Sunday, March 30, 2008
CYD ELECTS NEW OFFICERS AND HONORS SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM AT THE 2008 ANNUAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONVENTION
SAN JOSE - The California Young Democrats (CYD) and the California College Democrats (CYD) have returned from the 2008 California Democratic Party State Convention revved up for the upcoming election year with a fresh board of elected officers to rally California's young Democrats to bring even more young voters to the polls for California's June Primary and November General Election.
The California Young Democrats presented San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom with the CYD Mentor of the Year Award for his dedication to the California Young Democrats and our mission, and for his willingness to take action on the issues facing the young people of his city and of California. "I am proud to be honored by the young Democrats," said Mayor Gavin Newsom as he accepted his award. "These are tomorrow's leaders and it is my privilege to be recognized by such a committed group of young people."
The new CYD board was elected info office at the annual State Convention. "We have an excited group of young leaders and we are going to reach out to young voters, get them engaged and to the polls and make 2008 the year of the young voter," said Rocky Fernandez, the newly elected CYD President. "Young people in California and across the Nation are showing up to vote in record numbers, and they're turning out and voting for Democrats."
2008-2009 CYD Executive Board
"The California College Democrats have elected the most diverse and talented slate in the history of our organization," said Nick Warshaw, the newly re-elected California College Democrats President. "With these leaders who represent the diversity and passion of the students of our golden state, the California College students will turn out in record numbers in June and in November."
The California Young Democrats are positioned to engage thousands of young people to vote in California's upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory in turning red California blue in 2008 and in electing a Democrat to the White House.
The California Young Democrats presented San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom with the CYD Mentor of the Year Award for his dedication to the California Young Democrats and our mission, and for his willingness to take action on the issues facing the young people of his city and of California. "I am proud to be honored by the young Democrats," said Mayor Gavin Newsom as he accepted his award. "These are tomorrow's leaders and it is my privilege to be recognized by such a committed group of young people."
The new CYD board was elected info office at the annual State Convention. "We have an excited group of young leaders and we are going to reach out to young voters, get them engaged and to the polls and make 2008 the year of the young voter," said Rocky Fernandez, the newly elected CYD President. "Young people in California and across the Nation are showing up to vote in record numbers, and they're turning out and voting for Democrats."
2008-2009 CYD Executive Board
President: Rocky Fernandez, Easy Bay Young Democrats
National Committeewoman: Natalie Rojas, University of California, Santa Cruz
National Committeeman: Owen Stephens, San Francisco Young Democrats
Vice President of Membership: David Phelps, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats
Vice President of Finance: Alissa Ko, Sacramento County Young Democrats
Political Director: Rebecca Doten, Los Angeles County Young Democrats
Secretary: Paula Villescaz, Cal Berkeley Democrats
Parliamentarian: Nick Caston, Sonoma County Young Democrats
Region 1 Director- North State: Amanda Sheldon, Sacramento County Young Democrats
Region 2 Director-Bay Area: Julie Lind, Silicon Valley Young Democrats
Region 5 Director- Los Angeles: Damian Carroll, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats
Region 6 Director- South State: Brandon Tate, Stonewall Young Democrats of San Diego
Region 7 Director- Orange County/Inland Empire: Rashad Al-Dabbagh, Arab American Democrats
2008-2009 CCD Executive Board
President: Nick Warshaw, Claremont McKenna
Executive Vice President: Christine Smith, University of California, Berkeley
Northern California Vice President: Ryan Mcelhinney, Chico
Southern California Vice President: Morgan Lucas, University of California Santa Barbara
Political Director: Charlie Carnow, University of Southern California
Communications Coordinator: Stephanie Chan, University of California, Berkeley
Treasurer/Secretary: Grace Bisel, Chapman University
"The California College Democrats have elected the most diverse and talented slate in the history of our organization," said Nick Warshaw, the newly re-elected California College Democrats President. "With these leaders who represent the diversity and passion of the students of our golden state, the California College students will turn out in record numbers in June and in November."
The California Young Democrats are positioned to engage thousands of young people to vote in California's upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory in turning red California blue in 2008 and in electing a Democrat to the White House.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
National Young Democrats of America Conference in Anaheim Sparks Positive Change Locally & Nationally
Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus Established
YDA Jewish Caucus Announced the Tom P. Lantos Award
250 Young Democrats March With Local Labor Union for a Fair Contract Extension from Disney
The Young Democrats of America National Winter Conference in Anaheim, CA at the Disneyland Hotel & Resort pumped up hundreds of Young Democrats who learned the skills needed to organize their communities for victory in November.
