August 2026 Club Newsletter

What’s In This Month’s Newsletter

  • Our August Meeting:‍ Join us on Sunday, August 16, at 2:30 pm, for one of the most popular events on the PV Dems calendar: our Annual Supreme Court Term Review… read more

  • President’s Report:‍ Standing Together for Our Democracy. There is something truly special about the energy of a community coming together. Looking out at the packed crowd on July 19, 2026, for our 11th Annual Meeting and Picnic, that energy was palpable. .…read more

  • 2026 Summer Picnic Report:‍ The event celebrated the Palos Verdes Democrats' long history of civic engagement while emphasizing the importance of Democratic organizing and participation in the 2026 elections.… read more

  • From the Activism Chair:‍ I want to thank everyone for their generosity and for contributing gift cards to H.I.L.L. With your support, PV Dems raised $2800 in gift cards at our June 28th meeting.… read more

  • Call to Action:‍ ‍Take action to protect democracy. Check out these activism opportunities… read more

  • LACDP June Meeting Recap:‍ The LACDP meeting was held on Tuesday July 14th. It was held in person at the UNAC/UHCP headquarters in La Puente ‍… read more

  • Color Me a Democrat: Visit artwork by our members … read more

August Meeting

Join us on Sunday, August 16, at 2:30 pm, for one of the most popular events on the PV Dems calendar: our Annual Supreme Court Term Review. Judge Tom Long, longtime PV Dem, sitting Los Angeles Superior Court judge, and former two-term Mayor and City Councilmember of Rancho Palos Verdes, returns to lead this powerful session. Judge Long will guide us through the decisions, the Justices behind them, the political undercurrents, and the real-world consequences. As part of the program, Judge Long will present video highlights from the 2026 UC Irvine School of Law’s Supreme Court Review Panel:

Register

Moderated by Dean Austen Parrish

Panelists

  • Mario Barnes, Chancellor's Professor of Law, UC Irvine Law

  • Robert S. Chang, Professor of Law and the Sylvia Mendez Presidential Chair for Civil Rights, UC Irvine Law

  • Courtney Cahill, Professor of Law, USC Gould School of Law

  • Ji Seon Song, Professor of Law, UC Irvine law

  • Paul Watford, Partner, King & Spalding

President’s Report

By Tim Dixon
President, Palos Verdes Democrats

Standing Together for Our Democracy

There is something truly special about the energy of a community coming together. Looking out at the packed crowd on July 19, 2026, for our 11th Annual Meeting and Picnic, that energy was palpable. With so many attendees telling us it was our best picnic yet, it is clear that our grassroots spirit is stronger than ever.

Gathering together is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared values and connect with one another. At this year’s picnic, we proudly celebrated America’s 250th anniversary, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring our nation’s founders. Yet our annual event was also a vital reminder of the serious work and challenges ahead of us.

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all the members and volunteers who worked so tirelessly to make the day a success, especially our board members, who contribute countless hours to advance our democratic values. Our annual gathering simply would not be possible without their dedication.

It was an incredible honor to welcome so many distinguished local and county leaders to our event, including city council members, school board members, library trustees, Superior Court judicial candidates, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, and Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang. We were also privileged to have all four candidates running for the two open seats for State Senate and State Assembly address our members.

A special highlight of the day was honoring our State Assemblymember, Al Muratsuchi, for more than a decade of dedicated service to our community. We also heard inspiring remarks from our State Senator, Ben Allen, who is currently a candidate for California Insurance Commissioner. Finally, our keynote speaker, Congressman Ted Lieu, offered a vital national perspective on the road to victory this November and graciously administered the oath of office to our officers and board members for their new term.

The Stakes of the Moment

In my remarks at the picnic, I outlined how our democracy faces serious challenges. We see ongoing threats to the guardrails that have protected our republic for generations: attacks on a free press, efforts to undermine public trust in independent institutions, and attempts to politicize agencies that must serve the rule of law.

Perhaps most troubling is the increasing use of government power in ways that many Americans believe undermine transparency, accountability, and civil liberties. Our nation’s founders rejected the unchecked exercise of authority and insisted that those entrusted with power remain accountable to the people. When institutions operate without sufficient oversight or transparency, public trust is weakened, constitutional principles are tested, and the freedoms we cherish are placed at risk.

Liberty survives only when no one person is above the law and when institutions remain stronger than personalities.

The Legacy of American Progress

Yet our history also reminds us that America has always moved forward because ordinary citizens stood up when the moment demanded it.

