ATTENDANCE: Zephyr Tate-Mann, chair; approximately 33 present

PROGRAM: The Water System in Claremont

Scott Carroll, Director of Community Services for the city of Claremont narrated an excellent Power Point presentation about the history of water in Claremont. In 1914 the city voted to sell the Claremont Domestic Water Company to a private company. By the 1980’s the City began exploring the feasibility of repurchasing or taking by eminent domain the rights to its water system. After Scott explained the nuts and bolts of the system, Council Members Sam Pedroza and Linda Elderkin explained the City’s challenges in determining the value of the various aspects of a water company in order to establish a price to offer.

Claremont wants local control over the Water system because rates, which are subject to the California Public Utilities Commission are increasing far faster than those of municipal systems. Also, many Claremonters believe that water should be defined as a natural resource rather than a commodity, subject to market pressures. The difficulty is in establishing the value given the futuristic nature of the possible purchase. Based on past negotiations, the Water company will not sell the infrastructure and the water rights at a price which the City thinks is reasonable. However, if Eminent Domain is utilized, the precedents have all been settled in the Water Cos’ favor.


BUSINESS MEETING:

Welcome to new Member, Jose Sandoval.

Compliments to Ivan Light who managed to ‘sell’ a full table for the Eleanor and Franklin Award Dinner for the Democrats of the Year Awards, even though he was hurrying off to New Zealand! Also, congratulations to Rudy Mann and Zephyr Tate-Mann who were re-elected to the State Executive Committee.

Congratulations to Bob Gerecke and Merrill Ring who had their Letters to the Editor published about global warming and Health care. Merrill actually made it into both the Courier and the Daily Bulletin.

David Levering – who also had a letter published in the Daily Bulletin’s special Health Report on Sunday 6/14 – addressed the group about how the people are way ahead of the legislature on the health care problem.

A special thanks to Andy Winnick who prepared a special Health Care Proposal “Providing Affordable Universal Health Insurance for All Americans” for distribution at the July 4th Booth. We also polled the July 4th attendees on whether they would or would not accept a public option in the solution to our nation’s health care problem. Over 70% stated YES.

Barbara and Ray Fowler spoke to urge public attendance at a City Council meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 because city Staff was asking the Council to by-pass public commissions on important issues (and just go with staff recommendations)

Zephyr made note that our Issues Committee had prepared a Resolution to Replace the Death Penalty reflecting
our Club’s ideas about the life imprisonment clause. This will be posted on our website for 30 days prior to a General Membership vote on its adoption.

MSA: For the Club to cooperate with Russ Warner campaign in a Food Drive for LACDCC during the month of August.

The State Executive Board passed a resolution to go from 2/3 majority to a simple majority on Budget matters.

Carolee Monroe reported on the success of the July 4th Booth and parade entry. Carolee did a fantastic job of decorating the truck, and combined with Russ Warner walking with us Democrats, we heard lots of cheers as the parade wound through the streets. Our booth was one of the busiest at the park as kids made their Ba-Rocks and adults looked over the swag and literature before taking pictures with our Obama and Hillary cutouts.

Carolee is now looking for volunteers to staff the Democratic Booth at the L.A. County Fair. This is sure to be lots of fun as more and more people are proud and excited to re-register as Democrats! In case an incentive is needed, volunteers get free admittance to the fair (though parking does have to be paid!) Call Carolee at 626-8122.

Watch for news of the next General meeting date as it will probably change due to Yom Kippur.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,


Carol Whitson
Recording Secretary

Handouts:

Resolution to Replace Death Penalty (prepared by our Issues Committee)
VOTE NO ON AN OPEN PRIMARY- background info from CA Dem Party
Change that Works (SEIU) flyer about Health Care Problems & Solutions
Invitation to Mrs. Unruh’s and Baker’s Fundraiser for Russ Warner August 16, 2009

Upcoming Events/Reminders:

NO Luncheon Meeting in August, 2009
NO General Meeting in August
General Meeting for Sept - Watch for date change
Exec Committee Meeting August 8, 2009

Issues:

NO on Open Primary
Change State Budget approval requirement from 2/3 to simple majority.
2010 Gubernatorial Election
Calif Clean Money Campaign
Russ Warner Campaign Office (26th Congressional) open in Claremont.