Previous Events


Christine Pelosi Townhall Meeting
Sunday, September 26, 2010


Christine Pelosi   

On Sunday afternoon, over 125 gathered in Mokelumne Hill Townhall at an event hosted by the West Calaveras Democratic Club.

Christine Pelosi shared her enthusiasm and determination that grassroots efforts are needed more than ever to get out the vote for the November 2 General Election. 

John Brophy was master of ceremonies, not only introducing the guest of honor, Christine, but candidates and local elected officials.

 

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Mike Farrell; Actor, Author, Activist/Citizen,
Addresses Welcoming Crowd at Hotel Leger
~ by Charity Maness - www.thepinetree.net

Mike Farrell & Billie McArthur, CCDCC Chair
Photo courtesy of Charity Maness
of thepinetree.net.
   

On Saturday evening to a standing room only crowd, the Calaveras County Democratic Central Committee presented Calaveras County the opportunity to meet with actor/activist / author Mike Farrell at a book signing for his newly published book “Of Mule and Man” at the Historic Leger Hotel in Mokelumne Hill. With the mission of the CCDCC being to “encourage the growth and success of the Democratic Party within their county by coordinating and promoting Some of the 100+ who attended the event.Party activities” it seemed as if this particular hosted event was a success. 
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Calaveras Democrats in the Arnold Parade

(from left to right) Don Millikan, Marilyn Pinnow, Anita Bonar, David Sperzel,
Billie McArthur, Mark Bonar, Tillman Sherman, Bill Paulsen, Ted Morgan

2010 Calaveras County Fair
& Frog Jump Jubilee

Thank you to those who volunteered at the Calaveras Democrats booth this year:

Janice Bassett Vern Miller
Mark & Anita Bonar Sharon Romano
Barry & Ginger Griffin Mary Salegui
Shelley Lindgren Tillman Sherman

There were far more thumbs up than downs
We registered about five Democrats
We gave out registration
We got some donations
We racked up no less than 63 volunteer hours
And we made a colorful presence.


Barry & Ginger Griffin at the CCDCC Booth


Mary Salegui & Barry


The Democrats Were Very Visible


  

 

Click here to VIEW President Obama's
Inaugural Address

Click here for TEXT of President Obama's Inaugural Speech

 

What did Calaveras do on
Inauguration Day?

In Mokelumne Hill:  We attended an inaugural watch party at the Hotel Leger. There were only about a dozen persons there at 8:00 AM ,but Ron Pitner fixed "Obamlets" for breakfast and there were muffins and goodies provided by members of the group. We had small American Flags to wave and we stood up when told, and cheered and clapped at the appropriate times.

It was a small Moke Hill gathering but a very enthusiastic group.                                               - C. L. in Mokelumne Hill

  

More in Mokelumne Hill:  About 20 people gathered in our home to watch the swearing in. It was so inspiring to see the almost two million people in Washington, DC.  What an exciting and historic event!                - M. B. in Mokelumne Hill

  
And still more in Mokelumne Hill:  We had about 30 people in our home later in evening to watch the balls and hear the many speeches.  We discussed the future of politics in the Nation, as well as in Calaveras County. We also speculated on what would happen next and offered our good wishes to our new President as he faces the challenges of our Nation and the world.                                               - R. T. in Mokelumne Hill
  

Obama Inauguration Fever Hit Murphys: 
Obama fever was high in Murphys Tuesday night as hundreds of Calaveras County residents turned out to celebrate the country's new president. Click here to read all about it.  You may also click here to see a video of the event.
 

- From the Calaveras Enterprise

 

Comments about the day:  "I received congratulations from a friend in Spain who said she watched the inauguration all afternoon and thought the crowd on the mall was unbelievable. She hopes the rest of the world will appreciate our new president.
And our new president knows how to say "nu-cle-ar".                                    - F. Roberts

 

Assembly District 25 Delegates Selected

Democrats from the 25th Assembly District met on Saturday, January 10 in Modesto to elect delegates to the California Democratic Party.  Gail Bunge of Hathaway Pines was among six women and six men elected to represent the district which includes Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa, and Mono Counties, as well as parts of Madera and Stanislaus Counties. (Click here for information about each of the delegates.)

