| Hi Fellow Democrats,
This month we will not meet for our regularly scheduled meeting. Instead we are planning a candidate forum for the Lemon Grove Mayor’s Race. We have invited all three candidates for Mayor, and Minola Clark Mason has agreed to be our moderator.
We will be looking to you for some great questions. As all the candidates currently serve on City Council, we do have to carefully choose questions. The Brown Act prohibits a majority of the Council from holding a meeting to discuss any city business. This means that we cannot ask any questions that cover a topic that is currently being discussed by or considered by our City Council. We have been advised by three separate sources, including the City Attorney, that this is the best safeguard to avoid a Brown Act violation. This is for the protection of both the City of Lemon Grove and all three elected officials.
Please reply to this email with any questions you have for the candidates. All questions will be asked of all candidates.
We are currently working to secure a location, and once we do, we will get the information out to you.
Looking forward, we will meet in October on Wednesday the 9th at 6:00 pm at Sungarden Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care, 2045 Skyline Dr, Lemon Grove, CA 91945, to review the ballot propositions!
Additionally, we also regret that we have to share some sad news. Our former East Area Chair, Eric Hereford, passed away from a heart attack last week. He was a great friend to our club and a strong supporter of Democratic causes both in East County, San Diego, and up and down our State. His wisdom and kindness will be deeply missed.
We also want to share the Obituary of Rebecca Tayor who was serving as San Diego County Democratic Party Chair at the time of her passing.
Rebecca “Becca” Lynn Taylor
September 10, 1983 – July 17, 2024
Rebecca Lynn Taylor, a devoted Navy veteran, passionate advocate, and vibrant community leader, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident on July 17, 2024, at the age of 40.
Born on September 10, 1983, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Rebecca’s life was a testament to resilience and dedication. As a true military brat, she lived in various states, including South Carolina, California, Virginia, and Texas, though she spent the majority of her childhood in Plano, TX.
Rebecca proudly served in the Navy, working as an aviation electrician and serving in Afghanistan. Her military service was a source of immense pride and shaped her lifelong commitment to supporting veterans. After her military career, she pursued higher education with vigor, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Gerontology from San Diego State University, reflecting her dedication to improving the lives of older adults.
Rebecca’s advocacy extended beyond her professional and educational achievements. As the chair of the Democratic Party in San Diego, she was a fervent supporter of LGBTQ rights and progressive causes. Her diverse interests included riding her Harley, traveling the world, and meeting new people. She loved creating bonds with people from all walks of life, and never went anywhere without making a friend.
She is survived by her parents, Timothy (TJ) and Amy Cook, and Patrice and Don Frazier; along with her siblings and their spouses – Brandy and John Waters, Thomas and Jessica Cook, Holly and Dakota Edwards, Caitlin Cook, and Dylan Cook. Rebecca is also survived by her three nephews, two nieces, a large extended family, and a vast network of friends who will deeply miss her.
A celebration of Rebecca’s life will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 5 pm at Marina Village, 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, California. All who knew her are invited to join in honoring her remarkable life and the enduring impact she made on those around her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Rebecca’s memory be made to the Becca Taylor Scholarship Fund established by the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council or to a charity that supports and/or advocates for Veterans, victims of sexual assault and/or the LGBTQ+ community.
Rebecca’s spirit, her boundless enthusiasm, and the joy she brought to others will forever be remembered. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
May both Rebecca Taylor and Eric Hereford Rest In Power.
Thank you,
Spring Valley Lemon Grove Democratic Club |