April 2024 is Arab American Heritage Month

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

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

February 2024 Black History Month Proclamation

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

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



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

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

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier condemns Hamas and stands with the Jewish people

Congressman Mark 
DeSaulnier - Serving California's 10th Congressional DistrictDear Mr. Carpenter: I am deeply troubled and saddened by the despicable terrorist attacks against the Israeli people. I condemn Hamas and these heinous attacks in the strongest way. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen – may their memories be a blessing. If you or someone you know are in Irael and need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (925) 933-2660 or visit the State Department’s website at https://il.usembassy.gov/security-alert-2-u-s-embassy-jerusalem-october-7-2023/?fbclid=IwAR384NQ2Nw9WUsy-oakZjxlu_xit7anqiPjByBhGlmqv4pJtHdBCLlsOODU
Yesterday, I joined Temple Isaiah of Lafayette to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in CA-10, in Israel, and around the nation. 

Sincerely,
Signature 
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of CongressIN THE HOUSE
Last week, extreme House Republicans removed the Speaker of the House for the first time in history. Congressman DeSaulnier could not in good conscience support Kevin McCarthy as his Speakership was marked by legislative chaos and acquiescence to the most extreme factions of his party. The American people deserve a leader who puts their interests over political games. It is Mark’s hope that House Republicans choose a Speaker who will lead Congress in a functional way that puts the needs of the American people first. He urges his colleagues to swiftly come to a consensus so we can get back to governing, including providing funding to our allies in Ukraine and in Israel. IN THE NEWS
Congressman DeSaulnier Discusses Republican Dysfunction with CBS Bay Area
After the unprecedented removal of the House Speaker by the far-right, Congressman DeSaulnier joined CBS Bay Area to discuss how Democrats remain united in serving the American people and his hope that the majority party will quickly elect a new speaker so Congress can focus their attention on governing. Tune in by clicking here or on the image below.POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS

Volunteers needed for CADEM Convention

Dear California Democrats,  We are excited to be getting back together for the second time this year at our November 2023 Endorsing Convention in Sacramento! We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help make this event a success. As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in helping us create an unforgettable experience. With your help, we will go through our endorsement process, adopt a new platform, and of course, continue organizing for 2024!  Our convention will take place from November 17 – 19 at the Sacramento Convention Center, and we are in need of over 400 volunteers to assist with a wide range of tasks. Whether you are interested in helping with the registration and credentialing of our convention attendees, greeting guests, or lending a hand wherever needed, we have a role for you.  As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to meet and work with other passionate Democrats from around the state and get a first-hand look at all the amazing work Democratic activists are doing. Additionally, all volunteers will receive an Observer pass to attend events typically reserved only for credentialed delegates, after you’ve completed your volunteer shift!   Can you share your time with us as we prepare for a victorious 2024?
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
P.S. mandatory training will be provided for all volunteers. You’ll get more details on that after you sign up. Also, hotel or parking accommodations at Convention are the responsibility of the volunteer.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
If you have any questions, please contact us at Volunteer2023@cadem.org. Thank you and see you in Sacramento! 

TRUTH Act Community Form

Contra Costa County TRUTH Act Community Forum scheduled for July 18

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County TRUTH Act Community Forum to discuss civil immigration enforcement activities is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting.

The discussion will focus on local immigration enforcement activities in 2022 as well as law enforcement interactions with the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The annual event has been held since 2017 as part of California’s State Assembly Bill 2792, the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act, which aims to increase transparency and accountability among federal and local law enforcement agencies. The Board meeting will also include discussion of the Sheriff’s Oversight Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2023.

“Transparency in law enforcement is vital to maintaining public trust and strengthens relationships in our local communities,” said Board of Supervisors Chair John Gioia. “The forum provides an opportunity for residents to ask the Sheriff’s Office about their immigration enforcement activities, which
is crucial for maintaining accountability to the public. We must strongly support our immigrant communities, so they feel safe and empowered if we are to truly achieve equity in all policies.”

For language access at the forum:

  • Spanish language interpretation is available.
  • To request a language other than Spanish, contact the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors byTuesday, July 11, at TRUTHAct@cob.cccounty.us.
  • The meeting will be closed-captioned in real time.Watch the forum at www.contracosta.ca.gov or on CCTV channels: AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, Comcast Channel 27, or WAVE Channel 32. Send comments or questions to TRUTHAct@cob.cccounty.us or to ClerkoftheBoardofSupervisors,1025EscobarSt,1st Floor,Martinez,CA,94553.

