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Notes from January Meeting – Regeneration and Renewal

Monday, Jan 18, 2021 Via Zoom

6:30PM Club President Susan Peinado called meeting to order

Welcome

Honoring Dr Martin Luther King, Jr

Dr Akilah Weber

Opening remarks by La Mesa City Council Member, and clubmember Dr. Akilah Weber.

We all know that Martin Luther King Jr. is very well known for his leadership during the Civil Rights Movement. When it started in 1955 and he led it until his assassination in 1968. We’re all familiar with his very famous I Have a Dream speech that was given in 1963 during the March on Washington. Many of us have read his letter from Birmingham Jail. Or maybe familiar with the march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, which became known as Bloody Sunday as they initially tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. We are taught about his role in the Montgomery boycott, and yes, thankfully, every year we celebrate his birth and his legacy in January. We respect, appreciate, admire, and I’m grateful for everything that he did, and all that he gave, including his life, his efforts to eliminate racial and economic inequality.

I thought it was interesting his daughter Bernice King tweeted something very powerful this morning. She said please don’t act like everyone loved my father. He was assassinated. A 1967 poll reflected that he was one of the most hated men in America. Most Hated. Many who quote him now, and evoke him to deter justice today would likely hate, and may already hate the authentic King. And when you listen to her words you realize that she is absolutely correct. There was one person to credit for keeping his legacy alive, for telling his story for making sure that generations to come, would understand what he stood for, and the sacrifice that he made. And that is due to his wife, Coretta Scott King.

After his assassination she took over the movement for civil rights and broadened it to include other issues, such as women’s rights, LGBT rights and world peace. In 1968 she called for women to unite and form a solid block of women power to fight the three evils = racism, poverty, and more. She fought hard to make MLK Day a national holiday and continued that fight until she was successful in 1986. It is often said that besides every great man, you will find an even greater woman. They may not always get the credit. But when you look at every major movement. women are often at the core of making impactful change worldwide. Coretta Scott King said “Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe you must become its soul.”

When we examine the current issues that we’re facing today. Recognize that they’re not new. We have faced them many, many, many times before. We can learn a lot from Coretta Scott King. She stated “Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation”. We must remember, and teach our younger generations. The power of focus. The power of hard work. Not to get discouraged because right, and justice will ultimately prevail.

In conclusion I want to use one more quote from credit Scott King, she said “It doesn’t matter how strong your opinions are. If you don’t use your power for positive change, you are indeed part of the problem.” Members, we all have very, very strong opinions. And during these various tenuous times I challenge each of us to keep the words of Coretta Scott King and use our voice for positive change.

Thank you for letting me open this night on this momentous occasion.

Dr Akilah Weber

Approval of Agenda (M: Dr. LaWana Richmond)

Introductions

Club Officers – President Susan Peinado, VP Dr Rebecca Fielding-Miller, VP Ramla Sahid (not present), Secretary Cathie Hyatt and Treasurer Rosamond Blevins

Recognition of visiting Electeds or their representatives, representatives from other affiliated organizations

  • Doug Case Representing State Senate President Pro Tem – Toni Atkins – state budget update
  • San Diego County Board Supervisor VP, Nora Vargas – Vaccine Super Station update, Q&A

I just have to say it is so wonderful to hear a member of the board of supervisors talk about evidence based health care and social determinants of health and thinking about vaccines. So, thank you for being on the board. It is just so good to hear this conversation,

Dr Rebecca Fielding-Miller
  • Gloria Cruz representing Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer 

Recognition of Club President Susan Peinado

Rosamond Blevins, presentation of flowers

Treasurer’s Report

Rosamond Blevins

Rosamond Blevins with details of balance on account, and contributions of $7,782 k made to other organizations during 2020, including to Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight, San Diego Food Drive and Holiday Toy Drive.

Nominating Report

Rosamond thanked the other committee members Dr Samm Hurst and Cheryl Robertson.

  • Dr. LaWana Richmond is running for Club President.
  • Cathie Hyatt is running for Secretary
  • Rosamond Blevins is running for Treasurer

Elections

Dr LaWana Richmond

Dr. LaWana Richmond elected President of the Democratic Woman’s Club by acclamation (M: Lori Saldaña)!

