FCI Dublin is a former federal women’s prison that was shut down in 2024, following years of horrific staff sexual abuse and brave organizing by survivors. Now, FCI Dublin is one step closer to reopening as an immigration detention center.
Click here to get a TOOLKIT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: KEEP FCI DUBLIN CLOSED, KEEP ICE OUT OF DUBLIN!
More that 50 enthusiastic Coastside residents attended the annual meeting of the Coastside Democratic Club at the Ted Adcock Center in Half Moon Bay on Sunday. May 17.
The Assemblyman Marc Berman, the keynote speaker, kicked the meeting off with a stirring address on Preserving Our Democracy. He emphasized California’s role in that defense was critical, saying:
“From the very first day of this administration, in 2017 and 2025, California has been on the front line of the resistance and I don’t just mean rhetorical resistance, I mean legal, legislative, institutional, principled, aggressive resistance.”
He urged everyone to be engaged in the political process and thanked the Club for the opportunity to speak to a group of such engaged and involved residents.
The Club invited participation of candidates competing for:
Hector Camacho on left, Ray Mueller, and Sally Lieber on right.
Joaquin Jimenez spoke about his long commitment to the immigrant workers in the area, accusing his opponent of failing to support farmworkers adequately, especially after the shooting. He said that he supports affordable housing, protecting farming and ranching food production, and public transit.
Ray Mueller, as the current Supervisor. highlighted his work to support public health. protecting the Coastside environment and agricultural heritage, public safety, and resiliency for natural hazard events. With respect to farm workers, he detailed his successes, adding: “I’ve had to make hard choices because I didn’t want to put our community at risk. With respect to the Stone Pine project, when it was ready to open I had the Governor and the Senator, representatives from all over the state coming and I cancelled it. Because I didn’t want ICE here. My opponent was making calls to people there.”
Hector Camacho says that he is running as someone who understands both the classroom and the system, someone who can partner with districts while also meeting the legal responsibilities of the office.
Chelsea Bonini, his opponent, was unable to attend.
David Canepa and Joe Irigazzy had a very contentious discussion.
David Canepa accused Irizzary, who has served for many years as the second-in-command at the Assessor/Recorder office of being a registered American Independent (a right-wing party) for many years. He said that the office has been through multiple employee lawsuits, morale has been at an all-time low, and that key departments don’t have deputy managers.
Joe Irizzary characterized his association with an extremist party as a mistake, stating that he has always been a Democrat. He shared that three of Canepa’s fellow County Supervisors have endorsed him and that he has a platform supporting improving the Department’s management.
Sally Lieber emphasized that she has “worked hard to meet the needs of my more than 10 million constituents and to be active on constituent casework, holding hearings on vital issues, and working with the Legislature to meet the needs of communities in my District.”
John Pimentel stressed his business background and the need to improve the systems at the Board of Equalization. He proposed ending the sales tax on food and wants to close loopholes in the tax code.
All the candidates showed a passion for the position they were seeking and spoke enthusiastically about their work and their ideas for the future. It was inspiring to see people so committed to improving their communities by working though government.
Club members then voted, and the results were tallied to endorse:
Each received more than 60 percent of the vote and earned the Club’s official endorsement — which they may use in campaign materials and which the Club will publicize.
The Club also elected a new board of directors
Past and present board members. From left to right: Joyce Logan, Harvey Rarback, Claire Giovannetti, Robert Brownstone, John Dye, Barbara Dye, Barbara Lohman, Tyler Stone, Maryann Noise
President Dye expressed appreciation to departing board members Tyler Stone, Claire Giovannetti and Maryann Moise, noting that they were key to the Club holding 34 successful events during the past year.
Events of the Past Year ranged from;
Joe Cotchett on Litigating for Justice
Eleni Kounalakis, Lt. Governor (and candidate for State Treasurer) on her experiences as an ambassador and as second in command to the Governor
Senator Becker and Sam Liccardo also meet with Club members as well as experts in government affairs.
Members were enthusiastic in helping organize and participate in many protests, including Good Trouble, Workers over Billionaires, and No Kings.
Club member Roberta Gelt commented:
“I had a realization there last night. While most people say that their community would be their church or synagogue, I realized that my community is the Coastside Democrats! I knew almost everyone there last night and it felt good to be around like-minded people, all dedicated to making this country better. So thank you for being so welcoming and committed to all we are doing!”
Community member Aisha Baro added:
“It was an amazing opportunity to weigh in collectively on the future of our community and to learn about candidates priorities while having fun and interacting with others. “
Two Singing Resistance opportunities coming up at the end of the month!
1} Saturday, May 30 9:00 am ~ singing for/ with the community who is waiting in line for the monthly food pantry at ALAS in Half Moon Bay
2} Sunday, May 31 11:00 am ~ Coastside Singing Resistance Song Circle and Organizing Meeting at the Sanchez Art Center, Pacifica.
