October 8, 2004

Local candidates speak to members, guests at Evergreen Democratic Club’s annual barbeque

By Tom Harney
Special to the Times

The Evergreen Democratic Club at the Villages proved once again that Villagers are tuned into national and local political issues.

Blue skies prevailed after morning and early-afternoon showers to provide a clear but cool day at Gazebo Park on Sunday, Sept. 19 for candidates Peg Pinard, Simon Salinas, Joe Coto, Craig Mann, Juanita Ramirez and Enrique Colin.

They came to speak and interact with Villagers, as the enticing aromas of barbequed sirloin and chicken wafted among the enthusiastic crowd of 100-plus members and guests.

“It’s an honor to be here today among such wonderful people who are participating in the political process. That’s what it’s all about. We have a great country here, and we can cherish our right to vote, our right to free association [and] our right to free speech. And there is no better way to do it than to attend events like this,” said Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Ron Del Pozzo, capturing the essence of the event.

Judge Pozzo attended the barbeque in order to introduce Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Candidate Enrique Colin, an Evergreen resident.

“It’s a wonderful experience to see a lot of people get involved in the political process. This is a great turnout of people, despite the weather, to come out here and become informed about the candidates. And these are the people who are committed to doing that. So, I really appreciate that they spent their time to come out here on a Sunday afternoon and hear us out,” said Judicial Candidate Colin.

State Assembly candidate Joe Coto made a heartfelt plea to members and guests, “We have to make sure that John Kerry is the next president of the United States. Nothing is more important than that. We have to make sure that we tell as many people as we can about the importance of making sure that John Kerry is the next president of the United States. Our whole future and our whole way of life is at stake. Make sure that they vote for John Kerry on Nov. 2.”

Peg Pinard, State Assembly candidate, said, “This election will be extremely close. This is an incredibly important election for California. I’m very committed to see that what happened to the state budget doesn’t happen again. I’m very committed to turning the budget around. We need to restructure the funding for education. There are so many areas in the state that we can take a look at, duplication in agencies and areas that can be cut. That’s what I’m looking forward to doing if elected to the state senate.”

Craig Mann, East Side Union High School District Board of Trustees Member, running for re-election, said, “You know what, I love being here today. There are great, stalwart Democrats out here in my own backyard. I live a rock’s throw from the Villages. They’re going to be there 100 percent on Nov. 2 and make a difference on that day.”

Assemblymember Simon Salinas attended the event, but had to leave prior to the open-microphone opportunity. Prior to representing 28th Assembly District constituents, he was a farm worker, taught elementary school and then at Hartnell Community College in Salinas.

After the candidates spoke, Villagers talked about the upcoming elections.

Bob and Maria Delaney invited friends Maureen and Richard Santi to the barbeque. “It’s such a critical election, from the national election to the local election, for all people—rich and poor,” Maureen commented.

Maria added how “important it is for all women to use their right to vote.”

Bob said, “It’s so frightening—the apathy and undiscerning nature of voters. It’s a crisis in our society, not investigating the issues.”

Norm Tarowsky, vice president of the Democratic Club, agreed. “People hear clichés and sound bites and don’t hold them up to the light of truth.” He feels most people listen to the 10-second “black and white” blurbs more than the intelligence reports.

Mike Zimmerman added, “People haven’t paid attention. Bush gets bad marks on the economy. We know what Bush has done. He’s lost jobs, the economy hasn’t rebounded, and there are more people in poverty. If he was a CEO, he would have been fired.”

Evergreen Democratic Club President Bob Applebaum noted that despite the weather, some of the candidates told him that the Villages draw the best turnout of any of the other clubs in the Valley. He had hoped for a bigger turnout, but felt the event was quite a success.

South Bay Art Auction Fundraiser Promotes Vision, Unity
80 Local and National Artists Collaborate for Change

South Bay Artists for Kerry, a political action group devoted to raising funds for the upcoming election, will present a live and silent art auction fundraiser,Art for Change on Friday, Oct. 15. The event features live music, food and beverages. All proceeds will be donated to MoveOn PAC.

Nationally recognized artists such as Jennifer Steinkamp, David Ligare, Guy Diehl, Flo Oy Wong, Juan Carlos Quintana and Yoram Wolberger will appear side by side with over 70 local artists for this highly anticipated event.

Participants share common concerns about the current administration and what is perceived among their community as negligence to the concerns of society at large. “We hope to raise awareness and generate proceeds necessary to make a difference in the upcoming election,” states George Rowbottom, committee member.

The response from the art community so far has been overwhelming. Local artists, volunteers and employees of the San Jose Museum of Art have been especially instrumental in inviting contributions.

“So many of us don’t have the option of large monetary contribution, but by submitting our art, we are able to make our voices literally heard,” explains Werner Glinka, artist and auction committee member.

Art for Change takes place Friday, Oct. 15 from 6:30 to 10 p.m., at Anno Domini//the second coming of Art & Design, 150 S. Montgomery, San Jose. Admission tickets are $25 per person / $40 per couple. Event contact: (408) 374-4045.

For auction preview or to purchase tickets visit: www.SouthBayArtistsForKerry.org.

For more information about the beneficiary, MoveOn PAC, visit www.MoveOn.org.