February Meeting

February 15, 2026 @ 2:30 pm
Peninsula Center Library Community Room

By Louis Vandenberg

The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa is a lifelong Democrat and proven public servant with a distinguished record of leadership rooted in working-class advocacy, civil rights, and effective government. His career spans labor and civil-rights organizations—including the American Federation of Government Employees, SEIU, United Teachers Los Angeles, and the ACLU—followed by service in the California State Assembly, where he rose to become Speaker, and later as the 41st Mayor of Los Angeles. In the Assembly, Villaraigosa brought together labor, environmental, and business leaders to deliver major progressive victories: passage of a $2 billion park bond—the largest in California history at the time—authoring the Healthy Families program to provide health coverage for nearly three-quarters of a million uninsured children, and leading approval of a $9 billion school bond, then the largest ever enacted. 

As Mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa demonstrated that progressive values and fiscal discipline can go hand in hand—balancing the city’s budget while investing in public safety, infrastructure, and core services. He helped make Los Angeles one of the safest big cities in America while building a 21st-century transportation system, advancing meaningful education reform, expanding economic opportunity by cutting bureaucratic red tape, and positioning Los Angeles as a national leader in sustainability and green growth.

Today, Antonio Villaraigosa is a candidate for Governor of the State of California, with an expressed commitment to affordability and fighting to lower costs, expanding opportunity, strengthening public institutions, and delivering results that reflect Democratic values of equity, inclusion, and shared prosperity. His live presentation will be followed by a Q&A with PV Democrats membership. 

After hearing from Mayor Villaraigosa, the Palos Verdes Democrats is honored to host Dr. Paul D’Anieri, who is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on Ukraine. Dr. D’Anieri, who is in Ukraine at the time of this writing, will join us via Zoom, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Dr. D’Anieri is currently a Professor of International Relations and formerly served as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor at the University of California, Riverside. A Fulbright Scholar, he earned his BA in International Relations from Michigan State University and his MA and PhD from Cornell University.

Dr. D’Anieri’s research focuses on Ukrainian domestic politics and Ukraine’s relationship with Russia. In the fall of 2017, he served as a Shklar Research Fellow at Harvard University, where his work centered on Ukrainian politics. He is the author of numerous books and scholarly articles, including the acclaimed Ukraine and Russia: From Civilized Divorce to Uncivil War.

As early as 2013, Dr. D’Anieri was among the first researchers to examine the corrupt activities of longtime Republican operative Paul Manafort in Ukraine. Manafort—who later became Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign chair—was working in Ukraine for President Viktor Yanukovych, a leader aligned with and supported by Vladimir Putin. Manafort’s orchestration of Yanukovych’s reelection campaign was awash in Russian money intended to distort Ukraine’s democratic process in Putin’s favor.

As his extensive corruption was about to culminate in arrest and imprisonment, Yanukovych—assisted by Putin—fled Ukraine for Russia, abandoning his lavish presidential compound. He was later convicted in absentia by a Ukrainian court on charges of treason.

Although Manafort’s activities in Ukraine largely predated Donald Trump’s attempted extortion of Ukraine in 2019, Manafort’s history there formed the essential backdrop to Trump’s first impeachment. Following his return to the United States, Manafort was convicted on multiple felony charges, including bank fraud and tax fraud, arising from his Ukraine-related activities. He received prison sentences in both Virginia and Washington, D.C., served time in federal prison, and later had his sentences commuted by Donald Trump.

There are few, if any, scholars who combine Dr. D’Anieri’s depth of academic expertise on Ukraine with his extensive personal experience of the country and its people. He is an eyewitness to Ukraine’s courageous struggle for independence and freedom from the domination Vladimir Putin seeks to impose. At a moment when democratic norms face challenges both abroad and at home, Dr. D’Anieri is uniquely positioned to illuminate both the parallels and the distinctions between these struggles.

Prepare for eye-opening insights into what may come to be regarded as one of the most pivotal and far-reaching conflicts of the modern era.

President’s Report

By Tim Dixon

Militarized Power, Assault on Truth and Our Duty to Resist!

