The Berkeley Democratic Club

About Us

Updated 4/26/2010

The Berkeley Democratic Club

The Berkeley Democratic Club was chartered in 1934 and is one of the oldest Democratic clubs in the East
Bay.

We are chartered by the Alameda County Central Committee and regularly participate in local, state,
and national politics.

We're also looking for new members!

To become a member, contact us at:

BerkeleyDemocraticClub@gmail.com

Endorsements for June 2010 Election

5/15/2010 • By George Beier

	JOAQUIN RIVERA Alameda County Board of Education District 1 Improving our educational system must be the top priority for our society. We need effective, dedicated and experienced School Board members who will make this a reality--board members that are committed to the institution of public education--to inspire our children and to build a better future for ALL of them. That is why I am running for the Alameda County Board of Education. I bring a strong record of advocacy for students, teachers, and the institution of public education. I served on the Berkeley School Board for twelve years (1996-2008). As a Board member, I represented the school districts in Alameda County on the California Schools Board Association Delegate Assembly for 10 years and had the opportunity to serve on many statewide committees. In addition, I have 20 years of everyday experiences in the classroom as a community college chemistry professor. During my tenure as a professor I have served as President of the Academic Senate, President and Chief Negotiator of the American Federation of Teachers, Local 1493 and Vice-President of the California Federation of Teachers.

	JOHN CREIGHTON Superior Court Judge I am committed to serving the public and keeping Alameda County’s diverse communities safe. During my 25 years of courtroom experience as a lawyer in the District Attorney’s Office, I have worked with victims, witnesses, judges, and juries. As a judge, I will ensure that everyone who comes to my courtroom is treated with respect and receives a full and fair hearing. My decisions will be based on law and fact, after thorough and open-minded consideration. Working for you, I have handled cases throughout Alameda County, from the prosecution of polluters in the Environmental Protection Division to murder and crimes against women and children. I now work in the Gang Unit, prosecuting violent crimes and working with communities on strategies for gang suppression. I am proud of my widespread, bipartisan support including a majority of our Superior Court Judges, Sheriff Ahern, law enforcement, organized labor, and community leaders. I would be honored to have your vote.

	ALAMEDA COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE Maggie Gee Elizabeth Echols Beverly Green Andrew Kelley We will work to promote Democratic values, including: Access to high quality public education for everyone Single payer health care in California Economic opportunity and jobs with a living wage Environmental proetection and climate change mitigation Public safety through crime prevention and community policing Campaign finance reform A woman's right to choose

State Ballot Propositions

5/15/2010 • By George Beier

Yes on Prop 13
LIMITS ON PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT.
SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF EXISTING BUILDINGS.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Provides that construction to seismically retrofit buildings will not trigger reassessment of property tax value. Sets statewide standard for seismic retrofit improvements that qualify. Fiscal Impact: Minor reduction in local property tax revenues related to the assessment of earthquake upgrades.

No on Prop 14
ELECTIONS. INCREASES RIGHT TO
PARTICIPATE IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS.
Changes the primary election process for congressional, statewide, and legislative races. Allows all voters to choose any candidate regardless of the candidate's or voter's political party preference. Ensures that the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes will appear on the general election ballot regardless of party preference. Fiscal Impact: No significant net change in state and local government costs to administer elections.

No Position on Prop 15
CALIFORNIA FAIR ELECTIONS ACT
Repeals ban on public funding of political campaigns. Creates a voluntary system for candidates for Secretary of State to qualify for a public campaign grant if they agree to limitations on spending and private contributions. Each candidate demonstrating enough public support would receive same amount. Participating candidates would be prohibited from raising or spending money beyond the grant. There would be strict enforcement and accountability. Funded by voluntary contributions and a biennial fee on lobbyists, lobbying firms, and lobbyist employers. Fiscal Impact: Increased revenues (mostly from charges related to lobbyists) totaling over $6 million every four years. These funds would be spent on public financing for campaigns of Secretary of State candidates for the 2014 and 2018 elections.

No on Prop 16
IMPOSES NEW TWO-THIRDS VOTER APPROVAL REQUIREMENT FOR LOCAL PUBLIC ELECTRICITY PROVIDERS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Requires two-thirds voter approval before local governments provide electricity service to new customers or establish a community choice electricity program using public funds or bonds. Fiscal Impact: Unknown net impact on state and local government costs and revenues—unlikely to be significant in the short run—due to the measure's uncertain effects on public electricity providers and on electricity rates.

No on Prop 17
ALLOWS AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES TO BASE THEIR PRICES IN PART ON A DRIVER'S HISTORY OF INSURANCE COVERAGE. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Permits companies to reduce or increase cost of insurance depending on whether driver has a history of continuous insurance coverage. Fiscal Impact: Probably no significant fiscal effect on state insurance premium tax revenues.