Click Here for Previous Minutes
Black Mountain Democratic Club Minutes
January 14, 2026
PRESENT: ~26
This Meeting was held in-person at Mesa Village Rec Room, 10540 Caminito Baywood, San Diego, CA,
92126.
Attendees socialized from 6:30-7:00 PM. The General Meeting began at 7:00 PM.
Stephen Tanner, BMDC President, welcomed everyone, led the club in the flag salute and preamble, followed by a call for approval of the November 2025 meeting minutes. A motion to approve was made by Tiffany
Cuellar and seconded by Joan Raphael. By a voice vote all were in favor.
Stephen discussed the following:
- The ICE Out For Good protest events occurred in about 1200 US locations on Saturday January 10, and our Mira Mesa event had about 500 attendees.
- We protest at 4pm every Tuesday, at the corner of Mira Mesa Blvd and Westview Parkway.
- Stephen and Tiffany invited us to take action and call our representatives to curtail the actions of ICE.
- Sara Jacobs, our representative for US House District 51, has been appointed as Parliamentarian of the Steering and Policy Committee. Congrats to her in this important leadership position!
MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Joan Raphael, VP of Club Development, stated we previously had 63 members, and new members joined at the meeting but are not counted yet.
TREASURER REPORT: Treasurer Claudia von Wilpert reported the club’s current total funds on-hand is $999.83.
ENDORSEMENTS:
US House District 48
Jacob Wetherbee asked the club to endorse candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar for representing US House District 48. Ammar has worked in the Obama Administration, military service, and education.
Marni von Wilpert was not present, but provided a video asking for the club’s endorsement for her run for representing US House District 48. Marni is currently on the San Diego City Council. While on the SD City Council she has effectively created a ban on ghost guns. She has worked diligently to address the need for affordable housing and achieved some success.
Stephen called for a vote by ballot for US House District 48 endorsement, and Marni von Wilpert won the club’s endorsement.
State Assembly District 76
Darshana Patel was not present at the meeting. She currently holds the position representing State Assembly District 76 and is seeking reelection. Stephen called for a vote by ballot for endorsement for State Assembly District 76, and Darshana Patel won the club’s endorsement.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Richard Barrera asked for the club’s endorsement for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Richard is currently the President of the Board of Education for the San Diego Unified School District.
Stephen called for a vote by ballot for endorsement for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Richard Barrera won the club’s endorsement.
Stephen Tanner invited any political office holder or their representatives, or candidates for office, to briefly speak.
Sabrina Bazzo announced her support for Richard Barrera as State Superintendant of Public Instruction. Sabrina is currently the Vice President of the Board of Education for the San Diego Unified School District
There was no guest speaker for this meeting.
Stephen Tanner announced that our next general meeting on February 11, 2026 will be a zoom meeting. We are expecting to endorse candidates for State Senate District 40, State Assembly District 75, and San Diego City Council District 2.
Stephen Tanner ended the meeting by thanking everyone for attending.
November 11, 2025
PRESENT: @ 22
This was an in-person meeting.
6:30-7:00 PM Attendees socialized.
The General Meeting began at 7:00 PM. Stephen Tanner, BMDC President led the Club in the flag salute and preamble.
- ANNOUNCEMENTS: (Stephen)
Stephen did an election night round up. Prop 50 passes by 30 points. Many in the club participated in various get out the vote methods. Stephen reviewed the outcome, and Blue races won!
In January we will hold an endorsements meeting for
- Congressional seat district 48
- State superintendent of schools
- State assembly 76—Darshana Patel (running for re-election)
Weekly sign waving on Tuesday 4:00 until dark
Sarah Barrett announced that Sabrina Bazzo has decided to withdraw from the State Senate race to focus on her family. The question was whether the club would endorse a different candidate. Likely, the club will take that up in January
Two new members introduced themselves.
- Membership Report (Joan Raphael) 88 members!
- Treasurer’s Report (Claudia von Wilpert): $1117.55
- Endorsement Vote for La Mesa Mayor’s race: Patricia Greg read remarks on her behalf. She previously served as vice mayor and won three years ago in a close vote. Greg read a list of accomplishments on her behalf. 87% voted to endrose.
- Tiffany Cuellar, Vice President, introduced the speaker for the evening: Richard Barrera, School Board Trustee for San Diego Unified School District (17 years) and candidate for State Superintendent of Instruction.
Richard thanked the club for its support for Sabrina.
