To view photos from our previous events, please click here.
|
Please join us for our February luncheon honoring
Senator Alan Lowenthal,
Candidate for the NEW Orange County/Long Beach Congressional District!
The new Orange County/Long Beach Congressional District has a favorable Democratic registration. So, we can send our own Loretta Sanchez some help by electing another Democrat to represent Orange County! Representing the 27th District, Senator Alan is a nationally recognized leader on issues related to goods movement. As the former Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and current Chairman of the Select Committee on Goods Movement, Senator Lowenthal has played a leading role in developing innovative programs that have simultaneously lead to both more efficient transportation systems and markedly cleaner air. By working with leaders of the goods movement sector, local governments and environmental advocates, Senator Lowenthal has proven that job creation and sound environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. Senator Lowenthal is also regarded as one of the strongest environmental advocates in Sacramento. He has provided much needed leadership in efforts to improve air quality, increase coastal access and restore inland waterways throughout the state. As a result, Senator Lowenthal has been honored by several environmental advocacy groups, including the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), the Sierra Club, Planning and Conservation League and the California Coastal Commission. In addition to long list of legislative accomplishments, Senator Lowenthal is a strong advocate of governmental reform. He was the first legislator to champion a completely independent panel to draw California's political boundaries; the result of which led to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission and the first truly independent political maps in California's history. Currently, Senator Lowenthal serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. As a former college professor at California State University, Long Beach, Senator Lowenthal believes strongly in the need to create fair and balanced performance measures that empower teachers to do what they do best, teach.
Prior to his election to the Senate, Lowenthal served six years in the State Assembly and six years on the Long Beach City Council.
Here are the event details: DATE: Friday, February 17, 2012
TIME: 12:00 PM RSVP DEADLINE: February 15
There is no charge for lunch for DFOC Members current with their membership dues -- just RSVP, so that we can order your lunch!
Non-Member tickets are $45.00 and can be reserved here:
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Henry Vandermeir, Executive Director
Our January Luncheon Featured
With over 25 years of experience in public service, specializing in state and local finance, Ms. Yee has been an advocate for underserved and underrepresented communities. Some of her many accomplishments include:
Betty Yee has announced that she is running for State Controller in 2014.
|
Annual Membership & Awards Dinner
Date: Sunday, December 4, 2011 @ 5:00 PM
Balboa Bay Club & Resort, 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach
Click here to view a video of the event!
The evening was a gathering of friends, old and new, who shared warm fellowship, great conversation, and common political goals. We were inspired by our Award Winners and we were inspired by each other. The evening was fun and serious; full of joy and full of commitment. Everyone had a great time, and everyone contributed greatly to a grand success of an evening.
We honored State Controller John Chiang with the Richard J. O’Neill Award for Excellence in Service; we honored Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez with the Wylie A. Aitken Award for Excellence in Leadership – and, both of them honored us with their graciousness, their kindness, and their inspirational speeches – and they both continually honor us with their inspirational service and leadership.
Our State is blessed to have these great leaders during these troubled times.
2011 Honorees:
The Honorable John A. Pérez
Speaker of the California State Assembly
Wylie A. Aitken Excellence in Leadership Award
The Honorable John Chiang
California State Controller
Richard J. O'Neill Excellence in Service Award
Reception with California Treasurer Bill Lockyer
Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 @ 6:00 PM
DFOC HQ, 315 Centennial Way, Tustin
As Attorney General, he created the Nation's most effective and sophisticated DNA forensic crime laboratory. He cracked down on Medi-Cal fraud, established the Megan's Law website to track registered sex offenders, and recovered billions of dollars for defrauded energy ratepayers, consumers and taxpayers.
Prior to his election as Attorney General in 1998, Lockyer served 25 years in the California Legislature. He culminated his Capitol career as Senate President pro Tempore, crafting agreements to balance the state budget and make government work better for taxpayers.
Bill Lockyer was elected on November 7, 2006 as California's 32nd State Treasurer and re-elected in 2010. Here are some of Treasurer Lockyer's accomplishments:
- Protected taxpayers from unjustifiably high-interest rates by winning major reforms of the way credit rating agencies grade bonds issued by states and local governments.
