September Mono County Democrats Updates
In this newsletter:
Dear Fellow Dems:
Depending on when you get and open this newsletter, the mid-term elections will be coming quickly. This is a critical election and one in which the Democrats need to take the House and with any luck the Senate as well, as the only way to stop Donald Trump and his agenda. It is not hyperbole to say that the future of democracy is riding on the outcome of this election. Which makes it especially important that everyone vote.
And beyond voting, we have to help educate others on the importance of this election. The best way to do that is to join our Mono County Day of Action Oct 10. We need everyone who is able to spend a few hours in support of our democracy!
Register here - we need to prepare for the number of attendees so registration is crucial.
If you can’t make it Oct 10, then please email Chris Bubser (chris@chrisbubser.com) for other GOTV (Get Out the Vote) opportunities.
Thanks to redistricting, we here in Mono and Inyo Counties are now in CD 5, which stretches to the west over the Sierras. We are now in Republican Tom McClintock’s district, which is heavily Republican. Despite that, Democrat Michael Masuda is running for that seat. And while it is highly unlikely he will win, he has been endorsed by the California State Party and we need to give him our support.
So please vote for Michael Masuda for Congress!
There is a lot on the ballot to think about. This election will be very important and California will be critical if we are going to take back the House. If you want to get involved, there are regular phone banks for Dr. Richard Pan, who is running against Kevin Kiley in CD 6. Also, for Randy Villegos, who has a chance to unseat Republican David Valadao in CD 22. And of course, canvassing here in Mammoth Lakes for our local candidates.
Also, I want to remind everyone that our meetings are open to the public and we love having guests join us. If you are interested in what we do or want to get a better idea as to how we work, please join us. Our meetings are the second Monday of the month (the next meeting will be October 12) on Zoom from 5:00 until 7:00. If you are interested in coming to one of our meetings, get in touch with me and I will make sure that you are on the list to get the agenda and Zoom link.
These are critical times, as I am sure you all know. We all need to do what we can to save democracy! If you want more information as to how you can get involved, get in touch with Chris Bubser or me. And remember that the most important thing is to vote!
-Joyce Kaufman
Mono County Democratic Central Committee Chair
Chair: Joyce P. Kaufman (June Lake) jpkaufman70@gmail.com
Vice Chair: Connor Botkin (Mammoth Lakes) connorbotkin@gmail.com
Comptroller: OJ Zeleny (Mammoth Lakes) ojz@mac.com
Corresponding Secretary, Rosemarie Willimann (Bridgeport) rawillimann@yahoo.com
Recording Secretary, Chris Bubser (Mammoth Lakes) Chris@chrisbubser.com
Local Campaign Updates
SD5
One of the bright spots in this election cycle is that Jaron Brandon is running for State Senate in our district, SD 5. The results of the primary race were extremely interesting; three people were running and incumbent, Marie Alvarado-Gil (MAG), ended up in third place, which means she will not be on the ballot in November.
For those who need a refresher, MAG ran as a Democrat and then changed her party affiliation officially to Republican, which was actually more consistent with her positions.
The number one vote getter in the primary was Democrat Jaron Brandon, who got 41 percent of the vote. Jaron is a young, energetic supervisor in Tuolumne County. He threw his hat into the ring for the position more than a year ago, and spent time here with us in Mammoth and also in Bishop last summer 2025. He has been working hard to stake out his positions, especially as they apply to those of us in the Eastern Sierra, and has been very impressive.
He will be running against a Republican woman, Alexandra Duarte, who got 32 percent of the vote. She is from Modesto, and her campaign materials stress that she is a wife, mother and farmer and will work to bring down prices in California, although she does not specify how she will do this. Unlike Jaron, who reached out to us on the Eastern side of the Sierra, to the best of my knowledge Duarte has not. The race will be determined in part by the almost 27 percent of the voters who voted from MAG. So, remember to vote for Jaron in November.
Mammoth Town Council
There are three open seats for Mammoth Town Council since Chris Bubser, Amanda Rice and John Wentworth decided not to seek reelection. Eight people have filed to run for those seats.
