Progressive Democrat Issue 205

Recently I have been beefing up the local focus of this newsletter, particularly in areas where I have a lot of readers. My readership skyrocketed right around the election, but has come back down right to where it was most of 2008, right around 120 hits per day. That is still small, of course, but I still feel it is significant. And often this blog gets noticed by people of some importance, raising the profile of the blog.

In terms of people getting to this site from search engines, searches for info on Republican corruption and on alternative energy and green jobs are two top ways people reach this site. In terms of where my readers live, I am often surprised in that, next to New York State and California, Southern States are usually at the top. The top states after NY and CA vary, but Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia and Florida are usually vying for the top spots. I am quite happy with that, though initially I had imagined the Midwest as being one of my main areas of focus.

This week, even as I become more convinced than ever that Bush's Republican Recession may be slipping into a Depression, I also see signs of optimism. I see parts of the stimulus package that are helping fellow scientists buy new equipment, which helps the companies and workers that make that equipment, the people who deliver that equipment, and the medical research that depends on that equipment, thus helping America in three ways. I see that even as irresponsible banks like Bank of America and Citibank are crashing at below $10 a share (as low as $2 a share!!!), responsible banks like TD Bank are still at $30 a Share. That is still half their value of a year or so ago, but still ten times the value of Bank of America. The difference? Bank of America and Citigroup participated in predatory lending and sacrificed customer service for petty fees, while places like TD Bank avoided the worst predatory lending and maintained a solid sense of customer service. The difference is reflected in the market. Simple capitalism. After years of Republican Crony Capitalism, the bad companies beg for money while at rock bottom stock prices, while the good companies maintain their value. Keep this in mind when you choose your banks, your credit cards and your investments.

Here is this weeks newsletter, more locally focused than ever:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Bushvilles...the new Hoovervilles...Tent cities across America.

Norm Coleman: Abysmally Stupid Republlican

The Madoff Scandal: The Long Term Impact

Brooklyn Focus: Steve DiBrienza Scandal

NYC COMPTROLLER'S RACE: John Liu Endorsement

NY STATE FOCUS

Jersey City Focus: Dan Levin for Mayor

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Virginia Young Democrats Young Democrats

VIRGINIA FOCUS

Phoenix, AZ Events

ARIZONA FOCUS

WISCONSIN FOCUS

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

WASHINGTON FOCUS

North Carolina Action: Support Comprehensive Sex Ed

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

FLORIDA FOCUS

ILLINOIS FOCUS

NEVADA FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

Bushvilles...the new Hoovervilles

Bush's Republican Recession is sliding towards Depression...tent cities are rising in Sacramento, Seattle, Reno, and Nashville already. Will they call them Bushvilles.

NORM COLEMAN: Abyssmally Stupid?

I cannot believe this one. Seems Norm Coleman, the very much FORMER Senator from Minnesota who wants to run again for his old seat, has just completely compromised his donors' credit card information. This was discovered last January and yet Coleman only alerted his donors to the fact that their credit card info was now public knowledge until now. [UPDATE: Daily Kos has a good, if a bit over done, explanation of just how stupid and irresponsible Coleman and his campaign was.]

From the Minnesota Independent:

...scrutiny by web enthusiasts exposed a bigger problem for the campaign: an unprotected database that contained information on campaign donors, including names, email and home addresses, credit card numbers and the three-digit security codes. On Tuesday, donors received an email from the website Wikileaks alerting them that the site has revealed some of the database information.

“We understand that Norm Coleman became aware of the leak in January,” the note reads, in part...

The Hill indicates that it’s been in contact with the Coleman campaign which aknowledged “that the private information of its supporters has probably been breached and is encouraging them to cancel their credit cards.”

Campaign spokesman Cullen Sheehan wrote in an email to supporters that that there was no “evidence that our database was downloaded by any unauthorized party,” but he doesn’t dispute the possibility that security has been breached. Several IT professionals interviewed by the Minnesota Independent in late January revealed they had downloaded the database, which was not password protected. This fact seems to contradict Sheehan’s report about findings by federal authorities looking into the case. They “did not find evidence that our database was downloaded by any unauthorized party.”

