Sign Petition for AB 2183

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Dear Democrats,

Please sign the petition and help farm workers deliver a strong message to CA Governor Newsom to sign AB 2183, the CA Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act, when it reaches his desk.

The bill would give more choices to farm workers so they can vote free from intimidation. Farm workers would be able to vote in secret whenever and wherever they feel safe. AB 2183 offers the same voting choices Gov. Newsom used to defeat the GOP recall election in September 2021. Yet, that month he vetoed last year’s farm worker voting choice bill. His veto came despite huge support for the bill in both state houses.

Click HERE to sign Petition for AB 2183

Join the March from Delano to Sacramento.  The March ends on Friday, August 26 at the step of the State Capitol.

Click HERE to see March Schedule.

June 2022 DPCCC Newsletter

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JUNE 2022 NEWSLETTER
CHAIR’S MESSAGE

I want to thank all DPCCC members, Democratic Clubs, and Democrats across Contra Costa County for your hard work during the recently concluded June 7 primary elections. 

In early 2021 we agreed that our highest priority race was to re-elect District Attorney Diana Becton, and we succeeded with more than 56 percent of the vote!

While we could not unseat the Sheriff and Assessor, we had strong first-time candidates who changed Contra Costa’s conversation about accountability and equity. I believe we can build upon these efforts and pave the way for change in future elections.

Our DPCCC and Democratic Clubs did more voter outreach in this Primary than ever before! Thanks to all of our efforts, we:    reached over 170,000 households with mailers and door hangers; texted close to 100,000 voters; used social media blasts to reach thousands of voters; and walked neighborhoods in every corner of this county.  I believe we will see the benefits of our hard work after we study the release of the precinct-level turnout results. 

Please share what you observed in this primary and what you think we can do better as we prepare for the November 8 General Election. Our Elections & Endorsements Committee will create ways to capture your ideas this summer.

This fall, we will have to work hard to help our endorsed Democrats win local elections. I’m sure you’ve seen the media coverage about how supporters of Q-Anon and The Big Election Lie are organizing across the country to win these offices that are so important to ensuring progress in our schools and communities. Please join me in doing all we can on behalf of our candidates this fall. 

I hope you find our new monthly email newsletter helpful and informative! Please let our new Communications Committee know what you think by emailing its Chair, Jan Bell, at commsdir@contracostadems.com.

Best wishes,

Katie Ricklefs
Chair, Democratic Party of Contra Costa County

JUNE MEETING REPORT

We were excited to have Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan join the DPCCC’s June 16, 2022, General Membership Meeting. She updated us about her legislative priorities and explained what Democrats could do to help her and her colleagues. 

Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan’s legislative priorities include:efforts to prevent gun violence and improve gun safety;protecting reproductive health access, including access to abortion services and protecting patients; improving the state’s mental health services;ensuring safe drinking water for all;criminal justice reform, especially for juveniles; and finding solutions to the housing problems facing so many people and families. These priorities align with the DPCCC’s, and our members have taken support positions on legislation Bauer-Kahan has authored to address these critical issues. 

Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan asked us to continue to get out the vote for Democrats, like the recently re-elected District Attorney Diana Becton, who support our values. 

She urged us to pay attention to local races this fall and make sure we support the Democrats running for these offices. City councils, school boards, and special district boards can significantly impact our quality of life—and our opponents are targeting these offices. 

Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan also requested that we continue to speak up. We mustbring issues to state legislators’ attention, attend committee hearings, go to city council and school board meetings, and take these opportunities to speak up and support our elected officials on our priority issues. 

We also heard updates from the Elections Committee about our activities to support our endorsed candidates during the June primary election. The Fundraising Committee updated us on their efforts and plans for upcoming events. We are excited to share more about these plans in future newsletters. 

Our new Communications Committee Chair, Jan Bell, reported on the organization of the new committee and some of its initiatives (including this new newsletter). You reach the Communications Committee by emailing commsdir@contracostadems.com. 

We also heard early plans about trying to find ways to hold our monthly General Membership meetings in a hybrid fashion that would allow for in-person and online participation. 

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!

TAKE ACTION

KEEP NEVADA BLUE PHONE BANKS: Join Contra Costa Democrats on Wednesday, June 22, 5 p.m. (PDT) to hear from Andrea Miller, President of the National Institute for Reproductive Health, an advocacy group working to create change from the ground up, to protect and advance access to reproductive healthcare. With the Supreme Court set to overturn Roe v. Wade in June, this is the time to hear about the decision and our next steps. REGISTER NOW to hear Andrea Miller and then call voters in Nevada—where we need to hold a critical Senate seat in order to codify abortion rights. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) is running in a toss-up race! No experience is needed; our coaches will train you.

