Beach Cities Democrats
Monthly Meeting (In Person)
April 24 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
“All politics is local.”
This famous phrase dates to 1932 and is credited to former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Tip O’Neill. The quote embodies the basic principle of politics, that political power comes from the support of the people at the local level. It is at the local level that voters are most effected by politics and where the voter has the greatest influence on political outcomes.
A Special In-Person Meeting
We will be joined by local city council members, school board members and local community group leaders.
RSVP HERE
Location provided with RSVP, space is limited
—————————————————————————–
——————————————————————-
Having sadly lost Ray Waters recently (memorialized a few scrolls down), we are now, sadly, mourning another important icon in our local Democratic community – Lori Geittman.
A former president of Beach Cities Democrats as well as a local newspaper reporter and probation officer, Lori was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party and a dedicated activist for numerous political campaigns and issues. She at one time served as staff for elected officials in Washington, DC, and treasured the memory from those years of having attended the inauguration John F. Kennedy.
Lori was delegate to the State and County Democratic Party numerous times and held many party positions, including Chair of the Senior Caucus. She was also a delegate to the National Convention in 1980. In addition, she was involved in local government, serving on several commissions and boards. Lori could be counted on as a loyal ally or a fierce opponent, depending on which side of her strongly held beliefs you found yourself.
Lori’s love of animals was equally strong. She always shared her Redondo Beach home with numerous well-loved cats. And Lori was an avid reader, whose lifelong passion for learning fueled her many years of involvement in Omnilore, the non-profit dedicated to learning in retirement.
During the later years of her life, Lori fought serious health issues, but time and again she rallied, rebounding from dire circumstances to carry on with her life and, of course, her political activism. This indomitable streak in Lori led many of us to doubt she would succumb to even the major stroke which was her final challenge.
On January 5th, 2024 Lorraine Geittman passed away at the age of 91.
A memorial service for Lori was held on Wednesday, January 24, at Green Hills Chapel, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
On Thursday, January 25th, our esteemed Assemblyman, Al Muratsuchi, closed the daily legislative session in Lori’s honor>
Here is the link to the closing speech he gave in that regard.
It is with deep sadness that we must share with you the passing of our dear friend Ray Waters.
A beloved father, grandfather, husband, and teacher, Raymond Lewis Waters was a tireless supporter of the Democratic Party, it’s candidates and our community.
Ray served as President of the Beach Cities Democrats and represented our Assembly District at the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and as a delegate to the California Democratic Party.
Ray could always be counted on to support Democratic Party efforts and regularly opened his home to host political events.
Ray gave freely of his time, and when he was needed, he served selflessly on the Hermosa Beach School Board.
His ready smile and positive attitude were displays of the truly kind-natured person who we will all very much miss.
We were informed on Friday night, October 20th, that Ray Waters passed unexpectedly of health complications at his home; he was 88 years of age.
On December 16th, 2023, a Celebration of Life service was held for Ray.
Here is the link to the recording of that service
On a subsequent day, our esteemed Assemblyman, Al Muratsuchi, closed the daily legislative session in Ray’s honor.
Here is the link to the closing speech he gave in that regard.
At 1/28/2023 BCD Fundraiser
President John Nelson, Vice-President Susan Goodlerner, Secretary Ann Gotthoffer, Congressman Ted Lieu, Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi
——————————————————–
Join Beach Cities Democrats!
Beach Cities Democrats is the officially chartered Democratic organization for Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Our meetings feature updates from our local electeds as well as explanations of upcoming legislation and issues to help you make informed decisions. All are welcome to attend our free monthly meetings.
The Beach Cities Dems meets at 7:00 PM on the fourth Wednesday of every month (3rd Wednesday in November) virtually on Zoom (during COVID). Email info@beachcitiesdems.org for information!