1975 and the Two-Party System

Berkeley Citizens Action (BCA) v. the Berkeley Democratic Club (BDC)

BCA nominates Ying Kelley to run for mayor against the incumbent, Warren Widener.  Widener had been elected with progressive votes in 1971, but then he changed sides and became the leader of the center/right coalition. BCA’s opposition is now the Berkeley Democratic Club (BDC), which relies upon Republican votes. 

DAVID MUNDSTOCK

Picture of campaign mailer for Mayor Warren Widener, 1975-76
Campaign flyer issued by the Berkeley Democratic Club
Campaign flyer for Shirley Dean
Picture of a car in a parade with Shirley Dean waving

The 1975-1976 City Council

BCA now has three Council members, with the addition of John Denton.  BDC runs the Council with its six votes.  A major battle is fought to try and save the historic Ocean View neighborhood from the West Berkeley Industrial Park. This is part of a 20 year legal/political struggle.

Campaign flyer for John Denton
Picture of a Berkeley map with precincts in different colors
Handwritten note giving a color key for precinct election results

By Bill Roberts

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