In this Issue... Page June Meeting Recap 2 La Mesa Council Candidate 3 Running While Gay 4 Donald Trump, Convicted Felon 5 Membership 6 Help Biden Beat Trump 7 Lauren Cazares 8 July Celebrations 9 Events and Photos 10 Officers and Board 11
June 7 7 PM MEETING La Mesa Community Center 4975 Memorial Drive (social time begins at 6:30)
The progressive VOICE voice
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.
JULY 2024
La Mesa City Council Meetings Tuesday, July 9, 6:00PM Tuesday, July 23, 6:00PM Link for live stream available at: cityoflamesa.us/247/City-Council
Recap of General Meeting June 5, 2024 Meeting called to order by Tina Rynberg at 7:02 PM. A motion to approve the agenda was made by Brenda Miller and seconded by Trinity Dubrow. All members of the club approved the agenda. Merrill Perry announced the Flag Day Parade, June 8th and the need for volunteers. Meeting at 5009 Randlett at 9:00 AM to decorate and Will Douglas has volunteered his blue Mercedes and parade starts at 10:00 AM. Meet at La Mesa Blvd and University Ave. If you are walking, parking will be difficult. All signs and posters can not state the race or office that candidates are running for. You can only state the name of the candidate. Juneteenth will be June 16th, Father’s Day and we are in competition with Woman’s Club to have the best booth at the event. We will have potted plants, cookies, and candy to hand out. We will need volunteers to assist with the booth. Chris Pearson asked all members who would like to see Trump in prison to raise their hands, it was a unanimous vote. Presidential election-Biden beating Trump. An organization called Focus for Democracyhttps://www.focus4democracy.org/is working in the seven swing states-Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia. Chris attended a Zoom meeting with Kerry Washington and Jeremy Smith. About 1700 participated. Kerry wants to do storytelling on social media with Hollywood celebrities to tell the Biden story. Next Zoom meeting June 20th. Please register. The second organization is Freedom to Vote-Jeremy Smith Chris is working for Park in Spring Valley, Calavo Park, it has 28 elements in the park: skate , basketball, pickleball courts, baseball field, soccer field,dog park, etc. Budget was 13 million with bids of 20 million, asking for donations for the 7 million shortfall. https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/Calavo.html Our guest speaker is Avery Caldwell: Avery Caldwell is a design educator and professional with a focus on experiential graphic design, interactive media, and architectural visualization. His work critically examines placemaking in underserved communities through the intersection of two-dimensional visual information with built environments. Through his projects, Caldwell explores the construction of place and identity using semiotics and Black and African cultural artifacts. His aim is to foster connections within the African diaspora, enhance the identities of spaces predominantly inhabited by Black populations, and increase social equity within these communities. At San Diego State University, Caldwell serves as a Professor of Integrated Design and Visual Culture Studies and leads the Design Programs. He is the founder of the design firm From Form 2 Morf (fF2M), where he has created projects for major clients including Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Disney, and the Discovery Channel Network. Caldwell’s academic journey includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s Degree in Architecture from UCLA. He has studied at the Southern California Institute of Architecture and undertaken doctoral studies at Claremont Graduate University. Avery talked about our Democracy being at risk, Juneteenth-history: January 1, 1863, the Confederate States declared legally free, the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Not all enslaved were offered freedom and the Confederate State of Texas did not free its slaves until 2 ½ years later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865. 200,000 union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to announce their freedom, 2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independent Day. Opal Lee, a Social Justice Activist at the age 89 years old, walked from Ft.Worth Texas to Washington DC, over 1300 miles to protest and get Juneteenth into law. On June 17th, 2021 it was signed by President Biden and officially became a Federal Holiday. Juneteenthe is considered the longest running African American Holiday, but it is a celebration for all Americans. It is also known as a Celebration Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day and Juneteenth Independence Day. A video Presentation of Opal Lee was shown. Opal Lee is now 97 years old and still is working and earned two Honorary PHDs. Opal Lee is considered the grandmother of Juneteenth. Opal graduated from Wiley College in 1952. Opal received the Official Medal of Freedom from President Biden on May 7, 2024. Opal still participates in the Juneteenth walk and was the 2nd African American in history to have a portrait in the Texas State Capitol. On arrival to Washington DC from Ft. Worth Texas Opal delivered 1.5 million signatures to congress for the establishment of the Federal Holiday. In 1939 when Opal was 12 years old a mob of whites torched her family home with all their possessions in Ft. Worth. Opal Lee is a founding board member of the National Juneteenth Museum built on Ft Worth; it is expected to be completed in 2025. Opal states that Juneteenth means freedom for all. Avery asked the members and guests for support Juneteenth. If not this year the years to come https://lamesajuneteenth.org/ This year it is a family event with food, vendors, activities for children, etc. On the Board of Juneteenth are Allan Durden-President, Patricia Dillard-Board Member and Dr. Avery Caldwell-Board Member. Allan Durden explained why this event is so important. This event is important for La Mesa as La Mesa is a diverse community light for all of East County.. Trinity Dubrow spoke about Project 2025. https://www.project2025.org/ Trinity explained what Project 2025 is. It is a 900 page document if a