Democrats of North Orange County

08/30/2026

See you Thursday!

A message from our president:

Fellow Democrats,

I believe the “Big Tent Party” trope is particularly apt for Democrats these days. Across the nation this year, contested Democratic primaries have been won by both moderates and progressives, by longtime incumbents and first-time candidates, millennials and boomers and the Gen Xers in between.

The “big tent” is a circus metaphor that I like to think not only refers to the crowds, but also to the variety of acts in the three rings.To bring in audiences you need trapeze artists, sword swallowers, fire breathers, and, of course, clowns.

Now, some people use the term clown as pejorative. Others suffer from coulrophobia (the fear of clowns). I, on the other hand, find clowns to be delightful! They make balloon animals and the number of clowns who can fit into a single car is really quite good for the environment. I know clowns are not for everyone, but they do make some people happy, and they definitely belong under the big top.

Sometimes there is a temptation to mock other Democrats who we disagree with, or to be afraid of unconventional ideas. Hopefully we can all overcome this inclination as we move towards the upcoming elections. To win we really need to be a big tent party that welcomes all ages, all levels of experience, and accepts that we can share values but differ on the means to reach a common goal.

Our Party is as diverse as our nation. We have distinct life experiences and perspectives. Sometimes we disagree on solutions to pressing problems, but if we respect these differences, we can build a durable broad-based coalition to change our country for the better.

To extend the circus symbolism a bit further, our next meeting just might be the greatest show on earth! We will hear from three AMAZING! SPECTACULAR! Democratic candidates: State Senator and candidate for California Insurance Commissioner Ben Allen, Anaheim Mayor who is running for re-election Ashleigh Aitken, and State Senate candidate Chris Duncan. So, my fellow Democrats, hurry, hurry, hurry and step right up to the next DNOC meeting!

Democratically Yours,

Andre Charles

08/26/2026

⚖️ FREE SPEECH PREVAILS IN HUNTINGTON BEACH

Ocean View School District Board President Gina Clayton-Tarvin has prevailed in her court battle with Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Butch Twining.

Twining sued Clayton-Tarvin for defamation, seeking $25 million over social media posts criticizing his presence at a September 2025 rally. In March, an Orange County Superior Court judge granted Clayton-Tarvin’s motion, dismissing the lawsuit and finding her statements were substantially true.

Now the financial consequences are clear: Judge Craig Griffin has ordered Twining to pay $119,959.05 in Clayton-Tarvin’s attorneys’ fees and costs. Both sides submitted to the ruling Monday, making the tentative fee award the court’s order.

The outcome is an important reminder that California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law provides strong protections for citizens speaking out on matters of public concern — including criticism of elected officials.

Public officials have the right to defend themselves. Citizens have the right to criticize them. The First Amendment protects that debate.


Indivisibleca45 OC Indivisible Coalition 50501 Orange County CA Central Orange County Democratic Club Protect HB

08/24/2026

https://fullertonobserver.com/2026/08/22/west-coyote-hills-final-acquisition-in-home-stretch/

75% of purchase price raised, but a critical funding gap remains

08/15/2026

Elizabeth Andrade’s campaign for Fountain Valley City Council hit the streets this morning, launching a community canvass from Los Alamos Park hosted by the California Democratic Party.

A nonprofit executive and longtime advocate for Orange County families, Elizabeth is running to protect Fountain Valley’s quality of life and deliver dependable city services. Her priorities include:

🏞️ Investing in streets, parks and public facilities
🚒 Providing police and firefighters with the staffing, equipment and resources they need
🤝 Connecting families and seniors with essential community resources
🗣️ Ensuring major decisions—including any future Charter City proposal—are transparent and community-driven

Elizabeth and her team are also dropping campaign literature for Rep. Derek Tran's re-election. We need all the help we can get to maintain that seat!

Thank you to every volunteer who knocked on doors and spoke with neighbors. This is how stronger communities are built—one conversation at a time.

Elizabeth Andrade for Fountain Valley California Democratic Party Indivisibleca45 OC Indivisible Coalition 50501 Orange County CA

Learn more: https://electelizabethandrade.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

08/05/2026

Democrats of North Orange County stand with working families. They understand the following quote better than most of us do: "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." - Frederick Douglas.

Indivisibleca45 OC Indivisible Coalition 50501 Orange County CA Central Orange County Democratic Club

Anaheim Marriott will pay $2.75 million for workers laid-off during the COVID-19 pandemic after allegedly violating a state worker recall law.

07/28/2026

Justice for Lorenzo - an update in the ICE shooting in Houston of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Federal judge, Keith P. Ellison ordered the release of key eyewitness José Trinidad Rojas Pliego finding his continued ICE detention violated his Fifth Amendment due process rights. This is an important step in making sure witnesses aren't coerced or deported before they can provide testimony in the shooting of Lorenzo Salgado while he was on his way to work.

Indivisibleca45 OC Indivisible Coalition 50501 Orange County CA Central Orange County Democratic Club

07/19/2026

They bring energy, optimism, and a commitment to public service.
This summer, high school and college students in Rep. Jamie Raskin's Democracy Summer Fellowship program are helping engage voters in support of Rep. Derek Tran's re-election campaign while learning the fundamentals of civic participation.

For Kay, an Orange County high school student, the experience starts with listening. "People are really frustrated, and they want to know what candidates are going to do for them," she said. "I want a better future for them and for me."

Many of the fellows also took part in Friday night's Indivisible 45 "Good Trouble" event honoring the legacy of Congressman John Lewis. The next day, it was canvassing for Derek Tran for Congress and Councilman Connor Traut who is running for OC Supervisor.

Founded in 2006, Democracy Summer connects young people with civic education and hands-on organizing—from voter registration and canvassing to community outreach—helping prepare the next generation of engaged citizens.

07/19/2026

Tonight • Sunday, July 19 • 7:00 PM
📍 Fullerton City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Bring a flower. Bring a sign. Bring your whole heart.

Join a community vigil honoring Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero—two men shot and killed by ICE officers while on their way to work. Neither was the person agents were looking for.

Together we'll remember their lives, pray, sing, stand in silence, and call for accountability.

🌸 Flowers, not fear. Presence, not silence.

Organized by Live Oak Church, First Christian Church Fullerton, Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fullerton, and CLUE: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice CLUE Justice.