California Democratic Party Computer and Internet Caucus

CDP Internet Caucus Circa 2000-2004

Let's take a quick trip back to 2000 to see how the CDP Internet Caucus was formed to harness the power of the internet and communication technology in the furtherance of Democratic ideals, issues, and legislation, to assist Democratic Clubs and Assembly Districts, and to help elect Democratic candidates.

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The CDP Internet Caucus Goals

 

• To educate and train California Democrats to access online services, tools, resources.
• To establish and maintain a California Democratic Party online community where software programs, information, and e-mail messages can be shared and accessed.
• To encourage California Democrats to get online.
• To assist Democratic state senators and assembly members in establishing e-mail addresses and utilize this tool in communicating with their constituents.
• To facilitate effective organizing of the Democratic online community, especially prior to elections.
• To schedule and organize effective Democratic conferencing for caucus membership.
• To maintain an ongoing relationship with the State Party and the online community.
• To establish contacts with the offices of elected Democrats in Sacramento and Washington.

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CDP Caucuses and Caucus Chairs

• African-American Caucus
  The African-American Caucus concerns include educational and economic opportunities and preservation of the gains in those areas made as a result of civil rights activism. The caucus plays an active role in encouraging African-American participation in the Democratic Party through voter registration, voter education and voter turnout. The caucus also has worked for fair representation of African-Americans at all levels.
  
  Chair: Theodore "Ted" Smith III

• Arab-American Caucus
  The Arab-American Caucus has been working to change American attitudes, showing another side of the Israeli-Palestinian issue, and, since the peace agreement, to introduce Arab-Americans into the Democratic Party. 
  
  Chair: Lobna Hewedi

• Asian/Pacific Islander Caucus
  Recent concerns of the Asian/Pacific Islander Caucus are immigration and citizenship issues, including the proposed California Civil Rights Initiative and its possible threat to civil rights. Caucus contacts with elected officials has stressed the need for economic development as a path toward a culture of self-determination. The caucus maintains contact with constituent groups and has an active voter registration program.
  
  Chair: Randal Okamura

• Business and Professional Caucus
  "Democrats mean business." That's a motto of the Business and Professional Caucus that is open to any Democrat. The primary goal of the Business and Professional Caucus is positive change in support of the current and future needs of California business and professions. The caucus credo: "With regard to business and economic development, the thing that set us apart from other political parties are that Democrats have a social conscience, a belief that things can be better, and that it is people who make the difference, both by their involvement and their hands on action. We think of companies not just as a pile of capital, but as a group of people. We believe in a market economy where labor unions continue to be important to ensure fairness in the global market, and to protect the environment, which is not incompatible with business success." This caucus has expanded beyond the DSCC to organize affiliated Democratic Business and Professional clubs in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco with additional groups in the formation stages. We want to "Do Something" about California's economic and industrial policies.
  
  Chair: Eric B. Albert

• California Democratic Council
  The California Democratic Council (CDC) is a chartered organization of the California Democratic Party. Founded in 1953, CDC is the nation's largest Democratic grassroots organization representing more than 400 Democratic clubs and county central committees. CDC strives to ensure there is an active Democratic presence in all local areas of the State. CDC endorses and campaigns for Democratic candidates for local, state and federal office. CDC vigorously debates and advocates for public policy issues. CDC provides training opportunities to build local Democratic organizations and to develop candidates for public office. CDC uses technology to communicate with and strengthen grassroots organizations. CDC officers serve on the Democratic State Central Committee and the president is a member of the Executive Board. 
  
  Jim B. Clarke, President
  California Democratic Council
  8124 W. 3rd Street #207
  Los Angeles, CA 90048

• Chicano/Latino Caucus
  Issues that affect the lives of California's large Hispanic population are the concern of the Chicano/Latino population, works to increase educational, economic and social opportunities while preserving the cultural heritage of the state's minority populations. The caucus works to increase Chicano/ Latino voter registration, participation and representation within Democratic Party.
  
  Chair: Placido Salazar
   
• Children's Caucus
  The Children's Caucus seeks to protect the rights of children throughout the state.
  
