San Leandro Democratic Club
The San Leandro Democratic Club (SLDC) is a grassroots organization chartered with the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee. The mission of the SLDC is to promote Democratic Party participation, support Democrats for elected office, work towards the platform and ideals of the Democratic Party, and increase the number of Democrats in San Leandro and surrounding cities through voter registration.
The SLDC meets every fourth Thursday of the month – except August and November – at 6:30 pm. Due to the pandemic we currently meet on Zoom; however, meetings normally take place in the Trustee room of the San Leandro Main Library. A typical meeting has a theme with featured speakers, followed by discussion of items important to the local community and club business. Apart from monthly meetings, the SLDC hosts debates for city office, endorses candidates for local office, volunteers in the community, organizes actions for democratic goals, and drafts and endorses resolutions for the state Democratic Party. The public is cordially invited to attend a meeting before formally joining the club!
Latest News
President’s Day Message from Club President, Leo Sheridan
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
President James Earl Carter, Jr.
1924 – 2024
39th President of the United States
December 29, 2024
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San Leandro Demo Club Endorsement Forum Results
Following are the results of the San Leandro Democratic Club Candidate Endorsement Forum conducted on September 7, 2024 for general election candidates who represent San Leandro. Thirteen (13) candidates were included in the balloting for five (5) different offices. Club members and members of the public were invited to attend. Club members in good standing and in attendance at the forum qualified to vote.
ENDORSEMENT RESULTS SUMMARY
The threshold for gaining an endorsement by the SLDC is 50% + 1. In contests where the needed threshold was not met, no endorsement is offered.
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Ward 5
No candidate reached the threshold to receive an endorsement
East Bay Regional Parks District Ward 4
No candidate reached the threshold to receive an endorsement.
San Leandro City Council – District 6
No candidate reached the threshold to receive an endorsement.
San Leandro City Council – District 2
Bryan Azevedo qualified for endorsement
Oro Loma Sanitary District
Mimi Dean qualified for endorsement
We thank all the candidates who participated in the event and wish them well on their campaigns.
San Leandro Demo Club Endorsement Forum Schedule
San Leandro Main Library Lecture Hall
September 7, 2024 12:30-4:30 PM
12:30 PM
SL Dem Club President Ed Hernandez – Welcome
SL Dem Club Vice President Corina Lopez – MC run of show and library code of conduct
12:35 PM
Hon. Liz Ortega (previously endorsed)
12:45 -1:50 PM
San Leandro City Council
Hon. Bryan Azevedo – D2
Hon. Ed Hernandez – D2
Robert Bulatao – D6
Dylan Boldt – D6
1:50-2:10 PM
EBMUD
Jim Oddie
Alex Spehr
2:10-3:00 PM
EB Regional Parks District
Taryn Edwards
Luana Espana
Susan Gonzalez
Tim McMahon
3:00-3:30 PM
ORO LOMA (at large)
Mimi Dean
Damaris Villalobos Galindo
Bob Glaze (Fred Simon)
3:30-3:45 PM
SL City Council District 4
Hon. Fred Simon
SL City Council District 1
Hon. Sbeydeh Viveros Walton
3:45-4:05 PM
SL School District
Hon. Peter Oshinski
Zachary Borja
Candidate Endorsement Forum – September 7, 2024 – San Leandro Main Library
The San Leandro Democratic Club will hold a Candidate Endorsement Forum on Saturday, September 7, 2024 in the Lecture Hall of the San Leandro Main Library. Here are the details:
- Saturday, September 7, 2024
- 12:30 – 4:30 pm
- Registration opens at 12:00 noon
- Lecture Hall of the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro
- Event is in-person only
- Public is invited to attend
- Only San Leandro Democratic Club members in good standing will be eligible to vote to endorse candidates (paid member on July 25, 2024)
- Ballots will be sent to qualifying voters by email after the Forum
Candidates for the following races on the November 5, 2024 ballot have been invited:
- San Leandro City Council Districts 2 & 6
- EBMUD Ward 5
- Oro Loma District
- East Bay Regional Parks Ward 4
Previously endorsed candidates and candidates for uncontested races have also been invited as guest speakers.
