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Mole's Progressive Democrat

The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

Name:
Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

I am a research biologist in NYC. Married with two kids living in Brooklyn.

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  • Wednesday, November 26, 2008

    CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

    I will continue, for some time, be focusing on Marriage Equality. I will keep the statement by Keith Olbermann on Prop 8 on the top of my California Focus for sometime because I think it needs to be heard over and over again. It is a brilliant statement right from the heart. I don't have much to add to it except I am also a straight man from a family of straight folks who support Marriage Equality and just don't get this whole homophobic anti-gay marriage movement:



    What I don't understand is how two consenting adults loving each other threatens anyone else? My marriage isn't threatened if gays can marry!

    FIGHTING BACK:

    Proposition 8 is among the worst results in California. It is, basically, a homophobic Hate Amendment that lets government define whether the love between two people is legitimate. There is now a backlash against those who led in the movement to pass this hateful amendment. Among the leaders of this year's movement to discriminate against gays was the Mormon Church. Once again right wing religious fanatics want to force THEIR religion on American society. This is one more example of the American Taliban trying to marginalize anyone they see as different.

    For those who doubt the extremist aspects of the Mormon Church (though of course not all Mormons), read Jon Krakauer's book, Under the Banner of Heaven.

    There is a backlash. It is the kind of left wing backlash that seldom gets much momentum, but when it does, it can have a powerful effect. Over at Daily Kos there is a list of businesses that endorsed Proposition 8. These are businesses that should be targeted for economic pressure. On the left suggestions like this often cause consternation. Truth is, boycotts DO WORK when enough people get pissed off enough to actually do them. The California grape boycott was a long term effort that finally worked. The anti-Apartheid boycotts were often vague and irregularly carried out...but in the end they were part of what worked. Here is the list of targets for actual economic pressure:

