POW! WHOP! WHAM! Indivisible Orange holds rallies every Tuesday night at the Circle. People are turning out and tuning in and fighting back against MAGA madness.
Central Orange County Dems was founded when the leadership of Tustin and Orange Dem clubs each found ourselves struggling with small numbers. The Tustin club had more members and larger meetings, but still. It was hard. Our board is a blending of the two communities, and we are all for one and one for all. We had a community vote to blend the clubs, and not only did the local Democratic community approve the vote, but I doubt any of us could have predicted how successful the club has become. Tustin members phone banked, donated to and canvassed in the OUSD recall, and Orange members actively volunteer at events held in Tustin, such as the Tustin Sunset Market. Our meetings are vibrant and we have more at each meeting. The community is grateful for an opportunity to learn new things while being surrounded with like-minded souls. It is a safe place in a precarious time. Our biggest challenge right now is we are getting more than 200 people registering for meetings, and we are worried about outgrowing our fabulous meeting space. When club Chair asks at each meeting where people have come from, we get the most raised hands and happy whoops and hollers from the Orange folks. We see the same people at our meetings that we see at the Orange Circle rally, which we promote in every newsletter. Not sure how Eugene formed his opinion about our club since he doesn’t attend meetings or events. Our next meeting will feature Jeff Pearlman of The Truth OC! See you there? https://www.mobilize.us/dpoc/event/896885/
Hola Craig- I grew up on the East Coast, so I got some great terms in Yiddish, Italian, and Gaelic... mostly involving insults, drinking, or compliments, in that order.
I live in Orange. I hate the narrative that it's a "Red" town - because it isn't. Oranhe has held a Democratic voter advantage since about 2022. I wouldn't call Orange a Blue Town, but I would definitely say it's Purple.
I'm grateful to Indivisible for coming to Orange and holding up the banner - because the county party (IMO) made a poor strategic decision in encouraging the Democratic Club in Orange to merge with the one in Tustin to become Central OC Dems, which is doing great work in Tustin and up the ballot.
Full disclosure - I am a Vice Chair with the County Party. The areas I represent include Orange, Villa Park, Tustin and Yorba Linda. I've lived in Orange for almost 15 years and before that spent 5 years covering the city for the OC Register.
I remember when I first visited the West Democrats of Orange club, which then became the Democrats of Orange. It was a rather large group of lifetime residents.
I'm extremely grateful for the public school supporters who worked together, as well as the DPOC, to successfully recall two board members and then sweep the following elections. But that enthusiasm and political energy haven't moved the needle in the City Council races - even though 3 of the 6 districts lean left and another is basically a toss-up.
I believe it's hard to identify, recruit and support viable Democrats to run for City Council/Mayor/Supervisor/Assembly/State Senate from Orange because there's no organized local party presence. I've lived on the border of Orange/Santa Ana and now I live on the border of Orange/Anaheim Hills.
Whenever I speak to Democrats in Orange, it comes across like being a Dem is the password to a speakeasy. And I've had many people ask me where the local party presence was.
That's why having Indivisible here is so important. It provides people with a rallying point and a source of hope by offering a way to express their membership in the Democratic Party in Orange, beyond simply voting for the party's presidential candidate.
More about the inference that Dems in Orange have suffered because the two clubs merged: Before the two clubs merged, Tustin Dems had 45 paid members and Orange Dems had about 10, and meetings had a handful of people. As of the end of 2025 we had 350 members. We’re seeing 200+ people signing up for our monthly meetings. It takes a small army to set up, but we do it with pleasure. Since not everyone opens their email, we count the number of people who open each issue of our newsletter. That number is over 2,000 people. Our newsletter, social media and “Rapid Response” dispatches routinely alert our members to actions they can take in Orange. Our most recent newsletter included information about contacting local government about preserving Orange Hills as a regional park, information about attempts to make Orange a Charter City, a notice about monthly Indivisible Orange meetings, and notices for Orange Circle and Villa Park rallies.
