The Lamorinda Democratic Club will honor state Sen. Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, and Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, at a spaghetti dinner on June 20.

Hancock won on Tuesday the Senate Democratic primary in the seat held by outgoing Sen. Don Perata, while Torlakson will leave the state Senate after eight years. He won on Tuesday the Democratic nomination in Assembly District 11, where he is expected to easily win election for a third and final term in the Assembly.

The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, in Orinda. The costis $25 per person.

Read on for the full press release:

CONTRA COSTA DEMOCRATS TO HONOR ASSEMBLYWOMAN HANCOCK AND SENATOR TORLAKSON

ORINDA, CA: The Lamorinda Democratic Club will honor Assemblywoman Loni Hancock (AD-14) and Senator Tom Torlakson (SD-7) for their past years of service, at a spaghetti dinner on June 20, 2008. The dinner will be hosted by Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier (AD-11). Proceeds will help to fund the club’s contributions and expenses for Democratic Neighborhoods, Youth Outreach and Get Out The Vote efforts, and provide monetary assistance to Democratic Candidates.

Loni Hancock has worked for over 30 years in the East Bay for effective government and social justice, dedicating herself to the issues of education and the environment. Since her election to the California State Assembly in 2002, Assemblywoman Hancock has continued to protect the environment and preserve open space as the current Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources. She also sits on the Committee on Education, Committee on Housing and Community Development, and the Budget Committee Subdivision 1, Health and Human Services. Hancock is the strongest advocate for campaign finance reform in the State Assembly, and the author of the California Clean Money and Elections Act (AB 583), which would establish a system for public financing of statewide races in California.

Tom Torlakson has also devoted more than three decades to public service, including four years in the State Assembly and 16 years on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. Since his election to the California State Senate in 2000, Senator Torlakson has focused on improving public education, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing health, wellness, and public safety. Torlakson authored the landmark SB 638, which designed the implementation of $550 million in state funding for after school programs through Proposition 49. Torlakson has also recently authored legislation to provide $2.9 billion in additional funding to the state’s lowest performing schools, create additional protections for property owners facing eminent domain proceedings, and ensure amusement ride safety. Torlakson is the Chair of the Senate Select Committee Schools and Community. An avid runner, bicyclist and triathlete, Tom is the Chair and Founder of the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness.

When? Friday, June 20, 6:30 PM, club meeting; 7:00 PM, dinner; approximately 7:30 PM, speakers

Where? Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda, CA–approx. 5 miles east of Oakland $25 per person.

More details? Call 925-210-7337 or visit www.lamorindademoclub.org for more information.

All members of the community and press are welcome.