Bezis

BACKGROUND

LHG is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that was formed in 1973 with a mission “to ensure awareness and protection of Livermore’s rich heritage through public advocacy and by collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing historic resources for the education and enjoyment of all.” LHG’s records indicate that Bezis first became a member of the organization in 2008. His membership over the next eight years was intermittent: he made payments in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Bezis was LHG’s newsletter editor from 2009 to 2016.

A. LHG Bylaws and Standing Rules

LHG’s bylaws approved in 2009 contain an article entitled “Membership.” Section 1 of the article states: “Membership in the Guild shall be open to any individual, family or organization ascribing to the above Mission and having an interest in promoting its objectives.” Section 2 states: “Active members are those members who have paid their dues for the current year.” Section 3 affords active members “full voting privileges” at general membership meetings and eligibility to hold any office in LHG, whereas section 4 allows LHG to confer honorary memberships for “outstanding” contributions to LHG or its…