The Democratic Club of West Orange County, is dedicated to promoting and supporting democratic values in the community through engagement and supporting candidates.

Ron Varasteh has been a Progressive since Reagan was first elected in 1980. He has been a resident of Orange County since 1981. He has been proudly serving the West Orange County Democratic Party since January 2013. Ron successfully won the Democratic Party Primaries for the US House of Representatives twice, once in 2012 and once in 2016. He was our Democratic Party Nominee in 2012 for US Congressional District 48, when he ran against then Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. He was also our Democratic Party Nominee in 2016 for US Congressional District 45, when he ran against then Rep. Mimi Walters. Mr. Varasteh has been a delegate to the Democratic National Convention (DNC), California Democratic Party (CADem), and Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC) and has earned a B.S. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering with a minor in Applied Physics and an M.S. in Computer Engineering with emphasis in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics by the age of 22. When Ron is not volunteering for us, he is a Scientist, an Engineer, and has been a small business owner since April 1987.- Clarice Turner

Ron Varasteh

President, since January 2013

Eric Lever

1st Vice President, since January 2022

I became a leftist during my college days in Berkeley in the ‘70s. I participated in the anti-apartheid and nuclear disarmament movements during my school days. I remained a committed Democrat throughout my 36-year medical career as an Internal Medicine and Gastrointestinal specialist (recently retired). I moved to OC in 1992, and have lived in Fountain Valley since then.

I joined the DCWOC in 2016 and have been active in leafleting, canvassing, calling and attending meetings for the Democratic Party for the last 5 years. I am active in my local Homeowners Association and in Fountain Valley government. I am also a family business owner. I have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. I believe we have to be active to improve the future for ourselves and our children.

Rudy Huebner

Secretary, since September 2023

Rudy Huebner is a long-time resident of Fountain Valley, and has proudly voted in every election since she turned 18. She is an elected member of the Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC) Central Committee and a delegate of the California Democratic Party (CADEM) for Assembly District 70. Rudy earned her BFA in Visual Communications from Laguna College of Art & Design and works as a Senior Software Developer, specializing in User Experience (UX) Design. Over her career she has run a successful business in Hawaii and worked for Hoag Hospital and CalOptima, where she learned firsthand the importance of healthcare access and her role in positively impacting the lives of others. Rudy believes in giving back to the community she loves, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Fountain Valley Community Foundation. She is also an active member and supports the mission of the Fountain Valley Woman’s Club and the Fountain Valley Garden Club where she dedicates her time and talents.

Andrew Gallagher

Treasurer, since April 2025

Before returning to California in 2009, I lived in Phoenix for 14 years. I was a member of my local Democratic club in my legislative district and was an elected Democratic precinct committeeman in my local voting precinct. During my last year in Phoenix, I was elected to the Democratic Arizona State Committee. I joined the Democratic Club of West Orange County in 2013. Twice I served as an ADEM delegate to the California State Democratic Convention and was twice a candidate to the Democratic Party of Orange County Central Committee. I was elected a Biden delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

My activities outside of politics are as a photographer for American Cinematheque in Los Angeles. Recently, I filmed a short documentary about dog therapy that was shown in three film festivals around the world. I also twice served as a secretary to my local HOA. Full time I am also my mother’s caregiver and take part in social activities for caregivers.

The DCWOC Officers

Anthony Pinkston

2nd Vice President, since May 2024

I began my political journey a decade ago designing websites for local candidates, including a congressional campaign, a state senate campaign, and a city council race. These early experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the power of effective communication and grassroots organizing.

Recently, I became a father. This reignited my commitment to making a difference in my community. I am both thrilled and honored to have been elected to the board and look forward to helping my community.

My political beliefs are inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s dedication to progress, Martin Luther King Jr.’s unwavering fight for justice, and Ben Franklin’s innovative spirit. I strive to bring these principles into my work with the DCWOC.