  Chair: Doris Wallace

• College Democrats
  The California College Democrats is a caucus of the Young Democrats. The mission of the College Democrats is to ensure that campuses across California have Democratic Clubs in order to activate college students in Democratic causes. At this caucus meeting, the College Democrats will be electing their statewide officers and discussing the upcoming College Democrats of America Regional Conference. 
  www.collegedemocrats.org/

• Computer and Internet Caucus
  The Computer and Internet Caucus was formed to harness the power of the Internet and communication technology in the furtherance of Democratic ideals, issues, and legislation, to assist Democratic Clubs and Assembly Districts, and to help elect Democratic candidates. The internet has become an important and integral part of the election process. The political activist considers the internet a vital component in political information gathering and dissemination. The Computer and Internet Caucus represents these internet-involved political members of the Democratic Party and strives to bring Internet education to all Democrats. 
  
  Northern Chair
  Rick Hauptman
  Southern Chair 
  Jake Edmondson

• Disabilities Caucus
  Democrats have the benefit of a Disabilities Caucus to help make all Democratic meetings accessible to people with disabilities. Since disabled delegates also include those with communication impairment, the Disabilities Caucus has encouraged the party to use alternative communication such as the signing available for those who have difficulty hearing. Because of the Democratic tradition of expanding opportunities, the Disabilities Caucus is embarking on a program to register people with disabilities to vote and encourage them to vote Democratic.
  
  Chair: Francie Moeller

• Environmental Caucus
  Traditional Democrats' support for environmental protection is bolstered by the expertise of members of the Environmental Caucus, which help the Party to develop positions on issues. Involved in a broad spectrum of environmental issues, caucus members share their knowledge based on their own specialized expertise. The product of the caucus' efforts is seen in parks development, endangered species protection, coastal protection against offshore oil operations, preservation of ancient redwood forests, careful scrutiny of Ward Valley nuclear waste proposals and opposition to the Bush Administration's wholesale dismantling of our hard-earned environmental protections..
  
  Chair: Luke Breit
  www.environmentalcaucus.org

• Filipino-American Caucus
  Filipino-Americans share their concerns for civil rights and the economic, educational and social needs of the Filipino-American and other minority groups. The caucus support recognition for the contribution of Filipino-Americans and in turn encourage Filipino-Americans to participate in the election process and the Democratic Party.
  
  Chair: Milagros Alba

• Irish-American Caucus
  Chair: Mike Lenahan 
  Vice Chair: Jeannie Maher
   
• Labor Caucus
  Open to Democrats who are union members, the Labor Caucus concentrates on representing the labor point of view within the party. Labor law reform is an ongoing goal. A current concern is protecting workers' rights, including the important collective bargaining rights which are jeopardized by Republican efforts to diminish them. Labor is taking a careful look at affirmative action challenges and monitoring the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its effect on American workers.
  
  Chair: Jim Gordon c/o CWA, District 9

• Lesbian and Gay Caucus
  Lesbians and Gays, through this caucus, work within the Democratic Party to obtain support in their efforts to counter discrimination that affects their rights to economic and social equality. The affirmative action policies of the Democratic Party demonstrate the Party's commitment to respecting the rights of all Democrats to representation with the party.
  
  Chair: (South)
  Rodney Scott
  (North)
  Rebecca Prozan

• Native American Caucus
  The CDP Native American Caucus was formed to reach out and bring into the structure of the Democratic Party interested registered Democrats who support the goals and objectives of inclusion, political education, voter training, outreach, legislative tracking, research and participation in the official Democratic Party for all people and with particular concentration in reaching to include the Native American communities of California in the furtherance of Democratic ideals, issues, and political participation. Further, the Native American Caucus will work to increase educational, economic and social opportunities while preserving cultural heritage of the state's minority populations. To obtain these goals, the Caucus members will provide assistance in introducing and joining together members of local Democratic Clubs, Assembly Districts and County Committees with interested individuals and groups from the California Indian Nations and coordinate with the local Native American communities both on and off reservations for the purpose of active participation, without discrimination, within the California Democratic Party and in accordance with the rules of the State party.
  
