Adam Schiff Appearance Confuses Residents

Adam Schiff is coming to Coachella Valley but details are scarce and perplexing

Democratic Women of the Desert in late March issued a “Save the Date” notice for guest speaker Congressman Adam Schiff, who represents California’s 30th Congressional District, at noon on April 16.

That was all. Just “Save the Date.”

No reason. No details.

Some, like Stephen Jaffe, former chair of Democrats of the Desert, one of the Coachella Valley’s largest Democratic clubs, said he had heard it was a fundraiser for Schiff. He questioned why with three major candidates for Sen. Diane Feinstein’s Senate seat, two of whom are women, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, DWD is holding a fundraiser for the man.

“(I want) to point out the irony of an organization (titled) “Democratic Women of the Desert” participating in fundraising for the only male candidate in an election race in which all of the other major candidates are women.”

Now, this month brings more details. A buffet luncheon from 12-2 p.m. will be held at Spotlight 29 Casino. Reservations must be made by Friday, April 17.

Asked if it was a fundraiser or something else, Amalia Deaztlan, president of DWD, in an email said, “Because I wanted to keep the price down to make it more accessible to people, he will meet with some donors before the presentation. DWD will not make any money from this event. We are going to sell his book to make a profit of $10 per book that will be used for the scholarship fund.”

DWD’s scholarship director, Blanca Hill, will be in charge of the book sale, Deaztlan said. Greg Cervantes and staff of the fundraiser are in charge of that part, she said. She declined numerous requests for Cervantes’ contact information.

“Whatever we do the same group will find a reason to complain,” Deaztlan said in an email. “We are inviting the other two candidates. Congressman Schiff responded first.  I can’t waist (sic) my time responding to hatred to people who are always negative and divisive. I have a history of service and ignoring those who spend time, not building, just trying to destroy those volunteers who are trying to help.”

Candidates and political groups promote fundraisers all of the time. It’s part of the democratic process. So, why all the secrecy surrounding the appearance of Adam Schiff? Any clues?