The Democratic Club of Camarillo will welcome Dr. Robert Dodge as the featured speaker at its regular meeting, Thursday, September 3rd.

Dr. Dodge is a local family physician and the President of Ventura County Physicians for Social Responsibility.  In 2002, Dr. Dodge helped organize Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions, a grass roots coalition in Ventura County, who work to build a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society.  Dr. Dodge is a proponent of a single-payer health care system.

Socializing will begin at 6:15 p.m. with the program starting at 7:00 p.m.  The club meets in the Orchid Building, 816 Camarillo Springs Road, which is located at the Camarillo Springs Exit from the South 101. The meeting is free and open to the public.  Call 805/987-1846 for additional information.

America’s Affordable Health Choices Act would provide significant benefits in the 24th Congressional District of California:  up to 15,000 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees; 10,000 seniors would avoid the donut hole in Medicare Part D; 1,000 families could escape bankruptcy each year due to unaffordable health care costs; health care providers would receive payment for $48 million in uncompensated care each year; and 64,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to high-quality, affordable health insurance.  Congressman Elton Gallegly represents the district.

• Help for small businesses.  Under the legislation, small businesses with 25 employees or less and average wages of less than $40,000 qualify for tax credits of up to 50% of the costs of providing health insurance.  There are up to 15,000 small businesses in the district that could qualify for these credits.

• Help for seniors with drug costs in the Part D donut hole.  Each year, 10,000 seniors in the district hit the donut hole and are forced to pay their full drug costs, despite having Part D drug coverage. The legislation would provide them with immediate relief, cutting brand name drug costs in the donut hole by 50%, and ultimately eliminate the donut hole.

• Health care and financial security.  There were 1,000 health care-related bankruptcies in the district in 2008, caused primarily by the health care costs not covered by insurance.  The bill provides health insurance for almost every American and caps annual out-of-pocket costs at $10,000 per year, ensuring that no citizen will have to face financial ruin because of high health care costs.

• Relieving the burden of uncompensated care for hospitals and health care providers.  In 2008, health care providers in the district provided $48 million worth of uncompensated care, care that was provided to individuals who lacked insurance coverage and were unable to pay their bills.  Under the legislation, these costs of uncompensated care would be virtually eliminated.

• Coverage of the uninsured.  There are 84,000 uninsured individuals in the district, 12% of the district.  The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nationwide, 97% of all Americans will have insurance coverage when the bill takes effect.  If this benchmark is reached in the district, 64,000 people who currently do not have health insurance will receive coverage.

• No deficit spending.  The cost of health care reform under the legislation is fully paid for:  half through making the Medicare and Medicaid program more efficient and half through a surtax on the income of the wealthiest individuals.  This surtax would affect only 6,620 households in the district. The surtax would not affect 97.8% of taxpayers in the district.

This analysis is based upon the following sources:  the Gallup-Healthways Survey (data on the uninsured); the U.S. Census (data on small businesses); the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (data on the Part D donut hole, health care-related bankruptcies (based on analysis of PACER court records), and uncompensated care); and the House Committee on Ways and Means (data on the surtax).

The turnout at a GOOD Club tribute in John Flynn’s honor held on August 12th demonstrated that he still holds his place in the hearts of many in Ventura County although Tuesday no longer finds him on the dais at the Board of Supervisors representing the 5th district. About 100 of his friends gathered to celebrate the career of the man who represented them in county government for 32 years. Eddie Castillo was a congenial emcee. Flynn was toasted and also roasted a bit. Mainly, people praised his achievements like the El Rio gym, keeping the county hospital open, new psychiatric facilities, affordable housing and his attempts to protect Channel Islands Harbor from inappropriate development. More than anything, though, Flynn was praised for his personal service and assistance to all who asked.

John, who had initially resisted an event in his honor, gave in to the GOOD CLUB, stipulating that it be a pot luck so no one would be priced out. Eschewing formal tributes, the Club gave the microphone to all those who wanted to share anecdotes and war stories of the Flynn years. John, himself, uncharacteristically, spoke only briefly to thank everyone and acknowledge Oxnard’s former mayor, Jane Tolmach, whom he called his mentor.

The GOOD CLUB then presented both John and Diane Flynn with lifetime club membership.  The club has also established a John K. Flynn scholarship fund at Oxnard College. The Flynns are long-time donors to the GOOD CLUB’s own Oxnard College scholarship fund.

Lauraine Effress

The turnout at a GOOD Club tribute in John Flynn’s honor held on August 12th demonstrated that he still holds his place in the hearts of many in Ventura County although Tuesday no longer finds him on the dais at the Board of Supervisors representing the 5th district. About 100 of his friends gathered to celebrate the career of the man who represented them in county government for 32 years. Eddie Castillo was a congenial emcee. Flynn was toasted and also roasted a bit. Mainly, people praised his achievements like the El Rio gym, keeping the county hospital open, new psychiatric facilities, affordable housing and his attempts to protect Channel Islands Harbor from inappropriate development. More than anything, though, Flynn was praised for his personal service and assistance to all who asked.