Two of them, Steve Shatkin and Cory Rice, both good Dems, approached the Mono Dems about getting our endorsement. Even though it is a non-partisan race, any Democrat can seek our endorsement. According to our bylaws, we have a set process in place for endorsements, which both Steve and Cory were made aware of. Each was invited to speak at our meeting on September 14 to tell us about himself, and to take questions from the members and guests. After doing so, guests were dismissed with our thanks, and the members had a good discussion about the two candidates.
We voted at the conclusion of the discussion and voted unanimously to endorse the candidacy of each of them for Mammoth Town Council.
For those of you who live in Mammoth, please vote for Steve Shatkin and Cory Rice, our endorsed candidates, for Mammoth Town Council.
State Insurance Commissioner
Ben Allen, who was endorsed by the State Party for the position of Insurance Commissioner, also came to our meeting on September 14. This was his second visit with us, the first was prior to the primary and I had also had a conversation with him prior to that.
Allen is a State Senator who represents parts of LA that had been affected by the fires in 2025. He specifically wanted to talk to us, as he noted that he had a “front row seat as to how dysfunctional the insurance situation is,” and how sympathetic he is to the insurance challenges those of us in rural areas are facing. I was very impressed by him and his desire to try to address the insurance situation in California, and I urge you to consider voting for him.
Governor's Race
Currently, Democrat Xavier Becerra is running about 20 points ahead of Republican Steve Hilton in the race for governor. However, we cannot get complacent! We need to get out and vote for Xavier Becerra for governor. Not only is that a vote for a Democrat, but it is a vote against Trump.
Remember, Trump advised everyone to vote as if he is on the ballot and since Hilton was endorsed by and supports Trump, in this case he is.
Voting in the Midterm Elections
I have had a lot of questions about voting by mail, and what will happen given all the confusion that Donald Trump is trying to sow. Despite Trump’s blathering, the Supreme Court has ruled that ballots cannot be changed at this point, and will be sent out as expected. Further, the Postal Service cannot tamper with ballots.
Here in California, ballots will be sent out starting October 5, about a month before election day. If you do not get your ballot by October 12, then you should reach out to the Secretary of State’s office. The portal has voter registration information, a way to check your voter status, a voter guide for the election, how to sign up to track your ballot, and other important information.
Given the uncertainty with the mail as well as the voting process, my recommendation is that as soon as you get your ballot and know how you are going to vote, once you complete it, put it in a drop box, rather than in the mail. Outside of voting in person, a drop box is the safest and most secure way to make sure your vote will be counted. Of course you can always vote in person, but given our weather in November, you will want to make sure that your ballot is in on time.
Before you close and seal your ballot, make sure that you complete it as required, using a black or blue pen. Your ballot must be signed the same way you signed your name on your voter registration card or driver’s license. SIGNATURES MUST MATCH, so you might want to look before you send off your ballot. And make sure that it is dated.
Endorsements: State-wide Candidates and Propositions
According to Democratic State Party rules, any Central Committee must endorse the candidates and propositions endorsed by the State Party. In other words, the Mono Democratic Central Committee must endorse a candidate for state office or a proposition that has been endorsed by the Party either at the endorsing convention in February, or the recent Executive Board meeting. (We are not similarly constrained by local non-partisan offices such as Mammoth Town Council.)
But that does not mean that you should not do your research and decide for yourself about the candidates and propositions. These are just guides to help you.
Candidates
What follows is the list of candidates for state-wide office who have been endorsed by the Democratic State Party of California:
Governor: Xavier Becerra
Lieutenant Governor: Fiona Ma
Secretary of State: Shirley Weber
Attorney General: Rob Bonta
Treasurer: Eleni Kounalakis
Controller: Malia Cohen;
Superintendent of Public Instruction: Richard Barrera
Insurance Commissioner: Ben Allen
Board of Equalization District 1 (Mono and Inyo County): Nelson Esparza
Propositions
This is where things get tricky.
There are 14 propositions on the ballot, and some of them, like Proposition 40 (the so-called “billionaire tax) are very controversial. Where the Democratic State Party supports Prop 40, it is opposed by groups like Planned Parenthood, the CA Teacher’s Association and the League of Women Voters.
