Progressive Democrat Issue 158

Well, for those of us living in New York this has been, shall we say, an "interesting" week. I discuss the scandal surrounding Eliot Spitzer in some detail in this newsletter. In the end it just may be a good thing. Our new governor, Governor Paterson, is untested in many ways...and some consider him a bit weak. But I have a better feeling about him than I did about Spitzer when he was elected. But time will tell.

This week also has been horrible for our economy. Things are getting worse and worse and no end in sight. I am seriously concerned about the economic situation. But Bush has been "reassuring" America that the economy is just fine. This reminds me of his father telling us "Don't worry, be happy." Which, of course, led to the brilliant counter line, "It's the Economy, Stupid." Well, "It's the Economy Stupid" applies more than ever, as I write on Culture Kitchen. Halliburton, Exxon/Mobil, Shell Oil, Chevron etc. rake in record profits while you and I have trouble making ends meet...and Bush "reassures" us. Pardon me, but to Hell with that! This economy has sucked during the entirety of Bush's term, with this being the SECOND recession he has given us. And inflation has been a problem at the very same time. I am not reassured.

But change is coming. Whether our nominee is Clinton or Obama, I am eager to see a change. Either way we will see some of the nastiest attacks from the Republicans we have ever seen. Be prepared. And be prepared to fight it tooth and nail. They will be as sexist and/or racist as they need to be to win. They will lie, steal and cheat to win. We are poised to take the Senate solidly, win more House seats and take the White House. This week alone we won yet another House seat (in Illinois) and successfully defended a threatened seat (in Indiana). But they have more dirty tricks up their sleeves and we have to be ready for it.

This week also sees an expansion of the local Progressive Candidates I mention. Progressive Majority has already been running candidates in Arizona and Wisconsin, which I have included in my Arizon and Wisconsin pages. Now I add Progressive Majority candidates that are running in California and Pennsylvania. These candidates really deserve your support. They are excellent people and they are the next generation of politicians who will lead us.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

HUGE WIN IN ILLINOIS: Dennis Hastert's seat turns blue

THE DOWNFALL OF ELIOT SPITZER: A Case Study in Arrogance

SOME PERSPECTIVE: Republican Pedophilia...Far Worse than Prostitution

SPITZER TARGETED BY A RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY?

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Charlie Brown, Progressive Candidates, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

NEW YORK FOCUS: Diane Benson, Peace Vigils, Groups and Events


VIRGINIA FOCUS: Impeachment, Groups and Events

ILLINOIS FOCUS: Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Blue Jersey Radio, Impeachment, Peace Rallies, Groups and Events

TEXAS FOCUS: Rick Noriega, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

ALASKA FOCUS: Groups and Events

MICHIGAN FOCUS: Groups and Events

IOWA FOCUS: Sustainable Agriculture, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

ARIZONA FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

WISCONSIN FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

FLORIDA FOCUS: Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

GEORGIA FOCUS: Veterans for Peace, Groups and Events

NORTH CAROLINA: Peace Rallies, Groups and Events

THE GOOD: Huge win in Illinois Turns Hastert's Seat Blue

You all must have been getting tired of my writing about the IL-14 special election to replace disgraced Dennis Hastert in Congress. Well, last weekend it all paid off.

The IL-14 Congressional District has been safe Republican for many, many years. On March 8th, this "safe Republican seat" was won by DEMOCRAT Bill Foster. This is a huge blow to the Republican Party and may just mean the downfall of Tom Cole, the Republican in charge of the National Republican Congressional Committee. The NRCC spent about 30% of their total cash on hand on this election. The DCCC spent about 3% of their total cash on hand to back Foster. And now Foster has won 53% to 47%. In a majority Republican district!

Bill Foster isn't just any Democrat. He was a successful businessman, who started a business quite young which now supplies the lighting equipment for most theaters. He then went on to become an eminent physicist at Fermilab. This guy is smart, a great manager and brings an understanding of science to Congress. We need that these days.

Barack Obama took time out from his own busy campaign schedule to campaign for Foster. Some attribute Foster's win to Obama's carefully timed ad. And this may partly be true. But from all I heard Foster's campaign, using software written by Foster himself, was the model of efficiency, covering huge amounts of territory effectively and cheaply. In 2006, John Hall's run for Congress in New York was a model winning campaign that many candidates and campaign managers would do well to emulate. This year Bill Foster adds another model for a winning campaign. To all of you out there who are campaigning, John Hall and Bill Foster can teach you what you need to know to win against all odds.

And what was our pay off from electing Bill Foster? The House Ethics Bill passed this week by one vote. Bill Foster voted for it. Oberweiss and Hastert would not have voted for it. Foster's first act as a Congressman was to help pass this ethics bill. How's that for a quick pay off?

Welcome to Congress, Bill. Congratulations. And to Tom Cole, Dennis Hastert, and Jim Oberweis: it is time you learned your lesson. Corruption and fear mongering do not win in the long term.

THE BAD: The Downfall of Eliot Spitzer

The right wing had a huge win this last week, taking down a strong, if perhaps too headstrong, Governor of New York. Eliot Spitzer got caught in a prostitution sting.

I have largely kept quiet about Spitzer. I mean from the start. When he decided to run for Governor, many of my political allies were thrilled. For awhile I heard nothing but glowing odes to the man. I felt uncomfortable about him though, and continued to feel uncomfortable. There was always an arrogance around Spitzer that bothered me.

Still, he was obviously our candidate. I met Suozzi and actually kind of liked him, but...He came off passionate, competent and an excellent candidate...for a Republican. He struck me like Bloomberg--someone who kind of is on the border between Democrat and Republican. He talked like a smart Republican, emphisizing cutting taxes, running as a CEO with a business model for government, denegrated "Bloated Unions." Spitzer got my vote. But not my enthusiasm.

And there was the NY State Democratic Convention. The 2006 NY State Democratic Convention was a disgusting, nasty farce. The assumption that Spitzer would be nominated for Governor and Cuomo nominated for Attorney General was taken to such an extreme that delegates to the convention who I know were told not to deliver proxy votes for candidates other than those two. They were told if they did they would face primary challenges as punishment. Somehow Spitzer didn't catch much blame for this. Cuomo came in for far more ire. But to me Spitzer must have been part of the nastiness of the convention.

Going along with those kinds of un-democratic tactics were Spitzer's ties to some elements from the unsavory Brooklyn Democratic machine. Carl Andrews, right hand man to now convicted Clarence Norman, is a political ally of Spitzer's. That always rubbed me wrong. Just how close was he with the very corrupt Clarence Norman and Norman's replacement, the equally corrupt Vito Lopez.

Of course there is the flip side. Spitzer was a force to be reckoned with and that is precisely what we needed in Albany. He was certainly known for standing up to some very powerful, big money interests, though he does seem favorably disposed to developers, even highly dubious characters like Bruce Ratner.

Bottom line was I was happy he got elected, but wondered what we'd get.

The elation many felt never turned into anything. Spitzer went to Albany and stumbled. The State Legislature is a mess and needs to be stood up to, but Spitzer managed to alienate even allies and reformers in the State Legistlature by largely dictating rather than working with legislators. I know some good people in the State Assembly who were thrilled when Spitzer won. But his way of dealing even with Democrats in the legislature rubbed many the wrong way. Now had he succeeded, I'd be the first to congratulate him, I admit. But his arrogance didn't help in the end.

I got the feeling that rather than replacing the corrupt "three men in a room" system in Albany with a true state government, Spitzer wanted government by one man in a room as long as that one man was himself.

Then he got caught spending thousands of dollars an hour with a prostitute. The arrogance of being the big, tough broom that cleans all before it, then waltzing into an elite brothel charging something like a fifth of a year's salary for the average American for one hour of something most of us don't need to pay for.

Now, it wasn't as awful as the Mark Foley pedophilia that Republicans like Hastert covered up and defended. And he didn't use taxpayer money to get his thrill the way Giuliani did. And he didn't pull that other Giuliani trick, forcing cops to walk the dog while he was stupping his mistress. But it was abyssmal stupidity given the number of enemies he made and his former prosecution of people for, you guessed it, hiring prostitutes.

Spitzer's arrogance has, in essence, led to about the worst series of fumbles I could imagine being made.

Seems the next Governor of New York is David Paterson. He will be the first ever black Governor of New York. He also will be the first blind Governor of New York. I welcome Governor Paterson and hope he can do a better job than the once gorified Spitzer. Many see Paterson as weaker and unwilling to go out on a limb to clean up Albany. But I say let's see. Spitzer's way failed. Maybe Paterson's way will be better.

