July 2026 Club Newsletter
What’s In This Month’s Newsletter
Upcoming June Meeting: Palos Verdes Democrats will host our June Meeting at the Peninsula Center Library and on Zoom. Please note that this meeting is one week later than our regular business rhythm in order to accommodate Father’s Day..… read more
President’s Report: Our democracy is facing one of its greatest tests in modern history. As we look toward the upcoming election cycle, we must confront a persistent and dangerous threat to our republic: the deliberate, coordinated, and relentless promotion of baseless conspiracy theories about the integrity of our elections. .…read more
May Meeting Report: The PV Democrats hosted our May meeting featuring three speakers.… read more
From the Activism Chair: H.I.L.L. assists immigrant families in the South Bay and is in desperate need of any gift cards. Your donation of Grocery, Target or CVS cards supports immigrant households who are facing food insecurity while breadwinners are held in Detention Centers. … read more
Call to Action: Take action to protect democracy. Check out these activism opportunities… read more
Election of Officers: The election of officers for the 2026–2027 term of the Palos Verdes Democrats will take place during the meeting on June 28.… read more
LACDP May Meeting Recap: The May meeting of the LACDP was notably brief, perhaps setting a record for its duration. Chair Mark Ramos delivered an impassioned speech regarding the recent removal of legislative committee seats from Democrats in Tennessee, a consequence of their opposition to Republican policies. … read more
2026 Primary Election Results: A great election for Democrats! Many Democratic candidates are advancing to the General Election in November..… read more
June Meeting
June 28, 2026 @ 2:30 pm
Peninsula Center Library Community Room
By Louis Vandenberg
Palos Verdes Democrats will host our June Meeting at the Peninsula Center Library and on Zoom. Please note that this meeting is one week later than our regular business rhythm in order to accommodate Father’s Day.
We are still finalizing our program, but we will be joined via Zoom by Dr. Timothy Lyons.
Dr. Lyons is a Distinguished Professor of Biogeochemistry at the University of California. His research spans astrobiology, marine geochemistry, geobiology, and paleoclimatology. By studying anoxic marine environments and early atmospheric oxygenation, he develops geochemical tracers to explore ancient Earth and search for life beyond our planet.
A fellow of the Geological Society of America and the AAAS, Dr. Lyons has received an NSF CAREER Award and was Harvard's first Agassiz Lecturer. His global academic presence includes visiting fellowships at Cambridge, Yale, the Max Planck Institute, and institutions across Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Dr. Lyons has shaped national scientific policy through major funding panels for the NSF and NASA. He is the leader of the "Alternative Earths" NASA Astrobiology Institute team at UC Riverside, serves on its Executive Council, and contributed to the U.S. National Research Council's decadal report.
As a global scientific leader, Dr. Lyons will speak on the profound impact of massive funding cuts to scientific research. He will address how these reductions threaten America's global standing, stall medical and scientific progress, and risk abandoning cutting-edge knowledge, exploring what the nation ultimately stands to lose.
2026 PV Democrats Annual Picnic
July 19, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, Rolling Hills Estates
Join us for our 2026 Annual Picnic and Fundraiser. We will once again be enjoying the beautiful grounds at the St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 26825 Rolling Hills Rd, Rolling Hills Estates.
Remember that our membership year spans July 1 through June 30, so your membership is due for renewal. This year, we are offering a $5/$10 discount for (single/family) membership renewals when paired with a picnic registration.
To streamline the event experience, we strongly encourage online registration and prepayment.
To renew your membership without registering for the picnic, just visit our website at https://www.pvpdemocrats.org/membership.
President’s Report
By Tim Dixon
The Erosion of Truth: Why Our Democracy Depends on Facts
Our democracy is facing one of its greatest tests in modern history. As we look toward the upcoming election cycle, we must confront a persistent and dangerous threat to our republic: the deliberate, coordinated, and relentless promotion of baseless conspiracy theories about the integrity of our elections.
Before addressing this crisis, I want to extend a sincere thank-you to all our members who participated in the recent California primary. Whether you cast a ballot, supported your preferred candidates, contributed financially, or served as delegates to the pre-endorsement conference or the CADEM Convention, your engagement is the foundation of our progress.
