
Democratic Party County Central Committee - Member, Assembly District 77
Member, Assembly District 77 — Democratic Party County Central Committee
Get the facts on the California candidates running for election to the Member, Assembly District 77 — Democratic Party County Central Committee
Find out their top 3 priorities, their experience, and who supports them.
About this office
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News
Candidates
Esther "Sunny" Escovedo
- Elect Democrats.I will help find, support and promote...
- Ensure the people's voices of our district are heard,...
- Uphold our Democratic values of respect, integrity,...
Ria Otero
- Electing candidates who represent marginalized communities...
- Increasing voter registration and participation within...
- Empowering members of my community to engage with...
Torrey Powers
- Flip important seats to dynamic Democrats and pass...
- Represent the voices of our district 77 by actively...
- Every vote cast will reflect our Democratic values...
Melinda K. Vásquez
- Fight for affordable housing units to rent and purchase...
- Fight for criminal justice reform that disproportionately...
- Fight to reverse the effects of the Climate Crisis...
Lauren Bier
- Vet and promote qualified candidates for office
- Promote policies to combat the climate crisis
- Ensure housing for all through housing first and renter...
Octavio Aguilar
- As a member of the Democratic Party Central Committee,...
- My second highest priority will be to work hard in...
- My third highest priority will be to attend every...
Ryan Trabuco
- Prioritize youth voter engagement, and elevate our...
- Ensure that diverse and underrepresented communities...
- Continue to elect candidates who are representative...
Danny Jackson
- Enthusiastically represent the voters in AD-77 at...
- Use my experience as a successful business executive...
- Support and champion policies and platforms that are...
Jason M. Bercovitch
- Get Democrats elected who fight for and will represent...
- Provide space for open-minded, respectful dialogue...
- Support diverse candidates to ensure our elected officials...
Terry Norwood
- Unity...Be accountable for civil discourse rather...
- Continuing Education...Develop candidate training...
- Integrity...Respected community leader. Professionalism...
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My Top 3 Priorities
- Elect Democrats.I will help find, support and promote outstanding Democratic candidates to represent and reflect the people of our district.
- Ensure the people's voices of our district are heard, kept informed and included in the political decisions made on their behalf by the Central Committee.
- Uphold our Democratic values of respect, integrity, empowerment and service, so we may move our party in a direction we can all be proud of.
Experience
Community Activities
Questions & Answers
Questions from The League of Women Voters San Diego (LWVSD) and the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego (LWVNCSD) (3)
Currently, I am Central Committee Member alternate I attend all of the meetings and trainings the Party mandates. I take this position very seriously and will devote the time and energy needed to get the job done.
There are so many challenges facing our communities, our state, our nation, and our world. These are problems to be dealt with head on with commitment and conviction and that means cooperation. I believe when we work together we succeed.
What public figures, past and present, do you believe have given the most postive examples of what this party stands for? Please explain your reasons for thinking so.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
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Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- Electing candidates who represent marginalized communities and come from diverse backgrounds.
- Increasing voter registration and participation within Assembly District 77
- Empowering members of my community to engage with the San Diego Democratic Party
Experience
Experience
Education
Community Activities
Biography
I'm very lucky to be a San Diego native. Both of my parents immigrated to the United States, from the Philippines. My dad, Joseph, had already joined the US Navy when he met my mom, Geraldine. They fell in love and got married, they saved their money, and they eventually bought a home in Mira Mesa, where they raised my two sisters and me. I attended Christ the Cornerstone Academy (Mira Mesa), Francis Parker School (Linda Vista), and graduated from Mira Mesa High School, class of 2004. I went on to study at the University of California, Riverside. In 2012, I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. After graduating college I moved back to San Diego. It would be my honor to represent my own community and the entirety of Assembly District 77 as a member of the San Diego Democratic Central Committee.
Who supports this candidate?
