"In the tapestry of democracy, every thread counts, weaving together a fabric of justice, equality and freedom." – Barack Obama
The Coronado Democratic Club
What we do
We Defend
Democracy
Join one of the largest Democratic clubs in San Diego County with over 250 members and growing! We offer honest engagement and informative programs throughout the year. Our many social events foster a stronger, more inclusive community, and through forums, panels, speakers, and local candidate endorsements we support our democratic policies and values. Our volunteers reach out into our community and beyond to effect change and community engagement. Renew Your Membership. Join the Club or Donate >>
Attend Our Meetings and Events!
Events & Meetings
Coronado Democratic Club General Meeting
November 2025 Meeting
Date: Saturday, November 22, doors open at 10:30 a.m., Meeting starts at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Winn Room at Coronado Library
Program: We are thrilled to announce that our speaker will be Allison Gill, veteran, comedian and award-winning podcaster. Don’t miss out on this entertaining and thought-provoking speaker.
About our Speaker: Dr. Allison Gill is a Navy Veteran who spent more than a decade helping active-duty service members and Veterans get timely access to quality health care with the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2012, she appeared in the Oscar-nominated documentary “The Invisible War” in an effort to draw attention to military sexual trauma. In 2017, Allison earned a Doctorate in Health Administration to bolster her efforts. In 2019, she was pushed out of her federal job by the Trump Administration, which led her to create the MSW Media podcast network. She now hosts multiple award-winning podcasts focused on news, politics, and justice. You may know her on social media as Mueller, She Wrote.
Calendar
- PROP 50: RETURN BALLOT BY NOV. 4th!
- School Board Meetings each month: Meeting Dates.
- City Council Meetings: Please Attend Coronado City Council Meetings.
- Coronado Rotary STEP Holiday Toy Drive: Dec. 1st to 16th. Unwrapped toy drop off at 611 9th Ave.
- Member Holiday Happy Hour: Sunday, December 7, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Home by the Bay! Please RSVP by December 1st to Michele Bolton at: michelekbolton@gmail.com
Opt-In to Receive Text Message Updates the Coronado Democrats!
Fill Out Our Short “Opt-In” Form Here!
Southwestern College
Student Scholarship Drive 2026
Every year, our club provides critical scholarships to deserving students at Southwestern College (SWC). Donate Today!
Common characteristics of our recipients include homelessness, abusive homes, learning English as a second language, single parenthood, and the drive to learn, make a better life, and give back to the community.
All applicants answer questions explaining why they are a Democrat, how they are politically active, and what they see as two pressing political issues. We have truly made a difference in their lives with our scholarship support.
REMEMBER…YOUR DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE
Donate Online: Donate Today!
Or pay by check: Make payable to SWC Foundation; put Coronado Dem Scholarship in the note area; and mail to:
Southwestern College Foundation
900 Otay Lakes Road
Chula Vista, CA 91910
SUPPORT LOCAL NON-PROFITS
The New Children’s Museum Needs Our Help!
A Local Treasure is Under Attack by the Trump Administration
$80,000 in Federal Grants Cuts So Far!
What’s Been Cut?
- Art Programs for Social Emotional Learning in low-income schools
- Subsidized admission for low-income families
- A grant for an upcoming exhibition featuring a world class artist
- Paid union employees have been laid off already…And more cuts are coming…
How To Help?
You can become a member here or make a donation that will help recoup some of the lost federal dollars that will specifically go towards allowing the New Children’s Museum to continue bringing quality arts education, social and emotional learning curriculum, and teacher support to low income schools in our region.
We have invited the museum to have an informational table at our Nov. 22 meeting so members can learn more about their good work and make a donation then too!
Do you know of a nonprofit suffering federal cuts under Trump? Contact Shawnee Barton Merriman at Shawneebarton@gmail.com.
HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE!
Buy Unwrapped Gifts Today!
We will again join the Toy Drive to Support The Enlisted Project (STEP). Many enlisted families struggle with the high cost of living in San Diego. Holiday gifts for their children are an additional stressor. Every year, STEP holds a Holiday Bazaar where local enlisted military parents can ‘shop for free’ for new gifts for their children. Often there are not enough gifts to go around. You can help!
