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:

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 Democrats of Ventura County
Ventura, 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:

Biodiesel from Coffee Grounds!

CA-32: Romero and Chu Eye Solis' U.S. House Seat

California AG Jerry Brown will urge state's Supreme Court to void anti-gay Prop 8...and on a related note: LA TIMES Urges Attorney General To Reject Prop 8

Republicans attack education

From Daily Kos comes this rundown of 2010 races in California:

Senator Barbara Boxer is up for reelection, and she ought to win, unless she happens to face an exceptionally strong candidate like, say, term-limited Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I feel that Boxer would beat the Governator (who has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for a Cabinet position) in a head-to-head race, but it would be quite a lot of fun to watch.

Perhaps not as much fun, however, as the Democratic primary for Governor is expected to be.

Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi is already running. Other possible or expected candidates include:

• Attorney General, former Governor, former Presidential candidate and former Mayor of Oakland Jerry Brown.
• U.S. Senator and former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein.
• San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom
• Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
• U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez
• U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis

And those are just the Democrats. On the GOP side, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is expected to run, and we can only hope that Conservative Icon Tom McClintock might get into the race, whether or not he wins in the House.

Speaking of the House, there probably won't be too many top-tier races to begin with, but as we saw this year, there are a number of California districts where upsets are plausible. Among them:

CA-03, where Republican Dan "the Sacramento '49er" Lungren received under 50% of the vote in 2008.
CA-04, where we still don't know who the next Representative will be (though it's not looking good for Democrat Charlie Brown).
CA-26, where incumbent Republican David Drier pulled just 53% in 2008
CA-44, where Democrat Bill Hedrick nearly shocked the world by pulling off a stunning upset of Republican Ken Calvert, in a race no one saw coming.
CA-45, a moderately Republican district and home of Democrat Mary Bono Mack.
CA-46, where Republican Dana Rohrabacher got just 53% against Democrat Debbie Cook this year.

Meanwhile, it's likely Republicans will take another crack at Jerry McNerney in CA-11. It's likely neither party will gain any House seats in California in 2010, but you never know.

Budget solutions, not ransom notes...and more on the same subject: Stunning New Budget Demands From California's Republicans...and yet more on the same subject: Yacht Party Decides to Let Ship of State Sink

CA-Attorney General: Ted Lieu files for Attorney General

The Status Quo, Corruption, And Crisis

There's more than one crisis: Water situation grows ominous

Air Board Must Make Land Use Reform Part of The Climate Change Program

California Treasurer Warns of Severity of Crisis Facing California

The Green Way Out: Yes...a Green New Deal is what we need...and on a related note: Green efforts boost economy. I've been saying this for YEARS. And boy our economy could use some boosting!

Why does George Bush want to poison babies in Sacramento?

California's 2/3 Requirement Hobbles Democracy

The Prop. 8 Case: You Might Not Be Gay, But You Might Be Next: The ACLU takes on California's Hate Amendment


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:

San Fernando Valley Young Democrats: San Fernando Valley Young Democrats shall endeavor to stimulate in young people an active interest in governmental affairs, increase the efficiency of our government, maintain the viability of our free institutions, and contribute to the growth and influence of the ideals and philosophy of the Democratic Party. Check their calendar of events here.

Pasadena Young Democrats:
PYD welcomes students and young adults from throughout the region to join us. The mission of PYD is to encourage young people to participate in the political process, support progressive ideals and Democratic candidates and have a lot fun in the process!

If you are actively looking to find out about the local scene, get involved with a campaign, or even if you are just looking for some fun progressive people aged 14-35 to hang out with, we encourage you to join PYD and attend one of our meetings or events. Check out their calendar here.

Orange County Young Democrats: We are young workers, young families, college and high school students--ages 14-35--who are commited to the Democratic values that make America strong and provide opportunity for all. As the official voice for young people in the Democratic Party of Orange County, OCYD is a network of Young Democrat activists around the county that are helping to provide a Democratic presence around Orange County and around college and high school campuses. Check out their calendar here.

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