I have been a teacher and activist in Orange for decades. Central OC Dems has invigorated our local Democratic community in countless ways. I cannot envision a reason to divide Orange democrats into two groups. I’m proud to serve on its board. I hope to see everyone at the February meeting where we’ll be able to get up close and personal with Jeff Pearlman.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. -Theodore Roosevelt
We love you, Bonnie! I’m proud to be in the “arena” with our Central OC Dems crew!
I agree that Orange is less conservative than its reputation. Like many formerly Republican strongholds in Orange Couny (looking at you Mission Viejo), the demographics of Orange are changing as the long-time residents age out of their homes and younger, more diverse families move in.
And credit to the Canyon Dems - a large and active club - for helping flip neighborhoods and precincts in MV, Lake Forest and helping Katrina Foley get elected to the Board of Supervisors. MV actually HAS a Democrat on its City Council, while the best Orange has are a mayor and 2 council members who are NPP, but lean center-left on some social issues.
Btw, look up Deborah Pauly and Villa Park City Council. She moved to Orange and is planning to run for Orange City Council in the near future. And she'll probably get elected.
Where have you been, Eugene? Haven't seen you at club meetings lately. We're doing the best we can with what we have and finding our way through this mess like the rest of us. You don't have a right to criticize unless you contribute. If you want to be an agent for change you need to participate. 90% of life is showing up.
Hi Craig! I want to be REALLY CLEAR: I mean ZERO disparagement about the work that Central OC Dems is doing. I think they're doing a really good job.
That said, I STILL believe there is room for a Dem club in the city of Orange again. I actually believe there's room for 2 Democratic Clubs in Orange: A West Orange Dems and an East Orange Dems.
What have I been up to?
1. Identifying and recruiting candidates for local offices
2. Meeting with Democrats in Orange and listening to their stories
3. Working on getting Early Endorsement for our elected Democrats and qualified candidates in Orange and Tustin who will be on the ballot in November
4. Interviewing candidates up and down the ballot who are seeking endorsement from the local and state parties (because I'm a state delegate)
5. Fulfilling my role as a member of the City of Orange Park Planning & Community Events Commission - working to make sure the $850K earmark we received from Rep. Lou Correa for a park on the westside of Orange doesn't fall by the way
6. As a member of the OUSD Land Asset Commission, I've been having discussions with resident stakeholders surrounding La Veta Elementary School re: a proposal to recommend declaring part of the school's field as surplus and selling that land
7. As a member of the OUSD District Advisory Committee - representing my daughter's school - I've had the opportunity to address student needs and programming
8. I'm a volunteer youth soccer coach for girls (U-12). We just finished the Fall season and are preparing for the Spring season next month.
9. Lastly - and most importantly to me - I've been holding my family close and my friends tight. I've personally dealt with serious issues as a person of color. I personally have friends of color who have been directly impacted by the ICE raids.
Yes, I've been showing up. Maybe not in public meetings, but I've found a role in advocacy and sitting down with folks behind the scenes.
I apologize to you and anyone else who felt I was criticizing the work others are doing. I 100% am NOT. I simply would love to have a Democratic Club located in Orange to give residents here a place they can find political solace in these troubling times.
Feel free to reach out any time: eugene4dpoc@gmail.com or you can call/text me 714.717.5015
Right on, I feel you. This is getting to be like a low grade war for our survival. Seriously. Sometimes nerves get frayed. Glad to see you're duking it out.
Running a club's a lot of work, though, let alone getting one founded. My best to you in your endeavor, but if you want to devote your efforts elsewhere you and your friends are always welcome here.
And take care of the people around you, as they're the ones that are going to get us through this.
BTW - We'll definitely be stepping up our game in 2026. We had our board retreat last month and everyone's energized. Furthermore, we're hosting THE Jeff Pearlman as our featured speaker this month on the 25th.
I had always assumed any protests in the Circle were super small potatoes compared to things in Santa Ana, but I see the value now. Consistent resistance.