He currently serves as deputy superintendent to Tony Thurman current state superintendent. He reviewed attacks from Administration on public schools, students, teachers, admins etc. Intensity is beyond the experience of many people. But the attacks from the Right are not new. Reviewed the history of attacking public schools and trying to turn schools into more of a business model and privatizing schools to charters etc. His initial election came from a coalition of parents, educators and others in SD. He reviewed recent school bond measures and SD investing in our schools, and this model is important. Mr. Barrera testified to the Senate education committee to discuss progress and outstanding results in SD when the community invests in schools and educators. San Diego ranks #1 on the National Report Card. SDUSD is a model for districts up and down the state. SDUSD results make it easier to say to the state, invest in our public schools and reverse the austerity caused by Prop 13. California’s economy has enough money to invest in public pre-K and higher education. CA voters need to reinvest in our public schools. Richard fielded questions and answers between Richard and the from Club members.
Stephen announced that there would be no BMDC meetings in December and that our next meeting will be on January 14. He thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting.
Meeting was adjourned: 8:01 pm
October 5, 2025
PRESENT: @32
This was a zoom meeting.
6:30-7:00 PM Attendees socialized. The General Meeting began at 7:03 PM. Stephen Tanner, BMDC President led the Club in the flag salute and preamble. Stephen explained the process for the evening. Voting members had a VM placed next to their names as they logged in. The VM /voting ability was explained by Joan Raphael.
- ANNOUCEMENTS: (Stephen)Mira Mesa street fair booth was a great success.. He shared photos and what was provided at the booth. Prop 50 discussed with people as they came by. Local politicians Chris Ward, Sabrina Bazzo, and Kent Lee stopped by the booth.
- No Kings Nationwide day of protest—Saturday October 18, 10 am-12 pm. Visit nokings.org provides information and nationwide map. Stephen shared the QR codes for the MM location as well as Waterfront Park. 65k last time, hoping for 100K this time. The trolley is a great option to get downtown. MM location is MM Blvd and Westview Parkway.
- Prop 50: Yard signs are available at county dem office, and we have some available at Tues MM protest. GoTeam—knock on doors, please!. Face to face discussions help a lot. If you want to canvas contact Lee Finney to be part of the GoTeam. A flyer was shared with information. Contact Lee Finney at 858-693-7475 to join
- Treasurer’s Report (Claudia von Wilpert): $994.47 New memberships have helped.
- Membership Report (Joan Raphael) 54 members and we have met quorum for this meeting
- Endorsement Votes:
CA Assembly district 78—Chris Ward was present and thanked the club for the support. He emphasized importance of voting down ballot in the 2026 election. He has been fighting for civil rights, housing affordability, climate, civil justice, and fair share to SD. The power on the ground is important. He has sponsored 9 bills currently on the Governor’s desk. 5 have been signed, others are still under consideration. Thanks for supporting prop 50.
Stephen reviewed points from the Bylaws regarding voting. Secret ballot with option to endorse, or no endorsement. No endorsement can be used to delay endorsement. The county party is doing friendly endorsements early so important we do the same, so our Club is represented in the County endorsements. Non-voting members were removed to a waiting room Marcia clarified that each member needs to be on zoom individually to vote.
– non-voters moved to break out room, ballot put up
– Chris Ward was endorsed with 100
CA Senate District 40:
Sabrina Bazzo – introduced herself as SDUSD board trustee in 2nd term and a BMDC her “home club” since 2019 when BMDC was the first club to endorse her for her school board. She has been on GoTeam as well. Shared her real-world experience—Budget management from school board working with a 2 billion budget and last year 1.78-million-dollar deficit but able to pass a budget and not lay off any teachers. Her decisions are centered on equity and maintaining trust. SDUSD is recognized as a leader as safe schools especially for LGBTQ and immigrant students feel safe and seen and she is proud of that and has been active in those areas.. She would like to do the same for all Californians. Sabrina discussed the focus on affordable housing for SDUSD employees. She has been part of the SDUSD/Community college collaboration in creating housing authority for educators, classified staff and essential workers. She would work to create a similar option for all of California. She served as a democratic national convention delegate and state delegate. She is a member of the organizing committee for the State Party. She has been a public health educator for 3 decades working with family physicians to support access to quality healthcare and equity and dignity for all. SabrinaBazzo.com for more information.
