How to Contact Us
Democratic Party
of Big Bear Valley
P.O. Box 6757
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Tel: 909.866.2412
When and Where We Meet
First Tuesdays
6:30 pm
Corner of Lakeview and Payne
Big Bear Lake
Golen Olson
Secretary
Susan Chaidez
Big Bear Valley is situated deep in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California about two hours east of Los Angeles. Big Bear Valley is a beautiful mountain resort. However, we lie right smack in the middle of red territory. Big Bear Democrats of the Big Bear Valley represent Democrats in Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, and Fawnskin.
We hope the 2008 election of President Obama will inspire you to join us so that we can bring about change right here in Big Bear Valley!
THE DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF BIG BEAR VALLEY
will meet at the MWD, 40524 Lakeview Dr, on August 3rd at 6:30pm
The featured speaker will be Dr. John M Goodman, PhD, who will be speaking on the topic of campaign finance reform. Dr. Goodman is a California native and was a volunteer co-coordinator of the Campaign for Proposition 15 in Orange County. Unlike other co-coordinators, he had not been working on “clean money” campaigns for several decades, but once he found out about Prop 15 in January of this year, he leaped into the fray to help pass this important legislation. Although it did not pass in the recent election, he will explain just what the Proposition was all about and why passing something like it is so very important. He will also be showing a brief video by Bill Moyers on the general subject, as it is already in effect in several states, and why it should be in force nationwide.
Dr. Goodman earned his doctorate in Physics and the History of Science & Technology from Cornell University in New York. He has been a consultant for over 40 years, in such areas as graphic design, advertising campaign work and grant proposal writing. He has written seven books plus numerous articles on personal computer technology, and is an inventor. His personal passions include theater, modern dance and modern art. He and his wife of 29 years live in Garden Grove.
All are invited to attend what should be a very informative and timely discussion of a topic that deeply impacts the decusions California voters make at the ballot box.
....................................................................................
.
From the Big Bear Valley Blues News, August issue, an article by Dr. David A. Foltz, Past President the Big Bear Valley Democratic Club.
THE OBAMA PRESIDENCY 18 MONTHS OUT
Even before Inauguration Day on January 20, 2009, then President-elect Barack Obama had already become the target for arrows of derision, anger, and in some cases hatred, shot from the quivers of extremists on the far right of the American political spectrum. Now, eighteen months into his presidency, the president continues to be the object of scorn and vilification fired at him by radical extremists, a loosely defined segment of American society that has become known as the Tea Party Movement. And even more disconcerting are the voices of opposition coming from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party who claim that the president is not fulfilling campaign promise to bring fundamental change to Washington D.C. --that all Americans had an inherent right to health care, that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would come to an end, and that the United States would provide excellent leadership in weaning the world from its dependence on carbon-based fuels and make significant reductions on toxic gas emissions that pollute the air and contribute to climate change. Those on the right maintain the implementation of these goals requires excessive government oversight on individuals as well as government controlled regulation, and at a cost the country cannot afford, But more than that their opposition is philosophical they call this kind of blatant socialism that calls for a humongous expansion of government into the lives of individuals. Many on the left side of the political divide say government is bound by the Constitution to do what individuals can’t do for themselves.
As I see it, President Obama is being hammered from the right and from the left on every major issue.
I want to believe that the president is at heart a person who believes sincerely in the ideals he set forth during his campaign: to change the culture of Washington now run primarily by the corporate world, to reign in the unchecked control of Wall Street over Main Street, to negotiate for peace rather than prosecute war, to remedy the weak economy by massive infusions of capital into the private sector, to make a significant difference on the country’s carbon-footprint. Even God himself would be hard pressed to accomplish these lofty goals, much less any human being, even President Obama. It takes years, perhaps generations to bring about major changes in society and culture. This president is a pragmatist. Whatever it takes to get any kind of change, he is willing to compromise in order to get something positive. If he can’t get the whole hog, he will settle for a ham sandwich. He was willing to eschew a national, single payer health insurance bill in order to get some health insurance for 31 million uninsured Americans. If it is impossible to immediately withdraw U.S. troups from Afghanistan, then set a target date (July, 2011) for beginning to draw down military strength. Compromise has been and is today the foundational strategy inherent in the American system of governance.
