Upcoming Events

2025 Board Elections

Thursday, December 19 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The BreakRoom | 2021 Shattuck Avenue (Berkeley)

Apply / More Info

Join us at our last event of the year! Interested in serving? Visit the link above to apply and learn more about election guidelines and board positions! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to a current board member, email info@ebyd.org, or DM us on our social media accounts. Candidate statements will be posted here (as we receive them).

Previous Events

~~~ 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA ~~~

Saturday, November 16 | 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Fluid510 | 1544 Broadway (Oakland)

Register/Sponsor | Become a Member

Picture it: 2003. Myspace and the iTunes Store were launched. The top song was 50 Cent’s "In da Club”. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was released and would go on to win 11 Oscars. The final season of Friends aired. Michael Jordan retired. The average college graduate had about $18,000 in debt. California Governor Gray Davis was recalled and Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected…. and the East Bay Young Democrats were formed.

Young Dems get in Free (Ages 35 and under). Tickets are $25 otherwise. Sponsorships start at $100. Your donation helps us get more young people involved in politics.

If you are a former member with photos and memories to share, please reach out to info@ebyd.org.

Sponsors: A HUGE thank you goes out to our sponsors for their support and generosity in helping young Dems fight for a more progressive East bay - do not worry, if you have not yet, you can still donate now, at the gala, or anytime after!

Pink Pony Club: Becker Boards, Kos Read Group

American Idols: Senator-Elect Jesse Arreguín

Myspace Top Friends: Representative John Garamendi, Peralta Community College District Trustee Dyana Delfín-Polk, UA Local 483

Hamilton Broadway Stars: BART Director-Elect Victor Flores, Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Márquez, Berkeley Councilmember-Elect Brent Blackaby, Berkeley Mayoral Candidate Adena Ishii, Oakland City Council Candidate Warren Logan, Clifford Moss, SMART Local 104

TikTok Influencers: Representative-Elect Lateefah Simon, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, East Bay Regional Parks Director Elizabeth Echols, East Bay Regional Parks Director-Elect Luana España, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, Oakland Councilmember-Elect Rowena Brown, Berkeley Unified School District Director Ka'Dijah Brown, Berkeley Councilmember Mark Humbert, Berkeley Councilmember Igor Tregub, Alameda Unified School District Trustee Ryan LaLonde, Housing Action Coalition, East Bay for Everyone, EBYD President Rubén Hernández Story, EBYD VP of Political Affairs Christina Becker, EBYD VP of Membership Erika Neal + Communications Director Olivia Asemota

BRAT Certified: Laura Babitt, Valarie Bachelor, Kera Binns, Casey Farmer, Edie Irons, Charlie Jones, Andy Kelley, Aisha Knowles, Lance Kwan, Donald Lathbury, Scott Sakakihara, Sarah Syed, Terry Taplin, Alfred Twu, Zac Unger, Jenny Wong, San Leandro Democratic Club

In-Kind: Golden State Warriors

Virtual Ballotpalooza
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Thursday, September 26 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Become a Member | Donate

We will be discussing and voting on state propositions, local ballot measures, and recall efforts. In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the event, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from September 27, 2023, to September 5, 2024, and have paid your annual dues.

Endorsement Mixer
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Wednesday, September 18 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
7th West | 1255 7th Street (Oakland)

Become a Member | Donate

Join us and candidates from the political races below at a meet and greet! We will be voting on endorsements for the candidates below. Candidate questionnaires will be posted here as we receive them. In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the event, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from September 19, 2023, to August 28, 2024, and have paid your annual dues.

Save the Youth Endorsement Forum
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Thursday, September 12 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Become a Member | Donate

Join us and school board candidates from Berkeley, Hayward, Oakland, Pleasanton, and Sunol Glen at our Save the Youth Endorsement Forum! We will be voting on endorsements for the candidates below. Candidate questionnaires will be posted here as we receive them. In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the event, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from September 13, 2023, to August 22, 2024, and have paid your annual dues.