A complete schedule will be published as soon as it has been finalized.
April General Meeting – April 25, 2024 – 6:30 pm – San Leandro Main Library
The San Leandro Democratic Club will meet on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 6:30 pm in the Trustees Room of the San Leandro Main Library. Subjects will include planning for our participation in the June 1 Cherry Festival and volunteering in the Democratic Campaign Headquarters in the fall. The public is invited to attend.
March General Meeting – March 28, 2024 – 6:30 pm – San Leandro Main Library
The San Leandro Democratic Club will meet on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm in the Trustees Room of the San Leandro Main Library. Guests will be newly appointed District 1 Councilmember Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton and Save the Bay Political Director Allison Chan, who will discuss the Stormwater Fee Measure which is under consideration by City Council for a vote on a special mail-in only ballot this summer. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Results of the San Leandro Democratic Club Endorsement Vote for Primary Election Candidates – March 5, 2024
The San Leandro Democratic Club is pleased to announce the results of the Endorsement balloting conducted on February 8, 2024 for primary election candidates who represent San Leandro. Twenty-one candidates were included in the balloting for five different offices. We thank the 22 Club Members who participated in the voting and the candidates included on the ballot who participated either in the January 20 Endorsement Forum or provided their views through the questionnaire sent to all candidates for the five offices.
Following is a summary of the candidates who qualified for endorsement by the San Leandro Democratic Club, having received the threshold of 50% + 1 of the votes cast.
Endorsement Summary
- Marisol Rubio qualified for endorsement for State Senate, 9th District with 21 of 22 votes or 95.5% of the votes.
- Liz Ortega qualified for endorsement for Assembly, 20th District with 21 of 21 votes or 100% of the votes.
- Mark Fickes qualified for endorsement for Superior Court Judge, Office #12 with 12 of 20 votes or 60% of the votes.
- Lateefah Simon qualified for endorsement for US House, 12th Congressional District with 20 of 22 votes or 90.9% of the votes.
- The following Democratic Central Committee, 20th Assembly District candidates qualified for endorsement having received more than 50% of the votes:
o Ed Hernandez 14 votes 63.6%
o Dolly Adams 12 votes 54.5%
o Robin Torello 15 votes 68.2%
o Corina Lopez 16 votes 72.7%
o Barisha Spriggs 14 votes 63.6%
We congratulate those candidates who have received our endorsement and wish all the best of luck to all who are engaged in campaigns.
Endorsement Meeting – Thursday, February 8, 2024 – 6:30 pm via Zoom
On Thursday, February 8, 2024, we will hold a special meeting to provide an opportunity for endorsement of candidates on the March 5 ballot who will represent San Leandro. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Please see the meeting invitation and Zoom link below.
A questionnaire was sent to candidates with questions that pertained to their views on a number of topics. Fifteen candidates responded and their replies in the form of individual PDFs will be mailed to members. During the meeting, we will have an opportunity to share our points of view on the candidates. Following the meeting, a ballot will be mailed to members in good standing who are present at Thursday’s meeting. The ballot will contain the names of candidates who were present at the January 20 Candidate Forum and/or who submitted a questionnaire.
To be eligible to vote to endorse candidates, you must be a member in good standing in the Club and be present at the February 8 meeting. We do not allow absentee or proxy voting.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Feb 8, 2024 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)Register in advance for this meeting:
http://tiny.cc/4yuowz
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
January General Meeting – January 25, 2024 – 6:30 pm via Zoom
Special Guest – SLUSD Board of Trustees President, Evelyn Gonzalez
Club Officer Election
Election of club officers for the 2024-25 term will be held during the meeting. Below is a list of the members who have been nominated to fill the offices.
Members at Large – Robin Torello and Craig Williams (one year terms)
Any member in good standing may be nominated from the floor during the meeting. If there are additional nominations from the floor for any of the positions, voting will take place on line. A ballot will be sent via email to any member in good standing who is in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Note that to qualify as a member in good standing, one must have either paid their 2023 membership dues or as a new member, paid their 2024 membership dues by December 28, 2023.
