By Chris Nava (with contributions from Rick Bova)

For those of you who were not able to attend the Leadership Conference Saturday, February 14, 2009, I  have put together a report for you.  A number of the items on the agenda impact our Club and I know you would appreciate a report from someone who was there.  By the way, the event attended by greater-than-expected number of participants was hugely successful.  Escondido was well represented by  Rick Bova, Dan and Robin Buse, Grace Sloan, Bob Fuhrman, Olga Diaz, Richard Barron, Barbara Benedict, Tracy, Thor and Olav Emblem , and myself.
 
The information and strategy session, led by Francine Busby, included presentations by Jess Durfee, County Party Chair, who both informed us on the state of the Party and inspired us to action in preparing for 2010.  Jess cited de-centralization of the Party in San Diego as key to the successes we experienced.  He spoke of the importance of continuing to operate satellite offices, and of expanding them in order to achieve our goals.  Francine is the Chair of the North County region.
 
Xavier Martinez spoke about the necessity of fund raising now in preparation for the next election cycle.  He spoke glowingly of the success of the Escondido satellite office, and he offered a report on the finances of operating that office.  Unity ended up with a $9,000 balance.  Xavier spoke of the requests he has received for a year-round office, and of the suggestion that we operate two North County offices – not just one!  In order to prepare to open and operate an office with paid staff, Unity would have to raise about $60,000.  All this necessitates serious fund raising. The plan is to have a big fundraiser in November or December.  A fundraising committee is being formed for this purpose and each Club is being asked to name a representative for this Committee. Francine envisions meeting with this group about four times annually.
 
Robertson spoke about the importance of voter registration and about the wonderful successes of this program.  Again, the Party is asking each Club to name a voter registration representative.  I told Jack we are ahead of him and that we just named Alison Marks for the job.  I envision Alison working closely with Jack and bringing a group together that focuses on an aggressive voter registration effort. Francine also suggested that the clubs integrate the GO Team and Registration Team into the club meetings by having the coordinators give a report at each meeting, or explain to people attending how they can join the teams if they want to do more.

Voter Registration and GO Team work closely together. Both Jack Robertson and Greg Bolan spoke about voter registration. They plan to expand the number of locations beyond street fairs to cover colleges, farmers markets, and big box stores like Home Depot and yes, even Walmart! If clubs are planning on having a voter registration at one of these places just send them an email sdvoter@gmail.com and they will provide volunteers. They have enough history to know which events are more productive, such as the Gay Pride Parade, which produces 94% Democrats. But even at less productive events they get 65% Democratic registration.
 
Betty Ball spoke on the current status of the GO Team. They have 1,000 precincts covered and 60 coordinators. They have gotten more since the election though some coordinators have also retired. Despite this record success, the  GO Team has a long ways to go — there are approximately 5,000 precincts in San Diego County. The Party is also asking each Club to have a GO Team representative. Barbara Benedict and Noel Steiner will be Escondido GO Team coordinators.
 
Both Tracy Emblem and Richard Barron announced their intentions to run for office in 2010.  Other announcements included Carla Mays who reached out to enlist volunteers for her project to do outreach training for military and veterans, a representative from the Encinitas based Community Resource Center spoke of the urgent need for support with donations, volunteers and food. Another activist asked all to contact the S.D County delegation by phone or e-mail to emphasize the importance of passing the state budget.