Progressive Democrat Issue 202

I am continuing to discuss Bank of America. Have to say that now I have been hit by a frivolous fee from BoA on a credit card that I am paying off the balance on. Only bank I know that STILL charges you even when you pay off the full balance. I have stopped using my BoA credit cards and am using my Discover Card and USAA card. As far as I can tell they are better than Bank of America or Citibank, another lousy bank according to Co-op America's Responsible shopper site. I also received an email from a reader who also had a bad customer service experience with Bank of America. This is not surprising because Bank of America is the bank that receives the most complaints from customers, according to the Office of Comptroller of the Currency. To remind you, here is the list of complaints:

Bank of America: 7,230 complaints (25.5% of total)
J.P. Morgan Chase: 4,890 complaints (17.3%)
Citigroup: 3,742 complaints (13.2%)
Wells Fargo: 2,695 complaints (9.5%)
HSBC North America: 1,963 complaints (6.9%)
Wachovia: 1,265 complaints (4.5%)
U.S. Bancorp: 1,027 complaints (3.6%)
National City: 586 complaints (2.1%)
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group: 537 complaints (1.9 %)
Key Corp: 343 complaints (1.2 %)

Once again I want to emphasize that TD Bank seems among the best in terms of both customer service and in avoiding the kind of horrible lending practices that has led to this financial crisis. They are one of the most stable banks around and put customer service first. USAA is also good for financial services, though limited to Vets and their families. Anyone else have good bank stories?

Hah...as I wrote this I got a robo call from Bank of America asking me about my satisfaction with their customer service. Funny how they think a robocall asking my opinion (press 1 for yes, 2 for no) and telling me how valuable I am takes the place of real customer service. Again, the comparison with TD bank is stark. Call TD bank and you get a live person right away. They also have longer hours and more weekend hours. Bank of America's robocalls don't compensate for the rest of crap they dish out.

I also got some good responses regarding the organizations I highlighted last week that are helping out Americans during the economic crisis. So I will repeat the list this week:

If you are in a position to help people in need, here are a few suggestions, all through Alternative Gifts.

Healthy Food for Hungry Americans

AGI provides mini grants to pantries and food banks in the USA through this project.

Hunger is a significant challenge, but lack of food is a serious problem facing people around the globe. “Food Insecurity” is a new term that encompasses the reality and anxiety of being poor and without food.

* A school nurse or social worker contacts a parent at work to ask about your child’s stomach aches.
* The food stamp ‘credit card’ is not accepted at the store that is closest to home, and no cash is left.
* Your child is sick and the doctor’s office recommends an over-thecounter remedy that you can’t afford.
* The food pantry claims that you have visited there too many times in recent months.
* While you are hospitalized, the electricity is turned off and all the foodin the refrigerator is spoiled.
* The roaches or mice have invaded every edible thing in paper orplastic, and the landlord is not responsive.

AGI selects at least 10 emergency pantries or food banks in various regions to receive grants of $4,000 to $5,000 each from donations to this project.

$15 - Nutritious food (not fast food meals) for one person for 3 days
$48 - Food-bank basics for a family of 4 for a week

This one is one I donated to a couple of times because it combines helping people with alternative energy: Sun Power for Tribal Families

Since 2000, the Tribal Lands Renewable Energy Program has worked in collaboration with service organizations to improve the quality of life for Native American families living on reservations.

TREES, WATER & PEOPLE (TWP) coordinates the purchase, assembly and installation of solar heating systems for tribal people living on reservations in the Western United States. Solar power allows people to remain independent and stay productive during the cold winter months, when they otherwise had to live with other family members so they could afford to pay the heating bills. Many families must choose between food, medicine and education in order to pay for traditional heating fuels. Their health is often complicated by out-dated furnaces or wood stoves.

This technology provides a ‘new way to honor the old ways’ and respect Native American tradition of living in harmony with nature—protecting Mother Earth.

$55 - One share of materials to build a solar powered heating system
$1320 - A new, safer alternative to high-cost heating bills for one Native American household

Economic Justice & Empowerment in Appalachia

Safe, affordable housing and better jobs empower people who have long suffered in rural poverty.

West Virginia is a mountainous rural state with one of the most depressed economies in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, West Virginia is the third lowest in per capita income, and it ranks last in median household income. Along with hunger and malnutrition, limited access to health care, education, public transportation, and jobs are critical issues facing the residents of West Virginia.

Since the 1920’s, AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE (AFSC) has worked in the region to initiate changes that give people new hope through advocacy and education. Low-income families are able to achieve greater stability through safe, affordable housing, equal access to higher education, and jobs that pay living wages.

AFSC’s new projects include mentoring programs for at-risk students, home repair projects to reduce homelessness, advocacy for improved health care and racial harmony, and sponsorship of public forums.

