Progressive Democrat Issue 199

The Republicans in the House showed that, although they happily bailed out big bank CEOs, their opposition to bailing out working class Americans continues. Not one Republican in the House supported Obama's Stimulus for America bill, even those who supported the bank bailout. Seems a continuation of the Republican redistribution of wealth to the wealthy plan. Tell the Republican Senators that they are now on notice. Support Obama's stimulus plan for America or admit they are elitists who are only willing to bail out the wealthy:



Meanwhile, yet another example of Republican neglect of America has sickened more than 500 Americans and killed at least 8. Please read the long, long list of recalled products that may be contaminated with Salmonella thanks to Republican deregulation of food safety. Thank you Grover Norquist!

Here is this week's newsletter:

Dear Bank of America

Shade Grown Coffee Promotes Biodiversity

Only Five Red States Left

Change NYC

NEW YORK STATE

Orange County, CA Events

San Diego, CA Events

CALIFORNIA

Navajo Green Jobs (Arizona)

ARIZONA

Veterans for Peace, Atlanta, GA

GEORGIA

NEW JERSEY

Healthcare in Virginia

VIRGINIA

FLORIDA

TEXAS

NORTH CAROLINA

ILLINOIS

WISCONSIN

COLORADO

PENNSYLVANIA

WASHINGTON STATE

IOWA

NEVADA

Dear Bank of America

Dear Bank of America,

I am a customer. That's right. I have a couple of Bank of America credit cards. My wife and I are also looking for a bank for some accounts. But you know, your ingratitude leads me to refuse to bank with you and to consider cutting up those credit cards.

First off, you never thanked us for that bail out. Yeah. WE bailed you out. That was OUR money that you so eagerly grabbed from the government.

Okay, so I was willing to overlook that little act of ingratitude on your part. But now I find out that your ingratitude goes even further. You see, after eagerly grabbing a government hand out (paid for by us taxpayers!) you then turned around and stabbed us in the back. You took the money and used part of it to lobby against the Employee Free Choice Act, a labor bill that is supported by a large majority of Americans.

From the Huffington Post:

Three days after receiving $25 billion in federal bailout funds, Bank of America Corp. hosted a conference call with conservative activists and business officials to organize opposition to the U.S. labor community's top legislative priority.

Participants on the October 17 call -- including at least one representative from another bailout recipient, AIG -- were urged to persuade their clients to send "large contributions" to groups working against the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), as well as to vulnerable Senate Republicans, who could help block passage of the bill...

Donations of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars to Republican senatorial campaigns were needed, they argued, to prevent America from turning "into France."

Boy, you guys were eager as hell to grab taxpayer money from the government, but as soon as there is a fair labor bill coming up, suddenly it is the fucking end of civilization? And in the midst of huge popular support for Obama and the Democrats, many of whom supported your bail out, you decide now is the time to support the party that just ruined our economy over the last 8 years. This really is pretty disgusting on your part. I agree with the observations made on Daily Kos regarding your igratitude:

So Bank of America, fresh with taxpayer bailout boodle courtesy of American workers, is spending its time and money trying to screw those same American workers...

It's little wonder that the SEIU has called on BofA to fire CEO Ken Lewis. It's unconscionable for the receipients of government handouts to spend their time and money to try and defeat the Employee Free Choice Act -- the cornerstone of long-term economic revitalization. It's time for change in the boardrooms.

Bank of America: your actions have consequences. Next time you come for a government handout, I will lobby my Congressional Rep and Senators (all Democrats, I will add) that I oppose bailing out any banks because you use OUR money to lobby AGAINST us.

Furthermore, any Bank of America credit cards I now have will be shoved aside. I won't use them anymore. I don't want to patronize an ungrateful company that will turn against me right after I helped bail them out.

Of course should you decide that CEO Ken Lewis has overstepped the bounds of decency and fire the bastard, I will consider patronizing your company once again.

Sincerely,

A Customer

Shade Grown Coffee Promotes Biodiversity

Shade grown coffee is generally better tasting and a more ecologically sound method of growing coffee, even if it adds a bit to the cost. The fact that the coffee can be grown without massive deforestation alone makes it a better method of growing coffee since it helps to preserve trees which sequester carbon and secure the soil when it rains.

But a recent article in the journal Current Biology (subscription only) shows that shade grown coffee also helps preserve biodiversity. From the article summary:

Coffee is cultivated across 11 million hectares (ha) of land within the world's richest centers of terrestrial biodiversity [1]. In tropical America, coffee is traditionally grown under a diverse canopy of overstory shade trees, which enhances the quality of the coffee farm as a conservation matrix and supports a broad spectrum of pollinators that increase fruit set per bush [2], [3] and [4]. Unlike sun coffee monocultures, shade coffee also sustains a diverse array of vertebrates, including bats and migratory birds, which provide farmers with many ecological services, such as insect predation [5], and may also conserve seed dispersal processes necessary for native tree re-establishment [6]. However, little is known about the capacity of shade coffee farms to maintain gene flow and genetic diversity of remnant tree populations across this common tropical landscape. In this study, we conducted genetic analyses that reveal recent colonization and extensive gene flow of a native tree species in shade coffee farms in Chiapas, Mexico. The high genetic diversity and overlapping deme structure of the colonizing trees also show that traditional coffee farms maintain genetic connectivity with adjacent habitats and can serve as foci of forest regeneration.

For those unclear on the concept, biodiversity makes an ecosystem more robust and less succeptable to disruption by diseases, pests, climate changes and other factors. Simply put, as a first approximation, the simpler the ecosystem, the less stable it is. The more diverse the ecosystem, both in terms of species and genetic variation within species, the more stable and productive it is. Shade grown coffee both preserves this stability and benefits from it.

Additionally, this allows shade grown coffee to also serve as potential foci of native forest regeneration in deforested areas.

I know Trader Joe's sells shade grown coffee, and really good stuff it is!

Audobon also has a list of sources for shade grown coffee.

Currently Joy and I mostly drink coffee from Equal Exchange sold through our local food co-op (which is the largest food co-op in the nation!), which keeps the cost down very nicely. Before joining the co-op, we bought our coffee from Dean's Beans, which I think sells shade grown...I know it is organic and fair trade! They were the cheapest high quality coffee we could find until joining the co-op.