More about the inference that Dems in Orange have suffered because the two clubs merged: Before the two clubs merged, Tustin Dems had 45 paid members and Orange Dems had about 10, and meetings had a handful of people. As of the end of 2025 we had 350 members. We’re seeing 200+ people signing up for our monthly meetings. It takes a small army to set up, but we do it with pleasure. Since not everyone opens their email, we count the number of people who open each issue of our newsletter. That number is over 2,000 people. Our newsletter, social media and “Rapid Response” dispatches routinely alert our members to actions they can take in Orange. Our most recent newsletter included information about contacting local government about preserving Orange Hills as a regional park, information about attempts to make Orange a Charter City, a notice about monthly Indivisible Orange meetings, and notices for Orange Circle and Villa Park rallies.
I have been a teacher and activist in Orange for decades. Central OC Dems has invigorated our local Democratic community in countless ways. I cannot envision a reason to divide Orange democrats into two groups. I’m proud to serve on its board. I hope to see everyone at the February meeting where we’ll be able to get up close and personal with Jeff Pearlman.
As a member of the Central OC Dems and a resident of Tustin, I deeply value the relationships I’ve built with members across Orange County, with a special shout out to our Orange Neighbors! It truly feels like one big family. At a recent meeting, an attendee who has participated in Dems groups throughout OC shared that Central OC Dems are the most welcoming of all. ❤️❤️
This protest has been going on regularly for months and like thousands of other actions, has been completely ignored by mainstream media. There are multiple Indivisible or 50501 actions every day of the week in Orange County alone, little to no media, even the PBS and NPR stations are too cowed by the orange buffoon. Shameful cowardice by all media outlets.
I love this site! I also use Politfact for fact checking, they are the ones with the “Truth-o-Meter” where the worst rating is “Pants on Fire🔥.” Will have to visit Orange on a Tuesday evening!
Grasping for any signs of the red support eroding is a daily task, even here in Huntington Beach, where there have been similar protests popping up. I could even point to fewer flags that were so common a couple of years ago.
Central Orange County Dems was founded when the leadership of Tustin and Orange Dem clubs each found ourselves struggling with small numbers. The Tustin club had more members and larger meetings, but still. It was hard. Our board is a blending of the two communities, and we are all for one and one for all. We had a community vote to blend the clubs, and not only did the local Democratic community approve the vote, but I doubt any of us could have predicted how successful the club has become. Tustin members phone banked, donated to and canvassed in the OUSD recall, and Orange members actively volunteer at events held in Tustin, such as the Tustin Sunset Market. Our meetings are vibrant and we have more at each meeting. The community is grateful for an opportunity to learn new things while being surrounded with like-minded souls. It is a safe place in a precarious time. Our biggest challenge right now is we are getting more than 200 people registering for meetings, and we are worried about outgrowing our fabulous meeting space. When club Chair asks at each meeting where people have come from, we get the most raised hands and happy whoops and hollers from the Orange folks. We see the same people at our meetings that we see at the Orange Circle rally, which we promote in every newsletter. Not sure how Eugene formed his opinion about our club since he doesn’t attend meetings or events. Our next meeting will feature Jeff Pearlman of The Truth OC! See you there? https://www.mobilize.us/dpoc/event/896885/
Eugenes a mensch! He has been around the block several times
Don't say that, please don't go there, Everyone's you meet is fighting a battle, so be kind. There's no point. Save it for MAGA and the Republicans.
I take that back, did not know the meaning of mensch until last night. Eugene's a mensch and Yiddish ain't my strong suit.
Hola Craig- I grew up on the East Coast, so I got some great terms in Yiddish, Italian, and Gaelic... mostly involving insults, drinking, or compliments, in that order.
I'm a OC native son, so my Spanish is pretty good and can throw around a few poorly pronounced Vietnamese phrases. Still a lot to learn!
I live in Orange. I hate the narrative that it's a "Red" town - because it isn't. Oranhe has held a Democratic voter advantage since about 2022. I wouldn't call Orange a Blue Town, but I would definitely say it's Purple.
I'm grateful to Indivisible for coming to Orange and holding up the banner - because the county party (IMO) made a poor strategic decision in encouraging the Democratic Club in Orange to merge with the one in Tustin to become Central OC Dems, which is doing great work in Tustin and up the ballot.
