STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB APRIL 23 MEETING - FEATURING ELENA POPP
Get Your STONEY AWARDS Tickets - APRIL 28 AT UNION STATION
& Special Thank You to Our Sponsors
Stonewall Democratic Club will be having its largest fundraiser of the year the Stoney Awards on April 28, 2018, at the Traxx Restaurant & Courtyard in Union Station.
We are pleased to be honoring a slate of accomplished women at our 42nd Annual awards event in celebration of the Year of the Woman and an anticipation of substantial victories by progressive Democratic women in California and nationwide.
Get your tickets here. RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends!
This year's esteemed honorees include:
Hon. Karen Bass - Public Official of the Year
Hon. Laura Friedman - Elected Official of the Year
Women's March Los Angeles Foundation - Organization of the Year
Alana Roshay - Stonewall member of the Year
Sponsors
Advocates of the Club ($1,250):
Hon. Sheila Kuehl
National Union of Health Care Workers (NUHW)
Alana Roshay
Jane & Keith Wishon
Friends of the Club ($500):
Lester Aponte
Brian Pendleton
Faring Capital
Hon. Richard Bloom
Hon. Ron Galperin
John Gile
Joe Guardarrama
Hon. John Heilman
Hon. Sydney Kamlager
Hon. Paul Koretz
Hom. Monica Rodriguez
Wendy Maccoun
Hon. Holly Mitchell
Hon. David Ryu
Stephen David Simon
Garry S. Shay and Burt B. Belant
United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)
Rick Zbur
Media Partner:
The Hollywood Times
Please show your support for Stonewall and our fantastic honorees by buying tickets, hosting, or sponsoring this important event!
Stonewall March Membership & Endorsments Meeting with Special Guests Gubernatorial Candidate Amanda Renteria and Chloe Hollett-Billingsley
The Stonewall Democratic Cub will be holding a general membership and endorsements meeting next Monday, March 26, 2018, at 7:00 PM (credentialing starts at 6:30 pm) at a different location:
SEIU Local 721 Auditorium
Stonewall is honored to be featuring special guest speaker Chloe Hollett-Billingsley and also gubernatorial candidate Amanda Renteria.
RSVP for the Meeting on Facebook
Stonewall will also be considering endorsement in the following races: California Board of Equalization, Seat 3; SD22; SD24; SD32; AD38; AD52; AD55; AD58; and AD62. We will also consider endorsement in other races to be determined by the Political Vice President.
Credentialing will start at 6:30 PM, and come early to socialize and enjoy refreshments. All are welcome to the meeting. Only current members will be allowed to participate in debate and only members who are current and have been active members for 8 weeks will be eligible to vote.
Stonewall Spotlight Podcast Episode 2 - Women Lead the Way
Stonewall Presents Episode 2 of its podcast Stonewall Spotlight!
Stream the episode live on Facebook at 9:00 AM today or download from itunes!
Women are at the forefront of the progressive resurgence and the resistance movement. Marcus Lovingood interviews Los Angeles Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and Stonewall's endorsed candidate in the April 3 Assembly District 39 election Luz Rivas.
In celebration of Women's History Month, Mackenzie Hussman discusses the achievements of Mathilde Krim, a trailblazing HIV/AIDs researcher and advocate. Finally, Marcus Lovingood discusses the CDP Convention and progressive activism with Stonewall's own Craig Scott.
Stonewall Salutes Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins
March 21, 2018
The Stonewall Democratic Club celebrates Senator Toni Atkins’ ascension to the post of Senate President pro Tempore of the California Senate. When she is sworn in today, Sen. Atkins (SD39) will achieve two remarkable firsts: she will become the first woman, and the first openly LGBTQ legislator to lead the Senate.
Raised in Wythe County, Virginia, Sen. Atkins began her political career as a council staffer in San Diego. In short order, she was elected to the City Council, and served as interim Mayor before her election to the Assembly in 2010; she was the third woman and first Lesbian to serve as Assembly Speaker from 2014-16.
An astute coalition builder, Atkins enjoys broad support from constituents and colleagues. She has also led on key LGBTQ legislative victories, including Senate Bill 179 (Gender Recognition Act of 2017), SB 310 (Name and Dignity Act), AB 1577 (Respect After Death Act), and AB 1211 (Transgender Name Changes, Birth and Death Certificates).
Stonewall President Lester Aponte said: “We are exceedingly proud that a Lesbian woman will be leading the Senate in California, and of Senator Atkins’ many accomplishments.” Stonewall is confident that Sen. Atkins will continue her successful trailblazing for the LGBTQ community, for women, and for all of California. We wish her well.
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Mail in Your Votes for Stonewall Endorsees in April 3 Special Elections!
Vote-by-mail ballots have already been sent out so be sure to complete your ballots and mail them in for our exceptional slate of Stonewall-endorsed candidates— Luz Rivas in AD39, Tricia Robbins Kasson in AD45, and Sydney Kamlager in AD54.
(Top Left) Luz Rivas, Stonewall's endorsed candidate in AD39; (Top Right) Tricia Robbins-Kasson, Stonewall's endorsed candidate in AD45; (Bottom) LACCD President Sydney Kamlager, Stonewall's endorsed candidate in AD54.
STONEY AWARDS - APRIL 28 AT UNION STATION
Stonewall Democratic Club will be having its largest fundraiser of the year the Stoney Awards on April 28, 2018, at the Traxx Restaurant & Courtyard in Union Station.
We are pleased to be honoring a slate of accomplished women at our 42nd Annual awards event in celebration of the Year of the Woman and an anticipation of substantial victories by progressive Democratic women in California and nationwide.
Get your tickets here. RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends!
