage Month

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Proclamation of April 2024 as Arab American Heritage Month 

WHEREAS, for over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society, including medicine, law, business, technology, government, and culture; and 

WHEREAS, since migrating to the United States, men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants; and 

WHEREAS, Arab migrants to the United States brought with them their resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed, strengthening the fabric of our diverse nation; and 

WHEREAS, the history of Arab Americans in American life often remains neglected or defaced by misunderstanding, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate in the form of crimes and speech; and 

WHEREAS, issues currently affecting Arab Americans, such as civil rights abuses, harmful stereotyping, harassment, and bullying, are increasing significantly and must be combated in the forms of education and awareness, particularly in light of the horrible impact that the Israel-Hamas Conflict has on the Palestinian community; and 

WHEREAS, there is a need for public education, awareness, and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Arab American in all aspects of American society, including discourse and policy; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County celebrates the countless contributions that Arab Americans have made to American society and the State of California, recognizing and honoring the month of April 2024 to be Arab American Heritage Month.

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County Executive Committee, March 7, 2024, subject to action by the General Membership on April 18, 2024

March 2024 Women’s History Month

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Proclamation of March 2024 as Women’s History Month

WHEREAS, American women of every race, culture, class, faith, and ethnic background, representing 50.8% of the United States population, have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and

 WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play a crucial economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of life in the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the paid and unpaid labor force working inside and outside of the home; and

WHEREAS, American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our Nation; and 

WHEREAS, American women’s contributions were instrumental in the perseverance of the Nation during the Second World War (WWII), more recent wars/conflicts, the race for space and many other crises; and

WHEREAS, American women scientists are revolutionizing the field of medicine globally with their groundbreaking advancements in mRNA vaccines and Nobel-Prize winning gene-editing therapies; and 

WHEREAS, American women of every race, culture, class, faith, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; and 

WHEREAS, American women have been leaders not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, the peace movement, and other movements, all of which strive to create a more fair and just society for all; and 

WHEREAS, the many women-owned businesses and women entrepreneurs contribute in a major way to the health and success of our local communities, their economies, create jobs, and demonstrate effective leadership; and

WHEREAS, from local Special Districts to Sacramento to the White House and the Supreme Court, women are leading and making change in government; and

WHEREAS, Contra Costa Democrats celebrate the many women leaders who are elected or appointed throughout our county and nation, including our first woman Justice of the Supreme Court in 2022, Ketanji Brown Jackson, our first woman Vice President in 2020, Kamala Harris and our first woman District Attorney in 2017, Diana Becton; along with the historic number of women who were elected in the most recent elections, we also recognize that women are still underrepresented in our legislatures, board rooms, and the judiciary; and

WHEREAS, the objectification of, violence against, and the exploitation of girls and women continues to be pervasive in the United States and across the world, while society continues to fail to educate young boys and men about boundaries and to hold them accountable; and

WHEREAS, lawmakers continue to infringe upon the rights of women to have autonomy over their bodies and access to the health care; and

WHEREAS, despite women’s contributions and proven talents and skills, the role of women is consistently overlooked and their qualifications and work undervalued and dismissed in literature, education, the study of American history, media coverage, in business, research and government; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County proudly recognizes the month of March 2023 as Women’s History Month and stands in solidarity and fully supports the contributions of women today and throughout history. 

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, February 15, 2024

Resolution to Support Local, State, and Federal Efforts to Exonerate the Port Chicago 50

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RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL EFFORTS TO EXONERATE THE PORT CHICAGO 50

WHEREAS, on July 17, 1944, the deadliest home front disaster of World War II took place when a tragic explosion occurred at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine killing 320 men (of whom 202 were African American) and wounding 390 (of whom 233 were African American); and

WHEREAS, Port Chicago Naval Magazine was racially segregated and all sailors loading munitions at the time of the explosion were African American; and

WHEREAS, the surviving sailors were entitled to standard survivors’ leave but were denied leave and ordered to clean up after the disaster; and

WHEREAS, the surviving sailors were ordered back to handling high explosives before an investigation could determine the cause of the deadly explosion; and

WHEREAS, 258 ammunition handlers engaged in peaceful work stoppage rather than return under the same unsafe working conditions; and

WHEREAS, fifty of these men were unlawfully charged with mutiny, prosecuted as guilty and sentenced to prison; and

WHEREAS, three weeks after the work stoppage, a Naval Court of Inquiry report confirmed working conditions and practices enforced by Port Chicago leadership were in violation of Naval safety regulations and federal safety code; and

WHEREAS, the actions of the sailors, the public mutiny trial, and public advocacy from their champion Thurgood Marshall, initiated the desegregation of the Navy in February 1946; and

WHEREAS, there have been several attempts over the years to appeal the decision, but all have failed; and

WHEREAS, starting in the 1990s, Congressman George Miller worked to preserve the history of the Port Chicago 50 and worked towards their exoneration, and in 1992, his legislation designated the site of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine as a national memorial, which is managed by the National Park Service; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, President Obama signed legislation to incorporate Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial as a full and permanent unit of our National Park System; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District received part of the Concord Naval Weapons Station through a Public Benefit Conveyance on July 19, 2019, and has named the park the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50, which honors the courage and legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and all those who sacrificed their lives in our nation’s ongoing struggle for social justice, racial equality, and workers’ rights; and

