Top Parties at the California Democratic Convention

Dozens upon dozens of state and local candidates will host evening hospitality suites and parties, and morning coffee klatches at the California Democratic Convention this weekend. And, of course, they’ll plan posher, private events for the larger donors among us.

But a few convention parties are worth extra-special note.

(Disclaimer: I’m undoubtedly unaware of some truly fabulous galas planned for Friday or Saturday night. Please help fellow Democrats out by leaving comments here about other noteworthy shindigs.)

Friday, April 16, 2010:

• Friends of the Progressive Caucus, 7 to 9 pm
  Cocktail reception at the Palm Restaurant, $36 per person
  Pre-register at ActBlue.com

• Hollywood “Red Carpet Affair”, 9:30 pm to 2 am
  Cocktails and dancing, at the historic art deco Oviatt Bldg, the Cicada Room
  Sponsored by Assembly Speaker John Perez, , Speaker Pro Tem Fiona Ma, others
  For more info, email RedCarpetAffair2010@gmail.com

• Gavin Newsom for Lt. Governor, 10 pm to ?
  The GRAMMY Museum at LA Live (corner of Olympic and Figueroa)
  For CDP delegates and presumably their significant others
  (Note – Newsom throws terrific convention parties!)

• NetRoots Nation and LA Drinking Liberally, 10 pm to 1 am
  “Celebrating Progressive Change in California” at Hotel Figueroa (939 S Figueroa Street)
  $15 cover charge, benefits NetRoots Nation events.
  Sponsored by Daily Kos, Democracy for America, the Courage Campaign, others
  RSVP at NetRootsNation.com

Saturday, April 17, 2010:

The JW Marriott next to the Los Angeles Convention Center will be the site of dozens of open hospitality suites on Saturday. Info will be freely available during the day about these events. But several bashes catch my eye:

• Los Lobos concert at 8 pm in the Los Angeles Convention Center
  Sponsored by the California Democratic Party for its “Day-One Fund”
  Get a ticket by signing a grassroots GOTV pledge at DEM2010

• California Teachers’ Association invite you to “Stand Up for Schools”
  Annual dessert reception, 10 pm to midnight
  JW Marriott @ LA Live, Platinum Salon E
  “All delegates and honored guests are encouraged to attend.”

• Alberto Torrico for Attorney General
  “Carnaval Latino,” 10 pm to 12 am
  JW Marriott @ LA Live, Platinum Salon D
  “We will have drinks, complimentary food, festive dancers and an incredible live salsa band with members who have performed alongside Luis Miguel and Marc Anthony.”
  (Note – Be prepared to hear about AB 656, “Fair Share for Fair Tuition”)

Enjoy! And if you missed them, be sure to read:

• Nancy Pelosi Heads Speakers at California Democratic Convention
• Caucus Meeting Schedule for California Democratic Convention