This year's esteemed honorees include:
Hon. Karen Bass - Public Official of the Year
Hon. Laura Friedman - Elected Official of the Year
Women's March Los Angeles Foundation - Organization of the Year
Alana Roshay - Stonewall member of the Year
Please show your support for Stonewall and our fantastic honorees by buying tickets, hosting, or sponsoring this important event!
Stonewall Spotlight Now Available on iTunes
Stonewall's acclaimed debut episode of its podcast Stonewall Spotlight, hosted by the fabulous Mackenzie Hussman and Marcus Lovingood and featuring State Sen. Ricardo Lara, Stonewall's endorsed candidate for Insurance Commissioner and a segment on gay Civil Rights hero Bayard Rustin is now available on iTunes!
Download Stonewall's first episode, share it with your friends and stay tuned for our next podcast coming out later this month!
Stonewall Endorses in Special Elections, Municipal Contests, and More...
The Stonewall Democratic Club is excited to announce endorsement of additional candidates for state assembly and local offices! In a trio of local State Assembly Special Elections on April 3, Stonewall has endorsed three experienced, qualified, and inspiring women— Luz Rivas in AD39, Tricia Robbins Kasson in AD45, and Sydney Kamlager in AD54.
Stonewall is also proud to endorse two openly gay candidates for municipal offices. We strongly support Mayor Robert Garcia, who is running for reelection in Long Beach, Southern California's third largest city, and Ahmad Zahra, who is running for a seat on the Fullerton City Council.
Below are some of the key endorsements from our February 26 meeting. See our full list of endorsements here.
April 3, 2018 - State Assembly Special Elections
Assembly District 39 - Luz Rivas
Assembly District 45 - Tricia Robbins Kasson
Assembly District 54 - Sydney Kamlager
April 10, 2018 - Municipal Elections
Culver City City Council - Alex Fisch
Long Beach Mayor - Robert Garcia
Long Beach Community College Board Area 1 - Sunny Zia
Long Beach Community College Board Area 3 - Uduak-Joe Ntuk
November 8, 2018 - Municipal Elections
Fullerton City Council District 5 - Ahmad Zahra
Check out Stonewall's full list of 2018 endorsed candidates here!
If you are a candidate in a race in which Stonewall has not already taken up an endorsement that wishes to be considered for endorsement or if you would like a new race to be considered, please review Stonewall's endorsement procedures and complete the endorsement application form.
Introducing Stonewall Spotlight--our New Monthly Podcast
Tune in Live to the premiere episode of Stonewall Spotlight, a podcast brought to you every month by the Stonewall Democratic Club!
On this episode, we interview Senator Ricardo Lara, our show writer Lauren Buisson gives us an intriguing look into the life of Bayard Rustin and more as we bring you your monthly #resistancereport! Our inaugural episode also features the voices of Stonewall Board Members Alana Roshay, our Legislative Vice Chair and Sam Frank, our Recording Secretary.
Listen to our first episode--here!
The Podcast is hosted and produced by Marcus Lovingood and Mackenzie Hussman. Writing, editing, and contributing to the Spotlight Team are Lauren Buisson, Sean Kolodji, and Alex Paris.
Stonewall Membership & Endorsement Meeting - 2/26/18 7pm
The Stonewall Democratic Cub will be holding a general membership meeting next Monday, February 26, 2018, at 7:00 PM in West Hollywood Library's Community Meeting Room (2nd Floor).
Credentialing will start at 6:30 PM, and come early to socialize and enjoy refreshments. All are welcome to the meeting. Only current members will be allowed to participate in debate and only members who are current and have been active members for 8 weeks will be eligible to vote.
We will be considering endorsements for the following races: AD39, AD45, and AD54 April 3 Special Elections; city council in Culver City and Fullerton; various legislative incumbents. Stonewall may consider additional races brought forth by the Political team and/or by membership at the meeting.
Marilyn Grunwald To Speak on Disability Civil Rights
Longtime Stonewall member and Democratic Party leader Marilyn Grunwald will be a featured speaker at our meeting. Grunwald has served as Chair of the CDP Disability Caucus, as Los Angeles City Commissioner, and on the Board of Stonewall Democratic Club as well as the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley.
Stonewall Democrats at the California Democratic Party Convention
Stonewall Democrats were out in force at the California Democratic Party Convention in San Diego and we are so proud of all of our members who are delegates to the convention and leaders of the Democratic Party, including Party Chair Eric Bauman and Rules Committee Chair Garry Shay.
We also want to recognize the hard work of longtime Stonewall members Rick Watts and A. Lee Walkup, who have been organizing efforts at every convention since 2011 to collect toiletries from convention delegates that they provide to the homeless. Rick and Lee's passionate organizing and activism have made a tremendous difference for the less fortunate in our community.
Rep. Mark Takano, California's only openly LGBTQ member of Congress, supporting Stonewall Member Rick Watts in his efforts to collect toiletries for the homeless.
Stonewall Hosts Ice Cream Social Honoring Dave Jones
Stonewall Hosted an Ice Cream Social with Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, our endorsed candidate for California Attorney General at the California Democratic Party Convention on Friday Feb. 23, 2018. The event was a tremendous success and we are proud that Dave Jones received majority support from convention delegates.
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, Stonewall's endorsee for Attorney General with Stonewall President Lester Aponte and Comm. Outreach Chair Barb Steelman
Annual Stoney Awards on April 28, 2018!
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WE ARE STONEWALL. WE WILL RESIST Sponsorship opportunities are available. |
Stonewall Members Participate in Successful Vagina Monologue Performances!
The Stonewall Democratic Club was a proud sponsor of a performance of the Vagina Monologues on February 17 and 18 in the West Hollywood City Council Chambers with the proceeds of the performance benefiting Planned Parenthood.