This seems to have violated Minnesota law, as pointed out in the comments of the above article:

The Minnesota Independent adds that Wikileaks pointed out that if the campaign knew of the leak and failed to alert donors immediately, there has been a violation of state law. Minnesota statute 325E.61 states: (a) Any person or business that conducts business in this state, and that owns or licenses data that includes personal information, shall disclose any breach of the security of the system following discovery or notification of the breach in the security of the data to any resident of this state whose unencrypted personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. The disclosure must be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with the legitimate needs of law enforcement, as provided in paragraph (c), or with any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach, identify the individuals affected, and restore the reasonable integrity of the data system.

And has royally pissed off Norm Coleman's donors...NOT something a candidate wants to do if he is running to regain his old seat he just narrowly lost.


This shows the following characteristics of Norm Coleman: Incompetence, Irresponsibility, Disregard for the Law, and Dishonesty. Republican values at their best, aren't they? It also, along with his other scandals, probably ruins any chance of him reviving his political career.

The Madoff Scandal: The Impact Will be Felt for Years

As Madoff pleads guity to one of the biggest scams in history, I want to point out an impact of his criminal activity that many may not appreciate. This sleaze's crimes are really far, far worse than any street criminal whose crimes may hurt some immediate victims because Madoff's crimes hurts many, many more people.

Back in January I was talking to a professor who had just given a talk at NYU Medical Center. One of the main topics of conversation was the economic collapse and, in particular, the Madoff scandal. He related to us an incident that illustrates just how disusting and damaging Madoff's crime spree was. Among Madoff's hardest hit clients was the Picower Foundation, a funding agency that funds neurological research. Work funded by these people studies the deepest aspects of how the brain works and how memory is formed. Some of the headlines coming from work they helped fund include:

Growth hormone could help reverse autism-like condition

Possible Treatment For Neurological Disorder Rett Syndrome -- Most Common Basis Of Autism In Girls

Team sheds light on Alzheimer's mystery

Spinal Cord Stem Cells May Act as Nerve Repair System

Pretty important stuff if you ask me.

Scientists who get funding from Picower Foundation would, of course, be expected to give updates on their work. Well, a story passed on to me went that one scientist was scheduled to give his update. In fact he was about to board a plane to go give his presentation when a call came in. The meeting was cancelled. Don't bother coming.

What had happened is that Madoff stole all of the Picower's money. The Picower ceased to exist. Madoff stole not only that money, but he made the breakthroughs that Foundation funded that much harder to achieve.

Scientific research is being cut back across the country because private foundations like Picower have either ceased to exist or have been severely hurt by Madoff's greed. Thankfully Obama has reversed the trend Bush followed of cutting government funding to scientific resarch, but the private funding sources are drying up faster than I have ever seen them. And Madoff is one of the key people responsible for that.

Madoff knew what he was doing. He knew someday he would take the money and those people who relied on him would be out of luck. He knew his crime would ruin the retirements of hard working Americans. And he knew full well his crime would hurt scientific research in America by devastating some of its key private funding sources. We will be feeling the impact of his crime spree for decades if not, when you take into account the delays in life saving research, a century. Quite literally, people will die because of Madoff's crimes and the damage it has done to scientific research.

Silicon Valley Area, CA Events and Food Co-ops

I want to cover some events and Co-ops (below the events) in the greater Silicon Valley area. First here are some events (from the Silicon Valley Democracy for America calendar):

DFA Campaign Training in Fresno
Event Date: Mar 28, 2009
Event Time: 9:00 AM PDT (12:00 PM EDT)

Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Fresno this March 28th & 29th:

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign
2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates
3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience
4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events
5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual
6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation
7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign
8. Help elect progressive mayors, city council members and other municipal
offices in 2009
9. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct
10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

Click here to see the skills you'll learn at a DFA Campaign Training!

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don't worry if you can't afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.

If you have questions you can email us at training(at)democracyforamerica.com or call our DFA Training hotline at: 802-651-3200.

Can’t make it to the training that weekend but still want to help? You can contribute to a scholarship fund for this training and help send a local organizer in your place. Click here sponsor another attendee!

Hotel Options
We have secured a great deal on hotel rooms close to the training venue. In order to get the discounted rate, the rooms must be reserved by March 13th. Ask for the 'Democracy for America' rate.

