Canyon Democrats

General Meeting
2018-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
ELECTION UPDATE 2018!
Join us and learn about critical issues related to the November election:
Election Security
Voter Fraud
Current Election Issues
Voting Trends
Guest speaker:
Justin Berardino,
Operations Manager, Orange County Registrar of Voters
Justin has worked at the Registrar of Voters for 16 years. As an Operations Manager, he is involved in IT, Elections Services, and Candidate and Voter Services.

Annual Holiday Brunch Donations
We will have a sign up table for contributions for our silent auction and wine wall for the December brunch. Donations of a bottle of wine with at least a $20 value at a wine store would be appreciated! Other items might be baseball tickets, hockey tickets, play tickets, a restaurant gift card or contents for a Moscow Mule drink for our Mueller basket. Does anyone have a map of Russia?

With so many new members this year, we are also continuing our new Welcome Corner! Between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, new attendees will be greeted and encouraged to meet some of our already active members, find out more about the club and share your concerns and ideas. We need everyone if we’re going to flip South Orange County blue. So please stop by and say hi!

DON’T FORGET! Political Outreach is collecting donations to help the homeless right here in Orange County. Bring any extra unused travel or hotel toiletries to this month’s meeting to help contribute. This includes disposable razors and toothbrushes!
CLICK HERE to find out more about how you can help combat homelessness in our community.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Youth Election Party! by People Power
2018-10-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery, 31791 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675, United States
Get Tips & Tools for Voting Smart this November! Let’s do this!
Bring: Your Sample Ballot, Handheld device (charger if necessary), analytical mind and your sense of patriotism. #PowerToThePolls
Goal: Learn which issues and candidates are relevant to you. Participate in group discussions, get information on the voting process and learn how to research candidates & propositions before you vote.
”It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” — Winston Churchill, on the floor of Parliament in November 1947.
Complimentary food & beverages provided to the first 40 RSVPs aged 18-25. All political preferences respected.
RSVP NOW

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting
2018-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Our program features
Senator Joe Dunn presenting
“Surviving the age of Trump:
Yes, there is hope!”
This will be a special joint meeting with the South O.C. Democratic Club.

Senator Dunn was the first Democrat to be elected to California’s 34th State Senate District, when he unseated incumbent Republican Rob Hurtt in 1998 by a 51% to 49% margin. He served in the State Senate from 1998 to 2006. As senator, he led the state’s investigation into Enron’s involvement in the 2000–2001 energy crisis.

Senator Dunn is currently the Assistant Dean for External Relations as well as a Lecturer at the UCI School of Law. He serves as the primary point person for the launch of the UCI Cybersecurity Policy and Research Institute, the Civil Justice Research Institute, and the UCI Institute on Policing in Society.

Annual Holiday Brunch Donations
We will have a sign up table for contributions for our silent auction and wine wall for the December brunch. Donations of a bottle of wine with at least a $20 value at a wine store would be appreciated! Other items might be baseball tickets, hockey tickets, play tickets, a restaurant gift card or contents for a Moscow Mule drink for our Mueller basket. Does anyone have a map of Russia?

With so many new members this year, we are also continuing our new Welcome Corner! Between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, new attendees will be greeted and encouraged to meet some of our already active members, find out more about the club and share your concerns and ideas. We need everyone if we’re going to flip South Orange County blue. So please stop by and say hi!

DON’T FORGET! Political Outreach is collecting donations to help the homeless right here in Orange County. Bring any extra unused travel or hotel toiletries to this month’s meeting to help contribute. This includes disposable razors and toothbrushes!
CLICK HERE to find out more about how you can help combat homelessness in our community.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Get-Out-The-Vote Letter-Writing Party by SOCDC and VoteForward
2018-10-21 13:00 - 17:00 | 24392 Timothy Drive, Dana Point, 24392 Timothy Drive, Dana Point, 92629, United States
Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Election Day 2018
2018-11-06 | CA

General Meeting
2018-11-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Program For November 20, 2018
UCI Immigrant Rights Clinic
Presenter: Caitlin Bellis
The UCI Immigrant Rights Clinic provides representation to immigrants on matters ranging from detention and deportation defense to workplace exploitation and protection of civil and constitutional rights. The clinic also provides legal support to grassroots organizations working on critical issues affecting low-income immigrants.
Presenter, Caitlin Bellis, is an attorney licensed to practice in California. Prior to joining UCI Law, she worked at the Public Counsel Immigrant Rights Project in Los Angeles.
Come join us as we look back over the last two years and start our game plan for 2020. This will be our last General Meeting of the year as we take the month of December off to host our annual O’Neill Holiday Brunch.

