Dems for Equality eNews


Tuesday, October 7, 2014   

Things Are Moving Very Fast

 

Over Half US States Now Have Marriage Equality

 

 

Not everyone is happy you have the right to marry who you love though. Carl DeMaio's model legislator, Ted Cruz issued a statement saying in part,

  

"The Supreme Court's decision to let rulings by lower court judges stand that redefine marriage is both tragic and indefensible," said Sen. Cruz. "By refusing to rule if the States can define marriage, the Supreme Court is abdicating its duty to uphold the Constitution. The fact that the Supreme Court Justices, without providing any explanation whatsoever, have permitted lower courts to strike down so many state marriage laws is astonishing.

 

"This is judicial activism at its worst. The Constitution entrusts state legislatures, elected by the People, to define marriage consistent with the values and mores of their citizens. Unelected judges should not be imposing their policy preferences to subvert the considered judgments of democratically elected legislatures..."

 

You have to wonder whether Carl DeMaio had this in mind when he told the San Diego Lions Club, "Take a look at what Ted Cruz is doing. Freshman Senator, he's certainly creating a lot of stir. So I do believe one individual can make a difference. And it's a question of whether you are willing to stand your ground." At the very least, it's clear that DeMaio won't let disagreement over a little "divisive social issue" like the rights of LGBT Americans interfere with his courtship with Cruz.

 

 So, celebrate our progress with yesterday's non-decision decision at the Supreme Court and today's Ninth Circuit ruling. But don't forget to get out there and work to make sure Scott Peters is returned to Congress and Carol Kim joins the City Council.


 

  

_________________________________


 

 

Public Meeting to Discuss Renaming Proposal   


 

San Diego Democrats for Equality urges it's members to attend a public meeting to discuss the potential naming of a local elementary school in honor of our fellow Club member, former State Senator Christine Kehoe on Wednesday, October 8th at 7pm.  The meeting will take place at Florence Elementary School, 3914 1st Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.

 

The community meeting will be an opportunity to learn more about the proposal and evaluate the needs and the process of the school district to accomplish a re-naming.  A petition required to show support for the renaming will be circulated.  Supporters of the Kehoe School naming proposal and those with questions will be given time to speak at this public meeting.

 

"Having a school available to highlight tolerance and inclusiveness is important to our students," said San Diego Unified School District Board of Trustees President Kevin Beiser. "Senator Kehoe is a true community leader, trail blazer and advocate for public education.  It would be an honor to see this idea become a reality."

 

 

_________________________________

  


 

_________________________________

 

Is it Time to Re-Up?

  

The Club depends on membership dues to keep the lights on and promote our candidates and issues to the community. A large number of community members depend on our Voters Guide to help them make an intelligent choice when marking their ballots so your membership renewal is critical to ensure those Guides get into those hands next month. If your membership has lapsed or if you know you're membership is soon to expire, please re-up now. You might also consider upgrading your membership to a higher level.

 

You can find out more about the Club's membership levels and benefits online HERE. You can also renew with a credit card there.  If you would prefer to use a check, send the check, made out to Democrats for Equality to:

 

San Diego Democrats for Equality

PO Box 33050

San Diego CA 92163

 

__________________________________

 

 

 

The Club has done part of the job by endorsing an impressive slate of candidates throughout San Diego County and our Voters Guide will be mailed/posted online soon.  That's only part of the job though.  We still need to make sure that voters know they're running and why they should be elected. 
 

 

Both of our priority candidates, Carol Kim (San Diego Sixth Council District) and Scott Peters (52nd Congressional District) are locked in extremely tight races. A few hours knocking on doors or making phone calls could make the difference.

 

 

Toni Tkins Kevin Beiser Don't forget that we've got important races all over the County. Club members Speaker Toni Atkins (78th Assembly District) and Kevin Beiser (SDUSD Trustee) could use money and/or time over the next month to get re-elected, and we've got a full slate of Statewide and local candidates who need a hand before the election.  

 

Get Involved

 

__________________________________

 

Freedom Awards is Coming 

Freedom Awards 

The Freedom Awards is San Diego Democrats for Equality's premier event to recognize the contributions of our members, others in the LGBT community and our allies.  It's also our largest fundraising event during the year. We're getting down to the business of planning our next Awards and need your help. If you can help make sure the next Freedom Awards is a success, please drop us a line HERE. We'd love to have your expertise, desire to get involved or just your elbow grease. We'd love to have you.

 

__________________________________

 

Club Elects New Board Member - Seeks One More

 

 

 

At our August meeting, the Club elected Lilian Arreguin to our Board of Directors.  Lilian lives in Oceanside and provides some much needed North Co. perspective to our Club's leadership.  She also brings energy and a willingness to step in and get the stuff done that needs to be done. We hope you will congratulate her on her new office.

 

According to our By-laws, there is still one more vacancy on the Board.  We'd love to have you on the team as we move into the Club's 40th anniversary year.

 

If you are interested in election to the Board, contact us HERE.

 

 

__________________________________

 

Dems for Equality is about to turn the big 4 - 0

 

We're beginning to plan the year long party next year and we'd like you to help.  The Club was founded in 1975, which makes next year our 40th year and we would like to make it a BIG one. If you would like to be part of the 40 Committee, send us an email HERE.

 

__________________________________

 

AIDS Walk 2014

 

 

 

We had a great walk on Saturday - AIDS Walk San Diego's 1st Saturday walk.  This year's walk also featured a new start point for the walk at Normal and University. We looked a lot better here at the half-way point, but a good time was had by all.
 
You can still donate to the cause on behalf of the Dems for Equality team by clicking HERE
.

 

 

 
PATRON MEMBERS
 
Ashish T. Agrawal & Bryan H. Wildenthal 
Assembly SpeakerToni Atkins 
Laurie Black 
Susan Guinn & Denice Feldhaus
Eric Isaacson & Susan Weaver 
Chris Kehoe & Julie Warren
John McConnell & James Kinney 
Don Mullen & John Logan 
Dr. Bob Pedrick & José Guzman 
Craig Roberts 
Stephanie J. Swift


 

  
Thank you for your continuing support of San Diego Democrats for Equality.

Self Evident Truths
David Warmoth, President 
San Diego Democrats for Equality 
Defending LGBT Equality since 1975
 
Email: info@democratsforequality.org 

PAID FOR BY SAN DIEGO DEMOCRATS FOR EQUALITY