One of the first responsibilities of these delegates and other delegates who will attend the State Convention, which is being held April 24-26 in Sacramento, is to elect the new chair of the California Democratic Party, two vice-chairs, and the controller.

More information about the convention will be posted on this website as it is made available.  All Democrats are encouraged to attend.  It's very inspiring to see our democracy at work.

If you would like more information about what Democrats are doing in Calaveras, take a look at our Calendar page, email Tillman Sherman, the chair of the Calaveras County Democratic Central Committee at chair@calaverasdemocrats.org or call 209.559.2672.

Pictures from Healthcare Forum
SiCKO Screenings
(Click on picture to see larger image.)

Murphys - January 19, 2008

The Diggins Clubhouse
Murphys   

Those attending watched SiCKO intently.

The file generated several questions and input from those attending.

Mary Boblet facilitated the discussion and encouraged input from everyone present.

Lee Seaton, candidate for District 4 Supervisor, was in the audience.

Participants completed a survey and offered ideas about improving healthcare in Calaveras County.

San Andreas - February 11, 2008

Oak Shadows Clubhouse
San Andreas

Almost 30 local residents attended the SiCKO screening in San Andreas.

Several District 1 Supervisorial candidates attended the showing, including Kathy Mazzaferro, pictured here.

 

Valley Springs - March 8, 2008

Rancho Calaveras Community Clubhouse
Valley Springs

Dr. Bill Durston addressing the audience in Valley Springs.

Audience during healthcare discussion.

 


Build a Better Future for Calaveras County
Laying the foundation for Democrats to make history this election season

Calaveras County Democrats are setting a 5 District strategy to elect Democrats to local, state and national offices in November. We began with a kick off April 27th, which generated awesome financial, organizational and moral support. Guest comments ranged from “Thanks for bringing us together” to “It was great to network with local and regional leaders”.

Please join with Democrats making history across Calaveras County, California and our nation through volunteer time, a financial contribution or whatever you would like to do to elect Democrats. Click here to make a contribution. Let the election season begin!

Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Over 100 Democrats and even several non-Democrats attended the Build a Better Future for Calaveras County fundraiser last Sunday, April 27th at the Native Sons Hall in Murphys, marking the first opportunity for county residents to join with Democrats from all over California making history this election season.

Truly successful events such as this happen when team members generously contribute their precious time and skills, and for that we are blessed. A big thank you to Tami Chesnut, our awesome event leader and dinner chair. Committee members providing assistance to Tami include Mary Boblet, Pat Guttmann, Chris McBrian, Marilyn Pinnow, Mary Salegui and Sharon Romano.

Special thanks to Mary Matzek, Margaret Copenhaver, Tillman Sherman, Jan Du Raine, Bill Paulsen, Sally Paulsen, Teddie Jackson, Joe Jackson, Melva Anderson, Robin Chesnut, Gail Bunge and Brett Bunge for helping to set up, greet and register guests, and tidy up at evening’s end. 

We also want to thank and acknowledge Firewood Restaurant of Murphys. Firewood cooked a scrumptious Mexican feast and served it buffet-style, inviting guests to keep with the evening’s theme of building their own tacos. Guests were also encouraged to build ice cream sundae desserts.

Thank you to Klassen Wines and Importers of Murphys for donating wine to the raffle.

 Tami Chesnut won the $500 cash raffle prize. Tami would like to return $250 in the form of a Bret Harte High School student scholarship. Way to go Tami! Karen Niehaus won both wine raffle prizes. Thank you Mary Salegui (photo at right) for advertising our raffle so artistically. We sold 175 raffle tickets!

