Resolution recognizing the City of Hercules and its efforts to combat the wage gap through the Hercules Equal Pay Ordinance

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the October 20, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS the City of Hercules is a vibrant and diverse city with over 76% of the city’s population identifying as a person of color; and 

WHEREAS 51% of Hercules residents identify as female; and 

WHEREAS female-identifying residents earn an average of $7,464 less than male-identifying individuals in the city; and 

WHEREAS Hercules’ poverty rate for female-identifying folks stands at 6.91% compared to 3.74% for male-identifying community members; and

WHEREAS female-identifying Hercules residents have higher education attainment than male-identifying residents; and

WHEREAS Vice Mayor Walker-Griffin, introduced and passed the Hercules Equal Pay Ordinance to combat the gender wage gap; and

WHEREAS Hercules is the first and only city in the United States to mandate a signed affidavit agreeing to the terms of the Hercules Equal Pay Ordinance and the California Equal Pay Act; and

WHEREAS failure to sign the agreement or violations results in permanent termination of business in the City of Hercules; and 

WHEREAS the City of Hercules recognizes the importance of addressing the equity gap associated with income and has blazed the trail for other cities to follow; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes the City of Hercules for its historical actions to address the wage gap and use this as a platform for other cities and towns to be inspired to combat the wage gap in their cities. 

Submitted by Alex Walker-Griffin, Vice Mayor, City of Hercules

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, October 20, 2022

Resolution in Support of West Contra Costa Adult Education Teachers

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the October 20, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS teachers in the West Contra Costa Adult Education system provide instruction in High School Diploma, GED and English as a Second Language, classes for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities, as well as low cost vocational training and a rich variety of low-fee classes responsive to the changing interests and needs of West County residents, all of which contributes to the economic vitality, physical and emotional health, cultural richness, technological aptitude and academic success of West County’s diverse communities; and

WHEREAS Adult School Teachers United, a union representing adult school teachers in the West Contra Costa Adult Education system, was recognized by the Public Employee Relations Board and West Contra Costa Unified School District in 2017; and 

WHEREAS Adult School Teachers United is still bargaining its first contract with West Contra Costa Unified School District, and negotiations in 2022 have ground almost to a halt.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes that the work of West Contra Costa Adult Education teachers is a crucial resource for West Contra Costa County which greatly enriches the economic and cultural life of the area; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County declares support for adult educators; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County urges the West Contra Costa Unified School District to conclude negotiations for the first contract for West Contra Costa Adult Education teachers with all possible speed.  The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County will make this request in a letter to the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education of the West Contra Costa Unified School District. 

Submitted by Maria Alegria, Elected Member, District 1 and Kristen Pursley, West County Adult School Teachers United 

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, October 20, 2022

Resolution In Support of State Funding for Adult School Classes for Older Adults

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the October 20, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS the California Masterplan for Aging, which seeks to establish “A California for all ages” by 2030, has as one of its goals Inclusion and Equity, not Isolation, for California’s seniors; and

WHEREAS the California Democratic Party Platform for 2022 includes support for Adult Education and Community College programs for life-long learning; and

WHEREAS education programs for older adults are a low-cost, effective way to combat isolation and promote healthy aging that can reduce the likelihood of participants contracting dementia by 18% (American Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 155, No.12, June 15, 2002) and can save the state money by improving healthy life expectancy; and

WHEREAS California had, for decades, a robust network of free education opportunities for Older Adults offered through the state’s adult schools and community colleges which was funded by the state, but was completely defunded in adult schools in 2013 and has also been much reduced in the community colleges; and

WHEREAS this network of education opportunities for Older Adults still exists in vestigial form in some community colleges and adult schools and could be brought back in order to fulfill the goals of the Master Plan on Aging.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes that the State of California needs state-funded educational opportunities for Older Adults in order to fulfill the goals of the California Master Plan on Aging; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County declares support for state funding educational opportunities for older adults through the state’s adult schools and community colleges; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County will review and consider proposed legislation that restores state funding for adult school and community college educational programs for Older Adults.

Submitted by Maria Alegria, Elected Member, District 1 and Kristen Pursley, West County Adult School Teachers United 

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, October 20, 2022

September 2022 DPCCC Newsletter

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SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWSLETTER
CHAIR’S MESSAGE
The election is almost here—voters will start to receive their 2022 general election ballots in just over two weeks. I hope you will join me in working every day to help elect our candidates. 

The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County has endorsed 68 candidates for offices ranging from Ken Carlson for the County Board of Supervisors to the city councils, school boards, and special districts throughout the county. Our candidates represent the diversity of our county, with 21 being first-time candidates. Each one needs our support to win and make a difference for their community. You can see more about these candidates in a story later in this newsletter. 

