Canyon Democrats

General Meeting Feat. Louis DeSipio
2023-05-16 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692, United States

General Meeting Feat. Sudi Farokhnia
2023-04-25 18:30 - 21:00 | Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692, United States

General Meeting Feat. David Edward Burke, Pres. & Founder of Citizens Take Action
2023-03-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692, United States

General Meeting Feat. Todd Harmonson, OC Register, Senior Editor
2023-02-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692, United States

Wine tasting Fundraiser
2023-02-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
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Enjoy a lovely afternoon with us for our “Love the Wine You’re With” FUNdraiser. We’ll get to sample some delicious wines along with scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and delectable desserts.
All this for just $35 per person.
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Questions? Email info@canyondems.org
This event is open to Canyon Dems & their guests only.

General Meeting Feat. David Pepper, author of Laboratories of Autocracy
2023-01-17 18:30 - 21:00 | Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692, United States

General Meeting Setting the Course for 2023
2022-11-15 18:30 - 21:00 | Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692, United States

Halloween Fundraising Party
2022-10-29 19:30 - 22:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
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Celebrate Halloween with Canyon Dems! This year’s theme is “Death by Dessert” featuring desserts to die for. You will also enjoy Halloween spirits, wine & sparkling refreshments along with the undying satisfaction of supporting Democrats.
You will receive the address of our hosts in Lake Forest upon purchase of your tickets. The wearing of costumes is encouraged!
Tickets are the frightfully reasonable price of $30 per person.
GET TICKETS NOW
Questions? Email info@canyondems.org
This event is open to Canyon Dems & their guests only.

General Meeting & Ballot Review with Canyon Dems Chair Louise Adler
2022-10-18 18:30 - 21:00 | Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692, United States

General Meeting Feat. Profs Fred Smoller and Michael Moodian: 2022 ELECTION - WHERE ARE WE HEADING?
2022-09-20 18:30 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States

FUNraising Picnic Potluck
2022-09-18 16:00 - 19:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
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Canyon Dems – we are Raising the FUN! This FREE picnic potluck is just for you, your friends & family to celebrate our past & future wins together! What better way to celebrate & get ready for the fall midterms?
The club will provide chicken, plates, cups, utensils & napkins. You bring a dish to share (appetizer, side dish, salad or dessert) plus your own beverages.
Enjoy this break from your hard work flipping every seat in OC blue to come socialize will your fellow Canyon Dems!

GET TICKETS NOW
Questions? Email info@canyondems.org
This event is open to Canyon Dems, their guests and registered Democrats only.

General Meeting Feat. Cynthia Valencia, ACLU SoCal: VOTING RIGHTS & OC ELECTIONS
2022-08-16 18:30 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States

Celebrate the Candidates Event
2022-07-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
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Let’s celebrate our candidates who are moving on to the General Election! Come enjoy a delicious taco bar, beer, wine & lemonade & help the Canyon Democrats support these outstanding candidates. This event will be at the Norman Murray Center in Mission Viejo.

Tickets – $30
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Questions? Email info@canyondems.org
This event is open to Canyon Dems, their guests and registered Democrats only.

General Meeting Feat. Andrea Schmidt: PLANNED PARENTHOOD - PROTECTOR OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS
2022-07-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States

General Meeting Feat. Kevin C. O’Leary: THE REPUBLICANS’ CRUSADE AGAINST LIBERALISM
2022-06-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States

General Meeting Feat. Dan Chmielewski on DATA SECURITY, MISINFORMATION & CRIME ON THE WEB & special guest Congressional Candidate Dr. Asif Mahmood
2022-05-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States

Ice Cream Social Fundraiser
2022-05-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
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Join us for our second annual Ice Cream Social fundraiser!! Help us raise money while enjoying delicious ice cream, bidding on fun silent auction items and getting some great photo opportunities. This event will be at the Norman Murray Center in Mission Viejo.
This is a definitely a kid-friendly event for all ages! Bring the whole family and celebrate with us!
Big Kids – $20
Actual Kids – $10
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Questions? Email info@canyondems.org
This event is open to Canyon Dems, their guests and registered Democrats only.