 Mary Boblet performed emcee duties, marking her first experience with this responsibility. Among other things, she announced dignitaries and candidates in the audience, and there were quite a few from around the community, county and region! A list of candidates and dignitaries follows.

Guest Speakers 

Patricia Guttmann
Chair, Calaveras County Democratic Central Committee

Pat Guttmann welcomed everyone to our first Build a Better Future for Calaveras County spring fundraiser saying, "It is so exciting and so gratifying to see all the Calaveras Democrats here this evening and the presence of local, regional and national candidates or their representatives here also...It is also gratifying to have in this room leaders of the California State Democratic party and our State Democratic party regional leaders.  Together we make an awesome group."

Pat said, "This is a defining moment in history. There are so many issues at stake.  Will we continue to squander our precious limited resources on an endless war or will we use those resources to solve our economic crisis, poverty, health care, education, Social Security and so on.  Our representatives in Congress and the President will be dealing with those issues as well as global issues like the earth warming and the oceans rising."

 She continued, "On the local level daunting issues are also present.  Our county is facing huge economic challenges as a result of the national economic downturn.  There will be decisions made at the local level about a new County General Plan that will impact our county for decades to come..."

 Pat said, "the time is here and now to get involved.  We are organizing a grass roots effort to elect Democrats.  Calaveras residents have a real sense of community values and self-reliance.  Let’s use our community values of self-reliance to work together to build a better future for Calaveras County."

 She continued, "We are going to galvanize all the voters who didn't know what to do until now and give them an opportunity to let their voices be heard." 

 In conclusion Pat said, "We are truly blessed to have the guidance and input from the California Democratic Party and Take Back Red California, as well as our regional leaders and our neighbors from Amador, Tuolumne and Stanislaus Counties.  With all this support and input, and with all the talent of our local Democrats, we cannot help but be successful. This is a defining moment in history.  Please join with the members of the Calaveras County Democratic Central Committee, the East Calaveras Democrat Club and the West Calaveras Democratic Club to make a better future for our county."

 

Taylor White
Candidate for California State Assembly

Taylor White is a fifth generation Californian and a resident of Riverbank, a small farming town in the valley. Taylor is running on a platform focusing on education, the environment, and the economy. Taylor spoke about his dissatisfaction with our Governor’s intention to suspend Proposition 98. He believes higher education is an essential component of a vibrant California and Calaveras County economy. He noted that 70% of the workforce in Calaveras County does not possess a college degree. Taylor is concerned with the growing disparity between income groups and would like to dedicate his candidacy towards shared prosperity.

One of Taylor’s election year strategies is to convince 50% of Republican voters in his assembly district to switch their party and register as Democrats. Let’s join him in this effort. Visit Taylor’s website at www.taylorwhitestateassembly2008.com and make a contribution, volunteer to help, and sign his guest book.

  

Steve Wilensky
Chairman, Calaveras County Board of Supervisors

Steve Wilensky invited Democrats to show leadership and partnership with other political and community groups to help resolve local, state and national economic and social issues. Steve called on Democrats and non-Democrats alike to practice true democracy at this moment in history and to build social compacts that show our best sides and avoid our worst nightmares.

Steve believes there are two types of people: folks who are trying to make a better world, and folks who aren’t. Building a prosperous Calaveras County, therefore, begins with making room at the table for folks trying to make a better world, and having faith our county government will operate in a true and just way. We must also work hard to avoid the historical divisions of the past. The real division today, Steve described, is that decent, hard working people are being pushed further and further away from a prosperous life, and into one of grinding poverty and neglect.

As the election season begins, Steve suggests politicians stop assuming tactical advantage in the election process. Steve believes it’s not a matter of what is said, but rather how people (at least those who want a better world) act on their convictions that will lead to a fair and just election season.  