Only Five Red States Left

According to a Gallup poll, there are only 5 Red States left in America. Here is the map version:



Now THAT is what it looks like when we have a President who is REALLY a uniter, not a divider.

Compare this map with 2002, the peak of Bush's popularity:



The shift started in 2005 and has continued ever since.

Let's keep two things in mind about this: 1.) up until Obama, the shift was primarily due to the Republicans messing up anything they touched and being caught red handed being more corrupt than any anyone thought possible. Democrats didn't do a good job of convincing voters they were better. It was more like Republicans convinced voters how terrible they were. 2.) Obama was the one who actually INSPIRED voters in a way that no one has seen since Reagan. Other Democrats had better learn from Obama if they want to keep the map as blue as it is now.

Change NYC

I want to highlight this effort for awhile. From ChangeNYC.org:

ChangeNYC.Org is an organization unifying our City’s Democratic Party by welcoming all New Yorkers back into the political process. We are a coalition of real, everyday New Yorkers – young voters, progressives, neighborhood leaders, community bloggers, good government groups, and even conservatives – who believe that in cooperation we can bring the change to our City that together we have begun to bring to our nation.

In the spirit of the Obama campaign, we are revitalizing democracy from the grassroots on up in all five boroughs. Led by your voice and your priorities, and funded exclusively by your financial support, we are connecting, organizing, educating, and empowering ordinary citizens to create the Democratic Party our members think will best stand for their principles.

You can check out their Plan to Change NYC here (PDF)

They have a round up of news stories of interest to reform minded New Yorkers here.

They also have a slate of candidates which overlaps with my own list, but not 100%. We agree on the following:

Yetta Kurland: 3rd Council District (Manhattan)

Daniel Dromm: 25th Council District (Queens) (also being considered by WFP??)

Marquez Claxton: 31st Council District (Queens) (also being considered by WFP??)

Jo Anne Simon: 33rd Council District (Brooklyn)

And, interestingly, they are considering 2 candidates that I am looking into, but haven't decided on:

Saquan Jones: 36th Council District (Brooklyn)

Terry Hinds: 45th Council District (Brooklyn)

(for the 45th I am also considering Rodrick Daley, who also seems to be under consideration by WFP)

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Darwin Day, Blogs, 2009 Candidates, 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.

150 Years Since Darwin: What Next?
Date and Time: 2009-11-05 15:00:00
Address:
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook/NY 11776, UNITED STATES

Event Website: http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/

Activities:
One day of outreach at the American Museum of Natural History, three days of technical talks and discussion at Stony Brook University.

Sponsor: Department of Ecology & Evolution, SBU

Contact: Massimo Pigliucci
Email: massimo.pigliucci_at_gmail.com
Phone: 631-632-1097

Darwin Day at Stony Brook University

Date and Time: 2009-02-13 10:00:00
Address:
Students Activities Center
Stony Brook University West Campus
Stony Brook/NY 11794, UNITED STATES

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

Activities:
Exhibits, videos, discussions and a keynote address by Yale University's Steve Stearns.

Sponsor: Department of Ecology & Evolution

Contact: Massimo Pigliucci
Email: massimo.pigliucci@stonybrook.edu
Phone: 631-632-1097

Darwin's Reach: Celebrating Darwin's Legacy Across Disciplines
Date and Time: 2009-03-12 20:30:00
Address:
Hofstra University
Hempstead/NY , UNITED STATES

Activities:
Interdisciplinary conference on the life and legacy of Chas. Darwin. Topics to include: Darwin as a Scientist; Reception of Darwinian Evolution in the 19th Century; Darwinian Evolution in the 21st Century; Evolution in the Courts; Evolution and Religion; Evolution and Morality; Evolution and Sex/Gender; Evolution and Medicine; Evolution and Language; Evolution and Global Climate Change
Also special sessions on evolution education (for K-12 teachers), cultural events (music, theater), keynote speakers.

Sponsor: Hofstra University

Contact: Daniel Rubey
Email: Daniel.R.Rubey_at_hofstra.edu

Darwin Day Family Festival NY Metro Area Ethical Culture Societies
Date and Time: 2009-02-07 14:00:00
Address:
New York Metro Area Ethical Culture Societies
2 West 64th Street

Event Website: http://aeu.org

Activities:
speakers, intergenerational activities and FOOD!!

Sponsor: New York Metro Area Ethical Culture Societies

Contact: Sharon Stanley
Email: lihumanist_at_gmail.com
New York/NY, UNITED STATES

Darwin's Birthday Celebration
Date and Time: 2009-01-25 11:00:00
Address:
38 Old Country Road
Garden City/NY 11530, UNITED STATES

Activities:
The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island is hosting an intergenerational event in honor of Darwin's 200th birthday. There will be refreshments and activities for adults and children of all ages.

Sponsor: The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island

Contact: Sharon Stanley
Email: lihumanist_at_gmail.com
Phone: 516-741-7304

A Day for Darwin
Date and Time: 2009-02-13 09:00:00
Address:
Lefrak Concert Hall
65-30 Kissena Blvd.
Flushing /NY 11367, UNITED STATES

Event Website: http://dennehylab.bio.qc.cuny.edu/dd.html

Activities:
Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Origin of Species and the 200th Birthday of the Man with a Dangerous Idea

Symposium and Panel Discussion
at the Lefrak Concert Hall
Queens College

Confirmed Speakers
Susan Foster (Clark University)
Jeffrey Schwartz (University of Pittsburgh)
Paul Turner (Yale University)
Patricia Wittkopp (University of Michigan)

Dedication of Colgate's "Darwin Thinking Path"
Date and Time: 2009-02-12 16:00:00
Address:
Colgate University
13 Oak Drive
Hamilton/NY 13346, UNITED STATES

Activities:
Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, will be dedicating one of its cross-country running & ski trails as a "Darwin Thinking Path" - similar to the sand-walk Darwin strolled daily - so that students, faculty, and the general public can contemplate many exciting or imponderable problems.

