About Kern County Democratic Party

Who We Are…..

Kern County Democratic Central Committee
P.O. Box 83
Bakersfield, Ca. 93302
Voice Mail 661 322-7411
E-mail ydogdem@earthlink.net

Democrats have been instrumental in shaping the values and culture of the South San Joaquin Valley for many years. Assemblywoman Dorothy Donohoe and Senator Walter Stiern co-sponsored the 1960 Donohoe Act which coordinated higher education in California and is the reason that we have a 4 year college, California Sate University at Bakersfield, here. Another Democrat, Assemblyman John Williamson, is responsible for the Williamson Land Act of 1965. This law allows farm land to be taxed at a lower rate than surrounding residential land and is still being used by the farmers of Kern County. Other Democrats contributed to our quality of life such as Charlie Dodge, long time Kern County Sheriff, and his wife Mary, who was the first woman on the police force in Bakersfield. There were others too, like Horace Massey, a very dedicated life-long Democrat. Some chaired this Committee, like Bob McCue and Ervin Berrigan. When you drive around Bakersfield and see Hart Park, the Horace Massey Building at the fair grounds, and Donohoe Hall at Cal. State Bakersfield , it should serve to remind you that Democrats have always had a big influence in this county.

Assemblyman Dean Florez with Former Chair Renee Westa-Lusk and Gloria McGill, Former President of Democratic Women of Kern

Our current Assemblyman, Dean Florez, is always involved in local issues and has already been instrumental in getting funds to repair Highway’s 46 and 65. He has also worked to correct flooding problems in Lamont and improve safety for farm workers. Our State Senator, Jim Costa is chair of the Senate Water Committee and works to make sure we all have safe and abundant water. The Kern County Central Committee is made up of elected and appointed members. Elections are held in conjunction with the presidential primary and the committee is reformed in the month following the election. Each elected member can appoint an alternate. In addition each candidate for partisan office can appoint an alternate. Members of the Kern County Democratic Central Committee are eligible to become delegates to the California State Democratic Convention and are elected for 2 year terms.

Kern County Delegates to the 2001 California State Democratic Convention in Anaheim

The Committee also charters Democratic Clubs like the Democratic Women of Kern, the Tehachapi Mountain Democrats, and The Walter Stiern Democratic Club in Ridgecrest. A Kern County Young Democratic Club has been formed, but is not yet chartered. KCDCC hosts the Donohoe Dinner every year. This dinner is the only fund raiser held by the committee and awards are given to hard working dedicated Democrats. It is usually well attended with speakers like, Senator Dianne Feinstein, California State Attorney General Bill Lockyer, State Controller Kathleen O’Connell and State Party Chairman Art Torres. The committee also provides and staffs the Democratic booth at the Kern County Fair each fall and opens a Democratic Headquarters for each election. KCDCC is always involved in voter registration drives.

Bernice Bonillas, President of Democratic Women of Kern and Diane Rezevy Democratic Headquarters 2000

Our current Chairman is Duane Moore. He is Assistant Business Manager for IBEW Local # 428. Since his election in April 2002, he has invigorated the Commitee with many new and exciting ideas.

Kern County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Duane Moore with Governor Gray Davis at a cocktail party in Bakersfield

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This Page was last update: Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 10:48:33 AM
Copyright 2008 Kern County Democratic Party

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