May 2023 DPCCC Newsletter

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE #9 (MAY 2023)

CHAIR’S MESSAGE
Our newly elected County Clerk-Recorder, Kristin Connelly, joined us at our April 2023 General Meeting to share an update about her activities since she took office. 

I am delighted that she was able to share ways all of us can help our county conduct elections fairly and effectively. You can read the details about Clerk Connelly’s remarks in the meeting summary below. I hope you will consider helping out!

The officers of our chartered clubs have been working diligently over the past few weeks to re-charter their clubs and prepare for the California Democratic Party’s endorsement process later this year. I encourage every Democrat to join one or more Democratic clubs. They have been hosting great programs and working hard to recruit new members. 

I’m pleased to announce that the DPCCC will hold our Roosevelt Awards Dinner in August. This will be the first event since 2019. We look forward to restarting this tradition and having a great crowd on hand for an exciting program. I look forward to having the opportunity to share more details soon! 

Finally, I want to make sure you are aware of the press release the DPCCC sent out to express our condemnation of the actions of certain local police officers for the racist, sexist, xenophobic, and homophobic actions that recent investigations have exposed. I encourage all Democrats to read the statement and to be prepared to assist our local elected officials as they work to reform their agencies and end these injustices.

Stay healthy and engaged,

Katie Ricklefs
Chair, Democratic Party of Contra Costa County

APRIL 2023 DPCCC REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETING REPORT
The DPCCC’s Regular Membership Meeting on April 20, 2023, featured a presentation by newly elected Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder Kristin Connelly. She shared details about how her office works and the duties of her office. 

Connelly announced that the Contra Costa County Election Division was recently selected as one of just 16 jurisdictions nationwide to be a Center for Election Excellence. The office also received the Democracy Award from the National Association of Election Officials for leading the 11-county Coalition of Bay Area Elections Officials (bayareavotes.org) for collaborating to fight mis-and dis-information about elections in our shared media market.

Connelly explained how people can help her office ensure our county has efficient and fair elections. Her suggestions included the following: 
* Volunteer as poll workers, depot drivers, extraction team, or Election night observers; 
* Sign up for the Certified Election Observer (CEO) Program, and encourage others to do so;  
* Repost our Elections social media posts/tweets
* Attend our future Community Engagement Groups; 
* Volunteer to sit on subcommittees for language and accessibility; 
* Help us register new voters with boots on the ground in underserved communities; 
* Recommend our office for speaking engagements, appearances, interviews, etc., to their members and community groups.

Regular and Associate Members of the DPCCC can request a copy of Connelly’s presentation slides by emailing the DPCCC Secretary at secretary@contracostadems.com

DPCCC members also heard reports from our committees about their recent work and plans for the year. Our committees need your help! You can still volunteer to help on one or more of our committees by completing the Committee Interest Form

Regular and Associate Members of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County are eligible to apply for membership in one or more of our Standing Committees. New members can join the DPCCC as Associate Members at any time if they are registered Democrats. Dues for Associate Members are $24/year, and you can click here to sign up!

The meeting adjourned in memory of Tique Lee Caul on what would have been her 70th birthday. Tique, who passed away in April 2018, was a well-known activist and volunteer in our area. She also previously served as a publicly elected member of the DPCCC from Supervisorial District 5.

Would you like to learn more? Under DPCCC’s file access policy, access to all non-confidential DPCCC files is available to any DPCCC member (including Associates) upon request by emailing the Secretary. You can pay your dues by clicking here!

If you are not a DPCCC member and wish to attend the monthly membership meeting, which is typically held on the third Thursday of the month, please RSVP to the DPCCC Secretary at secretary@contracostadems.com. If you are a DPCCC member, you should receive an email with details for the meeting about seven days in advance. If you do not, please email the DPCCC Secretary at secretary@contracostadems.com.


CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTION
The next California Democratic Party State Convention will be held from May 25-28 in Los Angeles.

The DPCCC earlier this year elected 42 Regular and Associate Members to represent us at this event. There will also be Contra Costa delegates who were elected Assembly District Delegates and appointees of members of the State Assembly, State Senate, and the House of Representatives. 

