CSEA & LaBUFA One District, One Community Rally

JOIN LABUFA, CSEA, AND LBUSD FAMILY FOR A COMMUNITY RALLY

APRIL 16TH AT 4:00 PM - 550 BLUMONT ST

On April 16th, Laguna Beach school staff and families will come together to show what it means to put students first.

Walk with us down Park Avenue to Main Beach. Stand together and share your voice in support of students.

Location provided upon registration

APRIL 8, 2026 at 6:00PM

The School Board Election Needs our Attention!

We have three seats on the LBUSD School Board up for election this November.  So what’s the problem?  We simply want the best people, with the credentials and lived experience, to oversee our schools with the intent to secure our kids with the best education.  That’s what student’s deserve.  We, as voters, decide who those school board members should be, which makes us, as voters, responsible for the most important job in our community.  Which means we, as voters, need to understand exactly what the school board does and why we all need to be involved, not just parents, in deciding who will be on our future school board.

And that’s why you need to join us on April 8 for a panel discussion with LBUSD school board members Drs. Jim Kelly and Joan Malczewski, and FUEL President Shaheen Sheik-Sadahl. The panel will dig into the role of the school board and answer the question of why we all must care about school board elections.  

Though a non-partisan role, school boards have become ground zero for political agendas because that’s where we are shaping the future generations.  Control education, control the future.  We don’t want to say  “Oops, I didn’t see that coming” on November 3, 2026, when the final results of the school board election are announced. Let’s educate ourselves so we make the best choice for our next school board members and for the students who will live with the results.  

Join us for a presentation with Bob Page, Orange County Registrar of Voters. He will explain how the registrar's office ensure election integrity, the security of the voting process and accuracy in ballot counting.

NO KINGS ·Main Beach, Laguna Beach· NO KINGS

Time. Saturday, March 28. 11am – 1pm PDT

Location. Main Beach. Laguna Beach, CA 92651

About this event

We have the power and are claiming it together. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.

What began in 2025 as a single day of defiance has become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy. Our peaceful movement is bigger than ever.

When our families are under attack and costs are pushing people to the brink, silence is not an option. We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration’s unjust and cruel acts of violence.

On March 28th, rise up, take to the streets, and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings. We’re not watching history happen—we’re making it. Join us.

A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

Accessibility

This event meets ADA standards

Accessible restrooms

Wheelchair ramp

Notes from the organizer: No sticks or poles

Have accessibility questions? Reply to your registration email to confirm your requirements or request more information.

Join us for our March meeting as we gear up for action and organize our efforts! We'll be crafting posters for the No Kings protest on March 28th — bring your creativity, enthusiasm, and plenty of energy. Poster-making materials will be provided, so just come ready to create and collaborate.

Continuing our monthly “Meet the Candidates” series, we will hear from Robert Mestman, an Orange County Deputy District Attorney and former a criminal prosecutor, who is running for Judge Seat #13. Robert, whose father immigrated from South America, lives in Huntington Beach with his wife and two children. His wife, a refugee from Vietnam, is a public interest attorney.

📅 March 12 2026

🕐 6pm check-in, meeting begins at 6:15

📍 340 St. Ann’s Place, Neighborhood Congregational Church

Snacks will be provided! Spread the word and bring a friend. Democracy is a team sport. 💙

Join us for an exclusive event featuring Greg Cope White, veteran, author, screenwriter and LBGTQ+ advocate.

The author and former marine served the country in the closet. Now, amid Pete Hegseth’s anti-L.G.B.T.Q. military and Trump’s militarization nationally and internationally, Cope White is speaking out!

Greg Cope White, author of The Pink Marine, was a gay Marine when it was illegal to be gay in the military.  His book is an inspiring memoir of his journey from scared teenager to extraordinary soldier.

LBDC's Joe Moreno, also a Marine veteran, also gay, sits down with Cope White, dives into the gripping tale behind “The Pink Marine”,  and discusses the military of today under the Trump-Hegseth regime.  Topics will include:

• What drove him to become the best, in an environment he didn’t think he belonged, 

• What Pete Hegseth’s military means for LGBTQ+, women and people of color, and

• Trump’s military tactics to authoritarianism in the U.S, and the geopolitical influence on the world stage. 

This is more than just an author talk – it's a rallying cry for persistence and a chance to hear from those who've lived it.  Be part of the conversation. Be inspired. Be there!

About The Book

The Pink Marine explores stereotypes about courage, patriotism, and who “belongs” in America’s story. His life and book testify that love of country doesn’t belong to authoritarians waving flags while undermining rights—it belongs to those willing to tell the truth, confront bullies, and fight for everyone’s dignity. In a moment when democracy is slipping toward authoritarianism, The Pink Marine offers us a vivid reminder that the most patriotic act is not silent obedience, but brave, persistent resistance.

