FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2024
California Young Democrats
Luis Aleman, Chair of Policy and Legislation Committee
California Young Democrats Statement on Student Protests at Higher Education Institutions
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Young Democrats Executive Board released the following statement on recent student protests at higher education institutions across the country:
The right to protest and speak out is a fundamental American right. Freedom of speech, freedom to assemble and freedom to protest are part of our fundamental American rights.
Across the country, students are speaking out and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the violence that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands, including children, the elderly and the disabled. We are distraught by the actions of the leaderships of various Universities, elected officials, and law enforcement in response to these protests.
We strongly condemn the use of violence and physical or professional intimidation to silence students. Calling for Palestinian statehood and an end to the violence on Gaza is neither anti-Semitic nor hateful. We are disheartened to see politicians label protestors as hateful, and instead encourage our elected officials and University leaders to engage in constructive dialogue.
We furthermore condemn any acts of antisemitism or Islamophobia.
We, the California Young Democrats, call upon universities to respect the rights of students to protest, and encourage students to continue their peaceful demonstration in support of Palestinian lives.
We, furthermore:
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- Call an end to the military assault in Gaza, and an immediate allowance of humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza; and,
- A return of hostages including the release of Palestinians sitting in jails without trial, the return of Palestinian bodies back to their families, and the release of all hostages taken on October 7th; and,
- Support the establishment of a two-state solution that guarantees Palestinian statehood and freedom, and the existence of Israel.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2024
California Young Democrats
Luis Aleman, Chair of Policy and Legislation Committee
California Young Democrats Adopt Ceasefire Resolution
STATELINE, NV – The California Young Democrats adopted the following Resolution supporting a ceasefire at their 2024 Post-Primary Organizing Retreat in Lake Tahoe:
WHEREAS, On October 7, 2023, the attack on Israel by Hamas resulted in more than 200 hostages being taken captive, the deaths of 1,200 Israelis; the Israeli military assault on Gaza resulted in more than 32,000 Palestinian deaths- including at least 11,500 children in 125 days, over 74,000 wounded- including over 300 medical workers, over 2 million displaced, and 7,000 missing; and Palestinian civilians are experiencing a catastrophic proportion of disease, malnourishment, starvation, amputation, lack of medical supplies, access to health care and shelter; and,
WHEREAS, Human life is invaluable, and the targeting of civilians is a violation of international humanitarian law, a crime we resolutely condemn, including the Israeli government’s withholding of humanitarian aid, dehumanization, targeting of Palestinian civilians, humanitarian aid workers, journalists, and doctors in Gaza and Hamas’ deliberate targeting of Jewish civilians and other civilians; and,
WHEREAS, The United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Governor Gavin Newsom, 37 Congressional Representatives, His Holiness Pope Francis, AFL-CIO, and 75 U.S. cities, have all called for a ceasefire and President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are actively working towards a ceasefire; now,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the California Young Democrats calls for, and urges our Democratic elected leaders, to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza that can lead to self-determination and freedom for the Palestinian people; life-saving humanitarian aid in Gaza; the release of all Palestinians held without charges or trial in Israeli prisons and the release of Palestinian bodies held in Israeli detention; the conditioning of military aid to Israel, the release of all Israeli hostages taken by Hamas; and for Israelis and Palestinians to establish a mutually negotiated durable solution for peace.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the California Young Democrats condemn any acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, violence, vandalism, and intimidation against the Palestinian and Jewish diaspora in the United States.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2020
California Young Democrats
Sadalia King, Communications Director
comms@cayoungdems.com
Statement on the Nationwide Protests
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Young Democrats stand with those who are protesting nationwide in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others because we know that #BlackLivesMatter. These protests occur with more frequency and become more violent due to the lack of institutional change in policing and prisons.
Watching the regular extrajudicial executions of Black people in viral videos while city after city allows their murderers to still walk among us is a form of trauma for our society. Minimal repercussions for this violence only emboldens those officers and limits the ability of the community to heal. Studies have shown that implicit bias training and efforts toward diversifying a police force cannot, by themselves, make the impact that our communities need. However, holding police officers accountable for these deaths and pursuing justice would make that impact.
As Democrats, we must prioritize a national campaign for the institutional changes required for “liberty and justice for all” to be a reality for Black communities. As California Young Democrats, we will prioritize it. Our platform supports advocating for these changes, our solidarity belongs with those who are most marginalized, and the moral clarity of this moment requires it.