conservative is elected to office in November what changes they will implement to our national, state, county, city government. It was created by the Heritage Foundation and was created by wealthy, white individuals. This month’s topic is the Department of Justice. They want to remove more than 50,000 career civil service non-partisan employees and replace them with Trump’s loyalists. Points that they intend to do in the Department of Justice Reorganization of the Department to align with conservative ideals Stricter Immigration enforcement laws. Protection of religious freedoms, reducing regulations on business. Stricter penalties for violent crime and drug enforcement Accountability and oversight of what is seen as political bias or corruption. Appointment of individuals to key positions within the DOJ who are committed to conservative legal principles and interpretations of the law DOJ has been an overreach such as affirmative action, gender identity policies, and abortion rights. This will be undone as it is not necessary. Legal reforms to limit the scope of Federal Regulations to a broader conservative ideals and limit the Federal Government and assign to the States Government Trinity wants to know if Trump is elected how would that affect La Mesa? Women’s rights-abortion, birth control, gay marriage. Firing of many federal employees will cost million of dollars Number 1 cause of death of pregnant women-homicide Rid Freedom to Access to Clinic-remove any protection to clinic facilities that protect this sites Trinity suggests that you discuss this Project 2025 to everyone you know. Gene Mullaly will discuss the Federal Reserve of Project 2025 in the July Meeting. Tina announced that next month our July 3rd meeting will be on Zoom. Our August 7th meeting will be Picnic the Park. Tina also thanked all who voted for her to be a delegate to the National Convention in Chicago. Candidate announcements: Lauren Cazares-Endorsed Candidate for La Mesa City Council A meet and greet for Lauren Cazares and Jay Steiger at Rosamond’s home on July 7th. Just endorsed by Monica Montgomery Steppe Lauren has a contingent in San Diego Pride Parade on July 20th Nadia Farjood-Grossmont Healthcare District Zone 3. Health Care Attorney Raised $75,000 Jackson Rodelander-Campaign Coordinator for Congresswoman Sara Jacobs will miss the Flag Day Parade. Also will have a contingent in the Pride Parade Brenda Miller-Candidate for Grossmont Healthcare District Zone 3. Nurse Brenda Miller PHD. A nurse of 40 years. Nurse Practitioners will be able to function by full capacity by 2025, a solution to outreach in rural communities is one area that Brenda wants to implement. Pauline Ripple announced the postcard project. https://www.project2025.org/ Meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM Rosamond Trujillo-Blevins
June Meeting Recap by Rosamond Trujillio Blevins
This November, La Mesa will elect two new City Councilmembers. Democrats Lauren Cazares and Genevieve Suzuki have teamed up to seek seats on the La Mesa City Council being vacated by Councilmen Colin Parent and Jack Shu. Cazares and Suzuki have both been endorsed by County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, La Mesa Mayor Dr. Mark Arapostathis, Councilmembers Patricia Dillard, Colin Parent, and Jack Shu, and City Treasurer Matt Strabone. Both candidates boast long-time commitments to the City of La Mesa & would make history as the first openly LGBTQ+ & Gen Z (Cazares) and first AAPI female (Suzuki) city councilmembers. Meet Lauren: Lauren Cazares, a Policy Advisor at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, specializes in Environment & Sustainability, Technology, Education & Workforce, AI/Emerging Technology, and Economic Development. A lifelong La Mesa resident and City Commissioner on the Community Police Oversight Board, she is deeply committed to the city's future. Running on a platform for a Clean & Safe La Mesa, Lauren prioritizes boosting the local economy, supporting small and diverse businesses, enhancing public safety and accessibility, and addressing rising homelessness with compassion. With over eight years in politics, she has a strong track record in local government, advocacy, and community organizing, contributing significantly to regional races in 2018, 2020, and 2022. As a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science & Women's Studies from Point Loma Nazarene University, Lauren's passion for politics stems from her upbringing as the eldest daughter of small business owners in Barrio Logan and granddaughter of Mexican immigrants. She holds leadership roles in several community organizations, advocating for underrepresented voices and striving for equity in La Mesa and beyond. Cazares has been endorsed by the La Mesa - Foothills Democratic Club and San Diego County Democratic Party. For a full list of endorsements and to learn more, visit LaurenCazares.com. Meet Genevieve: Genevieve A. Suzuki, a La Mesa resident for 15 years and mother of two, relocated from Hawaii to San Diego in 2005 to attend California Western School of Law. In 2010, she founded her family law practice on Baltimore Drive in La Mesa and now leads Envision Family Law, LLP's San Diego office. Genevieve actively contributes to La Mesa's community as a member of the City of La Mesa Community Services Commission and the Board of Directors of the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation. She has also served as president of the Parent-Teacher Group at St. Martin of Tours Academy and remains engaged with the St. Martin of Tours parish. Professionally, Genevieve is involved in several legal associations including the San Diego Family Law Bar Association, San Diego County Bar Association, Lawyers Club (supporting women in law), Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego, Japanese American Bar Association, and Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego. With a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and a Juris doctor from California Western School of Law, Genevieve's prior experience includes editing roles at the La Mesa Courier and co-editing San Diego Lawyer Magazine. You can contact Suzuki at suzukigen@gmail.com.