Finally, I would like to enumerate the barriers and pitfalls the president has to negotiate to accomplish any of his agenda.
- An atmosphere of hostility in Congress
- An archaic procedure in the U.S. Senate called “the filibuster” that enables the minority party to govern over the majority.
- Big, influential professional lobbies that put lots of money into the pockets of leaders of the Legislative Branch.
- The deepest financial crisis since the Great Depression—not of the president’s doing.
- Poverty in the country not seen since the Dustbowl of the 30s.
- A national debt that threatens to bankrupt the country within twenty years.
- Run-away toxic air pollution across the globe, causing global climate change.
So what’s a fella going to do? To do his best to surmount the obstacles, that’s all we can ask of our president. I am convinced he is doing just that. While like all liberal/progressives, I am not 100% satisfied with the president’s performance. But given the enormity of the problems we face, I am very glad Barack Obama is in the White House. He is everything he represented himself to be during the Campaign, and then some—brilliant, an eloquent, persuasive speaker, honest and forthright, a world leader of dramatic proportions. Bottom line, Mr. Obama must win a second term. The alternative is unthinkable. So, fellow progressives, I urge all of us to work hard to overcome disagreements with the president. In order to win in November, we need your active interest and support of the president. The number of registered Democrats in San Bernardino County continues to fall, now within less than a 20,000 majority. Let’s keep our eye on the prize: a second term for President Obama and victory for all Democrats running for Congress, including Pat Meagher for the 41st Assembly District.
A CALL TO CITIZENS OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
The Democratic Club of Big Bear Valley and the Chamber of Commerce of Big Bear Lake invite you to a town-hall meeting on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 6:30 p.m in the MWD Meeting Hall.
Come meet candidates running for important county-wide offices:
San Bernardino County Sheriff and Coroner: Rod Hoops, Paul Schrader, and Mark Averbeck
Auditor/Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector: Ensen Mason
Assessor/Recorder: Alfred Castorena Palazzo, and Dennis Draeger
And, meet political consultant/strategist/advisor Mark Shepherd who will discuss Measures 13, 14,15, 16, & 17
This is a great opportunity to meet these candidates, hear what they have to say, and ask questions. It will help you make an educated decision at the ballot box this coming June. Please join us. The Forum is on June 1st, 6:30pm, at the MWD Building: 40524 Lakeview Drive. Refreshments will be served.
The Democratic Club of Big Bear Valley is pleased to present Dr. Nancy Wright, Superintendent of the Big Bear Unified School District, just days after she was obliged to announce the mandatory reduction of the teacher staff. In mid-March thirty-six teachers, or 26 full-time teacher equivalents (FTEs) received pink-slips and will not be returning to the classrooms. The cuts were mandated by the state government in response to the economic crisis confronting California. Dr. Wright will share how these cuts impact programs as well as teachers, students and parents.She will address options now being pursued, including possible implementation of a parcel tax to assist in additional funding, which could appear on a future ballot as early as that of the Statewide General Election on November 2nd. Everyone is invited to attend this important meeting. During the Q and A portion of the evening you will have an opportunity to ask Dr. Wright questions related to this topic and then enjoy refreshments and take your chances on door prizes that will be offered. Put in on your calendar: Tuesday, April 6, at 6:30 pm in the Municipal Water Distrrict meeting hall on Payne Road aat Lake View Drive.
Wecome to the Democratic Club of Big Bear Valley. We are pleased to announce that one of our members, Mr. Richard Ollila (Rick) will be the featured speaker at the next general meeting. Rick is one of the most well known and successful leaders in the valley, who is making a difference in he quality of life for all of us. Since 2005 he has been repeatedly elected to the Board of Directors of the Big Bear City Community Service District (BBCCSD) where he has served as president of the board for several years. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of BBARWA (Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency) where he has become an expert on water and water treatment. Not surprisingly, he will be speaking on the topic of this most precious of all natural resources and will give the highlights of three important but contradictory scientific studies on the quanity and quality of water in Big Bear Valley. Come join in an an informative and entertaining evening discussion and learn as much as possible about the present and future status of drinking water in Big Bear. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away to several lucky ticket holders.