KNOCK DOORS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY: Even in California, a Central Valley woman was jailed for the death of her stillborn infant in 2018. And in 2019, it happened again. Everyone in the Central Valley and across the country deserves the power and freedom to make their own reproductive health care decisions. TJ Cox beat Valadao in 2018 by 862 votes. In 2020, we could not knock on doors, and we lost this seat by 1,522 votes. California’s Central Valley is the key to Democrats holding the House in 2022…and we must win in 2022. SIGN UP HERE to join the Rudy Salas team and Contra Costa Democrats to knock on doors on Saturday, June 25, in Hanford. Lodging and carpool options are available. We need your help introducing voters to Rudy Salas and registering voters in the Central Valley…one conversation and one voter at a time!

GET FIRED UP AND READY TO GO WITH MIKE LUX: The Bay Area Coalition Speaker Series presents Mike Lux on Thursday, July 14, at 5 p.m. (PDT). SIGN UP HERE to learn from Mike as he discusses the reasons that prove we can win in 2022 and the strategies and messaging needed to do it. Mike Lux is an important progressive voice. As he says, “What Democrats need to do is shake off the doldrums, get over the pessimism, and get about the business of fashioning a winning strategy for 2022. We can’t—and our democracy can’t—afford to let pessimism become a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

For more information on volunteering, click here or contact Cecilia at volunteer@contracostadems.com or call 510-693-4259.

GET YOUR DPCCC SWAG

The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County is partnering with ForeAmerica, a California-based, Democratic woman-owned small business and union printer, to provide all the Democratic accessories you need. ForeAmerica can connect you with American-made (and reasonably priced!) shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, signs, hats, and fun masks to keep you safe during COVID. FREE SHIPPING!

Use our link, and we will receive 30-50% of each purchase, which will support our upcoming 2022 campaigns! 

RESOLUTIONS AND LEGISLATION

The DPCCC voted to take positions on the following bills currently under consideration in the California State Legislature: SUPPORT SJR 13 (Authored by Senator Cortese), which would urge the United States Congress and the Department of the Interior to reaffirm and restore the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe as a federally recognized Indian tribe. Click here to read the Issues Committee Application. SUPPORT SB 300 (Authored by Senators Cortese and Durazo), the Sentencing Reform Act, which would address the injustice of the felony-murder special circumstance law by allowing a sentence other than the death penalty or life in prison without parole for a person who did not cause, or intend, a death during the commission of a felony. Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.
 SUPPORT AB 1608 (Authored by Assembly Members Gipson and Akilah Weber), which would require the separation of the offices of the County Sheriff and County Coroner and the offices of the County Tax Collector and County Coroner. 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. 

DEMOCRATS AROUND CONTRA COSTA COUNTY  

DISTRICT 1: Democrats in District 1 participated in many activities leading up to and through the June 7 election. West County’s three Democratic Clubs took the lead by distributing lawn and window signs and walking precincts. Local Democrats also hosted a Meet and Greet for endorsed 8th Congressional District candidate John Garamendi.

DISTRICT 2: District 2 volunteers worked diligently to support our Democratic candidates. Lamorinda Democratic Club members called, wrote letters, and emailed thousands of potential voters to urge them to vote for the Club’s endorsed candidates through its Precinct Organizing Project. The San Ramon Valley Democratic Club enlisted 15 volunteers for the past election. These volunteers each distributed 100 or more DPCCC Door Hangers or flyers by canvassing the homes of Democrats in Danville and San Ramon. The Democrats of Rossmoor texted, phone-banked, and canvassed with over 1,400 door hangers to many homes in the Saranap and Parkmead areas of Walnut Creek.

DISTRICT 3: The Marsh Creek Democratic Club will meet on June 26 instead of June 19.

DISTRICT 4: Many cities in District 4 are raising LGBTQ+ flags during Pride Month, and the City of Clayton is creating a more welcoming community by hosting its first Pride Parade on Saturday, June 25. You can secure your spot on Main Street before 10 a.m. to cheer on marchers. You can also stop by Chick Boss Clayton, who made CLAYTON PRIDE BRACELETS. For a minimum $25 donation, you can get a bracelet that will benefit Clayton’s Pride Parade. Click here for more information about the Clayton Pride Parade. You can see more of the District 4 report by clicking here, including details about the March for our Lives event and how to advocate for renters’ rights and improve city housing elements.

