Democratic Club
By Mary Larson
LW contributor
Leisure World Democrats and supporters can be justifiably proud of the role they played in Katrina Foley’s accomplishment as the first woman Democrat ever elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. This is especially significant in District 2, where the seat has reportedly been held by a Republican for 127 years.
It was a landside victory for the Democratic Club endorsed candidate, who won decisively in every Leisure World precinct. As of 5 p.m. on March 10, the Registrar of Voters reported 1,556 LW votes for Foley and 1,024 votes for John Moorlach, the Republicanendorsed candidate.
The victory also marks another historic milestone for Democrats in Orange County. Once famously known as the place where “all good Republicans go to die,” Orange County is rapidly shifting from a conservative stronghold into a highly diverse Democratic metropolis.
Speaking with her supporters after the election, Foley emphasized her commitment to work closely with local government leaders throughout District 2. She is very aware of their issues and highly qualified to deal with them, having served two terms as the first elected mayor of Costa Mesa.
The District 2 seat on the Board of Supervisors also overlaps with many of the Democratic Party’s top priorities, including in the 72nd Assembly and 48th Congressional districts. The 2022 midterm elections—during which Foley plans to run for re-election—are expected to once again draw national and statewide attention to OC.
Former Congressman Harley Rouda, who represented the 48th District for the last two years, is already actively working on regaining his seat in 2022. His campaign manager, Alyssa Napuri, was the featured speaker for the March LW Democratic Club meeting. She brought members up to date on Rouda’s plans for the rest of the year, plus a report on Michelle Steel’s first month as a member of Congress.
As has been the case for the last year, the club will continue to hold its membership meetings by Zoom on the third Wednesday of every month at noon. Members and registered supporters are sent login information before the meeting. Those who do not have access to the Internet are invited to call (562) 412-0898 for information on how to join by phone.
During its April 21 meeting, the club will discuss the issues surrounding the efforts to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom.All LW Democrats and any supporters interested in attending who are not already on the club’s contact list should email lwsbdemocraticclub@ gmail.com with their name, mailing address and phone number to join.
Club members are reminded that their dues are now calculated on a calendar–year basis. For those who have not yet renewed for 2021, forms are available at https://sblwdems.wordpress.com/ democratic-club-membership-2/ or by calling (562) 431-7275. New members are always welcome.
Leisure World Democrats and supporters are also invited to subscribe to the club’s free electronic newsletter by emailing democraticclubsblw@gmail. com or by calling (562) 296-8521. Remember to include your full contact information.