An adaptation of The Pink Marine is now a NETFLIX original series—BOOTS

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We are also kicking off our monthly “Meet the Candidates” series and will hear from Janet Keo Conklin,  Endorsed Candidate for Orange County Assessor. A County Assessor is the person who figures out how much homes, land, and businesses are worth in the county. The Assessor’s job is to make sure property taxes are fair and based on accurate information.

Time: Wednesday, January 28, 2026. 6:30 – 9pm PST

Location: This event's address is private. Sign up for more details.

About this event

Join us as we welcome distinguished Nation Magazine writer and author Sasha Abramsky. In addition to sharing his unfailingly-witty insight into the state of the nation, Abramsky will be signing copies of his newest book, American Carnage: How Trump, Musk and DOGE Butchered the US Government. The book is a gripping narrative of federal workers caught in Trump’s second-term purge, and the devastating consequences for American democracy. Snacks at shmooze at 6:30 pm, general meeting at 7pm. RSVP is required to attend. 

Democrats from everywhere in OC are welcome with open arms. Please be green and bring your own water bottle. For more information about Central Orange County Democratic Club, visit https://www.centralocdems.com/

Join the Newport Beach 2026 kick-off meeting featuring two powerful speakers:

• Katie Porter, Candidate for Governor of California

• Heidi Beirich, Ph.D., Global Project against Hate & Extremism

Registration Required 

Join the Women’s March on January 20th 2026. Meet at Main Beach in Laguna Beach from 12 noon on. Posters and markers will be provided to make a sign while supplies last!

Close your business, leave your school, tell your boss “nah…NOT TODAY…” because today is a great day to say this is NOT OKAY.

Keep it loud, but as much turmoil as we all may be feeling inside, also peaceful.

———

One year into Trump’s second regime, we face an escalating fascist threat: raids on our communities, troops occupying our cities, attacks on immigrants, families torn apart, mass surveillance, and terror used to keep us silent.  It is time for our communities to escalate as well. 

2025 was a year of marches that showed our collective strength. And as the threats grow, our movement must evolve and escalate. Trump and his allies have already made clear that a second term would bring a deeper wave of misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and violence than the first.

On January 20, we call on our communities to organize teams, call your neighbors and classmates, and turn your back and walk out on fascism. Host mutual aid planning meetings, organize public service, but walk out to block the normal routines of power, and make the stakes real. This is a protest and a promise.  In the face of fascism, we will be ungovernable. 

★ We walk away from fascism. ★  

★ We walk towards a Free America. ★ 

★ We fight for a future that belongs to us all. ★

★ Everybody in, nobody out. ★ 

★ Welcome to the Free America Walkout ★

🗓️ Saturday, January 17 | 3 - 5:30 PM
📍 Laguna Beach, make sure to RSVP for more details and location

Over the holidays ICE kidnapped people in our community from the Sweetwater Hand Car Wash; this is not the first time ICE has been here and it won't be the last. You have neighbors right in Laguna Beach who are at risk of being targeted by ICE, as well as many people who work in the city each day who are also at risk.

This training is great for anyone who wants to learn how to spot and report immigration enforcement, and the first step to get involved with the many things the network does.This training is geared to South OC, but anyone throughout OC is welcome to attend; you will be connected with your local region for vetting once you’ve completed the training.

Come learn to ICE Watch and legally observe, so we can better organize to protect our Orange County community!

You will learn:
✨ What is the Orange County Rapid Response Network (OCRRN)
✨ How to recognize immigration enforcement in your community.
✨ How you can legally observe and document what you witness using the acronym SALUTE
✨ What to do and what not to do if you are a First Responder to an immigration enforcement
✨ How to participate with OCRRN in South Orange County

You have neighbors who are at risk of being targeted by ICE. As you know, it’s not just immigrants being targeted - the US Supreme Court has said it’s ok to profile based on appearance, accent, language, even the job you do. We are seeing people with all immigration statuses, including US citizens, being violently and brutally kidnapped and sent to detention centers with abhorrent conditions, in many cases leaving family members behind without their loved one.

Register for January’s Meeting

Location:  Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann's Drive, Laguna Beach CA Plenty of parking in lot behind church, off of Glennerye.

Club meeting with Katrina Foley. Discussion on wildfire readiness, prevention strategies, and community emergency planning.

As we start off 2026, we will hear from Vice-Chair Katrina Foley.  This is not only an election year, but a time where we continue to address the tough issues we face in our community.  Supervisor Foley  will give us an update on the state of Orange County and the impact of recent Federal Regulation, discuss her extensive plan for Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention, and wrap with a campaign update.  Katrina can win this race in June!

