Category Archives: advisories

Action alert on oil and gas extraction on County land

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Pursuant to DPCCC’s Resolution to end existing oil and gas drilling in Contra Costa County and phasing out existing oil and gas extraction infrastructure (Nov 18, 2021), here is an action alert from Sunflower Alliance.

All Hands on Deck!   On May 11 the County is hearing public comment on the new oil and gas policy for its General Plan, which will dictate land use policy for the next twenty years.   Unfortunately, the new oil and gas policy it’s proposing, just like the old, allows oil and gas extraction on county land.

The only difference is the requirement of 3,200′ setbacks.   This is a step in the right direction, as it acknowledges the health dangers of living near drilling sites.  But recent scientific studies show that 3,200’ setbacks are not the most health-protective approach.  And continuing to permit fossil fuel infrastructure begs the question of climate impacts altogether.

Antioch passed a drilling ban in January, and Brentwood just placed a moratorium on drilling while it works on a permanent ban.  Now the County needs to do the same.  Toxic pollutants and climate emissions from oil and gas production don’t stop at lines on a map. Contra Costa must do better.

The County really needs to hear from us!  Please send in comments or testify at the County Planning Commission hearing on May 11 at 6:30 PM.   The Zoom link for the hearing will be posted here on 5/6.

Use this Guide to craft your own in-person and written testimony.  You can email your comments to planninghearing@dcd.cccounty.us, and testify at the May 11 hearing.

The County Board of Supervisors meets the day before on May 10.  We’ll present the No Drilling petition, speak during public comment on non-agenda items, and hold a press conference outside the County Building at 1025 Escobar in Martinez before the meeting starts. East County residents will be speaking, along with MDs and youth activists.  Come join us if you can.

Tues May 10, 9 AM:  Board of Supervisors Meeting
Comment either via Zoom or in person.  Attend the 8:30 AM press conference or watch the livestream on the Sunflower Alliance facebook page.

Wed May 11, 6:30 PM: County Planning Commission Meeting (“Study Session” on the Conservation Element of the new General Plan)
Via Zoom.   The County won’t release zoom link until May 6.  Check this County page and this Sunflower Alliance post for updated information.

A very big thank you for taking action!

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.

Save The Date – April 23 Fundraiser Event

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The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County (DPCCC) is hosting an in-person and outdoor fundraising event on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 at Pleasant Hill Park!

Please save the date and we’ll be providing more information soon on ticketing, food and drink, entertainment, speakers, sponsorships, and more!

You can also share like and share the event from Facebook here: LINK

We look forward to seeing you all again!

Fundraising Committee

fundraising@contracostadems.com

The Monthly Donor Program is taking off! Here’s a big Thank You to our current donors.

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Publicly Elected Members
District 1
Gabe Quinto
District 2
Susan H Hildreth
District 2
Katie Ricklefs
District 4
Sue Hamill
District 4
Charles Carpenter
District Directors
District 1
Michael Nye
Officers
1st Vice Chair
Susana Williams
Controller
Marshall Lewis
Club Voting Members
El Cerrito Dem Club
Champage Brown
Contra Costa Young Dems
Cody Keller
Lamorinda Dem Club
Valerie Sloven
Alternates
Jonathan Bash
Joy Pinsky
Tom Lawson
Cecilia Minalga
Associates
Joseph Ely
Kent Green
Kathleen VanWinckel
Sally Sweetser
John Hall

District 4 update

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From DPCCC’s District 4 Director Colleen Awad:

Deputy District Directors – Openings – As we move into next year with elections, I will need some assistance in staying connected and with elections and such. If you live in District 4 and are interested in getting more involved with the DPCCC, please let me know and email me at Colleenawad@gmail.com

Around the district
• Attended the Young Democrats meeting last night and touched based with some of our LAMBDA Dems as well
Contra Costa County
• Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will have their 5th redistricting hearing on Tuesday, November 23
• Everyone 5 and up is eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccines in our County

Concord
• The City of Concord has kicked off its redistricting process: http://www.cityofconcord.org/951/Redistricting
• The City Council recently passed an ordinance that adds a social worker to the CORE team
• They also added a position within their Housing Department to work on homeless issues

Walnut Creek
• The Walnut Creek City Council will be considering a protected buffer zone near Planned Parenthood. There have been repeated clashes at the planned parenthood in Walnut Creek
• Back in September the Walnut Creek Police Department swore in a new Police Chief Jaime Knox
• https://www.walnut-creek.org/Home/Components/News/News/2904/1851

Pleasant Hill
• Pleasant Hill turned 60 years old
• Pleasant Hill City Council has passed a resolution recognizing United Against Hate Week
• https://www.pleasanthillca.org/1484/United-Against-Hate-Week#liveEditTab_widgets
• It stands against hatred, racism, xenophobia, and homophobia, etc.

DPCCC new candidate training in November – Register by Nov 12

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On November 13 and 20, DPCCC is offering trainings for Democrats aspiring to run for office or manage a campaign. All participants are asked to read and agree to support the California Democratic Party platform: https://cadem.org/our-platform/

Candidate Basics Training

Are you a community leader with strong democratic values? We want to help you run for office! Join the Democratic Party of Contra Costa Saturday, November 13 from 1:00- 2:30 pm PST for a free virtual introduction on how to prepare to run. Hear from elected officials about what it takes to win. Don’t miss out on this opportunity- Register today! When choosing applicants to join our program, we prioritize leaders who are women, people of color, and transgender and non-binary people. (The last day to register is Nov 12!)
Register via Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/425674/

Campaign Management 101

Are you ready to learn the skills needed to run a political campaign? Whether you’re wanting to support a democratic candidate or just learn how to become more involved in campaigns this training is for you. Join the Democratic Party of Contra Costa Saturday, November 20 from 1:00- 2:30 pm PST for a free virtual introduction to running a winning political campaign. Hear from local campaign managers who have done the work. Don’t miss out on this opportunity- Register today! When choosing applicants to join our program, we prioritize leaders who are women, people of color, and transgender and non-binary people. (The last day to register is Nov 19!)
Register via Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/425672/

San Ramon canvass against the recall Sat, Aug 28, 9am

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Help us Canvass San Ramon with Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Councilmember Sabina Zafar, San Ramon Valley Dems, TriValley Dems and the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County this Saturday!

Recall ballots are out, and this Saturday, August 28, at 9am, we’ll be gathering to drop literature at Democrats doors throughout San Ramon. This is an easy, unintimidating way to get involved and help support Democrats and Governor Newsom in the Recall. Stop Republicans from this power grab and support our efforts to  Get out the Vote!

Co-hosted by the San Ramon Valley Democratic Club, the Tri-Valley Democrats  and the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County. We will meet at Councilwoman Sabina Zafar’s house. Please meet at 9:00 AM sharp at 228 Aspenwood Court, San Ramon, CA 94582

Please sign up by sending your name, email and phone number to Kathleen Van Winckel at Smythkate0@gmail.com.