WHEREAS, Naval historians now recognize the actions of the Port Chicago 50 potentially saved lives and changed the Navy for the better; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the City of Concord, the City of Albany, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors passed resolutions supporting local, state, and federal efforts to exonerate the sailors wrongfully convicted of mutiny following the Port Chicago disaster of 1944; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the State of California successfully passed SJR-15 urging the President of the United States and Congress to restore honor to the sailors unjustly blamed for, and the sailors convicted of mutiny following, the Port Chicago disaster, and to rectify any mistreatment by the military of those sailors, including the full exoneration of those who were convicted at court-martial; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, US Representative Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), US Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12) and US Representative John Garamendi (CA-08) introduced a resolution recognizing the victims of the Port Chicago disaster and calling for the exoneration of the Port Chicago 50; and

WHEREAS, in June 2023, the Philadelphia 15 were exonerated by Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin Parker. This case serves as a an example and pathway to exonerate the Port Chicago 50.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County does hereby resolve as follows:

Section 1. The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County does hereby support these and all efforts to exonerate the Port Chicago 50 and recognize their service to our country.

Section 2. The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes the efforts that this case presents in our nation’s struggle for social justice, racial equity, and workers’ rights.

Section 3. The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County affirms support for all future efforts which urge the President, Congress of the United States, and Secretary of the Navy to take all necessary actions to restore honor to, and rectify the mistreatment by the United States Military of, any sailors who were unjustly blamed for and convicted of mutiny after the Port Chicago disaster, which occurred in the town of Port Chicago, California, in 1944.

Section 4. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, January 18, 2024

February 2024 Black History Month Proclamation

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Proclamation of February 2024 as Black History Month 

WHEREAS Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements of Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history; and

WHEREAS Black History Month grew out of the establishment, in 1926, of Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson and through the struggles of other prominent Black Americans in U.S. history; and

WHEREAS since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month; and

WHEREAS the actions and rhetoric of certain people and/or entities calls our attention to the fact that it is long past time to confront deep racial inequities and structural racism that continue to plague Contra Costa County and our nation; and

WHEREAS the unwarranted deaths of Black Americans who fought for civil rights and equality for all in the U.S., including the Port Chicago 50 in Contra Costa County, are symbols of that inequity; and we are reminded to reflect on Black Americans who have been marginalized and negatively impacted the most by false narratives, the economy, health care, education, housing and the disproportionate aftermath of the pandemic in the Black community; and

WHEREAS as we strive to fully live up to the founding principles of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County– that all people are created equal and have the right to peaceful and prosperous lives – we commit to the goal of having a Central Committee that looks like America – one that reflects the full talents and diversity of the American people; and

WHEREAS we commemorate the long legacy of political and civic leadership within the Black community represented by many Black elected officials in Contra Costa County, including Diana Becton, the first Black woman to serve as the Contra Costa District Attorney and Patt Young, the first Black woman to serve on the Contra Costa Water District Board; and

WHEREAS today the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County has Black American party leaders who are publicly elected members, club representatives, and/or California Democratic Party Executive Board members, directly paving the way for greater diversity and Black representation within the Democratic Party.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County hereby proclaims February 2024 as Black History Month and encourages all constituents to join us in celebrating this special month; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on the Democrats of Contra Costa County to honor the history and achievements of Black Americans and to reflect on the centuries of struggle and progress that have brought us to this time of reckoning, redemption, and hope.

2024 proclamation based on 2023 Proclamation that was reviewed with input from DPCCC Black American leaders.

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, January 18, 2024

How to Become a Delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention

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In order to be one of the 496 California Delegates to the 2024 Democratic National Convention (August 19-22 in Chicago) you must be a registered Democrat and be selected as one of three types of delegates: District-Level (277 Delegates), At-Large (92 Delegates) or PLEO – Party Leaders and Elected Official (55 Delegates). Filing periods start January 16th and begin to close March 21, 2024. On January 16th you can go to the CADEM website and complete Form A for a District-Level Delegate application.

CADEM Endorsements – 2024 Primary

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At the recent CADEM Convention in Sacramento, the California Democratic Party’s (CADEM) delegation voted during its General Session to officially endorse candidates for Statewide and Legislative races including U.S. Senate, U.S. House, State Senate, and State Assembly as well as a State Ballot Measure for the 2024 primary elections. For access to the official results, click here.

In addition, the CADEM delegation voted during its General Session to officially adopt its 2024 Platform. Every two years, the California Democratic Party updates and adopts our Party’s Platform. The Platform represents 10 million Democrat’s values, collective vision, and aspirations.For access to the platform, visit: https://cadem.org/platform-committee/

Time to renew your DPCCC Membership

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TIME TO RENEW YOUR DPCCC MEMBERSHIP OR JOIN DPCCC!

Annual DPCCC dues (renewals) for all current members are due by January 1st of each year and become delinquent as of that date. Regular Members, $40.  Alternate or Associate Members only $24. To pay your annual dues CLICK HERE.

New Associates can join DPCCC anytime if you are a registered Democrat. To verify that you are currently registered as a Democrat, CLICK HERE