We also welcome Lisa Ramirez, an Immigration Attorney and Congressional Candidate for district CA-40.  It will be a tough race, but with the approval of the Republican party decreasing daily, Lisa gives us an opportunity for win all Congressional seats in 2026.

LOCATION CHANGE!

LAGUNA BEACH COMMUNITY AND SUSI Q CENTER

380 3rd ST., LAGUNA BEACH

Wednesday, December 17  

Check-in 6:00  

Meeting starts promptly at 6:30pm

You must register for this meeting by clicking on  REGISTER HERE

We apologize as we were informed our venue double booked and we need to relocate the meeting to the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center in Laguna Beach.  It is approximately 1/2 mile from the prior location.

 Join us for some holiday cheer while we hear from the candidates and vote for who we would like to support for endorsement at the State Convention, which takes place in February.  We will be voting for U.S. Congressional District 47, State Senate District 36 and State Assembly District 72.  

We will hold a separate vote for each race (below) and you will select to support, not support, or abstain.  The 3 races we will be voting on are:

• Congressional District 47

• Dave Min             Via Zoom from Washington DC

• State Senate, District 36

• Rick Foster           In Person

• Chris Duncan      In Person

• State Assembly District 72  

• Chris Kluwe         In Person

Our 6 Pre-endorsement Representatives will vote the results of the club’s consensus in January and these votes will be counted at the Californian State Convention in February.  

 If you are a Member-In-Good-Standing,  we encourage you to attend in person to meet the candidates and enjoy a holiday beverage and cookies.  However, we also offer a zoom option that you can select upon registration.  The link will be sent prior to the meeting.  Important:  This meeting has been changed to an in-person meeting.  We have a new candidate running in our State Senate District 36 and it is critical that as many people as possible hear both candidates prior to voting.  This seat is currently held by a MAGA REP and he has to go.  

Food Insecurity is at a Crisis

The Laguna Beach Food Pantry is feeding over 1200 families a day, and it is continues to increase every day.  On Saturday, December 13th we will be in the parking lot at the Neighborhood Congregational Church collecting food items for the Laguna Beach Food Pantry from 11am to 2pm.  

You can pull into the parking lot behind the church off of Glenneyre, drop-off your donation and  you will get  a raffle ticket to win a beautiful hand-made wreath by Lara Horgan, LBDC Secretary and owner of Bloom and Glow.  You can also purchase additional raffle tickets for $5 each to increase your chance of winning our beautiful Christmas wreath.  

Your generosity to give during this holiday season is greatly appreciated and we look forward to seeing you on the 13th.

The Laguna Beach Democratic Club invites you to join us to feed 600-700 guests and enjoy a Thanksgiving Potluck feast.

Times are difficult, with many people out of work and experiencing food insecurity. We are looking for volunteers who would like to donate a side dish or compostable plates, napkins or utensils. If you would like to volunteer to donate and/or help serve and bag lunches for people to take home, please go to lbcommunitydinner.form and let us know how you would like to help.

 You can drop off your donations by 11:00am on November 23rd, and if you have any questions, please reach out to us at lbdc@thelbdems.com

Location:  Neighborhood Congregational Church  

343 St. Anns Dr., Laguna Beach

Please register at: https://www.mobilize.us/dpoc/event/865230/

Meet the Candidates - Both candidates will be discussing the issues that brought them to run for office, their campaign and how we can help them win in 2026.  

Chris Kluwe, Candidate for CA Assembly District 72

We have a great opportunity to take back our Assembly District.  Chris is the only Democrat running for this seat against a Republican who lost the seat in 2018.  

Yes, Chris is a former NFL football player.  But did you know that he graduated UCLA with a double major in Political Science and History?

Rick Foster, Candidate for CA State Senate District 36

We have another great opportunity to take back our State Senate District.  Rick is the only Democrat running for this seat against a MAGA Republican who won the seat in a special election in March, 2025.

Rick is a small business owner, political advocate and graduated Albertus Magnus College with a degree in Political Science.  

For more information on voting and to check you ballot status go to OCVOTE.gov/voting

Malcolm Kenyatta is a Pennsylvania State Representative, community activist, poet, and Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. He was one of the youngest elected officials in Pennsylvania history and the first openly LGBTQ person of color.

His elected platform has been focused on anti-poverty measures and he was appointed by the Biden Administration as Chair of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Opportunity for Black Americans.

RSVP here for details: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kenyattaevent?mc_cid=0cb2cf1819&mc_eid=d7daec03f6

Join us for an event with Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and other special guests. Location will be provided after registration at: gotveleni