Breakfast
Wednesday started with California Delegation breakfast. Our speaker line up included:
- US Senator Alex Padilla
- HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra
- Interior Secretary Deb Haaland
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
At the breakfast, a young delegate named Will joined me and reminded me we’d met previously in San Diego at a Delegation meeting.
He’s been appointed to his delegate position, but he was not fully aware of his responsibilities. We had chatted from several minutes on what the duties of a delegate would be, and then I introduced him to Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark Gonzalez. He thanked me for helping him understand the importance of his actions in this election.
Convention Center and Eva
After breakfast, I went to the convention center to check in on some caucuses and to buy some souvenirs. While walking along the corridor, I ran into award-winning actress Eva longoria. Although she was busy, she took the time to allow me to grab a selfie with her. I was so smitten I commented to her ” I love that show you were on. “
I was referring to a show that she had done focusing on food from mexico, but I sounded like the foolish Fanboy that I am.
Evening events
In the afternoon, we got ready to depart to the United Center arena. My convention buddy lori, a delegate from Los angeles, was first in line to get on the bus. She had given me a heads up, and I joined her as second in line to get on the bus.
While waiting for the bus, rose Penelope yee, candidate for congressional district 1, stopped by and said hello.
Because we got there ahead of most of the delegates, we had very good seats for the evenings activities.
The highlight of the evening, was Governor Tim Walz accepting the nomination as our vice Presidential candidate.
However, the evening featured numerous speakers who gave tremendous presentations, including
- President Bill Clinton
- Oprah Winfrey
- House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries
There were several entertaining performances as well.
- Keenan Thompson explained project 2025 in q humorous vein.
- John Legend and Shelia E performed Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy”
- Legendary singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder performed “Higher Ground.”
California Bash
The California delegation hosts an event named “The California Bash.” This is an event at which several speakers are featured, music is heard, and people dance and have a good time. Delegates are shuttled to The Bash from the United Center where we had just heard all those wonderful speeches.
As I was leaving the United center, I ran into former California Governor Gray Davis. He was gracious enough to allow me to take a selfie with him.
The shuttle bus pulled up to The House of Blues location, the delegates got out and proceeded through yet another security screening. Understandable, once we heard from all the speakers.
John Legend introduced Senator Laphonza Butler. The crowd rushed toward the stage when his name was announced. That included me.
After we heard from several speakers including Second Gentleman Doug Emhof and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
I then got a beer and listened to some music before heading out.
Chicago Skyline
While waiting for a ride to my rental unit, I managed to capture these wonderful photos of the Chicago skyline at night.
The day’s selfies