In addition, we will be welcoming as our special guest, SLUSD Board of Trustees President, Evelyn Gonzalez, to speak about San Leandro Unified School District Bond Measure J on the March 5 Primary Ballot. Here is a link to information about this measure: https://www.slusd.us/measurej/
San Leandro Democratic Club Candidate Forum – January 20, 2024
The San Leandro Democratic Club is sponsoring a Candidate Forum on January 20, 2024 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm in the Karp Room of the SL Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave in San Leandro. Candidates invited will appear on the March 5 election ballot and include those running for US House District 12, State Senate District 9, Assembly District 20, Superior Court Judge Office #12, and County Central Committee 20th Assembly District Representatives. Applicants for the SL City Council District 1 appointment have also been invited. The public is welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
Holiday Celebration – December 14, 2023
Please join us for a bit of holiday cheer next Thursday, December 14 in the San Leandro Main Library Karp Room. We will gather from 6:30 – 7:30 pm to share some time together. Candidates vying for seats in next year’s elections have also been invited so please give them a great San Leandro welcome. Light refreshments as well as wine and sparkling water will be served. Hope to see you there.
A Conversation with Alameda County DA Pamela Price hosted by the SLDC – October 26, 2023
On Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 6:30 pm, we are hosting Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price at the San Leandro Main Library. This is a free, ticketed event. You must register through Eventbrite to obtain your ticket. Please use this link to register: http://tiny.cc/
The Honorable Surlene Grant will moderate a discussion and Q & A period with DA Pamela Price. You will be able to submit questions when you arrive at the meeting. Please plan to arrive early so we can check you in and get you seated in the hall. The meeting is being held in the Auditorium/Lecture Hall.
September General Meeting – September 28, 2023
Guest Speaker – Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez
This month’s San Leandro Democratic Club General Meeting will be held IN-PERSON in the Trustees Room of the San Leandro Main Library on Thursday September 28, 2023 beginning at 6:30 pm. We are looking forward to welcoming our club members and members of the public to this informative meeting. Our special guest speaker will be Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez. She will share her thoughts on her first year in office and her plans for the future. A Q & A session will follow.
July General Meeting – July 27, 2023
Guest Speaker – Supervisor Lena Tam
This month’s San Leandro Democratic Club General Meeting will be held in-person in the Trustees Room of the San Leandro Main Library on Thursday, July 27, 2023 beginning at 6:30 pm.
We are pleased to welcome as our special guest, Ms. Lena Tam who serves as Alameda County Supervisor for District 3. The Third District includes the cities of Alameda, San Leandro, a portion of Oakland, including Chinatown, Jack London, Fruitvale, and San Antonio neighborhoods. District 3 also includes the unincorporated communities of San Lorenzo and Hayward Acres. Her presentation will be followed by a short Q & A session.
All members of the communty are welcome to attend.
June General Meeting – June 22, 2023
Guest Speaker – Steven Tavares
May General Meeting – May 25, 2023
Guest Speakers – Mark Friedman & Ed Hernandez – Eden Health District
April General Meeting – April 27, 2023
Featuring Councilmember Celina Reynes
Tennessee Three – April 2023
The San Leandro Democratic Club denounces the actions of the Tennessee State House of Representatives. We continue to support Representatives Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson despite this temporary reprieve. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – MLK
March General Meeting – March 23, 2023
The March General Meeting will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday, March 23 in the Trustee’s Room at the San Leandro Main Library. Featured speaker will be newly elected Councilmember Xouhoa Bowen. She will share her plans and aspirations for her first year and first term of office. Out of respect for our members, masks are preferred for this meeting. The public is welcome.
February General Meeting on February 23, 2023 – Featuring Councilmember Pete Ballew
During February’s General Meeting, Councilmember Pete Ballew brought us up to date on various city activities. Meeting was held at 6:30 pm via Zoom. This was the registration link: http://tiny.cc/gkh4vz.
January General Meeting on January 26, 2023 – Meet the Mayor
During January’s General Meeting, new San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez III outlined his plans and aspirations for San Leandro. Meeting was held at 6:30 pm via Zoom. This was the registration link: http://tiny.cc/c8l3vz.