Social Hour

Friday, August 30 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
The BreakRoom | 2021 Shattuck Avenue (Berkeley)

Become a Member | Donate

Join us for one last Social Hour before endorsement and gala season! Whether you are a young Democrat looking to get more involved in East Bay politics, a candidate running in the general election, or a new or old friend of the club - make your way over to Downtown Berkeley and its newest pool bar.

Social Hour
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Wednesday, June 12 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Fluid510 | 1544 Broadway

Become a Member | Donate

Join us and learn about the work we do and how you can help!

General Membership Meeting
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Monday, May 20 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Become a Member | Donate

This month's voting topics include: a petition for better AC Transit schedules from the People’s Transit Alliance; the Justice for Renters Act; and a presentation from the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation about their work to establish a National Park Service Monument in California that explores the history of the Black Panther Party

In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the event, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from May 21, 2023, to April 29, 2024, and have paid your annual dues.

General Membership Meeting
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Monday, April 15 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Become a Member | Donate

This month's voting topics include: the Berkeley City Council District 4 special election; Berkeley Citizens for Safe Streets' proposed ballot measure; the Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act; and decline to sign efforts regarding the proposed “Restricts Rights of Transgender Youth” ballot initiative. Candidate questionnaires will be posted here as we receive them.

In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the event, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from April 16, 2023, to March 25, 2024, and have paid your annual dues.

Questionnaires: Soli Alpert | Elana Auerbach | Rubén Hernández Story | Igor Tregub

Social Hour
Co-Hosts: East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club and Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Friday, February 23 | 6:00 - 9:00 pm
The Port Bar | 2023 Broadway

Become a Member | Donate

Join us and learn about the work we do and how you can help! We will be supporting The Port Bar one last time (for now) as they closing due to a dispute with their landlord who wants to stop their queer programming. They have been a major partner of our clubs and the owners are former EBYD members. In the meantime, you can support their sibling location, Fluid510.

Support the Port

General Membership Meeting

Wednesday, February 21 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Become a Member | Donate

Join us as we hear from candidates for the Berkeley City Council District 7 Special Election and receive a presentation from BART Director Rebecca Saltzman about their Safe & Clean Plan! EBYD members will also be voting on our club endorsement for this race.

In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the meeting, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from February 22, 2023, to January 21, 2024, and have paid your annual dues.

Questionnaires: James Chang | Cecilia Lunaparra

General Membership Meeting
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Wednesday, January 31 | 7 - 9 pm
Spats | 1974 Shattuck Avenue

Join us at our first event of the year! We will be voting on endorsements for the candidates and issues below. In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the event, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from February 1, 2023, to January 10, 2024, and have paid your annual dues.

State Senate District 5: Jerry McNerney

Alameda County Board of Supervisors District 2:

Alameda County Board of Supervisors District 4: Jennifer Esteen | Nate Miley

Alameda County Board of Supervisors District 5: Ben Bartlett | John Bauters | Nikki Fortunato Bas | Gregory Hodge | Lorrel Plimier

City of Oakland Auditor: Michael Houston

Proposition 1: Yes on Prop 1 | No on Prop 1

Measure A: Alameda County Charter Amendment (Notification Period of Civil Service)

Measure B: Alameda County Charter Amendment (Adopting State Law Recall Procedures)

Measure D: City of Oakland Regular Measure (Increasing the Appropriations Limit)

Measure H: Berkeley Unified School District Parcel Tax

2023 Events

2024 Executive Board Elections

Join us at our last event of the year!

Thursday, December 14 | 7 - 9 pm
Kinfolx | 1951 Telegraph Avenue

Candidate, Pronouns, Position Sought, Statement

Rubén Hernández Story (He/Him/Él) - President

“After serving on the board for five years, I would be honored to be your next president! When I moved to California in 2018, I was immediately welcomed into the EBYD family and I cannot wait to continue to give back to our members and the community at large. From México to Texas, Ohio, and California, I have been fortunate to meet folks from all walks of life and I use that daily to guide my moral compass. I hope to utilize my eight years of experience as a legislative aide (Ohio Senate and East Bay cities of Richmond and Berkeley) and years of board service on EBYD and the Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay (last two as president) to work with my fellow board members to further elevate our club and our membership in the local and state Democratic Party.”