Organizations (3)
- San Diego Democrats for Equality
- San Diego Progressive Democratic Club
- Progressive California - politics.voxpublica.org
Elected Officials (1)
- Tommy Hough - Candidate for SD City Council D6 (2018), Elected Delegate - CA Democratic Party, Central Committee Member
Individuals (1)
- Katherine Hogue - President of the San Diego Progressive Democratic Club
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
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Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
I am a lifelong Democrat. As a progressive, I will always stand up against injustice on every front. I believe that the best way to fight for social, economic, and environmental justice is by fighting for the integrity of our democracy and by making sure that it works for everyone.
Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- Flip important seats to dynamic Democrats and pass vital measures to keep San Diego County moving blue.
- Represent the voices of our district 77 by actively listening and engaging the community in matters being discussed at central committee, as well as bringing important community issues to central committee to be addressed.
- Every vote cast will reflect our Democratic values with respect, integrity, service and empowerment.
Experience
Experience
Community Activities
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
More information about contributions
Videos (3)
Co-Organizer of GoFundMe to help -restaurant-workers-affected-by-boil-water-advisory. We identified a local need to help our community and took action.
14:00 mins in I address the Poway City Council and request for them to review and adopt senate resolution 231 "Condemning the horrific anti-Semitic attack on the Chabad of Poway"
1:10:00 in
Holding the City of Poway and its council accountable to government transparency and community engagement on a public land development that was negotiated behind closed doors with a top political donor of Mayor and never workshopped with residents.
Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- Fight for affordable housing units to rent and purchase county-wide.
- Fight for criminal justice reform that disproportionately punishes people of color.
- Fight to reverse the effects of the Climate Crisis with smart growth policies.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
More information about contributions
Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- Vet and promote qualified candidates for office
- Promote policies to combat the climate crisis
- Ensure housing for all through housing first and renter protections.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
More information about contributions
Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- As a member of the Democratic Party Central Committee, my first priority will be to work with other members to select and endorse the best and most electable Democratic candidates.
- My second highest priority will be to work hard in our Democratic candidates' campaigns, find other volunteers to join me and get our candidates elected.
- My third highest priority will be to attend every meeting (Area, Central Committee and State convention) necessary to organize and coordinate my efforts with those of other Democrats.
Experience
Biography
I’m a graduate of San Diego State University and Georgetown University Law School. When I was at San Diego State University, I helped raise funds for Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers union, I protested against the Vietnam War and fought to make Chicano Park a reality. In law school, I worked as a private investigator for criminal defense attorneys and as a law clerk at a rural legal services program. When I finished law school, I didn't go to work for a big law firm representing oil companies or big banks. Instead, I went to work for the California Rural Legal Assistance providing legal services to the rural poor. From 1982 until I retired in 2005, I worked as an Administrative Law Judge for the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board making sure, among other things, that workers were not wrongfully denied their unemployment or disability insurance benefits. After my retirement I have done a lot of volunteer work for a number of organizations, including providing pro bono legal counseling, preparing income tax return for seniors and low income taxpayers, registering voters, working on political campaigns, serving on the ACLU's board of directors and serving as president of a Democratic club.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
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Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
I’m a firm believer in serving the less fortunate and helping them help themselves. I'm also a firm believer in democracy, the rule of law and the right to decent living standards.
My Top 3 Priorities
- Prioritize youth voter engagement, and elevate our young democrats within our state and local Democratic Party.
- Ensure that diverse and underrepresented communities have a voice and a seat at the table within our state and local Democratic Party.
- Continue to elect candidates who are representative of the liberal and progressive values of our state and local Democratic Party.
Experience
Community Activities
Biography
Since 2014, I have served on our San Diego County Democratic Central Committee as either an appointed member, an alternate, or as a designated member (my current status) by virtue of my election in our California Democratic Party's ADEM elections. Currently, I serve as our state party's Executive Board Representative for Assembly District 77.
As an activist, I serve as Club President of the San Diego Democrats for Equality, and as the Information Technology (IT) Chair of the Clairemont Democratic Club. I am also an active club member of the San Diego County Young Democrats and the San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action.
In our local community, I am President Emeritus of the Clairemont Town Council, and was elected to an unprecedented four terms as President. The Clairemont Town Council works to promote the civic, commercial, educational, and cultural activities of Clairemont — San Diego’s largest neighborhood home to over 80,000 residents.
