Piedmont’s Vice Mayor Conna McCarthy attended last weekend’s California Democratic Party convention as an observer, joining fellow Piedmonters and official delegates Julie Caskey and Teddy Gray King. Piedmont’s city attorney Deepa Sharma also serves as California state party vice chair.
McCarthy shared her observations with the Exedra below.
What was the mood at the convention?
The mood was highly energized. Attendees were clear on immediate goals for June and November elections and already hard at work trying to elect candidates who will provide balance to the one party leadership that currently dominates all three branches of federal government. The current administration was challenged over policies that Democrats, Independents, and many Republicans find antithetical to American values.
Dozens of candidates for constitutional office took to the podium to speak out against federal deportation policies. A common theme among candidates was a sharing of first-person familial immigration stories. Candidates told stories of the sacrifices their parents and grandparents made so they could have a future that now allowed them to stand on a stage in front of thousands of people as full participants in the American dream. There was an overwhelming sense of hope and a unified commitment to make sure others can share in that same dream.
Did you find the results of the endorsement votes surprising?
Under Democratic Party rules, a candidate must secure at least 60% of the delegate vote to recieve an official endorsement. With nine major Democratic candidates currently in the Governor’s race, securing 60% of the delegate vote is a challenge, so it was not surprising that a consensus was not reached.
In the same way, because all but two of California’s eight constitutional offices are heavily contested, securing a consensus for endorsement in those heavily contested races was not available.
What were some highlights for you?
A major highlight of the convention were the tributes paid to retiring San Francisco Congresswoman and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. After nearly 40 years in elected office, Nancy Pelosi was lauded as a trailblazer who broke the marble ceiling to become the first (and only) woman in American history to serve as Speaker of the House.
Several hundred people attended the tribute dinner on Saturday night, affectionately referred to as “Pelosi-palooza.” California State Party Chair Rusty Hicks emcee’d and several prominent folks spoke, including Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, Dolores Huerta, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Congressman Pete Aguilar, and U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff.
Congresswoman Lateefah Simon and McCarthy 
McCarthy, Christine Pelosi, and Deepa Sharma
Pelosi was praised for her ability to hold the Democratic caucus together in order to pass history-making legislation including the Affordable Care Act, the economic rescue plans of 2008 and 2021, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Speakers recalled many Pelosi-isms beginning with Pelosi’s legendary battle cry, “We don’t agonize. We organize,” which is her oft-repeated phrase used to rally Democrats into action. She was remembered as an “iron fist in a velvet glove,” as well as for her advice to newly elected congressional members that they learn to “take a punch and throw a punch” “but always for the benefit of America’s children because the children are our future.”
A photo montage/video was shown that covered the years Pelosi spent in office, beginning with her June 2, 1987 election night victory, [the iconic photo of] her ripping President Trump’s State of the Union speech, to Oval Office photos celebrating the signing of history-making legislation.
Nancy Pelosi 
Pelosi lapel pins
She was highly praised for her intellect, her stamina, her ability to strategize, and for her ongoing determination to attract and mentor women to participate in elected leadership roles. It was a sentimental journey for sure.
When Pelosi finally took to the podium, she spent her time thanking the many important people in her life who supported and guided her ascendance to leadership. She was especially vocal about the importance of organizing grass roots support — doing the work of organizing, by talking to neighbors, making phone calls, and walking precincts.
Photos courtesy of Conna McCarthy
Photos courtesy of Conna McCarthy and Christine Pelosi