$28 - One share of advocacy for poor families
$275 - Support services and education
$1650 - Major repairs for a home

Safe Shelter During Times of Crisis

Help victims of poverty find safe shelter.

Today, 30% of America’s homeless populations are families with children. According to the Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 3.5 million people will experience homelessness this year—one million will be children. These families and children are often in poor health, and have more difficulties in school or keeping a job. The insecurity of being without basic shelter is emotionally and physically debilitating. Many homeless students are at-risk of dropping out. Some homeless adults have jobs but cannot keep up.

Many agencies that provide shelter for people with no home to claim do more than provide a bed and a meal. They also supply medical care, clothing and safety! In addition, they generously give compassion—supportive services of counseling, after-school childcare and tutoring—so parents can do what they can to prepare for some permanency in their lives. Job training, household budgeting classes and pastoral care are also part of the ‘package’ of helping hands in most shelters.

AGI chooses at least 10 shelters in various parts of the US each year to receive grants from donations to this project.

$11 - Shelter in a safe place for one person or a mother and child for one night
$44 - Shelter and counsel a family of four for one week

A Better Future for Women in Poverty

When women learn new skills, they have hope for their future.

What gives hope to women struggling in poverty? “Reaching for the Future” is a program that provides the necessary elements for single moms to prepare for a future that is different from their past. This collaborative project combines self-awareness, language and communication skills, workplace readiness assessment, on-the-job training, career placement or mentoring, decision-making (leadership), and supportive communities. In general, women learn best from other women. They need to know they are not alone in the struggles of everyday life.

LA MUJER OBRERA (‘The Working Woman’) in El Paso, Texas, provides language and micro-enterprise training. It is unique in the USA for its bilingual, integrated approach to study-skills preparation and serves at least 150 women each year. THE ENTERPRISING KITCHEN (TEK) in Chicago, Illinois, combines on-the job training in a personal care item manufacturing and mail-order operation, along with personal counseling for career development. TEK accepts court referrals and helps at least 60 women break the cycle of self-defeat each year. In Wichita, Kansas, WOMEN'S INITATIVE NETWORK (WIN) specializes in education, job training and life-skill training to help women survivors of domestic violence gain self sufficiency and become a contributing citizen.

$11 - One share of hope for women in development
$110 - Underwrite an average week of training and encouragement for a woman seeking change in her life

If you can give to one of these (and I know many people cannot) please do. It can make a big difference to another American.

And as a reminder, THIS is what the Bush family does to America...three recessions in three terms:



Here is this week's newsletter:

BANK OF AMERICA: More Hypocrisy

Biofuels: Resolving Dilemmas

FREE RICE: Feeding the World

Campaign Finance Reform in NY State

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS

ORANGE COUNTY, CA EVENTS

SACRAMENTO, CA EVENTS

SAN DIEGO, CA EVENTS

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

PHOENIX, AZ EVENTS

ARIZONA FOCUS

HOUSTON/HARRIS CO. TX EVENTS

AUSTIN/TRAVIS CO. TX EVENTS

TEXAS FOCUS

GEORGIA DEMOCRATS WORK: Helping Community in Georgia

GEORGIA FOCUS

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

VIRGINIA FOCUS

ILLINOIS FOCUS

COLORADO FOCUS

FLORIDA FOCUS

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

WISCONSIN FOCUS

WASHINGTON FOCUS

NEVADA FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

Bank of America: MORE Hypocrisy and an Alternative

Recently I have been harping on how Bank of America took a taxpayer-funded bailout then tried to screw taxpayers. And I put this into a context of poor customer service by Bank of America in general, drawing on some experiences others have posted. Bank of America is also tied for worst bank (with Citicorp) on Co-op America's Responsible Shopper site. I know of at least three people who have decided to stop doing business with Bank of America recently over these issues.

Now I want to add one more bit of hypocrisy into the list of reasons to take your business elsewhere. Seems Bank of America makes claims about their environmental record that just don't hold up. From Rainforest Action Network:

In March 2007, Bank of America made headlines with an environmental initiative pledging support for “environmentally sustainable business…. (and) to address global climate change.” While hailing itself as a leader in the fight against global warming, Bank of America is continuing to finance the greatest cause of climate change: coal.

Unfortunately, Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis’ lofty rhetoric is at odds with his company’s track record. In reality, BofA's pledge commits less than two percent of the company's assets to fighting global warming, and the money will be spread out over the next 10 years. Bank of America's efforts are akin to trying to douse a fire with a cup of water in one hand and a tank of gasoline in the other.

And what is Bank of America doing with the other 98 percent of its $1.1 trillion in assets?