Holiday Cheer Meeting on December 8
The San Leandro Democratic Club will hold its annual Holiday Cheer virtual meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2022 beginning at 6:00 pm. We will celebrate the holidays and welcome some of our newly elected leaders to share their future plans. Follow this link to register: http://tiny.cc/kjf1vz. Hope to see you then.
October Meeting Adjourned for Voter Participation
The Executive Board met last week to consider the agenda for October’s general meeting. We recognize that you are all very busy and many of you are actively engaged in various campaigns. With this in mind, we decided to cancel this month’s meeting to free up time for the important work that you are doing to support our endorsed candidates and/or one or more of the proposition measures that are on the ballot.
Weekly Digest
To further provide help for the campaigns, this week we are launching a weekly digest of activities available to support our candidates. We have notified the campaigns and have invited them to send us notifications of their events by Tuesday afternoons which we will publish by email to you, our membership, each Thursday until election day.
Statement on Los Angeles City Council
The San Leandro Democratic Club Executive Board calls on LA City Councilmembers Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo to follow former City Council member Nury Martinez and take full accountability for their anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, anti-Oaxacan, homophobic and discriminatory words and actions, or lack thereof, and resign from office.
Mayor Debate Available to View
On August 20, 2022, the San Leandro Democratic Club hosted a debate for city hall candidates at the main library. This is the mayoral debate between Lee Thomas, Juan Gonzalez, and Bryan Azevedo.
Results of City Council and Mayor Endorsement Forum
After attendance of more than 100 people virtually and in-person, results are in for the club endorsements of city hall positions.
District # 1
Celina Reynes – votes received met the threshold for endorsement
District #3
Victor Aguilar – votes received met the threshold for endorsement
District #5
Xouhoa Bowen – votes received met the threshold for endorsement
Mayor
No candidate received the votes required to meet the threshold for endorsement thus no endorsement will be granted.
Thank you to all who participated!
School Board and Other Local Government Positions Meet and Greet, September 22, 2022
The club will meet in September to hear from candidates for the San Leandro School Board and other local government races including Ora Loma Water District and AC Transit. While this is not an endorsement forum, it will be an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and their policy positions. Please join us on Zoom, September 22, from 6:30-8 pm.
City Council and Mayor Endorsement Forum, August 20, 2022
A very important forum for San Leandro residents will take place at the Karp Room in the Main Library from 1-5 pm on August 20, 2022. At this forum, members will hear from the candidates for city council and the candidates for mayor, be able to ask questions in advance, and then vote on endorsements. As usual, the public is welcome to attend, but only people who have joined as members and paid the membership dues before July 28 will be able to vote for the endorsements. While this is an in person event, there is a Zoom attendance option as well http://tiny.cc/7lfvuz. Please join us for this engaging forum!
General Meeting on July 28, 2022
The club will meet in July to review the endorsement results, meet and greet city council and mayor candidates for the November election, and attend to club business. Join us on Zoom at http://tiny.cc/7astuz
Endorsement Results District Attorney and Assembly District 20
After a forum featuring the final candidates for District Attorney and Representative for State Assembly District 20, the San Leandro Democratic Club voted to endorse Pamela Price and Liz Ortega. Thank you to all the participants!
Endorsement Forum for Board of Supervisors Alameda County on May 7 via Zoom
The candidates running for the Board of Supervisors, District 3, will appear and discuss their candidacies at our Zoom forum on May 7, 1-3pm. Participating candidates are: Surlene Grant, David Kakishiba, Rebecca Kaplan and Lena Tam. The Forum resulted in an endorsement for Rebecca Kaplan
General Meeting on May 26 Via Zoom, 6:30 PM
The general meeting will discuss endorsement procedures, upcoming business, and plans for the remainder of the calendar year. Please join us on Zoom @ http:tiny.cc/a9wruz .
March 31 Meeting In Person at Library, Arrive at 5:30 PM, Starts Promptly at 6:00 PM
Hear from the candidates vying for the Assembly District 20 seat. This meeting will take place at the San Leandro Library in the Karp Room on March 31, at 6:00 p.m (please arrive at 5:30 p.m. as it will start promptly), and will be our first in person meeting of the last two years! Even more importantly, those who attend will be able to cast their vote for an endorsement of one of the AD 20 candidates: Jennifer Esteen, Shawn Kumagai, or Liz Ortega.
