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Mole's Progressive Democrat

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

Name:
Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

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

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  • Thursday, February 05, 2009

    CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Darwin Day, Blogs, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

    DARWIN DAY 2009 EVENTS: Feb. 12, 2009 (not all events on the same day)

    Darwin's 200th birthday, to be celebrated by the GLOBAL community as a toast to the common good of all humanity. We will all want to develop events to Celebrate Darwin, Science and Humanity and come together as one human family in appreciation of verifiable knowledge that has been acquired solely through human curiosity and ingenuity. Scientific knowledge has been of great value to all of us.

    Colloquium "In the Light of Evolution: Two Centuries of Darwin"
    Date and Time: 2009-01-16 08:00:00
    Address:
    Beckman Center
    100 Academy Way (University Research Park)
    Irvine/CA 92617, UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://www.nasonline.org/Sackler_Darwin

    Activities:
    Sackler Colloquium is organized by John Avise and Francisco J. Ayala, University of California, Irvine. Two-day meeting of leading researchers, open to public, registration fee.

    Address:
    Beckman Center
    100 Academy Way (University Research Park)
    Irvine/CA 92617 UNITED STATES

    Sponsor: National Academy of Sciences

    Contact: Susan Marty
    Email: smarty_at_nas.edu
    Phone: 949-721-2213

    150 Years of Evolution - Darwin's Impact on the Humanities
    Date and Time: 2009-11-22 19:30:00
    Address:
    San Diego State University, Department of Philosophy
    San Diego/California 92, UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://cal.sdsu.edu/darwin/callpapers.htm

    Activities: An academic symposium

    Contact: Mark Wheeler
    Email: mark.wheeler_at_sdsu.edu
    Phone: (619) 594-6706

    Celebrating science and Darwin bicentenary
    Date and Time: 2009-02-15 14:00:00
    Address:
    San Diego Public Library (probably)
    San Diego/California 92101, UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://www.HFSD.info

    Activities:
    Education and entertainment will be harmonized in a D-200 event to be organized by the Humanist Fellowship of San Diego. We will seek the participation of local scientific departments and freethought organizations. Details will be posted here and on our website www.HFSD.info as they develop.

    Sponsor: The Humanist Fellowship of San Diego

    Contact: Susi Reed
    Email: Humanists_at_gmail.com
    Phone: 619-670-4159

    Darwin Birthday Concert at UCSD School of Medicine
    Date and Time: 2009-02-07 19:30:00
    Address:
    UCSD School of Medicine, Basic Science Bldg., Liebow Auditorium
    Gilman Drive off La Jolla Village Drive
    La Jolla/CA 92067, UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://www.scientificgospel.com

    Activities:
    Galapagos Mountain Boys in concert, performing evolutionary songs dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth. Songs are from their newest CD.

    Sponsor: UCSD Faculty Club and Scientific Gospel Productions, LLC.

    Contact: Carol Baird
    Email: carol_at_scientificgospel.com
    Phone: 858-481-0765

    Darwin's 200th Birthday Celebration at UCSD Faculty Club
    Date and Time: 2009-02-12 19:30:00
    Address:
    UC San Diego Faculty Club
    9500 Gilman Drive
    La Jolla/CA 92093, UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://www.scientificgospel.com

    Activities:
    Gourmet Darwin dinner with Evolution wine, primordial ooze soup, finch with Barbara McClintock's jumping gene corn stuffing, Mendel's peas and lava pie for dessert. Concert following dinner by The Galapagos Mountain Boys, performing evolutionary songs from their newest CD in tribute to this night:

    Sponsor: UCSD Faculty Club and Dept. of Biology

    Contact: Thomas Mignano
    Email: tmignano_at_ucsd.edu
    Phone: 858-534-5719

    2009 Dean's Symposium: Evolutionary Biology: Molecules to Man
    Date and Time: 2009-04-03 20:00:00
    Address:
    UC San Diego
    9500 Gilman Drive
    La Jolla/CA , UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://2009deansymposium.ucsd.edu

    Activities:
    April 2, 2009: undergraduate student competition on the expression of evolution through essay, dance, music, etc.
    April 2, 2009: Dr. Michael Shermer on Darwin and Evolution: 7 pm.
    April 3: Dean's Symposium on Evolutionary Biology

    Sponsor: UC San Diego

    Contact: Patricia Walsh
    Email: pwalsh_at_ucsd.edu
    Phone: 858-534-3112

    Evolution, Science and Religion: Humanist Fellowship San Diego
    Date and Time: 2009-02-15 14:00:00
    Address:
    820 E St
    San Diego/CA 92101, UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://www.hfsd.info

    Activities:
    Phillip De Barros will present "Evolution, Science and Religion" based on his television series by that name. Cornell Jaray will present a powerpoint show on the life and work of Charles Darwin.