Sponsor: Department of Geology

Contact: Dr. Constance M. Soja
Email: csoja_at_mail.colgate.edu
Phone: 315.228.7200

State University of New York at New Paltz Darwin Week
Date and Time: 2009-02-09 17:30:00
Address:
State University of New York at New Paltz
CSB Auditorium

Event Website: http://www.newpaltz.edu/evos

Activities:
Public lecture by Gordon Gallup (University of Albany)

"The Science of Sex Appeal: An Evolutionary Perspective"

Sponsor: Evolutionary Studies Program

Contact: Glenn Geher
Email: geherg_at_newpaltz.edu
New Paltz/NY 12561, UNITED STATES


Here are some articles worth reading:

How NYC Became the World's Banking Capital

Bloomberg To Raise Sales Tax, Cut 23,000 Jobs: This is the ultimate in regressive

NY-20: Six Finalists For Democratic Nomination

Teaching Control...and on a related subject: Backers of Mayoral School Control Face Resistance

Quinn's con game...and more on Quinn: Christine Quinn: Pettiness Personified

Economic Development Sensibility

Rudy To The Rescue-- Defending The Rights Of The Rich To Plunder The Rest Of Us...remember when Giuliani seemed almost sane? Not quite sure when he completely lost his hold on reality, but by now he's almost as crazy as any right wing nutcase.

Three Men in a Room: An idea whose time has stayed

Atlantic Yards: Time to reconsider

Antonia Novello's abuse of state employees

Stimulus Turns Greener; Thank Jerry Nadler. Updated

Assemblyman Hoyt, Senator Gillibrand Together On High Speed Rail

The Differences Between TARP And The Economic Stimulus Package

NYC Crime: Up or Down?

Long time Republican State Senator Joseph L. Bruno indicted for corruption! This has been brewing for SO LONG! Republican corruption continues to come to light. More here.

Senator Gillibrand...which may lead to a tough race to hold Gillibrand's Congressional seat! I think we can hold it and I think Paterson has thought about this. But we shall see!

The Miracle On The Hudson Was Brought To You By America's Unions

Brennan Center Memo to Senate Dems

Another reason to pass "Clean Elections" in NYC

Bloggers Get to be Treated Like Journalists

Thoughts on NYC City Council Races for 2009

"45 x 2015" - NY State's Renewables Push

The Latest Poll Results On The Term Limits Extension Issue Is Now Available

City Island fire prompts protest of planned FDNY ladder closing: Why does Bloomberg hate New York firefighters?...and on a related issue: Norm Siegel Opposes Closing of Firehouses at Staten Island Rally

From True News from ChangeNYC: Preview of Three Special Elections:

Borough Voters SI - District 49 (McMahon elected to the U. S. Congress) North Shore City Council Race Special Update

City Hall News - District 21 (Monserrate elected to the State Senate) Two Young Latino Activists Already Trading Barbs

Queens Chronicle - 32 District (Addabbo elected to the State Senate) Three Local Leaders Prepare for Coming Special Election

NEW YORK BLOGGING:

The Albany Project gives excellent coverage of New York State politics.

The Daily Gotham covers both New York City (with a slight emphasis on Brooklyn) and New York State politics.

Reform NY is the blog of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law

No Land Grab: News from the point of view of Brooklyn opposition to overdevelopment

On NY Turf is run by someone I know. Long overdue that I add his blog here. Contains political info, good map resources for NYC and discussions of development issues.

True News from ChangeNYC.Org: ChangeNYC.Org is an organization unifying our City’s Democratic Party by welcoming all New Yorkers back into the political process. We are a coalition of real, everyday New Yorkers – young voters, progressives, neighborhood leaders, community bloggers, good government groups, and even conservatives – who believe that in cooperation we can bring the change to our City that together we have begun to bring to our nation.


Let me highlight some excellent candidates running in New York in 2009:

Norm Siegel for Public Advocate
For those of you who live in NYC, let me introduce you to Norman Siegel, one of America's top Civil Rights Lawyers, is running for New York Public Advocate.

Here's a link to Norm Siegel on NY1.

And here is Youtube footage of Norm Siegel and the NYC Coalition To Preserve Term Limits Press Conference:




Josh Skaller for City Council. Josh is a good friend of ours, a solid progressive, and about as honest as you can get. Here is Josh's statement on his campaign website:

I love Brooklyn—our neighborhoods and our people, the incredible warmth I feel walking around our vibrant and diverse communities. Like you, I know that Brooklyn is a terrific place to live and raise our families. But everywhere we look these days, the things that make our borough great are under assault. Developers and out of touch politicians seem determined to transform our community into an endless series of high-rise condos and strip malls. I believe that unchecked development threatens the beauty and integrity of our neighborhoods, overtaxes public services, and places an incalculable burden on our fragile ecology. I’m willing to stand up to the developers, and I hope you’ll stand with me.

As President of Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) for the past two years, and as an executive member of Democracy for New York City, I've had the honor and pleasure of working with fellow concerned citizens to help change Brooklyn for the better: Local government that doesn't fear its constituents, but embraces them. A political ecosystem that nourishes and amplifies our core values rather than suppresses them. Transparency, honesty, community empowerment, and more than just lip service for the progressive values our neighborhoods share. I will continue to work on behalf of schools and teachers for our children, an environmental policy brave enough to protect the planet for future generations, and I will stand strong and defend our neighborhoods from the out of control, out of context development that seems to be everywhere, and advocate for smart growth and community based planning.

I look forward to bringing the enthusiasm I've shared with so many of you to city council.

Marquez Claxton for City Council: A former NYC Police Officer and co-founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, Marq Claxton is running for the City Council District 31 seat in Queens. He is currently the chair of the Public Safety Committee for Community Board 13. He has been endorsed by Eric Adams (who I know and respect) and is being considered by the Working Families Party as a candidate. Here is Eric Adam's endorsement statement:



Here is Marq Claxton opposing Bloomberg's term limits coup:




Daniel Dromm for City Council: a public school teacher running for the City Council District 25 seat in Queens. He was a founder of the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens and chapter leader of United Federation of Teachers, PS 199Q. He has been endorsed by the United Federation of Teachers, Mark Green, and others. WFP seem to be considering him as well. Dromm received the "Community Service Impact Award" from the Times Ledger Newspapers (2006), the "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" PS 199Q Principal's Award (2006), and the "Citation of Honor" from the Queens Borough President (1995). Seems like exactly the experience we need on the City Council.