DISTRICT 5: Democrats in District 5 continue to have an active presence at the Martinez Farmer’s Market. We have had members there every weekend sharing our slate and asking for support of our endorsed candidates leading up to the election. The Farmer’s Market includes a food drive on the second Sunday of the month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Please help support and bring nonperishable, not outdated food to donate. Please don’t bring glass packages. The need is great every month of the year, and this is a wonderful way we show support for our community.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Recruitment Committee is seeking volunteers for the DPCCC’s upcoming BBQ. You can volunteer by completing this form.

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 on the image to get more details!

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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DPCCC Newsletter – July 2022

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JULY 2022 Newsletter
CHAIR’S MESSAGE

On Saturday, we will have 100 days left until election day–and only 74 days remaining before the deadline for county elections offices to mail out ballots to voters. 

We are working hard to be ready for this election. I am so pleased that Tamela Hawley and Irene Tait have stepped up to co-chair our Endorsements Committee. That committee’s members will be working long days in the coming weeks to make recommendations for endorsements in November’s city council, school board, and special district elections. 

Our District Directors have been working with Clubs and DPCCC members in their districts to plan endorsement interviews and candidate outreach. Now is an excellent time for Democrats to get involved with these efforts! We are working to have a great Democrat running in every seat this fall.  

The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County has made its first endorsement for the November election by voting to support Ken Carlson for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, District 4. You will learn more about this endorsement in the July meeting summary below.  

It will be vital for DPCCC members to work together and unify around supporting the candidates, like Ken, that we endorse. We will need to focus through November 8 on endorsing candidates, planning for the election, and turning out our county’s Democratic voters.  

I hope all Contra Costa Democrats will join me in committing to work at least an hour a week, from now until Election Day, to support the endorsed candidate or candidates of your choice! 

Please let me know if you want to learn more about our endorsement and overall election efforts. You can email me at chair@contracostadems.com.

I also hope you are enjoying this second edition of our DPCCC newsletter. Please let our new Communications Committee know what you think by emailing its Chair, Jan Bell, at commsdir@contracostadems.com. 

Best wishes,

Katie Ricklefs – Chair, Democratic Party of Contra Costa County

JULY MEETING REPORT

The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County voted unanimously to endorse Ken Carlson for election to the County Board of Supervisors in District 4 at its July 21 meeting. 

Carlson had prevailed in the June 7 primary, garnering more votes than the other four candidates in the race. The district represents Pleasant Hill, Clayton, and the majority of Concord and Walnut Creek. 

After the announcement, Carlson said he was humbled and thankful for the support of the Democratic Party. 

DPCCC Chair Katie Ricklefs stated, “Ken is a great guy and excellent candidate. He has outstanding experience and a passion for the position that will make him an exceptional supervisor.” 

Carlson has also been endorsed by Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades, Contra Costa Central Labor Council, Senator Bill Dodd, Assembly Member Tim Grayson, and over 30 elected officials across the county. He is the first and only openly LGBTQIA+ person to hold a seat on Pleasant Hill’s city council, and he would be the first to serve on the County Board of Supervisors. 

For more information about Ken Carlson’s campaign for Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 4, please visit www.kencarlson.vote. 

Please save the date for our next regular meeting on Thursday, August 18, as we will host Gilda Gonzales, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Northern California. She will discuss Reproductive Freedom—Meeting the Moment at the Ballot Box. 

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!TAKE ACTIONConnect with voters…one conversation and one voter at a time!

CALL VOTERS IN CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA, NEVADA!
Wednesdays 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.
We’ll be talking with voters about Democratic candidates in Nevada, Arizona, and California! Let’s turn our voices into votes!
https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/439762/

KNOCK DOORS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY EVERY SATURDAY!
It’s time to introduce voters to Rudy Salas … and register voters in the California Central Valley! Join Contra Costa Democrats in going door-to-door talking to Democratic voters.
https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/445111

VOTER COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP
We want to be as effective as possible when we talk to voters. Every conversation with a voter is like gold. The two-part training will be held from 3-4 p.m. (PT) on two consecutive Saturdays: July 30 and August 6.

Our Voter Communication expert, Kathi Walsh, will lead these workshops on communication techniques focused on active listening, goal-focused communication, scaling, and sharing information.
https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/477672/

For more information on volunteering, contact Cecilia at volunteer@contracostadems.com or call 510-693-4259.2022 DPCCC BBQSave the date! The DPCCC’s annual BBQ will be on September 10 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Concord Community Park. Taco Bar, music and more! Details to follow.