- Bring an unwrapped new toy to the Holiday Happy Hour December 7th
- Can’t make the Happy Hour but want to donate? Drop off your donations anytime between Dec. 1st and Dec. 16th at 611 9th Street.
The Deadline for donations is Dec. 16th!
We want to thank club member, Stephanie Anderson, for organizing this!
Coronado Democratic Club Member
Holiday Happy Hour
Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Place: Home of Gail and Bob Bardin, 605 First Street, Coronado
Enjoy appetizers and drinks in a spectacular setting
with the best of company!
Please RSVP by December 1st:
Michele Bolton at: michelekbolton@gmail.com
Demtoberfest!
With so much happening in our world, on Friday, October 17 members took a break from canvassing, phone banking, and texting for Prop 50 for an evening under the stars at Feast and Fareway. It was an opportunity for friendship, fellowship, and as our speaker Peter Bolland, explained, an opportunity for AWE. We live in privilege in paradise; this was an opportunity for gratitude and to recharge for the critical work we have ahead.
A HUGE club thank you to Rebecca King for all her planning and hard work along with Alexia Palacios-Peters, Dawn Richards, and Laurie Mychaels to make this amazing event happen for our members.
Winners of the evening were:
Doris and Jim Besikof – Silent Auction – Won the 1-week stay in picturesque San Miguel de Allende, Mexico steps from the beautiful town square. View Your Accommodations! (Airfare not included.)
Jon Sinton – Sunset Pleasure Cruise – Opportunity Drawing – They’ll experience a relaxing ride in the Duffy, cruising the waterways as you savor fine wine and charcuterie, accompanied by tranquil music. A night to remember!
Coronado Dems Support No Kings March!
We are excited to provide you with “Perspectives” by member, Brad Willis. Brad has been uncovering issues in our community and country in his Substack series. He is an author and retired network news foreign correspondent who has worked in Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa, Latin America and Asia. He has received national and international awards for compassionate journalism and for his war coverage. Brad is a longtime Coronado resident who has also served as Commissioner of Public Art for the City of Coronado.
Member, Jon Sinton, began his career in political media by bringing former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Jim Hightower, and his no-nonsense, no holds barred commentaries to ABC Radio. That led to his creation of Air America Radio in 2004, where he is credited with “discovering” Rachel Maddow. Sinton followed AAR with ProgressiveVoices.com, a live and on-demand progressive talk audio service and its counterpart, the nonprofit Progressive Voices Institute, dedicated to bringing fresh young progressive talent to broadcast and digital platforms. He’s been writing Jon’s Reluctant Blog and newspaper column since 2020.
How to Discuss Politics
Watch the video of this engaging program presented at the January 13, 2024, General Meeting of the Coronado Democratic Club. Marc Meyer, Director of Operations for the National Conflict Resolution Center was the presenter. His enthusiasm and eagerness to share his knowledge with the packed audience provided an inspiring and entertaining 45 minutes. (PDF of Slides)
Out of the tragedy of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, students and parents came forward to share experiences of radial injustice. This led the creation of InclusioNADO, a student/parent community initiative to support and activism for change in our schools and community. Visit their website to learn more and join to be a critical partner in this change.
Take Action is an outgrowth of Swing Left and their letter writing campaigns! Ready to take to the streets? Visit the website:
https://takeactionsandiego.org/
Their Protest Calendar identifies what protests are happening and where. Find out how corporations distribute their political donations and more!
Alliance San Diego:
Mobilizing for Change
The Alliance provides many critical services to protect the civil rights and social justice of community members. These include immigration services, legal support, and voting rights. Visit the website to find information and resources on these issues.
Opportunities for Action!
Stay actively involved in our community by learning what’s going on in our city and school district. Check out the dates and agendas of coming meetings (see links above)
Get Involved
Ways to make a difference
Thank you so much for taking the first step to action and getting involved. Our Club has myriad offerings, and we are always looking for members who can help us advance our objectives. In addition to becoming active in Club events, you can help us by disseminating our message to friends in the community and elsewhere.
01
We hope you will take the next step and join us or renew your membership!
02
We gather like-minded people and provide opportunities for activism as we socialize.
03
We provide resources to help you navigate, stay informed and engaged.