The District 2 Democratic Club kicked off its first meeting on Sept. 15, 2010 at the Golden Gate Yacht Club after several months of planning. The club was started by a group of District 2 Democrats with the intent to 1) promote open, accountable and effective government; 2) to advance the interests of our district, city, state, and nation by promoting victory or defeat of candidates and initiatives; and 3) to register new voters and encourage participation in all elections.

The attendees at the first meeting shared a common concern that their values and hopes for the City were not always reflected in the initiatives and candidates backed by the local Democratic Party (the Democratic County Central Committee). Although many say this is a one-party town due to the fact that all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors are Democrats, the split in our local Democratic party between “progressives” and “moderates” creates a huge power divide that is changing the face of the City.

The local political structure has frustrated many moderate Democrats in San Francisco who have left the party feeling disenfranchised, preferring to “decline to state” any party affiliation. This exodus of Democrats hurts the party in state and national elections. The District 2 Democratic Club hopes to bring those Democrats back into the fold and focus on common ground instead of the divisiveness that is so commonplace.

At the first meeting, a representative from Senator Barbara Boxer’s campaign provided a campaign status report and encouraged everyone to get involved. The candidates running for Superior Court judge were also invited. Superior Court Judge Richard Ulmer spoke about his work reforming the California Youth Authority and his endorsement by all the sitting judges on the San Francisco Superior Court and by the chair of the State Democratic Party, John Burton. His opponent, Michael Nava, did not respond to the invitation.

As November approaches, the District 2 Democratic Club is making sure our district has a voice in the upcoming election. The organization will be take an active role in candidate forums, endorsements, debates, voter registration drives, and more. For more information on how to get involved with the District 2 Democratic Club, visit www.D2dems.com. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 20, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at the Golden Gate Yacht Club.

Neal Pancholi is the treasurer of the District 2 Democratic Club.