The California Young Democrats support the divestment from prisons and race-based policing, establishing a transparent accountability process for police officers, and encourage the disaffiliation of police unions from our labor partners.
The California Young Democrats call for the California Democratic Party, California Senate Democrats, the California Assembly Democrats, and all other related institutions to cease accepting campaign contributions and financial contributions from organizations that protect the status quo of policing and seek to disrupt the meaningful work of police and criminal justice reform. The labor movement has a long and proud history of fighting for justice, equity, and progress, which continues to this day. Sadly, the same cannot always be said of police unions and peace officer associations. We encourage our partners to draw a clear distinction and encourage the disaffiliation of police unions from our labor partners.
Just as we can point to fossil fuels as being obsolete and causing more harm than good to our communities, the same argument can be made about policing and prisons. We will continue to champion for the redirection of resources from policing to public health just as we have championed redirecting from coal to green, renewable energy.
The entire institution of what we call justice in America, of policing and prisons and violence against community members, requires fundamental national change. Our party must lead this change. We are lifting our voices in solidarity with this critical national effort that must start now.
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California Young Democrats is the official youth arm of the California Democratic Party made up of Democrats age 14 – 35. It is committed to activating the youth vote, empowering Young Democrats in their community, electing Democrats to office and building a new generation of progressive leadership.
California Young Democrats
Press Release
For Immediate Release: Monday, November 13, 2017
FROM: Eddie Kirby, President, California Young Democrats
Contact: eddie@cayoungdems.com
CA Young Democrats Endorse in Statewide Races, Prepare for 2018 Elections, After Hearing From Democratic Candidates at Biannual Lake Tahoe Retreat
Urge Young Californians to Support Democrats, Prepare to Defeat GOP Candidates
SACRAMENTO – At their biennial Lake Tahoe Retreat this past weekend, the California Young Democrats (CYD) formally endorsed several candidates running for statewide constitutional offices after hearing from Democratic candidates on major issues impacting young Californians. CYD made the following endorsements:
Secretary of State: Alex Padilla
State Controller: Betty Yee
State Treasurer: Fiona Ma
Insurance Commissioner: Ricardo Lara
State Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tony Thurmond
None of the candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General were able to reach the required 2/3rds threshold of CYD Chapter Presidents and Caucus Chairs, or their proxies, CYD Officers and ex-officio voting members (Young Democrats from California elected to the DNC, or elected officers of the Young Democrats of America, College Democrats of America, and High School Democrats of America) in order to receive the endorsement of CYD.
Nearly 350 California Young Democrats from all across California gathered in Lake Tahoe and heard from statewide candidates including Senator Kevin de Leon, running for US Senate, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, State Treasurer John Chiang, Antonio Villaraigosa and Delaine Eastin, candidates for Governor, and many others including Attorney General Xavier Becerra, State Controller Betty Yee, and Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, among other candidates.
CYD President Eddie Kirby said, “As we saw in the recent elections across the country including New Jersey and Virginia, young voters are deeply concerned about the path our country is heading, and they are responding by getting out in droves to vote for Democrats who are fighting to stop the radical agenda led by Donald J. Trump and Republicans in Washington DC. CYD is making sure young voters know who the very best candidates on young voter issues. We will be focusing in 2018 to elect these candidates that best represent the concerns of young voters, and take back Congress from the radical GOP establishment so we can put a vital check on Trump. Young voters are energized, and California Young Democrats are prepared to tap into this energy to take back our country.”
In addition to hearing from most major Democratic candidates, CYD members participating attended several training workshops covering leadership development, membership recruitment, campaigning, communications and fundraising to help prepare them and their organizations for an expected influx of new members in advance of the 2018 midterm elections.
CYD will reconsider endorsements for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General at their 2018 Convention in San Diego the weekend of February 23-25 in conjunction with the annual California Democratic Party Convention. At their 2018 Convention, CYD will also consider endorsements for California’s US Senate seat, as well as Board of Equalization, Congress, State Senate and State Assembly up for election in 2018.
If you have any questions, please contact Eddie Kirby, President of the California Young Democrats at eddie@cayoungdems.com
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The California Young Democrats (CYD) is the official youth arm of the California Democratic Party (CDP), comprised of progressive people ages 13-35. They are the largest caucus within CDP, with over 100 chapters representing tens-of-thousands of members statewide. Hundreds of CYD members are elected or appointed delegates of the CDP Democratic State Central Committee. CYD is committed to creating a bloc of young voters who will elect Democrats for an entire generation. Using proven peer to peer campaign methods, Young Democrats have made significant differences in races all over California. Young Democrats in California work every day to promote social and economic justice, women’s rights, peace and stability in the world, and many other progressive values.