The show featured many Stonewall voices, including many Stonewall leaders including former Stonewall President Ivy Bottini, Stonewall Community VP Amanda Smash Hyde, Stonewall Legislative Chair John Erickson, Stonewall Legislative Vice Chair Alana Roshay. Also featured were Stonewall members West Hollywood Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath, former Councilwoman Abbe Land, and Karen Eyres.
The performance was a fantastic success and Stonewall recruited new members and supporters by tabling at the event. Many thanks to Membership Outreach Chair Carla Roma and Communuity Outreach Chair Barb Steelman for organizing Stonewall's presence at the event.
Meanwhile, this wasn't the only Vagina Monologues show to feature a Stonewall member. Stonewall's Ashlee Marie Preston also appeared in a Vagina Monologues show at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica.
Stonewall Democratic Club Endorsements - Jan. 22, 2018
In January, Stonewall endorsed Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones for Attorney General and Assemblyman Tony Thurmond for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Dave Jones has been a progressive champion as Insurance Commissioner, ably regulating the insurance industry and fighting for California Consumers. Dave has always been committed to grassroots progressive activism and the LGBTQ community and joined Stonewall not only at our January meeting, but, also, in marching in the 2017 Pride Parade and #Resist March.
Stonewall also endorsed Assemblyman Tony Thurmond, a progressive champion in the State Assembly who is the best candidate to fight for students and to protect and improve our public schools. Stonewall had previously endorsed Secretary of State Alex Padilla, Controller Betty Yee, and Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma for Treasurer. Stonewall did not endorse in the races for Senate, Governor, or Lieutenant Governor.
Supplementing our previous endorsements in Congressional races of Southern California's champion Democratic Congressional delegation, Stonewall weighed in on key swing congressional districts. We endorsed San Antonio College Trustee Jay Chen in the 39th Congressional District, and Katie Hill in the 25th Congressional District. Jay Chen, who attended the endorsement meeting, won over the Stonewall members with his breath of experience and his advocacy for the LGBTQ community, including his vocal stance against Proposition 8 in 2008. Katie Hill, who marched with Stonewall in the 2017 LA Pride #Resist march, is exactly the fresh voice and perspective that we need in Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of Californians and to protect the rights of women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ community that have come under attack.
We are so proud of the tremendous talents that Political Vice President Jane Wishon, Endorsements Chair Adam Kroll, and Endorsements Vice Chair Eddie Sun in guiding this process. We are thankful to all of the Stonewall members who have participated in the endorsement interview panels and to those who came to the endorsement meeting to debate and vote.
We hope to see you at our next endorsement meeting February 26, 2018, at 6:30 PM in the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room!
Stonewall Democratic Club Gubernatorial Forum
Stonewall is a proud sponsor, along with other local Democratic Clubs, of a town hall with Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
The event will be held at Plaza de La Raza in Lincoln Heights. The town hall will begin at 2pm and will be preceded by a mixer with Democratic Club members.
Don't miss it!
Stonewall Democratic Club Holiday Party
Stonewall Endorsements – Nov. 27 Meeting
Among the first endorsements for 2018 were key LGBT candidates and elected officials. Stonewall endorsed the election of State Senator Ricardo Lara, a key leader in the legislature on immigration and healthcare, for Insurance Commissioner. Lara would be the first openly LGBTQ individual elected to statewide office.
Stonewall also endorsed County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, a longtime and active Stonewall member and supporter, in his reelection bid. Prang, who was at the meeting to thank Stonewall for its support, is an out gay man and former Mayor of West Hollywood, has worked to promote LGBT representation in local offices throughout the county. Stonewall also lent its support to County Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Hilda Solis. Kuehl, the first openly gay legislator in California, was recently selected as Chair of Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors.
Treasurer candidate and current Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma, Controller Betty Yee, and Secretary of State Alex Padilla were the other statewide candidates to receive Stonewall’s support at its November meeting. Stonewall also backed our incumbent Congressional delegation who are fighting so vigorously to block the Republican agenda in Congress and to help Democrats win back the House.
The initial batch of 2018 endorsements from the Stonewall Democratic Club. Over our next several meetings, we will be taking up additional endorsements.
Become a part of the process by applying to join a Stonewall Democratic Club Endorsement Committee!
2018 Stonewall Endorsements
California Statewide Offices
Secretary of State - Alex Padilla*
Treasurer - Fiona Ma
Controller - Betty Yee*
Insurance Commissioner - Ricardo Lara
Federal Offices
U.S. House CA-27 Judy Chu*
U.S. House CA-28 Adam Schiff*
U.S. House CA-29 Tony Cardenas*
U.S. House CA-30 Brad Sherman*
U.S. House CA-32 Grace Napolitano*
U.S. House CA-33 Ted Lieu*
U.S. House CA-34 Jimmy Gomez*
U.S. House CA-35 Norma Torres*
U.S. House CA-37 Karen Bass*
U.S. House CA-38 Linda Sánchez*
U.S. House CA-40 Lucille Roybal-Allard*
U.S. House CA-41 Mark Takano*
U.S. House CA-43 Maxine Waters*
U.S. House CA-44 Nanette Barragán*
U.S. House CA-47 Alan Lowenthal*
Los Angeles County Offices
County Assessor Jeffrey Prang*
County Supervisor, 1st District Hilda Solis*
Los Angeles County Supervisor, 3rd District Sheila Kuehl*
*Denotes Incumbents
STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF PAMELA LOPEZ
December 8, 2017
Stonewall Democratic Club applauds Ms. Lopez’s courage in naming the assemblyman who assaulted her, Matt Dababneh (D AD45).