    ACMS
    Ag West Distributing Co., Inc.
    Ronald Allison, M.D.- Allison Geriatrics
    Alpasina Insurance Services
    Pastor Marcelo Alvarado, Iglesia Misionnera HispanoAmericana
    American Build & Design, Inc.
    Automated Environments
    Best Tire and Automotive
    Rich Bott-Bott Radio Network
    Boy's Republic
    Donovan S. Browning, DDS
    Mary J. Buzzell, M.J.B. Floral Services
    Catherine Callen - Lampstand Studios, Divide CO
    Ron Carter- Carter Construction Company
    CC Layne & Sons Inc.
    Duncan Chamberlin-Duncan's Auto Sales
    Richard and Marie Clayton- Maric Services
    Community West Mortgage
    Cornerstone Custom Construction
    CRS, Inc.
    Culp Diversified Properties
    Curry Copy Center of Hemet
    Eldon Cyrus- Cyrus Tree Service
    Thomas B. Dafoe – Briden Wilson Farm, Arbuckle
    John DeCesare, President - inetMatrix
    Joyce Edge, Founder/President – Survivors of Assault Recovery
    EL VOCERO MAGAZINE
    Everything4Mom.com
    Jason & Andrea Ewell – Jason’s Glass Tint, San Clemente
    Fahillion Technology Consultants
    Fernandez and Fernandez
    First Experiences Preschool
    John Gaines, D.D.S.
    Mark E. Gething, Insurance - Amarillo TX
    GFBB Benefits and Insurance
    Peter Giannini, CPA
    John J. Gobbell, Jr., Real Estate Appraiser
    Richard A. & Susan J. Gregg, SueGreggCookbooks, Riverside
    Guy Strohmeiers Auto Center
    H M S Capital
    Hartman Construction of Home Services
    Dr. Jay W. Henderson, President - The Law Offices of Jay W. Henderson, Ltd.
    Higham, Richards & Vranes
    Inspired Stylus Writing and Copyediting
    GLen Inverso- MJ Baxter Drilling Company
    R. Christian Jesperson- Chiropractic Family Health Center
    Justin A. March Associates, Inc.
    Richard Kerr- Kerr Real Estate Advisors
    George M. Knapp, Investment Advisor: Knapp Financial
    James Knox, American Focus
    Land Resource Investments
    Lane Associates, Inc.
    Law Offices of Kimber B. Goddard
    Leon's Place Independent Living
    Lewis Appliance Repair and Installation
    Logos Tax Service
    David W. & Alice G. Magnusson: Haws, Record & Magnusson, Attorneys at Law
    Vlade Mamayev, CEO – Buildex Inc.
    Mammoth Auto
    Nora O. Marin - Little Angel's Daycare, Rancho Cordova
    Wayne M. Martin – Wayne Martin Associates, Oxnard
    Maximum Marketing Inc.
    Joseph McFarland, DDS
    Douglas McMullin, MD
    Anchi Miller – ATM International, Kirkland WA
    Ridley R. Molders – Molders Logistics, Santa Ana
    Todd Mowrey-Fit-To-Be-Tyed
    Fabricio Mundo- LinearB Enterprises
    NordalAppraisal.com
    Don Nordgren, Owner - Pacific Coast Auto Body, Paint & Frame, San Diego
    Dr. Phillip Ortiz, President/Owner - Direct to You Mobile Dentistry, Murrieta
    Michael A. Padgett – Law Office, Fontana
    Bradley L. Quick - Bradley L. Quick Insurance Agency
    Rick J. Radecki – Lion’s Roar Media, Victorville
    RCS Door Service/ Rodney Press.
    Peter M. Reimer - Peter Reimer Farms, Shafter
    Reimer's Wholesale Nursery
    Resources For Continuing Education, Inc.
    RF Sweet & Associates Real Estate
    Anthony Rios- First Security Home Loans
    Rockingham Asset Management
    Rod B. Johnson, CPA
    Denise M. Roland – Reliable Referrals LLC, La Crosse WI
    RPM Events, Inc.
    Joel Sanders – Sanders Heavy Towing, Williams
    Ross L. Sardo – RLS Inspections, Inc. Ventura
    Janice Schindler, President - Schindler & Schindler Inc. Fountain Valley
    Scott McDonald & Assoc.
    SCVHHS
    Sheppard & Associates Insurance Agency
    David Smalley, M.D.
    Patricia Smith – Classic Clean, Inc. Los Gatos
    Splash! Designworks
    Cynthia L. Stevens - Cynthia’s Cleaning Service
    Robert D. Stevenson, DDS
    Douglas Stevenson-Quietcool, inc.
    Stubblefield Family Chiropractic
    Scott Suchomel-Sibling Systems
    Superior Notary, LLC
    Teague Construction
    The Fire & Cop Shop
    The Law Office of H. Craig Miller
    The Wellness Advantage
    President Daniel y Susana Torres, Vision De Futuroag
    Tri-Valley Propac, Inc.
    Tropical Sands Vacations
    William U. Valencia, Tax Consultant: Valencia Tax Service
    Keith Walker, Writer-Publisher: Golden Door Press
    Warren Photography, Victorville
    Robert R. Weedon LCSW, Coherent Counseling Services
    West Coast Commercial Mortgage, Inc.
    White Diamond Jewelers
    Zane Schaeffer Construction

    Also over at Daily Kos there is a diary listing Mormon businesses. These are not necessarily endorsers of the homophobic propositions that have been enacted in several states. But they are members of the religious organization that led to fight to marginalize approximately 10% of Americans. These businesses are good targets for establishing a dialogue regarding this proposition and urging them to condemn theHate Amendment. Some may well be right wing nut cases, like Diebold. THEY should be boycotted. Others should not but rather should be part of an effort to talk to people about why marriage equality is fair and a good thing for American society. So here is a list of companies to look into and TALK to about marriage equality.

    * Affiliated Computer Services
    * AES Corp.
    * Avista Corp.
    * American Express
    * Black & Decker
    * Cadence Design
    * Corvis
    * Central Pacific Bank
    * 1-800-Contacts
    * Cygnus Inc.
    * Diebold
    * Dell Computer
    * Dionex
    * Downey Savings and Loan
    * EarthShell
    * Franklin Covey
    * Hillenbrand Industries
    * Headwaters, Inc.
    * Hollywood Entertainment
    * Host Marriott
    * Iomega
    * JP Realty
    * Key Corp.
    * Knight Transportation
    * K-Swiss, Inc.
    * La Quinta Properties, Inc.
    * Marriott International
    * Micrel Semiconductor
    * Micro General
    * Merit Medical Systems
    * Monaco Coach
    * Microsemi Corp.
    * Myriad Genetics
    * Novell
    * NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    * NuSkin
    * Oil States International
    * Oakley
    * priceline.com Inc.
    * Phelps Dodge Corp.
    * Ryder Systems
    * SkyWest Airlines
    * Swift Transportation
    * Cornerstone REIT
    * Tropical Sportswear
    * Williams Companies, Inc.
    * Zions Bancorp

    If you boycott a company...TELL them you are boycotting. If you contact a company and receive a reply, even just a form letter, write back. Keep up the dialogue. Make a follow up phone call. TALK to people. It can make the difference.

