A lot of Placer County residents are staring an uncertain future in the face. With rising costs from tariff induced inflation coupled with a climate volatility and political intrigue on the national level, many residents came to the Placer County Democratic Party’s Roosevelt-Kennedy Dinner in the hope of finding those answers.

What those residents weren’t looking to hear was the same old rhetoric that they’ve heard from their current Congressional representation, a man whose name escapes me since he rarely makes public appearances.

25 young Dems received free tickets to the dinner

“Young people discussed making their first votes blue to help combat what they see as a dishonest administration bolstered by politicians that choose to dismantle democracy rather than practice it.”

While waiting for speakers, a mix of gray hair and fresh faces mingled under the amber chandeliers of the dining hall to discuss what they’re seen out of Washington and how little it represents their personal interests. Young people discussed making their first votes blue to help combat what they see as a dishonest administration bolstered by politicians that choose to dismantle democracy rather than practice it. The older generation responded in kind, telling their stories of unjust wars and increasing wealth redistribution that favored the wealthy at the cost of infrastructure and social institutions.

Most importantly, Placer County residents spoke to one another in the knowledge that they’re going to have to look out for themselves as their Congressional representation is too busy hurling jabs at the Governer to worry about us in California Congressional District 3.

Attendees listen to passionate speeches and calls to action / Photo by Daryl Stinchfield

The keynote speaker for the evening was California State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire who represents California Congressional District 2, which runs along the northern coast of California from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border. Sen. McGuire and the constituency he represents have a vested interest in preserving the natural beauty of California, just like District 3. Sen. McGuire mentioned that Cal Fire has doubled the number of firefighters under its employment to address the dangerous wildfires throughout the state.

Sen. McGuire spoke frankly of the challenges his rural populations encountered, following that up by highlighting some of the efforts McGuire and California Democrats have taken to provide opportunity for upward mobility through tuition free education. Such programs, McGuire added, have led to 55% of students that graduate from the CSU/UC system to have done so tuition free. At a time when we all know someone holding student loan debt, the chance to replace that debt with a mortgage may be the difference between generational wealth and generational poverty.

The guest speaker for the evening was the Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica who talked about the strength of Placer County schools and how continued success is found in supporting a strong education system. The 75,000 student body of the Placer County school system has consistently ranked 3rd in academic performance statewide, despite bringing in less taxpayer revenue than other the top two counties located in the bay area.

Garbolino-Mojica spoke of being able to provide advanced placement courses during the pandemic for K-12 students looking to gain college credits. She then expressed some of the challenges for today’s students, with mental health being an ongoing issue since the pandemic coupled with federal education funding being slashed.

As the sun set on a brisk 97° Roseville evening the individuals that entered the dining hall, young and old, emerged as a singular movement looking to dislodge the DC elites that have chosen to ignore the residents of Placer County.

By William Forseth, former Editor-in-Chief at The Current and Roseville Resident

The Placer County Democratic Party would like to thank the sponsors of this year’s Roosevelt-Kennedy Dinner, as well as their continued generosity and support:

Lincoln CA Democratic Club
Operating Engineers Local 3
California Teachers Association
Stationary Engineers Local 39
Democrats of Sun City Roseville
RATT Pack
Alex Clemens Family

All Photos by Daryl Stinchfield

Placer County Democratic Party’s 2025 Roosevelt-Kennedy Dinner: Young Dems and Seasoned Activists Inspired Each Other

The keynote speaker for the evening was California State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire who represents California Congressional District 2

The guest speaker for the evening was the Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica who talked about the strength of Placer County schools and how continued success is found in supporting a strong education system.

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