New allegations of sexual misconduct by powerful men are being exposed at a dizzying pace. More than 150 women have testified publically that the California legislature is too hostile and toxic an environment for women to work safely. Alleged perpetrators are free to continue abusing women as victims are bullied into silence lest they risk their careers. It is in this light that the heroism of Pamela Lopez is all the more remarkable. Ms. Lopez recounted in horrifying detail the assault she endured, and the threats she says that Dababneh, chairman of the Assembly's Banking and Finance Committee, made to compel her silence. While Dababneh has denied the allegations we find Ms. Lopez’s account extraordinarily credible. She was joined at the press conference by Jessica Yas Barker, President of the San Fernando Young Democrats and a former coworker of Dababneh ‘s who quit her job because of his misogynistic behavior.
In the wake of these allegations, Stonewall’s Steering Committee called for Dababneh’s resignation. On Friday, Dababneh announced that he would resign. Stonewall repeats its call for Senator Tony Mendoza, who is also alleged to have acted inappropriately towards women, to join his assembly colleagues Bocanegra and Dababneh in submitting his own immediate resignation.
Stonewall Democrats call on the leaders of both parties to act promptly to purge predators from their ranks and to end a pernicious culture of silence that shames victims and shields influential men.
Stonewall Democratic Club Denounces Sexual Misconduct By California Legislators
November 21, 2017
Inspired by each other, women across the country have bravely come forward to tell their stories, building the powerful #MeToo movement. Victims have spoken out against misconduct by powerful men in entertainment, journalism, business, and politics. Women in California politics are also making their voices heard. Staffers, lobbyists, and politicians working in Sacramento have reported a pervasive environment of sexual harassment and misconduct towards women and a systemic culture of silence that stymies public disclosure.
Two prominent Democratic state legislators are, rightly, undergoing public scrutiny for their alleged behavior: Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Los Angeles) and Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). We will not be silent. Stonewall Democratic Club stands with the women who have come forward. The credible claims against these legislators cast serious doubt about their fitness to continue with the duties entrusted to them. Stonewall calls on Bocanegra and Mendoza to immediately resign from elected office.
While a staffer, Bocanegra was disciplined secretly for sexual misconduct, a fact that was withheld from constituents of the 39th Assembly district. In anticipation of new allegations reported in the Los Angeles Times, he released a written statement on Nov. 20, indicating that he will not seek reelection and that he intends to resign, effective September 1, 2018. This half-step does not suffice. Mr. Bocanegra needs to vacate his seat immediately. A man engaging in such conduct should not continue to receive a paycheck and roam the halls of the capitol.
The accusations against Mendoza are also numerous and disturbing. In addition to sexual misconduct there are at least three claims of retaliation against staffers who attempted to bring his behavior to the attention of higher-ups. An external firm has been hired to investigate the charges and steps were taken to remove Mendoza from key committees. Procedural measures will do little to restore confidence in his ability to function credibly under these circumstances. Mendoza’s constituents deserve better, as does the California Democratic Party.
Representing the people of California is a privilege, not a right. Those who use the authority entrusted to them as a license to abuse, harass, or engage in sexual misconduct are unfit to hold public office.
Queer Loteria Night: A Queer Humanitarian Aid Fundraiser – Nov. 28
On Giving Tuesday, Stonewall encourages you to show your holiday spirit by helping to support the LGBTQ communities recovering from natural disasters in Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Join Stonewall Democratic Club and on November 28, 2017 at RedLine in Downtown Los Angeles for a fundraiser in support of LGBTQ people and people living with HIV/AIDS in Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Millions of people still lack access to water, food, and medicine in the aftermath of the devastating Mexico earthquake and disastrous hurricane that made landfall in Puerto Rico. This holiday season, support our efforts to provide humanitarian relief at a special Queer Loteria Night fundraiser.
This event is co-sponsored by our partners at Latino Equality Alliance (LEA). Please consider making a tax-deductible donation in support of these efforts online.
Stonewall Democratic Club Denounces Sexual Misconduct By California Legislators
November 21, 2017
Inspired by each other, women across the country have bravely come forward to tell their stories, building the powerful #MeToo movement. Victims have spoken out against misconduct by powerful men in entertainment, journalism, business, and politics. Women in California politics are also making their voices heard. Staffers, lobbyists, and politicians working in Sacramento have reported a pervasive environment of sexual harassment and misconduct towards women and a systemic culture of silence that stymies public disclosure.
Two prominent Democratic state legislators are, rightly, undergoing public scrutiny for their alleged behavior: Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Los Angeles) and Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). We will not be silent. Stonewall Democratic Club stands with the women who have come forward. The credible claims against these legislators cast serious doubt about their fitness to continue with the duties entrusted to them. Stonewall calls on Bocanegra and Mendoza to immediately resign from elected office.
While a staffer, Bocanegra was disciplined secretly for sexual misconduct, a fact that was withheld from constituents of the 39th Assembly district. In anticipation of new allegations reported in the Los Angeles Times, he released a written statement on Nov. 20, indicating that he will not seek reelection and that he intends to resign, effective September 1, 2018. This half-step does not suffice. Mr. Bocanegra needs to vacate his seat immediately. A man engaging in such conduct should not continue to receive a paycheck and roam the halls of the capitol.
The accusations against Mendoza are also numerous and disturbing. In addition to sexual misconduct there are at least three claims of retaliation against staffers who attempted to bring his behavior to the attention of higher-ups. An external firm has been hired to investigate the charges and steps were taken to remove Mendoza from key committees. Procedural measures will do little to restore confidence in his ability to function credibly under these circumstances. Mendoza’s constituents deserve better, as does the California Democratic Party.
