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In Memoriam: Sandy Baca-Sandoval |
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Sandy with her three fellow history-making Latina CDP Officers (from left to right, Dondi Reyes, Xochitl Gaytan, Patricia Barela Rivera, Sandy Baca-Sandoval) |
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We were heartbroken by the news that Sandy Baca-Sandoval, 2nd Vice Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, passed away on Christmas Eve. A leader, community advocate, and fighter for justice, Sandy has touched many lives across Colorado with her kindness, generosity, and strength.
From her fellow history-making Latina officers:
Sandy Baca-Sandoval was a sweet, kind, humble soul yet her unwavering strength was the force behind many Democratic leaders paving the way today. Sandy was the 2nd Vice Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, as well as the founder and Vice Chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Latino Initiative. She passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021, one day after her 74th birthday. We share our grief with her 3 adult children - Jolene, Lorenzo and Lincoln and grandchildren. We send our deepest condolences and prayers to her family that loves her dearly.
As we mourn our beloved Sandy, we’d like to share her invaluable work for the Democratic party, from her time as a volunteer within the party to her role as 2nd Vice Chair, always with a kind and generous heart. As 1 of the 4 Latina Officers on the Executive team of the Colorado Democratic Party, her positive spirit helped us stay united and strong as four Latina trailblazers that worked toward voter outreach and engagement across the state. She understood the importance of this work and believed in a democratic and equitable society. As the Founder and Vice Chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Latino Initiative (JDLI), she created their annual Legacy dinner that honored many notable Latino community members. Sandy and her significant other, Ron Gallegos, were dedicated leaders in service of young, Latino and disadvantaged students seeking a path to quality education including college. At the September 2021 JDLI Legacy dinner, a young Latina approached her and asked her if she used to volunteer at Skinner Middle school in Denver. “Yes,” Sandy said. The young lady told Sandy she was a student in that pre-collegiate program who went to college and now worked at Jeffco Health Department COVID-19 outreach in the Latino community. This is only one example of her continued work and dedication to our community.
We believe Sandy left an imprint of kindness in the lives of everyone she touched in her life. Sandy was purposeful in using her gift to encourage others to be hopeful, kind and respectful of everyone.
“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” -Mahatma Gandhi
“In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill.” -Author unknown
Sandy: May you rest in peace and your beautiful legacy live forever within our hearts and souls. Descansa en paz.
Love, Patricia Barela-Rivera, Vice Chair of Communications R. ‘Dondi’ Reyes, Treasurer Xochitl Gaytan, Former Vice Chair of Outreach Colorado Democratic Party Executive Committee Members |
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Sandy was a staple in the community and beloved by so, so many people. |
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With the news of Sandy's passing, Coloradans from all across our state are celebrating Sandy's memory.
"Sandy Baca-Sandoval was kind, smart, and generous. Sandy had the biggest heart and was never afraid to take up a fight for justice and fairness for her community. The work Sandy did in the Romer Administration, in Jefferson County leading the local Democratic Latino Initiative, and as the 2nd Vice Chair for the Colorado Democratic Party, has left an everlasting impact on Colorado. In addition to all that, Sandy was my dear friend who I could always go to for counsel or a wonderful conversation. Our state has lost a giant in the fight for the Latino community, and Sandy's memory and legacy will live on in future generations of activists. My heart is with Sandy's family and loved ones as they go through this profound period of loss and mourning." -- Morgan Carroll, Chair of CDP
"Sandy has always been an especially dedicated, kind and compassionate soul and Colorado and the world will miss her incredible presence. She was a friend and mentor to me and helped me in finding my place, not just with Colorado Democrats, but as a person. She always tried her hardest to uplift other people and bring out the best in us all - I know she did that for me. A long time champion within the Democratic Party in Jefferson County and the whole state of Colorado, her impact will be everlasting and has touched all our lives. I will always celebrate her memory and how much she has done for my whole family. Rest in power, my friend, Sandy Baca-Sandoval, your heart will shine in each of us forever." - Howard Chou, 1st Vice Chair of CDP
"Sandy was always the nicest person. She had a way of turning difficult issues into a positive light." - Dennis Obduskey, Chair, CDP Platform Committee |
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"It is difficult to imagine the JeffCo and Colorado Democrats without Sandy. She worked tirelessly not only as the Chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Latino Initiative, JeffCo Dems Secretary, Vice-Chair of Senate District 19, and 2nd Vice-Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, but also as a volunteer, an organizer, and a mentor. She was everywhere, doing whatever was needed, selflessly donating her time, her energy, and her wisdom to the Democratic Party and to our candidates up and down the ballot." - Scott Merrifield, Chair of JeffCo Dems
"It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of our Vice-Chair, Sandy Baca-Sandoval, who is now dancing with the Angels as she passed away Christmas Eve. It was sudden and as we all mourn, we remember all that she did. She will be sadly missed not only by JDLI but by the community that she devoted and committed herself to throughout her life.
"Sandy's Celebration of Life is set for Saturday, January 15th. We are still searching for a venue and will advise you of more information as it becomes available.
"Take care all." - Jefferson County Democratic Latino Initiative |
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Here's information on Sandy's service: Saturday, January 15, 2022 10:00 am Rosary followed by Mass and Reception Saint Bernadette Catholic Parish 7240 W. 12th Ave, Denver 80214
Romero Funeral Home is handling arrangements
We will miss you dearly, Sandy. Thank you for all of your hard work, your sweet smile, and your tireless dedication to making our state a better place for the next generation. May your memory be a blessing.