More Races: Here is a Facebook Site highlighting some good primary challenges against those City Council members who voted themselves a pay raise then voted themselves a third term in the council over the vote and objections of the voters. In the future I will be highlighting some of these challengers, though for now electing Norm Siegel and Josh Skaller are my main efforts. I am particularly watching the following people to see if they are running for City Council. If they run, I am likely to support them:

David Galarza, Council District 38 (I hear he IS indeed running!)

Rocky Chin, Council District 1
Rodrick Daley, Council District 45


Here are a handful of Organizations worth checking out:

The Environmental Business Association is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the growth of the environmental industry in New York State. Specifically, we help to promote and serve serving the industry sectors of Climate Change, Greening Communities, Energy and WALCE (Water-Agriculture-Land Use-Conservation-Environmental). News here. Events list here (not recently updated).

NY Citizens for Clean Elections: We are committed to passage of Clean Money Clean Election legislation in NYS that provides a non-partisan approach for full public funding of campaigns for all qualified candidates who refuse private money and abide by spending limits. We want to ensure that all Americans, regardless of wealth, have an equal voice in the political system and that qualified candidates are not discouraged from running because they do not have access to the money needed for a competitive campaign.

The Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats is a community-based Democratic club. CBID has fought for reform and progressive causes since 1968. As a Brooklyn-based Club, we have been instrumental in the election of many candidates for public office. Much of this success was a result of our question-and-answer forums with prospective candidates as well as our extensive on-the-street contact with our constituents.

Staunchly opposed to political corruption, we are proud of our independence and our commitment to progressive reform in city, state and national politics. We are a vehicle for citizen empowerment and making government more accountable to our neighborhoods.

We meet monthly, usually the fourth Thursday evening of the month in the basement of the Park Slope United Methodist Church, on the corner of 6th ave and 8th street, at 7:30pm. All are welcome.

New Kings Democrats (”NKD”) is a new, grassroots organization in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York whose primary mission is to recruit and prepare individuals to run for Kings County Democratic Committee. NKD hopes to achieve the goal of an inclusionary and participatory democracy by making it easy for individuals to run for local, elected office. NKD will serve as a training ground for individuals seeking higher office, and hopes to build and nurture a new group of Brooklyn Democratic leaders.

Stonewall Democrats of Western New York is the GLBT Democratic voice in WNY. Our mission is to advocate for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community within the Democratic Party and to encourage GLBT participation within the Democratic Party. Our membership includes representatives from State, County, and City government, and several Democratic committee members amongst the various County Committees in WNY.

Drop the Rock: Enacted in 1973, the Rockefeller Drug Laws require lengthy prison terms for the possession or sale of a relatively small amount of drugs. There are over 13,000 people in New York’s prisons incarcerated under the drug laws, most of them minor offenders with no history of violent behavior. It costs New York $500 million a year to imprison drug offenders. 90% of the people locked up in New York for drug offenses are African American or Latino, despite research showing that the majority of people who use and sell drugs are white. Research shows that drug treatment is less expensive than imprisonment and more successful in reducing drug-related crime. Repealing the Rockefeller Drug Laws would save the fiscally strapped state over $220 million per year. Get involved here.


DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA MEETINGS IN NY STATE:

Capital District of NY/GenDFA

Democracy for the Hudson-Mohawk Region

Democracy for the Hudson Valley

Mid-Hudson Progressive Alliance

dfaROCHESTER

Democracy For Westchester

Democracy for Long Island

Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

North Country Democracy for America

Central New York DFA

Eastern Long Island Democracy for America

Democracy For Saratoga Springs

Kingston Democracy for America

Democracy For The Southern Adirondack/Tricounty Area

Democracy for Otsego and Delaware Counties

Philipstown for Democracy

DFA: Greene County

Livingston County for Democracy


DEMOCRACY FOR NYC MEETINGS:
First Wednesday of every month

Staten Island, Muddy Cup, 388 Van Duzer Street with hosts Al Dykes and Tracey Denton at 7pm

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

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

Orange County, CA Events

I found this amazing round up of events in Orange County, California, thanks to Orange County Democracy for America:

Feb 2 (1st Monday) 7pm, Santa Ana: OC Recruitment Awareness Project (OC-RAP) General meeting at El Centro Cultural de Mexico 310 W 5th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 At the corner of Broadway and 5th Street (above El Curtido Restaurant) Questions? oc-rap@hotmail.com or (714) 649-0501 oc-rap.org

Feb 2 Monday 9pm, Santa Ana: Mexica New Year - Potluck (We also hope to have a short presentation on the Mexica New Year theology) at El Centro Cultural de Mexico 310 W 5th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 At the corner of Broadway and 5th Street (above El Curtido Restaurant) For more information e-mail nauiocelotyl@yahoo.com

Feb 6 (1st Friday) 6:30-9pm, Orange: Friday Night Film Series - Shackled Women: Abuses of a Patriarchal World With dowries reaching fifty percent of a family's income, a second daughter is often called "the girl born for the burial pit." This program assesses second- and third-world abuses of women's rights by the male establishment-and examines how female collaboration sometimes contributes to their perpetuation. Feminist Taslima Nasreen; the author of Brides Are Not for Burning; and others speak out on topics such as dowry deaths, female circumcision, the Islamic zina law, the rigors of hijab, and child prostitution.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange present films that raise awareness and encourage conversation about the dynamic, ever-changing, systemic and critical needs of our world. Through a variety of titles and topics, attendees explore what it means to live a life in relationship with each other, our neighbors and the whole community of life. The evening includes refreshments, dialogue and possible opportunities for action.
6:30 - 7:00 Gathering and Refreshments 7:00 - 8:00 Film Showing 8:00 - 9:00 Discussion
Mother Louis Room 480 S. Batavia St., Orange, CA 92868-3998 714-633-8121x7716 Justice@csjorange.org sistersofstjosephorange.org/calendar.php?ID=82