Christina Becker (She/Her) - VP of Political Affairs

“My name is Christina Becker and I am running for the role of VP of Political Affairs. I joined EBYD in 2016, and have held several board positions, including President and VP of Programming. My experience has taught me how important the endorsement process is to EBYD and its membership, but also how much work goes in to putting on endorsement events. As VP of Political Affairs, my goal will be to put the interests of our membership first. I will collaborate with our members to create a sustainable endorsement roadmap, one that prioritizes races that benefit Young Democrats and also ensures that we don't burn ourselves out trying to endorse in every race.”

Daijon Jackson (He/Him) - VP of Programming

“Hi I’m Daijon, born and raised in Oakland CA. I have been involved in politics since highschool working with advocacy groups, campaigns, and electeds. Currently working with Senator Wiener and will soon be transitioning to campaigning with Lateefah Simon. I am looking forward to joining the board to build the young dem community, build local partnerships, and get more young dems in office!”

Erika Neal (She/Her) - VP of Membership

“I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Vice President of Membership for the East Bay Young Democrats. As a dedicated advocate for community engagement and progressive values, I'm committed to fostering inclusivity and expanding our membership base. My passion for civic involvement and youth empowerment aligns with the goals of the East Bay Young Democrats. If elected, I will work tirelessly to amplify our impact and ensure that our membership reflects the our community.”

Annie Koruga (They/Them) - Policy Director

“Hi all! I’ve been proud to serve in a variety of positions, both in the Young Democrats and the Democratic Party. I currently serve on the boards of the CYD Environmental and Progressive Caucuses, as well as on the board of the YDA Disability Caucus. Within the CDP I serve as likely one of the youngest Executive Board Members, alongside my roles on the Executive Board of the ACDCC and the Renter’s Council. I want to bring these experiences and perspectives to EBYD, as we seek to continually uplift the voices of each other as Young Democrats.”

Caleb Smith (He/Him) - Parliamentarian

“I am seeking my fifth term on the EBYD board and a return to parliamentarian. I look forward to helping with candidate forums and various odds and ends next year. I also promise a lively sense of humor.”

Sky Marazzi (They/Them) - VP of Fundraising

“Hello fellow East Bay Young Dems! My name is Sky and I'm excited to tell you about why I would love to join the EBYD Board next year and how I hope to serve our community! A little bit about me is that I originally came to the East Bay for college and it's since become my home. I've been a part of a number of community organizing campaigns and regularly engage in policy advocacy work to address issues of housing, sustainability, and civic engagement among young people and migrant populations. What I've gleaned from my experiences is that in order to address the issues before us, we need to engage those who are often most overlooked, but also most affected by what the future holds. I want to empower other young people and marginalized communities to share their perspectives and become leaders of change. I hope to help EBYD bring more voices to the table, expand opportunities for people to get involved in regional advocacy, and overall, work to address the economic, environmental, and social justice issues that continue to impact our community. Thank you and I'm excited at the prospect of serving as one of your Board reps!”

Celina Reynes (She/They) - Parliamentarian, Secretary, or Board Member At-Large

“My name is Celina. I’m a City Councilmember for San Leandro, where I was elected in 2024 with the help of EBYD. Before that, I was on EBYD’s board as Secretary. I am currently in law school where I am focusing on plaintiff-side consumer protection and mass torts (i.e., making bad people pay for doing bad stuff). I live in San Leandro with my husband, daughter, and two cats.”

Tina Posner (She/Her) - Controller

“I am currently a Legislative Aide in a Berkeley Council Member's office and looking to stay engaged and uplift other young people in the political realm. Excited to [hopefully] be part of the rad things EBYD does in 2024!”

