Bring Donation Items to March General Meeting
Drop off at Salvation Army all month long
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We are kicking off another FOOD Drive during the month of March. Our pick for this food drive is the Salvation Army. Transitioning from the Warrior Pantry to the Salvation Army in Tehachapi represents a shift from a "targeted support" model to a "community-ecosystem" model. While the Warrior Pantry does incredible work specifically for Tehachapi High School students, the Salvation Army provides a broader safety net that catches those same students and the families that support them.
The Warrior Pantry is an essential resource for students facing food insecurity at school. However, a student’s hunger is usually a symptom of a larger household struggle.
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The Benefit: The Salvation Army addresses the root of the problem. If a student is hungry, their younger siblings and parents likely are, too. By supporting the Salvation Army, we help stabilize the entire home environment, which is the most effective way to ensure a student can focus on their education.
The Warrior Pantry operates within the school structure. The Salvation Army fills the critical "after-school" gap where students are often most vulnerable.
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The Benefit: The Tehachapi Salvation Army runs a dedicated After-School Program (Grades 6–12) every weekday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This provides a safe haven, snacks, and academic support in a supervised environment that extends far beyond the pantry shelf.
While the Warrior Pantry is specialized in food, the Salvation Army offers a "one-stop" resource for crisis management.
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The Benefit: Beyond the food pantry, the Salvation Army Tehachapi Service Center provides:
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Utility Assistance: Helping families keep the lights and heat on (SCE and SoCal Gas).
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Emergency Social Services: Support for clothing, prescription expenses, and seasonal needs (Back-to-School and Winter Coat drives).
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Fresh Rescue Program: Partnering with local stores (Walmart, Albertsons) to provide fresh produce and dairy, which are often harder for smaller pantries to stock.
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The Salvation Army addressed the needs of our youth, our working families who just can’t make ends meet and our elderly who are on fixed incomes that are struggling to survive right now.
Donations can be made in person to the Salvation Army located on Tehachapi Blvd just before Snyder.
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Upcoming Elections
Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club (TMDC)
Building a Blue Wave in California’s 20th Congressional District to provide a vital home for Democratic organizing, advocacy, and community in the traditionally challenging political landscape of Kern County.
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Key Growth & Performance Metrics
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Sevenfold Membership Increase: Since 2022, TMDC has transformed from a small local group into a robust organization.
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Record-Breaking Enrollment: In 2025, we reached a historic milestone of 250 active members.
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Top-Tier Influence: TMDC currently ranks in the top 10% of all Democratic clubs in California for "pre-endorsement votes," outperforming clubs in several major metropolitan blue areas.
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Established Legacy: Founded in 1989, we are the oldest Democratic club in Kern County.
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Strategic Importance: "The Blue Heart of CD-20"
Operating in a +16 Red District (formerly Kevin McCarthy’s seat, now held by Vince Fong), TMDC serves as the frontline for Democratic values in a region often overlooked by state-level campaigns.
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Visibility: We maintain a consistent presence in a "deep red" town, providing a safe and energetic space for like-minded voters.
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Regional Leadership: Our members serve as delegates and representatives on regional administrative committees, ensuring Tehachapi has a seat at the table in state politics.
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Voter Mobilization: Our growth in pre-endorsement power demonstrates a highly engaged, "boots-on-the-ground" volunteer base ready for the 2026 cycle.
Community Impact & Signature Events
TMDC is more than a political organization; we are a community pillar. Our activities include:
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Annual Potluck Picnic: Our flagship summer event at a local park, drawing members, families, and candidates from across the state.
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Annual Holiday Party: Our annual fundraiser for members and their guest(s).
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Philanthropy: Consistent coordination of community food and supply drives for local pantries.
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Civic Presence: Active participation in local winter festivals, craft booths, and commemorative community projects.
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Political Recognition: Hosting Democratic Candidates and Politicians up and down the political aisle.
Leadership
Yvette Benton, President
Mari Goodman, Vice President
Kim Brandon, Secretary
Vivette Lund, Treasurer
Kathy Miller, Trustee & Membership Chair
David Dumler, Trustee
Jess Guthrie-Montes, Trustee
Contact Information: 661-231-TMDC
Take action with the California Democratic Party
Check out these ways to get involved!