Welcome to the Silicon Valley Young Democrats Fall Newsletter!
SVYD FALL NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the second edition of the SVYD Quarterly Newsletter! As we wrap up 2024, we’re excited to share updates on our work, celebrate our successes, and look ahead to what’s next. From election season highlights to opportunities for involvement, this newsletter is your hub for staying connected with Silicon Valley’s leading young Democrats. Thank you for being part of this journey with us—we’re just getting started!
From the President’s Desk
September, October, and November Meeting Recap
At the September General Meeting, members heard from local candidates who shared their priorities as part of the SVYD endorsement process. The evening also included a discussion on Proposition 5, followed by endorsement deliberations. Members were encouraged to get involved by signing up for canvassing opportunities to support our endorsed candidates.
In October, we welcomed a presentation by member Harry Neil on proposed transportation improvements for Stevens Creek Boulevard, which led to a vote in support of dedicated bus lanes, underscoring our commitment to sustainable transit solutions. We also hosted a phone bank for Domingo Candelas, furthering grassroots efforts to support local leadership.
Last month, we celebrated our wins at the November Social, where members connected, reflected on election season successes, and discussed exciting plans for the future. It was an evening filled with energy and collaboration, thanks to everyone who joined us.
Join us for our next meeting on Monday, December 16th, at Maker Nexus, where we’ll dive into upcoming initiatives and opportunities to get involved. We can’t wait to see you there!
Click here for General Meeting Agendas and Minutes!
Silicon Valley Young Democrats in Action
SVYD Hits the Pavement for Progress
From July through Election Day, Silicon Valley Young Democrats (SVYD) members showed an unparalleled commitment to action, walking precincts every Saturday and Sunday for months to support our endorsed candidates. Rain or shine, our members consistently turned out, embodying the belief that sustained grassroots efforts are the foundation of meaningful change.
The dedication didn’t stop at canvassing. SVYD members volunteered on campaigns in countless other ways—managing social media, organizing volunteers, coordinating treasuries, and even running entire campaigns. Their hard work and passion ensured that our candidates had the tools and momentum needed to succeed.
This election season was not just about knocking on doors; it was about building connections, fostering community, and inspiring a new generation of leaders to get involved in shaping their futures. The effort was monumental, and the impact was clear.
Election Night Celebrations: Wins Worth the Work
After months of tireless campaigning, SVYD members joined celebrations across the South Bay to honor the victories of so many local leaders we were proud to support.
In Mountain View, the Democratic Volunteer Center was alive with excitement as Emily Ann Ramos won her race for Mountain View City Council and Patrick Ahrens celebrated his election to the Assembly. Both candidates faced significant hurdles, but their determination and vision resonated deeply with voters.
South Bay Labor celebrated its slate of pro-labor candidates, with highlights including Assemblymember Ash Kalra’sre-election in Assembly District 25. Labor’s role in championing equity and workers’ rights shone brightly throughout the night.
In South San Jose, Pamela Campos celebrated her hard-fought win in the contentious San Jose City Council District 2 race. Her victory was a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and a clear mandate for her progressive platform.
Finally, the night’s largest crowd gathered to celebrate Betty Duong’s victory for Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 2. SVYD members turned out in full force to honor Betty’s historic win, a testament to her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities and her deep connection to the district.
Wins for the Community: SVYD’s 2024 Election Success
This election season was a landmark for SVYD as we saw incredible success with our endorsed candidates. Out of 28 endorsements, 16 emerged victorious, representing diverse offices across state, county, city, and educational races. Here’s a closer look at our winning candidates:
- Ash Kalra (AD 25), Alex Lee (AD 24), and Patrick Ahrens (AD 26) secured decisive wins in the California Assembly, each with double-digit leads, solidifying their roles as champions of progressive values at the state level.
- In local government, Pamela Campos (San Jose D2), Domingo Candelas (San Jose D8), Emily Ann Ramos(Mountain View), Charlsie Chang (Sunnyvale), and Sergio Lopez (Campbell) delivered inspiring victories, bringing fresh leadership and vision to their communities.
- Special district and education races saw significant wins with Shiloh Ballard (Valley Water D2), Paul Fong (West Valley-Mission D2), Sylvia Leong (Cupertino Union), and Clay Hale (San Jose-Evergreen D7), each making strides for equitable representation in critical areas of public service.
- Betty Duong (Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors D2) and Jorge Pacheco Jr. (Santa Clara Board of Education D4) achieved hard-fought victories, demonstrating the importance of dedicated advocacy at the county level.
From commanding leads to no-contest wins, our endorsed candidates showcased the power of progressive grassroots support. While some races ended in narrow losses, they underscored the resilience of our endorsed leaders and the value of staying engaged in our democratic process. These victories reflect not only the strength of our candidates but also the dedication of SVYD members who worked tirelessly to make this possible.
Looking Ahead: Priorities and Opportunities
The results of this election cycle were a testament to the power of grassroots action. While we celebrated many important wins at home, the outcomes at the federal level served as a stark reminder that our work is far from over. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to stay engaged and take action to ensure our values are reflected at every level of government.