THE UGLY: Republican Pedophilia...MUCH worse than prostitution

The worst part of the whole "Spitzer Can't Keep it in His Pants" story is not that Spitzer slept with a prostitute, or that he paid huge sums of money for it, or that he got caught, or that his actions may for now derail reform in New York State. The worst part is the hypocritical, self-rightous chest thumping that Republican politicians and their media friends are engaging in.

Somehow, normal sex sets the right wing fanatics off in a fit of hysteria that would give Freud wet dreams. But if one of their own commits pedophilia, what do you hear from these people? Nothing! They cover it up if they can and circle the wagons if they can't. Let's keep this whole thing in perspective. Bill Clinton got a blow job, an act of consentual sex between adults, and the Republicans demanded impeachment. Eliot Spitzer hired an expensive whore and the Republicans are threatening impeachment. But a whole slew of Republicans on all levels of government engage in pedophilia and you hear nary a peep from the Republican noise machine. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?

Mark Foley committed pedophilia and the Republican Party right up to the very top covered it up for years and bent over backwards to defend the sleaze when the news leaked out. In my opinion, Clinton and Spitzer committed private sins that may reflect some bad judgement, but did not seriously damage anyone's life. Mark Foley committed a serious crime that could damage someone's entire life yet that was just fine and dandy to all these right wing pundits and politicians who are yammering about Spitzer.

And the worst part is Mark Foley wasn't an isolated case. There must be something about right wingers who makes it their business to police everyone else's behavior that attracts them to seriously sick behavior.

What is worse than the actual existence of pedophilic Republicans is the fact that all too often other Republicans cover up for them...sometimes for many years.

So here is a list I came across of Republicans charged or convicted of pedophilia: (links can be found on the original site)

* Republican Party Chairman Donald Fleischman was charged with two counts of child enticement, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a child and a single charge of exposing himself to a child.

* Republican prosecutor John David Roy Atchison was arrested for soliciting sex from a 5-year old girl, then killed himself three weeks later. At the time of his arrest, Atchison was an "assistant U.S. attorney" appointed by President Bush's attorney general.

* Republican city councilman John Bryan killed himself after police began investigating allegations that he had molested three girls, including two of his adopted daughters, ages 12 and 15.

* Republican legislator Ted Klaudt was charged with raping girls under the age of 16.

* Republican city councilman Joseph Monteleone Jr. was found guilty of fondling underage girls.

* Republican congressional aide Jeffrey Nielsen was arrested for having sex with a 14-year old boy.

* Republican County Commissioner Patrick Lee McGuire surrendered to police after allegedly molesting girls between the ages of 8 and 13.

* Republican prosecutor Larry Corrigan was arrested for soliciting sex from 13-year old girls.

* Republican Mayor Jeffrey Kyle Randall was sentenced to 275 days in jail for molesting two boys -- ages ten and 12 -- during a six-year period.

* Republican County Board Candidate Brent Schepp was charged with molesting a 14-year old girl and killed himself three days later.

* Republican Congressman Mark Foley abruptly resigned from Congress after "sexually explicit" emails surfaced showing him flirting with a 16-year old boy.

* Republican executive Randall Casseday of the conservative Washington Times newspaper pleaded guilty to soliciting sex from a 13-year old girl on the internet.

* Republican chairman of the Oregon Christian Coalition Lou Beres confessed to molesting a 13-year old girl.

* Republican County Constable Larry Dale Floyd pleaded guilty to charges of soliciting sex from an 8-year old girl. Floyd has repeatedly won elections for Denton County, Texas, constable.

* Republican judge Mark Pazuhanich pleaded no contest to fondling a 10-year old girl and was sentenced to 10 years probation.

* Republican Party leader Bobby Stumbo was arrested for having sex with a 5-year old boy.

* Republican petition drive manager Tom Randall pleaded guilty to molesting two girls under the age of 14, one of them the daughter of an associate in the petition business.

* Republican County Chairman Armando Tebano pleaded guilty to fondling a 14-year-old girl.

* Republican teacher and former city councilman John Collins pleaded guilty to sexually molesting 13 and 14 year old girls.

* Republican campaign worker Mark Seidensticker is a convicted child molester.

* Republican Mayor Philip Giordano is serving a 37-year sentence in federal prison for sexually abusing 8- and 10-year old girls.

* Republican Mayor Tom Adams was arrested for distributing child pornography over the internet.

* Republican Mayor John Gosek was arrested on charges of soliciting sex from two 15-year old girls.

* Republican County Commissioner David Swartz pleaded guilty to molesting two girls under the age of 11 and was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

* Republican legislator Edison Misla Aldarondo was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping his daughter between the ages of 9 and 17.

* Republican Committeeman John R. Curtin was convicted of molesting an underage teenage boy and sentenced to serve six to 18 months in prison.

* Republican anti-abortion activist Howard Scott Heldreth is a convicted child rapist in Florida.

* Republican zoning supervisor, Boy Scout leader and Lutheran church president Dennis L. Rader pleaded guilty to performing a sexual act on an 11-year old girl he murdered.

* Republican anti-abortion activist Nicholas Morency pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on his computer and offering a bounty to anybody who murders an abortion doctor.

* Republican campaign consultant Tom Shortridge was sentenced to three years probation for taking nude photographs of a 15-year old girl.

* Republican racist pedophile and United States Senator Strom Thurmond had sex with a 15-year old black girl which produced a child.

* Republican pastor Mike Hintz, whom George W. Bush commended during the 2004 presidential campaign, surrendered to police after admitting to a sexual affair with a female juvenile.

* Republican legislator Peter Dibble pleaded no contest to having an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old girl.

* Republican advertising consultant Carey Lee Cramer was sentenced to six years in prison for molesting two 8-year old girls, one of whom appeared in an anti-Gore television commercial.

* Republican fundraiser Lawrence E. King, Jr. organized child sex parties at the White House during the 1980s.

* Republican lobbyist Craig J. Spence organized child sex parties at the White House during the 1980s.

* Republican Congressman Donald "Buz" Lukens was found guilty of having sex with a female minor and sentenced to one month in jail.

* Republican fundraiser Richard A. Delgaudio was found guilty of child porn charges and paying two teenage girls to pose for sexual photos.

* Republican activist Mark A. Grethen convicted on six counts of sex crimes involving children.

* Republican campaign chairman Randal David Ankeney pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault on a child and was arrested again five years later on the same charge.

* Republican Congressman Dan Crane had sex with a female minor working as a congressional page.

* Republican activist and Christian Coalition leader Beverly Russell admitted to an incestuous relationship with his step daughter.

* Republican Judge Ronald C. Kline pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on his home computer.

* Republican congressman and anti-gay activist Robert Bauman was charged with having sex with a 16-year-old boy he picked up at a gay bar.

* Republican Committee Chairman Jeffrey Patti was arrested for distributing a video clip of a 5-year-old girl being raped.

* Republican activist Marty Glickman (a.k.a. "Republican Marty"), was taken into custody by Florida police on four counts of unlawful sexual activity with an underage girl and one count of delivering the drug LSD.

* Republican legislative aide Howard L. Brooks was charged with molesting a 12-year old boy and possession of child pornography.

* Republican Senate candidate John Hathaway was accused of having sex with his 12-year old baby sitter and withdrew his candidacy after the allegations were reported in the media.

* Republican preacher Stephen White, who demanded a return to traditional values, was sentenced prison after offering $20 to a 14-year-old boy for permission to perform oral sex on him.

* Republican talk show host Jon Matthews pleaded guilty to exposing his genitals to an 11 year old girl.

* Republican anti-gay activist Earl "Butch" Kimmerling was sentenced to 40 years in prison for molesting an 8-year old girl after he attempted to stop a gay couple from adopting her.

* Republican Party leader Paul Ingram pleaded guilty to six counts of raping his daughters and served 14 years in federal prison.

* Republican election board official Kevin Coan was sentenced to two years probation for soliciting sex over the internet from a 14-year old girl.

* Republican politician Andrew Buhr was charged with two counts of first degree sodomy with a 13-year old boy.

* Republican legislator Keith Westmoreland was arrested on seven felony counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition to girls under the age of 16 (i.e. exposing himself to children).

* Republican anti-abortion activist John Allen Burt was found guilty of molesting a 15-year old girl.

* Republican County Councilman Keola Childs pleaded guilty to molesting a male child.

* Republican activist John Butler was charged with criminal sexual assault on a teenage girl.

* Republican candidate Richard Gardner admitted to molesting his two daughters.

* Republican Councilman and former Marine Jack W. Gardner was convicted of molesting a 13-year old girl.

* Republican County Commissioner Merrill Robert Barter pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual contact and assault on a teenage boy.