Annual Holiday Brunch Donations
We will have a sign up table for contributions for our silent auction and wine wall for the December brunch. Donations of a bottle of wine with at least a $20 value at a wine store would be appreciated! Other items might be baseball tickets, hockey tickets, play tickets, a restaurant gift card or contents for a Moscow Mule drink for our Mueller basket. Does anyone have a map of Russia?

With so many new members this year, we are also continuing our new Welcome Corner! Between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, new attendees will be greeted and encouraged to meet some of our already active members, find out more about the club and share your concerns and ideas. We need everyone if we’re going to flip South Orange County blue. So please stop by and say hi!

DON’T FORGET! Political Outreach is collecting donations to help the homeless right here in Orange County. Bring any extra unused travel or hotel toiletries to this month’s meeting to help contribute. This includes disposable razors and toothbrushes!
CLICK HERE to find out more about how you can help combat homelessness in our community.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

2018 Annual Holiday Brunch
2018-12-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692, United States
The annual Holiday Brunch brought to you by the Canyon Democrats and our friends at the South Orange County Democratic Club is in the works. The date and venue are set, and speakers will be announced soon. You will not want to miss this annual event!
2018 Annual Holiday Brunch
Guest Speaker: Representative-Elect Mike Levin – 49th Congressional District
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
*** In appreciation and consideration of how hard everyone is working for the mid-terms, we’ve extended the “early bird” pricing until after the election. ***
*** Ticket price will increase to $60 per person on Monday, November 12th. ***
This event always sells out, so get your tickets early to secure your spot!

Click on this link to purchase – 2018 Holiday Brunch Tickets

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Women's March Sign-Making Party
2019-01-12 13:30 - 15:30 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Join us for our epic Sign-Making Party a week before the Women’s March. Get your creativity flowing and get inspired as we get together to make signs for the 3rd Annual Women’s March. This years theme is Celebrating Women: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. The Women’s March organizers are encouraging everyone to stay positive on their messaging and we think it will be easy since we are sending a RECORD number of women to Congress this year. Many of the women who won elected office both locally and nationally credited their decision with attending the Women’s Marches in 2017 and 2018. Let’s make some signs to thank them and inspire a whole new group of amazing women to run for School Board to President!
So bring poster boards, markers and materials to decorate your sign and let’s make some amazing messages!
Saturday, January 12th
Murray Center – Jacaranda room
1:30pm to 3:30pm
Space is limited, so make sure you click that RSVP button at the top of the page and let us know you’re coming!
This year’s inspiration gallery comes from the kids!

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting
2019-01-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Program for January 15, 2019
Eyewitness: Ukraine
Presenter: Michael Getto
Topics: A brief history of U.S.-Ukraine relations in the post-Soviet era, Russian aggression against Crimea and Eastern Ukraine and the challenges Ukraine faces as it reinforces relationships with the United States and other countries.
Presenter: Michael Getto is an electoral and public policy consultant who administered democracy and governance and economic reform programming in Ukraine and nine other former Soviet republics, including Russia, for 16 years. Michael also worked in governance reform and election monitoring in the Balkan countries of Serbia, Slovenia and Romania. He is now based in Aliso Viejo where is an active member of the Aliso Niguel and South Orange County Democratic Clubs.

Board elections will also take place at the January meeting.

The following slate of officers for 2019 is presented by the Nominating Committee:
Chair – Louise Adler
Vice Chair – Fay McIntosh
Treasurer – Ken Johnson
Secretary – Andrea Alexander
Nominations from the floor will be accepted at the meeting. Members will then vote by ballot and the results will be announced at the meeting. If there are no candidate nominations at the meeting, then the slate of officers presented by the Nominating Committee will be accepted.

We are also continuing our Welcome Corner! Between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, new attendees will be greeted and encouraged to meet some of our already active members, find out more about the club and share your concerns and ideas. We need everyone if we’re going to flip South Orange County blue. So please stop by and say hi!

