ATTENDANCE:  Zephyr Tate-Mann, chair; approximately 30 present

BUSINESS MEETING called to order at 7:30pm.   There were no Minutes posted for approval.

MSA that Ned Freed, Mike Davis, Darcel Woods, Lois Thompson and Laura Lo be re-appointed to the Executive Committee.

Zephyr announced the the Democratic Club would sponsor a Democratic Candidate’s Forum for the Primary candidates, to be held on Monday, May 24 at El Roble Jr High School at 7 p.m.

All registered voters were asked to sign the Lakoff Petition to get the California Democracy Act on the ballot and also the nomination papers for Darcel Woods, candidate for the 59th Assembly District.

Announcements:

All who can are urged to attend the MoveOn rally at the Anthem Blue Cross office at 3220 W. Temple, Pomona, on February 24th at 12 noon.  Meg Mathies suggests wearing red,white and blue. 

MSA that the Democratic Club of Claremont support the efforts of MoveOn to achieve universal health care reform.

Lois announced that the Peace with Justice organization would be holding a Peace Vigil for Iraq on Friday, March 19 from 4:30 – 6p.m. at the corner of Arrow Hwy and Indian Hill.  March 19 marks the 7th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war.
Zephyr reminded everyone to renew their Democratic Club membership which was due on January 15.

PROGRAM:

Our club member, Aelien Gunawardena arranged a program about his native country, Sri Lanka, with special guests from the Los Angeles Consulate.  Asoka Bandara Godawita, the Deputy Consul General, spoke to us about the history and culture of his country, the political structure, education, industry and exports, the costs of the long war with Tamil rebels and the recent cease-fire and peace.  Accompanying Mr. Godawita was Ms. Marina Jayasinghe, secretary to the Consul General.  

Aelien prepared an excellent summary entitled “My Motherland: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka” which was available for the audience to take home and study further.   A DVD prepared by the Sri Lankan tourist bureau left no doubt about the beauty and diversity of this island nation. 

Several of the Sri Lankan people who attended brought dishes traditional to their homeland which were eagerly sampled.  Since good food always brings people together, we all enjoyed getting to know each other better while sampling coconut milk rice and other delicacies. 

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Whitson
Recording Secretary

Upcoming Events/Reminders:

Luncheon Meeting on Friday, March 12 at LYL Garden
Executive Committee Meeting on Saturday March 6at Scrooby Lounge