In this Issue... Page Holidays 2 More Elections Data 3 Lauren Cazares Wants to Keep La Mesa Safe 4 Dues Reminder 5 Assembly Delegate Elections 6 Event Photos 7 Board Members 8
June 7 7 PM MEETING La Mesa Community Center 4975 Memorial Drive (social time begins at 6:30)
The Progressive Voice is the monthly newsletter of the La Mesa - Foothills Democratic Club, serving the communities of La Mesa, Mt. Helix, San Carlos, Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, and the SDSU and other East County areas since 1984.
The progressive VOICE voice
JANUARY 2025
La Mesa City Council Meetings Tuesday, January 14, 6:00PM Tuesday, January 28, 6:00PM Link for live stream available at: cityoflamesa.us/247/City-Council
Saturday, January 18th: March in DC and Everywhere The La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club has taken the pledge to take action on inauguration weekend. Our club has registered with the Women’s March to be a host. Stay Tuned for future announcements. If you're able, rush a donation to our People's March organizing fund. Together, Team Women’s March
While the holidays can be a celebration and joyful time of the year, the saying "it is the most wonderful time of the year" has different meanings for everyone. This time of the year brings challenges for many people and their lifestyles, especially if one has been dealing with mental illness or substance abuse. This time of the year can have a more profound effect, increasing stress, sadness, and loneliness. One might describe the holidays as the most difficult time of the year. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) "found that 64% of people with mental illness say the holidays make their conditions worse. A 2021 survey showed that 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays." The COVID-19 pandemic raised the number of people grieving this time of the year. To name a few reasons are: Substance abuse Separation from loved ones through a planned or unplanned separation, divorce, or death Loss of a loved one at this time of the year Mental illness (unresolved grief, depression, anxiety, or other mental health disease) Economic woes and the pressure to gift-give Unresolved family dynamics The effects of the winter solstice (longest and shortest days) How can one address these woes? Some recommendations from NAMI and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) are: Recognize and accept your feelings as the first step to acknowledging your sadness and unhappiness. It is OK to feel sad, just as it is OK to feel happy. Take care of yourself first. This time of the year, the usual routine of life is interrupted by celebrations, shopping, etc.; nurture yourself by eating right, limiting alcohol and drugs, exercising your body or mind by cooking or taking a walk, meditating, keeping your doctors' appointments, getting plenty of rest Practice saying "no!" Set boundaries and keep them by limiting the number of gatherings, do not attend events if you are feeling sad or anxious, limiting the visit time at an event, making phone calls or text Connect with support groups, faith-based community groups, or community centers to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation. Support each other. Manage your money. Do not feel obligated to spend beyond your budget. Keep in contact with your therapist. Suppose you are experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In that case, symptoms brought on by changes in this season, as the days get shorter, may require you to adjust your therapy or antidepressant medication during this time. Socialize but do not feel that drugs or alcohol is necessary. Let the others partake while you try a nice new refreshing drink. Take care of yourself. Nurture yourself. Remember, there are many resources to connect with you are not alone. Here is how to seek help. Substance abuse and mental health Services administration (SAMHSA’s) National Helpline: Sign Up for SAMHSA Email Updates 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - A confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year National Alliance on Mental Health: Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI Crisis Text Line: Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 9 Keys to a Resilient Holiday Psychology Today Brenda Miller VP-Programming La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club
Holidays by Brenda Miller
More Elections Data by Chris Pearson and Rosamond Trujillo-Blevins
We flipped four Congressional seats in CA from red to blue, CD 13, 27, 45, & 47 https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-12-07/californias-congressional-races-are-a-bright-spot-for-democrats https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/california-results Susie Wiles, Campaign Manager for Trump-Vance ran a better campaign than Jen Dillon Campaign Manager for Harris-Walz especially on messaging and targeting. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-susie-wiles-chief-of-staff/ https://crooked.com/podcast/exclusive-the-harris-campaign-on-what-went-wrong/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZOpWp02WVs The Trans Ad will join the Daisy and Willie Horton ads as historically determinative https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-anti-trans-campaign-adverts-b2654925.html https://www.c-span.org/clip/vignette/willy-horton-attack-ad/4495693 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riDypP1KfOU Chris Pearson VP-Political Action Rosamond Trujillo-Blevins Secretary/Assistant Treasurer La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club
Lauren Cazares Wants to Keep La Mesa Safe And Affordable for People (and Bees) by Mitch Wagner