Comfort Suites
102 Herndon Ave.
Fresno, CA 93720
559-435-5650
www.comfortsuites.com

Democracy For America April 1 get-together
Event Date: Apr 1, 2009
Event Time: 7:00 PM PDT (10:00 PM EDT)
Venue Name: TBD
State: CA
Phone: 650-380-4112

Agenda:

Place TBD but probably a member's home in Palo Alto or Los Altos. One of our goal task forces will present the main topic.

Linked to groups: Silicon Valley DFA, brought to you by Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley

RSVP here

Democracy For America May 6 get-together
Event Date: May 6, 2009
Event Time: 7:00 PM PDT (10:00 PM EDT)
Venue Name: TBD
State: CA

Agenda:

Place TBD but probably a member's home in Palo Alto or Los Altos. One of our goal task forces will present the main topic.

Linked to groups: Silicon Valley DFA, brought to you by Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley

RSVP here.

California Statewide Special Election. Tuesday, May 19th. Measures include creating a state spending cap and rainy day fund, modifying the minimum funding guarantee for schools, changing the state lottery and shifting money from mental health and child-development programs. For a list of the ballot measures click HERE.


SILICON VALLEY AREA FOOD CO-OPS: These are the only ones I could find near Silicon Valley, though they are all somewhat peripheral

Kresge Food Co-op
600 Kresge CT, Kresge College UCSC
Santa Cruz, California 95064
Phone: (831) 426-1506
coop@dv8.org
http://k9.dv8.org/~coop/

The Kresge Food Coop is a student-run cooperative health food store located at Kresge College on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus. We currently consist of twelve Core Collective Members who own the coop and are responsible for its daily operations and for any number of working members. This page has been created in order to better serve our community. Through this page you can email the coop, learn about our Core Collective Members, sign up to be a working member, make suggestions, check sales, read and reread our newsletter, and browse our links to other coops and health food stores.

The Cooperative Grocery (The CoG)
1450 67th Street
Emeryville, California 95616
Phone: (510) 868-2883
FAX: (510) 868-2893
info@thecog.org
http://www.thecog.org/

The Cooperative Grocery—The CoG—is a non-profit, working members cooperative that offers high-quality groceries at an affordable price to individuals and families in our community.

Members of The CoG work 2 1/2 hours every 4 weeks, performing jobs like stocking shelves, building orders and providing member services. By providing much of the labor for the store, our members keep our operating costs to a minimum. We then pass the savings onto our members in the form of lower prices. Our model is based on the successful Park Slope Food Co-Op in Brooklyn, NY, which serves 13,000 members.

To further control costs and grow our co-op in a responsible manner, we launched the CoG as an online store that is served from a warehouse located in Emeryville, with easy access to communities in Berkeley and Oakland. Our long term plan is to build a retail business as finances allow.

Bolinas Peoples Store
P. O. Box 808
Bolinas, California 94924
Phone: (415) 868-1433
FAX: (415) 868-1219

Rainbow Grocery Co-op
1745 Folsom
San Francisco, California 94103
Phone: (415) 863-0620
FAX: (415) 863-8955
comments@rainbowgrocery.coop
http://www.rainbow.coop/

We have been in San Francisco's Mission District since 1975. We strive to offer resources, education and a forum for informational exchange for many local communities and organizations.

Rainbow Grocery is open every day from 9AM to 9PM

We are located in San Francisco's Mission District at 1745 Folsom Street. Our cross street is 13th Street (also known as Duboce), which runs directly under the central freeway. Use the map below for directions by car. Click here for Public Transit directions. Click here for bicycling directions.

Other Avenues Community Food Store
3930 Judah Street
San Francisco, California 94122
Phone: (415) 661-7475
FAX: (415) 661-0835
info@otheravenues.org
http://www.otheravenues.org/

Orange County, CA Events

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

Mar 9 Monday 7pm, Aliso Viejo: Human Trafficking: Orange County to Southeast Asia Understanding the relationship of the law of supply and demand to the prevalence of human trafficking in Orange County will position our community to be strategic in our collaborative efforts to end modern day slavery. This presentation will provide an overview of Human Trafficking in Orange County, emphasizing gender perspectives in a changing global community with special attention to Southeast Asia.
Soka University, Aliso Viejo Pauling 216 Sponsored by: United Nations Association USA/OC una-oc.org

Mar 10 (2nd Tuesday) 8pm, Irvine: Irvine Global Warming Group Panera Bread 3988 Barranca Parkway Irvine , CA 92606 meetup.com/Irvine-Global-Warming-Group/calendar/9718931

Mar 11 Wednesday 11:30am, Newport Beach: Irvine MoveOn Council: Congressional Meeting Please join the Irvine MoveOn and More Council as we meet with our representative, Congressman John Campbell's staff. This will be an important opportunity to present our "Real Voices for Change" photo petition. We will also share MoveOn's objectives, including the need to solve our nation's economic crisis with clean energy jobs.

