Opportunity · Equity · Peace · Prosperity · Democracy

About Us

Est. 1888 · Coronado, CA

Welcome to

The Coronado Democratic Club

We believe in an accountable government that promotes business, supports the American worker, provides equal access to a high-quality education, facilitates the provision of healthcare to all, protects the environment and fights climate change, designs a fair and equitable tax structure, advances the causes of peace, prosperity, and democracy at home and throughout the world, and continues the traditions of freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness provided us in the United States Constitution.

1888

A Bit of History

Our First Meeting in September, 1888

According to the Coronado Mercury of September 1888, "there was an enthusiastic gathering of Democrats at the old school house for the purpose of organizing a Democratic Campaign Club." Twenty-three Democrats signed the roll at the first meeting, and it was expected that at the next meeting a large number of new members would be "secured." "There were stirring speeches," and members left that first meeting "full of enthusiasm," planning to hold weekly meetings.

Our Mission

What We Do

We support the California and National Democratic Party's values and principles, including access to opportunity for all through respectful and equal treatment regardless of race, gender identity, beliefs, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin.

Meet Our

Board of Directors

2026 – 2027

LW
Laura Wilkinson-Sinton
President

Laura has been a dedicated volunteer in our club and community for many years. She has served as our Communications Chair and a member of the Public Policy Committee. She is a co-founder of the non-profit Stop the Sewage and mentors the Stop the Sewage Club at Coronado High School.

MS
Mal Sandie
Vice-President

Mal is a retired Navy Captain who served 30 years on active duty as a helicopter pilot. He holds a B.S. in Political Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.A. in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, with Level III qualification in Program Management from the Defense Acquisition University.

PF
Patti Flores-Charter
Secretary

A long-time member of the Club, Patti has been active in many roles, having served as Vice-President and chair of several committees (Scholarship, Fourth of July, GO Team, and Membership). She has once again stepped up to serve in a leadership role, this time as our Club's Secretary.

BE
Becky Emerson
Treasurer

Becky first moved to Coronado in 2005 and worked at Coronado Lifestyle Magazine and the Coronado Visitor Center. Both jobs deepened her appreciation for the town's history, unique character, and strong sense of community. Her son graduated from Coronado High School in 2008. Since retiring, Becky splits her time between Coronado and Santa Cruz with her husband of 40 years, Barrow. With early careers in tech and marketing, she brings hands-on experience running and promoting organizations. She's happy to serve as a behind-the-scenes bean counter for the Coronado Democratic Club, supporting the club's important goals.

KM
Kat McElwee
Member-At-Large

Kat is an educator with 30 years of experience in public schools, having served in a wide range of roles across the K–12 spectrum, including classroom teacher, instructional coach, professional development coordinator, and school principal. She currently works as a field supervisor, supporting student and intern teachers as they develop their classroom practice, and as an equity consultant and school leadership coach, often working one-on-one with principals to help them create anti-racist campuses where all students are supported in achieving academic success. In addition to serving as our club's member-at-large, Kat chairs the scholarship committee and mentors the Young Dems club at Coronado High School.

Where the Work Gets Done

Standing Committees

Programs
Carol Stanford & Gail Bardin
Hospitality
Jo Antrim
Membership
Patti Flores-Charter & Laurie Mychaels
Public Policy
Rotating Chairperson
GO Team
Patti Flores-Charter
Communications
Patti Flores-Charter
Scholarship
Kat McElwee

Who We Are

Over 300 Members and Growing

We are students and retirees, Naval Officers, retired judges, writers, surfers, tradesmen and women, graphic artists, working moms and dads, stay-at-home moms and dads, and come from all walks of life. The Club has over 300 members, and our general meetings are held monthly in Coronado. We invite you to join our meetings whether you are a member or "just visiting" to hear great speakers and information on local government, news, and political interest. You — and everyone — are invited to join us in a spirit of inclusion and interest in our community. One highlight of our year is the Club's participation in the festive and famous annual Coronado Fourth of July Parade.

The Club's Grassroots Organizing Team (GO Team) was one of many that helped turn Coronado and San Diego County blue in 2020, and was instrumental in phone banking efforts across the region. We also support our neighbors in need with time and money, demonstrating our generosity of spirit in the community. Whether you're a resident, a visitor to our beautiful island, or serving in the Armed Forces on Coronado, we invite you to come mingle and meet terrific neighbors who share our Democratic values.

All are welcome, always.

Join Today!

Join more than 270 members of the Coronado Democratic Club and support democratic values and principles with like-minded members of our community.

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We Want to Hear from You!

Bring an issue to our attention or simply have a question? Whether you wish to become a member, volunteer, or just say hello — reach out anytime.

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