2017 Democrats of the Desert Recap and 2018 News!
November / December Blue Power Months
Bring Crowds and Much Needed Holiday Party Donations!
Plan NOW for an exciting start of 2018!
Message from Rob Westwood, President, Democrats of the Desert
November and December were Democrats of the Desert Blue Power Months as large crowds attended several key events,
including the DOD annual holiday party where some 300 new toys and gifts and two large bins of items were donated to
the Galilee Center's Mecca Migrant Workers Comfort Center.
Kicking off November were two DOD sponsored fund raising events in support of Joy Silver, candidate for the 28th district state Senate race.
A reception with wine and cheese was held at Heritage Palms Country Club in Indio where some 60 folks spent a beautiful Saturday
afternoon hearing from Joy. Commented Joy: "I will leave no Stone unturned in my bid to unseat" Republican state senator Jeff Stone,
who occupies the position currently.
Following that, DOD held a second wine and cheese Meet and Greet for Joy at Date Palm Country Club, attended by more than 75 members
and guests. DOD President Rob Westwood introduced newly elected city council candidate and DOD member Christy Holstege, who
received a warm, minute- long standing ovation for her victory before Christy introduced Joy. Joy spoke for 20 minutes about her
campaign and her promise to take on Jeff Stone's right leaning policies and positions on social issues. She too received a standing ovation
and was presented a check for $1000 from Democrats of the Desert President Westwood.
Voter registration coordinated by DOD interim Vice President Pris Richardson continued at the Palm Springs Thursday street fair. Several
DOD members joined Pris as the group assisted Stonewall Democratic club members at the weekly fair.
December was a huge month for DOD with the annual holiday party held at Date Palm and a fund raising reception held for Riverside County
Supervisor Manny Perez.
Over 100 gathered for the holiday party, where some 300 donated new toys and gifts packed the area around the Christmas tree. A festive mood
filled Date Palm and members brought amazingly delicious appetizers and desserts to keep hungry folks happy. There were entertaining
youth folklorico dancers, wine and beverages, as Date Palm was filled with good joy and positive energy! An additional two large bins
of donated towels, blankets, and toiletry items were collected for the Migrant Workers Center.
Guest speaker was newly elected Riverside County Democratic Party Chair Steve Ruth Also in attendance was previous Chair
Howard Katz. Elle K was there to sell Democrat related t-shirts, button/car stickers, etc for the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert,
and to proclaim that the HQ will be open five days a week beginning early in 2018.
Surprise guest at the party: Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, his wife Monica and twins Skye and Sage! The Congressman took the mic to
congratulate DOD on its generous contributions to the Mecca Center, reminding folks that he worked the fields as a child, and knows the
unique needs of farm workers and their families, especially at holiday times. It was a grand party indeed !
Capping out the month was the reception for Supervisor Perez, this time held at the California Teachers Association office in Palm Desert.
Nearly 50 DOD members and several teachers from CTA cheered Supervisor Perez as he spoke about his campaign for the election
NEXT JUNE for county Supervisor. Representing the 4th district, Manny talked about the challenges of being a county supervisor
and providing guidance for a billion dollar budget and dealing with issues ranging from public safety and education to work on roads
and bridges. Manny was presented a check from President Westwood for $1500 from DOD!
Blue Power Months of November and December showed that DOD is a strong, generous, and enthusiastic organization of dedicated, loyal
Coachella Valley Democrats!
Coming UP! Wow!
Commit to Act turns to Elections 2018 for Democrats of the Desert.
Save these dates for vitally important meetings and events for the first part of 2018.
Saturday, January 27 : Monthly January meeting with repeat of special panel on net neutrality, the White House war on words and attacks on freedom of speech. Also: presentation of nominees for several open DOD board positions - 2 pm at Date Palm Country Club clubhouse in Cathedral City.
Saturday, February 24: Monthly February meeting and election of officers for several open positions on the Board - 2 pm at Date Palm
This will also be DOD's annual Board presentation to its members on what the Board and DOD has been up to in a very busy 2017 report.
Monday, March 5: SUPER special presentation: MSNBC commentator and Watergate prosecuting attorney Jill Wine Banks will be featured along with Christine Pelosi and DOD member and attorney Julie Bornstein in a lively discussion on the White House Russian probe and
investigation ! Wine reception and photo op at 5:00 pm with program beginning at 6:30pm at Camelot Theater in Palm Springs. Tickets will range from $25 to $100 (includes reception). Tickets on sale SOON !
DEMOCRATS OF THE DESERT
Commit to Act / Focus 2018 Elections
