CDC - Nightlife and Parties

This year's convention is more unique than the past as there are a lot more young democrats - high schoolers and college kids. I believe there should be around 800 first timers who registered with the California Young Democrats who came. With this, we see some of the caucuses being dominated by younglings and they voted as a bloc to overthrow the incumbents. At times i do pity the incumbents as some of them really did work hard. However, it is a fresh start for many of the caucuses with new leadership that inspires young people to be involve in politics.

As usual after 10pm, various politicians will hold separate parties at the convention. Last year the CYD had a miniscule room to hold the party and we ran out of alcohol in less than an hour. This year is totally different. I guess it's because everyone wants to be at his good side. I do hope that he can bring progressive reform to our party. He might be 77, but he's still strong and had a commanding aura around him.

Next is the apple pie and ice cream party. I love the atmosphere in that room. There is a band playing jazz music, with a cozy environment. There is no alcohol, only tea and coffee. The crust of the apple pie is superb. It's definitely one of the best apple pie i've tasted. I went for 3 full servings and this is after i had my humongous plate of baby back ribs.

The CTA's party had a familiar feel to it. It's no different than the year before - the room is 'sunny' and bright- and cookies and chocolates everywhere. Somehow by representing the CFA, the CTA has a dislike for people like me. I think this is due to the Prop 1A where the CTA was for it while most of the grassroots were against it. I think many felt betrayed that the CTA chose to endorse Prop 1A. There were a few good souls out there who actually researched AB656 and then came back to me and signed the petition. I would like to thank them for that. All in all, Gov. Arnold's divide and conquer seems to be working with Prop 1A.

As for Sat night's party, Majority leader Toricco had a salsa/karaoke party. There's also a rootbear float party and several others. I managed to get a pass on the 'block' party hosted by the high school democrats and Mayor Gavin Newsom. With that i did not attend any of the parties at the convention center and chose to go to the 'Block' party as well as one hosted by the LGBT group in a posh restaurant nearby. This party was very elegant. There were 3 types of sushis, satays, other good food as well as the fancy hard liquors. This is in contrast to only beers and wines at the convention.

In conclusion, i told many of the younglings that by having the trips fully paid while attending the various interest group sponsored parties, they are all now part of the system in which they voted to change. Furthermore, everyone did indeed has a fantastic time. Maybe it's more fun being the campaign manager than a politician as you can be the ones enjoying the parties rather than being the host.