In 1953, the left-leaning California Democratic Council held its first convention at the Californian Hotel in downtown Fresno. In 2003, the council’s 50th convention was held in Fresno as well.

Now, the liberals are returning.

This weekend, the CDC will hold its annual convention at the Four Points Sheraton.

The organization, which espouses old-style liberalism, isn’t as powerful as it once was, but it can still rouse those lefties who think the Democratic Party has drifted too far to the right.

In 2003, Ohio congressman and two-time presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich delivered a fist-pounding, lectern-rocking speech that brought around 150 people at the Piccadilly Inn-Airport to their feet.

State Democratic Party Chairman Art Torres is due to address the convention Saturday at 1 p.m.