DON’T FORGET! Political Outreach is collecting donations to help the homeless right here in Orange County. Bring any extra unused travel or hotel toiletries to this month’s meeting to help contribute. This includes disposable razors and toothbrushes!
CLICK HERE to find out more about how you can help combat homelessness in our community.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

3rd Annual Women's March
2019-01-19 | Downtown Santa Ana, Civic Center & N Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA
Join Canyon Democrats, thousands of like-minded citizens in Orange County, and participants nationwide, for the 3rd Annual Women’s March on January 19, 2019.
We made our voices heard in the Midterms and now it’s time to get even louder to make sure the folks in Washington know we’re not done! This year’s March theme is Celebrating Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
The cost for the bus is $20 per person. Seating is limited and will be on first come, first served basis.
Get your bus tickets now!
Our bus will depart from the Murray Center at 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo at 8:00am sharp, and will leave the Women’s March in Santa Ana at 1:30 pm. Approximate arrival back at Murray Center is 2:30 pm. A restroom will be located on the bus!
We will be having an informal meeting in the Murray Center lounge on January 7th at 4:00 PM to discuss possible songs and other ways the participants from the Canyon Dems can show our spirit as a part of this year’s theme.
Join us for our Sign-Making Party a week before the March on January 12th, too! Find out more and RSVP! (Space is limited!)
To stay updated, volunteer, or RSVP for the Orange County March, please visit the OC Women’s March website. You can also follow their Facebook page for updates.
We hope to see you there!

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Point-in-Time Count Volunteer Opportunity
2019-01-23 - 2019-01-24 | CA
Our new Community Outreach committee is diving in to help the homeless in Orange County. You can join us by volunteering along with us at the 2019 Point-in-Time Count. The Orange County United Way is looking for volunteers to help with the 2-day count that will determine levels of services and funding needed from local, state, and federal agencies.

Find out how you can get involved by visiting the United to End Homelessness sign-up page here. Monetary donations are also needed!

You can find out more about the Orange County Point-in-Time Count at the official Count of Orange website.

Point-in-Time Count Info

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

THE BIG WALK for Loretta Sanchez
2019-02-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Plumbers & Steamfitters Union Hall, 1916 W. Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA, 92866, United States
Join us as we lace up our shoes and knock on doors for Loretta Sanchez for OC Supervisor. There’s a special election on March 12th and we need to get out the word about Loretta! Let’s go!

VOLUNTEER ON LORETTA’S WEBSITE NOW

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting
2019-02-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Our February meeting will begin early and be abbreviated, so that we can attend the Katie Porter Town Hall at 7:00pm at the Norman Murray Community Center!
There will be no speaker at our meeting this month. Instead, we will take care of important business in a shortened meeting – hear committee reports, vote on approval of the 2019 revision of our Constitution, discuss plans for locating and supporting candidates for local offices (there are 30 seats up for grabs in our area!), and strategize to help Loretta Sanchez get elected to the Board of Supervisors in the special election on March 12th!
We will end promptly at 7:00pm, so that we can attend the Katie Porter Town Hall directly following our meeting at the Norman Murray Community Center. We don’t want you to miss this special event!
Everybody planning to attend our meeting please RSVP using the RSVP HERE button above. Separately, everyone planning to also attend the Katie Porter Town Hall must RSVP to the Town Hall as well. We can ensure that seats are reserved for Canyon Dems who are attending the town hall after our meeting, but you must RSVP to save a seat!
RSVP TO THE KATIE PORTER TOWN HALL HERE

OUTREACH FOR THE HOMELESS
The newly formed Outreach Committee is focusing on the homeless. We hope to practice our Democratic values and beliefs in a constructive way to help make life easier for people living in shelters and on the streets. Please bring warm socks, knit hats, and large, plastic garbage bags to the next general meeting for a donation to combat the cold and the wet weather we are experiencing. There will be a sign posted and a designated box for donations. Other toiletries are also always welcome.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Walk for Loretta Sanchez
2019-02-23 12:00 - 16:00 | 980 Roosevelt Irvine, CA, 92620, 980 Roosevelt, Irvine, CA, 92620, United States
Join us as we walk for Loretta with the Democrats of Greater Irvine and Assembly Democrats to get the word out about Loretta’s special election for the OC Board of Supervisors.
RSVP on Loretta’s Website Now

