WE DID IT!

"Si se puede!" YES WE CAN! quickly segued into  "Yes we did" and "Yes we will" as the country listened to president-elect Barack Obama enjoin them to help put America back on track. In West Contra Costa many hundreds of volunteers came through the doors in El Cerrito and helped to win battleground states for Obama and other Democratic candidates. We made more than 35,000 calls from our office in the final weekend before the election. And, on the night of November 4th we joined with people the world over to celebrate Obama's election with great food, new & old friends, and with tears, laughter and champagne!

IS THERE LIFE AFTER THE ELECTION?

"The West County Democratic Campaign office has become the place to work for change,” says Rick, a delegate to the county’s Democratic Central Committee. Rick and a core of volunteers have been keeping the doors open to the public since early September.

Plans for an office space after the election are uncertain, but many people energized by campaign 2008 are hoping to stay connected after the election.

“The website and email list may serve the purpose of helping people stay plugged in between elections,” says Susan who is in the office most days answering phones and helping to coordinate volunteers.

RALLY FOR CHANGE

Music filled the air, flags were flying, and familiar political faces moved through the crowd as West County kicked off the final days of campaign 2008 on Sunday, October 26th.

Sunday’s rally began with a soulful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner performed by Brandon Crane. Our mistress of ceremonies Lesa McIntosh, a candidate for re-election to the East Bay Municipal Utility District, introduced Congressman George Miller and other elected representatives.

The Congressman urged everybody to keep working until the polls close and not to leave anything to chance. Supervisor John Gioia asked everyone to vote ‘yes on D’ the West County school bond measure.

California State Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass arrived escorted by East Bay Regional Parks District Director, and presumptive Assemblywoman-elect, Nancy Skinner. She thanked all the volunteers and talked about the importance of electing Barack Obama and progressive democrats to office.

Not only were the speeches inspiring and the music uplifting, but the program ended on a high note after David Hartfield’s group got everybody up and dancing. Thanks go out to many people who helped make the event such a huge success: Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier, Supervisor John Gioia, DJ Kim Jones and dozens of campaign volunteers.