Representing the people of California is a privilege, not a right. Those who use the authority entrusted to them as a license to abuse, harass, or engage in sexual misconduct are unfit to hold public office.
STONEWALL CELEBRATES VICTORIES OF ENDORSED CANDIDATES, NATIONWIDE DEMOCRATIC SUCCESSES
November 8, 2017
Stonewall Democratic Club celebrates the successes of its endorsed candidates, Lisa Middleton, and Florencio Briones, in the November 7 elections, as well as historic victories by Democrats nationwide.
Lisa Middleton was elected to the Palm Springs City Council, becoming the first and only out transgender person elected to municipal office in California. Middleton has committed to fight homelessness and to expand the use of renewable energy.
Stonewall member Florencio Briones was elected to the El Monte Unified School District Governing Board. Briones, who received Stonewall’s endorsement, thanked Stonewall for its support and said: “It’s a wonderful feeling, knowing I will represent my community as the first openly gay man on the board of trustees. I look forward to serving my community with honesty and integrity.”
Democrats won sweeping victories in Virginia, New Jersey, and municipal offices coast-to-coast in yesterday’s elections, defeating Republicans who relied on racist and anti-LGBT appeals. Stonewall President Lester Aponte said: "Yesterday, we saw what happens when we Democrats pull together and get voters out to the polls. We have a lot of work to do in the next year to turn America back to a progressive path."
The elections were also marked by historic achievements by transgender Democrats. Joining Middleton as a newly elected councilmember is Andrea Jenkins, an out black transgender woman, who was elected in Minneapolis. Danica Roem was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, becoming the nation’s only out transgender state legislator.
Democrats were led to victory by a slate of diverse candidates. Women picked up a majority of the state legislative seats that had been held by Republicans. In Seattle Jenny Durkan, an out Lesbian, was elected mayor. Latinx, Asian-American, and African-American Democrats were also at the forefront of Tuesday’s Democratic successes.
Voters across the nation have sent a message loud and clear: Republicans do not speak for us. America is a diverse country and we deserve diverse leadership. We look forward to Democratic victories in 2018 and 2020 and to the election of even more women, people of color, and LGBTQ progressives in the years to come.
Stonewall October Meeting Wrap-Up
Thank you to those who joined us for Stonewall Democratic Club’s October General Membership Meeting on Monday, including our guest speakers Gubernatorial Candidate and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Senate candidate Pat Harris; and our featured speaker Shane Murphy Goldsmith, President and CEO of the Liberty Hill Foundation.
Stonewall announced that its annual holiday party will be held on Dec. 16 at the home of CDP Chair Eric Bauman and his husband Michael Andraychak in North Hollywood. Additionally, the political team outlined an ambitious schedule of political action events on behalf of Stonewall’s endorsed candidates, including Assembly District 51 candidate Luis López, El Monte Unified High School District candidateFlorencio Briones, and Palm Springs City Council candidate Lisa Middleton.
Feature Program: Shane Murphy Goldsmith on Increasing LGBTQ Representation on Commissions
Monday’s feature program speaker was Shane Murphy Goldsmith, President and CEO of Liberty Hill Foundation, an organization that advocates for economic, environmental, racial, and LGBTQ justice.
Goldsmith spoke about the importance of increasing LGBTQ and underrepresented community leadership on state and local boards and commissions. “For us, it’s really about making sure that the communities that we care about are at the table for the decisions that affect them. And I really think that that is the best and highest purpose of a commission—to create that transparency and community engagement so that government isn’t just operating in a vacuum.”
She talked about Liberty Hill’s Commission Training Program and provided sage advice about how to secure commission appointments and about what it takes to be effective on commissions. She also shared some of her personal experience as a member of the Los Angeles Police Commission.
Goldsmith noted that while being on a commission should not be seen mainly as a career stepping stone, it is an opportunity to learn and build relationships. “One of the best things that I’ve learned about being on a commission is how to move an agenda in the context of government.”
Statewide Candidates: Gubernatorial Candidate & former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa & Senate Candidate Pat Harris
“I’m running for governor because I think the next governor needs to focus on an economy that has left too many people behind,” said former Mayor of Los AngelesAntonio Villaraigosa to the assembled Stonewall members. “I think the next governor is going to have to focus on training and educating our young people for the jobs of the 21st century.”
He touted his accomplishments in the state assembly, where he had served as Speaker. He touted his accomplishments for the LGBT community, including legislation that increased access to HIV drugs, prohibited discrimination in employment and housing, and fighting Proposition 22. He also noted that his first Democratic club endorsement, when he first ran for assembly in 1994, was from the Stonewall Democratic Club.
As President of the Conference of Mayors, he said he “led the fight for marriage equality” and as Chairman of the 2012 convention, he pushed for a platform change on marriage equality. He also answered questions from members about increasing affordable housing and how to implement universal health care.
Our second special guest was civil rights attorney Pat Harris, a candidate for U.S. Senate. He spoke about his work challenging the Catholic Church on sex abuse by priests and representing Susan McDougal, who had been targeted by Special Counsel Kenneth Starr in the 1990s.
He contrasted himself with incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein, suggesting that they had a different approach to politics. “We have to have people who are willing to stand up. It’s time for people who are willing to say no. Let’s fight.” He called for campaign finance reform, bold advocacy for single-payer healthcare, prison reform, and cutting the defense department budget.
Save these Dates!
November Meeting – Nov. 27, 6:30 pm
We look forward to seeing everyone again at our meeting next month at West Hollywood Park Auditorium (note the location change) on Mon., Nov. 27. Stonewall will have another exciting program and intends to start taking up early endorsements for the 2018 elections at that meeting.
