Proclamation Declaring May 2022 as Jewish American Heritage Month

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

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 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 hostility and bigotry; and 

WHEREAS, we share the obligation and responsibility to condemn and combat 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.

NOW THEREFORE, the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes May 2022 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 diversity is cherished and faith is protected. 

Renee Zeimer, Elected representative, District 2 

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, April 21, 2022

Proclamation in Honor of International Workers’ Day

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

WHEREAS International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, began in the United States and is now recognized around the world as a day to honor and fight for the rights of workers; and 

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

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

WHEREAS during the COVID-19 pandemic, workers have endured adversity and made significant personal sacrifices to fulfill their duties while ensuring the safety of themselves, their families, and the public; and

WHEREAS the gender and racial pay gaps that persist offer a sobering reminder of how far we have yet to go towards achieving equal rights and fair wages for all workers; and

WHEREAS labor unions play a vital role in ensuring a strong middle class by advocating for more equitable wages, humane work conditions, improved benefits, and increased civic engagement by everyday workers; 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, 2022, and acknowledges how workers are the vital heart of every workplace, industry, and community in Contra Costa County; and

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County calls upon all elected officials to join the effort to ensure the rights of all workers are protected.

Submitted By: Craig Cheslog, Associate Member, District 5

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, April 21, 2022

Endorsements for 2022 primary

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

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

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.