Explore our 2025 DGR Annual Report highlighting events, wins, outreach, and plans to build power in Riverside.
Special Guests & Candidates
DGR members benefit from direct access to our elected leaders. We welcomed Riverside Mayor Patricia Locke-Dawson, Congressman Mark Takano, Supervisor José Medina, and more, giving members the chance to engage and ask questions. And in September, Congresswoman Katie Porter drew a crowd for an inspiring grassroots rally.
Guest Speakers
- Adam Schiff, US Senator (virtual message)
- Alicia Ramirez, Publisher – The Riverside Record
- Chris Shoults, CA Assembly Candidate
- Clarissa Cervantes, City Council Member (Riverside)
- Jesse Tweed, RUSD Board Member
- Jose Medina, Riverside County Board of Supervisors
- Joy Silver, Chair – Riverside County Dem. Party
- Katie Porter, Fmr. Member US Congress
- Kayla Booker, Community Organizer
- Mark Takano, Congressman
- Michael Johnson, RCDP Data Committee Co-Chair
- Michelle Singelton, RCDP Political Action Chair
- Patricia Locke-Dawson, Mayor – City of Riverside
- Sabrina Cervantes, CA State Senator
- Tim Sheridan, City Council Member (Lake Elsinore)
Candidates at DGR Meetings
- Abel Chavez, CA-41 US Congress
- Alan Vargas, ADEM
- Aram Ayra, Riverside City Council
- Chris Shoults, CA Assembly
- Clarissa Cervantes, CA Assembly
- Jamie Azpeitia-Sachs, ADEM
- John Sachs, ADEM
- Josh Nehmeh, ADEM
- Kayla Booker, ADEM
- Marc McClain, ADEM
- Paco Licea, CA Assembly
- Paul Ragole, ADEM
- Paula Swift, CA-40 US Congress
- Tami Friederich, ADEM
- Tiffanie Tate, CA-41 US Congress
- Tim Sheridan, ADEM
Events, Activism & Community
In 2025, the national mood was tense, and grassroots activism surged. Here in Riverside, DGR members joined demonstrations like No Kings, Hands Off, and National Days of Action to defend democratic values and stand with our community. When the special elections for Assembly District 63 and Proposition 50 arrived, DGR mobilized quickly, leading more than eight Days of Action and driving voter outreach through canvassing, phone calls, and postcards.
January
- People’s Rally & MLK Walk
February
- Fighting Oligarchy Rally w/Bernie & AOC
- Tesla Takedown Protests (Feb–May)
- National Day of Action Protests
March
- 2025 RCDP Bosworth Awards
- Benefits Over Billionaires Rally w/Ro Khanna
- March 4 Liberty Protest & Rally
April
- Hands Off! Rally & Protest – April 5
- National Day of Action Protest – April 19
May
- SWOT Workshop w/RCDP
- Inland Empire Pride Festival 2025
- Fight for Our Health – Town Hall w/SEIU
- Chris Shoults AD-63 Campaign Kickoff
- May Day Rally & Protest
June
- DGR Day of Action for Chris Shoults (AD-63)
- No Kings Rally & Protest – June 14
July
- City Hall Insider Tour – City of Riverside
- Riverside Sheriff Oversight Public Meeting – Riverside County Board of Supervisors
- Immigration Protection Public Meeting – Riverside City Council
August
- Prop 50 Phone Banking w/DGR members
- DGR Day of Action for Chris Shoults (AD-63)
- Chris Shoults (AD-63) Canvassing w/DGR
September
- CADEM Poll Observing for Statewide Election
- DGR Stronger-Together Event w/Katie Porter
- Support for Arlington Temporary Assistance food pantry
- Prop 50 Canvassing w/Rep. Mark Takano
- Prop 50 Phone Banking w/DGR members
October
- DGR Day of Action for Yes on 50
- Good Trouble Lives On Protest & Rally
- Prop 50 Canvassing w/Reps. Mark Takano & Pete Aguilar
- No Kings Rally & Protest – October 18
November
- Prop 50 Canvassing w/Sen. Sabrina Cervantes
December
- 2025 RCDP JFK Awards
DGR Leadership
In 2025, we welcomed six new Executive Board members who brought fresh perspectives and energy, and we adopted Signal to strengthen our collaboration and communication.
New Executive Board Members for 2025
- Angela Cullen, Policy & Research Committee Chair
- Christie Cales, Member at Large
- Corey Cullen, Communications Committee Chair
- Heidi Ortloff, Event/Fundraising Committee Chair
- Krimson Yhi-Gosik, Secretary
- Marc McClain, Member at Large
Returning Executive Board Members for 2025
- Freya Foley, President
- Melba Winsell, Vice President; Political Action Chair
- Marilyn Odello, Treasurer
- Shelia Kay Riley, Membership Chair; Rules/Compliance Chair
- Dori McCall, Audit Chair
Communications
DGR reinvented its communications in 2025. A new interactive website went live, weekly newsletters began, and our social media reach expanded across five new platforms, including TikTok, Bluesky, and Reddit. Within the Democratic Party structure, we worked on our re-chartering, updated our bylaws, and appointed members to the state pre-endorsement process.
Membership
In 2025, our membership surged as we built a community-focused group of engaged Riverside residents. In 2026, we’ll keep that momentum going with even more events and activities designed for every level of participation.
Alliances & Partnerships
DGR expanded its partnerships by co-hosting events with Riverside County Young Democrats and strengthening ties with Indivisible Riverside. Next year, we aim to build even more lasting collaborations and community-focused activities with allied organizations.
Fundraising & Candidate Support
In 2025 we went all in to support Chris Shoults in the special election for California’s 63rd State Assembly District, providing both direct campaign contributions and strong on-the-ground volunteer support.
During the latter half of the year, we actively supported the statewide Prop 50 campaign while simultaneously raising funds for DGR. Our yard sign sales were a major success and demonstrated how outreach efforts can also serve as effective fundraisers. Looking ahead to 2026, we’ll place greater emphasis on fundraising to strengthen our ability to host events, contribute to campaigns, and produce materials that promote DGR’s mission.
What’s Next?
As we move into 2026, DGR is focused on preparing for the midterm elections with a renewed commitment to grassroots organizing.
Our goals include expanding partnerships with community groups, creating new signature events that motivate members to stay active, and growing our fundraising efforts to ensure we have the resources to organize, communicate, and get out the vote all year long.
When we organize, we win.