Feb 7 Saturday 10am-1pm, Huntington Beach: Help support Native American land rights at the corner of Bolsa Chica Street and Warner Ave. in the city of Huntington Beach, CA. We will be protesting the destruction of the cogged stone site CA-ORA 83. For more info. call 949-228-7262 or email bigrockcreek@msn.com See also ndnnews.com protectsacredsites.org protectbearbutte.com dfa-oc.org/archive/2008.html#May28SS dfa-oc.org/archive/2008.html#Sep06CS

Feb 8 Sunday 1-5pm, Rancho Santa Margarita: Morasha School's Third Annual Environmental Awareness Festival Leave Only Footprints FREE Admission *Soles4Souls* *The Bicycle Tree* *Surfrider Foundation* *Dana Point Ocean Institute* *Donna O?Neill Land Conservancy* *Josh Lake, nature educator and guide* *Rabbi Mike Comins, environmentalist and author* *workshops for kids and adults * green vendors * organic foods * alternative fuel cars * shoe drive with Soles4Souls*free how-to bike maintenance tips from The Bicycle Tree*
Morasha School, 30482 Avenida de Las Banderas, Rancho Santa Margarita 949-459-6330 morasha.org

Feb 8 Sunday 5-7:30pm, Irvine: Awaiting Judgment: Dietrich Bonhoeffer & MLK Jr. Irvine United Congregational Church and University Synagogue PRESENT: THE PLAY AWAITING JUDGMENT Cost $12 (Pre-sale) $15 (at the door) $10 for Students with I.D. (includes light meal)
This play imagines a conversation between Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King Jr. in which the two 20th century theological scholars and activists examine one another?s actions and explore the decisions that led to their martyrdom. The issues raised in the play present ethical and faith challenges that each man faced in his lifetime and are relevant for discussion in today?s times as well.
The superb cast of Anthony Drummond as King, Craig Huisenga as Bonhoeffer, and Phys Green as Narrator, will provide an exciting and stimulating performance. The playwright, Rev. Art Cribbs, will lead a discussion about the play afterwards. Rev. Dr. Paul Tellström & Rabbi Arnie Rachlis will host this event and participate in the discussion as well. A light meal and reception will follow. Childcare will be provided.
Hosted by: Irvine United Congregational Church 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604 949-733-220 iucc.org TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Feb 8 Sunday 5:30pm, Orange: The Orange County Interfaith Committee to Aid Farm Workers next fund raiser will be held Sunday afternoon, February 8, at the Carpenters' Hall, 1918 W. Chapman, in Orange. The social hour/silent auction will begin at 4:30pm (note new time), followed by dinner at 5:30 pm, and the program at 6:30pm. Erik Nicholson, VP of the United Farm Workers, will be the speaker. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in farm labor issues in particular and worldwide labor trends in general. He is a terrific speaker and we are excited to have him. Reservations are requested with Suzanne Darweesh, 2104 Hilltop Ct, Fullerton, 92831, 714-738-1785 or sdarweesh@aol.com. A donation of $20 prepaid or $25 at the door is requested. Checks should be made out to the UFW, the beneficiary of this event.

Feb 9 Monday 7pm, Irvine: The Science and Politics of Air Pollution Robert F. Sawyer is Class of 1935 Professor of Energy Emeritus and Professor of the Graduate School at the University of California, Berkeley and former chair of the California Air Resources Board. Crystal Cove Auditorium, UCI Student Center chancellor.uci.edu/cdfs.shtml

Feb 10 Tuesday Noon-1pm, Irvine: The UCI School of Law presents Is Proposition 8 Legal? A Forum on Marriage Equality UCI Student Center, Pacific Ballroom C
Dean Erwin Chemerinsky and other experts will discuss the legal issues involved in the upcoming California Supreme Court case on Proposition 8, which eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry in the State of California.
Sponsored by The UCI School of Law and Outlaw (Chapman University School of Law) Free to all. No reservations required For more information contact: Professor James S. Nowick 949-824-6091, jsnowick@uci.edu chem.ps.uci.edu/~jsnowick/jsn/forum.html

Feb 10 (2nd Tuesday) 7pm, San Juan Capistrano: Robin Everett, Conservation Organizer, Sierra Club Friends of the Foothills at South Orange County Democratic Club socdc.org Come learn the latest on the 241 toll road extension
New Location: Marie Callender's, 31791 Del Obispo Street

Feb 11 Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm, Irvine: OC NOW General Meeting Irvine Ranch Water District Offices - 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. in Irvine
A professional fundraiser will discuss how nonprofits are dealing with the current state of the US economy and how fundraising has been affected. nowoc.org/e107_plugins/calendar_menu/event.php?1234398600.event.34

Feb 12 Thursday 7pm, Santa Ana: Orange County Young Democrats meeting. We invite you to attend our next Orange County Young Democrats meeting on Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 PM at Bistro 400 located at 400 W. 4th Street, Santa Ana CA, 92701. Our meeting will be followed by Drinking Liberally at Memphis. For more information visit us online at OCYD.net

Feb 12 Thursday 6:30-8:30pm, Anaheim: Stand up for Justice by Supporting Responsible Development in Anaheim Come and join other Anaheim residents in a dialogue about the new development in the Platinum Triangle. Learn how you can support a "Community Benefits Agreement", and advocate for issues that matter to you:
Good Paying Jobs Green Building Affordable Housing Parks and Open Spaces Affordable Child Care Schools and other issues that matter to you and your community!
St. Boniface Catholic Church - The Hall (Far East side of church) 120 N. Janss St.
Contact: wendy.clue@gmail.com 7145024370

Feb 12 Thursday 7pm, Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach Democratic Club at the Unitarian Church, 429 Cypress Street lagunabeachdemocraticclub.com

Feb 13 Friday 6:30-9:30, San Juan Capistrano: The Environmental Outreach at The Center for Spiritual Living OC Invites you to an Organic Dinner and Eco-Presentation Be The Change An evening filled with Visioning, Connection and Inspired Action Join Deanna Moore and Michelle Spieker, co-founders of the Environmental Outreach OC for a powerful evening designed to inspire each of us to take individual and collective action to create a better world.
You'll be part of * A discussion of what the future holds. * A visioning for what's possible * Concrete ways we can prepare for a sustainable future
The evening will begin with an organic meal made with local fruits and vegetables prepared by Deanna Moore and friends.
n Cost: $20 Please bring utensils, plates, and a beverage. Babysitter provided at $10 per child
Location : Center for Spiritual Living OC, 27121 Calle Arroyo (Suite 2200) San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 centerforspirituallivingoc.org The Environmental Outreach heals the Earth and Humanity through Awareness, Education and Inspired action.