IT’S TIME TO WAKE UP, DEMOCRATS
For the first time in forty-seven years, a Senate seat, held by the late Ted Kennedy in one of the bluest states in the nation, was won by a conservative Republican, Scott Brown, in a stunning victory over Martha Coakley, a liberal Democrat who had vowed to continue advancing all the social legislation Senator Kennedy had fought for, including Health Care Reform. Many political analysts much more savvy than I have been working overtime to try to figure out how this stunning upset came to pass, in the bastion of national liberal politics, Massachusetts, when as recently ss two weeks before the election, Martha Coakley commanded a 30+ point lead in the opinion polls Some attribute Coakley’s loss to a mis-managed, unremarkable campaign that was flawed in part by the candidate herself, who was running against a well-known politician who has considerable rhetorical skill, charm and charisma. You would think Scott Brown’s conservative leanings would work against him in the liberal environment of New England, but think again. His promise to be the 41st vote against Obama’s Health Care Reform bill, and against global warming legislation, may have pushed many undecided independents, even some Democrats, to vote the more conservative line, against so-called “socialistic” tendencies of the current government.
In 2007 I gave a slide show presentation to the BBV Democratic Club titled, “Why a Republican May Win the Presidential Election in 2008.” Fortunately, I was wrong, but I think the points I made in that speech were valid then and now. There may be a lesson in there that Democrats have yet to take to heart. My basic thesis was that this country is fundamentally a centrist nation; and nothing is likely to change that in the foreseeable future... Face up to it. Conservatives hold these truths to be the foundational tenets of the American Republic:
1. Less government intrusion in private lives is better government
2. Fiscal responsibility is the number one priority. Smaller government means less federal spending, less taxes.
3. Individual initiative is the backbone of the American economy.. Translation: entrepreneurship, i.e., big business thrives without government regulation. Socialism is anathema to the Great American Dream.
4. The country’s religious base is Christianity. Neo-Conservatives believe that we are in a Holy War waged by Muslim fundamentalists.
5. Social values, like Right to Life, traditional marriage, the right to bear firearms, even assault weapons, are forged out of and authorized by our Christian faith.
In the monumental Republican victory in Massachusetts, following their gubernatorial victory in Virginia in November, we may be seeing the beginnings of a swing of the political spectrum back toward the center. This may be a sign that the Republicans are winning in the war of ideas, as the Democrats sit back and watch. Therein lies a huge lesson for us. Democrats can no longer allow Republicans to go unchecked in their attempt to define what it means to be American. Democrats should not be defensive, but be on the offense in helping all Americans understand and subscribe to other American principles, like Justice For All, Be Your Brother’s Keeper, Wage Peace not War, Defeat Greed (a Cardinal Sin); Education is key to everything else., Please note—these American values are also based in Judeo-Christian theology, as defined in the Decalogue and in the Sermon on the Mount. Come to think of it, these are universal truths the practice of which makes us human. So this is not the time to despair but let it be a wake up call for all Democrats. To do so will be to vindicate all that President Obama proclaimed during his campaign and for which he and his fellow party leaders are fighting for right now.David A. Foltz, columnist for the Blues News.
The Big Bear Valley Democratic Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Water District (MWD) Meeting Hall. The featured speaker will be Elle Kurpiewski, Regional Director for the California Democratic Party. The topic of her talk will be "Regional Director, What the Heck Is That?" She plans to illustrate some of the complexities of party politics, focusing on the annual California Democratic Party Convention. Ms. Kurpiewski represents a large region in Southern California that includes our 65th Assembly District. This meeting should be of particular interest to all registered Democrats but also to all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, who want to learn about how democratic government works at the state level. All are welcome and encouraged to come to this and all of the club meetings. Join us for an evening of entertainment, education, and good comradery with fellow citizens.