Further, Propositions 41 and 42, both of which are opposed by the State Party, are tied to Prop 40, so that even if that fails, there are some “work-arounds.”
It will be very important to research the propositions and look at both sides of the issues as well as who is supporting or opposing that proposition. In addition to the non-partisan voter’s guide that comes from the Secretary of State’s Office, you can also check sites like Cal Matters or the League of Women Voters for a non-partisan assessment of the propositions.
What follows is the list of propositions with a brief summary of what it is about, and whether the Democratic Party supports or opposes it. (Dem support or oppose is in the title line in bold.) Also noted are the opinions of other groups, like the League of Women Voters.
Proposition 1: Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026: Support
Would allow the state to sell $11.25 billion in bonds to fund various affordable housing programs. Of that total amount, $1.25 billion would go toward veteran housing, while the rest would fund rental homes, homeownership programs, farmworker housing, affordable student housing, tribal housing and more.
Proposition 2: Save for California’s Future Act: Support
Will allow California to save more money during strong economic years so it can protect schools and other essential services when revenues fall.
Proposition 3: Fund Education and Health Care: Support
The existing tax was passed in 2012 and extended in 2016, and now is set to expire in 2031. It taxes high income earners with the funds earmarked for local school districts and community colleges.
Proposition 4: Public Financing of Political Campaigns: Support
This measure would allow the state and local governments to offer public campaign financing for candidates running for elected office. None of the financing can come from funds designated for education, transportation, or public safety.
Proposition 5: Recall Reform: Support
This measure would change the way recall elections are conducted in California. If an office holder is recalled, this measure would delay the election of a successor until a separate election is held. If a governor is recalled, the lieutenant governor would take over until a new election is called. (Note that this is supported by the California Democratic Party and opposed by the California Republican Party.)
Proposition 37: Home Ownership Loan Program: Support
Create low-cost loans that would help lower- and middle-class Californians buy a new home. It would allow the California Housing Finance Agency to issue revenue bonds to administer the program. Note that this Proposition is opposed by the League of Women Voters which claims that the State should not be involved in the mortgage market.
Proposition 38: Immunology Research Bond: Support
Approve a $8.4 billion bond to fund research into fighting cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s, plus other diseases that can be treated through immunotherapies. Note that this is opposed by the League of Women Voters which claims that borrowing is not a good way to pay for research.
Proposition 39: Voter Identification: Oppose
Would require Californians to show government-issued identification every time they vote at the polls and order election officials to verify that all registered voters are U.S. citizens. Note that this is opposed by the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, and Common Cause as well as the Democratic Party. It is supported by the California Republican Party.
Proposition 40: Billionaire Tax: Support
Would require the estimated 200 Californians whose net worth exceeded $1 billion at the start of this year to pay a one-time 5% tax. This proposition is supported by Bernie Sanders, some unions and the California Democratic Party and is opposed by Planned Parenthood, the California Teachers Association and the California Medical Association. Interestingly, the League of Women Voters is neutral on this proposition, which is one of the most controversial.
Proposition 41: Require Audits of New Tax Programs: Oppose
This proposition would make it harder to pass new special taxes by requiring the state auditor to review any special tax proposal before it goes to voters making it harder to fund essential services and respond to changing needs. If this proposition receives more votes than Proposition 40 (a wealth tax on billionaires), Proposition 40 is nullified, even if Proposition 40 also passes. It is opposed by the League of Women Voters as well as the California Democratic Party.
Proposition 42: Ban on New State Personal Property Taxes: Oppose
Prohibits new taxes on the ownership of assets such as investment accounts, business interests and personal property that are typically only taxed when they are sold or generate income. Proposition 42 would nullify Proposition 40 if it receives more votes, even if the billionaire tax also passes. It is opposed by the League of Women Voters as well as the California Democratic Party.
Proposition 43: Raise Threshold for Special Taxes: Oppose
Would make it harder to impose or increase local taxes by raising the threshold for local citizen-driven special tax ballot initiatives to pass from a simple majority to two-thirds. It is opposed by the League of Women Voters as well as the California Democratic Party.