    And here is a list of STONEWALL DEMOCRATS and related organizations in California (probably NOT comprehensive):

    Stonewall Democrats of Los Angeles

    Central Valley Stonewall Democratic Club
    Stockton, CA

    Desert Stonewall Democrats
    Cathedral City, CA

    Eleanor Roosevelt Stonewall Democrats of Orange County
    Santa Anna, CA

    Fresno Stonewall Democrats
    Fresno, CA

    Sacramento Stonewall Democrats
    Sacramento, CA

    San Diego Democratic Club
    San Diego, CA

    Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento
    Sacramento, CA

    Stonewall Alliance of Chico: The Stonewall Alliance Center offers a range of services to help connect people to their community. Volunteers staffing the Center provide information on activities and events and offer referrals for services. Our Education & Outreach give community members access to the Harlan Adams Memorial Library, Out Education classes, we deliver speaker’s panels to local colleges and presenters to area organizations and groups.


    BLOGGING CALIFORNIA: Here are some blogs covering California Politics

    Calitics is an open source news organization for California.

    The California Progress Report is published by Frank D. Russo, a longtime observer of and participant in California politics.

    The Liberal OC covers politics in Orange County.

    LeftyBlogs California is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across California.


    Some articles of note:

    The Rising Tide in California: the realities of Global Warming.

    Obama may be a boon for high-speed rail

    This Thanksgiving Thank California Agricultural Industry and Workers

    Fast Tracking Infrastructure Stimulus

    The Anti-Government Ideology That Caused San Diegans to Vote Against Protecting Their Own Property

    Waxman beats Dingell in secret vote for Energy and Commerce

    The Benefits of Meeting Federal Clean Air Standards

    Green efforts boost economy. I've been saying this for YEARS. And boy our economy could use some boosting!


    Alternative Energy in California:

    Here are some Biodiesel Cooperatives in California. If you have a diesel truck or car, joining one of these co-ops can help you drive more green.

    The Berkeley Biodiesel Collecctive
    Berkeley, CA
    email: berkeleybiodiesel_at_yahoo.com. Or check out their website.

    The Biofuels Research Cooperative
    Sebastopol, CA
    email: veggieoilcoop_at_yahoo.com.

    I also want to highlight Conserv Fuels in Los Angeles, which offers a selection of alternative fuels (biodiesel and ethanol included) as well as pretty cheap regular gasoline. Joy and I buy our fuel (whatever we need) when we are in Los Angeles.

    And Propel Fuels have several stations around California that offer biodiesel: (I discovered them when I saw they did carbon offsets)

    * Rocklin
    6700 Five Star Blvd
    Sacramento, California 95677

    * Citrus Heights
    7741 Auburn Blvd
    Citrus Heights, California 95610

    * Sacramento, Folsom Blvd.
    8090 Folsom Blvd.
    Sacramento, California 95826

    * Sacramento, Norwood Ave.
    4200 Norwood Ave
    Sacramento, California 95838

    * Sacramento, Florin Road
    8062 Florin Road
    Sacramento, California 95828

    * Elk Grove
    9190 E Stockton Blvd
    Elk Grove, California 95624

    * Roseville
    999 Sunrise Ave
    Roseville, California 95661

    * Placerville
    151 Main St
    Placerville, California 95667


    Here are other alternative energy resources for Califorina:

    Alternative Energy Resources in California: a short summary of alternative energy resources for California. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

    San Francisco Community Power pilots innovative programs that improve our neighborhoods' environmental and economic conditions. We help small businesses and low-income families lower their expenses and reduce their ecological footprint. Our work provides policy makers with demonstrative ways to solve complex resource allocation issues.