Mara Elliot submitted a video as she was out of town. This Senate district is about 1/3 dem, 1/3 republicans and 1/3 independents. She served as City Attorney for 8 years and was the first woman and first Latina to serve this office. She reviewed her accomplishments: 1st in state to embrace new red flag laws; disarmed 1500 people and trained more than 500 law enforcement agencies replicating her efforts. She reviewed many of her court victories including: suing the Trump administration on behalf of Dreamers and LGBTIQ citizens; first to enforce AB 5 to protect gig workers; sued Experion. She worked to protect a women’s right to choose and person’s right to abortion and she prioritized environmental justice for the city. She also added a conservatorship office to Office of City Attorney. She worked to strengthen ethics committee. She believes she can go head-to-head with the potential Republican candidate. She believes she can raise the money to win and netted more votes than any other candidate. Has strong name recognition.
Suzanne Till: Was elected as the first Democrat representative to the Padre Dam Water District. She is from Lakeside and a marine veteran, serving as a captain. When she was elected to Padre Dam water district, she beat a Republican by 17 pts. Her last election Carl De Maio raised money to try to beat her, and she won by 18%. Her platform is focused on affordable housing. She is the only candidate who opposed city of SD proposed water rate hikes. We need access to affordable healthcare. CA must become more independent for medical care and research. She will work with veterans to stop Trump’s use of our armed forces. She then turned it over to Griffin Howe her campaign intern. Griffen is a queer youth who has been working with Suzanne for years. Suzanne gets stuff done that needs to get done to save people’s lives. He mentioned the difficulty for his generation and what the older generation has done to the world. Suzanne is an expert and has drive.
non-voters moved to breakout room and ballot was presented Sabrina won 55% endorsed
City Council
Kent Lee – is the incumbent and has led several efforts for the city—Budget and Land Use Committees. In last two years have been able to ensure that many considered cuts were staved off. There was a City Council unanimously approved budget approved by the mayor. He has worked with colleagues to protect services such as libraries and rec centers. Restored more services at Lake Miramar. This is not an easy job, and he’s recognized how important it is to use voice to represent constituents and make decisions to move the city forward. We must work locally to have things in working order so we can respond to federal issues well. Four years is not a long time and things sometimes move slowly. Much that he celebrates started before his time (MM rec center and streets) and his job is to do the same for others down the line.
non voters moved to breakout room, and poll opened. 100% endorsed.
Palomar Community College Board Area 1
Tina Barlolong for Judy Patacsil –Tina read a statement. Judy was born and raised in SD. Over 30 years in higher ed. Initially provided academic counseling and created mental health clinic and has taught in the community college. She has taught courses in mental health counseling and Filipino Studies. Established AAPI student achievement office. She has authored several articles on Pilipino/a studies. She has served on Palomar college Board in several roles. Tina was one of her students as Miramar college and was a first gen. Tina reviewed Judy’s personal impact on her and her career. Lee clarified this is a friendly endorsement.
non voters moved to break out room, poll opened. 95% endorsement, one chose not to endorse.
new members introduce themselves
Meeting was adjourned 8:26
Submitted by Sarah Barrett, member
Minutes Black Mountain Democratic Club
9/10/25
1. PRESENT: @21
This was an in-person meeting.
6:30-7:00 PM Attendees socialized. The General Meeting began at 7:00 PM.
7:02 on Stephen Tanner, BMDC President opened the meeting. Stephen led the Club in the
flag salute and preamble.
-
Announcements:
a. Mira Mesa Street Fair Oct 4 10 am-5 pm. Our booth is staffed, but we can use more
help.
b. Encouraged everyone to come out for the weekly Tuesday, BMDC Street
Demonstrations from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. It is held on the corner of Westview and Mira
Mesa.
c. “No Kings Day” on October 18 from 10-12. There will be a rally downtown at the
Waterfront as well as one on our corner of Mira Mesa Blvd. People can show up to the
MM Blvd location instead of downtown if you can’t make it. -
MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Joan Raphael, VP of Club Development, reported that we currently
have 58 active members. 4 are not voting members but attendance tonight will probably change
those 4 into voting -
TREASURER REPORT: Treasurer Claudia von Wilpert the club’s current total funds on-hand is
$637.21. -
Go Team presentation done by Lee Finney (the MM community coordinator). We need
people to ring doorbells and talk to people. Election on Prop 50 will be Nov 4. Prop 50 is to
counterbalance the gerrymandering in Texas and Florida. This will help to get out the vote and
inform people. This is a special election; this will be fast. Last trainings are Sept 11 and 12. -
Sabrina Bazzo, current schoolboard trustee for District A. Last night the SDUSD Board
passed a resolution in support of Prop 50. Sabrina announced that she has declared her
candidacy for State Senate District 40, the seat we had endorsed Marnie Von Wipert for in May.