Across our nation, we are witnessing profoundly alarming developments as the Trump administration expands the powers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol, and other federal agencies far beyond their lawful scope. Under the guise of “law and order,” these agencies are being deployed into American cities — transforming instruments of justice into instruments of fear and coercion. The sight of militarized federal forces detaining civilians, intimidating local communities, and bypassing state and local authority should alarm every American who values democracy.

In Minneapolis, a federal immigration surge ostensibly targeting undocumented individuals has instead produced chaos, fear, and egregious violations of civil rights. Within weeks, these operations culminated in the deaths of two U.S. citizens.

On January 7, 2026, Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother and Minneapolis resident, was shot and killed by an ICE agent during a federal operation. Local authorities later ruled her death a homicide, and video evidence casts grave doubt on any claim that she posed a legitimate threat.

Just weeks later, on January 24, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive-care nurse, was killed during a demonstration. Witnesses and human rights organizations report that Pretti was filming federal agents and attempting to intervene peacefully when he was violently forced to the ground and shot. Video evidence directly contradicts official claims that he presented an imminent threat.

These killings sparked widespread protests across the nation, including in the South Bay. Palos Verdes Democrats joined peaceful demonstrations including a protest on Saturday, January 31, 2026, standing in solidarity with those demanding accountability, transparency, and the immediate withdrawal of militarized federal forces from civilian communities.

Historian and Yale professor Timothy Snyder, in On Tyranny and The Road to Unfreedom, warns that authoritarianism rarely announces itself. It advances incrementally — through erosion of norms, the demonization of “outsiders,” and the normalization of state violence. Snyder reminds us: “Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given.” When citizens grow numb, remain silent, or fail to act, democracy’s foundations begin to crumble.

Snyder further observes that violence normalized at the border inevitably migrates inward. “The people who are getting used to committing violence on the border,” he writes, “are then brought in to commit violence against people in the interior.” We are witnessing this pattern unfold before our eyes.

Equally alarming is the Trump administration’s response to the killings of Good and Pretti. Officials issued statements that were not merely misleading — they were blatant falsehoods, claiming imminent threats and justified force even as publicly available video evidence told a radically different story. The administration demands that Americans reject their own eyes and judgment, a tactic familiar to students of authoritarianism. Snyder cautions that when leaders insist that reality itself is negotiable, democratic accountability collapses. To abandon facts is to abandon freedom.

This is why defending truth is not optional — it is a democratic imperative. Accountability is impossible if reality is manipulated or denied.

We must urgently call upon our representatives in Congress to deny or reduce funding for ICE unless substantial reforms are enacted, including strict oversight, independent review, and clear limits on militarized operations. Citizens have the constitutional power — and the moral obligation — to demand that federal authority be restrained.

As members of Palos Verdes Democrats, we must remain vigilant and engaged. Stay informed, read widely — including Snyder’s On Tyranny — and speak with your neighbors and friends about the stakes for our democracy. Every conversation that links policy to democratic consequence strengthens our collective resistance.

We must support local and state officials who uphold democratic norms. They are often the last line of defense against federal overreach.

I urge all our members, friends, and families to volunteer and organize for the 2026 midterm elections. These elections will determine whether Congress acts as a check on authoritarian power or as an enabler. Join our voter registration drives, phone banks, postcard campaigns, and canvassing efforts. Every vote cast for democracy is a vote against tyranny.

We must also protect the vulnerable. ICE’s aggressive tactics have instilled fear in immigrant communities throughout Los Angeles County. Support local advocacy groups, provide assistance where possible, and amplify their voices. Solidarity is essential.

History has tested us before, and we have prevailed through courage, unity, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Palos Verdes Democrats are not powerless; we are part of a nationwide network of citizens devoted to truth, equality, and the preservation of freedom. We will not abandon facts. We will not abandon democracy. Let us prove, through our words and actions, that Californians — and all Americans — will remain vigilant and unyielding in defense of liberty.

From the Activism Chair

By Caryl Schwartz, Activism Chair

It’s been a long, stressful year, and we need to lean on each other to stay focused on the prize. The prize is winning elections and gaining control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. We need elected officials with backbones to fight the current authoritarian regime. 

On the streets of Minneapolis, we are witnessing a civil war perpetrated by masked and armed federal militia of ICE and CBP agents against citizens with cell phones and whistles. The people who participate in community response against Operation Metro Surge are truly heroes. 

