With only two days until the election, and polls showing your lead widening against opponent Meg Whitman, c’mon Jerry, do you really need to make that out-of-the-way trek up to Humboldt County? Really?
For whatever reason, Jerry Brown did.
At 8 a.m. Sunday morning, around 150 presumed supporters of the California gubernatorial candidate sardine-packed themselves into the banquet hall at the Samoa Cookhouse for the opportunity to get “stumped on” by California’s 34th, and likely 39th, Governor.
Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee Chair Milt Boyd kicked things off and welcomed excited Humboldt Dems before inviting Wiyot elder Cheryl Seidner to bless the event. Breakfast was served. Biscuits and gravy, French toast, sausage and eggs. Delicious.
After the grub, Assemblyman Wes Chesbro fluffed the crowd a bit more, mentioning the effectiveness of the recent “Why I Came to California” Brown campaign ad, before introducing the candidate who entered to chants of “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry,” from the energetic crowd. Jerry warmed up by proclaiming “It’s good to be back in Humboldt, where the air is pure… until you exhale,” to uproarious laughter. After that and for the duration of his brief speech, Jerry kept the atmosphere loose while still managing to hit most of his campaign’s talking points — jobs, clean energy, etc. — before thanking his extremely gracious audience for their support. There was no question/answer period. Brown shook a few hands, while making his way through the crowd and exiting the building.
He was scheduled to to meet with voters in Chico at 11 a.m.
This article appears in The Creepy Carson.
Nice job Mr. Goff!
Not sure why we needed to see the breakfast mess… however, it should be pointed out that Goff just blew Hank Sims right out of the water. When a total amateur does better work in words and pictures than the editor of the mag, one begins to wonder what else Sims can’t do. Or perhaps “won’t do” is the better term?
This was a very nice rally; good people meeting old and new friends, great conviviality, local politicos ranging from Bonnie to Paul to Virgina to Wesley working the crowd, a free breakfast, even a citizen outside– freely giving out Sunday donuts and Starbucks coffee out of his own pocket– to everyone braving the early morning chill of 7 am or later to attend.
Mr. Brown was very friendly and approachable, speaking briefly on a number of topics. He shook many hands, even the cofee and donut guy outside.
I was impressed. Everyone got along very well. Cheryl Seidner’s presentation was inspirational. Mr. Brown was very giving both of his time and thoughts to Humboldt folks gathered around at the Samoa Cookhouse during this quick whistle-stop.
I would guess about 250+ folks were there? There were no protesters, Meg supporters, Tea Baggers, or the like.
To note, Mr. Bird, Dr. Boyd, Phillis, Jean, Bob,and so many other great volunteers (sorry if I can’t mention everyone), did an exceptional job of running such a good, smooth, and peaceful event for everyone.
They allowed a group of different interests to gather signatures on their petitions outside; this was a nice job of coordination, cooperation, and, I felt, Democracy, at it’s finest on the part of the HCDCC.
Nice job, everyone, and ‘bravo’ to the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee for making this happen. Thank you for having us. It was awesome. Thank you, too, coffee guy!
There’s something else worth mentioning. What I really liked about this event was how inclusive and egalitatarian it was towards everyone.
All were invited, greeted warmly, and welcomed to a nice breakfast free of charge. It’s nice and refreshing to see the HCDCC welcoming everyone ‘into their tent’, so to speak; from all walks of life, rich and poor, the high-and-mighty to the common, working Joe, well, you know…’the People.’ Us. The HCDCC and Mr. Brown welcomed all, shaking hands and speaking kind words individually.
Here’s a case in point I observed that did not go unnoticed: a protesting group showed up for their different issue at hand. Rather than becoming confrontational, adversarial, or being booted out, the HCDCC graciously allowed them to put up their signs and peaceably gather signatures for their petition, just no overt protesting or poor behavior. That was wise, smart, and very cool. Everyone got along! Now, that’s cooperation, coordination, inclusion, and the true spirit of Democracy, I thought to myself.
Sometimes I get the impressing awareness that the ‘Other Party’ prefers to be more exclusive of who they represent and invite into their tent nowadays. They would have booted this group from their private property. And the free coffee guy welcoming others, too!
The HCDCC knows how to throw a great party,