California Young Democrats
News Statement
For Immediate Release: Saturday, June 3, 2017
FROM: Eddie Kirby, President, California Young Democrats
Contact: eddie@cayoungdems.com
Statement from California Young Democrats President Eddie Kirby on Kimberly Ellis’ Call for Audit
SACRAMENTO, CA – Eddie Kirby, President of the California Young Democrats, released the following statement in reaction to news that Kimberly Ellis has called for a “forensic” audit of the ballots cast in the race for Chair of the California Democratic Party:
“I have enormous respect for Kimberly Ellis, as does every member of the California Young Democrats. Many of our members supported her, just as many of our members supported Eric Bauman. But at the end of the day, all of us are Democrats. CYD members are eager to take the resistance to the next level and get to work organizing young voters for the upcoming elections. Unfortunately, one candidate’s refusal to move on after the votes have been counted and recounted is distracting from the much-needed work we need to do to win back the House next year.
Kimberly Ellis has a responsibility to produce concrete evidence to back up her challenge. If evidence to substantiate her challenge exists, she should go through the appropriate CDP process. But if her claims are unsubstantiated, she has an obligation to inform the delegates and concede the election to Eric.
Young Democrats have a lot riding on the next election. We can’t afford to be distracted from the important work of the Party. We need to be focused on single payer healthcare, saving the Paris Climate Agreement and cracking down on the outrageous cost of college.”
If you have any questions, please contact Eddie Kirby, President of the California Young Democrats at eddie@cayoungdems.com
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The California Young Democrats is the official youth arm of the California Democratic Party, comprised of progressive people ages 13-35. The California Young Democrats are committed to creating a bloc of young voters who will elect Democrats for an entire generation. Using proven peer to peer campaign methods, Young Democrats have made significant differences in races all over California. Young Democrats in California work every day to promote social justice, women’s rights, peace and stability in the world, and many other progressive values.
California Young Democrats
News Statement
For Immediate Release: Monday, February 6, 2017
FROM: Eddie Kirby, President, California Young Democrats
Contact: eddie@cayoungdems.com
Donald Trump is the One “Out of Control”
President of Nation’s Largest State Young Democrats Organization Offers Scathing Comments on Donald Trump’s Ridiculous Threats Against California
SACRAMENTO – In response to yesterday’s incendiary comments about California made by Donald Trump in his interview with Bill O’Reilly, the President of the California Young Democrats commented,
“Carbon emissions are out of control. Student debt is out of control. Income inequality is out of control.
The cost of living is out of control. The rent really is too damn high. The crisis facing the middle class is out of control, and poor people are being crushed under the pressure of a rigged economy.
All these things are out of control. Did Donald Trump talk about any of these things last night on Bill O’Reilly? Of course not.
Once again, Donald Trump’s comments about California highlight that he is the one ‘out of control,’ – not the Golden State. His empty threat to defund California further demonstrates an unhinged child – now, in the oval office – attempting to exact revenge on the state that caused him to embarrassingly lose the popular vote for President of the United States by 3 million votes.
Perhaps Donald Trump should focus his efforts on strengthening the nation’s economy as he campaigned, and not pick fights with leaders from Mexico, Australia, or here in California. Maybe he should try to learn how being receptive to people of all nationalities and creeds has led California to becoming the nation’s largest economy and the sixth largest in the world.
California won’t be intimidated by Donald Trump.
We will continue to fight climate change. We will continue to fight income inequality. We will continue to rebuild the middle class, and lift poor people out of poverty. We will continue to make progress on living together inclusively and loving each other as brothers and sisters under one flag, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The California Young Democrats stand with our elected Democratic leaders in California against any attacks on our state levied by an out of control Donald Trump, and urge Congress to take action against him before it’s too late in order to prevent him from causing irreparable harm to the United States of America.”
If you have any questions, please contact Eddie Kirby, President of the California Young Democrats at eddie@cayoungdems.com
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The California Young Democrats is the official youth arm of the California Democratic Party, comprised of progressive people ages 13-35. The California Young Democrats are committed to creating a bloc of young voters who will elect Democrats for an entire generation. Using proven peer to peer campaign methods, Young Democrats have made significant differences in races all over California. Young Democrats in California work every day to promote social justice, women’s rights, peace and stability in the world, and many other progressive values.
