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Our Upcoming Monthly Meeting (on Zoom)– Special Guest – Barbara McQuade

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 @ 7:00 pm

 

Barbara McQuade will be joining our virtual meeting to discuss her new book, Attack from Within, including ideas how we can best counter disinformation.

Attack from Within addresses the most important issue of our day, the fundamental requirement of any democratic system, an informed electorate. Disinformation has reached a critical mass and is undermining our political debate, our culture, and our way of life. Too many are willing to believe the big lie and choose tribe over truth. Hopefully recognizing the problem is the first step to correcting it.

Barbara McQuade is a professor from practice at the University of Michigan Law School, her alma mater, where she teaches courses in criminal law, criminal procedure, national security, and data privacy. She is also a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, and a co-host of the podcast #SistersInLaw. In addition, Barbara is a frequent guest on Stephanie Miller’s morning radio show.

From 2010 to 2017, McQuade served as U.S Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ms. McQuade was appointed by President Barack Obama, and was the first woman to serve in her position. Earlier in her career, she worked as a sports writer and copy editor, a judicial law clerk, an associate in private practice, and an assistant U.S. attorney. She and her husband have four children and live in Ann Arbor.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN US ON ZOOM

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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

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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!

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Our 2023-2024 Executive Board:

President:  John Nelson
Vice-President:  Susan Goodlerner
Secretary:  Ann Gotthoffer
Treasurer: Edna Murphy