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Members Charting WSD Path into 2026
by Laurie Gould, WSD Ideas Team Chair
“You spoke and we listened!” said Dorothy Wilkinson, chair of the West Side Democrats of Bernalillo County (WSD).
Members are charting the course of the West Side Democrats of Bernalillo County (WSD). The Ideas Team, formed by volunteers in the fall, has been gathering information about what issues members feel are important to our community. Many of you participated in our brainstorming session at our March members meeting – sharing the issues you are passionate about. Thank all of you who participated.
Members like you are focused on topics like immigration, working with allied organizations, keeping censorship out of our libraries, and exploring environmental issues facing our community. We are listening to you. Local experts will tackle these areas and more at the general meetings, and action teams are being planned to keep the membership informed and activated.
Since immigration seems to be our #1 issue – we are tackling it now. Come to our March 21 meeting to hear Leon Howard, the executive director of the NM ACLU. He will update us on what is happening in Bernalillo County with ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as well as what efforts are underway to protect immigrants in our community. We will discuss how our civil liberties are being infringed upon and what the WSD can do to defend and support ourselves and our allies. There will be time for questions and answers. Any Democrat is welcome to attend.
Our organization’s interest in immigration is not new. Last year, we formed a collaborative immigration team with the non-partisan Rio Grande Indivisible group. On September 29, we sent a petition signed by 347 signers to Gov. Lujan-Grisham resolving that she issue a proclamation declaring that ICE agents cannot detain persons at schools, places of worship, hospitals or courts; and that agents do not wear masks and that no detention can be made without a warrant. We hosted local immigration experts at two of our member meetings in 2025. Getting our March speaker is a direct result of that work.
Our chair Dorothy Wilkinson and I are crafting a detailed letter to inform all our members about our exciting path forward, based on your input. This is the cornerstone of our member-led organization.
Get in touch with what’s happening in local and national politics by becoming a member of WSD this year. Members receive our monthly newsletter, which dissects our issues, and shows what our organization and our members are doing.
WSD members will learn about issues facing our community and will continue to have opportunities to meet elected officials and hopeful candidates and how take action. Activities sponsored by WSD build community and give Democrats a chance to connect with one another in a supportive, safe and engaging environment.
Important elections are ahead and our community is being challenged at the local and national level. Here’s what you can do to meet this moment:
- Get educated about the issues shaping our community by attending WSD meetings.
- Meet the candidates at events WSD hosts and cosponsors with other like-minded organizations.
- Engage with fellow Democrats at WSD social events to build community and strengthen our commitment and support to each other.
- Share our weekly “Call to Action” newsletter with friends to stay informed about upcoming events and political action opportunities. Encourage them to join WSD.
For more information about the Ideas Team, speakers and action teams, contact Ideas@WestSideDems.org
“We are excited to enter this new chapter for WSD. Let’s work together to keep our West Side blue, to keep New Mexico blue, and to reach that all-important Democrat majority in Congress in our fall elections,” Dorothy concluded.
Refuse to Be Silent
by Eric Valdez, WSD Vice Chair
What is unfolding nationwide under the Trump administration’s policies is touching every corner of American society—including the West Side of Albuquerque. People are living in fear, on edge, uncertain when they or their neighbors may be confronted by ICE’s alarming conduct. In moments like these, resolve and knowledge are essential. We must remain informed, stand firm in defense of our constitutional rights, and refuse to be silent. One of the most powerful tools we have is the ballot box. Our future is ours to shape—never forget that.
Membership Increases 40% in One Month!
We did it! YOU did it!
We now have 103 WSD members who have paid their dues for 2026! Thank you, our dear members who believe in the good work that we do. But we still have ~100 friends who have been with WSD in the past. We want you to stay with us in the future. Please tell your “dues unpaid” friends to fork over the $10 so we can fund even more good work. Thank you.
Meet the West Side Antifascist Action Group
By Robert Hill, Chair
We are all experiencing shock or sadness or anger (or all three emotions together) at what the federal government is doing lately. That certainly is how I felt since the current administration was elected. I have always paid attention to current events–I have really been more dialed in through the election up to now. My family and I went out to some of the first No Kings and other protests on our own, but I wanted to learn how to somehow make more of an impact. At one of those protests, I signed up to learn more about the West Side Democrats and Dorothy and I started communicating.