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

GET OUT THE VOTE for Loretta Sanchez!
2019-03-09 - 2019-03-12 | Democratic Party of Orange County, 1916 W Chapman Ave, Ste B, Orange, CA, 92868, United States
It’s time to GET OUT THE VOTE for Loretta Sanchez! The Board of Supervisors – Dist. 3 Special Election is next Tuesday, March 12th!
Democratic Party of Orange County will be holding an on-site event to Get Out the Vote for Loretta.
This election is our chance to get a second Democrat on the OC Board of Supervisors. Loretta is the ONLY Democrat on the ballot and she has a very good chance of winning this election, but we need ALL HANDS ON DECK to make this happen!
There will be opportunities for neighborhood canvassing, phone banking and some data entry. Here is how you can help:
DPOC – Plumbers Hall
1916 W Chapman Ave
Orange, CA 92868
Saturday March 9th through Tuesday March 12th
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
4-hour shifts are available; Watch Party the evening of election day, Tuesday, March 12th .
Sign up using the links below:
Saturday March 9th – https://secure.ngpvan.com/90VATGT8Z0C9L0PMjzT4bA2
Sunday March 10th – https://secure.ngpvan.com/GKPgLNMJR06UQEJbtoRQQw2
Monday March 11th — https://secure.ngpvan.com/HHBw9hriRE2bToFau5wVVw2
Tuesday March 12th (Election Day!) — https://secure.ngpvan.com/oFn0EQpbRkKejDRNCOX3gg2

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Volunteer at Someone Cares Soup Kitchen
2019-03-11 08:45 - 12:00 | Someone Cares Soup Kitchen, 720 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA, 92627, United States
Join a group of Canyon Dems to help prep meals for the homeless.
Attire:

Closed toed shoes.
Hair pulled back.
Canyon Dems shirt, if you have one.

This event is capped at 10 volunteers but we may be offering more opportunities.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting with Special Guest Professor Jane Stoever
2019-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Domestic Violence Dynamics and the Politicization of Safety
Safety in one’s home, relationships, and person can be viewed as a basic human rights issue, yet nationally and globally, one in three teenage girls and one in four women experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Professor Jane Stoever will discuss the dynamics of domestic violence and her new book, The Politicization of Safety, which calls for greater consideration of the interplay of politics, domestic violence, and how the law works in people’s lives.
About the presenter: Jane Stoever is a professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where she directs the Domestic Violence Clinic and the Initiative to End Family Violence and teaches Family Law and Legal Ethics. She also co-chairs the Orange County Domestic Violence Death Review Team. Her research concerns domestic violence law, family law, firearms and family violence, and feminist legal theory, and her scholarship includes the new book The Politicization of Safety (Stoever ed., NYU Press 2019). She received her J.D. from Harvard Law School and her LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Second Harvest Food Bank needs our help!
Their shelves are almost bare and they can’t keep up with demand. They will take anything except: baby food (3 years and under), glass containers, expired food and alcohol. Bring any donations you have to our meeting!

Their most needed items:

Peanut or Other Nut Butters
Canned Vegetables (Low Sodium)
Rice (Brown Preferred)
Canned Fruit (Packed in Water or Juice) or Natural Applesauce
Dried or Canned Beans (Low Sodium)
Whole Grain Cereal (Low Sugar)
Canned or Boxed Soup (Low Sodium)
Whole Grain Pasta
Canned Meats & Fish (in Water)
Healthy Snacks such as Low Sugar Granola Bars, Raw Nuts or Dried Fruit
*They encourage donations of foods that are reduced in sodium, sugar or fat.
Personal care items:

Diapers
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Toilet Paper
Find out more about Second Harvest Food Bank on their website.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting with Special Presentation on Climate Reality
2019-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Climate Reality: The Truth In Twenty
Community by community, volunteer Climate Reality Leaders are raising awareness on climate change. Join us for a presentation on climate change science, impacts, and solutions globally and here in Southern California. Find out how you can support sustainability on a personal level and help drive action locally.
About the Presenter: Margo Allen Finlayson, MBA, was personally trained by former US Vice President Al Gore and The Climate Reality Project to serve as a volunteer Climate Reality Leader for the Climate Reality Leadership Corps. She attended the August 2018 multi-day training focused on providing a select group of trainees with a deep understanding of the latest climate change science, as well as best practices in public speaking, social media, leadership, communication, community outreach, and organizing.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting
2019-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Skipping Through Chaos: Journalism in the Trump Era
Scott Martelle, a Los Angeles Times editorial writer, will discuss being an “enemy of the people” and practicing journalism in an era in which truth can seem malleable, and the public has retreated into political tribes. He plans to take a lot of questions, so come prepared!
About the Presenter: Scott Martelle, a veteran journalist and author of six history books, joined the Los Angeles Times editorial board in 2014 after more than 30 years as a news reporter, including covering parts of three presidential campaigns. His main areas of focus for the Times are immigration, gun policy, climate change and the death penalty, so his inbox tends to overheat. Martelle, a native of Maine who grew up in Western New York, lives in Irvine.

