This page explains who we are and how we are organized. You can link to any particular matter of what ECDC is about by linking from the list of topics below:

About the El Cerrito Democratic Club


The El Cerrito Democratic Club (“ECDC”) is the officially chartered Democratic Club serving El Cerrito, Kensington, and other neighboring communities in Contra Costa County, California. The Club is one of the larger and more active Democratic organizations in Contra Costa County.

With more than 300 members, ECDC organizes local Democrats’ participation in the Party as well as in local civic affairs. It provides members more than tools for promoting progressive measures locally, statewide and nationally. It also provides members diverse opportunities to use those tools inside and outside the Democratic Party.

ECDC’s Mission


ECDC’s mission is to educate, organize, and promote Democratic Party political action at all levels of public decision making and discourse. Its active membership draws attention to political issues that have an impact on the community.

ECDC also promotes candidates, legislation, and issues of interest to Democrats in the El Cerrito area. Not only does the group stimulate public interest in governmental affairs, it also gives Democrats significant opportunities to participate in the election campaign process. ECDC serves as a forum for Democratic candidates and officials and provides a way for them to meet with local members of the Democratic Party.

ECDC Activities & Goals


ECDC is a clearinghouse for ideas and a gathering point for Democrats in the Kensington and El Cerrito areas. As the community’s grassroots Democratic Party organization, the Club focuses on:

  • Effectively organizing Democrats in the Kensington-El Cerrito area.
  • Scheduling Democratic discussions of local, regional, and national issues.
  • Improving voter and civic education.
  • Electing progressive Democratic candidates locally, statewide and nationally.
  • Helping local Democrats become involved in governing the Democratic Party.
  • Promoting the ideals of the Democratic Party at all levels of government.
  • Providing members with the skills and experiences for effective leadership in Democratic political action.

ECDC Meetings


ECDC meetings are open to the public. Information and the details on ECDC meetings are available on the Activities Page.

ECDC Calendar


ECDC maintains an annual calendar. It is updated periodically and is available on the Calendar Page.

ECDC Organization


ECDC provides ample opportunities for participating in Democratic Party organizations and politics. An annually-elected Executive Board manages ECDC. The Board includes the ECDC President and Vice Presidents responsible for various aspects of the organization’s mission, such as executive operations, membership, records, financial status, public programs, media relations and ECDC publications.

ECDC members may have the opportunity to work on various policy committees. In the past, committees have focused on issues of particular interest to ECDC, such as education, the environment, transportation, or voter registration. Under ECDC bylaws, administrative committees, such as membership, programs, the newsletter, press relations and hospitality can handle ECDC’s operations.

As part of the local structure of the California Democratic Party, ECDC provides its members numerous opportunities to participate in other branches of the Party. Members of ECDC join in deliberations of the Contra Costa County Democratic Central Committee, which governs the local Party and the Party’s national and statewide campaigns within the County. ECDC members on the Democratic 14th Assembly District Committee have been chosen as delegates to the State Party Convention. ECDC members are also active in regional and statewide activities of the California Democratic Council, the grassroots wing of the Party.

ECDC Officers:


  • President: Hilary Crosby. Responsible for overall administration and management of ECDC, conducting meetings of the members and the Executive Board, assuming responsibilities of other offices that are vacant or not otherwise being performed, and representing ECDC positions as spokesperson. Committee chairs may be appointed by the President, subject to member confirmation.

  • Executive Vice President: Cora Ward. Acts in the absence of the President, is responsible for encouraging the development of action plans to achieve ECDC policy objectives, overseeing those plans, maintaining the ECDC policy platform and updating the platform to include policies approved by the membership.

  • Immediate Past President: Al Miller. Acts as President in the absence of the President and Executive Vice President, and chairs the nomination committee.

  • Vice President-Membership: Yvonne Steffen. Responsible for membership lists, membership development and recruitment, affiliation with other Democratic organizations, and annual re-chartering of ECDC.

  • Vice President-Treasurer: Brad & Pat Caftel. Responsible for keeping and maintaining adequate and correct accounts of ECDC financial transactions, depositing all ECDC funds, distributing ECDC funds as authorized, and drafting a budget.

  • Vice President-Publications: Kip Crosby. Responsible for the publication and distribution of ECDC News, ECDC miscellaneous publications, and development of an ECDC presence on the Internet.

  • Vice President-Records: Gabi Baty. Responsible for member and Executive Board meeting minutes, meeting attendance records, and maintenance of ECDC’s permanent records.

  • Vice President-Programs: Betty Brown. Responsible for planning, scheduling, and arranging ECDC programs and speakers for ECDC meetings and special events, including the annual dinner.

  • Vice President-Media: Helen Cagampang. Responsible for relations with print and other media, monitoring press coverage, preparing press releases regarding ECDC meetings and actions, and acting as corresponding secretary preparing or overseeing ECDC correspondence.