Feb 15 Sunday 1:30pm, Irvine: Humanist Association of Orange County Carole Copp will present a talk on the "Evolution of Evolution" for our Darwin Day program. More details will be given later.
Irvine Ranch Water District building located at 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. Irvine, CA 92618 ochumanists.org

Feb 19-21 Thursday-Saturday 7-9pm, Irvine: The Vagina Monologues UCI - PSLH 100
As part of the 2009 V-Day College Campaign, the students of UCI are proud to present a benefit production of The Vagina Monologues to raise awareness and funds for local organizations working to end violence against women and girls.
V-Day College Campaign events are independently organized by students and listings on V-Day's web-site do not imply the endorsement or official sanction of any institution.
Cost of the performance is $10 For more information, call Stephen Marley at 909.319.4326

new Feb 25 Wednesday 11:30am, Irvine: Women For: Orange County "Legal and Ethical Issues of Health Care" Irvine Ranch Water District's Duck Club 5 Riparian View, Irvine (at the San Joaquin Preserve) The Duck Club is located at the end of Riparian View. Riparian View intersects Michelson Dr. between Culver Dr. & Jamboree Rd. Turn onto Riparian View toward the open space. Follow the signs for one mile to the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Free and open to the public ~ Men are cordially invited Refreshments at 2:00 p.m. For recorded information: 714.590.7804 womenforoc.org womenforoc@aol.com

Feb 27 (4th Friday) 7pm, Newport Beach: A Traveling Conscientious Projector: "Power of Forgiveness"
St.Mark Presbyterian Church, 2200 San Juaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Fourth Friday Film Festival 6:30 Gathering 7:00 Film Showing 8:15 Discussion Issues of Social Justice: To Educate, Communicate & Reflect in Community.
For more information, contact Erin Weller at eweller@pcu-la.org or (714) 721-6554.

Feb 28 Saturday 1pm, Irvine: Orange County Equality Coalition OCEquality.org CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY!! Be a part of the largest growing movement for equal rights in Orange County!
The mission of the Orange County Equality Coalition is to develop and sustain an infrastructure that enables the attainment of equality for all through education, dialogue, and advocacy.
Irvine United Congregational Church, 4915 Alton Pkwy, Irvine facebook.com/group.php?gid=92930760636 ocequality@gmail.com

San Diego, CA Events

And here is a great calendar of events for San Deigo, California, thanks to the San Diego County Democrats:

La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club Meeting. Wednesday, February 4th, 6:30 pm social, 7:00 pm meeting. Marjorie Cohn, Professor of Law at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law and author of several books including "Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law," will speak on international human rights and U. S. foreign policy. At the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa. Info: Linda Armacost at 619-741-1994 or larmacost@cox.net.

Del Mar/Carmel Valley Democratic Club meeting. Wednesday, February 11th, social at 6:00 pm, meeting 7:00 pm. At Oscar's, 3881 Valley Centre Drive, San Diego 92130.

Rabbi Michael Lerner: The Spiritual Challenge of the Next Four Years in U. S. and Global Survival." Thursday, February 12th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Rabbi Michael Lerner, an internationally recognized theologian and psychologist, the author of the 2006 best seller, "the Left Hand Of God," and one of the co-founders of the Network of Spiritual Progressives. At First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4190 Front St., San Diego 92102 Suggested Donation of $5 to $10. Info: Bob Northcutt at 858.592.0217

North County Unity Leadership Coalition Brunch. Saturday, February 14th, registration is at 8:45 am, brunch and program 9:00-11:00 am. County Party Chair Jess Durfee will give a State of the County address, Phil Hanneman, California State Democratic Party Director, will explain how the we interact with the State Party, Xavier Martinez, Chair of North County Unity, will discuss the purpose and funding process of the NC Unity political action committee, and Francine Busby will discuss the goals and plans for North County. $20 contribution includes a breakfast buffet. At the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, 5827 Via de la Cumbre, Rancho Santa Fe 92067. Click HERE to download the invitation and RSVP form.

Lake San Marcos Democratic Club meeting. Saturday, February 14th, social 12:30, meeting 1:00 pm. Agenda: Discussions about club activities for 2009 and beyond. At the Lake San Marcos Lakeside Pavilion. Info: Betty Ball (760) 752-1035.

Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club meeting. Sunday, February 15th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Former M*A*S*H star and longtime political and social justice activist Mike Farrell will talk about his extensive involvement in human rights issues all over the world, as well as his life as an actor. Mike's book “Just Call Me Mike” will be available for sale and signing. At the Bonita Library, 4375 Bonita Road, Bonita. Info: Vivian at President@EBDemocrats.org

Progressive Grandmothers for Political Action meeting. Tuesday, February 24th, 1:00 pm. Drew Reiff, producer of the "Save KLSD /Media Consolidation" movie will discuss the movie and national pattern it represents. At the Remington Club, 16916 Hierba, Rancho Bernardo. All are welcome regardless of age or gender. Info: Vi Mooberry 760 233-7833

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:

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

Cardinal Mahony under federal investigation for his role in protecting child abuser priests

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

UC has plan to subsidize tuition for low-income students

Congresswoman Doris Matsui Statement on the closing of Guantanamo Bay

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!!!

California Young Democrats ask: What happened to the Master Plan?

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

It's YOUR High Speed Rail Project


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

Navajo Green Jobs

This is something I got from a link on the Black Mesa website. I have been covering the Black Mesa issue recently, but I am switching to covering Navajo Green Jobs for a bit. For the Black Mesa issue, please go to my previous diaries.