Questions & Answers
Questions from The League of Women Voters San Diego (LWVSD) and the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego (LWVNCSD) (3)
I think the a significant challenge facing the party, especially in the Trump-era and post-Trump era, will be handling the political realignment that we are currently seeing. The rapid decline in Republican registration, especially throughout San Diego County, is notable. Longtime Republican elected officials have left and re-registered with our Democratic Party, or they've decided to unaffiliate without a formal party. So, how do we collectively welcome disaffected former Republicans into our party, and how do we get them active and ready to join us in the fight against Trump Republicans?
What we've also seen is in the aftermath of the 2016 election a new, more progressive wing emerged bringing in some exciting new activism -- progressives, hopeful to move the party forward on public policy. So, how do we collectively welcome newer, younger progressive activists into our party, and how do we get them active and ready to join us in the fight against Trump Republicans?
My experience has been to be welcoming to everyone. We can work to educate, empower, and elevate those voices within our Democratic Party.
What public figures, past and present, do you believe have given the most postive examples of what this party stands for? Please explain your reasons for thinking so.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
More information about contributions
Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
We need to elevate critical, progressive policy discussions, and we should ensure a greater equity of representation. I believe it’s important that our Democratic Party looks, sounds, and empowers those voices who are underrepresented and/or do not currently have a seat at the table.
During my time on our County Central Committee, I am proud to have supported legislative resolutions supporting the right for employees to unionize, a minimum wage increase, increased environmental protections, increased funding for public transit, and automatic voter registration.
Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- Enthusiastically represent the voters in AD-77 at the San Diego Democratic Party Central Committee by endorsing candidates and voting on issues that match our Democratic Party values
- Use my experience as a successful business executive to assist a large diverse committee to come to solutions concerning controversial issues
- Support and champion policies and platforms that are inclusionary. Analyze Issues to ensure integrity and best interest of the Party is a major consideration.
Experience
Experience
Education
Community Activities
Biography
Danny Jackson was born in Texas and was the youngest of 8 boys. He spent his childhood working in the cotton fields of West Texas..pulling cotton and chopping weeds in the cotton patch with his Mother and brothers, driving tractors and working as a ranch hand. He worked his way thru high school washing dishes at a truck stop, pumping gas at that same location and serving as a janitor in the County Courthouse. He could not go to college unless he paid for it so he became a letter carrier at the age of 17 and spent the next 37 years with the US Postal Service. He was drafted in 1969 and spent two years with the Army and served in the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division and was the recipient of the Bronze Star for his meritorious service. Upon discharge from the Army he returned to the US Postal Service and started getting promotions...he advanced from a letter carrier and distribution clerk all the way up the ranks to manage billion $ budgets, managing more than 100,000 employees, recognized for his support of diversity, improving service, improving union/management relations, and taking care of USPS customers. From 1993-2000 he managed all USPS operations including processing, delivery, retail, and customer service in San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial and parts of Inyo Counties so he knows the area and has a track of meeting the service needs of many local communities. In Chicago as the VP Great Lakes Area he managed thru the horrific anthrax attacks that killed 4 Postal employees, pipe bombs and the 9-11-2001 events..managing in times like these helped shape his thoughts on handling adversity and getting things done by treating people the right way. After retirement from the USPS he spent 10 years working with Netflix and developing a delivery network for their DVD product...fast and exciting times working with many young talented managers taught him to value the efforts of young people as they can really step up with brains, passion, and ingenuity. He still works today as a consultant because he enjoys assisting large firms as well as small businesses become successes. He and his wife Eva currently reside in Rancho Penasquitos and are the proud parents of 6 children, 8 grandchildren and 3 gr-grandchildren.
Who supports this candidate?