  

Marilyn Sabin
Chief of Staff, Dr. Bill Durston for Congress

Marilyn offered her thanks for supporting Dr. Bill Durston for Congress and reminded everyone that a visit by Cheney this early in the season spells certain doom for the incumbent Dan Lungren given past election year visits Cheney’s made to Pombo’s and Doolittle’s districts. Marilyn offered Bill Durston’s apologies for not making it to the fundraiser due to another campaign commitment, but promised he will return soon to campaign in this generous and supportive county.

  

Autumn Garamendi Hesser
Daughter of Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi

Autumn offered her father’s apologies for not being able to come to the fundraiser and then shared her personal views on how wonderful it was to see so many active Democrats in the audience. Autumn reminded the audience the Annual Garamendi Basque picnic is on May 17th from 4-9pm at Touch-the-Earth Ranch in Paloma.

 
Mary Matzek
Chair, East Calaveras Democratic Club

Mary introduced the East Club by announcing a pizza meeting for May 1st at Pizza Plus in Murphys. She looks forward to socializing with Club members and implementing this season’s election year strategy. Contact Mary at mgmatzek@sbcglobal.net.

 

Margaret Copenhaver
Chair, West Calaveras Democratic Club

Margaret welcomed residents of the Western Calaveras to join the newly formed West Democratic Club. Margaret is ready to rock and roll! Please call or email Margaret at westclub@calaverasdemocrats.org.

 

Special Presentation
M.A.C.T. Health Care Board, Inc.

M.A.C.T. Health Care Board, Inc. received special recognition and a donation from the committee. M.A.C.T. is a low-cost health service provider in Calaveras County. The contribution was raised through financial donations made at the Democratic Central Committee's very successful countywide health care forum program. Communities scheduled for future health care forums are Copperopolis, Mokelumne Hill, Angels Camp, Arnold, and Mountain Ranch. More information about M.A.C.T. is available by visiting www.macthealthboard.com

 

County and Regional Dignitaries in Attendance

Merita Calloway, District 3 Supervisor, Calaveras County Board of Supervisors

Paolo Maffei, District 2 Supervisor, Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors

Tillman Sherman, Director, San Andreas Sanitary District

Gary Robbins, Region 7 Director, California State Democratic Party

Colleen Platt, wife of immediate past Chair, Calaveras County Democratic Central Committee, Ron Platt

Vern Miller, former Chair, Calaveras County Democratic Central Committee

Sally Tuttle, former Chair, Calaveras County Democratic Central Committee

Bertha Underhill, former Chair, Calaveras County Democratic Central Committee

Melva Anderson, former President and founder, Calaveras Democratic Club

Janet Maffei, Vice Chair, Tuolumne County Democratic Club

Mike Burtch, Chair, Stanislaus Democratic Central Committee 

Randy Bayne, Chair, Amador County Democratic Central Committee 

four waters, Chair, Take Back Red California

Brent Harrington, former Chief Administrative Officer, Calaveras County

Dick Tuttle, retired Calaveras County District Attorney

Ron Edwards, Director, Political Action Arm California Teachers Association

Charlie Young, District Director, National Education Association

Our labor friends, SEIU Local 1021

Our labor friends, Operating Engineers Local 3

Our nurse friends, California Nurses Association

 

County and Regional Candidates in Attendance

Taylor White, candidate, California Assembly District 25 and currently President of the Associated Students of Modesto Junior College

Lee Seaton, candidate, District 4 Supervisor and currently Vice Mayor and Council Member, City of Angels

Ron Klass, candidate, District 4 Supervisor 

Tom Tryon, candidate, District 4 Supervisor and currently serving his sixth term as Supervisor

Steve Wilensky, candidate, District 2 Supervisor, currently serving his first term as Supervisor, also Chairman of the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors

Steve Castellanos, candidate, San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees

 


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Murphys Irish Day - March 21, 2009
(Click on pictures below to see larger image.)

