Dear Members and Friends,
As we welcome in the new year, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the Club’s activities and accomplishments of 2018–and there were many!
After nearly two years of presidential bombast, relentless degradation of our Country’s values, and endless threats to our democracy, the 2018 mid-term elections were an opportunity of monumental proportions. The successes from those elections reminded us that we can make a difference! Of course, those victories did not come without hard work and tireless dedication. Our members more than met both of those challenges this past year by attending marches, rallies, and town halls; participating in postcard campaigns; phone and text-banking; and canvasing door-to-door, from Santa Clarita to Orange County. They donated, both locally and beyond. And thanks to our membership, the Club was also able to make numerous donations, including $500 to the UDH and $1,000 each to five red-to-blue Southern California races. All five races were victories, as were many other races we supported–from our terrific LASC Judges to the first Democratic Sheriff to be elected in 138 years.
But our efforts began long before the mid-term elections. Earlier in 2018, the Club supported numerous local primary elections, including Sandra Chen Lau’s bid for PCC Board of Trustees, Luz Rivas’ special election bid for the AD39 Assembly seat, and Superior Court Judge races with Tony Cho and Lucy Armendariz. The Club also continued its presence throughout the year at the Montrose Farmer’s Market, registering voters and inviting newcomers to join our organization.
Over the course of the year, numerous candidates appeared at our meetings, promoting their candidacies and in many cases seeking endorsement. The benefit to both the candidates and our members was invaluable. Without the opportunity to understand a particular candidate’s views and values, many of us may not have cast a vote for that person. It was win, win!
Our members also enjoyed a year of informative speakers that presented on topics from climate change to political economics, local issues, and beyond. And, of course, we were honored throughout the year to hear from our local representatives, including founding Club member Senator Anthony Portantino, member and AD43 Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, and leaders from the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, among others. We look forward to another year of terrific contributors!
In addition to all their hard work, our members also managed to have some fun this year! Some examples:
- Sunland-Tujunga Candidate Forum (introducing S-T residents to the Club and providing a forum to meet AD39 candidates for the 2018 special election) (March)
- Fiesta Days Parade (where we marched with Congressman Adam Schiff) (May)
- Summer Party BBQ and Silent Auction (June)
- Sunland-Tujunga 4th of July Parade (where we sponsored the dignitary cars for AD39 Assemblywoman Luz Rivas and also for Congressman Adam Schiff!) (July)
- Movie Night (September) (proceeds donated to the venue and to UDH) (September)
- And, of course, the November victory party!
Sadly, the Club did suffer personal losses in 2018. We lost our beloved long-time member Mary Naff, who passed away in July at the age of 101. She was a dedicated supporter of Planned Parenthood, and a faithful Democrat. Mary was a founding member of the Club. We were also saddened to lose member Marsha Hymanson, who passed away in September at age 72. Marsha served as Treasurer for the Club from 2013 to 2014. She also served a term as a Democratic State Central Committee Delegate and was once honored by Adam Schiff at a Women of the Year Luncheon.
Certainly it is difficult to lose any of our members–our friends and fellow advocates. But we honor their legacies by continuing our efforts, being informed, contributing when and where we can, and making a difference each in our own way. And what a difference we will make. The mid-term elections are proof of what we can accomplish when we are proactive. And as we lay the groundwork in 2019, just imagine the change we can effect in 2020!
With pride and great appreciation,
Lora De La Portilla
President
Cañada Crescenta Democratic Club
Joey Williams spoke at the 
Jonathan Parfrey,
Pictured above is one of the types of postcards you hear Susan and Suzanne promoting. More help with hand-writing and coloring of cards always appreciated! Contact Suzanne directly– goldbergsm@aol.com