With Mother’s Day on our minds, we are joining forces with I Support the Girls for our May meeting. I Support the Girls collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity.
The items we will be collecting are:

Pads
Tampons
Reusable cups
New or gently used bras of all kinds (sports bras, nursing bras, etc)
New underwear

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Meet with the State Director for Senator Kamala Harris
2019-05-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
This event is for Canyon Democrats members only.
The State Director for Senator Harris, Heather Hutt, is coming to meet with Canyon Dems!
This discussion is limited to 30 members. Please come prepared with questions and feedback for the Senator.
This is a rare opportunity to have your message delivered to the Senator as there are no Senate offices in Orange County.

Thursday, May 23rd, at 11:00 am.
Location: Norman Murray Center, Lantana Room

Max Capacity: 30
RSVP Deadline Wednesday, May 22
More information about Ms. Hutt: https://lasentinel.net/heather-hutt-talks-about-her-new-role-as-state-director-for-senator-harris.html

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Meet with the Field Representative for Senator Dianne Feinstein
2019-06-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
This event is for Canyon Democrats members only.
The Field Representative for Senator Feinstein, Chris Barwick, is coming to meet with Canyon Dems!
This discussion is limited to 20 members. Please come prepared with questions and feedback for the Senator.
This is a rare opportunity to have your message delivered to the Senator as there are no Senate offices in Orange County.

Thursday, June 13th, at 11:00 am.
Location: Norman Murray Center, Lantana Room

Max Capacity: 20
RSVP Deadline Wednesday, June 12
More information about Mr. Barwick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-barwick-797721a4/

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting
2019-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Spotlight on Gun Violence Awareness:
Keeping the Momentum Going!
Gun violence is an epidemic in the United States, with over 100 people killed by guns every day. Come hear about the work of two organizations that are making a big difference in the fight to end gun violence in this country.

Learn about the history and development of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a grassroots organization formulated in response to the Sandyhook Elementary School shooting in 2012. The speakers will explain how MDA volunteers work towards “gun sense” in America and what you can do to help.
About the presenters:
Maribeth McFaul – Moms Demand Action activist, artist, art teacher, and mother of five boys. Maribeth campaigned for Katie Porter as part of the “Freeway Rebels” Banner Team. She joined Moms Demand Action four years ago, when the constant threat of gun violence in public places began to feel like an epidemic. Maribeth has been a resident of Mission Viejo for 40 years and currently lives in the Costa Del Sol community.
Michelle Wendehost – English and Spanish teacher at Newhart Middle School in Mission Viejo. Michelle became a member of Moms Demand Action due to her fear that her students, not to mention her own son, could die by gun violence if common sense laws are not enacted now. Michelle campaigned for Mike Levin and Harley Rouda, both of whom have gun-sense policies. She and her husband live in San Clemente and their son is a student at UC Riverside.
Brady Orange County (formerly Orange County Brady Chapter) is the longest running gun violence prevention organization in Orange County. Presentation topics include state and federal legislation and the organization’s work to elect gun violence prevention congressional candidates. The group’s efforts helped set the table for the historic positive action in the House this year. It faces the same challenge to keep the momentum going in Sacramento.
About the presenters:
Charlie Blek has been working the grassroots of gun violence prevention since 1995 and he will share what brought him to this issue. Charlie served as the founding President of the California Brady Chapters. On May 1 st he will step down as President and Sandy Wilder will take over the position. Charlie recently retired from the practice of law and has been honored by Loyola Law School for his work on gun policy. His article “Our Second Amendment” was published by the American Bar Association.
Mary Leigh Blek began her work in gun violence prevention in 1995 and worked along with Charlie to form the national Million Mom March which merged with the Brady Campaign in the early 2000s. As President Emeritus of the Million Mom March, she worked in DC as the chapters merged into a powerful grassroots component of the Brady. Her educational background at UCLA School of Nursing and public health graduate studies provided the background for her focus on reforming California and the country’s gun policy. The Bleks have been honored by many national and local organizations. Mary Leigh has spoken before the United Nations, given Congressional hearing testimony and was invited to speak in Rome and Belgium.
Meet the organization’s new president: Sandy Wilder is the dynamic leader who will take over the Presidency of Brady Orange County on May 1st. We will have the opportunity to meet her at this meeting.