  Chair: Mary Ann Andreas
  Contact: Raven Lopez-Workman

• Rainbow Caucus
  Democrats share a varied advocacy within the Rainbow Caucus, which was organized as a forum for delegates who do not affiliate with other caucuses. With such diverse heritage as Native-Americans, Armenians, Haitians, caucus concerns are wide-ranging. Attacks that may eliminate protective aspects of affirmative action programs are a current concern.
  
  Chair: Ralph McKnight
  Jones Moore

• Rural Caucus
  The CDP Rural Caucus has worked to improve the success of both Democratic candidates and activists in the less populated areas of California. The Rural Caucus has worked recently on strategies for attracting candidates to the rural areas and the need for the California Democratic Party to consider geographical barriers that make it difficult for delegates to attend state and Assembly District meetings.
  
  Chair: Ed Fleming

• Senior Caucus
  Improving the social welfare and making a better way of life for senior citizens, the Senior Caucus encourages members to be aware of pending legislation that affects them and to communicate their concerns to their elected federal and state officials. Continuing concerns are Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Diverse points of view deriving from ethnic, demographic and occupational backgrounds are represented on the Senior Caucus. The caucus is open to Democrats of all ages.
  
  Chair: Roberts Braden
  http://www.seniorcaucus.com

• Women's Caucus
  The Womens Caucus works to improve the welfare of women throughout our State. To ensure fair employment, access to government, access to freedom of choice, and equality of opportunities and education.
  Chair: Lyn Shaw Hilfenhaus
• Veterans' Caucus

Election 2004 Information

MoveOn Campaign

In most presidential primary processes, pundits, pollsters and wealthy donors determine the outcome long before the actual primaries. By the time the rest of us cast our ballots, the nomination is typically a done deal. TheMoveOn.org PAC Primary will allow hundreds of thousands of voters to speak out now, adding their weight to the campaigns of their choice. Voting in the MoveOn.org PAC primary starts Tuesday, June 24 and will last 48 hours. Existing MoveOn members will be sent a unique email ballot, which is good for one vote only. People new to MoveOn should click here to register to vote in the primary.

Additional Information from Moveon.org

Just a quick reminder: Voting begins in the MoveOn Presidential Primary on June 24. Keep an eye on your inbox for your special email ballot. Please get others involved -- forward this message to your friends. If they are not already on the MoveOn mailing list, they will have to register to vote in the primary here: http://moveon.org/pac/reg

If you'd like to get to know the candidates more before you cast your vote, we have letters to the MoveOn membership from each of them on our website, as well as their responses to MoveOn members' questions. Here are the links:

Candidates:

Senator John Kerry: www.moveon.org/pac/cands/kerry.html
Congressman Dennis Kucinich:www.moveon.org/pac/cands/kucinich.html
Reverend Al Sharpton: www.moveon.org/pac/cands/sharpton.html

Sincerely,
--Carrie, Eli, Joan, Peter, Wes, and Zack
The MoveOn Team
June 22nd, 2003

National Democratic Web Sites

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Democratic National Committee
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
The Democratic Alliance for Action

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Organizations

League of Women Voters
League of Conservation Voters:

Democrats We Support

• Governor Gray Davis
• Lt. Governor Cruz M. Bustamante
• Secretary of State Kevin Shelley
• State Controller Steve Westly  California Women
• Senator Barbara Boxer
• Senator Dianne Feinstein
• Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Democratic Congressional Minority Leader​

2004 Spring | Summer Events

April 24
Future First Lady Theresa Heinz Kerry will be in Santa Barbara on April 24, Saturday, for a lunch reception. Donations are $500.00 for lunch and $1,000.00 for hosts.  Hosts will meet with Ms. Kerry at a private reception at 11:30. For more information and an invitation please call the hostess of the event Carol Leif at  (805) 565-0991 or FAX 565-0891.