Two American citizens were murdered by federal agents. The administration wanted to normalize lethal force as a crackdown tactic. The public outcry has led to cosplaying Nazi “Little Soldier” Bovino being demoted and his government social media accounts closed. Sadistic “Ice Barbie” Kristi Noem needs to go next. It’s doubtful that bribe-accepting White House Border Czar Tom Homan will do things much differently. Spoiler alert: he was a contributor to Project 2025, Trump’s blueprint for his second term in office. It’s a change in the public face, but not the policies of mass deportations and family separations. The truth is, CBP does not belong in American cities. 

We must do everything we can to ensure that the bloated DHS budget does not receive additional money. Senators must refuse to fund ICE unless and until there are binding, enforceable reforms that rein in abuses, establish real accountability, and protect basic human rights. Democrats need to stand firm in spite of another potential government shutdown. It’s going to be really hard; the OBBB granted DHS $305 billion, the majority of which bypasses appropriations. Republicans in Congress who have given this president a free pass need to honor their oath of office and stand up to the lawlessness of the current government. 

The administration has repeatedly failed to comply with court orders. Judges are going to need to play hardball, like Judge Patrick Schiltz did this week by ordering Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons to appear in court. 

Kleptocracy and oligarchy are the operating system in the current regime. Trump has no problem with his family pursuing foreign business deals that enrich him and his family by billions. Trump has successfully monetized his presidency, emboldened by the fact that there are no consequences. SCOTUS granted him immunity, and he dismantled government watchdog agencies. 

Blatant lies and cruelty are the dogma of this administration. We have elections in 10 months; the only way to curtail Trump is to win. There is voter suppression and gerrymandering, and it will require a lot of voter outreach and financial support to flip the legislature blue. 

Call to Action

Take Action to Protect Democracy

By Caryl Schwartz

Local Elections Matter: Torrance 
General Municipal Election: June 2, 2026 

Current right-wing Mayor George Chen will be running against City Councilmember Sharon Kalani. I plan on canvassing for Sharon Kalani and hope you will join me. 

Councilmembers for Districts 1, 3, and 5 
Betty Lieu has filed to run for District 5 

City Clerk and City Treasurer
Aurelio Mattucci MAGA City Council Member is running for City Treasurer, no Democrat is running 

Democrats politically active in Torrance suggest supporting Griffiths to prevent a MAGA nightmare in the city.

Scheduled Special Elections for 2026 

Texas Congressional District 18 
Democrat Chris Menefee won the runoff general election on January 31, 2026. The district has been without representation since March 2025, when Democrat Sylvester Turner died of cancer. 

What’s really crazy is that a new race for the seat will open up on February 17, 2026, when early voting starts in the March primary in the newly gerrymandered 18th District. Christian Menefee for Congress

Georgia Congressional District 14 
Seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene 
Election: March 10, 2026 

Currently, there are 21 candidates running: 19 Republicans and 1 Democrat, Shawn Harris. Shawn Harris is a retired Army Brigadier General. Georgia state law requires all candidates to run on one ballot. If no candidate wins 50% of the vote, the runoff election is April 7. Early voting begins Monday, February 16. 
To donate or volunteer: https://www.shawnforgeorgia.com 

New Jersey Congressional District 11 
Special election to fill the seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill when she was elected Governor of New Jersey. 
Primary scheduled for February 5, 2026 
General election: April 16, 2026 

Ohio Senate Special Election 
To fill the seat vacated by JD Vance on November 3, 2026. Sherrod Brown is running, and I encourage club members to support him in any way they can. 
https://www.sherrodbrown.com/ 

Florida Senate Special Election 
To fill the remainder of Marco Rubio’s term on November 3, 2026 
Primary: August 18, 2026 

Wisconsin State Supreme Court Election 
April 7, 2026 

I hope you will join me to phone bank for Chris Taylor, Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge and former Democratic State Representative. Wisconsin Supreme Court: Continue the Fight for Democracy - Call with Swing Blue Alliance · Swing Blue Alliance

Please Support: Organizations Fighting Voter Suppression 

Democracy Docket: https://www.democracydocket.com/about-us/ 
Fair Fight: https://www.fairfight.com/ 
Democracy Forward: https://democracyforward.org/ 
Common Cause: https://www.commoncause.org 