Proposition 44: Regulate Health Clinic Spending: Oppose
Would require community clinics that serve low-income patients to spend 90% of their annual revenue on patient care. Also directs the attorney general to publish guidance on what spending qualifies and allows the state to fine clinics that don’t spend the full 90%. Opposed by Planned Parenthood, the California Medical Association, the League of Women Voters as well as the California Democratic Party.
Proposition 45: Amend the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): Oppose
Would amend the CEQA process to help developers advance projects they designate as “essential” more quickly and easily. It would impose a 365-day limit on environmental reviews for those projects. It is opposed by the Sierra Club, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the League of Women Voters as well as the California Democratic Party. It is supported by the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Hospital Association, among others.
Local Measures
Measure O: Support
EASTERN SIERRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Bond Measure for $6,000,000 (approximately $19 per $100,000 assessed value)
Vote Requirement: 55%
This bond measure would authorize the Eastern Sierra Unified School District to issue and sell general obligation bonds within School Facilities Improvement District No. 1 of the District, which encompasses Coleville High School and Lee Vining High School. The stated purpose for the funds is to construct and equip classrooms and career technical education (CTE) facilities at Coleville High School and Lee Vining High School for job skills/career readiness in engineering, science, automotive technology, welding, carpentry, agricultural mechanics and other skilled trades; and improve school safety/security systems.
Measure P: Support
MAMMOTH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Special Tax Measure intended to raise approximately $1.1 million
Vote Requirement: Two-thirds vote, 66⅔% ($99 per parcel) for six years
Measure P is MUSD’s replacement parcel tax measure. This means that if this measure is not passed, the funds used for these stated purposes historically will no longer be available. The stated purpose of the funds will be to attract and retain experienced teachers, preserve smaller class sizes, and maintain and enhance high quality programs including technology, art, music, math, science, and athletics at Mammoth Elementary School, Mammoth Middle School, Mammoth High School, and Sierra High School.
Ways to Get Involved
CADEM Chair Rusty Hicks always says that the road to taking the House runs through California, and he is correct. That will be especially true in 2026 with Trump desperately trying to hold on to the slim Republican majority, which is looking less and less likely.
But a Democratic victory is by no means guaranteed, and we still have work to do. Some of that work involves reaching out to voters in the four critical districts in California.
Phone Banking
Right now, there are two phone banks going on per week, on Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 7:30, for Congressman Derek Tran in CD 45 to help him hold his seat, and against Congressman Darryl Issa in CD 48 to flip that seat. Issa has indicated he does not plan to run, but it is still a Republican seat that we would like to flip.
Then on Thursdays, from 5:30-7:30 PM, for Congressman Adam Gray in CD 13 to help him hold his seat (which he won by just under 160 votes in 2024) and against Republican Congressman Valadao in CD 22. Phone banking is one of the most effective ways to reach voters because of the direct contact and the conversations you can have. Training is provided at the start of each shift.
Please sign up to work the phones if you can. The Mobilize link to sign up is:
There is also ongoing phone banking for Dr. Richard Pan running against Kevin Kiley in CD6 and Randy Villegos running in CD22. Please sign up here if you are able to help!
October 17th No Kings Protest in Bishop
Join Inyo 350 - and the rest of the country - on October 17th at 2pm in the City Park to protest the atrocities happening all around us.
Power does not belong to the billionaires, strongmen, or politicians who believe they are above accountability. Power belongs to the people but only if we use it!
No Hot Creek Mine Business Coalition
As you may be aware, our local Hot Creek is being threatened by a gold mining company.
We are now engaging businesses to help support the effort to stop the damage that will be done if this mining moves forward.
Protecting Hot Creek protects our water, our wildlife, and our community. By joining our Business Coalition, you are investing in the future of Hot Creek; the future of our fisheries, our guides, our farmers and ranchers, our wildlife, our water quality, recreation enthusiasts, and millions of tourists who visit Hot Creek each year.
Your support shows customers, visitors, and decision-makers that our business community stands together for a thriving future. Every voice strengthens our collective impact.
Together, we can help preserve the landscapes, waterways, and outdoor experiences that support local businesses and define our community.
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