* Republican City Councilman Fred C. Smeltzer, Jr. pleaded no contest to raping a 15 year-old girl and served 6-months in prison.

* Republican activist Parker J. Bena pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on his home computer and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and fined $18,000.

* Republican parole board officer and former Colorado state representative, Larry Jack Schwarz, was fired after child pornography was found in his possession.

* Republican strategist and Citadel Military College graduate Robin Vanderwall was convicted in Virginia on five counts of soliciting sex from boys and girls over the internet.

* Republican city councilman Mark Harris, who is described as a "good military man" and "church goer," was convicted of repeatedly having sex with an 11-year-old girl and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

* Republican businessman Jon Grunseth withdrew his candidacy for Minnesota governor after allegations surfaced that he went swimming in the nude with four underage girls, including his daughter.

* Republican campaign worker, police officer and self-proclaimed reverend Steve Aiken was convicted of having sex with two underage girls.

* Republican director of the "Young Republican Federation" Nicholas Elizondo molested his 6-year old daughter and was sentenced to six years in prison.

* Republican president of the New York City Housing Development Corp. Russell Harding pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on his computer.

* Republican benefactor of conservative Christian groups, Richard A. Dasen Sr., was found guilty of raping a 15-year old girl. Dasen, 62, who is married with grown children and several grandchildren, has allegedly told police that over the past decade he paid more than $1 million to have sex with a large number of young women.


Stack this list up against what Eliot Spitzer did. THAT is some perspective for you.

SOME MORE PERSPECTIVE: Did Spitzer Fall into a Trap?

Michael Bouldin at Daily Gotham has this roundup of the evidence that behind Eliot Spitzer's downfall was a Republican conspiracy...one that doesn't excuse Eliot's stupidity, but does raises some serious quesitons about the Republican Party:

The story of Eliot Spitzer is getting increasingly tangled. Witness this from Harper's:

A reader emails with an interesting observation:

Amazing how Senator David Vitter’s name never leaked out of the Justice Department after the arrest of the D.C. Madam, but Eliot Spitzer’s name leaked out of the Justice Department within a week of the initial arrest in the Emperor V.I.P. case.

Vitter, recall, owned up to his dalliance with a prostitute after Hustler called him to ask for comment before publication. Not that employees of the George W. Bush Justice Department would ever act in a political fashion, of course. But it is curious.

Jane Hamscher at FireDogLake has some additional questions. Here are some:

What is a USA doing prosecuting a prostitution case? This isn't normally what the feds spend their time with.

Right. The same U.S. Attorneys who, as we learned some time ago, acted and were treated as an extension of the White House political machine.

How did Spitzer's name get leaked to the media, and who did it? Didn't happen to Dave Vitter.

In the D.C. Madam case, Senator Vitter's name did not become publicly known until he was contacted by Hustler Magazine, alerting him that the publication was doing a story on him. The Emperor's Club was cracked last week, and sources claim Spitzer knew about the probe on Friday. Remarkably quick work.

Why did Mike Bloomberg suddenly start talking about running for governor recently? And why did he give $500,000 to Joe Bruno? He's good buddies with Mike Mukasey. What did he know and how did he know it?

Good question. Why exactly Mike Bloomberg would pump five hundred large into Bruno's faltering majority is kind of mystifying.

It's little short of astonishing that something that happened less than a month ago, on February 13th, between two consenting adults, is now, on March 10th, splashed across the front pages of the national media.

Spitzer's biggest mistake? He's a Democrat. The Department of Justice is well known these days for applying a different standard to members of the political opposition.

But there's more. The man who most benefits from the downfall of Spitzer is Republican State Senator Joe Bruno, the man who is most at odds with Spitzer...and the one who is himself under an expanding investigation for corruption. Keep this little gem (from NY Corruption Blog) in mind when considering the implications of the Spitzer sting:

What do federal investigators hope to find concerning Senator Joseph L. Bruno's business dealings with this company? This investigation has been going on for some time leaving some to speculate that the senator's business dealings are somewhat shady:

For more than a decade, Mr. Bruno earned a salary from Wright Investors' Service, based in Milford, Conn., in addition to his legislative pay of $121,000. His affiliation with the company began shortly before he became majority leader in 1995. Neither the amount of his salary nor the specifics of his job have been disclosed, and such disclosure is not required under state ethics laws.

A number of the pension funds’ trustees also have longstanding political ties to Mr. Bruno, who has been a close ally of labor unions in the Legislature. Some of the trustees even personally lobbied Mr. Bruno about legislative issues, state records and interviews with the officials revealed. Records also show that prominent locals in New York City invested at various times with Wright, including the New York City District Council of Carpenters and Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International union.

Whatever happened to transparency in government? If the feds do not find anything criminally wrong, it sure smells like there could be some type of ethics violation in the mix.

All of this going on behind the scenes just before a somewhat vague and dubious Federal investigation catches Spitzer in a traditional way to discredit a political rival. Once again, I emphasize that Spitzer's own arrogance brought him down. But it sure looks like the Republicans may have illegally and hypocritcally investigated him in an attempt to cover up their own misdeeds.

The New Republic also has an article on this.

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Charlie Brown, Alternative Energy, Peace Events and Groups and Events

Here is a list of Progressive candidates running in California worth your support (all endorsed by Progressive Majority):

Marty Block
Candidate for State Assembly - District 78 (Open Seat)
San Diego County



Marty Block is a candidate for the 78th Assembly District. He is currently elected to the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees, and previously served on the San Diego Board of Education. The 78th is currently held by a conservative, but she is term-limited out of office. This district has grown more Democratic over the years and is one of the best opportunities for a progressive victory this year. Marty would provide a strong platform for progressive issues in San Diego.

Click here to support and learn more about Marty.

Mark Ridley-Thomas
Candidate for Los Angeles County Supervisor - District 2 (Challenger)



California Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas is running for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, 2nd District, in the highest priority race for progressives in Los Angeles County. Mark is running against a formidable candidate, former chief of police and current Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks. Although elected by a majority African American district, Parks has a conservative voting record when it comes to investing in communities. If Parks wins, Los Angeles County will be controlled by a conservative majority at a time when county hospitals and emergency services in communities of color are facing closure. Mark has been a staunch supporter of progressive issues such as the establishment of school health centers, consumer protection, community reinvestment, jobs and workforce development.

Click here to support and learn more about Mark.

Greg Pettis
Candidate for State Assembly - District 80 (Open Seat)
Riverside and Imperial Counties



Greg Pettis is a Cathedral City Councilman running for the open 80th Assembly District. Progressive Majority recruited Greg, who is openly gay, to run for this seat. The 80th is one of the two most important legislative targets in California this year, because the conservative incumbent is term-limited out of office. Demographically, the seat has been trending more and more Democratic and is ready for a progressive victory. In addition, all of the openly gay Assembly-members will be termed out in January 2009. If elected, Greg will keep a strong, openly gay voice in the lower chamber.

Click here to support and learn more about Greg.

Bob Blumenfield
Candidate for State Assembly - District 40 (Open Seat)
Los Angeles, Northridge, Van Nuys



Bob is running for the California Assembly, 40th District. For the past seven years Bob has been the District Director to Congressman Howard Berman. Bob is Chair of the Valley Anti-Defamation League, Vice Chair of the California Trust for Public Schools and a former board member of the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters. Bob is a strong proponent of progressive issues in such key areas as education, healthcare, the environment and economic justice. Bob has two formidable primary opponents who are conservative Democrats: Stuart Waldman is the former Chief of Staff to the current Assembly member, and Laurette Healey is a former Deputy State Controller. Bob has received the endorsement of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressmembers Howard Berman and Henry Waxman, California State Speaker Fabian Nunez, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Click here to support and learn more about Bob.

Richard Barrera
Candidate for San Diego Board of Education - Subdistrict D (Challenger)



Richard Barrera is a candidate for the San Diego School District in Nominating Subdistrict D. Richard is Latino and a union organizer with SEIU Local 399. Richard faces a difficult race in the general election against conservative incumbent Luis Acle, a former Reagan administration official who has openly expressed interest in higher office. A Barrera victory would create both a working progressive majority and a Democratic supermajority.

Click here to support and learn more about Richard.

Sherri Lightner
Candidate for San Diego City Council - District 1 (Open Seat)



Sherri Lightner is running for the 1st City Council District in San Diego. A community volunteer and leader, Sherri has served as president of both the La Jolla Town Council and the La Jolla Shores Association. An engineer by training, she is a recognized expert on land development law. Because of term limits, the 1st will be an open seat. Sherri represents an opportunity to elect a progressive woman to a historically moderate to conservative seat, allowing for a potential progressive majority.