This month as part our ongoing Community Outreach efforts, we’ll be collecting diapers, diaper rash cream and baby wipes as part of United to End Homelessness and HomeAid’s local drive. Bring your donations to our June meeting and we’ll make sure they are distributed to local families that are homeless or on the verge of homelessness.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

"Homelessness 101" Presented by The United Way
2019-06-25 18:30 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
This event is full and registrations are closed.
Housing is a basic human right but so many in our community are without. The problem may seem overwhelming. Maybe you think there is nothing you can do to help. Well, you’re wrong!
Join us for a presentation by Orange County United Way. Homelessness 101 will help answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this issue.

What causes people to become homeless?
What is the current state of homelessness in Orange County?
How can homelessness be solved?

By the end of this session, you will become familiar with many of the approaches, philosophies and terminologies associated with homelessness. More importantly, you will have a better understanding of the homeless system in our community and will feel empowered to take action!
Refreshments will be served and you will have a chance to win door prizes of unspeakable value!

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Unity Rally & Debate Watch
2019-06-26 17:30 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
This is an exciting time for Democrats with a number of potential presidential candidates. Join us for a debate watch party as we celebrate our strengths and collectively say to Donald Trump, “You’re fired!”
In the spirit of unity, please show respect for all candidates and attendees during the debate. Feel free to cheer for the ideas you like and remain politely silent if you disagree. In 2020, there may be a Democratic candidate who:

Isn’t your first choice
You don’t consider to be 100% ideologically pure
Has made mistakes in her/his life
Might not be the most exciting to you
Has some ideas you are uncomfortable with

Ultimately, we all have the same goal: defeat Trump. Now is the time to put the negative energy behind us and unite around the Democratic nominee so we can take back our country!
Sandwiches, chips, and drinks will be included. Attendees are encouraged to bring a salad for sharing.
No tickets will be available at the door.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
SIGN THE PLEDGE NOW

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank
2019-07-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Second Harvest Food Bank, 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, 92618, United States
Join a group of Canyon Dems to help at the Second Harvest Food Bank organized by our Community Outreach Committee!
Attire:

Closed toed shoes.
Canyon Dems shirt, if you have one!

More info will be provided upon RSVP!

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting - Combating Hate Crimes and Discrimination
2019-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Combating Hate Crimes and Discrimination: The Role of Orange County Human Relations

Orange County Human Relations assists victims of hate and discrimination and works to increase public awareness of local and global human relations. It forms coalitions and takes action to assure that underrepresented communities in Orange County have a voice in the institutions that affect their lives. The organization handles reports of discrimination and hate crimes and coordinates community education programs to mitigate these occurrences and foster understanding among various groups within Orange County. This presentation will include hate crimes statistics and trends, the impact of hate in communities and ways to fight it.
Presenters:
Norma Lopez, Executive Director, Human Relations Commission
Norma joined the OC Human Relations Council team in 2014. She serves as executive support staff to the Human Relations Commission. Norma is bilingual and bicultural with Salvadoran cultural roots. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Baruch College – The City University of New York (CUNY).
Joyce Sanchez, Human Relations Commission Staff
Joyce has been a mediator for the Dispute Resolution Program and has worked with high school students through the Commission’s Skills for Success program. She is involved in hate crimes and hate incidents reporting. She has a B.A. in Human Services from CSU Fullerton.
Julie Vue, Director of Youth Programs
Julie directs programs dedicated to working with students, parents, teachers and administrators to improve school climate and promote safety. She has a Master’s Degree in Education from CSU Long Beach.

