Democratic Club Takes a Bold Step Tonight, Asking City Hall to be Sponsor

Shock Treatment

Mr. Camarella said he was  “shocked” to receive notification that, under a new rental  schedule, the Democratic Club’s monthly rate at the  Vets Auditorium was going to increase by “75 to 80 percent.”

The onetime union organizer is not without a sense of humor. 

He told Mr. LaPointe that just as he was recovering from shock No. 1, he got bushwhacked by shock No. 2. “I get shocked frequently,” Mr. Camarella cracked.

Here It Comes Again

The second whacking was ignited by reading the list of organizations that City Hall  sponsors (read: receives financial breaks).

The list, which Mr. Camarella asserted included overtly political groups, “was shocking in its scope and amounts.”

(Mr. Camarella’s letter and the complete list of city-sponsored groups are posted at the bottom of this story.)

In view of the drastic change in financial requirements, the Democratic  Club is seeking to have the city cover its yearly rent of $2300. 

AARP Political?

Before criticism is leveled at his club, Mr. Camarella said this afternoon, it should be known that an organization as undeniably political as the AARP, the American Assn. of Retired Persons, is sponsored by City Hall.

Making It up as They Go?

While gauging his chances for affirmation tonight at “zilch,” Mr. Camarella said, “I had to bring it up.

“I ran for office on a plank that said there is a need for tighter policies and procedures than we have, and the city needs to save money.”

The Letter, the List

Here is Mr. Camarella’s letter followed by the listing of city-sponsored groups.

Bill LaPointe,  Director

December 19, 2006

DeCC Parks & Recreation

I recently received a letter from the Parks & Recreation Department informing the Culver City Democratic Club of the increases in rents for organizations and individuals who use the facilities at the Veterans complex.

According to the new rental schedule, the Culver City Democratic Club’s assessment would go up approximately 75-80%.  This was obviously quite a shock.  I requested information on those organizations that were being sponsored by the City on a monthly or yearly basis.  The list was also shocking (I get shocked frequently) in its scope and amounts.

The Culver City Democratic Club has been a major organization in this city for over 53 years.

Most of that time we have met in Vets Rotunda Room on a monthly basis.  We have had large memberships throughout the years and for each of the last 2 years, we have had well-over 300 members.  We have been successful in bringing well-known speakers to Culver City (Michael Dukakis, Stephen Rohde, Kent Wong) to educate our Community and Club members. 

In 2006 we brought, for the first time in the history of Southern California, all the Democratic statewide candidates to our own Veterans Auditorium.  We also had some successful fundraisers.  The publicity for these events helped raise the profile of Culver City.

The Culver City Democratic Club has been helpful to the reputation of Culver City, the businesses here and the citizens of our fair city.  Our consistency has been helpful to the Parks Department in budget planning (we lease a year at a time) and has been helpful to the registered voters in our community (80% of whom are registered as Democrats).

Therefore, having looked at the list of “Sponsored Organizations”, I am formally requesting that the Culver City Democratic Club be sponsored by the city.  I believe you have certain discretionary power that will allow you to sponsor our group for our total yearly rental of $ 2300.  If we have a famous speaker that will draw people to Culver City, we would also like the auditorium for ½ price.  This will encourage more use of the auditorium and get more outside people to visit the Vets Park Complex and the City.

The new year starts shortly and I would like to let our members know your answer as soon as possible.

You may reach me anytime between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week.

Tom Camarella: President,

Sponsored Organizations FY 05/06

City Events in the Veterans Memorial Building in FY 05/06