Getting Ken Carlson elected to the Board of Supervisors is one of our top priorities. His election could change the board’s balance for many years to come. If Ken wins, our priority issues and values have a chance to be realized. If Ken loses, our push for housing, healthcare, social justice, climate sustainability, and economic equity will all suffer. This is a race with generational importance. Please add your energy and voice.

I want to urge you to join me in picking a few key races at the local level to get involved in and help us Get Out the Vote! In addition to Ken’s campaign for the Board of Supervisors, other local candidates are facing coordinated efforts to get MAGA Republicans elected to our school boards. 

Please pick a few campaigns to help by knocking on doors, making phone calls, sending texts, or making contributions. A few hours a week will help us elect our 68 locally endorsed candidates and our statewide and Congressional officials. You also will see later in this newsletter how you can take action to help Democrats win close elections in the Central Valley and keep our House majority. 

It is a lot of work. But I believe electing Democrats is the reason we are here. Let me know if you have any questions. You can email me at chair@contracostadems.com.

I hope to see you on the campaign trail! Stay healthy and strong,

Katie Ricklefs
Chair, Democratic Party of Contra Costa County

SEPTEMBER MEETING REPORT
The DPCCC’s September 15 Membership Meeting featured the wrap-up of our endorsement process, a report from our Issues Committee (see report later in this newsletter), and updates from our committees on the work they are doing to prepare for election day.

Chair Katie Ricklefs thanked Tamela Hawley and Irene Tait for their excellent handling of the endorsement process, working with our District Directors and endorsement committee members. 

Chair Ricklefs also announced that she was appointing Jeff Koertzen and Robyn Kuslits as the Ad-Hoc Transition Committee for the January 19, 2023, DPCCC Organizational Meeting.

First Chair Susana Williams announced that Rebecca Barrett was appointed to co-chair our Elections Committee, joining Chuck Carpenter. The two co-chairs have talked with the District Directors and endorsed candidates, especially new candidates and have received input on what our priority races should be from them and our club leadership. We learned more about what all of our members can do to help elect our endorsed candidates. 

DPCCC members discussed and approved a revised budget for the rest of the year. 

Communications Director Jan Bell reported on updates to the DPCCC website to showcase endorsed candidates and encouraged people to provide feedback about this newsletter at commsdir@contracostadems.com. 

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.

DPCCC ENDORSES 68 CANDIDATES FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTION
The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County has endorsed 68 candidates for local offices. These endorsements include the County Board of Supervisors, city councils, school boards, and special districts. 

The DPCCC’s website has the full list of these endorsed candidates, grouped by east, central/south, and west county. Our endorsement website includes candidate questionnaires, campaign videos, and other useful information. 

The DPCCC has also endorsed Measure K, a Martinez Unified School District Bond, and Measure Q, a Voter Protected Open Space Initiative for the City of Brentwood.

You can also see the California Democratic Party’s endorsements for federal and statewide offices and the statewide propositions on the November ballot. 

Most importantly, remember to VOTE by November 8th and donate or volunteer for Democrats running for office!

TAKE ACTION – Calling all volunteers, phone bankers, and canvassers! 
The path to the next House majority goes through California

Join Contra Costa Democrats for a one-day bus trip to work some canvassing magic in Tulare on Saturday, October 15. 
https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/514161/

Join Contra Costa Democrats as we turn voices into votes…calling voters in Kern and Kings counties on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. 
https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/439762/

Knock doors every Saturday in Hanford, Kings County, through election day!
https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/445111

Knock doors on Fridays through Sundays, beginning on September 30 in Bakersfield, Kern County, through election day!
https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/494449

For more information on volunteering, contact Cecilia at volunteer@contracostadems.comor call 510-693-4259.

RESOLUTIONS AND LEGISLATION
The DPCCC adopted the following proclamations and resolutions at its September 15, 2022, meeting:
Proclamation in Support of Veteran’s Day 2022
Proclamation In Celebration of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, November 1 – 30, 2022;
California Native American Day, September 23, 2022; and National Day of Recognition of Native American Heritage, November 25, 2022
Resolution Urging that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors conduct Open Study Sessions on Critical Contra Costa County Sheriff Department Functions Related to the Internal Investigations Process from an Equity Lens, Including Potential Oversight Mechanisms
Resolution Re-Committing to Core Principles of Our Democracy—Free & Fair Elections

The DPCCC voted at its September 15, 2022, meeting to take positions on the following statewide and local measures on the November 2022 general election ballot:

SUPPORT Proposition 1 (Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment to the California State Constitution). Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.