From Navajo Green Jobs:

Green Jobs are well-paid jobs created by sustainable businesses and/or industries that are low or non-polluting. Green Jobs respect traditional Diné culture and Mother Earth.

Navajo Green Jobs mean:

* Fair Wages, Navajo Economic Self-sufficiency, and a transition to a sustainable economy!
* Opportunity for families, Chapters & individuals to establish local green businesses!
* More jobs for youth, students, veterans, fathers, & mothers to work close to home on the Navajo Nation!

Navajo Green Jobs Funding would support:

* Small & large scale renewable energy jobs
* Green Manufacturing – renewable energy, textile mill (wool),
* Energy Efficiency projects – weatherizing housing, green construction, sustainable water projects
* Local sustainable business ventures/retail: weavers coop, and green construction firm
* Sustainable Agricultural – Farmers' Markets, traditional/organic grown products - Corn, Certified butcher/meat locker
* Green Job Training programs – workforce development, green contractors, public service projects (incarcerated people, students, volunteers, internships, veterans)
* Green Job Management support – Dine College program, fellowship opportunities

What is the "Navajo Green Economy Plan"?

This plan would establish a "Navajo Green Economy Fund" that would generate hundreds of green jobs across the Navajo Nation and support COMMUNITY lead "Green Economy" initiatives. With millions of federal dollars ready to go out to the rest of the country to support "Green Jobs", the Navajo Nation must be prepared to support local, community owned and operated Green Job Initiatives! This program would not only establish a fund it would establish a program of trained support staff in each agency to help you and your community come up with "green job" plans! And last but not least a broad and diverse “Navajo Green Economy Commission” would be established to oversee this fund through an open and clear process.

An Online Petition is now available
www.ipetitions.com/petition/navajogreenjobs/

For More Information on how you can get involved contact
Black Mesa Water Coalition staff at:
Phone: (928) 213-5909
e-mail: blackmesawc_at_gmail.com
Address: PO Box 613 Flagstaff, AZ 86002


*The Navajo Green Economy Coalition is a group of concerned Navajo citizens & non-profit organizations, which include:

Black Mesa Water Coalition | DineCARE | New Energy Economy| 1Sky NM
New Mexico Youth Organize | Grand Canyon Trust | Green Jobs Now

ARIZONA FOCUS: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

BLOGGING ARIZONA:

AZNetroots: Bringing together Arizona Progressives to take back our country!

Blog for Arizona: Progressive blogging in AZ.

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

Liberal Desert: IT'S A WRY HEAT; REALITY-BASED COMMENTARY ON ARIZONA AND NATIONAL POLITICS

Black Mesa Indigenous Support: Back in college I was involved in this issue. I have drifted away, but the issues remain!


Stories of Interest:

The GOP's only answer to every question: "tax cuts for the rich" Trickle down didn't work in the 1920's...trickle down didn't work in the 1980's...and trickle down doesn't work now. When will the Republicans ever learn.

Democratic Presidents Are Always Better For The Economy - Always...with graphs and everything to back it up!

Arizona House and Senate pass budget bill...and on a related note: GOP hacking of state budget is destructive

Senate Democrats Launch New Blog

Republicans: A Party of Whiners and Their Enablers in The News Media

Comment about University cuts by ASU Pres

The GOP's war against unions is a war against America's middle class...And on a related note: This Miracle Brought to You by America’s Unions

Phil Gramm, the Enron Loophole, and oil speculators on Wall Street

78% of the public supports the Employee Free Choice Act

Equality Boycott


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN ARIZONA:

Arizona Biodiesel: AZ BioDiesel produces ASTM Certified B99 BioFuel from reclaimed oil at our processing plant in Gilbert, Arizona. Our goal is to reduce air pollution in Phoenix by introducing 1 million gallons of BioDiesel in 2009.

New Extended Hours: 7AM-7PM M-F, 9AM-1PM Sat.

FREE Delivery to most of the Phoenix Metro with orders of 250 or more gallons of biodiesel.

Call our facility at 480-344-1480 Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

Fuel Purchasing Options:

Option 1: We can fuel your vehicle and/or we can fill up your fuel containers.

Option 2: We can provide a 55 gallon barrel (small deposit required) for your fuel.

Our Gilbert Fueling Facility Address and Map (Click here)

All major credit cards accepted.


Arizona Solar:

Thousands of utility customers throughout the U.S., who were tired of the high cost of electricity have taken advantage of generous rebates and tax credits which are available for the installation of solar electric systems on their homes and businesses.

The State of Arizona is currently offering a cash rebate 25% (up to $35,000.00) for the installation of a solar system for your home or place of business !. And unlike the old solar systems of yesteryear that only produced hot water, these new systems actually produce electricity ! Clean reliable electricity to run lights, TVs, pumps, refrigerators, computers and many other appliances, all with free energy from the Sun.
Call Toll Free: 1-877-498-6527


The Phoenix Alternative Energy Meetup Group

All Alternative Energy Meetups are scheduled to meet at 1:30pm on the second Saturday of each month. We are searching for a permanent location. Event fee: $1.00 per person

Please join us for discussions and activities on various subjects related to energy use and alternatives to our current carbon-based system.

For more info, sign up here.

Solar Alliance of Greater Tucson Community and Choice for a Brighter Future Sustainability in action!

The Tucson Solar Alliance is a non-profit community coalition dedicated to helping people access solar energy and related measures more easily on a practical and cost-effective basis.

Sustainable Tucson

The purpose of Sustainable Tucson is to facilitate an inclusive, dynamic community-building process that ensures economic prosperity, social vibrancy, and ecological health.

Cottonwood Alternative Energy

Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of practical alternative energies.

Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment beginning in our local community!

This group welcomes those embracing the urge to respect our planet and to actively promote community programs that seek to provide practical solutions to residential energy needs, as well as promote the adoption of variant lifestyles that enrich the local and regional biocosm.