As I write this, Democratic candidates performed exceptionally well. We avoided a shutout in the governor’s race, and excellent Democratic candidates advanced in all the statewide contests. Across California, we have positioned strong candidates for Congress as part of our unified effort to flip the House. Locally, the results are equally encouraging; it appears we will have two Democrats competing in both our State Senate and State Assembly races. Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment.
However, even as we celebrate these successes, we cannot afford to ignore the damage being done to our national political discourse.
For more than six years, Donald Trump and his allies have repeatedly claimed that the 2020 presidential election—and, more recently, California’s primary election—were marred by widespread voter fraud. When prominent political leaders, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, amplify allegations that lack supporting evidence, they are doing more than engaging in partisan debate; they are actively contributing to the erosion of public trust. Recently, Speaker Johnson remarked, “Look, some of these efforts are so diabolical and so far upstream it's impossible to prove. But I think everybody knows instinctively something is wrong here.” By replacing verifiable facts with such vague, "instinctive" claims, leaders like Johnson are not merely expressing political dissent—they are actively undermining the factual foundation upon which our democratic institutions rely. This is a calculated effort to undermine public confidence in our most fundamental democratic institution: the vote.
It is important to restate a simple fact: there is no credible evidence to support these claims.
Following the 2020 election, the Trump campaign and its supporters filed more than 60 lawsuits challenging the results. Courts repeatedly dismissed or rejected these cases because they lacked evidence or legal standing. Notably, many of these rulings came from conservative judges, including several appointed by President Trump himself, who found the allegations unsupported by the facts. Even when pressed in public forums and major media appearances, proponents of these claims have consistently failed to provide any tangible proof. Furthermore, even a study conducted by the conservative Heritage Foundation identified only a handful of voter-fraud cases over the past forty years. Statistically, the likelihood of encountering a verified case of voter fraud is lower than the chance of being struck by lightning.
The recent baseless assertions regarding California’s primary are particularly troubling because they misrepresent a system specifically designed to be both secure and accessible. California’s election process includes multiple safeguards:
Signature Verification: Every vote-by-mail ballot envelope is compared against the voter’s registration record to verify the authenticity of the signature.
Voter Identification Requirements: To register, voters must provide a driver’s license number, state identification number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number, all of which are verified against government records.
The “Grace Period” Necessity: California law allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within seven days. This is not a loophole for fraud; it is a vital protection for legitimate voters. Without it, thousands of citizens, including members of our military serving overseas and voters who rely on mail delivery—could effectively be disenfranchised.
The time required to count these ballots is not evidence of wrongdoing. Rather, it reflects a process that prioritizes accuracy, security, and voter participation over speed.
The consequences of election misinformation are profound. Republican pollster Frank Luntz has reported that approximately two-thirds of Republicans continue to believe the 2020 election was stolen. When prominent political leaders amplify allegations that lack supporting evidence, they are doing more than engaging in partisan debate. They are contributing to a growing erosion of public trust in democratic institutions.
Beyond rhetoric, these figures and their allies continue to support legislation such as the so-called “SAVE Act.” Critics argue that the bill would impose burdensome documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements that could make voter registration more difficult for millions of eligible Americans, while limiting online and mail-based registration methods that have expanded voter participation.
The Founding Fathers established this nation on the principle of free and fair elections, with the peaceful transfer of power serving as a defining feature of a stable democracy. They understood that self-government cannot endure if citizens lose faith in the electoral process. When public officials promote demonstrably false claims about elections or support measures that may restrict access to the ballot box, they risk undermining the very institutions they have sworn to uphold.
A Call to Action
We recognize that some individuals are so deeply committed to these narratives that they remain unmoved by facts or evidence. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility to reach those who continue to value truth—Democrats, independents, and conservatives alike—and to highlight the risks that misinformation poses to our democratic system.
This election is about more than policy differences or partisan preferences. It is also about preserving public confidence in the institutions that sustain our democracy.
We encourage you to stay informed, engage with your elected representatives, and make your voice heard. Contact your members of Congress regarding issues that matter to you, including election policy and voting rights. Furthermore, hold elected officials accountable when they spread demonstrably false claims about our elections.
Our democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires informed, engaged citizens who are willing to defend truth, uphold democratic norms, and ensure that our system of self-government remains strong for future generations.
