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). 

Name: Seta Ghazarian
Running For: California Democratic Party Region 11 Director
Election Date: May 31, 2025
Where to Vote: Anaheim at the CADEM Convention (only Region 11 delegates can participate)
Summary of Candidacy: My name is Seta Ghazarian, and I am honored to be running for re-election as Region 11 Director in the California Democratic Party. It has been a privilege to serve in this role for the past two years, and I am eager to continue the work. With 23 years of experience as a high school teacher, I engage daily with the next generation of voters—listening to their concerns, understanding their hopes, and helping them find their voices. I also advise the Hesperia High School Democrats, working to ensure that young people have a seat at the table and a say in the future of our party. Beyond the classroom, I am a proud union member, serving as a site representative and formerly as a PAC Chair. My work in labor organizing, along with my leadership as Founder and Lead Organizer of the High Desert Resistance (2017–2019) and as the Current and Past President (2019–2023) of the High Desert Progressive Democrats, has equipped me with the experience, dedication, and strategic vision to continue leading as Region 11 Director.  
In my first term as Regional Director, I prioritized increasing participation in the ADEM election process and expanding access to critical party information. By leveraging technology, launching regional social media pages, creating a dedicated website, and implementing an email marketing system, I ensured that every delegate and club president received timely and transparent updates. I also made it a priority to be present for our communities—driving thousands of miles between the two major population hubs in our region, the Antelope Valley and the Victor Valley, while also visiting the mountain communities and rural areas. Looking ahead, I plan to build on this momentum by continuing to offer support, guidance, and resources that empower our region’s Democrats, such as original informational sessions like the popular “So You Wanna Be a Delegate?” Zooms I hosted this past winter.
Thank you for your time and consideration. 
Links:
– Website: https://setaghazarian.com
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seta4cdp11
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seta4cdp11/