GROUPS AND EVENTS:
Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:

Progressive Majority Arizona: "The progressive movement is on the march in Arizona, and Progressive Majority is proud to be part of the momentum. Across Arizona, progressives are getting elected to councils in formerly arch-conservative cities, and progressive legislators are winning in districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. Our successes all over the state and at every level are proof positive that conservatives are on the run and the future is bright for Arizona progressives."

Progressive Majority has leadership programs and can help progressive candidates run an efficient and successful campaign. You can sign up for email updates here.

DFA of Phoenix Monthly Meeting
Democracy for America meets the first Monday of the month at IHOP at the corner of 44th St. and Thomas Rd at 7PM
Contact: Toby Stohl at 602.955-9050 for more information
Website: www.dfalink.com/az-vote

Community Gardens of Tucson: A community garden is a place where neighbors can grow flowers or vegetables together on one piece of land. The land is usually volunteered by a home owner for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 25′, are made available to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A drip irrigation system is installed to supply water to the plants. A separate water meter is installed in the garden, and the home owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is currently $12.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment. Find locations of Tucson community gardens here. To find monthly meetings, go here. And to get involved, go here.

Arizona Democratic Veterans’ Caucus
Jeff Latas
1402 E. Placita Meseta Dorada
Oro Valley 85755
Phone: (520) 404-9133
Email: jeff_at_latasgroup.com

TUCSON AREA DEMOCRATS:
Democrats of Greater Tucson
Marion Pickens
80743 E. 29th Street
Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone : 520-296-5908
Email : DGT_at_pimademocrats.org

Northwest Democrats
Marty Drozdoff
1352 W. San Nichols Drive
Tucson 85704
Phone: 502 742 1019
Email: martyrepresentsyou_at_msn.com

Saguaro Eastside Democrats
Sharon McCormick
9701 E. Sunburst Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85748
Phone: 520-296-9395
Email: sharonamcc_at_msn.com
Website: http://saguaroeastsidedemocrats.org

Southern Arizona GBLT Democrats
Les Krambeal
4991 N. Placita Aguilera
Tuscon 85745
Phone: 520-743 2046 or cell 520 548 4947
Email: leskrambeal_at_yahoo.com

Tanque Verde Democrats
Henry Johnson, M.D.
3033 N. Spirit Dancer Trail
Tucson, AZ 85749
Phone: 520-760-3012
E-Mail: hjohnsonMD_at_simplybits.net
Website: www.tanqueverdedems.org

UofA Young Democrats
James Jefferies
1063 East Adams St
Tucson 85719
Phone: 520 490 5631
Email: jjj4_at_email.arizona.edu


African American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Harold Holmes
15604 N 7th Dr Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: 602-993-5040
Email: harhol_at_msn.com

Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus
David Olvera
4875 North Hummingbird Lane
Tucson 85750
Phone: 520 631 7626
Email: davido_at_comcast.net

Native American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Chris Clark Deschene
P.O. Box 1854
Chinle 86503
Phone: 928 660 3332
Email: clarkdeschene_at_att.net

Jacqueline Thomas
3040 North 2nd Street, Unit 202
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 285 0157
Email: jackiefayeblues_at_cs.com

Tribal Outreach Coordinator: Arista LaRusso
602-298-4200
Alarusso_at_azdem.org

National Jewish Democratic Council – Arizona Chapter
Jerry Gettinger
10018 E. Friess Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-510-1320
Email: jget_at_cox.net

Women in Blue
Carole Pearsall
3466 East Charlston Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 602-765 9135
Email: carole.pearsall_at_cox.net
Website: www.arizonawomeninblue.com

Young Democrats of Arizona
Cole Hickman
1732 South McKemy St.
Tempe 85251
Phone: 415 847 9174
Email: President_at_ydaz.org
Website: www.ydaz.org

Stan Williams – Executive Director
Phone: 602 796 2472 or 602 234 6809
Email: stanwilliams_at_ydaz.org

Arizona Democratic Progressive Caucus
Sherry Bohlen, Co-Chair
15207 E. Stardust
Fountain Hills, 85268
Phone: 480 529 2131
Email: Sherry_at_OracleArchitecture.com
Website: www.AzDPC.org

Steve McClure, Co-Chair
4155 E. La Cienega Drive
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 520 806 2701
Email: smcclureazdem@cox.net

Arizona GBLT Democrats
Justin Unga
2910 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 828 3920
Email: junga_at_azdem.org

Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil - Every Fri. Protest the occupations in Iraq and Palestine, and the use of war, violence, and terrorism everywhere. Everyone welcome, please wear black & maintain a peaceful presence. 5 - 6 pm. Corner of Euclid and Speedway, Tucson. Free. (407-1432)

Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democrats and supporters. This group serves to inform and educate persons within the GLBT community regarding elected officials, candidates, and issues of interest to that community. They also provide information and education to elected officials, candidates, and others regarding GLBT issues.

Contact:
Maurice Grossman (323-2293)

Meetings:
The last Monday of the month, 6:30pm, at varying locations.

Email:
sasdtucson_at_yahoo.com

Monthly Meeting - District 17 Democrats - Pyle Center
When: second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 PM
Where: 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ

District 20 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

For more info go here: http://ld20.maricopademocrats.org/

District 10 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap


And for those who are interested in combining social events and politics, here are the Drinking Liberaly events in Arizona:

Flagstaff, Arizona
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* Bigfoot Bar-B-Q, 120 N Leroux St (basement of Old Town Shops)
* Hosted by Andy Stevenson and George Castleberry, flagstaff (at) drinkingliberally.org

Phoenix
* Every other Thursday, 5:30-9:00 pm
* Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub, 906 E Camelback Rd (9th St & Cameback on the North Side)
* http://www.rosiemccaffreys.com/index.htm
* Hosted by Stuart Dollar, phoenix (at) drinkingliberally.org

Scottsdale
* First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30
* Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird)
* On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road.
* Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month.
* Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!!
* Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tucson, Arizona
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* The Shanty, 401 E 9th St (Fourth Ave. at the underpass)
* Please visit our chapter's web site for schedules, book club info, and more: http://arizona.typepad.com/drinkingliberally
* Hosted by Michael Bryan, Tasha Nelson and Shasta McManus, tucson (at) drinkingliberally.org