Accelerating Climate Change

Bank of America has financed dozens of new coal-fired power plants to the tune of billions of dollars. If these proposed plants are built, BofA will be helping finance hundreds of millions of tons of new C02 emissions every single year. The bank's clients include some of the country's largest power and utility companies: AES, Dynegy, Florida Power and Light, Great Plains Energy, Idaho Power, Peabody Energy and many more.

Destroying Appalachia's Mountains

Bank of America has invested billions of dollars in companies that practice Mountaintop Removal, including Massey Energy, Arch Coal, Alpha Natural Resources and others. These companies are responsible for the loss of millions of acres of Appalachian forests and mountains, and Bank of America is continuing to bankroll the destruction. Learn more about Mountaintop Removal....

Violating Human Rights

Peabody Energy is the largest coal mining company in the world. In 2006, Bank of America helped financed more than $4 billion of the company's controversial mining operations in the Black Mesa region of northeastern Arizona. For 40 years, Indigenous Navajo and Hopi communities in Arizona have been ravaged by the Black Mesa coal mine, which drains 2.5 million gallons daily from the only community water supply, has caused bitter land disputes between Peabody and the Indigenous communities of the region, and left a toxic legacy along a 273 mile coal slurry pipeline. Learn more about Peabody Coal's Black Mesa mine...

Predatory lending
Begging taxpayers for a bank bailout
Lobbying against a bailout for taxpayers
Poor customer service
and Lying about their environmental record

Pretty bad record for one bank.

I would like to put in a plug for a bank Joy and I had a good experience with recently: TD Bank. They have exemplary customer service, and in a situation where another local bank, Astoria Bank, screwed us over, TD Bank had a no-minimum balance, no fee option for an account for a minor. They seem to have avoided much of the predatory lending practices, so have not had to beg taxpayers for a bailout. Additionally, they have been one of the world's most sustainable companies according to the fifth annual Global 100 ranking (ncluding companies' performance on social, environmental and strategic governance issues.) Though I suspect, seeing some of the other companies on that list, the criteria for being named to this are low. Still, it shows an independent agency saw TD Bank as worthy of recognition for their social, economic and governance issues. To me, they are clearly better than Bank of America anyday and if there is a TD Bank in your area, check them out. Otherwise, the relatively best companies listed on Co-op America's Responsible Shopper site (all mediocre, but better than Bank of America or Citicorp) are Wachovia (now I think bought out by Wells Fargo), Wells Fargo itself, and Suntrust.

Resolving the Biofuels Dilemma

My regular readers know that biofuels are one of the topics I revist from time to time. You can read my latest article (a book review) here and an earlier article here.

This comes from the American Solar Energy Society:

Resolving the Biofuels Dilemma
New analysis explores the hidden impacts of biofuels

BOULDER, CO, July 8, 2008 - Do biofuels help to solve the greenhouse gas problem? Or do they make it worse?

In the July/August issue of SOLAR TODAY magazine, Carol Werner examines that question in detail, and concludes that biofuels have the capacity to make a significant contribution to progress against global warming - but only if they're grown using sustainable land-use practices.

Werner, executive director of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute in Washington, D.C. and a member of the American Solar Energy Society's Policy Committee, has often testified before Congress on energy issues. In her SOLAR TODAY article, Werner analyzes two studies published in Science magazine in February. While those papers pointed out that clearing rainforest to grow biofuels is counter-productive, they also identified several feedstocks - and appropriate land to grow them - that provide economically viable biofuels with a net improvement in atmospheric carbon balance.

In general, Werner warns, biofuel feedstocks should not be grown on freshly cleared land nor on agricultural land converted from food production. Instead, we should derive biofuels from agricultural wastes and from biomass grown on non-agricultural lands.

Agricultural wastes include the non-edible parts of food crops (stover and bagasse, for instance), grass clippings and livestock manure. Non-agricultural feedstocks include forest slash (mostly the waste from logging and material cleared in habitat-restoration operations), shrubs, grasses and municipal waste. In particular, Werner points out that reclaiming desertified land with grasses or trees for feedstock use can greatly increase carbon storage in soils. Finally, oil-bearing algae show promise for growing biofuel in a wide variety of non-agricultural environments.

To read the article "Resolving the Biofuels Dilemma," see the digital version of SOLAR TODAY at www.solartoday-digital.org/solartoday/20080708/

FREE RICE: Feeding the world the fun way

It has been just over a year since I first learned about the site Free Rice. I got addicted back in late 2007, then forgot about it. Now I am reminded of it again and got readdicted.

Free Rice is fun and feeds the poor around the world. You play educational games and for every answer you get right, rice is donated to feed the hungry. Last night my wife and I had a nerdy good time with world capitals, chemical symbols and famous paintings, and in the process donated some 16,000 grains of rice to feed the hungry. Given that sometimes I get addicted to this kind of nerdy game anyway, it''s nice to be able to feed some people as well.