Marnie is now running for Congress. Sabrina will be seeking our club endorsement. Sabrina
reviewed her background as PTA /Foundation mom and ran as someone who strongly supports
public schools for all. Public education is very near and dear and will remain so. Her background
is in public health; her husband was a family practice doctor who has passed away recently of
brain cancer. During that time Sabrina’s experience as being a caregiver in the healthcare
facilities. We need to do more and do better for our communities. More resources for primary
care physicians. Affordable housing is another concern especially for the younger generation.
SDUSD recently organized a housing authority with the local community college utilizing some
vacant school properties to build affordable staff housing. This needs to be expanded across the
state. Sabrinabazzo.com to learn more or if you would like to donate. -
Judy Pataxo Board of Trustee of Palomar Community College District - professor/counselor
at Mira Mar. Son went to local schools. Opponent is very difficult to work with –against diversity
and speaks strongly against diversity studies an program. She is asking for club endorsement. -
Yes on Prop 50 yard signs: available through Indivisible 49 in north county and we will send out
their google form. Once we can find some through the dem party, we will work on a google form
to order them and we have someone willing to pick them up and make them available for pick up
at Tuesday protests. -
Our speaker was Councilmember and President Pro Tem Kent Lee who reported on the latest in city politics. Kent is one of the newer council members. City of San Diego is unusual since mayor, all councilmembers and city attorney are Dems. This makes for an unusual dynamic within the council and with the public. Usually hearing from the public day to day who either call into council meetings or call the office with conspiracy theories, anti vaxxers. Reviewed his leadership roles on the council: chairing two committees—housing and budget. The fiscal situation has been very difficult to manage. This year started with a huge deficit which currently has been mostly resolved. Currently looking for revenue options. Most of what they deal with are really non-partisan issues—parks, safety, street repair and infrastructure, etc. But this city is very underfunded to do what we need to do. Our sales tax and hotel taxes are the lowest in the region which means less revenues than most of the state. Voters don’t trust the council and other leaders in the city, regardless of party. Some of this is due to past lack of transparency; an example of this was the trash collection tax last election; the controversies like 101 Ash Street, communication from San Diego on anything to do with seeking opinions of the voters. People need to understand what is going on and be able to explain these issues.
The city has not historically funded several diverse communities who are in worse shape than others. We need to acknowledge historical short falls AND communities that also need support or they will fall behind. The original city budget called for reducing rec center and library hours. Data shows there are neighborhoods where libraries serve as physical safe space for families and others where libraries distribute materials out to the city. The Council was able to reverse several libraries the mayor had suggested closing on Sundays. The mayor vetoed a lot of amendments from the council, then the council overrode the veto. An example is the Mira Mesa library which is one of the 16 libraries still with Sunday hours.
Upcoming discussion: parking in the city---one example is parking in Balboa Park. What the Council really wants is the mayor to deliver a parking program that charges tourists who park in Balboa Park. This is not what is reflected in the news Same kind of discussion will happen regarding beach areas. If there is a charge for city residents, then it would be cheaper than parking for tourists.
Next Tuesday they will be voting on minimum wage hike specifically for hospitality workers. Chamber of Commerce is texting out about this with a negative campaign. Tourism is one of the driving industries in SD and the hospitality workers live in SD. If you benefit from the tourism then the people who do that work, need to get a living wage.
Another policy area focus is housing in SD, Housing is expensive here, even “affordable” housing. Homes have skyrocketed. On the city side, there is work on housing production. Conrad Prebys owned 8000 housing units and was affordable when he passed. They sold the entire lot of 8000 units to Blackstone; thus, many were pushed out of the housing. The Council is working on an affordable housing foundation.
Questions came up over bike lanes and electric bikes on the streets. City no longer has rules or plans for ebikes or escooters. In the past, the city generated rules, like speed limits. Those are gone now. What options are being discussed like non-conventional housing—shipping containers and 3 d printed houses, factory-built housing are being discussed.
8:08 PM Stephen thanked everyone for attending. The October meeting will likely be on zoom. Speaker TBD
Respectfully submitted
Sarah Barrett
BMDC member