Olivia Asemota (She/They) - Director of Communications

“I've spent the past year as a Board Member At-Large for EBYD and was able to learn so much more about the political spheres of California and the East Bay. I plan on using this knowledge to continue the phenomenal work of our outgoing Director of Communications and expand our outreach to the community. I plan to use effective communication styles to strengthen our social media presence and diversify our audience.”

Ambar Mishra (He/Him) - Board Member At-Large

“I am delighted to run for a board member position with the East Bay Democrats. My engagement began with helping in organizing a candidate mixer event and regular meeting attendance, deepening my understanding of the organization. My involvement with Maitri, a South Asian domestic violence survivor resource group, and my advocacy with the ACLU, reflects my dedication to inclusive social justice. Recently, I've become a certified counselor in sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking, furthering my commitment to addressing critical societal issues. I hope to bring my diverse experiences and a passion for progressive values to contribute effectively to EBYD's future.”

Gordon William Russell (He/Him) - Board Member At-Large

“My name is Gordon Russell. I was born and raised in the City of Berkeley, and I currently work in City Government. I joined EBYD about half a year ago, and have been blown away by what we have accomplished so far and by the many friends I have made. I want to help out in multiple avenues, so I believe being a board member at-large would be the best way to make the multifaceted impact I hope to have on and with this important organization. Thank you for your consideration.”

Taj Herzer-Baptiste (He/Him) - Board Member At-Large

“My name is Taj and I’m running for VP of Fundraising and Board Member at Large. In my current position as Intern at Emerge America, I have extensive experience with fundraising for progressive caucus. I look forward to working with EBYD to ensure a much stronger fiscal/financial outlook. LFG! Onwards together”

2023 Annual Gala

Join us at our biggest event of the year and our annual fundraiser - this year’s theme is “Beyoncé Renaissance”

Saturday, November 4 | 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Fluid510 | 1544 Broadway (Oakland)

Young Democrat ($20) - for due paying members of East Bay Young Democrats

Friend of the Bay ( $25) - for non student or non-due paying members 

Student Tickets ($10) - for Young Democrats that present valid student-id

Sponsors: A HUGE thank you goes out to our sponsors for their support and generosity in helping young Dems fight for a more progressive East bay - do not worry, if you have not yet, you can still donate now, at the gala, or anytime after!

Trailblazers: Representative Barbara Lee, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Councilmember Sophie Hahn, Kos Read Group

Organizers: Director Lateefah Simon, Councilmember Terry Taplin, Vice Mayor Courtney Welch, Denard Ingram, Caleb Smith, SMART Local Union No.104, Housing Action Coalition, Clifford Moss

Activists: Assessor Phong La, Supervisor Nate Miley, Trustee Ryan LaLonde, Councilmember Mark Humbert, Chair Igor Tregub, Victor Flores, Warren Logan, San Francisco Young Democrats

Supporters: Victor Aguilar Jr., Soli Alpert, Jesse Arreguín, Christina Becker, James Chang, Sam Davis, Rocky Fernandez, Nikki Fortunato Bas, Kate Harrison, Rubén Hernández Story, Adena Ishii, Aisha Knowles, Elaine Peng, Celina Reynes, Libby Schaaf, Lena Tam, Loren Taylor, Alfred Twu, Jean Walsh, JP Walsh, Jenny Wong

Awardees: Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez (Barbara Lee Beacon of Hope Award), Victor Flores (Kick-Ass Youth of the Year), Senator Aisha Wahab (Legislator of the Year), SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (Organization of the Year), and Erika Neal (EBYD Member of the Year)

Financial Accessibility: If you are a Young Democrat concerned about finical barriers to our events, please reach out to Finance@EBYD.org to discuss other ways to participate.

Membership Dues Waiver: Through sponsorship or purchasing a ticket, guests of sponsors and new attendees are eligible to waive their membership dues.