We will meet in the courtyard of John Campbell's office at 610 Newport Center Drive Suite 330

This event will include a rally (bring your own sign on message: Clean Energy Jobs!). While a small group of council members are meeting with John Campbell's staff, the other council members will continue with the rally. Please let me know if you can bring an extra sign!

Sign up for this event at: www.moveon.org This is an important first step in helping support President Obama with a clear mandate from us to the legislature that we need their support to create the clean energy jobs that will give the economy the spark it needs!

Please RSVP by emailing me & sign up online so that I can plan the rally. Thank you for all that you are doing to support the change we need. Rita Reese r.reese4@cox.net Irvine MoveOn and More Council Coordinator 949.878.1916 (cell) 949.760.6725 (home)

Mar 11 Wednesday 7pm, Laguna Woods: The Laguna Woods Democratic Club Guest speaker Joe Dunn Clubhouse 3, Dining Room 1 lw-dems.org
For more information, call Program Chair Betty Brodsky at 458-1075. lw-dems.org

Mar 12 Thursday 7pm, Santa Ana: Young Democrats Meeting We invite you to attend our next Orange County Young Democrats meeting 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

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 12:30-3pm, Anaheim: Potluck for Progressives: Single-Payer Health Care Unitarian Universalist Church in Anaheim, 511 South Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA (Located on the Southwest corner of Harbor Blvd. and Santa Ana Street) (714) 758-1050 uuchurchoc.org

"The Potluck for Progressives" is a group organized for the purpose of bringing together like minded people on a monthly basis to break bread and talk about crucial issues affecting the community and the world. At each meeting, people interested in peace, social justice, labor, and the environment gather to exchange ideas, talk about successes, plan actions, or just engage in a friendly discussion with one another. Please join us! Bring a dish to share! Enjoy the bounty that others bring as well! The potluck will start at 12:30 p.m. with a speaker, film, and/or discussion to follow. On the Agenda:

Progressive Potluck 12:30 - 1:30 P.M. Bring along your favorite dish of food, chips, dips, or soft drinks, and spend an hour mingling with progressive people from all over Orange County.

Featured Speaker: 1:30 - 2:30 P.M. Tam Thanh Nguyen, a Chief Nurse representative at a local Orange County hospital and a member of the newly formed United American Nurses-National Nurses Organizing Committee (AFL-CIO), will deliver an informative presentation with video and other media about the need of establishing a universal, single-payer health care system within the United States. Nguyen will compare our current "free market, consumer-driven model" -- dominated by big insurance companies, HMOs, and other corporations who make billions of dollars in profit each year by denying or limiting quality health care to millions of sick and injured people -- with a universal, single-payer health care system, a model used by most industrialized countries. We'll look at the numerous benefits adopting a single-payer health care system would offer and review some of the legislation currently pending in both the U.S. Congress and the California State legislature.
Open Forum 2:30 - 3:00 P.M. Open discussion, announcements, and other news of interest.

The "Potluck for Progressives" is endorsed by the Social Concerns Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Anaheim and is free and open to the general public. Although a small donation might be requested to help pay for facility costs, nobody will be turned away due to a lack of funds.

Please email duaneroberts92804@yahoo.com if you need additional information.

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 Friday 6:30-9:30pm, Anaheim: Potluck for Progressives: "Capitalism Hits The Fan" Unitarian Universalist Church in Anaheim, 511 South Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA (Located on the Southwest corner of Harbor Blvd. and Santa Ana Street) (714) 758-1050 uuchurchoc.org On the Agenda:

Progressive Potluck 6:30 - 7:30 P.M. Bring along your favorite dish of food, chips, dips, or soft drinks, and spend an hour mingling with progressive people from all over Orange County.