Featured Endorsements
- Woman's Democratic Club of San Diego (Support)
- Veterans Democratic Club of San Diego County (Support)
Questions & Answers
Questions from The League of Women Voters San Diego (LWVSD) and the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego (LWVNCSD) (3)
I have been very active over the last 3 years as an ADEM Delegate AD77, an alternate to the San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee, an officer in two different Democratic Clubs and a volunteer for the Endorsement Committee of the Woman's Democratic Club of San Diego and a participant on the Officer Review Committee of the Democrats for Environmental Action. And I do this while also being employed as a part time consultant. I have demonstrated that I am committed to serving in this position by my past track record of being active. This position is a very ciritical part of the County Democratic Party and I will devote the needed time and energy to ensure my obligations as a Committee Member are fulfilled.
I am very much concerned about not only the divisiveness in our country over the last several years but even in our Democratic Party there have been very contentious differences by many factions concerning the direction of the Party..I am saddened to see the supporters of the Progressive agenda and the Moderate agenda having heated debates over the direction of the Party. I am a senior citizen and I support the wisdom, efforts and energy brought into our Party by the younger Democrats but I am also saddened by efforts to discount the views of senior citizens concerning the direction of our Party. I realize that we are all not going to agree on all issues or candidates but the "in fighting" within the Party causes me concern. I offer my experience in conflict resolution to help in the effort to move our Party foward thru these differences of opinion.
It is said that the leaders rise to the top in times of crisis and turmoil. The last three years since the election of President Trump have been the most tumultuous years of my life and that being said even though I was a youngster growing up in the era of Civil Rights issues of the 60's and the Vietnam War in the late 60's. Right now the person who has stepped up to represent my own values and speak with clarity and vision is Representative Adam Schiff. He is an outspoken defender of the Constitution and articulates so well what many of us feel. I have heard him in person and watched him during the impeachment hearings..he inspires me and makes me proud to be a Democrat. In the history of the Democratic Party, Franklin Roosevelt has been a hero to me. My parents were negatively impacted by economic events concerning the Great Depresssion and the environmental catastrophes that led to the Dust Bowl. Even as a young child my Dad would always tell me that Roosevelt's actions not only saved him and the family but also got the country back on its feet by taking bold action to have the government intercede on so many fronts to restore jobs, implement enviornmental polices that helped reduce the impacts of the Dust Bowl, and get America moving forward. I believe our country is looking for and needs another Roosevelt to be bold and to implement policies that will help us economically, environmentally and restore confidence in our democracy.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
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Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
I believe in inclusion and not exclusion. I believe in the beauty and strength of diversity. I believe that our planet is in danger from climate change impacts and I will be an environmental foot soldier and an outspoken advocate to protect our planet for all of us. I saw the horrors of war and I will ensure that I do all that I can to keep war as a last resort...I understand that our country will need to be strong but that we go into combat and conflict for the right reasons and not the wrong reasons. I am a staunch defender of our veterans and veteran family needs. We must get rid of Citizens United and eliminate the influence of big money on politicians. Health care is a right and I believe in Universal Healthcare for ALL Americans. I believe in a woman's right to choose and one day I believe that we will have a woman president. I am an opponent of the NRA and belive in the need to implement gun control polices and get military style assault weapons off the street. I am against the private prison "industry" in this country and believe that there needs to be oversight of the law enforcement agencies to protect citizens from undue harassment and bodily harm while in captivity. We must do a better job of getting affordable housing into San Diego County. The traffic situation is become untenable and we need more access to public transportation. I am not a "flame thrower" that will throw hateful remarks at another Democrat because they don't support my candidate or their policies but I will stand up for my values and defend those less fortunate or unable to help themselves.
Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- Get Democrats elected who fight for and will represent the values each of us hold dear
- Provide space for open-minded, respectful dialogue free of personal attacks and harrassment
- Support diverse candidates to ensure our elected officials can personally connect with the communities they represent
Experience
Experience
Education
Community Activities
Biography
Jason Bercovitch was born in Madison, Wisconsin, raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics and a minor in Political Science. In 2010, Jason began his political career as an intern for Congresswoman Susan Davis. Jason now works as a Field Representative for Congressman Scott Peters, where he has been since March of 2013, specializing in immigration, foreign affairs, and financial services.
