NEWSLETTER
September 2004

Inspired by great Democrats such as Presidents Woodrow Wilson and John Kennedy and presidential candidates John Kerry and General Wesley Clark, the mission of the newly formed Four Star Democratic Club of Los Angeles, chartered in May 2004, is to establish the Democratic Party as the party of national security.

This club is different, in that we will work to transform the political landscape. The club will support political leaders who embrace a sophisticated worldview and endorse a sensible foreign policy based on international cooperation. We need leaders who offer integrity and innovative solutions to the challenges facing America at home and abroad.

The club will focus on efforts to support Democratic candidates for the 2004 election, educate communities on important issues, actively support voter registration and getting out the vote. We will also seek to nurture up-and-coming Democratic leaders, reach out to U.S. veterans, encourage volunteer service, and promote the ideals and philosophy of the Democratic Party.

The Four Star Democratic Club will aim to help the Democratic Party broaden its tent and mature its views about national security.

The officers of the club are:
Honorary Chairman – Wes Clark, Jr.
President – Michael Webber
Vice President of Administration – John Heaner
Vice President of Programming – Cristine Card
Vice President of Communications – Trish Stewart
Secretary – Roz Teller
Treasurer – Susan Blanchard
Political Director – Mandy Barton
Community Services Director – Wendy Clarke
Publication Director – Joel Viertel
Activities Director – Stuart Woltz
Membership Director – Nathan Kempe
Archivist/Historian – Erin Searcy
Outreach Director – Jessica Landry
Media Director – Gail Schiller
Rules Director – David Card
Fundraising Director – Greg Apt

SPECIAL EVENTS

Barbara Boxer Event
The Four Star Democratic Club co-sponsored a fundraiser for California Democrat Senator Barbara Boxer, held August 25th at the home of club Fundraising Director Greg and Yael Apt. Barbara Boxer spoke at the event and answered questions about homeland security, the war in Iraq, the coming election, and other current events. More than 70 people attended and the event raised more than $10,000. Congratulations Four Star!

New Citizens Voter Registration
Help register Democrats at the next Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, September 17th. The new citizens come from all around the world, places like Egypt, Mexico, El Salvador, England, Nigeria, Togo, China, and the Philippines. This will be the last time that we can help new citizens register to vote for John Kerry in the upcoming national election.

The ceremonies will be held at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the:
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
West Hall-Democrat Table on 2nd floor terrace (park in West Hall parking underground for $10)
3,500 people become new citizens at each of these times = 7,000 each day

Look for John Perez when you arrive at the convention center. This will be the last time Wendy Clarke, the club’s Community Service Director, will be taking photographs for her project “The New Face of America”. Wendy is looking for people to help her at the Democratic Photo Booth where she is taking portraits of the new citizens and their families for free. Please RSVP with Wendy Clarke at wclarke@charter.net or call 310-455-0861 if you have any questions.

House Party for Tom Daschle - Why We Should Care!
Janet Spielberg will be co-hosting a laid-back pool party on Saturday, September 18th at 3:00 p.m. for U.S. Senator Tom Daschle’s crucial re-election race. As a powerful Democratic leader, he’s facing the fight of his political life since the Bush White House has made his defeat a top priority to clear the way for their agenda. The minimum donation is $25 per person but feel free to donate more. Bring a towel if you want to swim or just come to watch “Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism”. Contact Roz Teller at tellerassociates@att.net. to RSVP and for more information.

The Debates
The Four Star club will be co-hosting debate watching parties this fall. The schedule is:
Presidential Debates
Thursday, September 30th
Friday, October 8th
Wednesday, October 13th

Vice Presidential Debate
Tuesday, October 5th

All debates begin at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Trips to Swing States
Join the “Arizona Kerryvan Victory Tour” to Phoenix, AZ on September 17-19 to help with canvassing, events, phone banking, and anything else that needs to get done. Housing and the itinerary of events are being organized now - all you need to do is sign up and contribute $50 towards the cost of the bus. Funds are due no later than Saturday, September 11. If you are interested in attending (please respond ASAP as the spots are filling up!) please contact Keith Martin at keithemartin@yahoo.com or Michael Jay at michaeljay@earthlink.net for more information.

Postcards to Ohio Campaign
Volunteers are needed for the “Beat Bush in Ohio” postcard campaign. The goal is to mail 15,000 postcards to Ohio voters to help tip the state in John Kerry’s favor. The tastefully designed postcards feature the lack of jobs and the economy, vital issues for Ohioans. Volunteers will write brief messages and will be asked to make a donation for postage. Contact Deborah Merlin at deborahmerlin@pacbell.net.

Grassroots Rally and Kickoff, September 12th
Kerry/Edwards volunteers throughout Southern California will gather for a Campaign Kick-Off to mobilize a big effort for the last seven weeks to elect John Kerry President of the United States. California State Treasurer Phil Angelides and Los Angeles City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa will speak. They will be joined by celebrities and various bands.

The event will be held on Sunday, September 12th, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on West Hollywood Park, 647 No. San Vicente Blvd., just south of Santa Monica Blvd. Parking across the street at the Pacific Design Center for $3.00. There will be booths representing each region, so you can sign up to volunteer in your neighborhood, as well as action booths for "Taking a Bus to a Swing State," "Precinct Walking," and "Getting Out the Vote," and others. Kids for Kerry will have lemonade stands. The park has swings, slides and a large basketball court for the kids.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Links
To learn more about the candidates and the Democratic platform visit: John Kerry’s
web-site at www.johnkerry.com, General Wesley Clark at www.WesPAC2004.com, the California Democratic Party at www.cadem.org. and John Kerry’s local grassroots organization at kerryca.com.


Contact Information
To join the club or learn more, please contact Roz Teller at tellerassociates@att.net. Dues are $25 annually for standard membership, $15 for students or seniors, and waived for veterans.