Do you know the capitals of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan? How about the difference between a Fanz Hals and a Bruegel? Learn math, science, Spanish, French, famous paintings, etc. while helping to feed the hungry. What could be better?

About a year ago I introduced readers to a neat little site called "Free Rice." Basically back then you could play a vocabulary game and for each answer you got right sponsors would pay for 10 grains of rice (down from 20 due to economic crisis) to feed the poor around the world. In their first month of operation last year this effort raised enough to feed 50,000 people for one day. Not a huge thing, but a nice little effort.

They have continued operation since then, though I had forgotten about them. My wife and I had really been into them last year, and recently I noticed them advertising on a blog I read. And my wife also commented on it, wondering if they still were around. So I looked into it. Yep...they are still around.

Now they have expanded, offering not just vocabulary but also geography, foreign language, chemistry and math games. Each answer you get right donates 10 grains of rice (Bush's economic collapse has led to them reducing the rice they donate from 20 to 10 grains per right answer). Overall, since October 2007, Free Rice has donated more than 55 billion grains of rice. That's enough to feed 2.75 million people for a day. It's fun and educational. And it does a small part to feed people. Free Rice is a sister site of Poverty.com and partners with the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University and the United Nations World Food Program. From their site:

FreeRice has two goals:

1. Provide education to everyone for free.
2. Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

This is made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who advertise on this site.

Whether you are CEO of a large corporation or a street child in a poor country, improving your education can improve your life. It is a great investment in yourself.

Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide. Thank you.

Please visit their site and enjoy learning something and feeding some people.

Campaign Finance Reform in NY State

Continued from last week.

Campaign Finance Reform is one of the number one issues progressives need to push for, particularly in New York State. Here are some ideas and links to further resources for reform.

This comes from the Brennan Center for Justice:

Public Financing

Public funding of political campaigns: no proposed reform would work better to reduce the power of big money in American elections and restore confidence in American democracy.

Public financing limits the influence of big money campaign donations and so encourages candidates with limited resources to run for office. Plus, it frees politicians from the burden and distraction involved in constant fundraising.

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law works with policy makers and activists interested in decreasing the power of big money and concomitant increase in the impact each individual citizen has at the polls. Working on the federal, state and local levels, we help draft and enact legislation, provide legal analysis, and assist in the defense of campaign finance laws when they are challenged in court.

Recently Brennan Center staff helped Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Specter (R-PA) draft the "Fair Elections Now Act," a bill that would create a public financing system for congressional elections. The Center co-authored and released "Breaking Free with Fair Elections," which explains how congressional public financing would make our federal government more honest, transparent, and accountable.

Our work on the state level involves efforts to help draft public financing legislation tailored to local interests and needs. When systems we supported were passed into law and came under attack, our lawyers helped defend them in court. We successfully beat back a challenge to the public financing systems in Maine, and we are defending our victories in Arizona and North Carolina as they are attacked on appeal. We are currently working to defend Connecticut's system of public financing, which is scheduled to go into effect in time for the 2008 legislative elections but is currently under attack in federal court.


Disclosure

The most fundamental part of a campaign finance system is disclosure. Public disclosure of campaign activity gives voters a supplement to campaign advertising and gives them clues to candidates' likely leanings on issues. Disclosure also makes it easier for voters and watchdogs to detect exchanges of political favors for donations.

The Brennan Center works on the state and federal levels to ensure that candidates and other political entities are required to disclose enough information to the public to allow voters to make informed decisions about their representatives. Most notably, in 2002, the Center partnered with Senators Russell Feingold and John McCain to push for passage of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which, among other things, required enhanced disclosure of independent expenditures above a certain limit and those made within 20 days of an election. The Brennan Center's research also supported BCRA's provisions regulating disclosure and funding of "sham issue ads."


Contribution Limits

While all voters are equal in the voting booth, all voters are not equal in their ability to influence elections and policy. A $5 contribution from a low-income constituent may represent a much greater commitment than a $10,000 contribution from a millionaire, but in our system, the latter usually has more power to influence the outcome of the election and to secure access to the candidates once elected to office.

That's where contribution limits come in-limiting the influence of big donors over elected officials and motivating candidates to cultivate a wide base of public support. Effective contribution limits are set low enough to encourage a broad-based fundraising strategy but high enough to allow candidates to run effective campaigns. They must also be comprehensive, regulating the flow of money between individuals, candidates, political parties and their affiliates, and political action committees.

The Brennan Center counsels states on creating and strengthening contribution limits and conducts research measuring the breadth and effectiveness of state limits.