General Meeting Feat. Michael Getto on The Crisis in Ukraine plus meet State Assembly 72 Candidate Judie Mancuso
2022-04-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States

Earth Day Rally & Fundraiser
2022-04-23 09:00 - 15:00 | Portola Plaza, 27730 Santa Margarita Parkway, Mission Viejo, 92691, United States
We’re popping up again!
Stop on by at our Earth Day Rally & Fundraiser pop-up booth at Portola Plaza in Mission Viejo on Saturday, April 23rd from 9 am – 3 pm. Look for us on Santa Margarita Parkway near the Taco Bell. Portola Plaza is at 27730 Santa Margarita Parkway (across from Sprouts).

Beautiful Merchandise! In honor of Earth Day, we’ll be selling water-friendly succulents in adorable pots, custom birdhouses (both great Mother’s Day presents) & beautiful Earth Day t-shirts. We’ll also have Canyon Dems merch.
Rally! Bring your signs to wave supporting Ukraine, Earth Day, Democracy. Most creative sign will win a prize! Repurpose old delivery boxes or signs to not add more waste to our planet!
Meet congressional candidate Dr. Asif Mahmood! Dr. Mahmood is running for Congress in CD40. He should be visiting with us around noon. Come and meet our outstanding candidate in this critical race.
Voter registration drive! We’ll be registering new voters and those who have moved. Every vote counts.
Advertise our amazing club! Show up and let our community know that OC is blue!

General Meeting Feat. O.C. Supervisor Katrina Foley & Pete Hardin, candidate for O.C. District Attorney
2022-03-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States

VIRTUAL General Meeting: Climate Change in our Community
2022-02-15 19:00 - 21:00 | CA

Canyon Dems Blood Drive @ Saddleback Medical Center
2022-02-01 - 2022-02-28 | Saddleback Medical Center, 24451 Health Center Drive, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653, United States
Please join us in supporting our friends, families, neighbors and community members by donating lifesaving blood at Saddleback Medical Center
When: The month of February 2022 (extended!)
Where: The Blood Donor Center at Saddleback Medical Center
(The Blood Donor Center is located inside the main entrance of the hospital across from the gift shop and atrium)
How: Call (949)452-3158, email Christie, or schedule online
Why: Saddleback is a non-profit hospital serving South Orange County communities. They rely on MemorialCare employees and community donors to supply blood and blood products for patients. Will you help?
Successful donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card or a Regal Premier movie ticket.
Please notify staff that you are a blood drive participant!
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to noon

VIRTUAL General Meeting feat. Redistricting, a discussion with Jason Mills
2022-01-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual Online, CA

2021 O'Neill Holiday Brunch
2021-12-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692, United States
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The Canyon Democrats are thrilled to host our biggest fundraiser of the year after taking 2020 off!
We are proud to welcome two fantastic keynote speakers this year, State Senator Dave Min and Jane K. Stoever, Clinical Professor of Law at UCI! They’ll be joining us to talk about the rewards and challenges of living lives of service while raising a family.
Come celebrate a year of hard-work turning south Orange County blue, successfully fighting off the Republican recall, and getting a chance to celebrate in person at this festive event. Enjoy a delicious brunch at the picturesque Arroyo Trabuco Country Club and hear from interesting speakers.
This event always sells out quickly, so be sure to get your tickets early!
Saturday, December 4, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Arroyo Trabuco Country Club
26772 Avery Parkway Mission Viejo
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NOTE: Everyone attending must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This will be an indoor event with food, so masks will not be required.
PLEASE BRING YOUR VACCINATION RECORD (HARD COPY OR ELECTRONIC). IF YOU PREVIOUSLY HAD YOUR VACCINATION STATUS VERIFIED AT ONE OF OUR MEETINGS OR EVENTS, YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO THIS AGAIN.
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Questions? Email info@canyondems.org

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General Meeting feat. Rep. Mike Levin & Sen. Dave Min
2021-11-16 18:30 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States

Canyon Dems 2021 Halloween Party
2021-10-30 19:30 - 22:30 | CA
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Get your tickets before they vanish! Space is spookily limited for this devilishly fun night of feasting and festivity.
Saturday, October 30th @ 7:30 PM
Lake Forest, CA (Address provided upon payment)

Join us, if you dare, for a Haunted Cocktail Party at the Kloeckner’s Kreepy Kasa
Beer, wine, cocktails plus frighteningly fun finger foods and devilish desserts to be served
Costumes are encouraged but not required, the FUNdraising team will all be in costume!