ECDC Bylaws


ECDC bylaws are adopted by the members. They govern the operation and management of the organization. The current bylaws follow below:

El Cerrito Democratic Club

Bylaws


Approved 2002 and Amended August 26, 2003

I. Name: The name of this organization is the EL CERRITO DEMOCRATIC CLUB (ECDC).

II. Purpose: The ECDC is a political organization, for residents of El Cerrito, Kensington, and neighboring communities, chartered by the California Democratic Party, which:

  1. Provides a forum for area residents to discuss and explore issues of local, state, national, and/or international importance.
  2. Provides an opportunity for area residents to participate in a significant way in the election campaign process.
  3. Coordinates the exchange of ideas, plans, and information for the mutual benefit of its members.
  4. May endorse candidates and take positions on legislation and issues of interest to its members.
  5. Acts to promote the public welfare, serve the principles of democracy, oppose unfairness and discrimination, and does this by reason and with justice.

III. Membership: Any registered Democrat becomes a member upon payment of annual dues. Dues may be waived by the Executive Board for good cause, such as inability to pay. ECDC administrative information about members (e.g., name, address, phone number, e-mail address) is confidential except when disclosure would serve or promote ECDC activities or administration.

IV. Annual Dues: Dues shall be determined by the membership and shall be at least $5/year.



V. Officers:

A. Positions. Administration of ECDC shall be conducted by the following officers:

  1. President: responsible for overall administration and management of ECDC, conducting meetings of the members and the Executive Board, assuming responsibilities of other offices that are vacant or not otherwise being performed, and representing ECDC positions as spokesperson. Committee chairs may be appointed by the President, subject to member confirmation.
  2. Executive Vice President: in addition to acting in the absence of the President, is responsible for encouraging the development of action plans to achieve ECDC policy objectives, overseeing those plans, maintaining the ECDC policy platform and updating the platform to include policies approved by the membership in accordance with Section VI.E.
  3. Immediate Past President: in addition to acting as President in the absence of the President and Executive Vice President, shall chair the nomination committee.
  4. Vice President-Membership: responsible for membership lists, membership development and recruitment, affiliation with other Democratic organizations, and annual re-chartering of ECDC.
  5. Vice President-Treasurer: responsible for keeping and maintaining adequate and correct accounts of ECDC financial transactions, depositing all ECDC funds, distributing ECDC funds as authorized, and drafting a budget.
  6. Vice President-Publications: responsible for the publication and distribution of ECDC News, ECDC miscellaneous publications, and development of an ECDC presence on the Internet.
  7. Vice President-Records: responsible for member and Executive Board meeting minutes, meeting attendance records, and maintenance of ECDC’s permanent records.
  8. Vice President-Programs: responsible for planning, scheduling, and arranging ECDC programs and speakers for ECDC meetings and special events, including the annual dinner.
  9. Vice President-Media: responsible for relations with print and other media, monitoring press coverage, preparing press releases regarding ECDC meetings and actions, and acting as corresponding secretary preparing or overseeing ECDC correspondence.
In performing their duties, officers shall adhere to and be guided by the decisions of the members and Executive Board. The members may elect additional officers as needed. Any officer may appoint an assistant or assistants to aid in the performance of the officer's duties.

B. Election of Officers. Officers shall be ECDC members and elected by a majority vote of the members present at the January organizational meeting. No member shall be elected to serve in more than one office concurrently.

C. Vacancies.

  1. Filling of Vacancy. A vacancy in an office (for instance, by death or resignation) shall be filled by majority vote of the members present at any meeting the notice of which shall have specified the proposed action as provided in Section VI.B.1 (a) or (b) (Notice).
  2. Removal. A petition to remove an officer for cause may be submitted by ten members or the Executive Board. Reasons for removal include, but are not limited to, missing three consecutive Executive Board meetings without a valid excuse, or failure to faithfully perform the duties of the office. Members shall vote on the removal petition at a meeting the notice of which shall have specified the proposed removal as provided in Section VI.B.1 (a) or (b) (Notice). Removal shall require the majority vote of the members present at the meeting. The vacancy created by removal of an officer shall be filled as provided in Section V.C.1.

VI. Meetings.
A. Meetings. Members shall meet regularly, usually monthly but at least quarterly, at times, dates, and locations to be determined by the membership. Unless otherwise noticed, meetings shall include discussion of and action upon ECDC business. The January organizational meeting shall include the election of officers and setting of the calendar. Additional meetings may be called by the Executive Board or by a vote of the members at any meeting. Notice of an additional meeting shall be mailed to the members pursuant to Section VI.B.1 (a) (Notice), or given at least 72 hours in advance by telephone, electronic mail, or any combination of means.

B. Notice. Members have a right to notice and to deliberate on proposed ECDC actions.

  1. Notice Defined: Notice exists when the text of a proposed action and its implementation plan is either:
    (a) mailed to the members, in the ECDC News or otherwise, at least ten days prior to the meeting at which action is proposed, or
    (b) presented at a member meeting, informing the members that the members will be asked to act upon the proposal at a subsequent meeting.
    2. Notice Unnecessary: No notice is required when a proposed action is fairly encompassed by an ECDC action previously taken that is still in effect.
  2. Waiver of Notice: Notice of a proposed action may be waived by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting at a meeting, provided that those voting for the waiver constitute at least a majority of the required quorum for the meeting.