In addition to his work in politics, Jason was a financial adviser for ten years with various financial institutions throughout San Diego County. Jason volunteers on the San Diego Regional Board for the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) where he works tirelessly against all forms of xenophobia and hate. He also volunteers on the JFS (Jewish Family Service) Public Affairs Committee focusing on helping seniors, homeless, Holocaust survivors, and others in need. Jason is an active member with both Congregation Beth Israel and Ohr Shalom Synagogue, and was previously a member of Temple Adat Shalom.
Jason lives with his lovely wife and two kids, and is a proud graduate of Rancho Bernardo High School. Jason was elected to the San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee in 2016 and is once again requesting the community’s vote for a second term
Questions & Answers
Questions from The League of Women Voters San Diego (LWVSD) and the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego (LWVNCSD) (3)
As a current member of the San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee, Jason has devoted hours of his time in order to get Democrats elected. He consistently attends every Central Committee meeting and as the North Area Vice-Chair, not only attends, but organizes a regional meeting every month for Democrats in North County San Diego. In addition to his duties for the Party, Jason has worked or volunteered on campaigns from Congressional to schools boards for the last 10 years.
The most significant challenge facing the party is the polarization of the country. Not only Democrat vs Republican, but there is an increasing animosity even within the Democratic Party over which direction to go in moving forward. Jason believes that Party leaders need to be open to listen to all views in order to continue the Democratic Party tradition of having a big tent atmosphere. No person should be told that their views are unwelcome. The Democratic Party conducts its business using a democratic process and therefore all ideas should be debated opnely with those receiving majority support establishing the positions of the party.
Another aspect of improving civility is accepting decisions of the majority. There are very few people who will always agree on what the Democratic Party does but as long as there is an open, respectful dialogue, it is less likely to create resentment by those who do not get what they want.
What public figures, past and present, do you believe have given the most postive examples of what this party stands for? Please explain your reasons for thinking so.
Who gave money to this candidate?
Contributions
More information about contributions
Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
Jason believes the current political environment has devolved into a toxic battle, often full of personal attacks, and hopes to bring a more open-minded, civil approach to the discourse. While people will always disagree, political discourse can still be conducted with dignity and respect for differing views.
The vast majority agree on what the priorities need to be - combatting the climate crisis, comprehensive immigration reform, building affordable housing, ensuring access to healthcare, paying a living wage - to name a few. The main debate within the Democratic Party is over disagreements in how to get to those goals. Everyone's opinion should be listened to with an open mind. It's through compassion and compromise that people are able to come together in achieving a commmon goal
Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- Unity...Be accountable for civil discourse rather than divisions among us. Ensure our diverse voices are blended for a united cause. Deliberation of each decision attending events in the area impacted to be more informed.
- Continuing Education...Develop candidate training and leadership protocols more fully. Work collaboratively verses internal groups working against fellow Democrats.
- Integrity...Respected community leader. Professionalism includes transparency. Bring people along-side me to achieve a vision and mission. Maintain a positive focus strengthening individuals, families, and communities.
Experience
Experience
Education
Community Activities
Questions & Answers
Questions from The League of Women Voters San Diego (LWVSD) and the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego (LWVNCSD) (3)
With a committee meeting monthly that can go from two hours to four hours depending on the issues discussed, I will devote a minimum of 48 hours a year for the next four years diligently listening and making decisions based on research and experience. This means there will be most likely ten hours a month devoted to attending other clubs and organizations along with having conversations with individuals or small groups when needed. My other obligations revolve around stregnthening families and communities and all work together to compliment the decisions I will be called upon to make.
The most significant challenge facing the Democratic party is unity. While we can all have different concepts that are relevant, we need collaboration on how to achieve a project or program that will be comprehensive. This takes courageous leadership that is not afraid to respectfully determine outcomes with compassion. My profession indicates it and my experience proves it.
I believe that former President Barack Obama is a past and present example of what the Democratic Party stands for. His careful deliberation of issues and thoughtful pensive messages show his character. Faced with multiple challenges throughout his life, he focused and continues to focus on positive interactions.