April 24

Ventura County Democrats "Spring Fling 2004 & Silent Auction" Highlighting Candidates Brett Wagner (24th CD), Ferial Masry (37th AD), Pedro Nava (35th AD), Paul Graber (19th SD), Office Holders & Invited Guests; Music by Joseph Luna & Epicenter; Comedy by Leah Braitman. At Rosenmund Ranch, 2705 E. Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard. $35/one-$60/two; Students $10; Under 10 Free.  Contact Sharon Hillbrant for information. (805) 477-1777 shillbrant@aol.com  Noon - 3:30pm

April 30 - May 2
California Democratic Party Executive Board Meeting in San Diego.

April 30
Computer and Internet Caucus Meeting at the Executive Board Meeting in San Diego.  We will be distributing website starter kits for Democratic Clubs and County Committees. 6:00pm.

May 1
Senator Barbara Boxer fundraiser in San Diego. Organized by the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club. $100 per person in advance and $125 at the door. RSVP to Carolyn Chase at comcdchase@sdearthtimes.com.

May 2
Progressive Majority Fundraiser in Marin County: Join Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey and special guest speakers Peter Coyote and Daniel Ellsberg at a reception for the Progressive Majority, an organization dedicated to providing resources to progressive candidates around the country. Tickets are $100, $500, $1,000 and $5,000. For More information, please call 454-3316. 219 Baltimore Ave, Corte Madera, CA, 2-4 PM.

May 8
Penny Little's "Army of One" in Santa Barbara. Local activist Penny Little and her fellow producers won overall finalist in MoveOn.org's Bush In 30 Seconds contest with their provocative entry "Army of One." Penny will present the work and talk about her experience as an activist and what we can all do during this crucial election year to take our country back. Location: Victoria Hall, 33 W Victoria in Santa Barbara. Please RSVP to Melinda Hellyer at melindahellyer@mac.com. Local organizations that would like to participate in this event should contact Philip McCarty at dsc@sbdemocrats.org.

May 12
Join Meetup to Connect With Other California Democratic Supporters in Your Area! California Democrats groups take place on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. The California Democrats Meetup is an exciting new way to meet Democrats in your neighborhood and make your voices heard. Monthly meetings are held all over the state on the second Wednesday of every month. Venues are chosen through a democratic voting process: you vote on a list of venues of where you would like to meet, and the majority rules. As long as five or more people RSVP to attend the event, it will take place. If your area does not have enough people, encourage your friends, family members, and neighbors to sign up through the site. http://democrat.meetup.com/

May 16
Lecture/disussion featuring the internationally acclaimed Chicana feminist activist Elizabeth “Betita” Martinez. The title of her talk is: "The Insurgency in Iraq and the Impact on Women and People of Color." Sponsored by the San Diego County Chapter of NOW and SD Voices of Women (VOW). At the World Beat Center in Balboa Park. $5-10 donation suggested. Info: (619) 238-1824. 2-4 PM.

May 18
Harry S. Truman Club annual dinner, with Keynote address to Democrats: CA Treasurer, Phil Angelides with former Assemblyman and Sacramento Mayor Phil Isenberg as the event's MC; over 350 Sacramento and Capitol area Democrats expected for the dinner and silent auction. At the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento. $ 75.00 per person with additional arrangements for tables of ten and sponsorships including ads in the event's program. Contact HST Executive Director Sheila DeBlonk (sheila@trumanclub.org) .The evening starts about 6:00pm.

May 27
National Kerry in 2004 Meetup Day: Kerry in 2004 Meetups are the place to connect with Kerry supporters in your area on the 4th Thursday of every month. Click here to register (free!) or visit the official John Kerry for President site and learn more about your meetup http://kerry2004.meetup.com/.

June 5
Greenberg Memorial Award Luncheon Honoring Senator Barbara Boxer. 11:30am at the Sheraton Universal Roof Garden, 333 Universal Terrace Parkway, Universal City. Sponsored by the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley. Please inquire about the cost. Contact Carolyn Dunlap Smith at (818) 995-3367 or carolynds@earthlink.net 

California Council of Democratic Clubs (CDC) State Convention. At the Handlery Hotel & Resort, 950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA. Open to all Democrats, $20 registration fee. Contact Chris Stampolis, CDC Secretary, at califdems@aol.com or (408) 390-4748.  www.cdc-ca.org Hotel reservations at (619) 298-0511 or www.handlery.com.

