Valley for Obama Kicks Off Campaign

Enthusiasm was high and the atmosphere was warm despite the chilly weather at a weekend event marking one year until the November 2012 presidential elections.

The backyard event was the first for the newly established Studio City/NoHo/Valley Village for Obama volunteer group. Singer-songwriter Nick Roberts got the crowd of more than 50 attendees in a fighting mood with an original song about the 2012 campaign. Group leaders Janice Radder and Jo Perry welcomed the new and returning volunteers.

Organizing for America volunteer Peter Rothenberg spoke about the 2012 campaign strategy and President Obama's many achievements during the first three years of his administration. John Hopgood explained the importance of registering voters in Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico. California Democratic Party Governor John Heaner described upcoming congressional races.

Despite the serious strategizing and political discussion, the mood was festive and the occasion a celebration of work accomplished and a call to volunteer action. A lucky raffle winner won campaign swag and a Valley for Obama coffee mug; and attendees posed with a figure of Obama wearing a Valley for Obama T-shirt.

Anyone interested in participating in volunteer efforts, traveling to Nevada to register voters, joining the Valley for Obama book club (Next meeting will be Monday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. at ) can visit Valley for Obama on Facebook or the website: valleyforobama.com.