"We are thrilled to be in California as we build momentum for the 2008 general election," said YDA President David Hardt. "The Young Voter Revolution is underway, with young people voting – and voting for Democrats – in record numbers." California Young Democrats President Tim Steed added, "The California Young Democrats are excited to host Young Democrats from across the country in Orange County, CA, the heart of the GOP base, showing that Young Democrats will fight for every vote to ensure Democratic victory."
The Young Democrats of America established the Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus to be chaired by Cole Hickman, the President of the Young Democrats of Arizona, and a Sergeant in the US Army Reserve. Young Democratic Veterans who have returned from their service abroad have united together to form this caucus, to organize and advocate the issues affecting our country's newest veterans and their families.
An award to honor the memory and service of the late Representative of California Tom P. Lantos, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in Congress, was announced by the Young Democrats of America Jewish Caucus. Chairman Tom Lantos leaves a legacy and commitment of fighting for many important issues that include, human rights, civil rights, ending genocide in Darfur, combating anti-Semitism and Israel's safety and security. The Tom P. Lantos Award will be given annually to a public figure who exemplifies Chairman Lantos's dedication to public service and who serves as an advocate for individuals who cannot speak for themselves.
Two hundred and fifty Young Dems demonstrated their commitment to progressive causes by marching in solidarity with two hundred and fifty members of UNITE HERE Local 681 to demand a fair contract extension for the workers at the Disneyland Hotel. Representatives from YDA and Local 681 requested, without success, a meeting with management to discuss their demands and our work will not end this weekend.
The Saturday afternoon march followed a luncheon with Writer's Guild of America (WGA) Political Director John Kosinski and members of WGA who discussed the strike that shut down Hollywood. Young Democrats also attended hands-on trainings with prominent speakers such as Christine Pelosi, Author and Chair of the Platform Committee for the California Democratic Party, as well as internal committee and caucus meetings led by our members.
Members of the Young Democrats have returned to their home states to translate skills into action, as they engage thousands of young people to vote in upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory for Democrats up and down the ballot, in red and blue states, in November.
YDA Jewish Caucus Announced the Tom P. Lantos Award
250 Young Democrats March With Local Labor Union for a Fair Contract Extension from Disney
The Young Democrats of America National Winter Conference in Anaheim, CA at the Disneyland Hotel & Resort pumped up hundreds of Young Democrats who learned the skills needed to organize their communities for victory in November.
"We are thrilled to be in California as we build momentum for the 2008 general election," said YDA President David Hardt. "The Young Voter Revolution is underway, with young people voting – and voting for Democrats – in record numbers." California Young Democrats President Tim Steed added, "The California Young Democrats are excited to host Young Democrats from across the country in Orange County, CA, the heart of the GOP base, showing that Young Democrats will fight for every vote to ensure Democratic victory."
The Young Democrats of America established the Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus to be chaired by Cole Hickman, the President of the Young Democrats of Arizona, and a Sergeant in the US Army Reserve. Young Democratic Veterans who have returned from their service abroad have united together to form this caucus, to organize and advocate the issues affecting our country's newest veterans and their families.
An award to honor the memory and service of the late Representative of California Tom P. Lantos, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in Congress, was announced by the Young Democrats of America Jewish Caucus. Chairman Tom Lantos leaves a legacy and commitment of fighting for many important issues that include, human rights, civil rights, ending genocide in Darfur, combating anti-Semitism and Israel's safety and security. The Tom P. Lantos Award will be given annually to a public figure who exemplifies Chairman Lantos's dedication to public service and who serves as an advocate for individuals who cannot speak for themselves.
Two hundred and fifty Young Dems demonstrated their commitment to progressive causes by marching in solidarity with two hundred and fifty members of UNITE HERE Local 681 to demand a fair contract extension for the workers at the Disneyland Hotel. Representatives from YDA and Local 681 requested, without success, a meeting with management to discuss their demands and our work will not end this weekend.
The Saturday afternoon march followed a luncheon with Writer's Guild of America (WGA) Political Director John Kosinski and members of WGA who discussed the strike that shut down Hollywood. Young Democrats also attended hands-on trainings with prominent speakers such as Christine Pelosi, Author and Chair of the Platform Committee for the California Democratic Party, as well as internal committee and caucus meetings led by our members.
Members of the Young Democrats have returned to their home states to translate skills into action, as they engage thousands of young people to vote in upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory for Democrats up and down the ballot, in red and blue states, in November.

