July 2026 Club Newsletter
What’s In This Month’s Newsletter
2026 PV Democrats Annual Summer Picnic: Palos Verdes Democrats July meeting will be our Annual Summer Picnic on July 19, 2026 @ 5:00pm. Be sure to register..… read more
President’s Report: As Americans marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we should have come together. We should have celebrated one of the most consequential events in human history .…read more
June Meeting Report: Dr. Timothy Lyons, a keynote speaker and distinguished professor of biogeochemistry, was the primary speaker..… 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
Election of Officers: At our June meeting, the members elected officers for the 2026–2027 term. Positions up for election include President through Parliamentarian..… read more
LACDP May Meeting Recap: The LACDP meeting was held on Tuesday, June 9th. It was held at the usual location. … read more
PV Democrats in the Community: The PV Democrats got involved by hosting tables at the PV Chamber of Commerce Street Fair and the RPV 4th. of July Celebration.… read more
Color Me a Democrat: Visit artwork by our members … read more
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
America’s 250th Anniversary Should Have United Us—
Trump Made Sure It Didn’t
As Americans marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we should have come together. We should have celebrated one of the most consequential events in human history: the birth of the world’s first enduring modern constitutional republic, founded on the revolutionary idea that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.
That idea transformed the world. It ended monarchy and hereditary rule, inspired democracies everywhere, and provided us with a constitutional framework that has survived 250 years of war, depression, and social upheaval.
This anniversary should have belonged to every American. Instead, Donald Trump turned it into a campaign event.
Congress created the bipartisan America250 Commission to ensure this anniversary would be inclusive, educational, and nonpartisan. Democrats, Republicans, and independents were intended to come together to reflect on our shared heritage and recommit to the principles that sustain our republic.
Trump bypassed that effort. He signed an executive order creating his own White House-run “Freedom 250” initiative, placing himself at the center of the most visible July 4th events.
The result was exactly what we feared: a celebration that should have honored the Declaration and the Constitution became a Trump branding exercise. Events that should have united us were transformed into political rallies, with Trump himself as the main attraction.
I watched the Freedom 250 program on July 4th. It should have focused on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and 250 years of American democracy. There should have been some recognition of our Founders and the nation’s 250-year journey to build a more perfect Union. Instead, aside from an emphasis on the military and the American flag, the program came across as partisan and resembled a Donald Trump MAGA rally.
America’s story has never belonged to one man.
It belongs to the patriots who declared independence from a king; to those who saved the Union; to the suffragists who won women the vote; to the Civil Rights Movement that forced America to live up to its founding promise; and to every generation that fought to expand freedom, not restrict it.
Patriotism isn’t loyalty to Donald Trump. Patriotism is loyalty to the Constitution, the rule of law, free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, and the principle that no one - not even the President is above the law.
Here on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, we choose a different path.
We won’t let the 250th anniversary be hijacked. Palos Verdes Democrats will celebrate America’s birthday the way it should be honored: by upholding our founding principles and the democratic ideals that are currently under threat. At our annual meeting and picnic, we plan to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by coming together as a community to reaffirm our commitment to the Constitution, enjoying the fellowship of our neighbors, and organizing to protect the future of our democracy.
On Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM please join us at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church for a South Bay celebration of America’s 250th birthday. You’ll hear from national, state, and local Democratic elected officials and candidates about what’s at stake. You will also learn how to fight back and help preserve our democracy by organizing and voting in the November 2026 midterm elections.
Together, we will celebrate our nation’s founding, our Constitution, and the enduring ideals of democracy and the rule of law. And together, we will defend them.
America’s story belongs to all of us. No president, movement, or party owns it. It is our shared inheritance, and if we don’t fight for it, we will lose it.
We hope to see you on July 19th!
May Meeting Report
By Zoom AI
Climate Research and Environmental Challenges
Dr. Timothy Lyons, a keynote speaker and distinguished professor of biogeochemistry at University of California, presented 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, though mentioned the potential for lithium reserves in the area. Dr. Lyons 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
Dr. Lyons noted 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 $18 billion down to less than $4 billion. He 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
Dr. Lyons emphasized 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. He also 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
Dr. Lyons discussed climate science, explaining that CO2 increases are overwhelmingly from burning fossil fuel rather than natural causes like volcanoes or decaying vegetation. He noted 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, Dr. Lyons expressed cautious optimism about its potential while noting concerns about misuse and plagiarism. The discussion concluded with Dr. Lyons 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
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 the 2025 state races and flip both the House and Senate in 2026. Congressional Seats:
Join PV Dems on Saturday, July 11th, to canvas for Derek Tran, CA Congressional District 45 Please let me know if you plan on attending & we can organize carpools. Sign-up link below: https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/974266/
California: after redistricting, two California Congressional seats are considered toss-ups; please consider volunteering or financially supporting. CA 22: Democrat Randy Villegas http://www.villegasforcongress.com and CA 48: Marni Von Wilpert http://www.marnivonwilpert.com
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/
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 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.
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/
Annie Andrews for South Carolina https://drannieandrews.com/
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. PV Dems encourages its’ members who can financially support the following races:
Governor's Races to Support
Please visit websites to volunteer or contribute financially
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/
Gina Hinojosa: Texas: https://ginafortexas.com/about/
Katie Hobbs: Arizona: https://katiehobbs.org/
Rob Sand: Iowa: https://robsand.com/
Phil Weiser: CO: https://philforcolorado.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
At our June meeting the membership elected our new officers for the 2026-2027 club year. The officers and committee chairs will be installed at our picnic on July 19.
The new slate of officers is:
President ---- Tim Dixon
2nd Vice President -- Louis Vandenburg
Recording Secretary -- David Chao
Corresponding Secretary -- Ann Stahl
Treasurer -- Paul Klose
Parliamentarian -- Connie Sullivan
LACDP June Meeting Recap
By Jon Munoz
The LACDP meeting was held on Tuesday, June 9th. It was held at the usual location – UTLA headquarters on Wilshire. It was an extremely brief meeting because it was held just one week after the June primary elections. LA Mayor Karen Bass gave a speech after her first-place finish in the primary. Several interesting statistics were shared regarding voter turnout. In relation to the 2022 primary, turnout among registered Democrats increased from 35.6% to 40.9%.
In numerical terms, 1.2 million Democrats in LA County voted vs 800,000 during the 2022 primary. Democratic engagement amongst several ethnic groups saw an increase across the board. Lastly, it was noted that while many of the races would feature Democrats running against each other, the focus still needs to be on taking on the Trump regime.
The next LACDP meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 14th.
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
This year, we let fair visitors vote on the worst things done by this current administration.
At the RPV 4th of July celebration, 2 RPV city council members dropped by. Left to right: RPV Councilmember Steve Perestam, PV Dems Board Members Connie Sullivan and Carol Moeller, and RPV Councilmember George Lewis.
Color Me a Democrat
Artwork by PV Democrats Member Fraser Perkins