    California for Democracy:
    Here are some local Democracy for America groups (click on the link for more info)

    DFA Marin

    Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley

    Democratic Club of Coarsegold

    DFA - Central Coast

    DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties

    DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties

    Democracy for Monterey County

    DFA-Orange County

    East Bay for Democracy

    Sacramento for Democracy

    San Diego for Democracy

    (San Fernando) Valley Grassroots for Democracy

    San Francisco for Democracy

    San Mateo County Democracy for America

    Santa Barbara Progressive Coalition

    Sonoma County DFA


    Here are some local political meetings in California:

    Desert Stonewall Democrats Monthly Meeting
    Palm Springs' Desert Stonewall Democrats Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
    NATIONAL STONEWALL DEMOCRATS MISSION:
    Pride in Our Country
    - Pride in Our Family
    - - Pride in Our Party

    MONTHLY MEETINGS
    The second SATURDAY of each month, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Desert Pride Center
    611 South Palm Canyon
    Palm Springs
    760-327-2313

    San Ramon Valley Democrats Meetings
    We are a group of dedicated Democrats living in the San Ramon Valley who have come together to support and promote the progressive social and political principles that always have been fundamental to the Democratic Party. The San Ramon Valley is comprised of Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo, Danville, San Ramon, and southern Walnut Creek, and members of our club come from each of those communities. We meet once a month for an educational program at Mudd's Restaurant in San Ramon, alternating between lunch on the second Tuesday, and appetizers (no-host bar) on the evening of the fourth Thursday (6:30 PM). We register people to vote, walk precincts to arouse voters, raise money for candidates, and enjoy the opportunity to socialize with people of common interests. Go here for more info.

    Our meetings are lively and our programs are focused on issues of concern to Democrats, locally, statewide, and nationally. Our speakers are chosen for their astute insight into the problems before us as citizens and as voters. We socialize before and after the formal meetings, and enter into animated discussions about the topic of the day. In the process we become fast friends.

    Mudds Restaurant
    $22 per person (meal included)

    Democrats of North Orange County
    Bill Daly, President
    714-990-6767
    Bruce Sandercock, Vice-President
    714-871-5244
    P. O. Box 6597
    Fullerton, CA 92834
    Monthly meeting: First Thursday, Sizzler Restaurant,
    1401 N. Harbor, Fullerton; 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. meeting

    Santa Clara County (San Jose) Democratic Party Meetup
    We meet at 7:30pm on the second Tuesday of each month at the Dem Party Office, 2102 Almaden Road, Suite 114, San Jose, 95125. Feel free to bring snacks to share.

    Brought to you by the Santa Clara County Democratic Party (http://www.sccdp.org).... Please join us to learn ways to help elect Democrats in Santa Clara County and beyond.

    ~~Together, America Can Do Better!~~

    On Almaden ROAD (not Expwy), between Curtner and Canoas Garden. It's OK to park in the big lot, despite posted warnings.

    Internet directions usually suggest taking Almaden Expressway, which is sometimes backed up. A lower stress route is to take Bird Avenue west from 280 and follow it all the way until it dead-ends at Malone. Left on Malone, Right on Almaden Road and 2102 is on the first corner on your left.

    We meet in Suite 114, first door on your left as you enter the glass doors marked Main Entrance.


    Drinking Liberally:

    For those who like a more social, and beer focused, environment, there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the Drinking Liberally groups in California:

    San Jose
    * Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 and on
    * Trials Pub in downtown San Jose, 265 N 1st St (main cross streets: W St James and W Julian)
    * September is our first meeting with our new host! I'm looking for a co-host, so let me know if you are interested
    * Hosted by Mia White, sanjose (at) drinkingliberally.org


    Downtown Los Angeles
    * Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
    * The Edison, 108 West 2nd St
    * We'll be in the area past the bar, known as the "Generator Lounge" (the entrance to the bar is through the alley off of 2nd street)
    * Hosted by Vincent Jones, Cecilia Cabello, Becca Doten, Roxi Reeves and Jim Kennedy, downtownla (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Hollywood
    * Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 PM
    * Molly Malone's Irish Pub, 575 South Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles 90036 (near corner of 6th avenue)
    * http://www.mollymalonesla.com/
    * Hosted by Vincent Jones, Jim Kennedy and Mary Jack, la (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Pasadena
    * Every Tuesday, 7:30-10:00 pm
    * Madeleine's Wine Bistro, 1030 E Green St (between Wilson and Catalina)
    * We'll start out in the wine bar, then move out to the front patio.
    * Hosted by Asa Hopkins, pasadena (at) drinkingliberally.org