May Meeting Report
By Zoom AI
Climate Research and Environmental Challenges
Dr. Timothy Lyons, a keynote speaker and distinguished professor of biogeochemistry, was the primary speaker. Dr. Lyons presented on his research career and the current state of climate change, discussing how his work has evolved from studying ancient Earth conditions to addressing modern environmental challenges. He explained his research on the Salton Sea, which is experiencing significant health and ecological problems due to agricultural runoff and high salinity levels, and mentioned the potential for lithium reserves in the area. Timothy also discussed the urgent need to address climate change, presenting data on rising CO2 levels and global temperatures, emphasizing that 2024 was the world's warmest year on record and that global temperatures have now exceeded the critical 1.5°C threshold from the Paris Agreement.
Climate Policy Impact on Research
Timothy discussed the impact of policy changes on climate and environmental research, highlighting how the Biden administration's efforts to reduce coal-related CO2 emissions were largely reversed under the current administration. He explained how this prioritization of short-term concerns over long-term environmental crises affects scientific research funding, particularly at the National Science Foundation, which saw its budget reduced from potential $18 billion to $3-4 billion. Timothy also mentioned recent actions against the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the rescinding of the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases, emphasizing the challenges faced by climate scientists and the broader implications for scientific discovery.
Federal Science Funding Cuts Impact
Timothy discussed significant cuts to federal science funding under the Trump administration, noting that 7,800 researcher grants were cut and 25,000 scientists and personnel left federal agencies. He highlighted how NASA funding has declined from 4% of the federal budget during the Apollo era to a tiny fraction of 1% today, making it more vulnerable to cuts. Timothy expressed concern about the impact on early career scientists and mentioned that 30-40% of US Nobel Prizes are awarded to immigrant scientists, who are now less likely to come to the US due to changing conditions.
Climate Science and Policy Discussion
Timothy presented on climate science, explaining that CO2 increases are overwhelmingly from fossil fuel burning rather than natural causes like volcanoes or decaying vegetation. He discussed how China has transformed its approach to science and green technology, contrasting with the US's lack of leadership in this area. When asked about AI, Timothy expressed cautious optimism about its potential while noting concerns about misuse and plagiarism. The discussion concluded with Timothy strongly opposing proposed changes to political control of scientific awards at the National Science Foundation, arguing that the current peer review system is the best approach for ensuring quality and fairness in scientific funding decisions.
From the Activism Chair
By Caryl Schwartz, Activism Chair
H.I.L.L. assists immigrant families in the South Bay and is in desperate need of any gift cards. Your donation of Grocery, Target or CVS cards supports immigrant households who are facing food insecurity while breadwinners are held in Detention Centers. Please help by bringing $25 or $50 gift cards to PV Dems next meeting on June 28th. If you are not planning on attending but would like to contribute, please reach out to me. Also check your drawers for unused gift cards that may benefit a family in need.
I don’t know about you, but I am relieved that the June 2 primary is over. We know the candidates to focus on for California. Happy that Becerra is moving up to November’s General election. I was hoping that Steyer’s percentage of the vote would be higher to lock Hilton out of the General election. I was disappointed Al Muratsuchi lost his race for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Unfortunately, Trump endorsed Conservative Sonja Shaw received the largest percentage of the vote and is moving on to the General. Shaw is closely affiliated with Moms for Liberty; let’s all work to ensure Democrat Richard Barrera is elected.
Due to bipartisan political backlash President Donald Trump's administration temporally scrapped the controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund in the current reconciliation bill. Trump’s budget plan passed the Senate and included a DOJ IRS settlement that places a ban on the IRS auditing Trump and his family’s businesses. The settlement allows Trump to avoid nearly 100 million in penalties and provides immunity for any future tax dodging. Previous standard I.R.S. procedure was to audit the president every year, rather than confer on him sweeping protection from scrutiny on tax returns.
The Regime rewards unqualified insurrectionists by hiring them at both the Pentagon and the Justice Department. 24-year-old Elias Irizarry rioted and was convicted for Jan. 6th activities. He is currently working at the Pentagon in an office that provides national security advice, oversees sensitive special operations, and irregular warfare matters. Jared Wise, another insurrectionist and former FBI agent, was hired at the DOJ last year to serve as an adviser to the department's pardon attorney.
Speaking of unqualified, Trump is moving ahead with loyalist Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence for the next 210 days. Trump has instructed Pulte to fire those Federal employees that worked for Democratic administrations. Pulte, like Trump, is a real estate heir and will temporarily have 2 positions in the government: Director of US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and Director of National Intelligence. He has absolutely no experience in national intelligence but will be happy to go after Trump's perceived political adversaries as the head of FHFA.