Now here's some food for thought, provided by Carol Robb, Chair of the San Bernardino Democratic Party Central Committee. By signing this "pledge" you will join the countless number of Obama-government haters and at the same time demonstrate to the world how insanely ignorant, how dangerously irrational they are. Be sure to check out the last item (about IQ)
The Teabagger Socialism-Free Purity Pledge
I, ________________________________, do solemnly swear to uphold the principles of a socialism-free society and hereby pledge my word that I shall strictly adhere to the following:
I will complain about the destruction of my 1st Amendment Rights, while I am duly allowed to exercise my 1st Amendment Rights to spread obfuscation, lies, and half-truth.
I will complain about the destruction of my 2nd Amendment Rights, while I am duly allowed to exercise my 2nd Amendment rights by legally brandishing deadly firearms in public.
I will foreswear the time-honored principles of fairness, decency, and respect by screaming unintelligible platitudes regarding tyranny, Nazi-ism, and socialism at public town halls.
I pledge to eliminate all government intervention in my life. I will abstain from the use of, and participation in, any socialist goods and services including, but not limited to, the following:
· Social Security / Medicare / Medicaid
· State Children's Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP)
· Police, fire, and emergency services
· US Postal Service
· Roads and highways, including sidewalks and rest areas
· Air travel (regulated by the socialist FAA)
· The US rail system, including subway and Metro systems
· Public bus and light rail systems
· All government-funded local/state projects
· Public water and sewer services (goodbye socialist toilet, shower, dishwasher,
kitchen sink, outdoor hose)
· Public and State primary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities
· Sesame Street
· Publicly funded Anti-Drug Education for children
· Public museums and libraries
· State and National parks, monuments, cemeteries, beaches, and zoos
· Unemployment Insurance
· Municipal garbage and recycling services
· Treatment at any hospital or clinic that ever received funding from local,
State, or Federal Government.
· Medical services and medications that were created or derived from any
Government grant or research funding
· Use of the Internet, e-mail, and networked computers. (The Department
of Defense’s ARPANET was the basis for all subsequent computer networking.)
· Animals and foodstuffs that were grown with, fed with, raised with, or
that contain inputs from crops grown with government subsidies
· Clothing made from crops (e.g. cotton) that were grown with or that contain
inputs from government subsidies
I will threaten my Member of Congress and Senators with dire consequences unless they forego their government salary and their government-provided healthcare.
I will oppose and condemn the government-funded and socialist military of the United States of America. If a veteran of the government-run socialist US military, I will forego my VA benefits and insist on paying for my own medical care.
I will boycott the products of socialist defense contractors such as GE, Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Humana, FedEx, General Motors, Honeywell, and hundreds of others that are paid by our socialist government to produce goods and/or services for our socialist army.
I will protest socialist security departments such as the Pentagon, FBI, CIA, Department of Homeland Security, TSA, Department of Justice, and their socialist employees.
Upon reaching eligible retirement age, I will tear up my Social Security checks.
Upon reaching age 65, I will forego Medicare and pay for my own health insurance.
SWORN ON A BIBLE (AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION)
AND SIGNED THIS _____ DAY OF ____________ IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD ______________.
[ Please do not use crayon. ]
SIGNATURE ___________________________________________________
PRINTED NAME ________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________
CITY __________________ STATE ______________________ ZIP _________________
LATEST IQ SCORE _________
THE DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF BIG BEAR VALLEY
welcomes you to the New Year. 2010 holds out the potential for much good for our country and its people. We are on the cusp of having a long-awaited reform in health care that will extend coverage to millions of Americans who have never had health care insurance , by reigning in the uncontrolled pharma and health insurance industries. The Sword of Damocles is hanging over the long-term viability of Planet Earth as global warming continues unabated but 2010 is likely to bring a "Copenhagen Accord" between industrialized natons and developing countries alike, with teeth and clout to force the reduction of CO2 emissions world-wide. When President Obama took over the control of American Government in January 2009 the national economy was in a free-fall but now almost a year later, the trends have been reversed--less job losses, fewer foreclosures, a more robust auto industry, a significant growth in "green" industries. While millions of Americans are still suffering badly from the catastrophic recession created in 2008, the upward trends in the economy most certainly will continue unabated throughout 2010. The two wars we are waging are a huge drain on our financial and human resources. Now that President Obama has decided to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, it remains to be seen whether the "surge" will have its intended effect--to reduce the terrorist threat posed by Al Qaeda with support from the Taliban, at the time when the Iraq War is winding down. The new year is likely to bring a significant withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.