C. Conduct of Meetings. The members shall designate a Rules of Order to guide matters not specifically covered by these Bylaws or standing rules.

D. Quorum. Quorum at a meeting consists of five per cent of the membership, but not less than 10 members.

E. Voting.

  1. Any proposal that has been properly presented as specified in Section VI.B 1(a) or (b). (Notice) may be adopted by a simple majority of the members present and voting at the meeting, provided that those voting for the proposal constitute at least a majority of the required quorum for the meeting.
  2. Any proposal for which Notice has been waived as provided by Section VI.B.3 (Waiver) may be adopted by the 2/3 vote of the members present and voting at the meeting, provided that those voting for the proposal constitute at least a majority of the required quorum for the meeting.
  3. Members may not vote by proxy.<.li>

VII. Newsletter: ECDC shall distribute a newsletter to all members and newsletter subscribers, usually monthly preceding each member meeting. Within the limits of the budget, the newsletter shall include information on ECDC business, such as action taken at member and Executive Board meetings, notice of proposed actions as provided in Section VI.B. (Notice), and any other matters as specified in these Bylaws.

VIII. Executive Board: The Executive Board shall consist of the Elected Officers specified in paragraph V.A (Positions).
The Executive Board is empowered to act for the membership between member meetings on:

  1. administrative details,
  2. follow-up actions on issues upon which ECDC has taken a position,
  3. time sensitive issues that must be decided before the next member meeting, and
  4. calling additional meetings as specified in Section VI.A (Meetings).
The Executive Board shall act with restraint and discretion. The Executive Board may act in a meeting or by a poll. Prior notice of meetings shall be given to all Executive Board members. A quorum shall be five officers. An action may be adopted by a majority of the Executive Board present and voting at the meeting.

If acting by poll, notice of the proposed action shall be given to all Executive Board members. A majority of all Board members is required to approve an action taken by poll. The Executive Board may not vote by proxy. All actions of the Executive Board shall be reported at the next member meeting, the membership confirming, when appropriate, the actions taken.

IX. Endorsements of Candidates, Taking Positions on Ballot Issues, and Making Campaign Contributions: ECDC may endorse candidates for public office, take positions on ballot issues, and contribute to political campaigns (“Endorsement Actions”). All Endorsement Actions shall be taken in accordance with ECDC Standing Rules on Endorsement.

Prior to endorsing a candidate for an office, except a candidate for state or federal office elected on a statewide basis, ECDC shall inform all registered Democrats who are candidates for that office that ECDC may endorse, and shall offer each Democratic candidate or his or her representative an opportunity to meet with the ECDC membership.

An Endorsement Action may only be taken at a meeting of members after notice has been provided as specified in section VI.B.1 (a) or (b). The affirmative vote of 60% of the members present and voting, but not less than 5% of the members or 10 members, whichever is greater, is necessary for an Endorsement Action.

IX. Endorsements of Candidates, Taking Positions on Ballot Issues and Making Campaign Contributions: ECDC may endorse candidates for public office, take positions on ballot issues and contribute to political campaigns ("Endorsement Actions"). All Endorsement Actions shall be taken in accordance with ECDC Standing Rules on Endorsement.

Prior to endorsing a candidate seeking an office for which ECDC has scheduled a candidates’ forum and endorsement vote by secret ballot, ECDC will communicate with the Democratic candidates or their campaigns, and invite them or their representatives to participate in a Candidates’ Forum. For all other candidates, notice of such a forum shall be determined by the Executive Board.

An Endorsement Action may only be taken at a meeting of members after notice has been provided to members in the ECDC News or otherwise, mailed at least 10 days prior to the meeting at which action may be taken. ECDC can only endorse candidates who are Democrats. The affirmative vote of 60% of the members present and voting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater, is necessary for an Endorsement Action. Voting on candidates may be accomplished by use of a ranked-choice or instant runoff system.

X. Use of ECDC Identity: No person may use or authorize the use of the ECDC name, address, mailing permit, or any other item that would identify ECDC, except as follows:

  1. listing ECDC as an endorser when endorsement has been properly obtained pursuant to section IX, or
  2. upon receiving the approval of 60% of the members present and voting at a meeting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater, provided notice of the exact use and the materials in which the item is to be used are provided pursuant to section VI.B.1(a) or (b).
    3. No use may extend beyond the time specified by the members.

XI. Amendments: An amendment to these Bylaws may be considered at any member meeting in which notice is provided under sections VI.B.1(a) and (b). The affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members present and voting at the meeting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater, is necessary to adopt an amendment.

The members may adopt, amend, or waive any of the ECDC Standing Rules by a majority of those present and voting at a meeting. ECDC shall not promulgate standing rules inconsistent with these bylaws.