I was inspired to start an Antifascist Book Club as suggested by the organization, Veterans Fighting Fascism (VFF) (https://www.
As noted on the VFF site, “The Antifascist Book Club is more than just a reading group—it’s a grassroots movement to empower communities, build local leadership, and defend democracy.” This is exactly where the West Side Democrats want to go with our group. Our members, rather than calling it a book club, chose to call it the Antifascist Action Group.
Perhaps you are reading books or articles which are inspiring you to recognize and resist fascism. We would love to hear what you are learning. You can join us the first Saturday each month, 10:00 am-–12:00 pm, and the third Sunday each month, 11:30am–1:30pm, at the Weck’s on Riverside Plaza.
WSD Events
Brunch Bunch meets TODAY!
First Brunch meeting: Monday, Feb. 23.
(Note that the correct address is now on the graphic. It was confusing the way we worded it last week. Sorry!)
Meet Leon Howard
Executive Director of the NM ACLU
ACLU-NM Executive Director to Address Immigration and Other Rights Issues
He will update us on:
- What is happening in Bernalillo County with ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- What efforts are underway to protect immigrants in our community
- How our civil liberties are being infringed upon
We will discuss what the WSD can do to defend and support ourselves and our allies. There will be time for questions and answers. Any Democrat is welcome to attend.
Howard was raised in the International District and went to Albuquerque Public Schools. He earned his degrees from UNM and the UNM School of Law. He has worked for the ACLU in several roles and has also worked in private practice. He sees legal representation as crucial to fighting systemic discrimination.
To learn more about him, see Lawyering Up: Leon Howard Talks Civil Rights & Justice in New Mexico - UpLift Chronicles.
WSD’s Met Legislators at Roundhouse on West Side Day
WSD members Sam Wolinsky, Rep. Cynthia Borrego, Chair Dorothy Wilkinson, Nancy Wesemann, Sue Wolinsky, and Dan Watland in Rep. Borrego’s office in the Roundhouse.
By Sue Wolinsky
“We took the Rail Runner and had a blast,” said WSD chair Dorothy Wilkinson. “Five of us went. We met our legislators in their offices and talked about bills that passed, and we saw both chambers. Then we attended a West Side Reception with legislators and community leaders. I hope more can join us next year.
Some of the 600 students at West Side schools participating in West Side Day at the Roundhouse last Thursday. Our WSD travelers got free RailRunner passes from the West Central Community Development Group Community Development & Business Resource Connector | West Central Albuquerque, which coordinates this and other community events.
This annual event occurs because of support from the Southwest Area Neighborhood Coalition, Inc. (SWAN) and West Side Sen. Antonio “Mo” Maestas. ~10,000 students have received this important civics lesson over the years!
New Sound System Arrives
At last—we have our new sound system.
We’ve been hearing about it for about a year – the limitations of the undersized current system, Executive Committee approval of an initial $1,000 to pay for a new one, the early attempts of small-change fundraising, updated needs analysis and cost, more serious fundraising, and some major donations.
“I’m thrilled we have the new sound system,” said Paul Evans, WSD volunteer A/V coordinator who did the needs analysis for the new system. “It will help WSD to continue our fight for our values on the West Side of town – at venues large and small. For small events, we can use the small speaker we already had. For big events, we can use the new, larger speakers.” He also recommended that WSD buy a cart to haul the system and bags to protect the speakers.
It all adds up to $2392.45 with two large speakers and two beefy microphones that will incorporate some components of our old system. Here’s how we paid for it:
- We budgeted $1,000 from our budget.
- We collected $1,100 from the DPBC and some area legislators, and we have $300 promised from area legislators. We will collect the remainder now that the 2026 Legislative Session has ended.
Audio/Visual Volunteers Needed Now
Paul Evans with the new sound system.
“Now that we have a larger sound system, we need help to run it... We also need someone to help me with the visual side by editing video footage,” Evans explained.
Contact Paul Evans at info@westsidedem.org to apply. Your “pay” is our gratitude and helping elect candidates who reflect our values!
Audio Technician
- Set up, operate, and troubleshoot sound equipment.
- Handle and transport heavy equipment.
- Team player supporting WSD’s mission.
Video Technician
- Edit short-form video for social media.
- Collaborate on footage needs and deadlines.
- Support WSD's digital messaging goals.
Paul Evans — Our A/V Mastermind
How did WSD lure an A/V expert with 40 years of experience?