Over the past 20 years, LaWana has been actively involved in community service and social justice endeavors. She is one of the inaugural Chrispeels Fellowship recipients and earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, San Marcos and University of California, San Diego.  Her research interests include leadership development and employee engagement as well as access to and persistence in education.

LaWana is a member of the Advisory Board for the C. Montgomery Technology Fund, which supports community access to technology at the Malcolm X Library in southeast San Diego. She has served on the Executive Board of the African American Alumni Chapter of the San Diego State University Alumni Association, Executive Board of the UJIMA Network, Advisory Board of N.U.M.E.R.A.L.S. (formerly known as the Hadassah Project), Area 17 Governor for Western Division, District 5 of Toastmasters International, Chair of UC San Diego Black Staff Association, Chair-Elect and Chair of the UC San Diego Staff Association, as well as Junior and Senior Delegate for the Council of University of California Staff Associations.

Cathie Hyatt

Secretary Cathie Hyatt reelected by acclamation (M: Rosemond Blevins)

Rosamond Blevins

Treasurer Rosamond Blevins reelected by acclamation (M: Yvonne Elkin)


Covid Rant from UCSD Epidemiologist Vice President Dr. Becca Fielding Miller – Not that Kind of Doctor 

COVID updates and vaccinne info. The county is lowering the requirement age to 65 the week of Jan 24. Sign up here. If you need help signing up, let the club know and we’ll do our best to help you sign up.

I just want to talk a little bit about how to talk with people who are vaccine hesitant. Because there is a crowd of people who are pretty intense about their feelings and want to throw menstrual blood on the floor of the legislature and those are.. that’s a certain set of people. But there’s a lot of folks who are well meaning who aren’t you know going to storm the Capitol but have some, some legitimate concerns right, maybe they don’t trust the guy who was in charge of our government when operation Warp Speed went into effect. Maybe they are just a little bit concerned about how quickly it rolled out or maybe they have any, or maybe they belong to a group of people who have been treated pretty poorly by the medical system. And so I just want to remind you when you’re talking to people about vaccines, the best thing you can do is remember that you’re not trying to win a tennis game you’re not trying to score points. The best way to have a conversation is to just have genuine empathy, and to spend honestly more of your time listening than talking. So if somebody says, you know I’ll get the vaccine but I don’t want to be first in line, you can say, I totally get that that’s a really reasonable concern. You know, like a couple million people have already gotten it by now but you know what worries you maybe we can talk about it, because most people really really really big squishy middle of people who are not anti vaccine. They just need somebody to stop and listen and have a conversation with them. So, I will remind you as vaccine conversations start to ramp up that nobody ever actually changed their mind because you told them they were stupid, that’s not really a great way to change people’s minds. The best way to talk to people about vaccines, is to remember this is somebody that you like and trust and have a relationship with, and you’re really lucky that they’re willing to voice these concerns and that you have an opportunity to listen, to respond to what they’re actually saying with empathy and to share some of your experiences and your thoughts. And if you ever have questions about vaccines or anything like that. you are so welcome to to reach out, in particular on Twitter, or over email and I’ll answer any questions that you have, or point you to resources. If I don’t know the answers. I also promised to say I don’t know if I don’t know, which is also a best practice.

Dr Rebecca Fielding-Miller

Bylaws Revisions

Yvonne Elkin

Chaired by Yvonne Elkin.

Yvonne thanked other bylaws committee members: Rosamond Blevins, Ruth Rollins, Nicole Crosby, and Jenn French. She also thanked Susan and John.

There followed a great discussion and various improvements were considered and a consensus arrived at to include these into the Bylaws to be voted on at the February meeting. Details to be sent out at least 14 days before the next meeting.

Article II Section 1 – Change promoting to developing an activist base (M: Lori Saldaña)

Article III Section 1 – Move “Individuals who are ineligible to vote…” to section 2 (M: Kate Bishop) If individuals are registered to another party not Republican

Michelle Krug: friendly amend to other than 

M: Rob Howard amend to NPP – no second. Original language retained. 