Other Reforms

Reducing corruption and increasing participation in politics are essential goals to ensure a well-functioning democracy. To reduce corruption, the Brennan Center supports efforts to reduce the role of special interest money in elections. But reform measures must be careful not to choke off legitimate—often, highly valuable—efforts to increase voter participation. With these principles in mind, the Brennan Center has engaged in legal and policy research and advocacy on the regulation of so-called "527" organizations and other organizations whose activities affect politics and policy-making.

In addition to helping draft campaign finance laws, the Brennan Center is committed to the fair interpretation and enforcement of federal campaign finance laws by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The FEC was designed to fail. Routine appointments of three Democrats and three Republicans has led to partisan deadlock, timidity or active opposition to reform. Weak enforcement undermines even strong laws. The Center is working to ensure that the Federal Elections Commission, which enforces federal campaign finance laws, acts to promote the goals of existing campaign finance regulations.

For more information and ideas for reformers, go here to download the Brennan Center's report "Writing Reform: A Guide to Drafting State & Local Campaign Finance Laws (2008 Revised Edition)"

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Blogs, 2009 Candidates, Groups and Events

Here are some articles worth reading:

Most New Yorkers support raising taxes on those making at least $250,000

Potential Energy

MTA denies money to Ratner...Of course Ratner's favorite bought politician, Angry Clown Marty Markowitz, wants to give more and more money to Ratner. Ratner gets what he pays for from Clown Prince Marty...but McMahon, NYC's newest Congressman says no to Ratner

Judge Makowski Resigns Amid Allegations Of Tampering: More evidence that the judicial system in New York is seriously messed up. This is why I often spend some time focusing on judicial elections because when people don't pay attention we get lousy judges.

New Yorkers Have Lost Their Anger, Soul and Cockiness

Getting Schooled on Term Limits By Hugo Chavez. I am not in favor of Chavez getting unlimited terms, which seems to be his goal. But I gotta say, he did it the right way. Unlike here where Tsar Bloomberg and his Trained Surrender Monkeys on the City Council did the same thing the exact wrong way. Sad when Venezuela understands democracy better than New York. Meanwhile, Tsar Bloomberg's Approval Rating Continue to Drop

Former NY State Senate Republican majority committed wild abuses of power

Suppressing Challengers: Using the Courts and the Campaign Finance Board Rules to Win Elections

Roadmap of Madoff's Ponzi Scheme Ignored: The Bush Administration knew and failed to act...just like on 9/11...just like Katrina...just like bridge collapses...See more here.

Mayor's Order Encourages Developers to Violate the Law...and on a related note: NYC: City of the Developer's Sweetheart Deal

New Finance Review for Atlantic Yards Would Be Prudent...and on a related note: Atlantic Yards: Time to reconsider

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

NYC Crime: Up or Down?

Bloggers Get to be Treated Like Journalists

Thoughts on NYC City Council Races for 2009


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

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:



And here is a statement by Claxton regarding inaccurate crime statistics in NYC.


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.

Here is a video of Daniel Dromm at Pride '09:



Here is a video of Daniel Dromm protesting the Con Ed rate hikes and inadequate service:




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 or Terry Hinds, 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:

Democracy For The Southern Adirondack/Tricounty Area. You can also check out their website here.

Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

dfaROCHESTER. And you can check out their website here.

Democracy for the Hudson-Mohawk Region. And you can join their Yahoo group here.

Capital District of NY/GenDFA

Democracy for the Hudson Valley

Mid-Hudson Progressive Alliance

Democracy For Westchester

Democracy for Long Island. You can also join their Yahoo group here.

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 Otsego and Delaware Counties

Philipstown for Democracy

DFA: Greene County

Livingston County for Democracy


DEMOCRACY FOR NYC MEETINGS:
First Wednesday of every month.

Upper West Side - 7:00 pm, NEW LOCATION: The Parlour (back room) - 250 West 86th Street (btwn B'way and West End Ave.), with hosts Bernadette Evangelist and Sally Swisher.

West Village - 7:00pm, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7th Ave.) with host Tracey Keij-Denton.

Astoria, Queens - 7:30 pm, - NEW DATE: Monday, February 9th Ommonia Cafe 32-20 Broadway, with host Jeremiah Frei-Pearson and Costa Constantinides.

Sunnyside, Queens - 7:30 pm, Bliss Street Station restaurant, 47-02 Greenpoint Ave., with host Dan Jacoby.

Bayside, Queens - 7:00 pm, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics.

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn - 7:00pm, Wyckoff-Bennett Homestead 1669 E. 22nd St. with host Annette Mont and Estelle Glasser.