- Sold more bonds than any Treasurer in California history to finance critical infrastructure projects and generate thousands of jobs.
- Directed more than $1.3 billion of financial assistance to California small businesses that helped create or preserve 73,120 jobs.
- Revitalized the agency that provides financial assistance to manufacturers of electric vehicles and renewable energy products, and sponsored successful legislation that makes it less expensive for schools to supply their facilities with renewable energy.
- Expanded access to health care for Californians who depend on small and rural clinics by increasing the availability of low-cost loans to build facilities and buy equipment.
- Helped families cope with rising college costs by expanding ScholarShare, California's "529" college savings program - number of account holders increased by 55.3 percent and assets under management up by 57.5 percent.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011@ 6:00 PM
DFOC HQ
315 Centennial Way, Tustin
There is no charge for DFOC Members current with their membership dues.
Non-Member tickets are $45.00 and can be reserved here:
http://www.actblue.com/page/dfocevent/
Please RSVP by Monday, September 19.
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Henry at (714) 979-4436
or via email at info@dfoc.com.
DFOC Hosts Redistricting Panel
Date: Tuesday, August 30th, 2011
The DFOC hosted almost 60 attendees at a luncheon featuring a panel of experts who provided a detailed overview of the final release of new state district maps for Orange County.
Our distinguished panelists included:
Jim Wisley: Co-Chair, Voter Services Committee, California Democratic Party
George Urch: Public Affairs Consultant
Garry Brown: Vice President, Political Data Inc.
They provided a comprehensive overview of the statewide implications as well as our status within Orange County.
DFOC Honors Democratic Elected Officials from West Orange County and North Orange County
Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011
The DFOC honored a dozen local elected officials with a special luncheon featuring 56th Assembly Member Tony Mendoza.
Assemblymember Mendoza:
After teaching elementary school for 10 years and serving as the first Latino Elected to the Artesia City Council, Tony Mendoza was elected in 2006 to the State Assembly to represent the 56th Assembly District, which includes Buena Park.
Assemblymember Mendoza's legislative career has resulted in multiple bills he authored being signed by the Governor and adopted into law. His bill AB 97 made California the first state in the nation to ban the use of Trans Fats-the health-deteriorating food ingredient-in restaurants.
Assemblymember Mendoza also leads the charge to improve healthcare and educational needs for overlooked and underserved communities. He serves as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and is a member of the Assembly's Agriculture: Elections, Redistricting and Constitutional Amendments; and Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism & Internet Media Committees. He also serves as an Alternate to the Rules Committee.
Symposium for Democratic Leaders
Date: Saturday, June 25, 2011
Time: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Location: Orange County Employees Association, 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Cost: *FREE*
The Democratic Foundation of Orange County has an exciting day planned
for June 25th. In the morning and in the afternoon the Foundation will
be holding a campaign symposium for Orange County Democratic Local
Elected Officials. At midday the Foundation will be holding a luncheon,
at which Controller John Chiang will be the keynote speaker. We invite
you to join us for that lunch.
The symposium is a must attend for any Democratic official/candidate interested in runnimng for office in 2012.
With redistricting changes and open primaries looming on the horizon,
Democrats will need all the help they can get to make sure we survive
the primaries.
Get the latest on:
- Open Primaries
- Re-Districting
- Union Issues
- Campaign Finance
- Using OC Media
- California Budget
… and more!
Our Luncheon Key note speaker will be:
Controller John Chiang
First elected in November 2006 to serve as California's Chief Fiscal Officer, Controller John Chiang was elected to a second term in November 2010.
Upon taking office, he took immediate action to weed out waste, fraud and abuse of public funds and make the State's finances more transparent and accountable to the public.
He has proposed reforms to the State's public pension systems, helped local governments navigate complex requirements during difficult economic times, protected California's precious natural resources, ensured that more than $1.6 billion in unclaimed property was returned to the rightful owners, and launched financial and tax assistance seminars for California families, seniors, small businesses and non-profit organizations.
