Sunday Night Parties - The Apollo Alliance

I think of the Democratic National Convention sort of like Sundance for political people. Sure, there are lots of things to do during the day and work to be done, but most of the fun and the networking happens at the parties.

Which means that all of us delegates have a list of lunches, receptions and parties that we have been invited to, the vast majority of which are free. (Not to mention open bar!)

Sunday night was a relative easy night of events. After checking in and getting my DNC and CDP (California Democratic Party) goodie bags -- and yes, there is a Mayor Villaragosa bobble-head in there! -- I headed out to a 6 PM reception hosted by the Apollo Alliance and a man that I'm a big fan of and consider a friend, Phil Angelides.


The Apollo Alliance is focused on "Clean Energy and Good Jobs" ... the reception was very nice, and I ran into a few Young Democrats that I knew, as well as some not so young Democrats. The highlight of the speaker section was Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who spoke in strong support of the Apollo Alliance and the need to reduce our dependance on foreign oil. Sure, that's nothing new. But hearing it so articulately being spoken about by the Speaker of the House of Represenatatives gives a person hope for action in the future. Especially when we have Sen. Barack Obama as our president!


Soon after Speaker Pelosi spoke, I headed out, and missed the rest of the program. But I had to get to the Convention Center for the big delegate event honoring New Orleans, with main speaker former Governor and now DNC Chairman Howard Dean!

Sunday Afternoon LA Electeds Sightings

The positive and energetic atmosphere in Denver is contagious. Everywhere you go, there are people you know - Democratic activists, labor leaders and elected officials.

Even as I stepped into the Sheraton, I ran into Congressmember Diane Watson, Senator Alex Padilla*, Assemblymember Lori Saldana and Assemblymember Mike Davis.

A few minutes later I ran into Council President Eric Garcetti, and later Councilmembers Wendy Greuel and Janice Hahn with him. Later I saw Councilmembers Bernard Parks and Tony Cardenas and Mayor Villaraigosa.

Los Angeles is out in force!

* I know that Sen. Padilla is on an AM flight back to Sacramento on Monday, so he can get back in time for floor session ... never a break for the Legislature! (And I'm sorry to miss all my other friends who got stuck in Sacto because of the budget impass ...)

Friendly Denver

Let me tell you, delegates and convention goers are being treated incredibly well in Denver. As soon as Jim and I got off our plane, they gave us information and cards for our return flight, so we could get priority boarding and priority luggage handling. Then they whisked us off in a little golf cart to the baggage claim before giving us free super shuttle rides to the Sheraton Downtown, where the full California Delegation is staying.

In Downtown Denver, there are volunteers on most corners, ready to assist and point us in the correct direction. I've already used them a few times ...

So, thanks Denver volunteers!

Denver or Bust!

Sunday morning I set out to Union Station to grab the Fly-away to LAX for my 10:40 am flight. I wasn't too surprised to see several people I knew at the airport, all on our way to Denver. I traveled with my good friends and former LACYD Executive Board Member Jim Kennedy.

Here's a photo of me checking in for the flight ...

And here's a photo of Jim! (Breakfast of champions!)



Having been to the Convention in Boston (but not as a delegate), I knew that we were in for what would be a very busy, incredibly exciting week. But with 7-10 things happen every day in addition to the regular convention procedures, I actually put together a full binder to keep track of the events and parties...



There was a great energy on the plane and in the airport. People with Obama shirts and buttons, Democrats talking about Biden as the VP choice or comparing notes on where they are staying or what their plans are in Denver.

Even just looking at my friends' Facebook status updates, I could tell that Denver would be packed with people I knew. Over half of my friends status included the word "Denver" and either "in" or "going to" with a few sad "wish I were going to" notes added in.

I think that Obama would have been smart to give away luggage tags with his logo on them for donations -- with the number of people from across the nation and the world who will be attending the convention, he could have made a killing!

Other than a few minutes of the worst turbulence I think I've ever experienced, the flight was uneventful and we arrived in Denver... Ready to help elect Barack Obama as the NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!

Launching the Young Dems in Denver blog.

Hello! In exactly one week, Sunday, August 24th, I will be leaving for Denver to be part of the Democratic National Convention. What an amazing opportunity! To keep friends and neighbors and spectators informed, I have launched this blog. I'm not sure how much time I'll have for it, but I will try! Expect pictures, stories and updates. And if you have any thoughts or questions, email me at becca@doten.us.