John, who had initially resisted an event in his honor, gave in to the GOOD CLUB, stipulating that it be a pot luck so no one would be priced out. Eschewing formal tributes, the Club gave the microphone to all those who wanted to share anecdotes and war stories of the Flynn years. John, himself, uncharacteristically, spoke only briefly to thank everyone and acknowledge Oxnard’s former mayor, Jane Tolmach, whom he called his mentor.

The GOOD CLUB then presented both John and Diane Flynn with lifetime club membership.  The club has also established a John K. Flynn scholarship fund at Oxnard College. The Flynns are long-time donors to the GOOD CLUB’s own Oxnard College scholarship fund.

Lauraine Effress

Gloria Roman introduced the speakers: Beatriz Garcia, a long-time organizer in Southern California and presently a staff person of CAUSE, discussed the comprehensive Immigration Reform bill under discussion by the Obama administration and the reasons why its passage is urgent: The main principles of the Obama Administration’s proposal are: security – development of a strategic border policy; a comprehensive bill which will help keep families together as opposed to present deportation policies by which U.S. born children may be assigned into the foster care system when their parents are deported; and the creation of a pathway to legalization & citizenship.

Ventura County will benefit from three aspects of the proposed bill: economically – the agricultural and service sectors will be more secure; socially – will provide a pathway to citizenship and help get the immigrant community out of the shadows; and politically – will help develop the immigrant vote.
The campaign in support of the proposed legislation is structured on several levels: 1. Lobbying groups that work nationally and regionally to impact policy development and legislation. 2. Field organizing reaching out to community based groups. 3. Push for civic engagement, such as voter registration programs. 4. Communication efforts such as text messaging. 5. Political action campaigns like e-mails to legislators. Beatriz provided three important web sites for current information and the opportunity to participate in the campaign of immigration reform: www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/  www.immigrationforum.org/ www.justiceforimmigrants.org/

The second speaker of the evening was Steve Crandall, a Vietnam veteran and member of the California Central Coast chapter of Veterans Against the War, who explained how the VA is allowing a wealthy home owners’ association to grab 16 acres of Veteran’s land (valued at as much as $4 billion) at the corner of San Vicente and Wilshire Blvd in Westwood without paying for it. This land is part of a grant of 388 acres made to the Veterans Administration in 1888, specifically designated for the enjoyment of veterans.
Ruth Capelle

Gloria Roman introduced the speakers: Beatriz Garcia, a long-time organizer in Southern California and presently a staff person of CAUSE, discussed the comprehensive Immigration Reform bill under discussion by the Obama administration and the reasons why its passage is urgent: The main principles of the Obama Administration’s proposal are: security – development of a strategic border policy; a comprehensive bill which will help keep families together as opposed to present deportation policies by which U.S. born children may be assigned into the foster care system when their parents are deported; and the creation of a pathway to legalization & citizenship.

Ventura County will benefit from three aspects of the proposed bill: economically – the agricultural and service sectors will be more secure; socially – will provide a pathway to citizenship and help get the immigrant community out of the shadows; and politically – will help develop the immigrant vote.
The campaign in support of the proposed legislation is structured on several levels: 1. Lobbying groups that work nationally and regionally to impact policy development and legislation. 2. Field organizing reaching out to community based groups. 3. Push for civic engagement, such as voter registration programs. 4. Communication efforts such as text messaging. 5. Political action campaigns like e-mails to legislators. Beatriz provided three important web sites for current information and the opportunity to participate in the campaign of immigration reform: www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/  www.immigrationforum.org/ www.justiceforimmigrants.org/

The second speaker of the evening was Steve Crandall, a Vietnam veteran and member of the California Central Coast chapter of Veterans Against the War, who explained how the VA is allowing a wealthy home owners’ association to grab 16 acres of Veteran’s land (valued at as much as $4 billion) at the corner of San Vicente and Wilshire Blvd in Westwood without paying for it. This land is part of a grant of 388 acres made to the Veterans Administration in 1888, specifically designated for the enjoyment of veterans.
Ruth Capelle

Born in Los Angeles to Ray and Tencha LeDesma on July 8, 1937, Ray LeDesma, GOOD Club membership chair, grew up in Oxnard amidst scores of aunts, uncles and cousins.  Growing up, Ray enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing throughout the county.  When his sister, Arlene, was born mentally retarded, the result of a difficult birth, Ray became her watchful big brother.  He carried into adulthood the deeply held belief that we are, indeed, our brothers’ keepers.

Ray graduated from Oxnard High School in 1956 and  went to Cal State San Diego, where, as president of the Catholic Newman Club, he met his future wife, Diane.  He graduated with a B.S. degree in Business and a minor in Zoology and moved back to Oxnard with Diane.   Ray helped his dad and uncle manage the family business, Oxnard Produce Co.