Article III Section 4 – Change one meeting to four meetings (M: Samantha Jenkins)

Kate Bishop: friendly amend to three meetings. Seconded

M: Michelle Krug to strike thirty-four days. Seconded

Article IV Section 1 – Add language to make it clear that elected officials are eligible to be officers (M: LaWana Richmond)

Article IV Section 1 – Officer must resign from eboard 6 months before consideration of endorsement OR upon filing for the position, if within that 6 month period. (M: Sarah Davis)

Article IV Section 1 – Motion to change language in Secretary description. M: Kate Bishop, no second, motion dies

Nominating Committee elected by the body rather than President (M: Kate Bishop)

Article IV Section 3 designate October meeting of odd years to elect club associates (M: Kate Bishop)


ADEM Candidates

Candidates still in attendance at the end of the meeting!:

  • Kenya Taylor AD71
  • Kate Bishop AD80

Announcements

Remember to mail your ADEM ballot. Since the meeting:

Wednesday, February 3 – All ADEMs ballots RECEIVED by Wednesday, February 3 WILL BE COUNTED. This is a 1-week extension beyond the previous “postmarked by January 27 and arrive by January 30” deadline.

Playout music, Sam Cooke “A Change is Going to Come”


Video of the meeting is on our YouTube channel here.

Notes by Cathie Hyatt, Secretary

Categories
News

Vote For Women – Lift Their Voices

We have many club members running for the Central Committee. Check your Presidential Primary Democratic ballot and vote for up to six (6) women, and their allies, in your Assembly District.

Share these flyers on Facebook and Twitter, and print out the PDFs (at the bottom of the page) for when you’re out canvassing.


With club members from all over San Diego county it was hard to select just six (6) candidates per Assembly District.

The criteria used were determined by a sub-committee of the executive officers, and included the following:

  • Service/leadership within the club or our supported organizations
  • Support of club activities and events
  • Representation of the mission and values of the club to the broader community
  • Support of other club members within our shared communities
  • Individual historical membership in the club
  • Frequency of attendance

Assembly District 71

  • Tom Lemmon – Marine/Veteran Advocate
  • Christina Perry – Teacher

Assembly District 75

  • Nicolle Leeds | Businesswoman

Assembly District 76

  • Esther C. Sanchez | Attorney/Council Member

Assembly District 77

  • Danny Jackson | Director/Vice-President/Consultant
  • Melinda K. Vasquez | Attorney
  • Lauren Bier | Attorney/Policy Advocate

Assembly District 78

  • Gretchen Newsom | Advocate of Workers
  • Sarah K. Davis | Licensed midwife/Businesswoman
  • Codi Vierra | Congressional Campaign Manager
  • Wendy Levy Batterson | Community Organizer/Advocate
  • Bernadette Butkiewicz | Community Organizer
  • Becca Taylor | Gerontologist/Veterans Advocate

Assembly District 79

  • Evlyn Andrade | Director of Development
  • Nidia Castaneda | Small Business Owner
  • Temika M. Cook | Cook/Labor Leader
  • Angela de Joseph | Central Committee Member
  • Kathryn Meyer | Community Organizer
  • Samantha Jenkins | City Appointed Commissioner

Assembly District 80

  • Brenda Aguirre Arnold | Community/Campaign Organizer
  • Cathie Hyatt | Events Director/Mother
  • Sara S. Kent | Community Organizer/Mother
  • Kate Bishop | Designer/Parent Advocate
  • Delfina Gonzalez | Central Committee Member
  • Angelica “Angel” Godinez

Educating Democratic women about the political process, to increase their voice and participation.


8.5″ x 11″ sheet, of four 4″ x 5.25″ flyers, for canvassing


Categories
News

2019 Special Gals

Thanks to Cathie Hyatt for creating our record of special Gals.
Happy Galentine’s!

Categories
News

Notes from May 21 Meeting – Learn How to be a Better Phone Banker, Social Media Pusher and GO Teamer

Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County May 21, 2018 Regular Monthly Meeting, Elijah’s Restaurant

President Susan Peinado opened the meeting at 7:08pm.