The East Calaveras Democratic Club participated in the Murphys Irish Day parade March 21, 2009.  The O'bama sign, painted by Darwin Boblet, was a huge hit with the crowd, as well as the O'bama buttons that were for sale at the Democrats' table.  Information about the upcoming May 19 propositions and about the clubs was readily available to those who were interested.  Lots of great, feel good vibrations around the Dems that day.


East Club's Annual Holiday Get-Together - December 13, 2008
(Click on pictures below to see larger image.)

Wonderful appetizers, delicious desserts and great conversations were had at the East Calaveras Democratic Club's Holiday Get-together on December 13, 2008. Among attendees were district supervisors Merita Callaway and Steve Wilensky.

Everyone enjoyed the quiche, desserts, appetizers and beverages.

Good conversation and good food made for an enjoyable event.

Steve Wilensky talked about the role Democrats can play to bring about positive change in Calaveras County.

Club alumni chat with new Club members

Tuolumne County Supervisor Paolo Maffei, Hathaway Pines resident Don Stump, and District II Supervisor Steve Wilensky


Obama Rally - October 17, 2008
(Click on pictures below to see larger image.)

On October 17, The East Calaveras Democratic Club sponsored an Obama/Biden rally which took place on the four corners of Angels Camp by Bret Harte High School.  It was an enthusiastic crowd, club members and other Obama supporters alike, that waved Obama and Durston signs and called out for change.   Many cars honked back and people gave thumbs up as they drove by.  Well done, Democrats!

Change in 2008

Obama!

Obama rally in Angels Camp.

Vote for Obama!


Grape Stomp - October 4, 2008
(Click on pictures below to see larger image.)

The East Democratic Club set up a booth for the annual Grape Stomp event on Main Street in Murphys on Saturday, October 4, 2008.   Despite the rain that day, excited Democrats crowded around the Democratic booth, eager to own  Obama/Biden buttons, signs, and bumper stickers.  Many came by to get free Obama stickers to wear. 

People gave us a "thumbs up" as they walked by.  It was also very gratifying to see so many young adults, teens, and little kids interested in Obama and in this election.  One boy asked for a sticker and was thrilled to have it because he was going to get extra credit if he brought anything to class related to the election.  He was even more pleased when he was given a brochure about Bill Durston.

Several people registered to vote as well.  Some passersby stuck around to discuss the political scene.  All in all, a very fun time was had by all.  A special thanks to all those who volunteered their time at the booth and to Caroline Nunn and Marilyn Pinnow who made it all possible.  Thanks also to Janice Goranson, who let us set up at her business location.

   

It's an exciting time to be a Democrat!

Crowds surrounded the East Club booth buying buttons, bumper stickers and yard signs.

Registering new voters.

These girls made their own Obama signs.


Arnold Parade - July 4, 2008
(Click on picture to see larger image.)

Getting started.

On the march!

The Democrats are here!


Bill Durston Visibility Day - February 9, 2008
(Click on picture to see larger image.)
   

Members of the East Club participating in Durston Visibility Day in downtown Murphys.

East Club members in Murphys on February 9 to show their support for Bill Durston.

East Club's Annual Holiday Get-Together - December 13, 2008
(Click on pictures below to see larger image.)

Wonderful appetizers, delicious desserts and great conversations were had at the East Calaveras Democratic Club's Holiday Get-together on December 13, 2008. Among attendees were district supervisors Merita Callaway and Steve Wilensky.

Everyone enjoyed the quiche, desserts, appetizers and beverages.

Good conversation and good food made for an enjoyable event.

Steve Wilensky talked about the role Democrats can play to bring about positive change in Calaveras County.

Club alumni chat with new Club members

Tuolumne County Supervisor Paolo Maffei, Hathaway Pines resident Don Stump, and District II Supervisor Steve Wilensky

 


Holiday Brunch - December 8, 2007
(Click on picture to see larger image.)
Click here to view the slide show, "Proud to be a Democrat", that was presented at the Brunch