The Democratic Club of Southern Sonoma County’s annual Backyard Barbeque Bash on July 14 drew a crowd of nearly 200 people to the home of hosts Bill and Maggie Fishman.

The gathering featured some of the local Democratic heavy hitters, including Lynn Woolsey, who is retiring from the House of Representatives this year, and Mike Thompson, the 5th District’s representive in the House.

Woolsey thanked the crowd for supporting her during her 20 years in Congress but feels she’s leaving the local political scene in good hands.

“There are two great men to fill my shoes,” Woolsey said of Thompson and Jared Huffman. Through redistricting, Thompson’s district now includes Rohnert Park, Penngrove and Cotati. Huffman, favored to win the seat to replace Woolsey, also was on hand.
Woolsey urged those in attendance to join Americans for Democratic Action, which was founded on the ideals of Eleanore Roosevelt and spoke fondly of her work with CARE in fighting global poverty in undeveloped countries.

Entertainment was provided by Jim Peterson (of the Stony Point Band), his wife, Joan Hawley, Buster Culberson, Mary Gannon and DJ Rich Steingruber. Huffman even donned his guitar and joined the band for a rendition of “This Land is Your Land.”

Mayor David Glass, of Petaluma, served as master of ceremonies. Other elected officials in attendance included Assembly member Michael Allen, Assembly member Mariko Yamada, Petaluma council member and Assembly candidate Marc Levine, Cotati Mayor Susan Harvey and Sonoma City Council member Laurie Gallian,

For more information on club meetings and events, go to www.southsonomademocrats.org.  For countywide activities and local Democratic Party and headquarters information, call 575-3029 or go to www.sonomademocrats.org.