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 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

Mar 1 Sundays 5:30pm, Santa Ana: Conscious Cinema: King Corn Two college friends decide to grow an acre of corn and trace its use.
the road less traveled store, along with @Space gallery are hosting free documentary screenings on thought provoking documentaries every Sunday until March 1st. Complimentary hot tea available during shows (screenings will be held in @ Space Gallery at 2202 north main). 714.836.8727 roadlesstraveledstore.com

Mar 4 Wednesday 7:30pm Irvine: "Never Again? A Darfur Refugee Speaks" with Adam Abakar."Darfur Today." University Synagogue Tikkun Olam Committee, Jewish World Watch and Irvine United Congregational Church will sponsor, at University Synagogue, with Adam Abakar, a refugee from Darfur, who will share his riveting and painful odyssey. Free. Refreshments will follow the presentation University Synagogue, 3400 Michelson, Irvine

Mar 6 (1st Friday) 6:30-9pm, Orange: Friday Night Film Series - Women and WarInterwoven with gripping footage from recent conflicts in the Middle East, Bosnia, northern Uganda, and South Africa, this compelling program captures women's personal experiences of military violence, explains how they survived, and reflects on their growing resistance to war. The women's feelings of loss, uncertainty, and anguish are expressed through stories of cruelty, degradation, and psychological trauma, while their attempts to achieve reconciliation and rebuild shattered communities demonstrate their positive efforts to create a more peaceful future for everyone. 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

Mar 15 Sunday 1:30pm, Irvine: Humanist Association of Orange County Dave Silva will speak on the influence of Humanism on Science Fiction, and vice versa.
Irvine Ranch Water District building located at 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. Irvine, CA 92618 ochumanists.org

Mar 21 Saturday 2:00pm, Irvine: Americans United for Separation of Church and State "Are We A Christian Nation?" with Steph Campbell. Irvine Ranch Water District, 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine. For more information see au-oc.org, email orangecountyau@yahoo.com or call 714-299-4551

Mar 25 Wednesday 6:45, Tustin: Meaningful Movie Night: "For the Bible Tells Me So" Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity. All movies will be shown on Wednesday nights at 6:45 pm in the Sanctuary. Cost: Free Location: Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1201 Irvine Blvd., Tustin, CA 92780 Wednesday Night Dinners begin at 6:00 pm - all are welcome. Cost: $4.00 per person, $12.00 maximum per family

Mar 27 (4th Friday) 7pm, Newport Beach: A Traveling Conscientious Projector: "Branded" Congregational Church of Fullerton, 845 N Euclid St, Fullerton, CA 92832 Branded is a documentary that explores the stories of the children, women and men that have been forever seared by the world of prostitution. 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.

Sacramento, CA Events

This comes from Sacramento for Democracy's calendar:

Sacramento City Council Considers Global Warming and 2030 General Plan, March 3, 2009

AB 32 - California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 requires Sacramento City’s 2030 General Plan to mitigate for additional greenhouse gases produced as the result of the growth of Sacramento. Check City of Sacramento for details

Time: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 7:00pm PST

Location:
Sacramento City Hall
915 – I Street
Sacramento, CA

ORGANIC SOUNDS SACRAMENTO, March 5, 2009

WHERE: Sierra 2 Center, Sacramento
WHEN: March 5, 2008 - 6pm
WHAT: Since 1991, Pesticide Watch Education Fund (PWEF) has worked side-by-side with communities to clean up and prevent pesticide pollution and pesticide exposure. We believe everyone has a right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live in a healthy and safe community.

Two years ago, we moved our office from San Francisco to Sacramento, to play a larger role in state politics, and to fill a need in the Sacramento Valley to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of toxic pesticides, while providing safer alternatives and increasing food security. On March 5th, we will be celebrating our efforts over the past two years, with local music, food and speakers, and fundraising money to continue into the next.

http://organicsoundssacramento.eventbrite.com/

For more information, please contact 916-551-1883 or celebration@pesticidewatch.org.

Time: Thursday, March 5, 2009 - 6:00pm PST

2009 California Rivers Festival
Saturday, March 14th
10:00am to 5:00pm

Sacramento Waldorf School
3750 Bannister Road
Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Note: Dogs are not permitted at the school

Swap Meet * Food * Exhibitors * Films * Outdoor Gear & Clothing

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RIVERS FESTIVAL

Friends of the River this year brings back the California Rivers Festival, the popular annual event that has something for everyone: kayakers, whitewater boaters, fly fishermen, families interested in learning about California rivers, and anyone who wants to get involved in river conservation.

Held each year as the snow starts to melt and the rivers start to rise, the festival brings river enthusiasts together to have fun, as well as to learn more about the rivers they love and about Friends of the River¹s work to protect rivers throughout the state.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:

* An opportunity to learn about whitewater rafting and kayaking by talking with vendors who offer outings and lessons.
* Workshops on river sports techniques and how to save rivers.
* Opportunities to get involved in protecting California¹s wild rivers.
* A pavilion full of the latest kayak and whitewater gear from major outdoor retailers
* Swap meet offering used whitewater boats and gear.
* Live and silent auction with loads of great gear
* California Rivers Festival Art Gallery
* Adventure films, live entertainment and delectable edibles.