    San Fernando Valley
    * First and third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
    * The White Harte Pub, 22456 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills (Two blocks west of Shoup Ave.)
    * Hosted by Andy Beaton and Jon Hytowitz, sfv (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Westside
    * Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
    * Cock and Bull Pub, 2947 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
    * Hosted by Vincent Jones, Mary Jack, Robert Coyner, Gisele Perez, Jeremy Bloom, Tami Reiss, Marc Saltzberg and Jim Kennedy, westsidela (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Monterey, California
    * First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward
    * Ol' Factory Cafe, 1725 Contra Costa St (In Sand City, off of Del Monte Blvd)
    * http://www.olfactorycafe.com/
    * Please note that The Ol' Factory Cafe currently only takes cash and local checks.
    * Hosted by Annie Ho, monterey (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Santa Ana
    * Every Thursday, 8:30 pm onward
    * Memphis Bar, 201 N Broadway (Artists Village)
    * Hosted by Mike Lawson, orangecounty (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Rancho Santa Margarita
    * Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
    * Canyon Fireside Grille, 22312 El Paseo
    * Hosted by Gary Kephart, rsm (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Huntington Beach
    * First and third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
    * Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. - Out Back On The Patio, 19461 Main St
    * Next Meeting will be on Thursday November 15th
    * Hosted by Scott McKown and Louise Stewardson, huntingtonbeach (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Sacramento, California
    * Second Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
    * BJs Restaurant and Brewery, 3531 N Freeway Blvd (Natomas)
    * Come check out our new venue and meet some new people!
    * Hosted by Leslie Simmons, sacramento (at) drinkingliberally.org

    San Diego, California
    * Every other Tuesday, 7:30 pm onward
    * Nunu's Cocktail Lounge, 3537 5th Ave (Between Brookes and Ivy Ln)
    * We will also be meeting periodically at Firehouse in Pacific Beach for special editions of Drinking Liberally. 722 Grand Avenue Pacific Beach, CA 92109
    * Hosted by Jesse Rubin and Jason Miller, sandiego (at) drinkingliberally.org

    San Francisco
    * Every Monday, 7:00-9:00 pm
    * Nickie's, 466 Haight Street (between Fillmore & Webster) (Look for our red, white and blue striped bottle!)
    * Hosted by Susan Harrison, sf (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Oakland
    * Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
    * Luka's Taproom & Lounge, 2221 Broadway
    * Join us for the Eating Liberally Oakland Brunch at Luka's
    * Hosted by Cyril Allen and Philip Combs, oakland (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Napa
    * First and third Monday of each month, 5:00-6:30 pm
    * Compadre's, 505 Lincoln Ave
    * Hosted by Mick Winter and Lauren Coodley, napa (at) drinkingliberally.org


    San Luis Obispo, California
    * First and third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
    * The Graduate, 990 Industrial Way
    * Hosted by Lorrie Toles and Sergio Monge, slo (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Santa Barbara, California
    * Every Wednesday, 8 pm - 10 pm
    * Elsie's Bar, 117 W de la Guerra St (behind Paseo Nuveo Mall)
    * Elsie's is 21+ and cash only
    * Hosted by Daryl Chrisman and Bart Woolery, santabarbara (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Santa Clarita, California
    * Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
    * Mulligans, 25848 Tournament Rd (Near Cal Arts)
    * Hosted by Michael Cruz, Bill Bailey and Minerva Williams, santaclarita (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Santa Cruz, California
    * First Tuesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
    * Cafe Pergolesi, 418 Cedar St (In the orange room to the right and back)
    * Hosted by Brandon Smith and Natalie Rojas, santacruz (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Stockton, California
    * Third Friday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
    * Stockton Grand Hotel, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd (Front of Bar)
    * Grand Hotel tel. 209-957-9090
    * Joel's Cell: 209-351-3397
    * Hosted by Joel Carignan, stockton (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Ventura, California
    * Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm
    * JJ Brewsky's, now and forever, 2344 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo (in the heart of Old Town Camarillo)
    * Join us every second and fourth Wednesdays at 8:00 PM for a pint and some politics!
    * Heather, Marie, Mark and Brian
    * Hosted by Heather Schmidt, Marie Davis, Mark Eggertsen and Brian Mack, ventura (at) drinkingliberally.org

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