So, join us for what promises to be a great luncheon, with a great public servant as the keynote speaker. Also, the Local Officials from the symposium will be invited to the lunch. So, this will be a good opportunity to get to know our County's Democratic Mayors, Councilmembers, School Board Members, etc.
Seating is limited - make your reservation today!
To RSVP, please contact Henry at (714) 979-4436 or via email at info@dfoc.com.
Private Dinner Honoring Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
To view the photos from this event, click here.
The DFOC is excited to honor our new Democratic Lieutenant Governor, Gavin Newsom, with a dinner that will be held in the intimate setting of a small, private room at Tustin’s stately Nieuport 17 restaurant. We’ll all be seated at the same table with the Lieutenant Governor; and, the conversation promises to be stimulating, entertaining, and insightful. We hope that you will be a part of it.
In 2003, Gavin became Mayor of San Francisco. Under his energetic leadership, the economy grew and jobs were created. During his tenure, San Francisco became a center for biotech and clean tech. Then-Mayor Newsom initiated a plan to bring universal health care to all of the city's uninsured residents. He balanced seven consecutive budgets on time during a time of national economic instability; and, he did this without laying off a single teacher, police officer, or firefighter.
Last November, Gavin was elected California's Lieutenant Governor. His priorities include economic development and job creation, improving access to higher education, and maintaining California's environmental leadership.
We hope you'll take advantage of this rare opportunity to personally dine with and to honor the Lieutenant Governor in a very private setting.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 @ 6:30pm
Nieuport 17 Restaurant, 13051 Newport Ave., Tustin, CA
Platinum Sponsorship $5,000 - Includes 5 dinners and a 1 year Foundation membership
Gold Sponsorship $2,500 - Includes 2 dinners and a 1 year Foundation membership
Silver Sponsorship $1,000 - Includes 1 dinner and a 6 month Foundation membership
In order to make this dinner a truly intimate gathering, we chose a beautiful small room in which to dine. Therefore, seating is very limited - make your reservation today!
Therefore, seating is very limited - make your reservation today!
To RSVP, please contact Henry at (714) 979-4436 or via email at info@dfoc.com.
Luncheon honoring Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones
Friday, March 18, 2011 ~ 12:00 Noon
To view the photos from this event, click here.
Commissioner Jones is turning the Department of Insurance into a highly effective consumer protection agency, an agency that looks out for all Californian.
Dave began his career fighting for the underdog - and he’s been fighting for the underdog and the People ever since. Dave started out as a Legal Aid attorney, helping those who could not afford legal representation or advise. In 1995, Dave was one of only 13 Americans awarded the prestigious White House Fellowship. He served in the Clinton Administration for three years as Special Assistant and Counsel to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno. Dave continued his tradition of fighting for the People as a Sacramento City Council member, and then as a Member of the State Assembly.
Dave served in the Assembly from 2004 through 2010, where he chaired the Assembly Health Committee, the Assembly Judiciary Committee, and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services; always looking out for The People, and always looking to improve the lives of working California families.
There is no charge for DFOC Members current with their membership dues.
Non-Member tickets are $45.00 here: http://www.actblue.com/page/dfocevent/
Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 15th.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Henry at (714) 979-4436 or via email.
Special Luncheon with UCI Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky
Thursday, February 24, 2011
To view the photos from this event, click here.
Erwin Chemerinsky is the Founding Dean and Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, with a joint appointment in Political Science.
Dean Chemerinsky is one of the Nation’s top Constitutional Law Scholars. He is a prolific author of brilliant scholarly articles and books. He has a unique knack for explaining profound legal doctrine in very understandable language.
Dean Chemerinsky will discuss his latest book The Conservative Assault on the Constitution.
Before anchoring in Orange County, Dean Chemerinsky taught at Duke Law School and at USC Gould School of Law. We are extremely proud that Dean Chemerinsky now calls Orange County his academic home; and, we are very honored that he is giving valuable time to speak to us at this important Foundation event.
Dean Chemerinsky holds a law degree from Harvard Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.
DFOC Annual Dinner Honoring U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein &
OC Democratic Party Chair Frank Barbaro
To view the photos from the November 7, 2010 dinner, click here.