Growing up in La Mesa, Lauren Cazares knew it as a community where diverse populations could thrive. As a newly elected city council member, she aims to preserve and enhance that legacy. “I ran for city council because of how much I love the city,” Cazares shared. “One reason I love it is because of its safety. However, there are areas for improvement that I want to address.” Cazares was sworn in to the council in December, just days before our meeting on a sunny afternoon at the Brew Coffee Spot on Lake Murray Blvd., close to her childhood home. As a lifelong La Mesan, Cazares identifies as Latina, a member of Generation Z, and part of the LGBTQ+ community. She joins a Democratic majority on the council alongside fellow Democrat Genevieve Suzuki, who also took office around the same time. We’ll bring you an interview with Suzuki soon. Cazares highlighted the city’s Climate Action Plan as a significant example of how Democrats can positively impact the community. This local initiative contributes to global climate change mitigation and improves air quality by reducing reliance on gas and diesel, thereby encouraging walking and biking. “I don’t think everyone needs to [walk and bike],” she said. “I drove here today. But having the option is beneficial for us all.” Another of her priorities is updating La Mesa’s beekeeping ordinance to make it more practical for residents. “People should be free to manage their property safely,” Cazares stated. She cited the environmental benefits of bees and noted their declining global population, which poses risks to human health and food resources. Road safety is also a focus for Cazares. She believes La Mesa needs more speed bumps, stop signs, and traffic circles, especially around schools and parks, where risks are heightened. Improved street lighting is necessary to enhance safety and reduce crime, she said. Addressing drunk driving is crucial, as La Mesa has recorded the highest DUI rates in San Diego County in 2023, according to Cazares. And, of course, affordable housing is a key issue for Cazares. “It’s important to me that people like me, who grew up here, can stay and that newcomers can raise families here,” she said. La Mesa needs more options for both sale and rent. To maintain affordable lifestyles, Cazares advocates attracting jobs with cost-of-living adjustments and building more year-round residential housing, rather than short-term rentals or second homes. She suggested rezoning some commercial areas, such as El Cajon Boulevard near Helix High School, a historically red-lined community with vacant land, apartments, empty offices, car lots and smog shops. “We need to build housing in those areas,” Cazares insisted. “We can create apartments, condos, and single-family homes — we shouldn’t limit ourselves to one housing type.” Historically, development in La Mesa has focused on northwest areas and the Village. “We haven’t invested equally in other communities,” she pointed out. “I believe we can make the entire city just as safe and desirable.” Cazares also sees potential for redevelopment in Grossmont Center, which Federal Realty Investment Trust acquired in 2021, with plans to take complete control in 2025. Cazares hopes the property will support mixed-use housing and retail. By Mitch Wagner Mitch Wagner is a member of the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club Board. He lives in La Mesa, a short walk from Lake Murray, with his wife, dog and cats.
Candidate speeches and picnic
Dues Reminder by Katie Sigeti
Dear Member: I am writing to remind you that your 2025 membership dues for the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club will be due in January 2025. We hope you plan to continue as a member of our club as every member is vitally important in reaching our progressive goals. We will be collecting 2025 dues at our next general meeting on January 8th. Please bring your completed dues envelope (enclosed) and cash or check to the meeting, or put it in the mail. You can also pay your dues online at https://lamesafoothillsdemocraticclub.com/membership-form/. We are proud to say many members have worked in various ways to make a difference in our political landscape. Many members pass on to their family and friends the valuable insights and information received at our meetings. As a group we march in parades, have booths at local events, attend fundraisers and work to collaborate with other clubs in an effort to increase Democratic visibility in East County. You should take enormous pride in the fact that, as a result of all this hard work by our members, our club was awarded 2016 Club of the Year by the San Diego County Democratic Party Council of Clubs, an honor we shared with the San Diego Democrats for Equality. Please consider renewing your membership today at whatever level you can and continue to work towards a bright future with your friends at the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club. Sincerely, Katie Sigeti Vice President, Membership La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club
Upcoming Assembly Delegate Elections
Below is important information for your club members on the upcoming ADEM Elections. The upcoming "ADEM" ("Assembly Delegate") elections are an opportunity for you to become an elected representative to the California State Democratic Party, where you will have a vote on statewide endorsements, resolutions and platform. Candidate registration is open now until January 6th, 2025 Click the link below to find out all the information required to run to be an ADEM and Vote https://adem.cadem.org/ January 6, 2025 Electronic Voting Registration Opens - 12 PM In-person Voting Registrations Opens - 12 PM January 8, 2025 Candidate Registration Window Closes - 12 PM Candidate Statement Submission Opens - 12 PM January 16, 2025 Candidate Statement Submission Closes - 12 PM Thursday, January 23, 2025 6-7:30 PM 2025 ADEM Orientation for Candidates and Voters: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER January 24, 2025 Electronic Voting Registration Closes - 12 PM January 31, 2025 Electronic Voting Registration Closes February 22, 2025 Saturday ADEM In-person Voting 10-2 PM February 23, 2025 Sunday ADEM In-person Voting 12-4 PM Electronic Voting Closes 6 PM In-Person Participants Voting Closes 6 PM March 3, 2025 ADEM Results Please don't hesitate to reach out to me anytime. Best regards, Deborah Cunningham-Skurnik Pronouns: (she, her, hers) Regional Director, Region 21 PoliticalDeb@outlook.com (949) 521-3292
Event Photos
Board Members at Large
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The La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club represents the communities of San Carlos, Del Cerro, Santee, La Mesa, Mt. Helix, Allied Gardens, College Area, Casa de Oro, and other nearby communities. Monthly meetings of the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club typically feature office holders, candidates for office, community leaders and subject matter experts.
Tina Rynberg President
About the Club...
Janet Castanos Trinity Dubrow
OFFICERS President: Tina Rynberg Vice President, Membership: Katie Sigeti Vice President, Political Action: Chris Pearson Vice President, Programming: Brenda Miller Secretary: Rosamond Blevins Treasurer: Gene Mullaly Assistant Treasurer: Rosamond Blevins Special Events Coordinator: Merrill Perry Past President: Linda Armacost
La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club Claude and Beverly Cassirer, Founders