Click here to support and learn more about Sherri.

Stephen Whitburn
Candidate for San Diego City Council - District 3 (Open Seat)



Stephen Whitburn is an openly gay candidate running for the open 3rd City Council District in San Diego. This seat is safely Democratic, but Stephen's election could mean the difference between a Democratic majority and a true progressive majority. In particular, he will fight for progressive values on housing issues, especially for renter's rights and against development that is forcing longtime residents (many elderly and people of color) out of what had been affordable housing. As a community activist, he has worked very closely with labor, walking picket lines and working to pass a living wage ordinance. Stephen is also a former union member with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Click here to support and learn more about Stephen.

John Lee Evans
Candidate for San Diego Board of Education - Subdistrict A (Challenger)



John Lee Evans is a clinical psychologist and long-time progressive activist on education and social justice issues. He is running against an incumbent Republican, Mitz Lee. If elected, John will provide a strong progressive voice on the school board for local control and improved opportunity for children in low-income and immigrant communities. A win would create a progressive majority and a Democratic super majority.

Click here to support and learn more about John.


Here are some alternative energy events around California:

Grid-tied Photovoltaics
3/17/2008 - 3/21/2008
Location: Aram Solar- Manteca, CA
Cost: $850 ($800 SEI Membe
Organization: Solar Energy International
Phone: 970-963-8855
Website: http://solarenergy.org/workshops/gridtiedpvd.html

Description:
Join Solar Energy International (SEI) and Aram Solar for a 5- day workshop on grid-tied photovoltaics. Get your hands-on and learn to design and install a complete solar electric system. This workshop is for the beginner who wants to use PV on their home or business and for those seeking employment in the solar industry. It will take place March 17th- 21st at Aram Solar in Manteca, CA. The state of California offers some great renewable energy tax credits for installing solar hot water and photovoltaic systems on homes and businesses, and the time is ripe to learn how to design and install these systems. Register by visiting SEI`s website, www.solarenergy.org or call Matthew Harris at 970-527-7657 or email him at matthew@solarenergy.org.

May 15-16, 2008 - California Climate Action Registry Sixth Annual Conference
San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina
San Diego, California

The California Climate Action Registry and Point Carbon invite you to join us in May for the 6th annual conference, Navigating the Carbon World. This two day event provides innovative insight into navigating climate programs across the globe. Participants will gain new perspectives to help chart their company's carbon-friendly course into the future.

This year for the first time, we are partnering with Point Carbon, a leading provider of independent news, analysis and consulting services for the global carbon market. Together we provide conference attendees with a unique perspective into understanding today’s carbon world.

Special EARLY BIRD RATES have just been extended through February 15th! This conference will sell out again, so REGISTER ONLINE TODAY to take advantage of these rates, available for a limited time.

For more information and registration, please go to:
www.climateregistry.org/EVENTS/Conference/

Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Pacific Grove, CA
2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings
"Scaling Up: Building Tomorrow's Solutions"

August 17–22, 2008 • Asilomar Conference Center • Pacific Grove, California

Conference Co-Chairs:

Michael Baechler, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Rich Brown, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

The 2008 ACEEE Summer Study is the 14th biennial ACEEE conference on Energy Efficiency in Buildings and will be held August 17–22, 2008. A diverse group of energy efficiency professionals from around the world will gather at this pre-eminent meeting to discuss the technological basis for, and practical implementation of, reducing energy use in buildings. Presentations and discussions will relate to the theme, "Scaling Up: Building Tomorrow's Solutions." What started out at the Summer Study nearly three decades ago as a fringe activity is now mainstream: energy efficiency in buildings. Energy efficiency now represents our best hope to avoid the worst consequences of global warming and energy resource depletion. But to achieve this potential, the energy efficiency "engine" has to be greatly expanded. New programs, technologies, and financing sources need to be developed. A new generation of energy efficiency practitioners, researchers, and policymakers needs to be trained and deployed to solve the problems we face. Do you have ideas about how to make this happen? Come share your ideas and engage in dialogue about these issues at the 2008 Summer Study. Exchange ideas with some of the leading thinkers, visionaries, and luminaries in the field while experiencing the magnificent natural setting that is Asilomar.

The Early Bird Registration Fee for the full conference is $720; the Regular Registration Fee is $820 (both fees include a set of conference proceedings). The one-day fee is $350. All speakers must pay the registration fee.

The conference will be conducted in a casual atmosphere conducive to developing working relationships. Dress is also casual; jeans and shorts are appropriate attire.

For more information, go here.


Here are some Peace Events around California:

March 16 Peace Walk
Santa Monica, CA
March 16, 2008 05:00PM to 07:00PM

On March 16th, we will be co-sponsoring a peace walk with AFSC and other groups. We will meet at 5 pm at Reed Park in Santa Monica (7th and Wilshire) and will walk to Arlington West VFP Memorial on the beach just north of the Santa Monica Pier.

Those who wish to carpool from Topanga will meet at 4:15pm, at Pine Tree Circle, in front of Water Lily Cafe, 120 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga 90290

Location: 7th and Wilshire
Directions: Reed Park

5 years is enough for Iraq War
Modesto, CA
March 19, 2008 05:00PM to 06:00PM

we will have a peace vigil from 5 to6.

Location: McHenry and Neeham
Directions: Also known as 5 Points.

Candle Light Vigil for Peace
Costa Mesa, CA
March 19, 2008 12:00PM to 02:00PM

We will be meeting every Wednesday in Lent, beginning Feb 13 culminating March 19th. Members and Friends of Fairview Community Church will be praying for peace and lighting candles as a witness to peace. Please join us as we observe the anniversary of the war, and pray for an end to this war in Iraq and violence everywhere. We'll be on the corner of Fair and Fairview in Costa Mesa.

Location: 2525 Fairview Road
Directions: Off the 55 S exit Fair/Del Mar, turn Right on Fair, church on corner of Fair and Fairview. From 405 exit Fairview, head South to corner of Fairview and Fair.

Good Friday Witness
Livermore, CA
March 21, 2008 07:00AM to 12:15PM

Good Friday Witness, Vasco & Patterson Pass Road, Livermore Nuclear Weapons Labs.
Prayer service and nonviolent civil disobedience action. Embracing the Beloved Community-- peace, justice, hope and equality; Rejecting the violence of empire-- torture, terror, lies and the bomb, Father Louie Vitale preaching. Fr. Vitale will just be returning from 5 months in Federal Prison after his arrest at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, headquarters of the U.S. Army Intelligence and the training place for "interrogators" at such places as Guatanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib.
Walk to the gate of the lab for civil disobedience. Community gathering nearby follows the action.

Ecumenical Peace Institute & Livermore Conversion Project. http://www.epicalc.org/ (510) 655-1162

Location: Vasco & Pattereson Pass Road
Directions: take 580 east from San Francisco Bay. Exit Vasco south. Turn left onto Patterson Pass Road.

Pacifica Peace People Anti-War Vigil
Pacifica, CA
March 19, 2008 06:00PM to 07:00PM

Pacifica Peace People will hold a vigil to protest the war and show our support for bringing the troops home as soon as possible. Bring signs and warm clothing.

Location: 500 Linda Mar Boulevard
Directions: From 280, go south on Highway 1. Turn left on Linda Mar Boulevard. Park in Safeway lot. Vigil will be in front of the Denny's.

United Congregational Church Candlelight Peace Vigil
Irvine, CA
March 19, 2008 06:30PM to 08:00PM

Members and friends of Irvine United Congregational Church are invited to help us honor the American & Iraqi victims of five years of US occupation and to stand together for peace. All are welcome and encouraged to join us. Please bring candles, holders and signs.

Location: 308 W. Yale Loop
Directions: NE corner of Alton Pkwy. & Culver Dr. by the baseball fields


Here are some progressive groups and events in California:

HOUSE PARTIES FOR CHARLIE BROWN FOR CONGRESS:

Sunday 03/16/2008
3:00pm - 5:00pm Rocklin Fundraiser

Wednesday 03/19/2008
6:30pm - 8:30pm Lincoln Hills House Party

Tuesday 03/25/2008
6:00pm - 8:00pm Olympic Valley House Party (Squaw Valley Area)

Friday 04/04/2008
6:30pm - 8:30pm El Dorado Hills House Party

Sunday 04/06/2008
4:00pm - 6:00pm Auburn House Party

Wednesday 04/09/2008
6:30pm - 8:30pm Roseville House Party

Wednesday 04/16/2008
6:30pm - 8:30pm Rocklin House Party

Friday 04/25/2008
4:30pm - 6:30pm Nevada City Fundraising Event

The Tri Valley Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Monday, March 17, 2008
Start Time: 7:00 pm End Time: 9:00 pm

Why become a member of the TriValley Democratic Club?

