On Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Democracy Action joined local Democratic clubs, City and State elected officials, and several hundred S.F. Democrats at the annual Fall Gala dinner, "Many Voices, One Vision."  Held at the Fairmont Hotel and hosted by the San Francisco Democratic Party, the event was opened by SFDCCC Chair Aaron Peskin and Vice Chair Melanie Nutter.  Also on the program were the Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr., and State Senators Dean Florez and Mark Leno.

Special recognition was given to outstanding local Democrats, including the Sue Bierman Memorial Award to Gerry Crowley, the Trailblazer Award to Tangerine Brigham, and the Visionary Leadership Award to State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano.

Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped by unannounced to shake hands and make a pitch for bipartisanship.  But, given the recent bitter battles over the State budget and the hardball contention of California water politics, Arnold's surprise visit was less than well received among the Democratic Party crowd.

Democracy Action had a solid turnout, enjoying the political conversation and gearing up for the hard work of State and National elections ahead in 2010.