Change doesn’t just happen in Washington, D.C.—it starts right here in our communities. One powerful way to make an impact is by serving on city boards and commissions, which influence local policies on issues like housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability. These roles provide an opportunity to shape the policies that directly affect our neighbors and neighborhoods. Check out current vacancies here to find out how you can contribute to building a better future for your city.
Santa Clara County https://boardclerk.sccgov.org/boards-and-commissions
City of San Jose https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/appointees/city-clerk/boards-commissions
City of Santa Clara https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/government/boards-commissions
City of Palo Alto https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Clerk/Boards-and-Commissions
City of Mountain View https://www.mountainview.gov/our-city/city-council/boards-commissions-and-committees?locale=en
City of Sunnyvale https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/your-government/governance/boards-and-commissions
City of Cupertino https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/commissions
City of Milpitas https://www.milpitas.gov/1158/Commission-Vacancies-Applications
City of Gilroy https://www.cityofgilroy.org/148/Boards-Commissions-Committees
City of Morgan Hill https://www.morganhill.ca.gov/148/Commissions
Town of Los Gatos https://www.losgatosca.gov/12/Boards-Commissions-Committees
City of Campbell https://www.campbellca.gov/157/Boards-Commissions
City of Los Altos https://www.losaltosca.gov/cc
Town of Los Altos Hills https://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/153/Standing-Committees
City of Saratoga https://www.saratoga.ca.us/281/Commissions-Committees
If you’re ready to step up to the next level of Democratic leadership, consider running for Assembly District Election Meetings (ADEMs). These elections determine the grassroots delegates who represent their communities in shaping the California Democratic Party platform and priorities. Delegates play a vital role in endorsing candidates, voting on resolutions, and advancing the party’s mission statewide. The deadline to register as a candidate is January 8th, so don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard! Learn more about ADEMs and how to run.
https://ademelections.com/home
Getting involved, whether at the city or party level, is how we build momentum for progress. Together, we can make a difference, not just in this election cycle but for years to come. Let’s keep the fight going!
Why Join SVYD? Building Community and Making an Impact
Silicon Valley Young Democrats (SVYD) is more than just a political club—it’s a community of passionate young leaders dedicated to creating meaningful change at the local, state, and national levels. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or someone just beginning to explore civic engagement, SVYD offers opportunities to connect, grow, and make an impact.
Since its founding, SVYD has been a space where young adults can come together to advocate for progressive policies and support candidates who share their values. Members participate in everything from canvassing for campaigns to networking with elected officials and building relationships with like-minded peers. Through these efforts, the club has been a driving force behind meaningful change in Silicon Valley and beyond.
Getting involved can feel intimidating at first, but SVYD provides a supportive environment for learning and growth. Many members, like Cassandra, have taken on leadership roles they never imagined. Reflecting on her journey as a campaign manager this election season, Cassandra shared, “What began as a conversation at a rally turned into managing a campaign—one of the most daunting yet rewarding things I’ve ever done. I learned so much, not only about running a campaign but also about the incredible community we were serving. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”
The support of the SVYD community also helped Cassandra navigate the challenges. “There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but I always had a team of people willing to teach, guide, and encourage me,” she added. “If you’re considering getting involved in politics or advocacy, my advice is simple: just do it. There’s so much to learn, and it’s worth it.”
SVYD members come from diverse backgrounds, including students, professionals, and activists, each bringing unique perspectives and talents to the club. Membership Director Ashley Guerrero describes SVYD as a place where young people can thrive together: “Since joining SVYD, I’ve made lasting friendships with people who are just as passionate about creating change as I am. This is a community where you can build your skills, expand your network, and be part of something bigger than yourself.”
By joining, you’ll have access to professional development, networking events, and engaging activities like mixers and conventions. Not sure if SVYD is right for you? Start by attending an event to get a feel for the community. Once you see what SVYD is all about, becoming a voting member is as simple as attending one more meeting and paying the $20 annual dues.
Your membership helps SVYD expand its impact, support local candidates, and advocate for the issues that matter most. Whether you want to volunteer for campaigns, attend city council meetings, or explore a career in public service, SVYD is a great place to start. With the support of fellow members and the resources SVYD offers, you can grow into a confident leader and make a real difference in your community.
Join us today and become part of a movement for progress and justice. Together, we can continue building a better future for Silicon Valley and beyond. Fill out this form to join or email siliconvalleyyoungdemocrats@gmail.com with any questions.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
Thank you to everyone who continues to support and engage with SVYD. Your passion and dedication are what make our community so strong, and we’re inspired by the energy and commitment you bring to advancing progressive values in Silicon Valley.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on prioritizing accessibility and representation in everything we do. Together, we’re tackling the challenges that matter most—affordability, sustainability, housing justice, and ensuring equity for all communities. These are big issues, but with your involvement, we’re making strides toward real, lasting change.
Stay tuned for more updates, opportunities, and ways to be part of the movement. Whether it’s through attending events, joining discussions, or taking action in your own neighborhoods, your contributions are essential. Together, we’ll continue to drive change, amplify underrepresented voices, and shape a more inclusive future. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting and future events!
Scroll down to view photos from this election season—reminisce on the memories, the hard work, and the victories we achieved together!
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