*To help elect Democrats to national, state and local offices.
*To support or oppose ballot propositions.
*To take meaningful political action.
*To fill social needs and have fun with people of similar political leaning.

IBEW HALL
6250 Village Pkwy
Dublin, CA 94568

More Info: http://www.trivalleydems.com/

Manteca Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Monday, March 24, 2008
Start Time: 7:00 pm End Time: 2:00 am

Manteca Democratic Club
Contact: Bill Perkins
(209) 239-7650 or perkinsbill@comcast.net
Meets: 7pm fourth Monday of each month
Location: St. Mary's Church, 1160 Cottage

Fight Hunger in San Francisco - Volunteer at the San Francisco Food Bank
When: Saturday, March 29th 2008, at 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: San Francisco Food Bank
900 Pennsylvania Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94107

Host: San Francisco Young Democrats and Democrats Work
Contact: info@democratswork.org
Info: Join Democrats Work and the San Francisco Young Democrats at the San Francisco Food Bank on Saturday, March 29th from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Our work will mean that thousands of pounds of food will be distributed at meal and pantry programs throughout the city.

Be sure to wear your Democrats Work t-shirts! Free t-shirts for the first 10 folks to RSVP.

Info and reservations: Joan Rust, 484-6601, joan@rusts.net

MONTHLY DEMONSTRATION: Seniors Against War Seal Beach
Last Saturday of every month from 10 to Noon
Contact: email: to2runners @ verizon.net
Details: Senior Patriots Against the War in Seal Beach

End the war-Bring the troops back home-Take care of them when they do come home.

Senior Patriots Against the War is tightly focused on the above agenda only. We ask that other demonstrators joining us not bring signs regarding other causes which may dilute our message.

Protest at Seal Beach Blvd
At the entrance to Leisure World right next to Boeing plant and not too far from the Naval Weapons Stations, Seal Beach exit off the 405. Parking is at the Seal Beach Market. People need to bring their own signs.

For more info: Tom Pontac at: to2runners@verizon.net
or Jackie Bunnell at jackie.bunnell@verizon.net

WEEKLY PEACE VIGIL IN HUNTINGTON BEACH: Every Sunday, 7 PM

It's hard for most people to imagine a world at peace. We are a very small group of people who believe that this is indeed possible and that peace will happen once enough people believe that it can. So we stand at the pier every Sunday night with a sign that says: "Visualize World Peace. It's up to you". We also believe in non-violence both physically and in our thoughts. We will discuss peace and non-violence with anyone who is rational and smile quietly at those who aren't. We hold this vigil in a spirit of dignity and respect for all as we try to build bridges with those who don't share our philosophy.

Please bring a candle or just help us hold up our banner (no signs please; we have our banner!)

Contact: mtheriault@socal.rr.com


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


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

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Diane Benson, Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

NEW YORK ACT BLUE SITE: Sweeping New York...our goal is in sight.

Here are events and groups in NY State:

NYC Fundraiser for Diane Benson (Candidate for Congress in Alaska)
18 Mar 2008 - 6:30pm

I am on the host committee for this event and Joy and I plan on going. Join me on March 18th for a fundraiser to benefit Alaska Congressional candidate Diane Benson. The event will be held at the home of Barbara and Morris Pearl, 1020 Park Avenue (corner of 85th Street) from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.

Our special guest speakers for the evening will be our local Congresswoman, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, and Jon Soltz, Co-Founder and Chairman of VoteVets.Org and a veteran of the Iraq War.

Diane Benson is a true American from a working class background, a former teamster and commercial fisherman, whose son lost both his legs serving in Iraq. To find out more, please go here.

5 YEARS TOO MANY! Peace Rally at Vito Fossella's Brooklyn office
Brooklyn, NY

March 19, 2008 12:00PM to 02:00PM

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRAQ WAR
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! TAKE THE DAY OFF

Peace Rally at the office of Congressman Vito Fossella, the only Brooklyn congress person who has consistently voted for war funding without conditions, 8505 4th Avenue (4th Ave. between 83rd & 84th Sts.) Bay Ridge, Brooklyn on March 19, the FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRAQ WAR between Noon and 2:00 P.M.

Speakers from Brooklyn for Peace, Peace Action Bay Ridge, the Bay Ridge Interfaith Peace Coalition and Military Families Speak Out.

Location: 8505 Fourth Avenue
Directions: R train to 86th Street in Brooklyn, 2nd to last stop

"5 years too many" Peace Rally
White Plains, NY
March 19, 2008 04:30PM to 07:00PM

White Plains Wednesday, March 19, 4:30-7:00 PM. Mamaroneck Av. between East Post Rd.and Maple Ave. We will line both sides of the street between Hillary Clinton's campaign headquarters and Nita Lowey's district office. We will have a Candlelight vigil,live entertainment,signing and delivery of petitions demanding end of war. Opportunity to make direct cellphone calls to your elected representatives. Please bring signs,(no sticks)and candles. We need 500 people to create the impact we envision. Please bring everyone you can.
Event Type: March 19th Actions

Location: 154 mamaroneck ave. white plains
Directions: Meet at the S.W. corner of Mamaroneck Ave and E.Post Rd

Honk to End the War
Carmel, NY
March 19, 2008 01:30PM to 03:00PM

1:30 pm on the steps of the County Courthouse in Carmel NY we will hold up signs encouraging drivers to "Honk to End the War". The location is directly downstairs from our Congressman's district office.

Location: corner of Rt. 52 and Rt. 301

End the occupation Peace Rally
Shirley, NY
March 19, 2008 04:00PM to 05:00PM

Stand in protest of the occupation in Iraq! Bring signs, bring your friends!

Location: William Floyd Parkway & Montauk Hwy.
Directions: Southwest corner of William Floyd Pkwy. at Montauk Hwy., Park in Pathmark shopping centre

Long Island Says: 5 Years Too Many! Bring the Troops Home Now!
Garden City, NY
March 19, 2008 05:00PM to 06:00PM

Not One More Death! Not One More Dollar!
BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW!

Join with other Long Islanders at a vigil to mourn 4000 U.S. and 1 million Iraqi casualties, to mark the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War, and to call for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops.

T-shirts for the event are available. For more information contact the LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, 516-741-4360 or lipeace_at_verizon.net.,
www.longislandpeace.org

Location: Old Country and Glen Cove Roads
Directions: Gather on the northeast corner of Old Country and Glen Cove Roads, across from the main entrance to Roosevelt Field Mall

KNIT-IN AGAINST THE WAR
New York, NY
March 19, 2008 12:00PM to 02:00PM

We welcome everyone, women and men of all ages to join us as knitters or supporters. As we enter the 6th year of the war on Iraq we will knit for our wounded veterans and their families, and for Iraqi children and their families. Every stitch will be a symbol of our determination to end this war, restoring our nation's priorities to constructive action, responsibility and caring for all.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2008 at NOON
IN NYC: Times Square Recruiting Center, 43rd-44th Streets and Broadway

Location: 43-44th Streets & Broadway

Vigil to Commemorate start of 6th year of war against Iraq
Geneseo, NY
March 19, 2008 04:30PM to 06:30PM

Solemn vigil on Main St 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Commemoration of start of 6th year of war against Iraq inside St. Michael's Church. Co-sponsored with Geneseo Ecumenical Peace Coalition.

Location: 23 Main St, Geneseo, NY

River to River: Stand Up for Peace
New York, NY
March 22, 2008 12:00PM to 03:30PM

We will form a human chain from River to River along 14th St. Grab your friends and family and find a spot anywhere along 14th St. between Avenue A and 11th Avenue. Bring your signs as we make a strong statement for peace! We will line the south side of the street. We will gather between 11:30 and noon, stand shoulder to shoulder until 1:00. Both ends will march toward each other, converging at 5th Avenue for a march around Washington Square and back up University Place for a rally.

Location:
14th St. Manhattan
Directions:
Subways: L,A,C,E,1,2,3,F,N,R,4,5,6

Film Screening - Flow for the Love of Water
April 17, 2008

Screening of a new Sundance documentary
Flow for the Love of Water
The Linda at Quail and Central, Albany, NY
http://flowthefilm.com/

There will be panel discussion following the screening.

Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference
April 17th-18th

http://www.globalmarinerenewable.com

New York, New York
Millennium Broadway Hotel

The Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference will convene international and U.S.-based leaders and innovators to exchange the latest information on marine renewable energy. Speakers include experts from the IEA-OES, U.S. federal and state government leaders, and other recognized industry representatives on the cutting-edge of this growing business area.