Trump states he will nominate Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer and current Acting Attorney General, to lead the DOJ permanently. The Department of Justice in Trump 2.0 has morphed into a personal vendetta machine rather than a department that protects the public and upholds the Constitution.
It won’t be easy to reverse the damage from the current regime assault on Democracy, but we start by gaining majorities in the House & Senate. In the Senate, only one Democratic Senate seat in Michigan is rated as a toss-up. Republicans have 3 Senate in immediate peril Ohio, North Carolina and Maine. Other pick-up opportunities for Democrats include Alaska, Iowa, Texas and Nebraska with independent Dan Osborn who would caucus with Democrats.
After redistricting there are two Congressional seats, CA 22 & CA 48 that are considered toss-ups. Both those seats deserve our attention and financial support. In CA 22 David Valadro (R) had 6.1 million dollars in his coffers for the primary, Democrat Randy Villegas will be facing him in November’s General election. CA 48, Darrell Issa’s old district, Republican Jim Desmond will be running against Democrat Marni Wilpert. Redistricted CA 40 has 2 Republicans battling each other for the General election.
Call to Action
By Caryl Schwartz, Activism Chair
Voter Outreach via both canvassing and phone banking will be critical to win the upcoming Mid Term Elections. PV Dems community must ramp up our efforts to elect Democrats in 2025 state races and flip both the House and Senate in 2026.
Below are listed some opportunities to get involved.
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%20truth
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 legislations moving through State Houses and US Congress.
https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/758610
Training:Yes, You Can(vas) Tuesdays 7 :00 PM
https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/596490/
Canvassing for Derek Tran CA. 45 every Saturday 10:00 am -2:00 PM
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/913718/
Tips for voter outreach; It’s human nature that people become open and motivated when they get to speak. Find a common denominator with the voter, listen to what they are saying and empathize. When people talk about their lives or concerns, they warm to you and your message.
Senate Campaigns to Support:
Re-elect Jon Ossoff Georgia https://electjon.com/
James Talarico for Texas Senate https://jamestalarico.com/
Sherrod Brown for Ohio Senate https://www.sherrodbrown.com/
Chris Pappas for New Hampshire Senate https://chrispappas.org/
Mary Pelota for Alaska Senate https://marypeltola.com/
Roy Cooper for North Carolina Senate https://roycooper.com/
Josh Turek for Iowa https://turek4iowa.com/
Graham Platner for Maine https://www.grahamforsenate.com/
Annie Andrews https://drannieandrews.com
We need to flip a minimum of five Senate seats. Goal for House of Representatives is at least 25+ seats. To end our accelerating slide into autocracy 2026 demands we become more effective at reining Trump-Miller-Vance agenda. Saving Democracy is hard work and requires mobilization and financial support.
Governors Races to Support:
Amy Acton—Ohio: https://actonforgovernor.com/
Xavier Becerra—California: https://www.xavierbecerra2026.com/
Keisha Lance Bottoms—Georgia: https://www.keishaforgovernor.com/
Aaron Ford—Nevada: https://www.fordfornevada.com/
Rob Sand—Iowa: https://robsand.com/
Organizations Fighting to Protect Your Rights & Prevent 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
Protect Democracy: https://protectdemocracy.org/
Other Organizations to Support:
Defending Our Neighbors: https://defendingourneighbors.org/
LA Regional Food Bank: https://www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/
CHIRLA : Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights : https://www.chirla.org
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
Questions about Activism contact Caryl @pvcaryl@verizon.net or 310 897 021
Election of Officers
By Connie Sullivan
The election of officers for the 2026–2027 term of the Palos Verdes Democrats will take place during the meeting on June 28. Positions up for election include President through Parliamentarian. Standing Committee Chairs are appointed by the elected officers following the conclusion of the election.
Members interested in filling any vacant positions are invited to contact Connie Sullivan at pvedems@gmail.com.
