atascaderodemocraticclub.org@gmail.com
Building Community and Moving Forward
Our meetings are usually every 4th Thursday at 6:30 pm, upstairs at Atascadero Library. (Subject to change.)
Guest Speakers 2025
March 27
Astrophysicist Dr. Ray Weymann to Speak at March 27 ADC Meeting
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ray Weymann, astrophysicist and Atascadero resident, as the featured speaker at our March 27 meeting.
Dr. Weymann will discuss plans for the offshore wind farm near Morro Bay, highlighting the need for this renewable energy source in our county. He will also address concerns and misinformation surrounding the environmental and aesthetic impacts of wind turbines.
About Dr. Ray Weymann
Dr. Weymann is a retired astrophysicist whose career began at Caltech, followed by a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Princeton University. He taught astronomy at the University of Arizona (1960–1986) before returning to California to serve as Director of the Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena. Since relocating to Atascadero, he has dedicated his efforts to climate science education and clean energy advocacy.
Join us for this insightful discussion on a topic critical to our community’s future!
FEB 27: David Van Son on Fire Preparedness
David Van Son is Battalion Chief of Community Risk Reduction for Atascadero Fire Department (AFD). He will speak on fire preparedness and the AFD's work on the Palisades Fire.
Van Son joined AFD in 2021 after a 25-year tenure as Battalion Chief of Great Falls, Montana, where has also served as President of Great Falls Fire Fighters IAFF Local 8 and Secretary/Treasurer of Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters.
A native of Santa Barbara County, Van Son launched his fire service career by attending Allan Hancock College Fire Academy. After graduating in 1988, he spent three fire seasons with the Santa Barbara County “Hot Shot Crew.” Van Son then enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served three years as a Firefighter/Senior Airman. After completing his enlistment, he started his service in Montana. He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Human Resources/Personnel Administration at Columbia Southern University.
Van Son and his wife, Jill, reside in Atascadero and are proud parents of four adult children.