-- Team CDP |
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The 2022 Obama Gala |
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TIME TO VOTE! The 2022 Obama Gala Awards |
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Have you voted yet, dear readers? If you haven't yet, it's time to vote on the 2022 Obama Gala Awards!
We received numerous nominations from folks all across our great state to come up with our nominees for the awards! While we were flattered that a number of Colorado Dems staff and Democratic political staffers were nominated for these prestigious awards, paid staff aren't eligible to receive the awards (but thank you for thinking of us! 😁 )
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BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY TO THE 2022 OBAMA GALA! |
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Join us in celebrating the 2020 and 2021 Election accomplishments! Join old friends and meet new allies from across our state to kick off the work needed to elect Democrats across Colorado in 2022. Space will be limited due to COVID-19, so tickets will sell out FAST! Buy your ticket or become a sponsor *now* before the year is over!
Or join us for a virtual option! Email [email protected] to join our scholarship waitlist. |
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Less Than One Month Until the 2022 Legislative Session! |
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Colorado Dems are ready for the 2022 legislative session -- which starts in just a couple of weeks on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 -- and they need YOU to help them pass policies that deliver for hardworking families!
Share the graphic above, and encourage your friends and family in Colorado to stay engaged and be involved in the Democratic process!
ACTION ALERT: The Republicans are going to do everything they can to win back the State Senate and State House in 2022, and we can't let that happen.
Will you donate TODAY to the House Majority Project AND the Democratic Senate Campaign Fund to defend Colorado's blue majorities? |
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Updates from Candidates, County Parties, and Initiatives |
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Update from the Stonewall Dems |
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As we reflect on our first year in office, the Stonewall officers have decided to change the Membership Meetings from the 3rd Thursday of the month to the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Stay up to date on all Stonewall Meeting and Events by registering here: https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldems/
Become a Stonewall Member: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joinstonewallcodems
The first Stonewall meeting of 2022 will be January 12th starting at 6:30PM. If you are already a Stonewall Member, keep an eye out for the Rules changes requested by the Study Group that met over the last two months. Included in this email will be a link for you to vote on the requested changes. The results of this poll will be presented at the January meeting.
Zoom will be open at 6:00PM if you like to chat with the Stonewall Officers or Members.
The meeting will begin promptly at 6:30PM.
Click here to register: https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldems/event/399074/
*Registration is required for the Zoom meeting*
You will receive a link to the Zoom meeting (by email) immediately upon registration.
See you there! -----
Get involved locally!
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Candidate Updates! |
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State Senator Brittany Pettersen announced her re-election campaign to represent the newly drawn 20th State Senate District! This will be a very competitive district, and the fate of the Democratic Senate majority could come down to Brittany's seat! The GOP is eager to say and do anything to elect an anti-democracy Republican to defeat Brittany and take the State Senate majority.
Go to https://www.brittanypettersen.com/ to see how you can help Brittany's re-election campaign today! |
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State Representative Marc Snyder is running for re-election in the newly drawn 18th State House District! This is an extremely competitive seats in the State House, and re-electing Rep. Snyder will be crucial to protecting our Democratic majority!
Click here to see Marc's re-election announcement, and go to https://www.snyderforcolorado.com to see how you can help his re-election campaign today! |
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Join the Defenders of Democracy! |
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If 2021 showed us anything, it's that we are no longer a party divided between liberals and conservatives. We are divided between people who are pro-democracy, and people who are anti-democracy.
Anti-democracy Republicans in Colorado are desperate to claw back power, and they'll say and do anything to make it happen. They have dark money, but we have you. Will you become a Defender of Democracy by giving $5 a month?
Monthly donations enable us to be able to plan our budget ahead of time and ensure that we can pay our organizers and staffers to continue to defend democracy. Monthly donors empower us to plan our budget, and they ensure that we can fully fund our 2022 Win Plan.
Will you become a Defender of Democracy and chip-in just $5 a month? |
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Help Wanted! |
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Colorado Dems are currently hiring for: Click the job description to learn more! |
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The Messaging Minute! |
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Dems Delivered in 2021 with the American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Bill, and Dems will Deliver in 2022! |
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These headlines (and many more) say it all, folks. The economic plan of Joe Biden and Democrats is working. Our economy is recovering, and we coming back!
Between the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Package, President Biden and Democrats have delivered a series of policy wins that will lower costs and cut taxes for low-income and middle-income families. While Coloradans are indeed still struggling as we come out of the economic devastation caused by the pandemic, Democrats are fighting every day to build on the progress we're making.
But those aren't the only reasons why our economy is rebounding from the failures of the previous administration and the COVID-19 pandemic: |
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Additionally, Democrats know that the price of goods and the cost has been going up for a while, even before we've see the rise of higher prices in 2021. That's why those rising costs are being tackled by legislation at the state level, and action at the federal level: |
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While Joe Biden and Democrats have delivered solutions in 2021, all Republicans can do is root for working families to struggle -- while admitting that they have no ideas to help working families. |
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The point? While Joe Biden and Democrats are delivering for middle and low-income families, Republicans are doing nothing to take on the corporate greed or help families.
Republicans are all talk, and only see the struggles of families as a political "gold mine" for themselves. |
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And remember... |
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Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Party of Colorado are not tax deductible |
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