Full disclosure - I am a Vice Chair with the County Party. The areas I represent include Orange, Villa Park, Tustin and Yorba Linda. I've lived in Orange for almost 15 years and before that spent 5 years covering the city for the OC Register.
I remember when I first visited the West Democrats of Orange club, which then became the Democrats of Orange. It was a rather large group of lifetime residents.
I'm extremely grateful for the public school supporters who worked together, as well as the DPOC, to successfully recall two board members and then sweep the following elections. But that enthusiasm and political energy haven't moved the needle in the City Council races - even though 3 of the 6 districts lean left and another is basically a toss-up.
I believe it's hard to identify, recruit and support viable Democrats to run for City Council/Mayor/Supervisor/Assembly/State Senate from Orange because there's no organized local party presence. I've lived on the border of Orange/Santa Ana and now I live on the border of Orange/Anaheim Hills.
Whenever I speak to Democrats in Orange, it comes across like being a Dem is the password to a speakeasy. And I've had many people ask me where the local party presence was.
That's why having Indivisible here is so important. It provides people with a rallying point and a source of hope by offering a way to express their membership in the Democratic Party in Orange, beyond simply voting for the party's presidential candidate.
More about the inference that Dems in Orange have suffered because the two clubs merged: Before the two clubs merged, Tustin Dems had 45 paid members and Orange Dems had about 10, and meetings had a handful of people. As of the end of 2025 we had 350 members. We’re seeing 200+ people signing up for our monthly meetings. It takes a small army to set up, but we do it with pleasure. Since not everyone opens their email, we count the number of people who open each issue of our newsletter. That number is over 2,000 people. Our newsletter, social media and “Rapid Response” dispatches routinely alert our members to actions they can take in Orange. Our most recent newsletter included information about contacting local government about preserving Orange Hills as a regional park, information about attempts to make Orange a Charter City, a notice about monthly Indivisible Orange meetings, and notices for Orange Circle and Villa Park rallies.
I have been a teacher and activist in Orange for decades. Central OC Dems has invigorated our local Democratic community in countless ways. I cannot envision a reason to divide Orange democrats into two groups. I’m proud to serve on its board. I hope to see everyone at the February meeting where we’ll be able to get up close and personal with Jeff Pearlman.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. -Theodore Roosevelt
We love you, Bonnie! I’m proud to be in the “arena” with our Central OC Dems crew!
Epic quote
I agree that Orange is less conservative than its reputation. Like many formerly Republican strongholds in Orange Couny (looking at you Mission Viejo), the demographics of Orange are changing as the long-time residents age out of their homes and younger, more diverse families move in.
And credit to the Canyon Dems - a large and active club - for helping flip neighborhoods and precincts in MV, Lake Forest and helping Katrina Foley get elected to the Board of Supervisors. MV actually HAS a Democrat on its City Council, while the best Orange has are a mayor and 2 council members who are NPP, but lean center-left on some social issues.
Btw, look up Deborah Pauly and Villa Park City Council. She moved to Orange and is planning to run for Orange City Council in the near future. And she'll probably get elected.
Where have you been, Eugene? Haven't seen you at club meetings lately. We're doing the best we can with what we have and finding our way through this mess like the rest of us. You don't have a right to criticize unless you contribute. If you want to be an agent for change you need to participate. 90% of life is showing up.
Hi Craig! I want to be REALLY CLEAR: I mean ZERO disparagement about the work that Central OC Dems is doing. I think they're doing a really good job.
That said, I STILL believe there is room for a Dem club in the city of Orange again. I actually believe there's room for 2 Democratic Clubs in Orange: A West Orange Dems and an East Orange Dems.
What have I been up to?
1. Identifying and recruiting candidates for local offices
2. Meeting with Democrats in Orange and listening to their stories
3. Working on getting Early Endorsement for our elected Democrats and qualified candidates in Orange and Tustin who will be on the ballot in November
4. Interviewing candidates up and down the ballot who are seeking endorsement from the local and state parties (because I'm a state delegate)
5. Fulfilling my role as a member of the City of Orange Park Planning & Community Events Commission - working to make sure the $850K earmark we received from Rep. Lou Correa for a park on the westside of Orange doesn't fall by the way
6. As a member of the OUSD Land Asset Commission, I've been having discussions with resident stakeholders surrounding La Veta Elementary School re: a proposal to recommend declaring part of the school's field as surplus and selling that land
7. As a member of the OUSD District Advisory Committee - representing my daughter's school - I've had the opportunity to address student needs and programming
8. I'm a volunteer youth soccer coach for girls (U-12). We just finished the Fall season and are preparing for the Spring season next month.
