Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, with Californians under a “shelter-in-place” order, the Department of California held its 2020 Annual Convention via a Zoom virtual conference.  Elections for officers were held, but most other business, including discussion of new fundraising options under our new 501(c)(3) IRS designation, was tabled until a possible mid-term conference in October. 

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      About thirty members, including the National Commander, the National Adjutant, and the Region VI Commander, joined California Patriots at the conference that took place over two hours on May 14.  Newly elected officers are:  David Jackson, Department Commander; Charles Anderson, Senior Vice Commander; and Josephine Keller, Junior Vice Commander.  All other Department Officer positions were re-elected.  This year will be Gary “Doc” Rutledge’s last year serving as Department Adjutant. 

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          It is hoped that by October the Department can have an in-person, mid-term conference.  Until then, the Department will have to rely on long-distance communication to conduct its business.