SUPPORT Measure K, Martinez Unified School District Bond. Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.

 SUPPORT Measure Q, City of Brentwood Voter-Protected Open-Space Initiative. 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 of the Resolutions adopted by the DPCCC since 2022 and a Legislative Tracker of all the bills on which the DPCCC has taken a position during the 2021-22 session.SUPPORT OUR ENDORSED CANDIDATES Our Communications team is posting canvassing and fundraising events for our endorsed candidates on the DPCCC website and the DPCCC’s event calendar. 

There are events all around Contra Costa County. Please support as many of our endorsed candidates as you can as Democrats work to get them elected this November!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Alameda County Democratic Party is hosting its 50th Anniversary Democratic Unity Dinner at the Oakland Airport Hilton on Saturday, September 24, at 6 p.m. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. 
 
If you have an announcement you would like us to consider including in next month’s newsletter, please email commsdir@contracostadems.com. 

DPCCC EVENT CALENDAR
This calendar is for DPCCC and other Democratic Party events to which all DPCCC members are invited. To request the addition of an item to the calendar, please email secretary@contracostadems.com. Please click HERE to go to the DPCCC Calendar.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
Do 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. 

Resolution Committing to Free Fair Elections

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the September 15, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes and supports the fundamental right of voters to decide the outcome of our elections and expects the subsequent peaceful transfer of power as not merely a venerable tradition but paramount to the survival of democracy and the Republic, and 

WHEREAS the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County places a high value on elections that are free and fair, accessible and safe, secure and transparent, and is proud of Contra Costa County’s long history of administering elections that are reliable and trustworthy, and

WHEREAS the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County is aware of advisories issued by the California Secretary of State indicating that rumors and misinformation concerning election procedures, whether intentional or otherwise, continue to cast doubt on the integrity of elections and, according to a major network news poll, “threats to democracy” has become voters’ top issue facing the country, 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County will continue to support and defend elections that are safe, free and fair and will not tolerate attempts by any elected officials, candidates, special interest groups, or other actors who undermine the election process, threaten election workers or voters, or disregard the collective will of the voters.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County solemnly commits to recognize the legitimacy of democratically elected officials of this jurisdiction, the State of California and the United States, regardless of personal preference, and will use its platform to fiercely defend the Constitution and our democracy from such unlawful threats to our freedoms and fundamental voting rights.

Submitted by Renee Zeimer, Elected Member, District 2

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, September 15, 2022

Proclamation in Celebration of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, November 1 – 30, 2022; California Native American Day, September 23, 2022; National Day of Recognition of Native American Heritage, November 25, 2022

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the September 15, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS California comprises the following federally recognized Native American tribes: The Western Region has 27 federally recognized tribes, the Southern Region has 30 federally recognized tribes, the Northern Region has 19 federally recognized tribes and the Eastern Region has 28 federally recognized tribes and these federally recognized tribes are hosts of the lands in California that have more federally recognized tribes than any other state in the US; and

WHEREAS Native American history spans thousands of years throughout our continent, pre-dating the establishment of the United State of America,  and the contributions of the Indigenous tribes to our way of living are vast, from food, spiritual practices, healing practices, government and political contributions, protectors of the land and other natural resources, writers, athletes, thespians, political pioneers, veterans, artists, scientists, knowledge keepers of the Native Universe past and present and developers and contributors of the National Museum of the American Indian; and

WHEREAS the diversity that exists within the tribes of California Native Americans are committed to contributing to new and improved educational resources and curriculum that is provided by the State’s History-Social Studies frameworks for K-12 public schools to include updated and broad information on the history and culture of the original inhabitants of California; and

WHEREAS we can never undo the wrongs that were inflicted on the people who lived on these lands known as the state of California, but we can work together to build fair, respectful and balanced coalitions that speak the truth about California’s past to begin to heal the deep trauma, loss and grief, and  

WHEREAS Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order apologizing for the violence, mistreatment and neglect inflicted upon California Native Americans throughout the State’s history, establishing a Truth and Healing Council to correct the historical records of California Native Americans; and

WHEREAS California designated the fourth Friday of every September as California Native American Day; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes and fully supports the California Native American Day on the fourth Friday of September, National Day of Recognition of Native American heritage and American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, in the month of November and participate in local efforts to right the wrongs of the past.