California Young Democrats
News Statement
For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 7, 2016
FROM: Eddie Kirby, President, California Young Democrats
Contact: eddie@cayoungdems.com
Young Democrats Applaud Clinton’s Aggressive Plan to Make College Tuition Free
Clinton Fights for Young People and Working Families
SACRAMENTO – In a plan released yesterday that would revolutionize college accessibility and affordability for students in the US, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton firmly made a commitment to young voters and working families alike to restore economic opportunity and give hope for the American Dream. The plan would enact desperately needed reforms on student loans saving thousands for tens-of-millions of college graduates, make community colleges tuition free and make attendance to in-state four year public colleges and universities tuition free for families making under $85,000 annually, and by 2021, for families making under $125,000 annually.
CYD President Eddie Kirby commented, “These proposals are long overdue and necessary to restoring the idea of the American Dream for young people in the US today. Our country is falling further behind competing countries and by making public universities tuition free for the vast majority of qualified students, Hillary Clinton is taking decisive action to fortify our economic leadership in the world and create opportunity for students fearful of burying their futures in a lifetime of debt. This proposal moves the US closer to being in-line with our allies who already provide access to public higher education tuition free and provides hope for young people across the United States for a brighter future. This is in stark contrast to the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump who wishes to privatize our public universities to feed his and Wall Street’s insatiable gluttony. Hillary Clinton is loudly signaling that she is the candidate that will fight for young people and working families.”
Read more details about Hillary Clinton’s plan at: https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/college/
If you have any questions, please contact Eddie Kirby, President of the California Young Democrats at eddie@cayoungdems.com
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The California Young Democrats is the official youth arm of the California Democratic Party, comprised of progressive people ages 13-35. The California Young Democrats are committed to creating a bloc of young voters who will elect Democrats for an entire generation. Using proven peer to peer campaign methods, Young Democrats have made significant differences in races all over California. Young Democrats in California work every day to promote social justice, women’s rights, peace and stability in the world, and many other progressive values.
California Young Democrats
Press Release
For Immediate Release: Friday, June 24, 2016
FROM: Eddie Kirby, President, California Young Democrats
Contact: eddie@cayoungdems.com
Young Democrats Take Stance on November Initiatives
Urge Young Californians to Support Schools, Healthcare Access, Gun Control Measure & Criminal Justice Reforms
SACRAMENTO – At their Executive Committee meeting held in Long Beach on June 18, 2016, the California Young Democrats took positions on several important ballot initiatives slated to be voted on in this November’s general election. The initiatives taken up if passed will have a substantial impact on young Californian’s futures and shape the State of California for decades to come. The initiatives endorsed include increased K-14 instructional and infrastructure spending, increased state and federal funding for healthcare access, improved gun regulations and crucial criminal justice reforms including repealing the death penalty and the decriminalization of marijuana for adult use.
CYD President Eddie Kirby said of the initiatives, “If passed, these important measures will positively impact Californians for decades to come by increasing our investment in our education and healthcare systems and reducing expenditures in the criminal justice system while better protecting Californians. I urge all young Californians to go vote in November and support all of these important initiatives.”
The initiatives the California Young Democrats voted to support are:
California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016
Temporarily extends income tax increases on high income individuals passed in Proposition 30 and funds schools and healthcare
Kindergarten – Community College Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2016
Authorizes bonds in the amount of $9 billion for the construction and modernization of schools
California Medi-Cal Hospital Reimbursement
Amends existing law that imposes fees on hospitals and directs those fees and matching federal funds to hospitals to provide health care services for Medi-Cal recipients
Safety for All Act of 2016
Prohibits possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines and requires individuals to pass a background check to purchase ammunition
The Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016
Reforms parole system to allow for persons convicted of non-violent felonies to be considered for parole upon completion of full prison term for primary offense and awards credits for rehabilitation, good behavior, and educational achievements
The Justice that Works Act of 2016
Repeals the death penalty
Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act
Legalizes marijuana under state law and imposes tax on marijuana sales and cultivation
If you have any questions, please contact Eddie Kirby, President of the California Young Democrats at eddie@cayoungdems.com
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The California Young Democrats is the official youth arm of the California Democratic Party, comprised of progressive people ages 13-35. The California Young Democrats are committed to creating a bloc of young voters who will elect Democrats for an entire generation. Using proven peer to peer campaign methods, Young Democrats have made significant differences in races all over California. Young Democrats in California work every day to promote social justice, women’s rights, peace and stability in the world, and many other progressive values.