ATTENDANCE:  Zephyr Tate-Mann, chair; approximately 25 present

PROGRAM:   Honoring All Veterans

Many of our members shared stories of the courage and patriotism shown by friends or family members who served during various conflicts during the last century.

John Smith spoke of the Last Detail he performed in accompanying the coffin of his Viet Nam buddy home to the Midwest.

David Levering shared the story of his brother who served in Korea despite a bad knee.  Though not in combat, he lost his life in a commando raid on the military vehicle repair facility where he was assigned.

 Ivan Light related the story of his mother, broken-hearted by the loss of her first husband due to an illness contracted while training for service in WWI.  The death of her true love changed her thinking forever about the necessity of war and Ivan credits his own opposition to the anti-war training he received from his mother.

Zephyr Tate-Mann shared stories of family members as well as her husband, Rudy, whose military service both matured and changed them.

Lois Thompson’s friend, after landing on the beaches of Normandy vowed to work for peace if he survived that horrific battle.  He is active in worldwide peace efforts to this day.

Chuck Farritor presented a very well-researched story about a young Claremont boy, Charles Keith Powell, who graduated from Claremont HS with honors and planned to continue at the Claremont colleges when WWI attracted his patriotic zeal.  He and his two brothers enlisted to help save Europe and sadly, he remains in an American cemetery there.

BUSINESS MEETING:

The minutes of the April 26, 2010 meeting were approved.

Zephyr thanked all participants, supporters, other clubs and Unions for their participation and support of our first Inland Valley Candidate Forum on May 24.  Lois Thompson added that Zephyr deserved special thanks for conceiving the idea and working so hard to attract excellent candidates.

Zephyr also thanked all members who worked with the Claremont High School Democratic Club: Chuck Farritor, Laura Lo, Jack and Carolee Monroe, and the fine speakers from our club who have enlightened the students about our Democratic values, state and national issues, etc.

John Smith from Common Cause addressed the Club about the Fair Elections Now Act (H.R. 1826) which is currently gaining sponsors and support in the House.  This Act would allow for public funds and small donations as the source of financing viable congressional candidates.  Candidates would swear off corporate and union contributions and accept only small, individual, in-state donations of $100 or less. When qualified, candidates would be eligible for funding estimated at $900,000 ($360,000 for the primary and if they win, $540,000 for the general election)  The Fair Election Fund would come from a fee on the largest government contracts.  Estimated costs: $700 million/year.  More information: www.publicampaign.org/fair-elections-now-summary

Having been announced at the previous meeting, a vote to endorse the Fair Elections Now Act was unanimously approved.

Carolee discussed arrangements for the July 4th Memorial Park event and collected names of those willing to man the booth and walk in the parade.

Zephyr announced that we would be hosting a Fundraiser for our Club on June 20th  from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Wine Styles on Indian Hill Blvd.  Tickets are $20. Zephyr requested that everyone take five tickers to sell.

Having been announced at the previous meeting, a vote for endorsement of the judges was held.
A Motion that only ONE person could be endorsed for each judicial seat: FAILED.   However, each judge must get 60% of the vote in order to gain the endorsement.  Results:

    Office 28:      Mark Ameli
    Office 35:      Soussan Bruguera
    Office 131:    Maren Elizabeth Nelson
    Office 117:    Alan Schneider
    Office 107:    R. Stephen Bolinger and Valerie Salkin

Carolee announced a Move-On Demonstration too be held on Thursday, June 10, 4:00pm    at Foothill and Claremont Blvd. 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Whitson
Recording Secretary

Upcoming Events/Reminders:

Executive Committee Meeting on Saturday June 5,  9:30am  at Scrooby Lounge
Move-On Demonstration at 4:00 pm at Claremont Blvd and Foothill Blvd
Luncheon Meeting on Friday, June 11,  12 noon, at LYL Garden
General Membership Meeting, Monday June 28, Porter Hall,  7 p.m.
PRIMARY ELECTION ON TUESDAY JUNE 8!