20 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 5-11, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Age Group Young Democrats offer lessons for their leaders at the party’s California convention. By Yue Stella Yu FORUM At age 24, Alan Vargas wants to lead the California Democratic Party. Sporting a cowboy hat and a pink shirt, the young progressive running for party chair evoked waves of cheers as he vowed to shake things up at the Democrats’ annual convention in Anaheim on Saturday, May 31. “I feel our party has moved away from its roots,” he said. “We cannot rely on fear to gain votes, nor can we assume the support of any minority, so we must act.” It was a long shot: Incumbent Rusty Hicks, who did not even show up to make a campaign speech, secured another term swimmingly. Of 2,600 delegates, Vargas persuaded just over 600. But Vargas’ attempt sends a clear message: Young Democrats are growingly frustrated with the party’s struggle to resonate with their peers, especially after Democrats hemorrhaged support from young voters, who either shifted toward President Donald Trump or sat out the November election altogether. Turnout plunged among young Californians, particularly Democrats. The stakes are high: As California Democrats aim to retake the U.S. House in battleground districts next year, young voters could be key to their victory. Some candidates for governor are already courting their support: Toni Atkins and Xavier Becerra headlined the California Young Democrats reception at the convention. Both called young people the “now”—not just the future—of the party. “When you have 70-year-olds and 80-year-olds running for office, how is that supposed to inspire us when we are living in a completely different world than they ever did?” says Lauren Hassett, an 18-year-old college student from Orange County. Feeling like Democrats were absent on “working-class issues” was what inspired Vargas, a son of Mexican immigrants and a content creator from Corona, to run. Affordability is top of mind for many delegates, including young ones. Carter Beardsley, 18, from Bakersfield, says rising health care costs could deter young people from going to the doctor or having a child. And college students fear a hike in tuition, especially as Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed to slash hundreds of millions of dollars from public university budgets. “Students who might be living off Top Ramen can’t afford that increase,” Beardsley says. Hicks brushed aside concerns about age and defended the party’s decision to delay considering a resolution on a mandatory retirement age. “At the end of the day, whether you are 25 or 75, the question is: Are you delivering for those that voted for you?” he told reporters. Some young Democrats agreed, but others, like Annie Koruga, a 20-something Bay Area delegate, see that as the baseline. Being able to deliver is the “whole point of being in elected office,” Koruga argues. “I’m trying to be respectful, but when we have people who are 85, 90 years old in these offices, many of them are not able to effectively perform their functions.” Yue Stella Yu covers politics for CalMatters, where this story was originally published. OPINION “I feel our party has moved away from its roots.” 55+ NEVINA™ - A TRILOGY® BOUTIQUE COMMUNITY® WILL GRAND OPEN STUNNING NEW MODELS JULY 12TH IN PASO ROBLES! The highly anticipated Grand Opening of expertly decorated new model homes at Nevina™ kicks off Saturday, July 12 th 11:00am to 4:00pm! The fun filled day kicks off a season-long celebration and will include tours of models, lifestyle presentations, light refreshments, live music, yard games and more. This is the perfect chance for eager homeowners to experience what life at the newest Trilogy 55+ community is like. The Grand Opening kicks off six weeks of Grand Opening events, interested buyers are encouraged to schedule a private hard hat tour of the model homes under construction now and take advantage of Pre-Grand Opening pricing. Nevina As one of the inaugural Trilogy Boutique Communities, Nevina will be located within the new Vińedo Master Plan in Paso Robles, California. Nevina offers ~413 home sites and the popular Freedom single family Collection offering 10 floorplans and square footage ranges from ~1,624 sq.ft. to ~3,232 sq.ft. with home prices range from the high $800’s to $1,000,000+. At Nevina, stunning rolling hills, live oaks and vineyards are the backdrop for this new community that will become the basecamp for outdoor exploration, adventure, and an exciting lifestyle. Nevina homeowners will enjoy not only an amazing location that is ideal for outdoor lovers, but also an exceptional lifestyle, a robust social calendar of exciting events, an upcoming resort-style club, Planned amenities at the new Wellness + Social Club™ include pickleball, fitness & strength, wellness opportunities, casual restaurant and bar, sparkling pool with lap lanes, walking and biking paths, outdoor social spaces and event lawn, on-site lifestyle director and more! Trilogy® Resort-Style Communities Life at Trilogy® communities is inspiring and distinctive, with a focus on the experience of living in a community more than simply buying in a community. Discerning buyers at Trilogy by Shea Homes® communities are making a proactive choice to try something unexpected, know their neighbors and experience a true sense of community. If having fun with friends & feeling great sounds good to you, you belong here. Schedule a Private Tour; Call for Information Don’t miss out on Pre-Grand Opening pricing! Call 805-429-4323 for more information and to schedule your private model home tour today. Visit sheahomes.com/nevina to join the email list for community updates. Sales: Shea Homes Marketing Company (CalDRE #01378646); Construction: SHALC GC, INC. (CSLB #1062050). Homes at Nevina, A Trilogy® Boutique Community® are intended for occupancy by at least one person 55 years of age or older, with certain exceptions for younger persons as provided by law and the governing covenants, conditions and restrictions. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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