If you are a CADEM delegate and cannot attend the Convention, please let the DPCCC Secretary know by emailing secretary@contracostadems.com so we can try to arrange for a proxy. Members interested in being a proxy can also email the Secretary so we can try to help with these arrangements. 

Delegates and proxies are also invited to attend a reception for Alameda and Contra Costa members co-sponsored by the two Democratic County Central Committees and the Alameda and Contra Costa Central Labor Councils on Friday, May 26, from 9-10 p.m. at Fixins Soul Kitchen—LA Live. The event will include complimentary appetizers and a no-host bar. 

CADEM 102 TRAINING: THE CONVENTION
DPCCC Rules Committee Chair Jeff Koertzen will host the second module of his California Democratic Party Delegate Training, CADEM 102: The Convention, on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m.-12 noon via Zoom. 

An in-person CADEM Convention can be overwhelming at first. We will discuss the general agenda as well as the specific agenda for this year’s convention. We will discuss what to expect in General Sessions as well as committee meetings, caucus meetings, and other events that are occurring throughout the convention and how to make the most of your time.  To sign up go to https://jeffkoertzen.com/event/cadem-102/

DPCCC BUSINESS CARDS
The DPCCC has arranged with a local union printer for our members to order business cards in time for the CADEM State Convention. 

The DPCCC can provide the artwork based on our template with the DPCCC logo. People who wish to order business cards will be responsible for making their payment directly with the printer. The minimum order is 250 business cards.

If you would like to order business cards, please email secretary@contracostadems.com

Jeff Koertzen has generously offered to provide blank business cards with the DPCCC logo on them for people who may prefer this alternative to purchasing so many cards at one time. Please let Jeff know at rules@contracostadems.com if you would like some of these blank business cards. You can also check in with him in person at the Convention. 

RESOLUTIONS AND LEGISLATION
The DPCCC adopted the following proclamations and resolutions at its April and May Regular Membership Meetings:
Proclamation of May 2023 as Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
 Proclamation Declaring May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month
 Proclamation in Support of Juneteenth (Monday, June 19, 2023) 
 Proclamation in Support of June 2023 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
 Resolution Supporting Tribal Recognition of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe // Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.
 Resolution Stop the Privatization of Traditional Medicare via the ACO-REACH Program

The DPCCC voted at its April and May Regular Membership Meetings to take positions on the following bills currently under consideration by the California State Legislature:
 SUPPORT Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 by Assembly Member Low (Marriage Equality Constitutional Amendment). Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.
 SUPPORT Assembly Bill 9 by Assembly Member Muratsuchi and Senate Bill 12 by Senators Stern, Allen, and Weiner (Greenhouse Emission Goals). Click here to read the Issues Committee Application. 
 SUPPORT Assembly Bill 254 by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan (Confidentiality of Medical Information Act). Click here to read the Issues Committee Application. 
 SUPPORT Assembly Bill 1335 by Assembly Zbur (Strengthening Sustainable Communities’ Strategies). Click here to read the Issues Committee Application. 
 SUPPORT Senate Bill 36 by Senator Skinner (Out-of-state criminal charges: prosecution related to abortion, contraception, reproductive care, and gender-affirming care). Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.
 SUPPORT Senate Bill 345 by Senator Skinner (Health care services: legally protected health care activities). Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.
 SUPPORT Senate Bill 525 by Senator Durazo (Minimum wage: health care workers). Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.
 SUPPORT Senate Bill 674 by Senators Gonzalez and Lena (Refinery Air Pollution Transparency & Reduction Act). Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.You can learn more about the Issues Committee’s process for reviewing legislation, resolutions, and proclamations by reading its submission guidelines and application for consideration

You can review an index and full text of the Resolutions adopted by the DPCCC since 2020 and Legislative Trackers including all of the bills on which the DPCCC has taken a position since 2021 in this Google Drive folder.
DPCCC EVENT CALENDARClick here to see the DPCCC Event Calendar, including events to which all DPCCC members are invited. To request the addition of an item to the calendar, please email secretary@contracostadems.com.LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINKDo you have any questions or feedback about this DPCCC Newsletter? We would love to hear from you! Please send your comments to commsdir@contracostadems.com

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