Meet Lauren Cazares and Genevieve Suzuki The Democratic Women to Succeed Councilmen Colin Parent and Jack Shu
Running While Gay by Andrea Beth Damsky
San Diego County is nationally celebrated for having more LGBTQ+ elected officials than any other place in the United States. While most of these are in the City of San Diego, we are winning elections in the northern, southern, and eastern fringes of our County. We are successful in our campaigns, in part because the discrimination we face makes us keenly aware of challenges faced by other targeted communities. We know that we are stronger together, so we naturally create alliances. We are also aware of the dangers. I ran my campaign in 2022, knowing that parts of my district were blue, while others were purple, and red. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and I am Jewish, which made canvassing in the redder areas, daunting. Who has not seen the trucks in our communities, draped with nazi flags? I chose to be strategic about it. Instead of canvassing, I did door hanger literature drops. This enabled me and my team to move more quickly through these neighborhoods than canvassing would have allowed. I chose not to publicize our meeting places and lit drop routes, creating more safety for us than if our location details were public. Compared to campaigning I did for other candidates over the years, this felt like a covert operation! I didn’t expect to win. But I did. Three of the directors of the water district endorsed my opponent. He ran for this seat 8 years prior, and had name recognition in the community that I didn’t have. I believe I won because he didn’t campaign. My first meetings with staff and counsel at the water district covered safety protocols, should our meetings be targeted with homophobic or antisemitic attacks like we see at city councils and school boards across the country. I was treated as a valued member of the team, and assured that my safety was their priority. One of the myths during the early AIDS epidemic days was that HIV was spread by something in the water of San Francisco. The irony that I am serving on a water district board today, does not escape me. It is an honor to be entrusted with ensuring the availability and purity of something so universally vital and essential as water. I am an elected official who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, rather than an LGBTQ+ elected official. It is an honor to represent a part of our community which is often underrepresented, yet it can be lonely to be in such a minority. I look forward to growing our numbers, as other LGBTQ+ candidates win their elections this year and in years to come. Andrea Beth ~ pronouns: she, her, hers Andrea Beth Damsky was elected to Helix Water District in 2022.
Candidate speeches and picnic
Donald Trump is a Convicted Felon by Chris Pearson
He Belongs in an Orange Jumpsuit. “Lock Him Up!” If anyone knows how to ‘weaponize’ the legal system: It’s Trump. He’s been doing it his whole life. Delay, appeal, confuse, blame, name call, and lie every step of the way. The Republican party is about to nominate a convicted felon as its candidate for President of the United States. Why would you nominate, much less vote for, a criminal? What the heck happened to the GOP? This is law and order? Yo, Trump: stop breaking the law! For starters, just look at the criminal case in New York, where he was convicted on 34 felony counts. https://ww2.nycourts.gov/people-v-donald-j-trump-criminal-37026 The case started in August, 2018, when Cyrus Vance Jr. was the Manhattan DA. The delays and appeals outlasted Vance who retired, and was replaced with the election of Allen Bragg. Related prosecutions resulted in Trump fixer Micheal Cohen and financier Allen Weisselberg going to jail. Trump fought and delayed every aspect of these cases. In 2019 he appealed an order to release his tax returns all the way to the US Supreme Court. In July 2020 the US Supreme court ruled that Trump's tax returns could be released to prosecutors during discovery. Trump’s claim for absolute immunity was denied and is on appeal. We don’t have space to list all of the Trump litigation. Trump Trials Clearinghouse People v Donald J. Trump (Criminal) | NYCOURTS.GOV Transcripts Presence of Counsel at Pre Sentence Order, June 7 Letter to Parties, June 7 ww2.nycourts.gov Trump Trials Clearinghouse Welcome to this all-source, public resource for analysts, researchers, investigators, journalists, educators, and the public at large. www.justsecurity.org No other criminal defendant could get away with Trump’s behavior in a court of law. Insulting and attacking, the judge, the DA, witnesses and even their families is the way Trump defends himself. A fine for contempt was a slap on the wrist. Special treatment again for Trump. Any other defendant would have been hauled away, locked up, and then returned to the defendant’s table in an orange jumpsuit wearing shackles. Trump has already been shown more latitude than any other defendant. He needs to go to jail. “Lock Him Up!” Chris Pearson , VP of Political Action La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club
