MISSION STATEMENT: To support the Democratic Party by providing a civil forum whereby Democrats and like-minded people can unite to discuss political issues, become educated and informed, and work together to raise awareness within the community through the promotion of Democratic principles and values.
MEETINGS:
Oct 23rd meeting:
It felt like Catalina Island joined our busy group in Bev White's delightful yard where we heard from candidates Dolores Otting and Lorraine Prinsky and League of Women Voters, Phyllis Maywhort about issues and propositions. Our new Program Chair, Lori Vandermier, also provided the OCDems recommended choices for the elections. Now that we are informed, WE MUST ALL GO OUT AND VOTE! See you at Patty Humphrey's election night Open House.
October 2nd meeting:
Katie Arthur hosted our VP Debate watch at Paula Milano's hilltop home and the groans and cheers were many. Fortunately, we did not follow the rules of the VP Debate Drinking Game which required multiple drinks every time Sarah Palin mentioned topics like: Alaska, moose and lipstick on pigs. ;-)
August meeting:
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez held our group spellbound as the sun set over Newport Beach and the ocean below us. Jovanna Kingkade and her family made us feel welcome as we heard about the sobering challenges facing our country from the Congresswoman who is the ranking woman on the House Armed Services Committee, Vice-Chair of the House Homeland Security Comm. and is the Chairwoman of the Border, maritime and Global Counter-Terrorism Subcommittee. We were told that the country's financial plight is so bad that top military brass believe that our financial weaknesses supercede our military challenges. What an informative evening.
July meeting: Former Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook wowed our group with her plans to defeat Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. His lack of attention to constituents has left him vulnerable in a formerly safe district. Debbie has asked for members to host Houseparties on the night of Barack Obama's acceptance speech. Thanks to Linda Tasooji for hosting the meeting in her wonderful CDM home.
June meeting: Thank you to Dottie Lewis for hosting us in her beautiful East Bayfront home. The peaceful view helped soothe some tumultuous emotions held by Hillary supporters as they readjusted to the end of the primary. LA Times Daily Pilot columnist Joe Bell joined us and Mark Sussman from Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's office gave us insights into campaigning in the O C. He recommended that we get to know candidate Debbie Cook and she will be our speaker at the July meeting. State Senate candidate Ginny Mayer requested the help and support of members in her campaign and we heard amazing new numbers about the increased number of Democrats in our home 48th Congressional District from Marion Pack in Steve Young's office. A poignant and busy meeting.
May meeting: Our appreciation to Smita Patel and her mother, Sue, for graciously hosting us for our May meeting. In Sue's serene and elegant home, we began the process of collecting dues. If you have not yet given us your check, you can send a check for $50 - individual, $40 - senior, $100 - family or $10 - student to NBWDC c/o Controller/Treasurer Smita Patel, 11 Vienna, CDM, CA 92625 or bring your check to our next meeting. Smita has become our new Controller/Treasurer and Shirley Van Buskirk will take on the role of Historian. Thanks to both of you. Our next meeting will be at Dottie Lewis' lovely bayfront home on Balboa Island. See the calendar page for details and be sure to RSVP to your evite so Dottie can plan for us.
April meeting: Thanks to Debbie Day for hosting our April meeting at her lovely North Bayfront home. Giiny Mayer and Lori Vandermier spoke to the group after our business meeting and we discussed "lessons learned" from our caucus experience. Appreciations were given to Shirley Van Buskirk and Lori Vandermier for accepting roles as Caucus Convener and Deputy convener for the Clinton 48th District Caucus. Kudos to their volunteers as well.
March meeting: Our March 27th meeting achieved its purpose in educating us about local politics. Steve Young spoke about his candidacy for the 48th Congressional District and Ginny Mayer shared her bid for the California Legislature.
Our February 27th meeting at the Newport Coast Community Center had twenty-one members conducting business, listening to the valuable recommendations of California Democratic Council President Henry Vandermier and sharing food, drink and good conversation. Club goals and objectives were discussed and decisions will be made at the March meeting.
Our fabulous women members!
December 2008 Yes, we will...
Suzanne and Patty asked one night if we were the only Democratic women in Orange County and said, "Let's form a club!" and met with Debbie, who said, "Why Not?", and met with Shirley who said, "I'm in", and met with Joan, who said, "I'll host" which led to the intrepid seven, Linda, JoVanna, Debbie, Joan, Suzanne, Patty and Shirley, who said, "We Will" and the rest is history (herstory)! ;-)
We now number over three dozen and are still growing...