For 250 years, generations have fought to expand the meaning of our founding promise and bring us closer to a more perfect union. We have fought to abolish slavery, secure women’s right to vote, advance civil rights, protect LGBTQ+ equality, and ensure that working people have dignity, safety, and a voice through unions.

Every step forward was achieved because people organized, spoke out, and refused to accept injustice. Progress is never automatic; it is earned by those willing to ensure that “We the People” truly includes all of us.

The challenges we face are serious, but they are not insurmountable. We are the caretakers of a 250-year-old experiment. The passion I saw at our picnic was deeply encouraging and demonstrated that our members and our party are ready to meet the defining challenge of our time.

Turning Passion into Action

Passion alone, however, is not enough. We need organization and relentless action. We cannot wait for the next presidential election to defend our values. These upcoming midterm elections are a critical referendum on the future of our democracy.

To win these midterms and protect our democratic institutions, we need everyone to take concrete action:

Mobilize and Organize: We must be the engine of voter turnout. Commit to canvassing, phone banking, and writing postcards to get out the vote.

Protect the Process: Sign up as nonpartisan poll workers or join our election protection efforts to ensure every eligible vote is cast, counted, and respected.

Combat Disinformation: Be a trusted source of accurate information in your community. Share verified resources and help others navigate the electoral process with confidence.

Hold Power Accountable: Your presence at town halls and local government meetings is a force no elected official can ignore.

Invest in Our Future: If you have the means, please consider contributing financially to our local efforts. These resources are essential to fueling grassroots campaigns and ensuring our message reaches voters throughout the South Bay.

History will not ask what we hoped would happen. It will ask what we did when our democracy needed us most.

The future of our democracy is not predetermined. It will be shaped by the choices we make, the voices we raise, and the work we are willing to do together.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, ordinary people changed the course of history. Today, it is our turn.

Together, we are the guardians of our democracy, the voice of this moment, and the force that will protect America’s promise.

Together, we will rise, we will fight, and we will win.

2026 Summer Annual Picnic and Fundraiser

By AI

The event celebrated the Palos Verdes Democrats' long history of civic engagement while emphasizing the importance of Democratic organizing and participation in the 2026 elections. The club's president described the organization as having served the Peninsula for 74 years and emphasized democracy, equality, justice, and civic engagement as its core values. 

Local government

  • Rolling Hills Estates Mayor Pro Tem Pam Brown Schachter welcomed the organization and highlighted local projects, including the George F Canyon Nature Center and a $1.2 million state grant. 

  • Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna discussed reductions in violent crime and use-of-force incidents, departmental accountability, and the importance of voter participation in his reelection campaign.

  • Rancho Palos Verdes Councilmember George Lewis urged Democrats not to take the November election for granted and emphasized voter turnout.

  • County Assessor Jeff Prang discussed efforts to identify previously unreported private aircraft for property-tax purposes and his office's Homeowner Alert program for detecting potential title fraud.

School and library boards

  • Library Trustee Beth Wittenbury discussed her qualifications and commitment to maintaining the library as a community center.

  • Trustee Dr. Zoe Uno encouraged voters to learn about candidates for the three available library-board seats and highlighted continuing efforts elsewhere to ban books. 

  • School Board candidates Paul Vidal and Allyson Lehrer emphasized fiscal responsibility, educational quality, inclusion, and ensuring that every child has an opportunity to succeed. Vidal particularly emphasized resisting book bans and discrimination; Lehrer described her campaign theme as “A Place for Every Child.”

Judicial candidates

The picnic also featured candidates for Los Angeles County Superior Court seats, including candidates Donna Tryfman and David Ross (Office 131), Maria Ghobadi (Office 64), and Anna Slotky Reitano (Office 65). Their remarks emphasized judicial independence, fairness, due process, experience, and public service.

California Assembly and Senate

Four candidates spoke for the two state legislative races. The event organizers noted that all remaining candidates in those races were Democrats, meaning Democrats would win both seats regardless of the November outcome. 

State Assembly Candidates

  • Sara Dean emphasized combining effective governing with willingness to fight for Democratic values, citing her experience on the school board.

  • Paul Seo, Rancho Palos Verdes mayor, highlighted local accomplishments including business assistance, landslide mitigation, federal funding for geological hazard districts and a buyout program, and public safety initiatives.

State Senate Candidates

  • Brian Goldsmith emphasized protecting California from federal overreach while delivering practical results for the South Bay and putting the district's interests ahead of party or Sacramento politics.