Questions? Email info@canyondems.org.

General Meeting feat. Gustavo Arellano, L.A. Times columnist & podcaster
2021-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States

Canyon Dems Annual Back to School Night & General Meeting
2021-09-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
CANYON DEMS SEPTEMBER IN PERSON! MEETING
Canyon Dems Annual Back to School Night
With educators Delaine Eastin, Suzie Swartz & Joyanne Goodfellow
Special welcome to Sherine Smith
Candidate for the OC Board of Education, District 5
Join us as our educators discuss the long-term effects of the pandemic on administrators, teachers, students & parents; the impact of students’ learning loss due to the pandemic; the challenges facing California’s education system today; their vision and hopes for the coming year; and….more!

Masks will be required for all attendees. We highly encourage everyone attending to be vaccinated to COVID-19. For information about getting vaccinated, please visit https://myturn.ca.gov/. There will be NO snacks or drinks provided. Please bring your own recyclable water bottle.
Don’t forget to come early! Sign in starts at 6:30PM. And bring cash for the return of our 50-50 opportunity drawing (featuring wonderful prizes)!

Our Guest Speakers:
Delaine Eastin is the former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the only woman ever elected to that position. She also served eight years in the State Assembly and six years on the City Council in Union City, where an elementary school has been named in her honor. Delaine sponsored legislation that raised over $100 million for the cleanup of old toxic landfills. She also passed propositions that taxed the tobacco industry to create First 5 of California to advance child development. As part of the lawsuit against Proposition 187, Delaine successfully stopped California’s health care professionals and teachers from being used as de facto immigration agents.

Delaine has chaired the Democratic Women’s Caucus, the Legislative Women’s Caucus, the ClosetheGap Board and many other associations. She has been the executive director of the National Institute for School Leadership in Washington, DC and a Mills College Distinguished Visiting Professor. A graduate of UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, she has endowed scholarships in her name at both campuses.

Suzie Swartz has been a board member of the Saddleback Valley Unified School since 2000, currently serving as its president. Her primary focus has always been Students First. She encourages parental involvement and promotes accessibility of staff and school board members, while emphasizing service and mutual respect. School Board members countywide recognized Suzie’s leadership and service with the prestigious Bergeson Award. She was also honored with the Phi Delta Kappa Citizen of the Year Award for her years of community service to our public schools.
Suzie is a UCLA graduate and holds a Masters in Governance certificate from the California School Boards Association. She lives with her husband, Jeff, in Mission Viejo and has two sons, both SVUSD and college graduates. When not busy advocating for our local schools, Suzie enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Joyanne Goodfellow, teacher at El Toro High School and president of the Saddleback Valley Educators Assn, will be joining our other educators.

Sherine Smith has been a teacher, principal of Aliso Viejo Middle School and Capistrano Valley High School, and Deputy Superintendent of Education for the Capistrano Unified School District. More recently, she served as Superintendent of the Laguna Beach Unified School District. Sherine was also the Chair of the O.C. Superintendents’ Organization. In 2016, she was honored as the O.C. Superintendent of the Year.
Sherine has taught in higher education and administrative credential programs, including Brandman, National and Chapman Universities and the O.C. Dept. of Education. She received her doctorate in Educational Leadership from USC. She and her husband, Dan, have lived in San Clemente for over 30 years.

We will be collecting baby items for Families Forward. Please bring the following baby items to our meeting:

diapers (larger sizes are needed)
baby wipes
baby food
formula

No clothes please. Donations will be collected outside of the Murray Center before entering.

General Meeting feat. O.C. Fire Authority Division Chief Rob Capobianco
2021-08-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Home of a Mission Viejo Member, Mission Viejo, CA, United States
CANYON DEMS AUGUST IN PERSON! MEETING
WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW ABOUT
CALIFORNIA FIRES???
How can we prepare for a fire?
Can the growth of fire disasters be controlled?
What do fire experts envision for CA’s future?
What can WE do to help CA?
Hear the answers to these questions & more
from the O.C. Fire Authority

July 2021 Meeting Minutes

Masks will be required for all attendees. We highly encourage everyone attending to be vaccinated to COVID-19. For information about getting vaccinated, please visit https://myturn.ca.gov/. Attendees will also need to sign a waiver upon arrival at the Murray Center. There will be NO snacks or drinks provided. Please bring our own recyclable water bottle.
Don’t forget to come early! Sign in starts at 6:30PM. And bring cash for the return of our 50-50 opportunity drawing (featuring wonderful prizes)!