Featured Film: 7:30 - 8:45 P.M. We will be screening "Capitalism Hits the Fan," a very provocative lecture by Dr. Richard Wolff, a University of Massachusetts Economics Professor, who breaks down the root causes of today's economic crisis showing how it was decades in the making and in fact reflects seismic failures within the structures of American-style capitalism itself. Wolff traces the source of the economic crisis to the 1970s, when wages began to stagnate and American workers were forced into a dysfunctional spiral of borrowing and debt that ultimately exploded in the mortgage meltdown. By placing the current crisis within this larger historical and systemic frame, Wolff argues convincingly that the proposed government "bailouts," stimulus packages, and calls for increased market regulation will not be enough to address the real causes of the crisis, in the end suggesting that far more fundamental change will be necessary to avoid future catastrophes.

Open Forum 8:45 - 9:30 P.M. Open discussion, announcements, and other news of interest.

The "Potluck for Progressives" is endorsed by the Social Concerns Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Anaheim and is free and open to the general public. Although a small donation might be requested to help pay for facility costs, nobody will be turned away due to a lack of funds.

Please email duaneroberts92804@yahoo.com if you need additional information.

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.

Mar 29 Sunday 3pm, Anaheim: the Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County will be holding its general meeting on Sunday, March 29, at 2:00 PM at the Unite Here Local 50 HQ at 527 S Harbor Blvd in Anaheim

Apr 4 Saturday 9:30-1pm. Irvine: Women For: Orange County presents --- THE 24TH ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN WRITE-IN. The Pen is Mightier than the Sword ~ Raise Your Voice by Writing! Lakeview Senior Center at Woodbridge Community Park, 20 Lake Road, Irvine. This JAMBOREE is FREE! Over forty local groups tabling for the causes you believe in. Postage, supplies and refreshments provided by Women For: Orange County. Remember your return address labels, and help the Earth by bringing your own mug. You truly do not want to miss this inspiring event. More information: womenforoc.org/_wsn/page4.html, 949.276.7298, 949.581.3938. WF:OC, a grassroots advocacy organization founded in 1984 -- become a member: womenforoc.org/_wsn/page2.html

Apr 11 (2nd Saturday) 6:30-8:30pm, Irvine: ReclaimDemocracy.org Orange County: Screening of "News War (second half of film)" refreshments at 6:00pm, meeting at 6:30pm Please join us! And if you know someone who may not be familiar with ReclaimDemocracy.org themes, please invite them come along. As always, there is no charge and free refreshments will be available. at the Irvine Ranch Water District building at 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. ReclaimDemocracyOC.org

California Statewide Special Election. Tuesday, May 19th. Measures include creating a state spending cap and rainy day fund, modifying the minimum funding guarantee for schools, changing the state lottery and shifting money from mental health and child-development programs. For a list of the ballot measures click HERE.

Sacramento, CA Events and a Food Co-op

Below I first have a list of events in Sacramento. Following that is info on a food co-op in Sacramento that is worth checking out.

This comes from Sacramento for Democracy's calendar

Placer County Democrats Jefferson-Jackson Dinner
Sunday, April 19, at the Blue Goose Fruit Shed in Loomis

Last year's event attracted a sold-out crowd of more that 300 attendees and 16 organizations and individuals stepped up to sponsor the event.

This year's theme is "Community Service: A Call to Action" and the evening includes dinner, an awards presentation, special guest speakers, a no-host bar, raffle and much more. Tickets are $30 (in recognition of the tough economic times we are living in, we lowered the price by $5) and we expect them to go fast.

To order tickets online:
http://www.actblue.com/page/placerdinner

Or send a check to:
Placer County Democratic Party
P. O. Box 423
Roseville, CA 95678

Here are the details:

What: The annual Placer County Democrats Jefferson-Jackson Dinner
When: April 19, 2009, 4-8 p.m. (Dinner hour 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Blue Goose Fruit Shed, 3550 Taylor Road, Loomis, CA.
Cost: $30 per ticket (table sponsorships available)

For more information and for sponsorship information, please contact
Kim Haswell at kim_haswell@yahoo.com or 530-889-2278.

We are looking forward to another fantastic event. Please mark it on your calendars today!