The answer is simple: Recruit an expert who aligns with your values.
“I feel our democracy is at stake. Each of us needs to step up. We hold the keys. If we don’t do it, nobody will.”
5 Things About Paul Evans
- Roots: Raised in St. Paul, MN. He is deeply concerned about civil rights and believes we must protect our community locally.
- NM Journey: Came to NM in 1984. Amassed ~40 years in professional TV news and government videography.
- History Maker: Covered state government under four governors and visits from the Dalai Lama and various Presidents.
- Producer: Produced "Wild New Mexico" and the popular "Dance! Dance! Dance!" teen program.
- At the Meeting: See him behind the camera at WSD meetings and be sure to thank him for all he does!
Swing With WSD Swag
Take WSD whereveer you go! So just what is SWAG? Of the numerous terms assigned to this overused term in business and political marketing – Souvenirs, Wearables, And Gifts is being used here.
You’ve seen our members donning WSD T-shirts at meetings, protests, and other events. Join us in showing off our colors – the colors of turning the West Side BLUE over the past recent elections. Be proud! Wear the WSD T-shirts or hats around town!
T-shirts are unisex sizes Small, Medium, Large, XX Large. Hats are available too! Prices depend on quantity ordered.
Click here to log in to our WSD account at Vistaprint, then order your WSD SWAG directly from the print shop—https://westsidedems.
We want to thank Nancy Weesemann who made it possible for each of us to order our WSD SWAG from Vistaprint!
Ways to Thaw ICE
- The US Senate is expected to vote AGAIN on ICE funding this Friday. Stay informed. Contact your legislators. Senate not ‘anywhere close’ to a funding deal as ICE fight intensifies – Los Angeles Times
- Stop ICE from mistreating children and entering school property. Link
- Tell Trump to fire Stephen Miller. Link
- Mark your private property; signs similar to this are popping up in town.
Save the Date!
Next Meeting: This Sunday, Feb. 15.
Ongoing demonstrations:
Saturdays | RESIST TYRANNY SATURDAY
Albuquerque | Corner of Montgomery & Juan Tabo | 11am – 12pm (ɴᴇᴡ!)
Saturdays | RESIST TYRANNY SATURDAY
Rio Rancho | Corner of U.S. 550 & New Mexico 528 | 10am – 11:30am Info and RSVP here.
Saturdays | FREE MARTIAL ARTS SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
(for LGBTQ+ adults and allies)
Albuquerque | Morningside Park | 2pm – 3pm Info and RSVP here.
Sundays | SOLIDARITY SUNDAY
Tijeras | East Mountain Public Library | 10:30am – 11:30am Info and RSVP here.
Tuesdays | RESIST TYRANNY TUESDAY
Albuquerque | Corner of 4th & Lomas | 12pm – 1pm Info and RSVP here.
Tuesdays | RESIST TYRANNY TUESDAY (NE Heights)
Albuquerque | Corner of Montgomery & Juan Tabo | 11am – 12pm Info and RSVP here.
Thursdays | RESIST | REST | REPEAT
Santa Fe | Roundhouse | 12pm – 1pm Info and RSVP here.
Thursdays | OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICES!
Albuquerque | Corner of Paseo & Ventura | 12pm – 1pm Info and RSVP here.
Fridays | NO NUKES VIGIL
Santa Fe | Corner of Sandoval & West Alameda | 12pm – 1pm Info and RSVP here.
A Personal Message From Dorothy
I what to thank WSD Secretary Sue Wolinsky, and Vice Chair Eric Valdez, for producing the February monthly newsletter. I also wish to thank Treasurer Damian Lara for hosting our February President’s Day meeting at Ladera Golf Course bar and grill.
And I want to thank the members of WSD for the patience they have shown me in the past few weeks during my sister’s illness and death. My sister Mary Olson, passed away on February 13th. Funeral services are pending in Carlsbad. If you wish, you can contribute to the American Diabetes Association in her memory.
Our Mission
To Serve the 88,000 Democrats
Living on the West Side
Democrats Care!
We encourage and support candidates who will work for the good of everyone in our community. We believe in a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people”…not just for corporations, Wall Street, or the rich.
United By A Common Goal…
Social justice and human rights are more important than corporate profits. We seek to improve the quality of life for all of our residents through grass-roots support of candidates who listen and work to implement liberal programs and legislation.
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