Please bring donations of school supplies to our July meeting!
Help a child be prepared for the first day of school with clothes and school supplies. Make them feel confident that they can be a success. Families Forward will deliver these supplies to needy children so they will feel prepared to conquer the world.
Both-columns-donor-flyers-2019

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting - Immigration: Humanitarian Crisis
2019-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Immigration: Humanitarian Crisis
Learn about current challenges in immigrants’ rights advocacy and opportunities to effect change, with a focus on detention/deportation and its relationship to mass incarceration in the US.
About the presenter

Jennifer Lee Koh is a Visiting Professor of Law at UC Irvine School of Law. For the past nine years, she was a Professor of Law and the founding director of the Immigration Clinic at Western State College of Law. Her legal scholarship has appeared in journals such as the Stanford Law Review Online, Washington University Law Review, and Southern California Law; and has been cited by the United States Supreme Court (in a majority opinion by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg) and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Professor Koh serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Justice Fund, a new nonprofit aimed at serving the needs of detained immigrants in Orange County. In 2019, she was elected as an Assembly Delegate to the California Democratic Party. Professor Koh received her J.D. from Columbia Law School and her B.A. from Yale University.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

Debate Watch Party
2019-09-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653, United States
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
Join us as we rally together as Democrats to watch what the candidates have to say in a spirited and respectful environment. Sign the pledge to eventually support the Democratic Party’s nominee for President to take back the White House in 2020. We are stronger together!
Tickets are $15 per person. Sandwiches, chips, drinks and cookies will be included. Members are encouraged to bring a salad for sharing!
WHEN:
Thursday, September 12th from 5 – 8 PM

WHERE:
Laguna Hills Community Center
Heritage Room
25555 Alicia Pkwy
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Corner of Alicia Parkway and Paseo De Valencia
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting - Back to School Night
2019-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
It’s Back to School Night at the Canyon Dems
Join us at our September meeting to learn about the progress and critical challenges taking place in our public schools. This is a unique opportunity to hear from and address questions to the experienced leadership of our local, county and statewide education systems.
Our panelists for the program:
Dr. Edward Wong, Vice President, Board of Education, Saddleback Valley Unified School District
Edward Wong is a professor at Concordia University in Irvine. He has served his community for over 38 years as a teacher, an elementary, junior high and high school principal and a district office administrator.

Rebecca “Beckie” Gomez, Board Member, Orange County Department of Education
Beckie Gomez is a member of the Orange County Board of Education representing District 1. She is the Dean for the Health Science Division at Cypress College. Beckie has held leadership positions with the Orange County Senior Citizens Advisory Council, the Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency, the Orange County Library Advisory Board, the Tustin Area Senior Center Fund and the Orange County Waste Management Commission. She is a former member of the Tustin City Council and served as Mayor Pro Tem.

Barbara J. Dawson, Board Member, California Teachers Association
Barbara Dawson has been a dedicated teacher and union leader in the Vista Unified School District in San Diego County for 23 years. She was elected to the CTA board in October 2015 to represent thousands of teachers in parts of Orange and San Diego counties. Barbara served as president of the Vista Teachers Association and was a member of the chapter’s bargaining committee and executive board. She was a delegate to the CTA State Council of Education and a past chair of the State Council’s State Legislation Committee.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union

General Meeting - Planned Parenthood and the Battle to Protect Reproductive Health
2019-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
Planned Parenthood and the Battle to Protect Reproductive Health
From the White House to the Supreme Court, reproductive health and basic rights are under attack like never before. The current administration and other anti-reproductive health ideologues are seizing every opportunity to roll back reproductive rights and limit health care services to those in need.
Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care, and the nation’s largest provider of sex education. Join us as we learn from Planned Parenthood leaders about their services and programs, the current political climate and ways we can support their mission.
About the presenters:
Andrea Schmidt, Community Organizer for Planned Parenthood of Orange & San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC)
Andrea is involved in the Community Action Fund, which is the political and advocacy arm of PPOSBC. She works to educate the community about issues impacting reproductive health care and education through advocacy campaigns, direct and grassroots lobbying, community outreach, and volunteer engagement.

Amy Streavel, Director of Community Education and Outreach for Planned Parenthood of Orange & San Bernardino Counties
Amy has been active in the field of sexual and reproductive health education for almost twenty years. During her seven years with Planned Parenthood, she has had the opportunity to lead the expansion of sexual and reproductive health education throughout Orange and San Bernardino Counties, reaching about 70,000 youth, parents, and professionals each year.

October Collection – Canned Fruit
The shelves are bare at Families Forward so our club is going to bring some sweetness to those who utilize their services. Please donate canned fruit for local families in need.

Public Schools for Public Education
Vicki Soderberg, former President of the Capo Unified teachers’ union