If you have not renewed your membership or if you want to join our club, please consider paying your dues now. Members of our club as every member are vitally important in reaching our progressive goals. We have collected in January, February, March, April, May, and June 2024. Thank you for your membership. We will reduce our membership from July to December 2024 to $20.00 for the 2024 membership year. . Please join us for our July 3, 2024 meeting. Janis Jones will be our honored guest speaker . DO NOT MISS THIS! Please go to renew your membership 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 fundraiser 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 Dan Deigo Democrats for Equality. Please consider renewing your membership or join our club today at whatever level you can and continue to work towards a bright future with your friends at the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club. Katie Sigeti Vice President, Membership
Membership by Katie Sigeti by Katie Sigeti
... Especially in the Swing States. I am hoping you will consider an organization called Focus for Democracy (F4D). It’s an amazing organization that rigorously evaluates programs that work to generate Democratic votes in key states, with the goal of discerning which programs are the most effective. Focus for Democracy then raises funds to support these verified organizations. F4D helps ensure that we invest our political dollars as wisely as possible, backed by data. A meeting was held on Thursday, June 20th at 4PM PT/7 PM ET. I have been so impressed by F4D’s assessments that I’ve become a donor to their recommended organizations. Yes, you’ll be asked for a donation, but come just for the learning, if you are not ready to donate. There were 1,700 Democrats on the last Zoom call that I participated in from across the country. Chris Pearson, Biden Delegate, Elected Democrat, 619.889.9257
Please Help Biden Beat Trump by Chris Pearson
When I was first floating the idea of running, some of the first conversations I had involved well-meaning Democrats asking if La Mesa was ready to elect a Lesbian. Could I be open about my sexuality and be taken seriously given that many voters see LGBTQ+ candidates as less qualified than our heterosexual counterparts? I decided that I would make certain the answer to those questions would be yes, no matter what I had to do. I committed all of my time to serving La Mesa, building community, and learning about complex policy issues. Today, I’m a public policy expert, City Commissioner, homeowner, and nationally recognized advocate. Yet, I face backlash in endorsement interviews, on the internet, and even in my profession where I’m regularly told that I should “be gay, but not highlight it.” Queer people are electable, we are often overly qualified, and we belong at the table as our full selves. I also implore you to learn more about local LGBTQ+ trailblazers and San Diego Democrats for Equality’s remarkable Impact on LGBTQ+ Politics in San Diego. Forty-nine years after our inception, we are still just getting started. https://laurencazares.com Lauren Cazares is a candidate for La Mesa City Council November 2024 ballot.
Lauren Cazares, La Mesa Council Candidate
A non healthcare celebration in June is honoring Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month (LGBTQIA+). The event is to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969. The police in lower Manhattan, NYC, raided The Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar. The event galvanized the movement and propelled LGBTQIA+ activism. In June 2021, President Joe Biden wrote: "Pride is a time to recall the trails the LGBTQ+ community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought and continue to fight for full equality." He went on to describe "both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity." The federal government legalized same-sex marriage country-wide in June 2015. Several healthcare celebrations are occurring in June. Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. The Alzheimer's Association provides education on Alzheimer's and all other Dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reductions and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. It causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior disorders. You can get involved by wearing purple to reflect the campaign's message and hashtag #ENDALZ. National Aphasia Awareness Month. The National Aphasia Association educates on the language disorder that strokes usually cause. Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person's ability to process language but does not affect intelligence. The National Aphasia Awareness celebrated the 35th anniversary of "The Nights of Aphasia Arts," which celebrated visual and performance art that included painting and sculpture, poetry and photography, and music to dancing. The night showed the creativity and resilience of aphasia individuals who genuinely understand but are limited in their words. (284 words) You can watch the event of 2024 at Night of Aphasia Arts show. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/health-awareness-months Brenda Miller, Ph. D, RN, CLNC, PHN (she, her, hers) VP of Programing La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club
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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