For more information contact Kimani Kamau or Johnnie Carlson at 916-442-3155.

Time: Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 10:00am PST

San Diego, CA Events

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

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

San Diego Democratic Women’s Club Co-Sponsored Event. Wednesday, February 25th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Special Program Celebrating Black History Month featuring documentary, “Chisholm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed” and panel discussion. At the Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market Street, San Diego 92114 (near the intersection of Market Street and Euclid Avenue, across from the Trolley Station). Free event, donations to “The Friends of the Malcolm X Library” welcomed. Info: sddemwomen@aol.com or (619) 582-5383.

San Diego Democratic Women’s Club Meeting. Saturday, February 28th, 10:00 am. Special Program Celebrating Black History Month with special guests and program. At the City Heights Library, 3795 Fairmount Avenue, San Diego (Corner of Fairmount and University Avenues in the City Heights Village behind Denny’s) Info: sddemwomen@aol.com or (619) 582-5383

Rancho North Coast Democratic Club Meeting. Wednesday, March 4th, 6:30 social, 7:00 pm meeting. At the Clubhouse, Encinitas Terrace Senior Apts., 454 Requeza St., Encinitas, 92024.

2nd Annual San Diego Common Cause Fundraiser. Friday, March 6th, 5:00 -7:00 pm. Learn more about Initiative Reform, Clean Elections, and Media Reform and then have open discussions with our speakers and fellow San Diegans. At Coughlin, Stoia, Geller, Rudman and Robbins , 655 West Broadway, STE 1900. For info click HERE.

Former U.S. Senator George McGovern to be honored at the Peacemaker Awards, a benefit for the National Conflict Resolution Center. Thursday, March 12th, 6:00 pm. Former U.S. Senator George McGovern will be honored at the Peacemaker Awards, a benefit for the National Conflict Resolution Center. Cocktails 6:00 pm, Dinner 7:00 pm at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. Info: Gwen Hickmond 619-238-2400

San Diego County Democratic Central Committee meeting. Tuesday, March 17th, at 7:00 pm. In the Basement Conference Room of the State of California Building, 1350 Front St. (Corner of Ash and Front Streets). Note: Use Union Street entrance. MAP. Our meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to attend! Info. : 858.277.3367 or info@sddemocrats.org.

Progressive Democrats of America, Metro San Diego meeting. Thursday, March 19th, 6:30 pm social, 7:00 pm meeting. Topic: The National Health Care Act & Employee Free Choice Act: Economic Recovery needs Organized Labor and Social Justice (speaker to be confirmed). At Giovanni's Restaurant, 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego (S.W. Corner of Ruffin Rd - just west of I-15). Info: Mike at 619.665.9415 or California53@gmail.com

San Diego Democratic Women’s Club Meeting. Saturday, March 28th, 10:00 am-Noon. Special Program Celebrating Women’s History Month. Featured Speaker: Honorable Betty Yee, Chair, California State Board of Equalization. At the City Heights Library, 3795 Fairmount Avenue, San Diego (Corner of Fairmount and University Avenues in the City Heights Village behind Denny’s). Info: sddemwomen@aol.com or (619) 582-5383

Progressive Grandmothers for Political Action meeting. Tuesday, March 31st, 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: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

BLOGGING CALIFORNIA: Here are some blogs covering California Politics

Calitics is an open source news organization for California.

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

The Liberal OC covers politics in Orange County.

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


Some articles of note:

The California Budget: Consumers lose, Big Business says "Corruption is why we win"...and another perspective: 25 Things About The California Budget

Of Lawsuits, Tunnels, and Tall Trees...and from further South: HSR Denial Alive And Well In San Diego

Environmental Community Strongly Backs Measure B

Republican Hypocrisy Inaction

Central Valley Salmon Run Reaches a Record Low. People are ignoring the fact that more than half of the world's fisheries are collapsing, according to marine scientists. This is another example of fisheries in crisis. I reluctantly stopped eating fish some time ago because of the issue of mercury in the fish meat and the collapse of fisheries. Occasionally I eat fish, but rarely for both health and environmental reasons...and because fish prices keep going up at least in my local store.

