June 17th, 2025 Club Meeting Speaker #1 
Speaker: Paul Chakalian 
Running For: U.S. House of Representatives CA 23
Summary of Candidacy: If elected, Paul will work across the aisle to deliver concrete improvements in our communities by reducing costs for working families, supporting businesses and schools, and ensuring access to quality healthcare and our shared natural spaces. His top priorities are: (1) Addressing the housing affordability and insurance crisis, (2) Funding 4-year degree programs at high-desert community colleges, and (3) Building a Level I Trauma Center in the high-desert and increasing quality healthcare access for all residents including veterans and individuals on Medicare and Medicaid.
Website: https://www.paulforca23.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulforca23/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Paul-Chakalian-for-Congress/61575467699922/

June 17th, 2025 Club Meeting Speaker #2
Speaker: Randall PutzCandidate For: CA Assembly District 34
Candidate Info: Randall Putz brings 16 years of proven experience in elected office and a lifetime commitment to service. He currently serves on the Big Bear Lake City Council, where he has been Mayor twice, and honored with statewide recognition for excellence in public service. As an area resident for 25 years, he has held leadership roles with a variety of local and regional agencies focused on public safety, education, transportation, conservation, and planning. Randy is a native Californian, father, small business owner, and community advocate who cares deeply about the future of our region. He stands for transparency, accountability, and fairness that honors labor and equity. In Sacramento he will continue to fight for the attention and resources we need and deserve, putting planet over profit, and people over billionaires.
Links: Candidate Website: https://putzforassembly.com/            Social Media: putzforassembly

Glen Thompson Scholarship Award
Thank you for ALL your contributions to our Scholarship award.  In an effort to keep supporting a community program we are looking for items to raffle at our meeting.  Please email us if you have something to contribute. 

Award ceremony speech: The Mountain Bears Democratic Club created our Community Service Award to recognize Glen Thompson, one of our former members who exemplified service to the mountain community.  Each year we give a $500 scholarship to a graduating Rim High School senior who exemplifies the best in service to our community.

We are truly gratified by the number and quality of applicants for this award. This year was no exception. However, there was one applicant that stood out above all others, that clearly embraced the values of our Mountain Bears Democratic club.  This amazing Senior has worked hard for years giving to others and supporting the community through Operation Provider.

What struck us as astounding and hit our hearts was the next part of this applicant's vision for a better world.  Founding a new club on the RIM campus La CASA de RIM, whose purpose is fighting to Bridge the gap between students here at RIM and the acceptance of other cultures that are the fabric of our melting pot called America. This woman we know will be a strong progressive leader.  We support her vision and admire her passion.  We The Democratic club are honored to be a small part of her journey. 
 
The 2025 Mountain Bear Democratic Club Community Service award goes to: 
Odaliz Victorio

Running Springs to Big Bear….MBDC is protesting because they care!

The 2025 May Day protests were held internationally on May 2025. Demonstrations are being held in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. There were also protests in Manila and Taipei. In the United States, protests were organized as part of the 50501 movement.

Jay Obernolte and Tom Lackey held mobile office hours in Lake Arrowhead Thursday, 5/1. MBDC and other concerned citizens showed up to discuss Jays House votes that hurt his constituents. Concerns ranged from Medicaid, forest logging, education, immigrants in concentration camps, Jay’s basic kissing the ring of Trump and basic disregard for THE RULE OF LAW and our CONSTITUTION.

Jay did NOT show up!

Based on the available information, here’s a breakdown of Jay Obernolte’s votes and positions related to benefit cuts in 2025:

Votes on Budget Proposals:

• Obernolte voted for the House GOP budget bill, which has been criticized for potentially leading to cuts in social safety net programs like Medicaid. This bill proposes significant cuts to programs under the purview of several House committees.
• These proposed cuts include: $238 billion over nine years to programs within the House Committee on Agriculture (including SNAP), $330 billion over nine years for the House Education and Workforce Committee (which oversees child nutrition), and $880 billion over nine years for the Energy and Commerce Committee (which oversees Medicaid).