Democratic Club

by Jane Brittingham

LW contributor

The LW Democratic Club will meet April 22 in Clubhouse 3, Room 2, at 1:30 p.m. with two guest speakers who are candidates for the Superior Court of California, Orange County: Judge Ami Sheth Sagel and Robert Mestman.

Sagel is an incumbent currently serving on the Orange County Superior Court. Appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023, she is now seeking election to retain her seat. A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, Judge Sagel’s career includes nearly a decade in private practice and six years as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.

Mestman is a candidate for the open seat of Superior Court Office No. 13. He brings over 24 years of experience as a criminal prosecutor and is currently an Orange County senior deputy district attorney. A cum laude graduate of Northwestern University School of Law and with a master’s from Kellogg School of Management, he spent the last 19 years serving the Orange County community.

People are welcome to bring a lunch and come early to enjoy visiting with other like-minded individuals. Light refreshments will be provided.

At its last meeting, California state senate candidate Chris Duncan addressed the club on March 25. Duncan called for a return to core democratic values, specifically highlighting the importance of law, order, and the rule of law in today’s political landscape. Duncan spoke passionately about his desire to streamline government and move past the current atmosphere of chaos. The Democratic Hospitality Booth is open the first Tuesday and third Thursday of each month outside Clubhouse 6 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Lunch Bunch meets at Hof’s Hut off Seal Beach Boulevard at 11:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, contact Debbie Wrathall Debbiewrathall@ mac.com.

The club’s next Voter Education session is Wednesday, April 8, at 10:30 a.m., in Clubhouse 3, Room 3. The group will write postcards and call representatives. Bev Bender recommends downloading the “5 Calls” app to help with knowing what to say. Voter Education sessions are the second Wednesday of each month. For more information,email Bender at beverleybender@gmail.com.

SBLW Democratic Club believes health care is a right, diversity is a strength, the economy should work for everyone and that facts and truth matter.

For more information about the Leisure World Democratic Club and about upcoming elections at the local, state or national level, email lwsbdemocraticclub@ gmail.com.

People can also visit the club’s Facebook page or website, where people can read articles unedited.