Don't miss cutting-edge dialogue on:

- The performance results of marine renewable technology demonstrations
- Evolution of permitting (consent processes) and siting in various countries
- The most effective financing instruments and public subsidies
- Understanding and mitigating potential environmental risks and future studies

Explore and exchange knowledge on best practices from international experts, including our moderators and keynote speakers:

- Dr. Dan Arvizu, Director, U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Technology Laboratory
- Dr. Robert Thresher, Director, National Wind Technology Center, U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Robert LaBelle, Director, Department of Interior’s Mineral Management Service
- Roger Bedard, Ocean Energy Leader, Electric Power Research Institute
- Gouri Bhuyan, Chairman of the IEA-OES and Principle Advisor, Alternative Energy, Powertech Labs Inc.
- Ed Feo, Millbank and Tweed
- Michael O’Connell, Stoel Rivers, LLP
- Matt Simmons, Chairman, Simmons & Company International

Panelists on our Executive Overview panel include:

- George Hagerman, Virginia Tech
- Keith Martin, Chadbourne & Park
- Carolyn Elefant, OREC
- Bonnie Ram, Energetics Incorporated

Visit our website for more information: www.globalmarinerenewable.com
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact: CS@energetics.com

Mountaintop to Tap Exhibit Reception at the Queens Museum of Art
Friday, May 16
Mountaintop to Tap exhibit reception at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows Park: http://www.queensmuseum.org/
The exhibit will be in the space with the Panorama.

Riverkeeper Honors Patty Smyth McEnroe and John McEnroe
Tuesday, May 13th
Cocktails 6:30 PM
Dinner 7:30 PM

This year Riverkeeper proudly honors Patty Smyth McEnroe and John McEnroe at our Annual Dinner on the Hudson at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers.

For more information, please contact Teresa Walsh at Riverkeeper
(914) 478-4501, ext. 243


Here is a list of weekly Peace Vigils around NY State:

Schenectady: Counter-recruitment leafleting of high school
"Truth in Recruitment"

On the second and forth Monday of every month 1:50pm to 2:20pm, counter-recruitment literature is handed-out to the students at Schenectady High School.

Location:
Schenectady High School
1445 The Plaza
Schenectady, NY 12308

Contact: Elizabeth at 518 374-2949 for confirmation or further directions.

Sponsored by: Schenectady Neighbors for Peace, a branch of Peace Action

Phillipstown for Democracy Demonstration against the War in Iraq
Every Saturday at the intersection of Route 9 and 9D from 12-2. For information contact Connie Hogart at conart1_at_optonline.netv

Cobleskill: Vigil for peace
Weekly vigil for peace, every Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm.

Location:
Main and Union Streets
Cobleskill, NY 12043

Contact: 518-287-1771

Sponsored by: Peacemakers of Schoharie County

Marbletown: Peace vigil
A peace vigil held every Saturday from at least 11:00am to noon, held by an assortment of local people.

Location:
Southernmost intersection of Route 213 & Route 209 (the one with the stop light)
Marbletown/Stone Ridge, NY 12484

In the event that the community has another pre-arranged event scheduled for this intersection on a given Saturday, the vigil will move on that day to the front of the Stone Ridge Town Hall, south on route 209.

Contact: 845 687-9591

Saratoga Springs: Peace vigil
A peace vigil every Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm. in front of the Post Office.

From the organizer: "Please keep the crosswalks clear and be the peace you want in the world. Many among us will be making signs with positive messages reflecting our hopes or our concerns for the future. Our goal is to: Support the United Nations in promoting peace; Encourage people to consider effective alternatives to war; Empower people to express their views to their elected officials."

Location:
outside the Post Office
Broadway and Church Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Contact: Jim at 518-583-7501.

Sponsored by: Saratoga Peace Alliance (SPA)

Saugerties: Vigil for Peace
A weekly peace vigil every Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm. All are welcome.

From the organizers: "End the War. Bring the Troops Home Now. Fund Education, Healthcare, and Housing... Not War. Join us for an hour, or a few minutes. Bring a neighbor. Let our voices be heard."

Location:
Corner of Market and Main Streets
Saugerties, NY 12477

Contact: 845 246-3449.

Sponsored by: Saugerties Committee for Peace and Social Justice

Wappingers Falls: Weekly peace vigil
A long standing peace vigil happening every Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm. Pete Seeger attends when he can [cool!!], and the group usually ends singing a song.

Location:
On the grassy knoll
Intersection of Routes 9 & 9D
(near the South Hills Mall)
Wappingers Falls, NY 12601

Contact: 845 838-1277.

New Paltz: Women in Black peace vigil
A peace vigil occurring every Saturday 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

From the organizers:
"Women in Black has been standing for an end to war and violence in all its forms for over 5 years. We wear black in resistance and mourning for all the senseless killing. We are silent because words cannot express the tragedy of war. Please join us. Men are welcome."

Location:
In front of the Elting Library
Corner of Main St and North Front Street
New Paltz, NY 12561

Sponsored by: Women in Black of New Paltz

Woodstock: Women in Black peace vigil
A silent vigil for peace every Sunday 1:00pm to 2:00pm, throughout the year.

The group seeks "non-violent solutions to world problems, and stands for peace and social justice.

It is suggest that participants wear black clothing if possible. Signs are available.

Men are welcome, as well.

Location:
Woodstock Village Green
Rt. 212 / Tinker St / Mill Hill Rd
Woodstock, NY 12498

Contact: Jane at 845 679-7502.

Sponsored by: Woodstock Women in Black

Delmar: Weekly peace vigil
Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace hold these weekly vigils every Monday 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

From the organizers:: "Please join us in taking a stand against the war! Even if you can only stop by for a few minutes, your presence helps make a difference. Those of us who regularly attend the vigil enjoy sharing news and community with each other, and the encouraging honks and support from many drivers. Among other purposes, this weekly vigil serves as a regular reminder to hundreds of people in our community (those driving or walking by) of our viewpoints, issues and information - something they rarely see in the media. Bring a sign or borrow one of our extras. Join us!"

Location:
Four Corners
Delaware Ave at Kenwood Ave
Delmar, NY 12054

Sponsored by: Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.

Troy: Peace vigil
A vigil for peace, held on the first Monday of the month 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

Located on Hoosick St, one of the busiest corridors in the Capital District.

Location:
110 Hoosick St (at 10th St)
Troy, NY 12180

Contact: 518 272-1318.

Sponsored by: Troy Neighbors for Peace

Guilderland: Weekly peace vigil
A weekly Monday vigil 5:00pm to 6:00pm, with participants holding signs and making a peaceful presence known.

Attendees are asked to bring their own signs.

From the organizers: "A dedicated group of people have been meeting every Monday during rush hour at the corners of Route 20 (Western Avenue) and Route 155. The positive response from commuters has been tremendous! Several new members have joined as a result of passing by our vigil."

Location:
Routes 155 and 20, northeast corner
(New Karner Rd and Western Ave)
Guilderland, NY 12084

Contact: 518 464-6788.

Sponsored by: Guilderland Neighbors For Peace


DEMOCRACY FOR NYC MEETINGS:
First Wednesday of every month

Upper West Side, The Parlour, 250 West 86th(btwn Broadway & West End), with host Merle McEldowney,7pm

West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7thAve.) with host Abhishek Mistry,7pm

Astoria, Queens, at Sanford Diner, 30-13 Broadway, with hosts Costa Constantinides and Jeremiah Frei-Pearson.Note: this Linkup will begin at 7:30.

Sunnyside, Queens, at The Grind, 39-24 Queens Blvd. in the back room, with host Dan Jacoby. Note: this Linkup will begin at 7:30.

Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics, 7pm

Park Slope, Brooklyn, Ozzies, 249 Fifth Avenue with host Josh Skaller, 7pm

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Wycoff Bennett Homestead, 1669East 22nd Street, 7pm with host Annette Mont


DRINKING LIBERALLY MEETINGS IN NY STATE:

Clifton Park, New York
* First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Old Dublin Inn, 130 Meyer Rd (Google maps is wrong, please contact me for directions.)
* Hosted by Chris Selkirk, cliftonpark (at) drinkingliberally.org

Ithaca, New York
* Every Wednesday, 6:30 pm onward
* Felicia's Atomic Lounge, 508 W State St
* Hosted by Joseph Cannon Murtagh, ithaca (at) drinkingliberally.org


New York City, New York:

The Original Drinking Liberally
* Every Thursday, 7:30 pm onward
* Rudy's, 627 9th Ave (between 44th and 45th)
* In the backyard, weather permitting
* Hosted by Justin Krebs, Matthew O'Neill and Katrina Baker, nyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Drinking Liberally Steps Out
* Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* XES Lounge, 157 W 24th St (@ 7th Avenue)
* In conjunction with the Stonewall Democrats of New York City www.sdnyc.org.
* Hosted by Matthew Carlin and Greg Rae, outnyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Harlem
* Second Wednesday of each month), 6:30 pm onward
* Soundz Lounge, 3155 Broadway (between 123rd and 124th)
* Hosted by Yolanda (Shoshi) Shoshana, harlem (at) drinkingliberally.org

Park Slope
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30-10:00 pm
* Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street)
* Hosted by Anthony Accurso, Emilie Harkin and Emily Farris, parkslope (at) drinkingliberally.org

Queens
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102 (group of young liberals taking up one lane)
* Hosted by Donald Graff, queens (at) drinkingliberally.org

Upper East Side
* Last Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Doc Watson's, 1490 2nd Ave (at 77th)
* Hosted by Matthew Bachiochi, ues (at) drinkingliberally.org

West Bronx
* First and third Friday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* An Beal Bocht, 445 W 238th St (between Waldo and Greystone)
* 1 to 238th, turn left, straight on 238th, just past the top of the stairs
* Hosted by Jamin Sewell and Scott Kennedy, westbronx (at) drinkingliberally.org

Rochester, New York
* Every Thursday, 8:00-10:00 pm
* Monty's Korner, 355 East Ave
* Hosted by Tom Tucker and Tracy Logan, rochester (at) drinkingliberally.org

And then we have: Shooting Liberally
Tuesday, Feb 19
From your friends at Drinking Liberally comes the debut of SHOOTING LIBERALLY...

For the First Amendment enthusiast ready to move on to the Second. A social evening at the gun range including training & weapon rental.

For more info and to reserve your spot, contact: Stanley Sherman - maskarts (at) worldnet.att.net

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Impeachment, Groups and Events

VIRGINIA ACT BLUE SITE: Help turn Virginia even more blue.

Let's start with a weekly impeachment related events:

Honk to Impeach Bush and Cheney to End the War Every Friday at noon in front of Rep. Bobby Scott's office building at the corner of E. Clay Street and N. 2nd Street-
Address:
501 N. 2nd Street
Richmond, VA 23219-1321
Come by and HONK LOUDLY!!!
http://www.myspace.com/rva4peace


Now some other groups and events:

8th Annual Charlottesville Political Pasta Supper
Saturday, March 15, 6 to 10:00pm
Charlottesville Senior Center
1180 Pepsi Place
Socializing, dinner, silent auction
Meet your elected officials and candidates for upcoming elections.
$20 per person
All proceeds support the activities of the Charlottesville Democratic

The Democrats are coming, The Democrats are coming!
To Virginia Beach for Cocktails and Conversation
Friday, 18 May 2007, 8:30pm-10:00pm

The Cavalier-Oceanfront-11th Floor
4201 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23451

Initial Meeting: Virginia Beach Democratic Committee African American Caucus at Jason's Deli
06/02/2007 - 9:00am

This breakfast meeting will be held at 9 am. at 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA.

Arlington Democrats Meetup Group
Meet other local Dems! Sponsored by the Arlington Democratic Committee, about 60 attendees meet to discuss local/national politics, listen to guest speakers and receive news on getting involved. Email jamesemcb_at_yahoo.com to join the ACDC listserv or sign up at www.arlingtonyoungdems.org.

Monthly Charlottesville Democratic Breakfast
This gathering takes place on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30a.m. and is usually held at the JABA building on Hillsdale Drive. Pay what you can.

Virginia Beach Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
Held the First Wednesday of every month, 7 PM, at the Virginia Beach Central Library.

Monthly Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering
Final Thursday of evern month, 7:15pm

Location: Sojourners UCC Church, 1017 Elliott Ave, Charlottesville
Sponser: Interfaith Cooperation Circle of Central Virginia-URI; Gesher Center; Unity Church

Description:
On the final Thursday of every month, the Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs to an inspired and inspiring flow of prayers, meditations and songs for peace.

Contact Name: Heena Reiter
Contact email: gesher_at_mindspring.com
Contact Phone: 434-970-7836

Fauquier Democrats Monthly Meeting
Third Tuesday of Each Month, 7:30 pm
Warren Green Building
10 Hotel Street
Old Town, Warrenton

Blue Mondays With the Stafford County Democrats
Every Monday evening at 5 PM
King Street Blues Restaurant
Casual get-together of like minded Democratic Activist
For more info contact: jac_at_j2power.com

Democracy for Virginia:
Here are the local Democracy for America chapters in Virginia. Click on the link for more info:

* Arlington for Democracy (may be dormant...you can go here to contact the organizers and get more up to date info)

* Roanoke DFA

* Tidewater for Democracy

* Virginia Grassroots Coalition (may be dormant...you can contact them here for more info: info@vagrassroots.org)

Drinking Liberally:
For the more social and fun-oriented (and booze oriented), there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the Virginia Drinking Liberally Chapters:

Alexandria/Springfield, Virginia
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* King Street Blues, 5810 Kingstowne Center Drive, Alexandria (Corner of Kingstowne Blvd and Van Dorn Street)
* Hosted by Brian Murray and Mike Sizemore, alexandria (at) drinkingliberally.org

Arlington, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
* Capitol City Brewing Company, 2700 S Quincy St
* We're usually in the back room at Cap City; check with the host station if you don't see us there!
* "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world" - Margaret Mead
* Hosted by David Swim, Quinn Jones, Michelle Elliott and Bev Wright, arlington (at) drinkingliberally.org

Charlottesville, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* South Street Brewery, 106 W South St
* Hosted by Chris Dumler and Clare Wuerker, charlottesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lorton, Virginia
* First and third Friday of each month, 6pm to 8 or 9
* Glory Days Grill, 9459 Lorton Market St
* First hour of the gathering is part of happy hour
* Hosted by Alan Salisbury and Chris Ambrose, lorton (at) drinkingliberally.org

Norfolk, Virginia
* Third Thursday of each month, 5:00-7:00 pm
* The New Belmont, 2117 Colonial Ave (upstairs at the bar)
* Hosted by Tom Mitchell and Vivian Paige, norfolk (at) drinkingliberally.org

Richmond, Virginia
* Every other Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Chiocca's Downstairs, 425 N Belmont Ave (Museum District - corner of Kensington & Belmont)
* Come join us for brews & news!
* Hosted by Morgan Bailey and John Manall, richmond (at) drinkingliberally.org

Virginia Beach, Virginia
* First Friday of each month, 7:00 PM
* Studio For The Healing Arts, 1611 Colley Ave # D, Norfolk, VA, Norfolk (One block from the Naro theater)
* Zeitgeist the Movie, DVD Door Prize
* http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Virginia9-11Truth/ http://vbdems.org
* One block from the Naro theater in Ghent
* Hosted by Chris Jaramillo and Eileen Levandoski, vabeach (at) drinkingliberally.org

ILLINOIS FOCUS: Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

Women In Black peace vigils, Second Saturdays, 8am-9am in Elmhurst

We will be holding a WIB vigil to protest the occupation of Iraq on the 2nd Saturday of each month.

We meet from 8am-9am at the intersection of North Avenue (Rt. 64) and Rt. 83 in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Please join us on the northwest corner. We'll be wearing black!


Here are some Alternative Energy events in Illinois:

The Chicago Green Home Meetup Group

Meet other local people who are interested in making their homes environmentally friendly. As developers, designers, and brokers of Green Homes, we are a great resource to learn more about what you can do today to become more sustainable and green! Sign up to find out more about meetings.

Chicago Sustainable Development & New Urbanism Meetup Group

Meet other local people who are interested in Sustainable Development and New Urbanism.

Let's define what we mean by "sustainable," "energy-efficient," "green," etc. and then work toward making it happen here in Chicago! What are the building blocks of "sustainability?" What are the most important issues that need to be addressed? What issues are important to you when you look at your home, your neighborhood and your city? What actions can we take to effect true change that benefits everyone? We hope to answer these questions through conversations with local experts and other community members.

Let's work toward having more energy-efficient, healthy and "sustainable" options when looking for a new home. Let's create neighborhoods that are of human scale, cohesive and prepared for the future. Let's restore our urban fabric and communities!

Sign up to find out about meetings.

Illinois Sustainable Living & Wellness Expo
Friday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join over 100 exhibitors and 20 presenters at the Illinois Wesleyan University Shirk Center to learn about the many aspects of sustainability and wellness. Our theme this year is Wellness: Farm to Fork. Look for special food-related workshops, samples, and information. The event is free and open to the public. For more info and to sign up click here.

