California Democrats need to addressthe affordability crisisto help struggling residents, but their plan to accomplish this goal seems rather tone-deaf.
To raise money for the upcoming midterm elections, the California Democratic Party and Senate Pro Tem Monique Limón are hosting a two-day golf and spa retreat for lobbyists and special interests at an elite luxury resort — and the staggering price tag climbs as high as $100,000, according to an invitation obtained by The Post.
The whopping cost and weird optics of the “Pro Tem Cup 2026,” which will take place March 20 to 22 at the Omni La Costa Spa and Resort in Carlsbad, have caused lobbyists and even Democratic colleagues to shudder.
“What are we doing here?” a Sacramento lobbyist crowed to The Post. “I would not recommend to my clients to pay $100,000 for this. That’s an obscene amount of f—ing money.”
Studies have found the cost of living in California — reportedly11% above the national average— has become crushing for many residents, withabsurdly high taxesin major cities largely to blame.
Awebpage for the California Democratic Party, which immediately opens to a pop-up requesting a donation, notes that the party is “taking on the high cost of living by putting working families first, not corporate special interests.”
No mention is made of the Carlsbad spa and golf retreat.
The price range for the weekend ranges from a $40,000 premium package — giving a solo Dem supporter a two-night hotel stay, access to golf and spa, two dinners, and commemorative gifts — to a $70,000 “gold” package for a pair and a $100,000 “platinum” package for a foursome.
“To pay a hundred thousand dollars to stay at an event with hundreds of other lobbyists who are trying to get the attention of maybe 15 senators, there’s just no ROI on that,” said a second state lobbyist.
“You could spend a lot less money and get a lot more attention.”
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