June 13
LACDP Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner, honoring L.A. County's Democrats of the Year. At the Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. The cost is $75 per ticket. Please call for Sponsorship and Program Book rates. Contact Adam Seiden at (213) 382-0063.

July 26-29
Democratic National Convention: Boston, MA. For more information, visit the Democratic National Convention Committee's website: http://www.dems2004.org/. 1401 21st Street, Suite 100, Sacramento CA 95814
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

NEWS SPOTLIGHT

2002

Rep. Nancy Pelosi : The Next House Minority Leader
Highest ranking woman ever to serve in Congress goes one step further.
November 08, 2002

 

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), declared victory on Friday in her bid to become Minority leader of the House of Representatives, which would make her the first woman to head either party in Congress.

"This race is over," Pelosi, said shortly after her chief challenger, Rep. Martin Frost of Texas, dropped out of the contest, conceding that she had the votes to succeed Minority Leader Richard Gephardt.

Pelosi told a news conference in San Francisco, "On Thursday, November 14, I will have my name placed in nomination for House Democratic leader ... I will do so with an overwhelming majority of commitments from my colleagues in the House."

The most senior congressional Democrat to oppose Bush on the Iraqi war-powers resolution, Pelosi argued that Democrats need to more aggressively underscore their differences with Republicans.

Pelosi became the highest ranking woman ever in Congress earlier this year when she took the post of House Democratic whip, the party's No. 2 position. In the new 108th Congress, she will rise even higher as Democratic minority leader.

Although Frost dropped out of the race on Friday, Pelosi still faces a challenger, Rep. Harold Ford of Tennessee, who entered the contest earlier in the day. Though party officials said he seemed to have little support, Ford vowed to remain in the race even after Frost dropped out and threw his support behind Pelosi.

Pelosi brushed off Ford's challenge and said as House Democratic leader she would focus on trying to pump new life into the ailing U.S. economy. "It's all about the economy," she said.

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September 11 2002 We Will Always Remember

Many things have changed since the brutal attacks last September that resulted in the deaths of thousands, and forever changed the way Americans view themselves and their world. For the families and friends of those who lost their lives in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, the changes have been fundamental and heartbreaking. For residents of the cities attacked, the changes have been real and lasting. And for everyone, no matter where they live or work, the changes have forced us all to not only face the realities of security at home, but what our role is as Americans.

On this one-year anniversary of 9/11, the California Democratic Party remembers the innocent victims through our words and prayers, and we pledge our continued support for the men and women who protect our country and our freedom. We also wish to encourage Californians to take pro-active steps to improve and strengthen our neighborhoods and towns by volunteering and increasing our civic involvement. Among other things, this means registering to vote and remembering to vote - one of the most important and lasting facets of our democracy. We must also encourage our friends and family to vote and to never forget what it is that makes us strong, resolute and enduring.

 

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November 1 2002 OTHER NEWS

 

• News Article - San Francisco Chronicle

GOP Ad for Simon Critical of Gays (10/31/02)

• News Article - San Diego Union-Tribune

Phone calls lead to finger-pointing i... (10/29/02)

• News Article - Washington Post

Secession Movement Losing Ground (10/29/02)

• News Article - Sacramento Bee

Labor's forces will be huge on Electi... (10/29/02)

• News Article - Sacramento Bee

Clinton Stumps for Davis in South State (10/29/02)

• Chairman's Corner

Statement On Death of Senator Paul We... (10/25/02)

• Press Release

African-American Leaders Urge Simon t... (10/24/02)

• News Article - Contra Costa Times

Gov. Davis' Education Report Card (10/20/02)

• News Article - San Francisco Chronicle

Sharon Davis lends touch of color to ... (10/20/02)

• News Article - Los Angeles Times

Group Attempts to Increase Minority V... (10/20/02)

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