The Willow Glen Resident

Photograph by Skye Dunlap

Welcoming Committee: Chris Schumb, wife Jill, daughter Caroline and Sam the dog will open their doors for a celebration of Democratic campaign volunteers.

'Good Democrat' hosts volunteer bash in Glen

By Christine Frey

Chris Schumb doesn't expect all 1,500-plus people who received invitations to attend a July 19 party at his Willow Glen home.

Instead, the turnout for the United Democratic Campaign Volunteer Celebration is expected to be closer to 250.

The event honors the men and women who made phone calls, walked precincts, hosted coffees and worked on committees and clubs on behalf of the Santa Clara County UDC prior to the elections last June.

"The heart of the Democratic party is our volunteers," UDC event coordinator Jonathan Noble says.

Those who worked on the campaigns of mayoral candidate Ron Gonzales, sheriff hopeful Ruben Diaz and city council candidates Cindy Chavez and Linda LeZotte are expected to be in attendance.

The politicians themselves will be present as well, including California gubernatorial candidate Gray Davis.

Steve Preminger, chair of the Santa Clara County UDC, says the event connects the volunteers to the politicians they have been supporting. It also encourages the volunteers to return to their work in September, when the fall campaigns begin.

Many of these volunteers come from local neighborhoods. "The best volunteers come from the Willow Glen area," Preminger said.

Schumb numbers among these volunteers. During the political season he hosts five to 10 major fundraising events for the Democratic party. District 6 City Councilmember Frank Fiscalini, Mayor Susan Hammer and former Congressman Norm Mineta are just a few of the politicians who have visited his home.

Schumb is confident that his property, which encompasses more than an acre, can handle Sunday's party. "We can pack them in," he says, adding that the largest fundraiser drew 500 people.

Although barbecue equipment and port-a-potties will be placed in Schumb's back yard Sunday, Schumb does not believe it is anything out of the ordinary. Nor does he consider his generosity to be outstanding. "I'm just a good Democrat," he says.

The UDC Volunteer Celebration will be held July 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person or $50 per family and can be ordered by calling the UDC at 445-9500.

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