The following officer positions will be voted upon:
| President | Tim Dixon |
| 1st Vice President (President-elect) | Vacant |
| 2nd Vice President (Program Chair) | Louis Vandenberg |
| Corresponding Secretary | Ann Stahl |
| Recording Secretary | David Chao |
| Treasurer | Paul Klose |
| Parliamentarian | Connie Sullivan |
Listed below are individuals who have expressed willingness to serve as Standing Committee Chairs, pending appointment by the elected officers.
| Activism | Caryl Schwartz |
| Hospitality | Vacant |
| LACDP Associate Member | Jon Munoz |
| Membership | Larry Donahue |
| Newsletter Editor | Jeannie Hahn |
| Publicity | Kara Kent |
| Social Media | Casey Crowe |
| Webmaster | Reggie Jue |
LACDP May Meeting Recap
By Tim Dixon
Opening Remarks
The May meeting of the LACDP was notably brief, perhaps setting a record for its duration. Chair Mark Ramos delivered an impassioned speech regarding the recent removal of legislative committee seats from Democrats in Tennessee, a consequence of their opposition to Republican policies. He urged members not to be discouraged or defeated by such actions, emphasizing resilience and unity.
Committee Reports
Vote Committee: The Vote Committee announced their participation in Long Beach Pride over the weekend, with plans to register new voters.
Labor Committee: The Labor Committee reported on a ransomware attack at the company Canvas, noting that the company ultimately paid the ransom.
Legislation Action Committee:
The following legislative bills were discussed:
AB 768 (NO): Concerns rent protections for mobile home units that are not permanent residences.
AB 2511 (SUPPORT): Authorizes a compensation study of behavioral health providers.
- Chair Deana Iglesrud, a graphic artist, spoke at length and with conviction about the legislature’s slow pace in regulating artificial intelligence. Her remarks specifically addressed a current bill proposing a study of the workforce impacts of AI by 2028.
- Additionally, the group expressed support for SB 1050, a bill that would require disclosure when AI actors are used in advertisements
Resolutions Committee
Only one resolution was presented this month, titled "Black History is American History."
Election Protection and Oversight Committee
The committee reported on the nature and number of incidents at vote centers during the 2025 Prop 50 election. The most frequent problem was unruly behavior, often by election workers. There were also several more serious incidents, including break-ins, vandalism, and theft at vote centers.
A new program designed by the Registrar was introduced. This initiative involves training and deploying 50 Election Resolution Liaisons to patrol vote centers and resolve conflicts as they arise. The program is also intended to address situations involving ICE or National Guard appearances at vote centers.
2026 Primary Election Results
By Jeannie Hahn
A great election for Democrats! Many Democratic candidates are advancing to the General Election in November. These are just a few highlights from the results so far, with votes still being counted and additional results yet to come. For the latest results - https://abc7.com/politics/elections/local/
| Office / Race | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | Xavier Becerra | Dem | 2,578,389 | 28.1 |
| Steve Hilton | Rep | 2,266,214 | 24.7 | |
| Lieutenant Governor | Fiona Ma | Dem | 1,624,930 | 19.1 |
| Gloria Romero | Rep | 1,514,570 | 17.8 | |
| Secretary of State | Shirley N. Weber | Dem | 5,067,224 | 58.7 |
| Donald P. (Don) Wagner | Rep | 3,171,209 | 36.7 | |
| Controller | Malia M. Cohen | Dem | 4,885,716 | 56.8 |
| Herb W Morgan | Rep | 3,228,182 | 37.5 | |
| Treasurer | Eleni Kounalakis | Dem | 3,140,770 | 36.7 |
| Jennifer Hawks | Rep | 2,053,938 | 24 |
| Office / Race | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney General | Rob Bonta | Dem | 4,956,433 | 56.6 |
| Michael E. Gates | Rep | 3,320,779 | 37.9 | |
| Insurance Commissioner | Jane Kim | Dem | 2,316,993 | 27.4 |
| Ben Allen | Dem | 1,641,869 | 19.4 | |
| Superintendent of Public Instruction | Sonja Shaw | Non | 1,729,991 | 22.7 |
| Richard Barrera | Non | 1,551,253 | 20.3 | |
| U.S. House District 36 | Ted W. Lieu | Dem | 142,722 | 60.9 |
| Houston Brignano | Rep | 35,790 | 15.3 | |
| State Senate District 24 | John M. Erickson | Dem | 62,271 | 20.5 |
| Brian Goldsmith | Dem | 55,521 | 18.3 | |
| State Assembly District 66 | Paul Seo | Dem | 36,743 | 26.6 |
| Sara Deen | Dem | 34,040 | 24.6 |