In sum, 2010 is a great time to be an American, and to be involved in the affairs of our nation. We think that one of the most fulfilling ways to be a part of the world-wide effort to make a difference in the lives of everyone is to join with your friends and neighbors in the Democratic Club of Big Bear Valley. Get involved, be informed, help get the right people elected to local, regional, state, and national offices. You can help make 2010 a very good year, indeed.
The first meeting of the year will take place on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 in the MWD Meeting Hall. The guest speaker will be Jamie Wolcott speaking on the topic "Understanding the Market Cycle of Emotions: Pessimism, Skepticism, Optimism and Euphoria". This is one of a series of "timely" seminars that address current issues including the state of the economy.
At this meeting also we will have a short installation of officers. Please come and enjoy an evening of useful information, yummy goodies, coffee and tea, topped off with an "Opportunity Drawing" for delictable prizes.
The Big Bear Valley Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:30 p.m. in the MWD Conference Hall. The guest speaker for the evenng will be Carl Wood who is running for District Assemblyman from the 65th A.D. Dr. Rita Ramirez-Dean will also be speaking on behalf of her candidacy for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Other issues of importance to citizens of Big Bear Valley will also be posed, such as serious proposals being brought forth by real estate developers to build senior and low income housing and other retail stores in and around Big Bear Village. We welcome all citizens to come to this important meeting where the future of our beloved mountain community will be at the top of the agenda.
CLUB MEETING ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 6
The Democratic Club of Big Bear Valley will meet on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Water District Meeting Hall, on the corner of Payne and Lakeview Drive.
The guest speakers are Mr. Todd Murphy, President of the Municipal Water District Board (MWD), and long-time devotee to public service, and Mr. Scott Hurle, General Manager of the MWD, to discuss the management of Big Bear Lake, such as environmental protection, public access to the lake, fishing, boating, boat and kyack sales in marinas and off shore businesses, as well as other topics related to the lake. Big Bear Lake is central to the health and well-being of our entire mountain community. We depend on the dedication and integrity of our publicly elected citizens, such as Todd, and competent employed staff such as Scott to ensure the long-term sustainabilty of this most precious asset. Please join us for a very well informed and interesting
discussion about Big Bear Lake.
At the November Club meeting on Tuesday, November 3rd,
Mr. Carl Wood who will be speaking on the topic, Dysfuntional California State Government. Mr. Wood, a resident of Cherry Valley in Riverside County, is a candidate for Assemblyman in the 65th Assembly District. He serves as Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs for the national Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), after a long stint on the National Executive Board of the UWUA. He was appointed by Governor Grey Davis to a six-year term on the California Public Utilities Commission. He brings a wealth of experience in the highest levels of regulatory commissions and in union organization in this country. Please come and enjoy an informative evening of discussion about the current crisis in state government and what we can do to fix the problems.
Dr. David A. Foltz, Past President, Editor of the BBVDC website.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st, 6:30 p.m. in the MWD Building
Mr. Pat Meagher is returning to Big Bear! Mr. Meagher, who is running for Congress from the 41st CD, will be speaking about the number one hot-button issue facing our country--Health Care Reform. His formal address is titled "Healthcare 101" in which he gives a brief outline of the several pieces of legislation that have come out of both House and Senate committees. He will sort ouf fact from rumors by exploding the lies and distortions being circulated by the hate and fear mongers in our midst who will do anything to bring down the Obama Administration--such as the Sarah Palin "death panel", unbridled government take over, absorbing 401k pension funds into Social Security. We all know the biggest problem is soaring costs, mostly brought on by pharma and health insurane companies whose unethical practices have forced countless Americans to lose health insurance, either because of outrageous premiums or by being denied coverage on the basis of "pre-conditions". Following Pat's presentation there will be an opportunity for Questions and Answers. All are welcome to come to this important event -- an opportunity to beomce truly informed by one of our mountain communnity's leading experts on healthcare reform.
 California Democratic Council FPPC# 743865/FEC# C00229997 Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. |