    Address:
    820 E St
    San Diego/CA 92101 UNITED STATES

    Sponsor: The Humanist Fellowship of San Diego

    Contact: Susi Reed
    Email: Humanists_at_gmail.com
    Phone: 619-670-4159


    Darwin Comes to Santa Barbara
    Date and Time: 2009-02-08 19:30:00
    Address:
    Santa Barbara Musem of Natural History
    Santa Barbara/CA , UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://www.santabarbarahumanists.org/Calendar/Darwin09.htm

    Activities:
    Speeches, panels, impersonations, etc. See web site for more details.

    Sponsor: Humanist Society of Santa Barbara and Museum of Natural History

    Contact: Roger Schlueter
    Email: President_at_SantaBarbaraHumanists.org
    Phone: 805/962-6316

    Evolve 2009 Launch at NightLife
    Date and Time: 2009-02-12 18:00:00
    Address:
    55 Music Conourse Drive
    Golden Gate Park
    San Francisco/CA 94118, UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://www.calacademy.org

    Activities:
    Music, drinks and science in the spectacular new California Academy of Sciences with an informal talk @ 7 pm by Professor Emeritus Keith Thomson, "Who Was Charles Darwin?" TICKETED EVENT--$10

    Sponsor: California Academy of Sciences

    Contact: Jean Farrington
    Email: jfarrington@calacademy.org

    Evolutionpalooza! Darwin Day 2009
    Date and Time: 2009-02-08 14:30:00
    Address:
    San Francisco Main Branch Public Library
    100 Larkin Street
    San Francisco/CA 94102-4733, UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://www.sfatheists.com/darwinday2009.htm

    Activities:
    Free Admission! Speakers! The annual Darwin Scholarship ceremony!

    Sponsor: San Francisco Atheists

    Contact: Dave Fitzgerald
    Email: fitz_at_sfatheists.com

    Sacramento's 12th annual Darwin Day
    Date and Time: 2009-02-08 14:30:00
    Address:
    John Smith Hall, La Sierra Community Center
    5325 Engle Road
    Carmichael/CA 95608, UNITED STATES

    Activities:
    A festive community celebration complete with birthday cake, featuring an educational program, entertainment, literature and merchandise tables. This year's major presentation is by MICHAEL SHERMER, author of numerous books, founder of the Skeptics Society and columnist for Scientific American. [ Please note: Doors open at 2 PM. Program itself begins at 2:30 PM ]

    Sponsor: Cooperating Community Organizations including College Depts

    Contact: Mynga Futrell
    Email: ckprofessional_at_aol.com
    Phone: 916-737-5158

    Darwin's Birthday Party
    Date and Time: 2009-02-12 10:00:00
    Address:
    Bell Memorial Union, CSU Chico
    400 West 1st St.
    Chico/CA 95929, UNITED STATES

    Event Website: http://myweb.csuchico.edu/~ctivey/dday.html

    Activities:
    K12 kids & families welcome. Games, educational displays, prizes, birthday cake, fossils, & information will be available.

    Sponsor: Darwin Day group

    Contact: Chris Ivey
    Email: ctivey_at_csuchico.edu


    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:

    Merced Sun-Star: "Why should Democrats negotiate if Republicans refuse to budge?"

    Environmental Protections Held Hostage in Budget Negotiations

    The Toxic Right Wing Media

    Source of GOP Talking Points on Stimulus Revealed

    How does the governor get away with it?

    Bass: “The Republican Party seems to value followership more than leadership.”

    Steven Chu's Wake Up Call

    San Diego: Surf, Sun and Sewage: This was a problem when I lived in San Diego more than 20 years ago.

    Debate Over School Board Vote On Labor Agreement Continues

    Effort to Recall San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus After His Arrest on Drug Charges Here's a key quote from the article:

    Postmus faces removal from office following his arrest earlier this month at his Rancho Cucamonga home on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. It occurred during the serving of a search warrant at his residence by investigators from the District Attorney's office, who are investigating allegations of cronyism and political malfeasance at the Assessor's office.


    Mormon Church Attempts to Make up For the Obfuscations on Prop 8...and on the same topic: Prop 8 Campaign's Hypocritical Effort to Hide Donors Gets Slapped Down

    Democratic Radio Address: Federal Stimulus on Horizon, Focus Remains on Budget

    Home Care Cuts Would Make the Current Budget Crisis Even Worse...and on a related topic: Expanding Medicare Could Reverse Job Losses, and Repair Our Broken Healthcare System

    GOP '09: The Party Of Bad Faith...and on a related topic of Republican Failure: The E. Coli Republicans Are Back-- And They Have A Bridge To Sell You Too

    San Diego Mayor Says Water Rationing Probable by July 1 - Public Hearings Set

    UC has plan to subsidize tuition for low-income students

    The Destruction of Public Education in California...I remember a time when California education went from the BEST in the nation to among the worst. Don't do it again!!!

    Find H8Ters In Your Neighborhood! Your tool to boycott Prop. 8 supporters


    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.


    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 (and, according to a reader, they also offer E85 ethanol blend): (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

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