Democrats in Sun City: Photo Album

Photo Album

Getting the Word Out

A group that included Jim Bell, Elizabeth Gore, Barbara Goulding, Al & Marilyn Savlowitz, John Mannion, Tom McCutcheon, Linda Wells-Roth, Aiko Backhus, Jim Skerritt, and Larry Kampa joined Colt and Betsy Stewart, to devote two afternoons to signing, addressing, stamping, folding, stuffing and sealing over 1400 letters that were sent to the 2000 registered Democrats in Sun City who are not members of our club. The letters reminded our fellow Dems to cast their votes in this June's election and urged then to consider joining the club. Below are photos of some of the volunteers at work.

2010 Spring Fundraiser Photos

Our annual April fundraiser was well attended and raised over $1000 that will be used for political action. In addition to resident members and guests, the gathering was attended by Justin Blake, candidate for the 37th state Senate district, Raquel Marquez, candidate for the Riverside County Superior Court Judge, and Palm Springs Mayor, Steve Pougnet, candidate for the 45th Congressional district.


Aiko, Carl and Cindy at the registration desk.	Colt and Justin Blake.

Sampling the goodies.	Roberta and Loretta.

Folks enjoying the evening air.	Justin led off the candidate speeches.

Colt, Raquel and Jess.	Elle K. reported on the state Democratci Convention.

Raquel offered an impressive sketch of her accomplishments.	Steve reviewed his plans for election to Congress.

The 2010 Democratic Party Convention

On the weekend of April 16-17, delegates from Sun City joined several thousand other Democrats at the statewide convention of the Democratic Party. The delegates endorsed a number of candidates for state and federal offices as well as Propositions 13 and 15 which will be on the June ballot. (Click here for a complete list of endorsements.) And as the pictures below suggest, a good time was had by all.


Betsy and Colt Stewart with Suzan and Mike Wilkinson	The convention in session

Atty. General and next Governor, Jerry Bown	Senator Boxer on the move.

Senate Candidate Justin Blake with Colt and Betsy	House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Secretary of State Deborah Bowen	Betsy with Janice Hahn, candidate for Lt. Governor

Assemblyman Hector de la Torre with Colt and Betsy.	Elle Kurpiewski and Betty MacMillion

March, 2010 Meeting Pictures

At the March meeting, club members heard a presentation by Amalia DeAztlan and Alejandro Vargas on the importance of an accurate 2010 census count for Coachella Valley. In short, for many public programs, the distribution of funds is determined by population numbers.

In addition, Dale Kinnear, a candidate for Riverside County Superintendant of Schools, offered a persuasive discussion of his campaign for office. At the conclusion of the meeting, the members voted to endorse Kinnear's candidacy.

Photos of February, 2010 Candidates Forum

The February meeting featured a forum for Justin Blake and Arturo Guerrero, Democratic candidates in the 37th Senate district race.


Dorothy, Aiko and Terry at work on the sign-in desk.	A good sized crowd attended the meeting.

Linda Wells-Roth and Wendy Silk with Justin Blake and guest, Barbara Moran.	Arturo Guerrero with Jess Stoddart, Sushy Abraham and Colt Stewart.

Candidate Guerrero making his pitch.	Candidate Blake making his point.

Jess Stoddart urging members to get involved in this year's election campaigns.	Chance winners, Billy and Barbara Monk and Phil and Sushy Abraham.

December, 2009 Meeting

This year, our holiday party featured the collection of toys for donation to the United States Marines' "Toys for Tots" program. Marine Sergeant Sisso together with Lance Corporals Blackman and Ferow traveled from the Twenty Nine Palms Marine base to receive four large boxes filled with toys. In addition to the musical entertainment provided by Julio Ortiz, everyone enjoyed the large variety of tasty treats and beverages.


Colt Stewart greeting our Marine guests.	The meeting was very well attended.

Colt began the meeting with introductions.	Marine Sgt. Sisso discussing the Toys for Tots program.

Julio Ortiz entertained us with a number of holiday songs.	Another view of the crowd.

The group joined in with Mr. Ortiz on the chorus of several songs.	Wendy Silk who is taking over from Mike Cunningham as Hospitality Chair.

November,2009 Photos

At our well-attended November meeting, Assemblyman Manuel Perez gave a Powerpoint presentation that covered a variety of issues. These ranged from his experiences as a child growing up in the Coachella Valley to his remarkably active role as a freshman member of the California Assembly that included service as chair of a committee working on economic development. The pictures below were taken during the opening of the meeting.

Pictures of October, 2009 Meeting

This meeting varied a bit from our usual routine in that it fell on the date of Jess Stoddart's birthday, so the occasion was recognized with a surprise birthday cake provided by Aiko and Craig Backhus. In addition, Mayor Steve Pougnet, who is running to oppose Mary Bono Mack for the 45th Congressional District seat infformed us that the peacock feather vase he acquired at our Spring fundraiser now accompanies him to all electoral events as the good luck charm for his campaign.


Al Savlowitz presented the suprise birthday cake to Jess.	Jess preparing to blow out the single candle.

Mayor Pougnet gave a very informative talk.	To a fair sized and engaged audience.

The Mayor and his goodluck, peacock feather vase.	Al delighted the Mayor with the Club's $500 campaign contribution.

2009 Volunteer of the Year Award

Jess Stoddart was recognized as our club's "Volunteer of the Year" at the third annual Gary H. Bosworth Awards Dinner on October 3, 2009. Sponsored by the Riverside County Democratic Central Committee, the banquet was held at the Morongo Spa and Casino.


Club President Colt Stewart presenting the award to Jess	Colt, Jess and Betty McMillion, Riverside Central Committee Chair

Jess with Colt and Betsy Stewart	Jess with husband, Phil Flemion

September, 2009 Pictures


Larry Kampa, Jim Skerritt and other members gather for the meeting.	Political Action VP Jess Stoddart and speaker, Anita Rufus.

Anita Rufus and Jim Bell trading stories.	A well attended meeting.

Jest Stoddart introducing Anita Rufus.	Anita Rufus is a very energetic speaker!

June, 2009 Potluck Dinner


A Full House	A Buffet of Ample Choices

Enjoying the Food	Sampling Desserts

Randy Morton, Colt Stewart and Al Savlowitz	Mike Cunningham, Our Man in Charge

Jack Wells Entertaining the Ladies	Phil and Sushy Abraham

May 18, 2009 Meeting


Club President Colt Stewart, speaker Rusty Burns, Vice President Al Savlowitz.	Rusty Burns show his presidential medal and his Tuskeggee Airmen patch.	Betsy Stewart and Mrs. Burns
	Photos by John Manion
A packed house. An attentive audience listens to Rusty Burns's account of his time as a Tuskegee Airman and his role in the inauguration of Barrack Obama.

Photo Gallery February, 2009


Pictures of Feb. 23 Meeting by John Manion	Members signing in and paying dues	Dr. John Husing discussing the economy of the Coachella Valley

Al Savlowitz and Colt Stewart greeting Dr. John Husing	Terry Strand, Our new club Comptroller

Photo Gallery January 2009


Scenes from membership meeting of January 26, 2009. Photos by John Manion.	Betsy Stewart delivers an opportunity package to the lucky winner.	Cardriner Bowden proudly displays her invitation to the Obama Inaugural.

President Colt Stewart, his first lady Betsy. Cardriner Bowden, Aiko Backhus, Al Sturges	Jess Stoddart hands over the presidential gavel to Colt Stewart.	Cardriner Bowden's iconic earrings.