General Meeting on February 24, at 6:30 p.m.
The San Leandro Democratic Club will be hosting a virtual meeting on February 24th at 6:30 p.m. to meet local Democrats and learn more about the upcoming elections for City Council, State Assembly and so much more! Follow this link to register: http://tiny.cc/0apouz.
Results of Club Elections
Congratulations to our new officers! All positions except the Member at Large will serve two year terms. Thank you to everyone who came to our club elections. We are looking forward to an excellent year ahead with strong leadership.
General Meeting and Club Elections on January 27 at 6:30 pm
The San Leandro Democratic Club will hold their January General Meeting where they will elect officers for the 2022-24 term. You must be a member in good standing and present at the meeting to vote. Follow this link to register and join. The candidates for office are the following:
President Ed Hernandez
Vice President Corina Lopez
Secretary Leslie Robertson
Treasurer Monique Stevenson
Membership Director Jim Prola
At Large Nick Sermeno
At Large Diana Prola
Holiday Party on December 16 at 6:30 pm
Spread holiday cheer with the San Leandro Democratic Club! Our annual holiday party will take place on December 16 at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Some of the activities include gratitude sharing, trivia, and hilarious political carols. Dress up, grab a delicious drink, and be merry.
Call for Nominations
Any club member in good standing can nominate a member for an officer position like President, Vice President, or Membership Coordinator. Nominations are due November 22. Email Monique per the flyer below with a nomination or question. Serving as an officer is a great way to serve the community, advance democratic values, and improve leadership skills!
Enjoy Thanksgiving!
For November, the SLDC will be in recess. Have a great Thanksgiving and be ready to celebrate the cheer of the season at our Holiday Party on December 16.
Meeting Featuring City Councilmember Fred Simon, October 28, 2021, at 6:30 pm
The featured guest speaker for our October meeting is City Councilmember Fred Simon. Topics will include police oversight and mental health response. Additional guest speakers include Miss Addie Kitchen, Steven Taylor’s grandmother; Celina Reynes, SLATE advocate and candidate for city council; and Jenna Hewitt King, a 2020-2021 Teach Plus California Policy Fellow who teaches English at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton. Please join us for an informative discussion and the opportunity to ask questions directly to our representatives. The meeting will take place via Zoom at http://tiny.cc/5smkuz
Meeting Featuring Vice Mayor Victor Aguilar, September 23, 2021, at 6:30 pm
The SLDC September meeting will feature Vice Mayor Victor Aguilar. He will discuss his achievements in city council, vision for the city, and answer questions from the audience. The meeting will start promptly at 6:30 pm due to the Vice Mayor’s schedule. Please join us by registering for the meeting at: https://tiny.cc/yg8juz
Weekend of Action, August 28-29, 2021
Opportunities abound this weekend to participate in democracy and support democratic candidates. We are featuring support for the crucial NO on the governor recall campaign with numerous actions found at CADEM. What is more, the AD18 special election ends August 31, so supporters of Mia Bonta and Janani Ramachandran still have plenty of opportunities to get out the vote and increase turnout.
Democracy requires participation!
Club Will Be In Recess for August
Enjoy summer vacation and come back in September with a renewed vigor for democracy and civic engagement!
Meeting Featuring Councilmember Ballew, July 22, 2021, at 6:30 pm
The San Leandro Democratic Club will hold its July General Meeting via ZOOM. Our special guest speaker will be Councilmember Pete Ballew. Following his presentation, we will open the floor for a Q & A session. Please join us by registering for the meeting at: https://tiny.cc/465
Meeting to Celebrate Pride, June 24, 2021, at 6:30 pm
Please join the San Leandro Democratic Club to celebrate LGQTBIA+ Pride month! Our featured guest speakers at the monthly meeting include Lavender Seniors of the East Bay, Bay Area Lesbian Archives, and Rainbow San Leandro. This meeting will take place on Zoom: http://tiny.cc/b5aytz
