About ACJDC
Chartered in 2025, the Alameda County Jewish Democratic Club (ACJDC) is the political home for Jewish Democrats and Democratic allies in Alameda County. From Oakland and Berkeley to Fremont, Livermore, and San Leandro, we bring together Democrats committed to building community, fighting for justice, and promoting Jewish values.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the ACJDC shall be:
1) To foster Democratic ideals by stimulating active interest in the Democratic Party, to support the party platform, contribute to party leadership, to provide a constructive role for volunteers in Democratic politics, and to promote active engagement in politics.
2) To advocate for the values of the Jewish community within the Democratic Party and its constituent parts, including Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), welcoming the stranger, equal opportunity, social justice, human and civil rights, and supporting Israel as a democratic, inclusive, and secure Jewish state.
3) To support and elect Jews and allies who align with our values to Democratic Party, local, state, and national offices, and to support their appointments to city, county, and state boards and commissions.
4) To actively work against antisemitism and bigotry of all types, anti-Jewish hate, and anti-Jewish bias; to be a resource for supporting and educating politicians, teachers, and the community on these issues; and to increase Jewish inclusion within the Alameda County Democratic community.
Meet the Board
Trish Munro, ACJDC President
Trish is a former Livermore City Councilmember and current elected member of the Alameda County Democratic Party. She holds a PhD in Sociology from UC Berkeley and is the author of “Coming of Age in Jewish America: Bar and Bat Mitzvah Reinvented”.
Dan Kalb, ACJDC Vice President
Dan is a former three-term Oakland City Councilmember and current elected Assembly District delegate to the California Democratic Party. He led efforts to strengthen Oakland’s Public Ethics Commission and establish a civilian police commission. He is an environmental advocate and UC Berkeley alum.
Ben Gould, ACJDC Secretary & Treasurer
Ben is an elected Assembly District delegate to the California Democratic Party and member of the Oakland Budget Advisory Commission. He organized Berkeley’s 2024 Measure FF, raising over $250 million for smoother, safer streets. He is an environmental policy consultant and holds master’s degrees in public policy and engineering from UC Berkeley.
Susan Wengraf, ACJDC Board Member
Susan is a former four-term Berkeley City Councilmember and Vice Mayor, and current elected Executive Committee member of the California Democratic Party. She organized and chaired the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments and Berkeley’s Holocaust Remembrance Day Program. She has lived in Berkeley since 1969.
Noelani Fixler, ACJDC Board Member
Noelani is an elected representative on the Sierra Club Northern Alameda County Group and former Chair of the City of Berkeley’s Transportation and Infrastructure Commission. She works as a pedestrian and bicycle safety analyst at the UC Berkeley Institute of Transportation Studies. She is a UC Berkeley alum and graduate student in city planning.
Jay Botelho, ACJDC Board Member
Jay is the Vice President, Adult Education and Programs at Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton, where he and his wife have been members for over 20 years. He is a retired electrical engineer and has lived in the Bay Area since 1982.
Our Approach
Promote Democratic Action
We participate in strengthening the Democratic Party through participation, education, endorsement, and building a volunteer pool.
Stand Against Antisemitism and Bigotry
We speak out against antisemitism and all forms of bias. We serve as a resource for politicians, educators, and the community.
Build our Jewish and Democratic Community
We strive to increase Jewish representation and inclusion in Democratic spaces across Alameda County.
Advocate for Israel
We support Israel’s right to exist and live up to its goal of being a democratic, inclusive, and secure Jewish state.
Support Leaders Who Share Our Vision
We work to support Jewish leaders and allies who reflect our values as they run for office and apply for boards and commissions.