9. Lastly - and most importantly to me - I've been holding my family close and my friends tight. I've personally dealt with serious issues as a person of color. I personally have friends of color who have been directly impacted by the ICE raids.
Yes, I've been showing up. Maybe not in public meetings, but I've found a role in advocacy and sitting down with folks behind the scenes.
I apologize to you and anyone else who felt I was criticizing the work others are doing. I 100% am NOT. I simply would love to have a Democratic Club located in Orange to give residents here a place they can find political solace in these troubling times.
Feel free to reach out any time: eugene4dpoc@gmail.com or you can call/text me 714.717.5015
Right on, I feel you. This is getting to be like a low grade war for our survival. Seriously. Sometimes nerves get frayed. Glad to see you're duking it out.
Running a club's a lot of work, though, let alone getting one founded. My best to you in your endeavor, but if you want to devote your efforts elsewhere you and your friends are always welcome here.
And take care of the people around you, as they're the ones that are going to get us through this.
BTW - We'll definitely be stepping up our game in 2026. We had our board retreat last month and everyone's energized. Furthermore, we're hosting THE Jeff Pearlman as our featured speaker this month on the 25th.
Be there or be square!
https://www.centralocdems.com/
I had always assumed any protests in the Circle were super small potatoes compared to things in Santa Ana, but I see the value now. Consistent resistance.
It'll grow. Gotta start somewhere.
More about the inference that Dems in Orange have suffered because the two clubs merged: Before the two clubs merged, Tustin Dems had 45 paid members and Orange Dems had about 10, and meetings had a handful of people. As of the end of 2025 we had 350 members. We’re seeing 200+ people signing up for our monthly meetings. It takes a small army to set up, but we do it with pleasure. Since not everyone opens their email, we count the number of people who open each issue of our newsletter. That number is over 2,000 people. Our newsletter, social media and “Rapid Response” dispatches routinely alert our members to actions they can take in Orange. Our most recent newsletter included information about contacting local government about preserving Orange Hills as a regional park, information about attempts to make Orange a Charter City, a notice about monthly Indivisible Orange meetings, and notices for Orange Circle and Villa Park rallies.
I have been a teacher and activist in Orange for decades. Central OC Dems has invigorated our local Democratic community in countless ways. I cannot envision a reason to divide Orange democrats into two groups. I’m proud to serve on its board. I hope to see everyone at the February meeting where we’ll be able to get up close and personal with Jeff Pearlman.
As a member of the Central OC Dems and a resident of Tustin, I deeply value the relationships I’ve built with members across Orange County, with a special shout out to our Orange Neighbors! It truly feels like one big family. At a recent meeting, an attendee who has participated in Dems groups throughout OC shared that Central OC Dems are the most welcoming of all. ❤️❤️
This protest has been going on regularly for months and like thousands of other actions, has been completely ignored by mainstream media. There are multiple Indivisible or 50501 actions every day of the week in Orange County alone, little to no media, even the PBS and NPR stations are too cowed by the orange buffoon. Shameful cowardice by all media outlets.
These organizers & Indivisible do a fabulous job! Here is a list of each week’s Indivisible events! https://50501oc.com/protest-calendar/
Thanks for posting your interview w/ Jana from Indivisible. Uplifting and candid!
I love this site! I also use Politfact for fact checking, they are the ones with the “Truth-o-Meter” where the worst rating is “Pants on Fire🔥.” Will have to visit Orange on a Tuesday evening!
Grasping for any signs of the red support eroding is a daily task, even here in Huntington Beach, where there have been similar protests popping up. I could even point to fewer flags that were so common a couple of years ago.