Other Organizations 

Defending Our Neighbors: https://defendingourneighbors.org/ 
LA Regional Food Bank: https://www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/ 

Senate Campaigns to Support 

Re-elect Jon Ossoff (Georgia): https://electjon.com/ 
Sherrod Brown for Ohio Senate: https://www.sherrodbrown.com/ 
Chris Pappas for New Hampshire Senate: https://chrispappas.org/ 
Mary Peltola for Alaska Senate: https://marypeltola.com/ 
Roy Cooper for North Carolina Senate: https://roycooper.com/ 

After Democratic primaries, the list will grow to include, but not be limited to, Maine, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, and Texas. We need to flip a minimum of five seats. The goal for the House of Representatives is at least 25 seats. Saving democracy is hard work and requires mobilization. 

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.    

• Here are more ways to help immigrants.  

• 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  

• HILL – Supporting day laborers and immigrant families. Instagram | hillresponseteam@gmail.com  

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

• CHIRLA – A California leader advocating for immigrant rights since 1986, building a just society inclusive of immigrants. Website Please donate to our CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights - Los Angeles) fundraiser. Money raised will help this highly-regarded non-profit to help inform immigrants of their legal rights. We have raised just over half of our $5,000 goal.  

• 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   

Action Item 

Common Cause is running phone banks to rein in ICE through voter outreach in Republican states. 

Here's Indivisible's explainer  about the issue and the constraints demanded 
Here's an even deeper dive into the issue  
Here's a short video tutorial on the Scale to Win  platform we'll be using 
And here's the Mobilize link  to register 

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

Thank you, 
Caryl Schwartz 
Activism Chair 

LACDP January Meeting Recap

By Jon Munoz

The LACDP meeting was held on Tuesday January 13th. It was held at the usual location – UTLA headquarters on Wilshire. UTLA is the Union of Teachers Los Angeles. The meeting started with an update on the UTLA negotiations with the LAUSD.  Nearly all of DTLA proposals, such as a meaningful raise of 18% in year one, were either rejected by the LAUSD or lowballed. The LACDP membership was urged to support UTLA in their efforts. The strike authorization vote will take place between January 27-29th.

Two upcoming municipal elections in Lancaster and Whittier were noted. In particular the April 14th election in Whittier - where 2 City Council seats are up – is an opportunity to turn the Council’s majority from MAGA Republican to Democrat.

Later, Derek Trann’s campaign manager spoke of the necessity to ensure his reelection in his newly redistricted area. She also pointed out three other “must wins” as California’s path to a Congressional majority The 3 races are – Adam Gray (D) – reelect,  Darrel Issa (R) -defeat and David G. Valadeo (R) – defeat.

A number of resolutions were put forward and immediately approved by the LACDP membership. They are listed by title below.

1. Protecting California's Working Families from Being Impoverished by Vast, Anticompetitive Corporate Power

2. California’s Proud Role as Environmental Champion

3. Thank You, Nancy Pelosi

4. End ICE Terror

The next LACDP meeting will take place on Tuesday February 10th.

Gathering Signatures for Rep. Ted Lieu

By Nico Rodriquez

I am reaching out because on Monday, February 9th from 4:30pm-7:30pm, I will be at Smog City Brewing in North Torrance where I will be set up gathering signatures to get Rep. Lieu back on the ballot for the 2026 election. 

As you are aware this is a busy election cycle with many things happening and new congressional maps. The good news is the 36th Congressional District has not changed borders with the new maps approved by Proposition 50. 

So if you are a resident and registered voter living in Rep. Lieu's district, you are invited to stop by to say hello, sign the petition to get Rep. Lieu back on the ballot and have a beer or soft drink on us.  

Please spread the word about this opportunity to stop by Smog City and sign this petition! 

How to look up who your member of congress is (enter your registration address here): https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Check your voter registration status (LA County Registrar of Voters)

https://www.lavote.gov/vrstatus

If you have any questions, feel free to reach me by email. If you can't make it, let me know and arrange another time to get your signature. Additionally, will be having other signature gathering opportunities in West LA and elsewhere.

See you on Monday.

NICOLAS RODRIQUEZ
LIEU FOR CONGRESS

Color Me a Democrat

By Fraser Perkins