Our Guest Speaker:
O.C. Fire Authority
Division Chief Rob Capobianco
Rob Capobianco joined the O.C. Fire Authority in 1988 as a paid call firefighter and was hired as a career firefighter in 1999. During his career with the OCFA, he has held the positions of Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Assistant Fire Training Officer, Fire Captain, Fire Investigator, Battalion Chief, and Chief Investigator and Division Chief. Chief Capobianco is currently assigned to Division 3 serving the cities of San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.

DONATION REQUEST FOR AUGUST MEETING
This month we are collecting women’s products at the general meeting for Wiseplace, the only Orange County-based nonprofit leading the effort to end homelessness for unaccompanied women. Wiseplace provides women with safe shelter, counseling and mental health services, case management and addiction recovery, and employment assistance to help rebuild their lives.
We will be collecting feminine products (tampons, pads), bras (regular and sport bras), and underwear. Large sizes are appreciated. There will be a collection box in front of the Murray Center until the meeting begins. If you get there later or can not attend but would like to make a donation, please give your items to Ann Owens.
Thank you for your consideration.

General Meeting featuring. Dr. Smoller & Dr. Moodian, Chapman U
2021-07-20 19:00 - 21:00 | CA
CANYON DEMS JULY IN PERSON! MEETING
Results of Chapman University’s
O.C. Annual Survey
Presented by Chapman University Professors
Fred Smoller & Michael Moodian

The O.C. Annual Survey is a yearly project conducted by Professors Fred Smoller and Michael Moodian on behalf of Chapman University’s Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. It is used to measure OC residents’ views on various topics, including Covid-19 policies, political trends, the potential Recall, climate change, etc. The purpose of the study is to help provide residents’ insights to policymakers and to spark informed debate among the public.
Download the July Meeting Agenda
Due to the unfortunate news regarding the spread of the delta variant, we are going to require faces masks at our meeting for all attendees – even those who are vaccinated. We highly encourage everyone attending to be vaccinated to COVID-19. For information about getting vaccinated, please visit https://myturn.ca.gov/. Attendees will also need to sign a waiver upon arrival at the Murray Center. There will be NO snacks or drinks provided. Please bring our own recyclable water bottle.
Don’t forget to come early! Sign in starts at 6:30PM. And bring cash for the return of our 50-50 opportunity drawing (featuring wonderful prizes) as well as new items for sale like our Club-branded t-shirts ($20).

Our Guest Speakers:
Dr. Fred Smoller is associate professor of political science at Chapman University, where he has been on the faculty since 1983. He received his Ph.D. from Indiana University. His major area of interest is American politics, with an emphasis on local government. Fred directs Chapman’s annual local government conference and is the author of the 2018 book From Kleptocracy to Democracy: How Citizens Can Take Back Local Government. His writings have recently appeared in the Orange County Register, L.A. Times and Voice of OC.

Dr. Michael A. (Mike) Moodian has served as a faculty member in various capacities for Chapman University since 2007. He teaches in Chapman’s leadership studies program, codirects Wilkinson College’s O.C. Annual Survey, and is a professor of social science at Chapman-affiliated Brandman University. Mike is a partner in an Orange County-based public affairs media group. His latest project is a television documentary that explores the causes and effects of coastal erosion on California’s beaches. Mike is co-producer, co-director, and lead writer of the program, which will air on PBS later this year. His writings have recently appeared in the Orange County Register, L.A. Times and Voice of OC.

Please submit your questions in advance to programs@canyondems.org

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BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE FOR LAURA’S HOUSE

We are starting our community outreach collections again since we are now in person! Since school now starts mid-August we will collect school supplies for Laura’s House Domestic Violence Victim’s families. Please bring any of these NEW supplies to the July 20th meeting.

Backpacks
Scientific calculators
Three-ring notebooks
Dividers for notebooks
Pencils/pens
Pencil boxes/pouches
Colored pencils
College ruled paper
Glue sticks
Sticky notes
Washable colored markers
Small scissors
Individually packed, healthy snacks/boxed drinks
Target gift cards for $20 to $25 (used for school clothes shopping)

Questions – Please email Ann Owens at annowens@cox.net