Holiday Party – Dec. 16
Stonewall’s annual holiday party will be held on December 16 at the home of California Democratic Party Chair Eric Bauman and his husband Michael Andraychak in North Hollywood. This is a great opportunity to get to know Stonewall members and local elected officials and to show your support for Stonewall. Sponsorships are available!
Represent Stonewall in CDP Endorsement Caucuses! Apply Now!
As a member of Stonewall, you have a unique opportunity to get involved with the California Democratic Party at the grassroots level by acting as a Stonewall Democratic Club Representatives to the 2017-2018 CDP Pre-Endorsing Caucus in your assembly district.
Stonewall will be allocated one or more representatives at the 2017-2018 Pre-Endorsement Caucuses in Assembly Districts 43, 46, 50, 51, and 54—and we need members to step forward to make sure that Stonewall’s voice is heard in this important process. If you are interested, sign up here! You must submit the form by Oct. 27 at 5pm to be considered.
So how do you represent Stonewall at pre-endorsement caucuses in Districts 43, 46, 50, 51, or 54?
- You must be registered to vote and reside in Assembly Districts 43, 46, 50, 51, or 54.
- You must have been a member of Stonewall and registered to vote as a Democrat as of July 1st at an address in the district to which you are applying to be a representative.
- You must not already be a delegate to the California Democratic Convention
- You must complete the form found here and submit it on or before October 27 at 5pm
- You must commit to support and vote for Stonewall’s endorsed candidate(s) at the pre-endorsement caucuses.
- For more information, please refer to Stonewall’s by-laws, the relevant sections of which are excerpted below.
Every two years the California Democratic Party endorses candidates at all levels of government. In order to include Democrats at the grassroots level in the process, the Party asks Democratic Clubs to nominate members to participate on behalf of the club members at Pre-Endorsing Conferences in each Assembly District where the club meets a certain membership threshold.
Our representation depends on how many dues-paying members we have in each Assembly District (one representative to the Conferences for every 20 dues-paying members in that Assembly District). We are glad to have representatives in three assembly districts this year and are hopeful that by continuing to grow our membership we will continue to grow the voice of Stonewall and the LGBTQ and feminist communities within the Democratic Party. If you are not currently a member, be sure to renew your membership now.
Thank you for supporting Stonewall and we hope that you will seize this opportunity to be more involved with the local party!
Relevant Section of the Stonewall Democratic Club By-laws
Selection of Representatives to California Democratic Party (CDP) Pre-Endorsing Conferences:
1. Club representatives shall be allocated as follows: one representative, resident in the Assembly District and duly registered as a member of the Democratic Party of California, for each full (not a fraction thereof) 20 members in good standing registered to vote in the Assembly District who were listed on the roster submitted to Los Angeles County Democratic Party and to the appropriate Regional Director of the CDP no later than July 1 of the year immediately prior to the endorsing process.
2. For purposes of this Section: a. Only members in good standing as of the July 1 deadline shall be included on the roster; b. “Member in Good Standing” shall mean a member who’s dues are current, or have been waived due to economic hardship; c. The status of such members shall be certified by the Club’s President, Secretary, or Treasurer; and, d. The Club’s representatives to any particular pre-endorsing conference be from the roster described above and that the overall list of representatives to all conferences be equally apportioned between men and women, to the extent possible.
3. Said representatives shall be selected by majority vote of a Selection Committee comprised of the President, Operations Vice-President, Political Vice-President, Community Vice-President, and Communications Vice-President, a quorum being present. The Selection Committee shall not select one of its own members unless it first determines that no other viable option is available. If such a determination is made, they shall inform the membership of their decision, and the reasons therefor, at the next General Membership meeting.
4. …This Club shall inform its membership, of the process for selection as a Representative to the California Democratic Party (CDP) Pre-Endorsing Conferences, via both WEB Posting on its site and email to those members who have provided email addresses for notice purposes.
5. In order for a member’s name to be submitted as one of This Club’s representatives to California Democratic Party (CDP) Pre-Endorsing Conferences, the member must submit a signed written declaration of intent to the Selection Committee declaring their intent to support This Club’s endorsed candidates at the Pre-Endorsing Conferences by voting for them thereat.
STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 09/25/17 - WITH GUEST SPEAKER VITALY
Stonewall's General Membership Meeting is next Monday 09/25 at 6:30 PM in West Hollywood Library's Community Room at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood CA 90048.
Stonewall will be holding an endorsement vote for the next LACDP Chair and, potentially, other upcoming elections. We will also be having a special program featuring LAUSD educator and student advocate Vitaly!
Our guest speaker Vitaly will be discussing how schools can become safer spaces for LGBTQ students, teachers, and staff. We invite you to come to our meeting to be a part of this critical discussion on education policy and the challenges facing LGBTQ youth.
STATEMENT BY STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB ON THE SUSPENSION OF DACA
The Stonewall Democratic Club condemns the Trump Administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. Since its inception in 2012, DACA has allowed hundreds of thousands of young people who have grown up in America to continue to contribute to the only nation they have ever known.
Stonewall President, Lester Aponte, said: “In the never-ending parade of horrors that has marked Mr. Trump’s tenure in the White House this is one of the most heinous and harmful acts yet. The Dreamers are an integral part of American society. They are our neighbors, our classmates, our co-workers and, for many, our family. There are, of course, many Dreamers who are also LGBTQ. But their plight matters to us, not just for that reason, but because we are all Americans and the cruelty that is being visited upon them affects all of us.”
We call upon Congress to immediately enact legislation protecting the Dreamers from deportation or and allowing them to continue working and/or studying in the US. And we urge all Americans to lend them a helping hand.