RESOLUTIONS AND LEGISLATION

The DPCCC voted to take positions on the following bills currently under consideration in the California State Legislature:SUPPORT AB 2091 (Authored by Assembly Member Bonta), which would enhance privacy protections for medical records related to abortion and pregnancy. Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.
 SUPPORT AB 2134 (Authored by Assembly Members Akilah Weber and Cristina Garcia), which would establish the California Reproductive Health Equity Program to ensure abortion and contraception are affordable for and accessible to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.
 SUPPORT AB 2223 (Authored by Assembly Member Wicks), which would prohibit using the coroner’s statements on the certificate of fetal death to establish, bring, or support a criminal prosecution or civil cause of damages against any person exercising their rights under the Reproductive Privacy Act. Click here to read the Issues Committee Application.
 SUPPORT AB 2644 (Authored by Assembly Member Holden), which would prohibit a law enforcement officer from using threats, physical harm, deception, or psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics when questioning a person 25 years of age or younger about the commission of a felony or misdemeanor starting on January 1, 2024. 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 a tracker of all the legislation on which the DPCCC has taken a position during the 2021-22 session by clicking here. 

DEMOCRATS AROUND CONTRA COSTA COUNTY  

DISTRICT 1 (Michael Nye, Director): The West County Democratic Club has been reorganizing. We are still recruiting candidates for open positions, especially in Richmond, and preparing for our endorsement process. 

DISTRICT 2 (Tom Duckworth, Director): District 2 clubs and volunteers are focused on the endorsements process for November’s general election.

DISTRICT 3 (Carolina Villaseca, Director): East Contra Costa Fire finished its merger with Contra Costa Fire. This will result in more fire coverage in the area. A new fire station in Oakley has opened, and Bethel Island finally has coverage. Antioch passed a ban on oil and gas drilling. Oakley has a ban on their August agenda. Much credit goes to Ian Cohen (member of Marsh Creek Dems Club and now a senior at Heritage High School), his friends, and the Sunflower Alliance for organizing, writing, and saving our future. Next steps, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors! It’s election season! Please check with me if you are interested in running for City Council, School Board, or any Special District (like water district). We have lots of seats that are open or where only GOP candidates have pulled papers. My e-mail is District3Director@ContraCostaDems.com.

DISTRICT 4 (Ady Olvera, Director): Please join us and other area Democrats as we implement our endorsement process for candidates running for office in 2022. We will be establishing interview questions, participating in interview panels, and making recommendations to the DPCCC. Everyone is welcome as long as they are a registered Democrat. We are creating safe spaces for Black, Indigenous and other People of Color to participate. Please encourage your BIPOC neighbors and loved ones to participate.Monday, August 1, 6-9 p.m. Develop Interview Questions & Preparing Panels
Monday, August 8, 6-9 p.m. Develop Interview Questions & Preparing Panels
Sunday, August 14, Time TBD, Endorsement Interviews
Monday, August 15, 6-9 p.m., Endorsement Interviews
Saturday, August 20, Time TBD, Endorsement Interviews
Sunday, August 21, Time TBD, Endorsement Interviews
Monday, August 22, 6-9 p.m., Endorsement Interviews
Wednesday, August 24, 6-9 p.m., District 4 Endorsement Recommendations/Straw Poll Vote

DISTRICT 5 (Amy Scott-Slovick, Director): Anamarie Ávila Farías was in the national news because of a Facebook post about not wanting to celebrate the 4th of July after Roe was overturned. The DPCCC responded with this press release. A March for Reproductive Freedom was held in Martinez before July 4. Martinez Farmers Markets are raising food for the food bank and engaging with voters. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Democrats of Rossmoor are hosting In-Person Postcard Events on THURSDAYS beginning July 21st until the end of September (except for August 11).  We will meet from 5–7 p.m. in the Oak Room at the Gateway Building (1001 Golden Rain Road) in Rossmoor, Walnut Creek.  Registration is NOT necessary. All are welcome to attend!Postcards and lists from Commit to Democracy will be made available at each event.Bring your blue pens and stamps and come for an hour or stay for two!Bring 3 friends! Volunteers will help get you started on this very effective Get Out the Vote effortDonations for postcards accepted on The Commit to Democracy website: https://www.committoflipblue.com/donateThe Lamorinda Democratic Club is hosting its annual Hot August Night Political Trivia Championship on Thursday, August 11, at 6 p.m. Just like last year, the 2022 ”Trivia Night” will take place at the Lafayette Library, outside, on the patio. Seating is limited, so please register soon using this link: https://forms.gle/Cwq55VapXFsQJJNM7. You can learn more by reviewing LDC’s event announcement.

The Alameda County Democratic Party is hosting its annual Summer Picnic on July 30, from 12 noon-5 p.m. at San Felipe Park in Hayward. There will be food, trivia, and games! It will also be a great opportunity to mix and mingle with candidates for office. Click here 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 CALENDARThis 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 on the image to get more details!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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