Guests and Candidates

  • Doug Case – representing State Senator Toni Atkins
  • Cathie Hyatt – representing Ammar Campa Najjar, candidate for CA Congressional Dist. 50
  • Dominic Nguyen – representing Dave Myers, candidate for Sheriff
  • Lynn Powell-Macklin – representing Dave Myers, candidate for Sheriff
  • Matt Brower – candidate for Superior Court Judge

President’s Report

  • Full Voter Participation petition DWC earnings reported as $1226.00
  • DWC members Anne Hoiberg and Georgette Gomez received Moxie Awards last night as well as MaryAnne Pintaur
  • Continued support of VoteJune5.org discussed and encouraged
  • Fundraiser for Genevieve Jones-Wright, April 20, DWC reps sponsoring/attending went well and was appreciated
  • RBG Viewing Party with Indivisible went well. All tickets sold
  • Update on Resolution in support of the MLKJr Dem Club
  • Discussion of needed DWC committees/working groups (marketing, social events, political action)
  • Resolution draft on Dissent Management and Unity Initiative for SD Democratic Party – Kelly King (handout)
  • Cultural Diversity Workshop being planned for July 7, 2018

Treasurer’s Report

  • Rosamond Blevins, details of cash on hand

Program

  • Be a Better Phone Banker (Speak Your Passion!) – Kelly King (handout)
  • Free the Vote – Cathie Hyatt, Oren Robinson
  • Social Media Training – Panel
  • Oren Robinson – Facebook, Dem Clubs Endorsements resource
  • Becca Miller – Twitter (handout)
  • Jodie Lorea – Rapid Resist texting campaign w/Hustle
  • John Loughlin – Go Team, MiniVan canvassing app, Slack

Call for old and/new business
Announcements from the floor

  • Election result watch event TBD.

Next regular meeting is 7pm, Monday, June 18, at Elijah’s Restaurant.


Photo Credit: John Loughlin. Moxielicous evening with @MOXIETheatreCo and their awardees including @GGomezD9 Anne Hoiberg, Ellen Montanari and @mapintar

Categories
News

Notes from Jan 15 Meeting – Endorsements and Election of Officers

President Susan Peinado opened the meeting at 7pm. The agenda was approved with a unanimous voice vote.

The membership approved:

  • An additional $500 to Women of Color Roar breakfast to support young women of color running for office
  • A donation of $500 to support the Women’s March
  • An amendment to the Bylaws to add the position of External Vice President

Elected announcements:

  • Doug Case for state senator Toni Atkins

Candidate announcements:

  • Sara Jacobs, candidate for congressional district 49 (where Darrell Issa recently retired. Like a chicken).

Club Elections

Run by Emily Bonner, immediate past president:

  • Cathie Hyatt volunteers to run for Secretary. Elected with a unanimous voice vote
  • Rosamund Blevins is recommended to run for Treasurer. Elected with a unanimous voice vote.
  • Ramla Sahid nominated for VP of External Affairs. Elected with a unanimous voice vote.
  • Rebecca Fielding-Miller for VP of Internal Affairs. Elected with a unanimous voice vote.
  • Susan Peinado for President. Elected with a unanimous voice vote.

Thanks to outgoing treasurer Christa Wubbolding.

Endorsements

Run by Dr. Doreen Mattingly – candidates must get 60% of the vote to be endorsed.

  • Dave Myers for Sheriff
    • Endorsed
  • Genevieve Jones-Wright for District Attorney
    • Endorsed
  • Matt Strabone for San Diego County Assessor Recorder Clerk
    • Endorsed
  • Marggie Castellano for California State Senate 36
    • Endorsed
  • Superior Court Judge: Matt Brower and Tim Nader
    • Both candidates rated acceptable
  • District 76: Michelle Cassel-Gomez, Tasha Boemer-Horvath, Elizabeth Warren
    • All candidates are rated acceptable
  • County Supervisor: Nathan Fletcher (represented by Lorena Gonzalez), Ken Malbrough, Omar Passons, Lori Saldaña
    • All candidates are rated acceptable


Notes: Rebecca Fielding-Miller, Secretary
Photos: John Loughlin