ATTENDANCE:  Zephyr Tate-Mann, chair; approximately 31 present

PROGRAM:  

Three of the candidates for Superior court judge appeared in person or proxy to discuss their qualifications and desire for the job of judge. 

Office 28 – Edward Nison, a Deputy District Attorney, has worked in the Los Angeles D.A’s office for 30 years.  He is currently in his 8th year in the gang division but has also served in departments focused on workplace safety, CalOsha violations, prosecuting corporations and individuals alike.

Office 107 – R. Stephen (Steve) Bolinger who has practiced as a corporate attorney and also as a JAG officer before the Military Courts.  He has broad experience in personnel matters, labor law and criminal cases.

Tony de los Reyes was represented by his wife Natalie.  His experience is largely in civil law and he has worked for two different law firms in the past 40 years.  He has also been appointed to several Commissions by Mayors Bradley and Villaraigosa.

BUSINESS MEETING:

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 p.m.

The President and Secretary determined that a quorum of at least 15 members were in attendance.

Minutes of the March 29, 2010 meeting which had been posted on the website, were approved.

Zephyr called for an endorsement vote of the California Fair Elections Campaign Act.  This vote had been proposed at the previous meeting and had been formally announced in an email and on the website.  For the benefit of members who had missed Dr. Goodman’s informative lecture on March 29, some additional discussion of the Act’s features was held.  Ballots were distributed and members voted on the endorsement.  Final Vote:  19 Yes and 1 Abstain

Zephyr informed us that bill H.B 1826 in the House and a similar one in the Senate – co-sponsored by Dick Durbin among others – called The Fair Election Now Act aims to do for the Senate and House races what the California Fair Elections Act will do on a state basis.  Additional information is at www.publicampaign.org/fair-elections-now-summary .  This would allow federal candidates to take public funds and concentrate on legislating rather than fundraising.  MSA that we all check out the information on this website and call for an endorsement vote at the next meeting.

MS, Amended and Approved that at our next meeting we will vote on the endorsement of candidates for Position 107 as well as endorsements for the other Judgeship races.

Zephyr discussed the status of the upcoming Candidate Forum.  We expect candidates from our local races as well as judges, Supt of Public Instruction, Tax Assessor and Atty General races.  Unfortunately the Assemblymembers have a conflict because they are in session on Monday, however, several other candidates are trying to schedule us in.  We have two unions committed to co-sponsoring with us and have invited 5 other Dem Clubs to participate.  Zephyr will also attend a meeting of the Claremont HS Dem Club to get young volunteers – who may also bring their parents.  Everyone should plan on inviting a friend as our goal is 300 in attendance.

Zephyr announced that the Lakoff initiative aka The California Democracy Act, has been pulled from ballot consideration due to the title and ballot summary prepared by the Atty General’s office.  Lakoff has done polling which shows wide support for the initiative when his wording is used.  The Atty General’s office wording does NOT engender support.  Thus this ballot measure will be delayed until an agreement is reached, although the target is still for the November ballot.

Carolee reported that the Earthday Booth succeeded in attracting approximately 75 children to make their own origami animal.  We also received $85.75 in donations for the Heifer for Haiti Foundation.  Donees were invited to take a very fancy origami animal decoration – already made by the Kobe students.

We received a letter from the Claremont Board of Education thanking us for our support of their position against further cuts in education spending. 

Rudy announced that the Headquarters PAC will have a fundraising booth in Memorial Park on July 4th.

On Saturday, May 8, a Community Forum will be held at the Union Hall in Claremont to discuss the “Citizens United” Supreme Court decision.  Sponsored by Move-On.

Merrill announced that the luncheon speaker on May 14 would discuss water problems in California.

Lois expressed her pleasure that at the Democratic Convention wording from our club’s Death Penalty resolution made it into the party platform in the Criminal Justice section.

Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Whitson
Recording Secretary

Upcoming Events/Reminders:

Executive Committee Meeting on Saturday May 1.  9:30am  at Scrooby Lounge
Move-On sponsored Forum on Citizens Supreme Court decision,  Sat May 8 at Union Hall, Arrow Hwy
Luncheon Meeting on Friday, May 14, 12 noon, at LYL Garden
Democratic candidate Forum, Monday May 24, at El Roble Jr. High School, 7 pm to 9 pm
General Membership Meeting, Monday May 31, Porter Hall,  7 p.m.