Respectfully submitted by:

Debra Vinson, Choctaw, CADEM, Finance Committee Member, AD11, DPCCC, District III Elected Representative, ECCDC Founder and Chair in 2021

Reviewed by Renee Zeimer, 2022

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, September 15, 2022

Proclamation In Honor Of Veterans Day, November 11th, 2022

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the September 15, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS, from the founding of our nation to the present day, we have had need from time to time to call upon our people to take up arms to defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic; and

WHEREAS there have always been those among our neighbors, friends and families who have answered this call, and risen as a free people to defend liberty and democracy; leaving their homes and families to face the nation’s foes, and all too often returning home with wounds seen and unseen, and 

WHEREAS we recognize and accept as a sacred duty the need to honor this service, and care for those who have suffered in defense of the nation, and for the families of those who have fallen or have returned in pain that the rest of us may live in freedom and happiness; and

 WHEREAS November the 11th has been designated by act of Congress as Veteran’s Day, and dedicated to the memory and celebration of all who have served in the defense of the nation, and for the families and friend who have loved and supported them; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County calls upon our fellow citizens to take time on this special day to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate ceremonies and personal appreciation. We call upon all representatives of government, civic organizations, schools, and private industries to fully support the celebration of this holiday, and to honor those among us who have served their nation and communities so faithfully and well.

Submitted by Peter Ericson, Associate Member, District 2

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, September 15, 2022

Resolution urging that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors conduct open study sessions on critical Contra Costa County Sheriff Department functions related to the internal investigations process from an equity lens, including potential oversight mechanisms

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the September 15, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS in 2020 the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors declared racism was a public health crisis and “a social system with multiple dimensions: individual racism that is internalized or interpersonal and systemic racism that is institutional or structural”; and

WHEREAS in 2020 the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors declared that Black/African Americans, Latinx, and other communities of color are disproportionally impacted by health disparities; and

WHEREAS mental care and health care are equity issues which disproportionately impact communities of color in Contra Costa County with respect to access to intervention services, proper diagnosis and care; and

WHEREAS it required the proactive efforts of advocates to ensure that the County established mobile crisis and alternative behavioral health crisis intervention models such as the A3 model (Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime); and

 WHEREAS the work of advocates like Duane Chapman, former chair of the County Mental Health Commission, advocated for mental health crisis response reform for many years; and

WHEREAS the Contra Costa Sheriff Department sent staff to be trained on the Mental Health Evaluation Team (MHET) model in 2012, but did not implement a MHET team until 2021, years after many Contra Costa cities implemented the program when leadership was required; and

WHEREAS there are longstanding concerns about Coroner’s findings in inquests, and actions of deputies by the families of those who lost their lives from use of force as a result of mental health crisis response by Contra Costa County Sheriff deputies that exposed the County to legal liability; and

 WHEREAS Sheriff Livingston supported the actions of Deputy Hall, who was charged and convicted, and wrote a public letter to his deputies supporting the actions of Deputy Andrew Hall, who was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of assault with a firearm in the fatal shooting of motorist Laudemer Arboleda, 33, during a slow-speed car chase in November 2018; and

 WHEREAS Deputy Andrew Hall was permitted to return to duty while the previous case was pending and fatally shot Tyrell Wilson, 33, in Danville on March 11, 2021; and

 WHEREAS there are concerns about the accuracy and thoroughness of recent Sheriff’s investigations, including a recent case where criminal charges have been filed in the case of a former Contra Costa County Sheriff volunteer with the Contra Costa County Posse who is accused of building and selling ghost guns obtained from the Sheriff’s gun range; and

 WHEREAS these actions expose the County to legal and financial liability; and

WHEREAS these actions are a concern to public trust which merit investigation and procedural changes; and

WHEREAS the citizens of the County have requested oversight and checks and balances for investigations by the Contra Costa County Sheriff Department to help build positive relationships, trust and transparency between the community and law enforcement.  

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County ask the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to conduct open study sessions regarding critical Sheriff Department functions related to the internal investigations process from an equity lens, including establishing a civilian oversight body; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that by January 15th, 2023, the County Administrator’s Office convenes a working group to create oversight recommendations to the full Board of Supervisors which would include two to three community advocates, at least two individuals with lived experience or familial experience with the behavioral health system, at least two community representatives , the Sheriff and/or his designee,  two representatives of the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and at least two representatives from BIPOC communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the findings of this process be presented to the Board of Supervisors on a regular basis for public comment and review along with a measurement dashboard, including examining mental health encounters and treatment referrals from a race equity framework in a public process for discourse. 

Original resolution submitted June 30, 2022, by Michelle Milam and Maria Alegria, elected delegate, District 1

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, September 15, 2022