Author Archive: DPCCC Secretary

Resolution Calling on Local Elected Democrats to Oppose Desheltering of Homeless Residents in Their Jurisdictions When Shelter Is Not Being Offered

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the April 21, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS local jurisdictions in Contra Costa continue to engage in the confiscation and/or destruction of the survival-related property (e.g. tents, sleeping bags, tarps) of unhoused persons on land owned or controlled by such jurisdictions in cases where these persons are not offered immediate and actual shelter to replace the improvised shelter taken from them (operations referred to hereafter as “desheltering”); and

WHEREAS the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in September 2021 in Garcia v. Los Angeles, upholding an injunction by the District Court for the Central District of California, that municipalities may not discard homeless individuals’ “Bulky Items” that are stored in public areas; and

WHEREAS desheltering causes intense trauma to those desheltered, up to and including their deaths; and

WHEREAS desheltering is a policy which harasses and marginalizes individuals in need, and the California Democratic Party commits in the “Labor, Justice, and Poverty Elimination” section of its Platform to “oppose policies that harass and marginalize individuals in need”;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County calls on Democrats in elected local offices in Contra Costa with authority over law enforcement agencies to agendize, move, second, and vote for ordinances directing their jurisdictions’ staff to cease and refrain from removing any homeless person’s survival-related property from land owned or controlled by those jurisdictions, except when such a person is actually and specifically offered immediate shelter.

Endorsements for 2022 primary

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Here are DPCCC’s endorsements for County offices in the 2022 primary ballot, as decided by the Central Committee voting membership at a special meeting on Thursday, March 24:

For the two offices for which the result was No Endorsement, there are several qualified Democratic candidates who deserve consideration for the support of individual Democrats.

DPCCC’s process to arrive at these endorsements was robust. We interviewed sixteen candidates for seven offices. We had seventy people involved in interviews, representing all five Supervisorial districts. Ninety people attended our final DPCCC Endorsement meeting. Our interview panels included local chartered Democratic club members and DPCCC members from across the county.

We need everyone’s help to get out the vote starting in April – only 6 weeks until ballots will be mailed. Join us at the Primary Campaign Kick-off April 23rd! To volunteer, please email our Elections Committee: elections@contracostadems.com.

Proclamation of April 2022 as Arab American Heritage Month

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the March 17, 2022 regular meeting.

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, must be combated in the forms of education and awareness; 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

NOW, 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 2022 to be Arab American Heritage Month.

Based on Mt Diablo Unified School District 2021 Resolution provided by Cherise Khaund

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, March 17, 2022

DPCCC candidate forum for 2022 primary offices

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DPCCC hosted a candidate forum at the top of our Membership meeting last Thursday (Feb 17) featuring the following candidates:

  • Statewide competitive races
    • CA Controller
      • Ron Galperin
      • Yvonne Yiu
      • Malia Cohen
    • Board of Equalization, District 2
      • Michela Alioto-Pier
      • Sally Lieber
    • CA Insurance Commissioner
      • Ricardo Lara
      • Marc Levine
  • Assembly District 11
    • Lori Wilson
  • US Senate
    • Alex Padilla (via designee Kristin Bertolina)

Here is the Zoom recording.