DCCC Adds Ken Calvert to House Republicans Hypocrisy Hall of Fame

Newly Poor Swell Lines at Food Banks, and Yes, Even in Marin County

You are what you eat: San Diego Food Blogs Explored

California Alliance for Jobs Urges Legislators to Quickly Pass Measure to Prevent Massive Job Losses

Governor attacks the schools

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

The Toxic Right Wing Media

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

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...and, for those who want to fight back: 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

Phoenix, AZ Events

Here's a Democracy for America event:

Democracy For America, Maricopa County AZ

Calling Greater Phoenix liberals! We will help you officially join the state Democratic Party as a Precinct Committeeperson who will organize other progressive Democrats in your neighborhood to show up at your Legislative District meetings, interact with your legislators, and help build direct pressure on our leaders to do what's right, instead of what's right wing. Ideally, we will find and support local progressive candidates for office.

Friday, February 27 we are hosting Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com to talk about citizen journalism as well as his favorite topic, election integrity. This event is a DFA fundraiser and membership builder, as well as a reminder that there are still issues aplenty to work on before the next election.

We meet the first Wednesday of the month, and generally have a speaker on an important issue. At our next meeting on March 4, we will have Dr. Jonathan Weisbuch of PNHP.org speaking on Single Payer.

Details for these events are on our website:
http://dfamc.com

Even if you're not a huge Friedman fan, or not supporting single payer, we would still like to meet you and work together on the multitude of important issues in Arizona.

NEXT MEETING:
March 4, 2009 at 6:30pm
Dr Jonathan Weisbuch "Single-Payer Health Care
El Penasco Restaurant
19 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ, 85282
Click here to RSVP

We meet together the first Wednesday of each month. Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of politics, activist information, planning and friendly conversation.


This comes from the Arizona Democratic Party's Calendar:

Signup To Attend This Event

Presidents Day Dinner: Saturday, February 28 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Mohave County
Presidents Day
Dinner
February 28, 2009
120 W. Andy Devine
Kingman Arizona
928-753-0006

guest speaker: Rick Mcguire

Contact Phone: 928-753-0006

Kingman Power House Visitors center (Kingman, AZ)
120 W. Andy Devine
Kingman, AZ 86401

Signup To Attend This Event

Mofford Merit Award Saturday, March 7 from 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Event to honor those in the West Valley who have promoted Democratic values by service to the Arizona Democratic Party and the state. The 2009 recipients will be the Boehlke family: Robert, Debra and Bree.

Contact Phone: 623 249-7407

Carpenter's and Joiner's Union Hall (Phoenix, AZ)
4547 West McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85035

Signup To Attend This Event

EMERGE AZ TRAINING CLASS: Saturday, March 21 at 8:30 AM

"By recruiting, training and engaging women in the political process, Arizona Emerge is fulfilling a critical need for Democratic women in our state. Every Democratic woman interested in running for office at any level should participate in this training program"

- Governor Janet Napolitano

Electrical Workers (Phoenix, AZ)
5808 N 7 th St
Phoenix, AZ 85014

Signup To Attend This Event

EMERGE AZ TRAINING CLASS: Saturday, April 18 at 8:30 AM

"By recruiting, training and engaging women in the political process, Arizona Emerge is fulfilling a critical need for Democratic women in our state. Every Democratic woman interested in running for office at any level should participate in this training program"

- Governor Janet Napolitano

Electrical Workers (Phoenix, AZ)
5808 N 7 th St
Phoenix, AZ 85014

Signup To Attend This Event

EMERGE AZ TRAINING CLASS: Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 AM

"By recruiting, training and engaging women in the political process, Arizona Emerge is fulfilling a critical need for Democratic women in our state. Every Democratic woman interested in running for office at any level should participate in this training program"

- Governor Janet Napolitano

Electrical Workers (Phoenix, AZ)
5808 N 7 th St
Phoenix, AZ 85014

Signup To Attend This Event

EMERGE AZ TRAINING CLASS: Saturday, June 20 at 8:30 AM

"By recruiting, training and engaging women in the political process, Arizona Emerge is fulfilling a critical need for Democratic women in our state. Every Democratic woman interested in running for office at any level should participate in this training program"

- Governor Janet Napolitano

Electrical Workers (Phoenix, AZ)
5808 N 7 th St
Phoenix, AZ 85014

Signup To Attend This Event

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:

Why do Republican legislators hate Arizona?

Leaders propose foreclosure relief plan for Arizona

An Evening with Brad Friedman Presented by DFA-MC February 27th

Interesting observation on conservatives and taxes

President Obama's Visit to Mesa

GOP to America: "Drop Dead"

Good News for College Students

The Jan Scam Tax Plan...and on the same topic: Gov's tax increase & diss the voter election?

More Fraudulent Attempts to Dismantle Social Security


Patterson intros economic justice, foreclosure bills

Stimulus plan would help AZ's people and economy: So why do Republicans oppose helping America?

AZ Dems listening to people across the state

Reckless GOP rushes harmful one-sided AZ budget

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

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

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