California Statewide Special Election. Tuesday, May 19th. Measures include creating a state spending cap and rainy day fund, modifying the minimum funding guarantee for schools, changing the state lottery and shifting money from mental health and child-development programs. For a list of the ballot measures click HERE.

ImaginEquality Rally
May 30, 2009 Saturday

Equality Action NOW, and many other equal rights organizations will be pulling together a huge rally at the State Capitol to kick off our month of June Pride throughout California. Join us on the step of the capitol and help us pull our ImaginEquality into a REALITY. Real and true equality for all. Info@EqualityActionNOW.org.

Please consider joining this event as a supporter:
Send us a link to your web site. We will post your link on our site, we will list your group on materials to show your support of this rally and the equality movement.
Let us know if you know of any other grassroots or groups fighting for equality that we may have overlooked - we want as many groups to sign on as partners in this statewide show of solidarity.
Unions, faith based organizations, family and friends that might want to show solidarity with our fight for equality - bring them in.
A contribution of $500 or $1000 to help us offset the high expenses for an event of this size. Your name will apprear on all printed materials and the web links. If you can't afford the financial contribution, it is still important to request being added to the supporter list.

In Solidarity
Tina
--
Tina Reynolds

http://equalityactionnow.c.topica.com/maamGt9abM2NScdx84AbaehuKb/
916-446-1082

SACRAMENTO FOOD CO-OP

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. Here is the only Sacramento food co-op I could find:

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op
1900 Alhambra Blvd.
Sacramento, California 95816
Phone: (916) 455-2667
FAX: (916) 455-5723
comments@sacfoodcoop.com
http://www.sacfoodcoop.com

Our co-op began as a food buying club in 1972 and opened a storefront of primarily bulk foods at 16th and P Streets in downtown Sacramento. In 1973, this buying club was incorporated as the Sacramento Natural Foods Cooperative, a Board of Directors was elected and the first paid employee was hired.

In recent years we have enhanced our gourmet food selection, including an excellent selection of specialty, artisan cheese and wine. Our Produce Department now sells organically grown fruits and vegetables exclusively. We have also added organic red meat to our product offerings.

2001 also marked the year that we first opened the doors to our Co-op Community Learning Center, adjacent to the Sacramento store and home to cooking classes, health seminars and a variety of owner meetings and special events. We are committed to serving our Co-op owners and supporting our community through consumer education, owner meetings and events, outreach activities and charitable programs and projects.

They also have a list of Action Alerts you mighht be interested in.

They also offer some interesting sounding classes.

And they have a great list of community activities.

San Diego, CA Events and Co-ops

Below is a list of events in San Diego...followed by a list of Food Co-ops in the San Diego area.

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

Mesa Democratic Club meeting. Monday March 9th, 7:00 pm. A union representative will speak about the importance of Unions and legislation before Congress which would strengthens unions. New Location: North Clairemont Recreation Center, Room 2, 4421 Bannock Ave. 92117 (1 Block South of Clairemont Mesa Blvd off Genesee Ave - for a map see www.mesademocrats.org) Info: Carol Changus cchangus@san.rr.com or 858-459-7044.

Free screening of Bill Maher's 'RELIGULOUS.' Tuesday, March 10th, 7:00 pm. At Lestat's West, 3339 Adams Ave. 92116 (about 5 blocks east of 30th and Adams (next to Lestat's Coffeehouse)). Info: 619.282.0437. Map and drections: www.Lestats.com

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

Eastlake - Bonita Democratic Club meeting. Thursday, March 12th, 6:30 social, 7:00 pm meeting. Speaker: Jess Durfee, San Diego County Democratic Party Chair. Meet & chat with: Umberto Peraza, Congressman Bob Filner's Local Chief of Staff. At The Chula Vista Yacht Club (Between The Galley Restaurant and South Bay Fish & Grill on Marina Parkway). Info: www.EBDemocrats.org

Poway Democratic Club Meeting. Thursday, March 12th, 7:00 pm, Anthony Saavedra, the Communications Director for the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, will review the role of labor in business and discuss the importance of the Employee Free Choice Act. In the Valley School multi-purpose room, 13000 Bowron Rd., Poway. Info: www.PowayDemocraticClub.org or 858-748-1645.