Green Festival Chicago
May 17 and 18, 2008 - 10:00am to 8:00pm
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago

Illinois Renewable Energy Association
Join us for the Seventh Annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair
August 9th and 10th, 2008!

For more information you may also contact:
IREA c/o Sonia Vogl, Treasurer
1230 E. Honey Creek Rd.
Oregon, IL 61061
sonia@essex1.com
1-815-732-7332


Here are some Drinking Liberally groups in Illinois:

Chicago, Illinois
* Second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Sheffield's, 3258 N Sheffield Ave (In the back room)
* Hosted by Greg Sasso and Jon Mclennand, chicago (at) drinkingliberally.org

DeKalb, Illinois
* Every other Tuesday, 8:30 pm onward
* O'Leary's Irish Pub, 260 E Lincoln Hwy (On the Corner of 3rd and Lincoln Hwy)
* Parking is available on 3rd St. in the public lot across the tracks.
* Hosted by Kevin Malone, dekalb (at) drinkingliberally.org

Evanston, Illinois
* Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward
* The Celtic Knot, 626 Church St (Half block east of Orrington)
* For the upcoming holiday season we're not planning on meeting the week of Thanksgiving or during the month of December
* Hosted by Mark Foisy, Rich Heath and Adelaide Rowe, evanston (at) drinkingliberally.org

Moline, Illinois
* First and third Friday of each month, 8:00pm onward
* Jack's Place, 425 15th St
* Stop on down and bring a friend!
* Hosted by Amy Holcomb and Rachel Griffiths, moline (at) drinkingliberally.org

Naperville, Illinois
* 2nd Sunday and 4th Tuesday of every month
* Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E Jefferson Ave
* Hosted by Rich Wawronowicz and Tom Mikesell, naperville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Peoria, Illinois
* Second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward
* Kelleher's Irish Pub, 619 SW Water St
* Hosted by Bill Poorman, peoria (at) drinkingliberally.org

Springfield, Illinois
* Every Thursday, 6:30 pm onward
* Brewhaus, 617 E Washington St (Between 6th & 7th)
* We also meet for Drinking Coffee Liberally the 1st & 3rd Saturday mornings of the month at Trout Lilly Cafe
* Hosted by Vera Mount, springfieldil (at) drinkingliberally.org

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Blue Radio, Peace Rallies, Impeachment, Groups and Events

NEW JERSEY ACT BLUE SITE: Turning New Jersey BLUER!

Every Saturday Morning: Blue Jersey Radio
Saturdays 10:30 - 11:00

Listen Live every Saturday morning from 10:30a-11:00a - or download the podcast anytime to listen to the latest hot topics, gossip and opinion on New Jersey politics with hosts Jeff Gardner and Jay Lassiter.

Click here to listen!

WEEKLY JERSEY CITY ANTI-WAR RALLY
Sundays 12noon-1pm
Jersey City Peace Movement is calling for an ANTI-WAR Vigil and Flyering from
12 noon till 1pm
at Journal Square's Fountain.

(Take PATH train from NYC to Journal Square)

Bring PEACE posters, buttons and a friend!
Bring flyers from YOUR peace and justice organization!

Spread the Word!

Weekly Impeachment Rally in Butler City:
Support your country 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Monday on Highway 23 North in Butler!
Bring your HONK 2 IMPEACH! signs and flags to the Butler footbridge that spans over Highway 23. We display our signs and flags from the footbridge and along the highway. Be sure to bring water and a sun hat! Directions are easy: click Intersection of Cascade Way & State Rte. 23 North, Butler, NJ 07405. When you approach driving northbound, there will be a traffic light with Cascade Way on the southbound side of the highway. Be in the right lane, go through the intersection and turn right immediately into a small parking area. There's a safe grassy place where we can stand along the highway, in addition to the footbridge where we hang our huge sign. We don't show when it rains. See YOU Monday afternoon! Contact Vigil Organizer


New Jersey for Democracy:
Here are the local Democracy for America groups in New Jersey:

North Jersey -

Bergen County
Ethical Culture Society
687 Larch Ave
Teaneck, NJ 07666
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/bergen

Essex County
Cryan's Beef & Ale House
24 First Street
South Orange, NJ 07079
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/essex

Hudson County
The Hard Grove Cafe
319 Grove St.
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201-451-1853
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/hudson
(First Wednesday of the Month, 7:30pm)

Morris County
Morris County Democratic Headquarters
11 Washington St
Morristown, NJ 07960
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/morris

Passaic County
Puzo's Restaurant (Upstairs)
4 Garfield Ave.
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/passaic
(First Thursday of the Month)

Union County
Rockin Joe Cafe
20 Prospect Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
908-232-1660
RSVP at Union Meetup

Warren County
MS Health Software Corp
605 Grand Ave.
Hackettstown, NJ
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/nwnj

Central Jersey -

Hunterdon County
Friendly Grounds Coffee
36 Mine St.
Flemington, NJ
908-788-8983
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/hunterdon

Mercer County
Carl A Fields Center
86 Olden Street
(Corner of Olden St and Prospect Ave on Princeton Univ campus)
Princeton, NJ
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/mercercounty
(please check DFA-Link for schedule)

Middlesex County
Panera Bread
1551 Route 1 South
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 516-1611
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/middlesexNJ

Monmouth County
Racioppi's Kitchen
107 Oakland St. (at the train station at Bridge Ave.)
Red Bank, NJ
(917) 863-2408
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/monmouth

Somerset County
Somerset County Complex
40 North Bridge St. (off of High)
Somerville, NJ
RSVP at Somerset Meetup
(Second or Third Tuesday of the Month)

South Jersey -

Camden County
Haddon Township Library
15 MacArthur Blvd
Westmont, NJ 08108
856-854-2752
RSVP at Progressive Democracy South Jersey
4th Tues. of month

Gloucester County
RSVP at Democracy for Gloucester County
(Please check DFA-Link for date & location)

Ocean County
Joshua Huddy Brew Pub and Grill
1250 Hooper Ave.
Toms River
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/oceancounty
(First Tuesday of the Month)

Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women Meeting
Sam DiVico Senior Center
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Join the Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women to discuss important local, state and federal issues. All are encouraged to join!

2nd Thursday of every month.
7:00pm
Sam DiVico Senior Center
Romney Place
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

For more information, please contact:
Virginia Hesel
609-884-5848


Drinking Liberally:

For the more social and fun-oriented (and booze oriented), there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the New Jersey Drinking Liberally Chapters:

Hillsborough, New Jersey
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Petrock's Bar and Grill, 419 Amwell Rd (at Amwell and 206)
* Hosted by Matthew Dawson, hillsborough (at) drinkingliberally.org

Montclair, New Jersey
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Just Jake's, 30 Park Street (b/t Bloomfield & Claremont)
* We meet in the REAR DINING ROOM. Turn left after entering, go past the juke box, bar and W.C.
* Ample parking in municipal lot next to Just Jake's (free after 7 pm)
* ** Mtclair DL ON THE ROAD, TUES, NOV 13, from 8PM at PAUL'S BAR & BOWLING, 377 CROOKS AVE, PATERSON, NJ (973) 278-1982 http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=10780514 **THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL MEETING, WE STILL HAVE OUR USUAL 2nd THURSDAY
* Hosted by Kevin Kelly and Dan Evans Farkas, montclair (at) drinkingliberally.org

Morristown
* Third Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm onwards
* Hennessey's Tavern, 140 Morris St (Corner of Elm & Morris, next to the train station)
* There's plenty of public parking behind train station or on Elm Street.
* Come on by & raise a pint with other fun loving local progressive's! Hope to see you there...
* Hosted by Jim Long, Chip Robinson, David Cochran and Linda Humphries, morristown (at) drinkingliberally.org


Dover
* First Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Hop, 14 N Morris St
* Hosted by Jim Long, Chip Robinson, Dave Cochran and Linda Humphries, dovernj (at) drinkingliberally.org

New Brunswick, New Jersey
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Doll's Place, 101 Paterson St (corner of Paterson & Joyce Kilmer)
* Hosted by Bob Scardapane and Chris Swasey, newbrunswick (at) drinkingliberally.org

Pennsauken, New Jersey
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Kings Row Sports Bar and Billiards, 6030 S Crescent Blvd (Route 130 N)
* Hosted by Art Williams and Denise Williams, pennsauken (at) drinkingliberally.org

Toms River, New Jersey
* First Tuesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Joshua Huddy Brew Pub, 1250 Hooper Ave (across from Ocean County Mall)
* Hosted by Robin Kinlin and Ian Valentine, tomsriver (at) drinkingliberally.org