To view the November 7, 2010 gala program, go to the DFOC's YouTube channel click here.
The Democratic Foundation of Orange County was proud to honor United States Senator Dianne Feinstein with the first annual "Wylie A. Aitken Excellence in Leadership Award" and Orange County Democratic Party Chair Frank Barbaro with the first annual "Richard J. O'Neill Excellence in Service Award". The evening was emceed by our very own Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. The event was attended by nearly 200 people, including State Senator Lou Correa, Congressmember Laura Richardson and several local elected officials from around the county.
Dinner Honoring Speaker John A. Perez
To view the photos from the June 25, 2010 dinner honoring Speaker Perez, click here.
The Democratic Foundation of Orange County is proud to have honored our former DFOC Board member and current California Assembly Speaker. The event raised funds needed to publish and distribute our award-winning Orange County Voter Guide. The OC Voter Guide has proven to be effective in turning out Democratic voters, benefitting Democratic candidates in the local races in the county. The OC Voter Guide strategically targeted nearly 100,000 Democratic households countywide to encourage Democrats to vote for Democrats to fill the office of the Governor and our many important local offices around the county.
Dinner Honoring DFOC founder Richard J. O'Neill and Retiring Chair Wylie Aitken a Sold-Out, Unbridled Success
To view the November 1, 2009 gala program, go to the DFOC's YouTube channel by clicking here.
On November 1, 2009 the DFOC held its Annual Membership meeting at Newport Beach's Balboa Bay Club. The dinner gala, which was hosted by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, honored retiring Chairperson Wylie Aiken and the late Richard J. O'Neill, founder of the DFOC. The membership elected Tustin Attorney Dan Jacobson as the new chairperson, and elected other new officers and a new Board of Directors.
(From left to right) Newly-Elected DFOC Chairperson Dan Jacobson, Assembly Majority Whip Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), Assemblymember David Jones (D-Sacramento)
The highlight of the evening was a tribute video that honored Aitken and O'Neill. The video featured President Bill Clinton, Senator Barbara Boxer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Lieutenant Governor (and as of November 5, 2009 Congressman) John Garamendi, Attorney General/Former Governor Jerry Brown, State Senator Lou Correa, Orange County Democratic Party Chair Frank Barbaro, Paul "The King of Big Screens" Goldenberg, and Orange County Political Strategist and O'Neill protoge Dennis DeSnoo, all of whom lavishly praised both Aitken and O'Neill for their tireless work.
The over 170 DFOC members and guests at the banquet gave Aitken a standing ovation for his 17 years of service at the DFOC's helm. O'Neill, who passed away at age 85 in April of 2009, still wowed the crowd as those in attendance and those on the tribute video presented story after story about the legendary political leader/philanthropist/businessman/conservationist/rancher. Jacobson said that to know O'Neill was, to know that there are angels amongst us.
Jacobson laid out his vision of his new office by comparing it to the director of a play. He said that it was his duty to make the actors shine by supporting their creative efforts. Jacobson said that the actors in his metaphor were Democrats of all sorts, from elected officials, to labor leaders, to responsible business leaders, to responsible environmentalists. The membership and guests gave this agenda a standing ovation.
Also elected to Foundation posts were: Vice Chairperson: Rancho Santiago Community College Trustee Brian Conley; Treasurer: Orange County Attorney Steve Howard; Secretary: Loyola law student Michelle Vo; and Board Members: Attorney Alfredo Amezcua; Huntington Beach Unified High School District Trustees President Bonnie Prouty Castrey; Attorney Karen Clark; Former State Senator Joseph Dunn; Attorney Jennifer Keller; Attorney Michael Levin; Southern California Edison Public Affairs Regional Manager Eddie Marquez; Orange County Housing Trust President Patricia Neal; Retired Congressman & Current Coast Community College District Trustee Jerry Patterson; Attorney Allan Stokke; Townsend Public Affairs President Christopher Townsend; and Philanthropist Annelle Wiederkehr. Wylie Aitken will remain an active member of the Board of Directors as the Immediate Past Chair.