The Immigration Legal Resource Center has issued the following Community Advisory for current beneficiaries of the DACA program:https://www.ilrc.org/…/def…/files/resources/if_daca_ends.pdf
Additional resources are available through immigrant rights organizations throughout the country.
El Club Democrático Stonewall condena la decisión de la Administración Trump de poner fin al Programa de Acciones Diferidas por Llegadas de la Niñez (DACA). Desde su creación en 2012, DACA ha permitido a cientos de miles de jóvenes, que han vivido en los Estados Unidos todas sus vida vivir y trabajar y contribuir abiertamente a la única nación que han conocido.
El presidente de Stonewall, Lester Aponte, dijo: "En el interminable desfile de horrores que ha marcado el mandato de Trump en la Casa Blanca, éste es uno de los actos más atroces y dañinos. Los Soñadores son una parte integral de la sociedad Americana. Son nuestros vecinos, nuestros compañeros de clase, nuestros compañeros de trabajo y, para muchos, nuestra familia. Hay, por supuesto, muchos Soñadores que también son LGBTQ. Pero su situación es importante para nosotros, no sólo por esa razón, sino porque todos somos Estadounidenses y la crueldad con la que se le ha tratado a ellos nos afecta a todos."
Hacemos un llamamiento al Congreso para que promulgue inmediatamente legislación que proteja a los Soñadores de la deportación y que les permita continuar trabajando y / o estudiando en los Estados Unidos. E instamos a todos los Estadounidenses a que les presten ayuda.
El Centro de Recursos Legales de Inmigración ha emitido la siguiente Consulta Comunitaria para los beneficiarios actuales del programa DACA: https://www.ilrc.org/…/def…/files/resources/if_daca_ends.pdf
Recursos adicionales están disponibles a través de organizaciones de derechos de los inmigrantes en todo el país.
Stonewall Membership Meeting with Special Guest Speaker Michaela Mendelsohn and AD51 Endorsement Vote
Monday August 28, 2017, 6:30 PM
New Meeting Location: West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room
625 N. San Vicente Blvd., 2nd Floor
West Hollywood CA 90069
STONEWALL DECRIES TRUMP’S BAN ON TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS
August 28, 2017
On Friday Aug. 25, Donald Trump released a memo, directing the U.S. military to ban recruitment of transgender individuals. He also ordered discrimination against existing transgender service members by prohibiting the military from spending money on medical care associated with transition and giving the Secretary of Defense wide latitude to limit the roles in which transgender individuals may serve, leaving the door open to an outright ban.
This order is a follow-up on July tweet in which Trump announced his intention to bar transgender individuals from military service. Although the order is made to appear less draconian than Trump’s original tweet, it’s intent and effect are the same--to drive capable transgender service members out of the United States military.
Trump’s directive is unconstitutional and harms our military. It is disruptive to the lives of transgender active duty service members and to the units in which they serve. The military is weakened when its doors are closed to heroic transgender individuals who desire to serve their country in the armed forces. As per usual, this action by Trump is bigotry, plain and simple.
Stonewall President Lester F. Aponte said, "This administration's cruelty knows no bounds. There is no justification to ban patriotic Americans who are qualified to serve our nation from doing so. Mr. Trump chooses to curry favor with the extreme right without any regard for the incalculable harm it will cause to thousands of Americans and their families."
“We're banned from bathrooms, we’re banned from professional spaces, and now we're being banned from the military,” said Ashlee Marie Preston, Stonewall Transgender Affairs Chair.
Treating transgender service members differently than their cisgender peers is an unconstitutional violation of their rights as citizens to equal protection and due process. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) have filed a lawsuit to stop Trump’s order from going into effect. They represent five accomplished service members with nearly 60 years of combined military service whose ability to serve this country has been undermined by Trump’s order.
“This is a senseless and unprecedented attack on dedicated service members who have played by the rules,” said Shannon Minter, NCLR Legal Director. “Trump’s ban is about politics, not military policy, and it will make our country less secure.”
Stonewall strongly supports legal challenges to this order by transgender service members, including the lawsuit spearheaded by NCLR and GLAD.
Our military leaders support equal treatment of transgender service members. “I led our armed forces under the flawed ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ policy and saw firsthand the harm to readiness and morale when we fail to treat all service members according to the same standards,” said former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen. “Thousands of transgender Americans are currently serving in uniform and there is no reason to single out these brave men and women and deny them the medical care that they require.”
While Trump’s directive shortchanges transgender service members, transgender individuals are making a disproportionate contribution to military service. According to a 2014 study by the UCLA Williams Institute, transgender people are nearly twice as likely to serve in the military as their cisgender counterparts. Trump’s ban on recruitment of transgender individuals will prevent the military from accessing a valuable pool of dedicated volunteers.
Lt. Taylor Miller is one of the first openly transitioning members of the Coast Guard. Coast Guard Commandant Paul Zukunft voiced support for his transgender officers: "I told Taylor I will not turn my back… We have made an investment in you and you have made an investment in the Coast Guard, and I will not break faith."
A new study by the PALM Center, co-authored by Professors at the Naval Postgraduate School, estimates that discharging transgender troops would blow a $960 million hole in the military budget. Transitional health coverage for transgender service members, meanwhile, is a miniscule drop in the $600 billion military budget.A RAND Study finds that transgender military care costs as little as $2.4 million to $8.4 million and that inclusion of transgender service members in units actually improved military effectiveness.
Trump did not act out of concern for the military. The impetus was purely political. Firebrand anti-LGBTQ House conservatives, who were unable to muster sufficient support in the House for the discriminatory policy, pressured Trump to make the decision as an executive order.
In making this order, Trump willingly sacrifices the wellbeing of service members and the nation to gain political support from the far right. Stonewall calls upon Congress to take bipartisan and immediate action to protect the rights of transgender service members and to block Trump’s politicized meddling into military personnel matters.
