Dear Members and Supportive Friends,
This past weekend we maintained tradition by having the CCDC booth at Fiesta La Ballona but this year was a vivid reminder of why our Democratic club exists. We are the bridge between community and democracy. There was plenty of great food, good music and warm laughter but what truly stood out to me were the conversations with middle and high school students. These young people asked thoughtful questions about climate action, the ongoing violation of rights by ICE, Gaza, and even concerns regarding the decaying checks and balances by the federal government. They demonstrated that civic engagement doesn’t begin at 18, it starts the moment they realize their voices are heard and valued.
Our presence at Fiesta La Ballona wasn’t just about visibility, it was about planting seeds. By inviting these students into dialogue, I hope I was able to show them that politics is not some distant adult realm, but a shared community project in which they have a stake and a say. That’s why our Club must continue to show up, be welcoming, listen actively, and encourage their participation. When they see us treating them as part of the democratic process, they’ll grow up believing they belong there and be ready to lead.
Equally important is the work we do now to secure that future, and one crucial step I’m preparing for is supporting Proposition 50 on November 4. Prop 50, or the “Election Rigging Response Act,” is California’s response to partisan gerrymandering efforts elsewhere in the country. It would allow for a temporary redrawing of congressional districts to counter Republican-led distortion in states like Texas, and protect fair representation for California in coming elections. To put it plainly, Texas tried to cheat and California is reminding the Texas GOP and the Trump administration that democracy represents all—not just ones that a childish President wants to let in to his exclusive country club. In the words of Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, “When they go low, we squabble up.”
While we have not yet voted to endorse this ballot measure, I wanted to share my personal thoughts and hope that you will have similar feelings. We will be bringing this up for endorsement at our meeting on September 8. Democracy is shaped by those who fight for its integrity and now is the time for everyone, across all generations, to stand up and fight!
I want to thank every volunteer who helped at Fiesta La Ballona and our wonderful guests who spent time with us at our booth. Your presence and willingness to engage made a lasting impact. Let’s keep that momentum. Let’s continue to be ready to listen and ready to advocate especially when it comes to encouraging all our communities, particularly our young community members, to engage and be active.
Together, we’re defending democracy now and showing the leaders of tomorrow that their future is worth fighting for.
Lastly, happy Labor Day to our members—especially those who are labor leaders past and present. Our labor is one of the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal to fight this oligarchy!
In solidarity and with hope for tomorrow,
Jeanna Harris, President