  • John Erickson emphasized affordable housing, health care, education, labor, environmental issues, and reducing the influence of wealthy donors in state government.

Departing Legislators

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi received special recognition as he prepares to leave the Assembly after reaching the term limit. He reflected on his years representing the South Bay and credited local Democratic organizing—including the Palos Verdes Democrats' work—with helping transform the historically Republican South Bay into a Democratic stronghold. 

State Senator Ben Allen, who is running for California Insurance Commissioner, also spoke about his partnership with Muratsuchi and highlighted environmental projects, insurance issues, and his work assisting wildfire survivors. 

Congressman Ted Lieu

Congressman Lieu praised local Democratic leaders and highlighted more than $3.4 million in federal funding secured for landslide mitigation and storm-drain improvements. He criticized the Trump administration’s immigration and other national policies, urged strong Democratic turnout in November, and concluded with an optimistic reminder of America’s progress toward greater diversity and inclusion.

Congressman Lieu closed the event by swearing in the newly elected Palos Verdes Democrats Board of Directors.

Visit Our Picnic Photo Gallery

From the Activism Chair

By Caryl Schwartz, Activism Chair

I want to thank everyone for their generosity and for contributing gift cards to H.I.L.L. With your support, PV Dems raised $2800 in gift cards at our June 28th meeting. There is an ongoing need to help immigrant families facing food insecurity with loved ones in detention or facing deportation.  I will be accepting gift cards on behalf of H.I.L.L. anytime you choose to contribute.

Elections Matter! Our collective actions, whether canvassing, phone banking, or contributing financially to campaigns, will fight the current authoritarian regime.  The midterm elections are four months away and present the opportunity to shift control of the U.S. Congress to Democrats. The sycophantic Republicans have given Trump unchecked power to push his misogynistic, racist, dangerous, and corrupt authoritarian agenda.

Flipping the House of Representatives would grant Democrats control over the legislative agenda and committee power, allowing them to advance policies on healthcare, abortion access, and climate change, and serve as a direct check on the Trump administration's agenda. In the 2026 elections, we have the opportunity to shift control of the U.S. Congress to the Democrats. We can then hold the president accountable and block future harmful legislation.

Control of the House means the majority party dictates which bills reach the floor for a vote, which federal budget parameters are approved, and which investigations move forward. A shift to a Democratic majority will enable the party to actively push its own policy goals and block or rewrite harmful legislation from the GOP.

It is essential that the Democrats gain control of the Senate to stop Trump’s agenda and ensure that he is a lame duck president.  Alito and Thomas are getting old. If Republicans lose Senate control in the midterm elections, they lose their ability to confirm another Trump-appointed justice to the Supreme Court. Every Senate seat we win now is a six-year investment. Between 2027 and the end of Trump’s term, a Democratic Senate could block additional dangerous judicial and executive nominees.

Flipping the Senate is within reach. Republicans currently hold a 53–47 Senate majority. Of the 35 seats up in 2026, 22 are held by Republicans and 13 by Democrats.

The New York Times, June 30th, reported on voters in the six states that are likely to determine control of the Senate this November. Trump won five of these six states in 2024, four of them by more than ten points. Today they’re all in play. Republicans lead by a slim two or three points in Alaska, Iowa, and Ohio. Democrats are comfortably ahead in North Carolina, and they have a slight edge in Maine. Texas is tied. Across all six states, voters’ preferences are tied at 47 percent for each party. 

Victory in Gubernatorial races is critical in opposing Donald Trump's agenda. Governors wield executive authority to block federal policies and safeguard state-level systems. We have witnessed Governors directing state attorneys general to coordinate multi-state lawsuits to impede safeguards. 

Trump’s Executive Overreach

Democratic Governors in battleground states can veto restrictive voting laws passed by conservative state legislatures, ensuring that ballot access remains protected.   

Governors control state law enforcement and the National Guard.  In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul used state policies to restrict local police forces from acting as federal immigration enforcement tools.  When Federal directives or Project 2025 target specific sectors, governors can and did issue protective state-level executive orders.  Examples of this include the governors in Washington and North Carolina using state mandates to shield reproductive healthcare in their states. 

The Call-to-Action column suggests campaigns and actions in which you can participate in. 