Thank you to Everyone who Made Our Summer BBQ a Smashing Success!
We were proud to honor State Senator Scott Wiener and are extremely thankful to our generous hosts, the family of Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer.
Food for the event was generously provided by Paul DuMont.
Thank you to our Generous BBQ Sponsors for Making the Event Possible!
Gold Sponsors: Paul DuMont, LA City Controller Ron Galperin, and West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman; and National Union of Health Care Workers.
Silver Sponsors: LA City Attorney Mike Feuer, LA City Councilmember David Ryu, and State Senator Anthony Portantino.
Stonewaller Sponsors: Assemblymember Richard Bloom; CA25 Congressional Candidate Bryan Caforio; Paul DuMont; LACCD Board Member and Assembly District 51 candidate Mike Fong, U.S. Senate Candidate Pat Harris, West Hollywood City Council Member Lindsey Horvath; CA39 Congressional Candidate Andy Thorburn; former School Board Member and Assembly District 51 Candidate David Vela; Stonewall VP of Operations Steve Bott; Stonewall Political VP Jane Wishon; and Stonewall President Lester Aponte.
Thank you to All the Candidates and Elected Officials in Attendance!
Notable elected officials in attendance included State Senators Ed Hernandez, Anthony Portantino and Scott Wiener; State Assemblymembers Richard Bloom, Laura Friedman, Reggie Jones-Sawyer, and Sebastian Ridley-Thomas; Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang; Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer; Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin; Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin; West Hollywood Councilmembers John Heilman and Lindsey Horvath; Baldwin Park Mayor Pro Tem and candidate for SD22 Susan Rubio; LACCD Trustee and AD51 Candidate Mike Fong; LACCD Trustee and Board of Equalization Candidate Scott Svonkin; Garvey USD Trustee Henry Lo; and Culver City USD Trustee Kathy Paspalis.
Candidates in attendance included U.S. Senate Candidate Pat Harris; LG Candidate Sen. Ed Hernandez; CA25 Candidates Bryan Caforio and the staff for candidate Katie Hill; CA39 Candidate Andy Thorburn; AD54 Candidate Steve Dunwoody; AD51 Candidates Ron Birnbaum, Alex de Ocampo, Mike Fong, and Luis Lopez.
Thank you also to the Stonewall BBQ Organizing Team!
Taylor Bazley led up the BBQ efforts along with Community VP Amanda Smash Hyde and Stonewall President Lester Aponte. Garry Shay supervised the grill. Drexel Heard, Stonewall’s Membership Chair, managed check-in. Thank you, also, to our bartender Marc Hudson.
Thanks, also, to Ryan Basham, Nicholas Bloom, Debi Evans, Sean Kolodji, Margaret Smith, Nadia Sutton, A. Lee Walkup, Rick Watts, Alec White, and all the other volunteers who made the barbecue a success!
STATEMENT BY STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB
ON TRUMP'S EFFORT TO BAN TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS FROM THE MILITARY
Transgender service members who have shown their commitment to protecting our freedoms deserve only commendation for their dedication to our country.
In a tweetstorm this morning, President Trump announced that our transgender patriots would no longer be allowed to serve “in any capacity” in the U.S. military. This action is an affront to the dignity of our transgender service members. It is also harmful to our country’s national security interests.
The politically motivated attack on our active service members by Trump and Congressional Republicans reverses inclusionary steps taken by the Obama Administration, which established a policy that service members “can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military just for being transgender.”
The Stonewall Democratic Club stands united against the Trump Administration's discriminatory policies targeting our communities. Steve Dunwoody, a Senior Advisor to Vote Vets and a member of Stonewall Democratic Club’s steering committee said, “This bigoted attempt to bar transgender Americans from service in the Armed Forces is a smack in the face to the more than 7,000 transgender people currently serving here and abroad. This comes on the heels of the 69th anniversary of the desegregation of the military by President Truman.”
“We're banned from bathrooms, we’re banned from professional spaces, and now we're being banned from the military. The objective of this hate policy is to ban us from every space within society until we cease to exist,” said Ashlee Marie Preston, Stonewall Transgender Affairs Chair.
Stonewall President Lester Aponte said, “The Stonewall Democratic Club condemns this regressive, mean-spirited policy and pledges to fight to reverse it in every way we can. And we urge our community, and all Americans, to speak out for our transgender citizens, who are daily marginalized, brutalized and rejected.”
The Stonewall Democratic Club demands that transgender service members be allowed to continue their service and, furthermore, insists that the military begin active recruitment of transgender individuals who are willing and ready to serve. We call on Congress to take immediate action to protect the rights of all Americans to serve in our armed forces.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLY ELECTED STONEWALL OFFICERS
On July 24, 2017, the membership of the Stonewall Democratic Club elected new officers.
Lester F. Aponte is Stonewall's newly elected President and Amanda Smash Hyde and Sean Kolodji were elected to VP positions, joining Jane Wishon and Steve Bott who are staying on in their VP roles. Reuben Zadeh was elected Controller and Sam Frank will continue to serve as Secretary.
Taylor Bazley and Craig Scott were elected to male at-large positions along with Jerilyn Stapleton and Nadia Sutton.
Below is the Stonewall Democratic Club's newly elected executive board:
President - Lester Aponte
VP, Operations - Steve Bott
VP, Political - Jane Wishon
VP, Community - Amanda Smash Hyde
VP, Communications - Sean Kolodji
Controller - Reuben Zadeh
Secretary - Sam Frank
Male-at-Large - Taylor Bazley & Craig Scott
Female-at-Large - Jerilyn Stapleton & Nadia Sutton
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