The LeDesmas raised three sons.  Bruce, age 41, graduated from Stanford, then earned his law degree at Harvard. Steve, age 39, graduated from UCSD, then completed his medical degree at UCLA. Brian, age 35, graduated from Stanford and is a business manager for Enterprise Rent-a- Car.  Some of Ray’s past and present passions include traveling, the study of history, astronomy, paleontology, and anthropology.

Ray describes himself as a flaming liberal and supports many like-minded organizations.  He prides himself in being a long time, card-carrying member of the A.C.L.U.  About four years ago, Lauraine Effress brought him and Diane into our club.  His first taste of local political activity was campaigning for John Kerry, Lois Capps, and Pedro Nava.  The GOOD Club is an organization dedicated to the same core beliefs that shaped Ray as a young boy.  Today he tries to impart to his six grandchildren the values that he instilled in his own: Respect everyone, as everyone tries to do the best they can.  As GOOD Club’s warm and welcoming membership chair, Ray’s best is pretty darn good.
Dori Jones

Born in Los Angeles to Ray and Tencha LeDesma on July 8, 1937, Ray LeDesma, GOOD Club membership chair, grew up in Oxnard amidst scores of aunts, uncles and cousins.  Growing up, Ray enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing throughout the county.  When his sister, Arlene, was born mentally retarded, the result of a difficult birth, Ray became her watchful big brother.  He carried into adulthood the deeply held belief that we are, indeed, our brothers’ keepers.

Ray graduated from Oxnard High School in 1956 and  went to Cal State San Diego, where, as president of the Catholic Newman Club, he met his future wife, Diane.  He graduated with a B.S. degree in Business and a minor in Zoology and moved back to Oxnard with Diane.   Ray helped his dad and uncle manage the family business, Oxnard Produce Co.

The LeDesmas raised three sons.  Bruce, age 41, graduated from Stanford, then earned his law degree at Harvard. Steve, age 39, graduated from UCSD, then completed his medical degree at UCLA. Brian, age 35, graduated from Stanford and is a business manager for Enterprise Rent-a- Car.  Some of Ray’s past and present passions include traveling, the study of history, astronomy, paleontology, and anthropology.

Ray describes himself as a flaming liberal and supports many like-minded organizations.  He prides himself in being a long time, card-carrying member of the A.C.L.U.  About four years ago, Lauraine Effress brought him and Diane into our club.  His first taste of local political activity was campaigning for John Kerry, Lois Capps, and Pedro Nava.  The GOOD Club is an organization dedicated to the same core beliefs that shaped Ray as a young boy.  Today he tries to impart to his six grandchildren the values that he instilled in his own: Respect everyone, as everyone tries to do the best they can.  As GOOD Club’s warm and welcoming membership chair, Ray’s best is pretty darn good.
Dori Jones

Ever since our July meeting, demonstrators have rallied around the club banner each Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. at the Topa Financial Center sidewalk to express support for real health care insurance reform.  These demonstrations began as a reaction to an Organizing for America presentation, concluding that immediate public pressure for real and deep health care insurance reform was necessary. Otherwise, Blue Dog Democrats and market fundamentalist Republicans would use their power in the Senate to block real reform and to force Obama to abandon  public competition with the insurance companies who have led us into an impasse parallel to the meltdown of the financial markets.

Since then demonstrators have rallied every Friday at 5 p.m. Their number increased from twelve the first time to eighteen August 14, each with a home-made sign.  About thirty individuals have participated. Email action alerts and word of mouth have brought in friends as well as members. The Financial Center demonstrations are expected to continue until Congress acts.  In the meantime we joined with CAUSE,  SEIU 721,  Tri-Counties Central Labor Council, League of United Latin American Citizens, and VC CLUE for a much bigger  media event on August 26. These demonstrations have added significantly to public awareness of our presence as a Democratic party voice in the Oxnard area. Email alerts will continue to publicize our planned activities.
Al Dirrim

Ever since our July meeting, demonstrators have rallied around the club banner each Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. at the Topa Financial Center sidewalk to express support for real health care insurance reform.  These demonstrations began as a reaction to an Organizing for America presentation, concluding that immediate public pressure for real and deep health care insurance reform was necessary. Otherwise, Blue Dog Democrats and market fundamentalist Republicans would use their power in the Senate to block real reform and to force Obama to abandon  public competition with the insurance companies who have led us into an impasse parallel to the meltdown of the financial markets.

Since then demonstrators have rallied every Friday at 5 p.m. Their number increased from twelve the first time to eighteen August 14, each with a home-made sign.  About thirty individuals have participated. Email action alerts and word of mouth have brought in friends as well as members. The Financial Center demonstrations are expected to continue until Congress acts.  In the meantime we joined with CAUSE,  SEIU 721,  Tri-Counties Central Labor Council, League of United Latin American Citizens, and VC CLUE for a much bigger  media event on August 26. These demonstrations have added significantly to public awareness of our presence as a Democratic party voice in the Oxnard area. Email alerts will continue to publicize our planned activities.
Al Dirrim