Holiday Inspires Politicking, Preaching : Fun, Fund-Raising in the Air at Valley Democratic Picnic

Although politicians are usually associated with playing hardball, San Fernando Valley Democrats lobbed softballs Sunday during a game and picnic to mark the Labor Day holiday.

Sponsored by the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley, the event drew Democratic elected officials and dozens of the party faithful to Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park for grilled burgers and fly balls.

Democratic officials also used the event to raise funds for office space, voter registration drives and other get-out-the-vote efforts in preparation for the 2000 elections, officials said.

“The primary purpose is to raise money to open a headquarters,” said Valley Chairman Kimon Kotos, “but we also wanted to have a family-friendly get-together and enjoy a good game of softball.”

While some elected officials warmed up on the field, others, such as Los Angeles City Councilman Alex Padilla, talked with picnickers relaxing under shade trees.

“This is the fun part of the job: getting out of the suit and enjoying the sunshine,” said Padilla, wearing casual pants and a polo shirt. “It’s a good chance to talk to other politicians, exchange notes and to meet their families.”

Assemblyman Scott Wildman (D-Los Angeles) said the game and cookout were a welcome relief from the chaos in the state Capitol, where lawmakers are scrambling to pass bills before the current legislative session ends Friday.

“It is so intense and stressful in Sacramento,” Wildman said. “This is a pleasant break to see people I haven’t seen in a while.”

Nevertheless, state Sen. Tom Hayden (D-Los Angeles) said legislative matters still weighed heavily on his mind.

“We still have a lot of work to do before Friday,” Hayden said, adding he will work hard to get hate-crime legislation passed before lawmakers head home.

The occasion also gave Democratic hopefuls Jon Lauritzen and Jill Barad the chance to meet and greet grass-roots volunteers.

Lauritzen is seeking to fill Tom McClintock’s seat in the Assembly. The Republican incumbent from Northridge must step down next year due to term limits.

Barad--who shares a name with the CEO of Mattel--is vying for the seat of Assemblyman Wally Knox (D-Los Angeles), who plans to run for Hayden’s post.

“These people are really the activists in the party,” Barad said, referring to Democratic Party volunteers. “They are the ones who hand out literature, walk door-to-door and staff the headquarters. That’s what really makes the difference, the grass-roots effort.”

The Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley is an umbrella organization that oversees 11 Democratic clubs throughout the region, event organizer Asta Criss said.

Others who took the field included John Chiang, a member of the state Board of Equalization, and representatives from the office of Assemblyman Bob Hertzberg (D-Sherman Oaks).

U.S. Reps. Howard L. Berman (D-Mission Hills) and Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), state Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sylmar) and Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar) were also scheduled to appear.