Sierra County Delegates Attend Democratic Convention

ANAHEIM — The California Democratic Party (CDP) held its state-wide convention in Anaheim from May 30th to June 1st. Of the 3,584 official delegates (plus hundreds of observers, volunteers, staff, and others) present, four were representing Sierra County: Paul Guffin of Downieville; Sylvia Lopez of Sierra City; Riley Pearmund of Downieville and the University of California, Santa Cruz; and, Belle Star Sandwith of Sierra Brooks.

As happens in the year following a presidential election, elections for the state party took place, including state-wide officers, regional directors, and officers for the nineteen different caucuses. Those elected to lead the CDP for the next four years include Rusty Hicks as chair, Deepa Sharma as 1st vice-chair, David Campos as 2nd vice-chair, Diana Love as secretary, and Carolyn Fowler as controller. Joanna Warrens was elected as Region 1 (which includes our area of the state) Director.

Our local delegates not only took part in the General Sessions, where CDP elections were held and speakers presented, but also participated in a variety of caucuses. Riley Pearmund attended the gatherings of the California Young Democrats and the Progressive Caucus. Sylvia Lopez attended the Chicano/Latin Caucus and the Rural Caucus. Paul Guffin attended the Senior Caucus, Native American Caucus, and Rural Caucus.

Among speakers to the General Sessions were New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, California Senator Adam Schiff, and, in what might be considered the keynote address, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who galvanized the arena. Others speaking included Delores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association, and David Huerta (no relation), president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). It is significant to note that, just recently, Dave Huerta was targeted and arrested during a peaceful protest in Los Angeles.

The four Sierra County delegates came back home excited and enthused, and ready to share their experiences with anyone who is interested.