Call to Action

By Caryl Schwartz, Activism Chair

Voter Outreach via both canvassing and phone banking will be critical to win the upcoming Midterm Elections. PV Dems community must ramp up our efforts to elect Democrats in local and Federal races. To fight the authoritarian corrupt Regime, eliminate ICE abuses we MUST flip the House and Senate.

I invite you to join me at my home to phonebank every Thursday 2:30- 4:30 and Sunday 3PM- 5 PM. If those times don’t work for you, we can pick a convenient day for you. 

Please reach out to me 310 897 0219 or pvcaryl@verizon.net

In Person: Canvass for Derek Tran CA 45:

Please reach out to me with any questions or to organize car pooling

California: after redistricting, two California Congressional seats are considered toss-ups; please consider volunteering or financially supporting. CA 22:

Phonebanks: Battleground States: https://www.mobilize.us/call4change/ Sundays 3:00-5:00 PM PST  

Battleground Congressional Races: https://www.mobilize.us/?event_type=2&q=Ground truth

Call California Voters: House Majority Runs Through California https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/913718/

Phonebank with Common Cause: Legislative Issues.  Move pro-democracy bills forward or push back on harmful legislation moving through State Houses and the U.S. Congress. https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/758610

Training: Yes, You Can(vas) Tuesdays 7 :00 PM https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/596490/

Senate Races

Alito and Thomas are getting old. If Republicans lose Senate control in the midterm elections, they lose their ability to confirm another Trump-appointed justice to the Supreme Court. Every Senate seat we win now is a six-year investment. Between 2027 and the end of Trump’s term, a Democratic Senate could block additional dangerous judicial and executive nominees.  

Senate Campaigns to Support: Please visit websites to volunteer or contribute financially.  

Contribute to all races with a single donation https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sl-balance-of-power-2026

Why Governors’ Races Matter 

Victory in Gubernatorial races is critical in opposing Donald Trump’s agenda. Governors wield executive authority to block federal policies and safeguard state-level systems. We have witnessed Governors directing state attorneys general to coordinate multi-state lawsuits to halt Trump’s executive overreach. Democratic Governors in battleground states can veto restrictive voting laws passed by conservative state legislatures, ensuring that ballot access remains protected.

Immigrant Assistance

  • You can download a printable sheet that outlines what to do if ICE comes to the door here. These can also be ordered as “red cards”.  

  • Here’s a sheet that explains how to identify ICE vehicles and what to do if you see them.   

  • South Bay For All – Raising rental aid for immigrant neighbors and helping them run their businesses safely from home. Instagram | southbayforall@gmail.com 

  • Gardena Guardians – Standing in solidarity with Gardena's immigrant community, providing resources and advocacy. Instagram 

  • Harbor Area Peace Patrols – A collective of concerned Harbor residents patrolling neighborhoods to defend neighbors from ICE/DHS, sharing Know Your Rights information. Instagram 

  • CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) – Mobilizing the faith community to stand with workers and families for dignity and justice. Website 

  • Immigrant Defenders Law Center – A social justice law firm defending immigrant communities from injustices in the immigration system. Website 

  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Training advocates, shaping policy, and empowering immigrants through civic engagement and Know Your Rights tools. Website 

For additional Activism options and opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me @pvcaryl@verizon.net or 310-897-0219. 

Thank-you,
Caryl Schwartz
Activism Chair

LACDP June Meeting Recap

By Jon Munoz

The LACDP meeting was held on Tuesday July 14th. It was held in person at the UNAC/UHCP headquarters in La Puente.  It was a very brief meeting.  LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis gave a victory speech at the meeting. She is running for Congress in the newly redistricted 38th Congressional District.  This area includes the San Gabriel Valley and areas of Eastern Los Angeles.  While her first-place finish  with 46% of the vote was solid,  she did note that her opposition is a MAGA supporter who at 36% still received a large number of votes.

She also emphasized the importance of not disparaging Democratic candidates as this plays in the hands of Republicans.  As in past recent meetings, the topic of engagement is crucial for continued electoral victories.  It was noted in the meeting that a number of cities in LA County turned blue.  Torrance, along with Lancaster and Whittier, were noted for completely turning blue in the primary.   On the legislative front only 1 statewide bill, anti-monopolization bill AB1776 was discussed and endorsed.

The next LACDP meeting will take place in September.

PV Democrats in the Community

The PV Democrats volunteers helped spread the word by hosting tables at the PV Chamber of Commerce Street Fair and the RPV 4th. of July Celebration

Color Me a Democrat

Artwork by PV Democrats Member Fraser Perkins