General Membership Meeting (Second Mondays)
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Voting will occur on agenda items that are posted seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you would like to add an item to the agenda, please contact info@ebyd.org. In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the meeting, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from October 17, 2022, to September 25, 2023, and have paid your annual dues.

Monday, October 16 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm | Agenda

Democratic Central Committee: Jason Park (Video Statement)

California Congressional District 12 Candidate Mixer
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the event, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from September22, 2022, to August 31, 2023, and have paid your annual dues.

Thursday, September 21 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Fluid510 | 1544 Broadway (Oakland)

Register (Eventbrite)

Questionnaires: Tony Daysog | Denard Ingram | Tim Sanchez | Lateefah Simon | Jennifer Tran

General Membership Meeting (Second Mondays)
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

Voting will occur on agenda items that are posted seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you would like to add an item to the agenda, please contact info@ebyd.org. In order to be eligible to vote, you must be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from September 12, 2022, to August 21, 2023, and have paid your annual dues.

Monday, September 11 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm | Agenda

Congressional District 8: John Garamendi

Oakland Unified School District 5: Jorge Cantu Lerma | Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez

State Assembly District 14: Buffy Wicks

State Assembly District 18: Mia Bonta

State Assembly District 20: Liz Ortega

State Assembly District 24: Alex Lee

State Senate District 5: Rhodesia Ransom | Edith Villapudua

State Senate District 9: Marisol Rubio

US Senate: Barbara Lee | Katie Porter | Adam Schiff

State Senate District 7 Candidate Forum & Debate
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

In order to be eligible to vote, you must attend the event, be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from August 18, 2022, to July 27, 2023, and have paid your annual dues.

Thursday, August 17 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Fluid510 | 1544 Broadway (Oakland)

Questionnaires: Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín | AC Transit Director Jovanka Beckles | Oakland Councilmember Dan Kalb | Kathryn Lybarger | Assemblymember Sandré Swanson

Video Recording (YouTube)

General Membership Meeting (Second Mondays)
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

The monthly Policy and Political Affairs Committee meetings have been converted into general membership meetings, where voting will occur on agenda items that are posted seven (7) days prior to the meeting! If you would like to add an item to the agenda, please contact info@ebyd.org. This month, we will also be holding an early endorsement vote for BART Board of Directors District 7, so if you are a candidate who has yet to announce or file - please reach out ASAP! In order to be eligible to vote, you must be 14-35 years old, have attended at least one EBYD meeting or event from August 15, 2022, to July 24, 2023, and have paid your annual dues.

Monday, August 14 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm | Agenda

Social Hour

Meet the board and other members and learn about the work we do and how you can help!

Friday, August 11 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Kinfolx | 1951 Telegraph Avenue (Oakland)

Become a Member (ActBlue) | Donate (ActBlue)

Policy and Political Affairs Committee
Co-Host: Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay

July’s meeting has been converted into a general membership meeting, where we will be proposing updates to our bylaws for your review and input!

Monday, July 10 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Agenda | Proposed Updates

California Young Democrats Bay Area Policy Forum

Join us for a fun, transit-packed presentation night!

Thursday, May 18 | 6:30 pm
Pelosi Headquarters | 541 Castro Street (San Francisco)

California Young Democrats Bay Area Cinco de Mayo Mixer

Thursday, May 4 | 7:00 pm
Nido's Backyard | 104 Oak Street (Oakland)

Social Hour

Join us for bowling in Oakland's Jack London Square! Meet the board and other members and learn about the work we do and how you can help.

Friday, April 28 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Plank | 98 Broadway (Oakland)

California Young Democrats Bay Area Virtual Regional Meeting

Join us to learn more about convention, vote on new merchandise, and win fun prizes!

Wednesday, April 19 | 7:00 pm

Social Hour

Join us at our first event of the year, featuring karaoke and arcade games! Meet our board and other members and learn more about the work we do and how you can help.

Friday, February 3 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Bumpers | 408 15th Street (Oakland)

Become a Member