2009 Forum on the Status of Women and Girls in San Diego County. Saturday, March 14th, 7:30 am – noon. Presented by the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women. At the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, University of San Diego. Info: elovettecolyer@sandiego.edu

Escondido Democratic Club meeting. Saturday, March 14th, 10:30 am. Anthony Saavedra, of the San Diego and Imperial County Labor Council, will discuss “Rebuilding the Middle Class through the Employee Free Choice Act.” At the Escondido Main Library, 239 S. Kalmia Street. Info: Rick Moore, 760-740-8595 or communications@escondidodems.org

Lake San Marcos Democratic Club meeting. Saturday March 14th, social at 12:30, meeting at 1:00 pm. A speaker from “Power of Vision, Carlsbad” will discuss the Carlsbad Power Plant and its affect on the water resources and air quality of San Marcos area. At the Lakeside Pavilion on La Bonita Drive, San Marcos 92078. Info: Betty Ball (760) 752-1035.

La Jolla Democratic Club meeting. Sunday, March 15th, 2:00-4:00 pm. Stan Mullin, an expert in preserving, restoring, completing and disposing of real property assets, will speak on the local impact of the subprime credit market meltdown. At the La Jolla Public Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla 92037. Info: http://www.lajollademocrats.org/

Democratic Professional Club meeting. Tuesday, March 17th, 5:15 pm. "What’s Happening At City Hall?" -- Newly elected City Council members Todd Gloria and Sherri Lightner's first impressions on policies, politics, priorities, and their hopes for first term accomplishments. Appetizers and Beverages. Non-members $10.00 in advance or $12.00 payable at the door At the home of Kris White, 4088 First Avenue (just north of Washington) 92103. RSVP to ggdbtlr@yahoo.com

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.

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, March 18th, from 10:10 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to help register newly naturalized citizens on Join the other volunteers at Golden Hall, Corner of 3rd and B Street. Parking at Horton Plaza. RSVP to Greg Bolan at sdvoter@gmail.com. Note: The San Diego Voter Registration team uses Google Groups to send out volunteer emails. To receive these emails click HERE, and then click on "Join This Group."

East County Democratic Club meeting. Wednesday, March 18th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm (refreshments at 6:30). At the El Cajon Library at 201 E. Douglas Ave, El Cajon 92020. Info: (619) 820-5321 or visit www.ecdcweb.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

Peace march to mark sixth anniversary of Iraq War. Saturday, March 21st, 1:00 to 3:30 pm. Assemble at 1:00 pm at 5th and University in Hillcrest, then at 2, march east on University to Park Blvd, then south on Park to the War Memorial Bldg in Balboa Park for a 2:30 rally and program.

Progressive Democrats of San Diego meeting. Sunday, March 22nd, 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Jeeni Criscenzo will present "Crisis Economics: Look What They've Done To My World" based on Naomi Klein's "Shock Doctrine" and John Perkins' "Confessions of An Economic Hitman." Meeting will also include officer's elections. In the Vista Library Community Room, 700 Eucalyptus Road, Vista, CA. Library (Ph. 760-643-5100). Info: info@mariedjones.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

The Labor Council's Annual Cesar Chavez Day March. Tuesday, March 31st, 12:00 pm. Rally at the Convention Center followed by a walk through downtown, with a stop at Sen. Feinstein’s office on B Street to ask her to support the Employee Free Choice Act. Info: info@unionyes.org

East County Democratic Club meeting. Wednesday, April 15th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm (refreshments at 6:30). At the El Cajon Library at 201 E. Douglas Ave, El Cajon 92020. Info: (619) 820-5321 or visit www.ecdcweb.org.

EarthFair 2009. April 19th. Balboa Park, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Details HERE.

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, April 22nd, from 10:10 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to help register newly naturalized citizens on Join the other volunteers at Golden Hall, Corner of 3rd and B Street. Parking at Horton Plaza. RSVP to Greg Bolan at sdvoter@gmail.com. Note: The San Diego Voter Registration team uses Google Groups to send out volunteer emails. To receive these emails click HERE, and then click on "Join This Group."

Celebration of Liberty and Justice for All. the 2nd Annual May Day Benefit for the Employee Rights Center. Friday, May 1st, 4:30 - 7:00 pm. The ACLU and the Employee Rights Center (ERC) of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council invite the public to celebrate the historic and modern day connection between the labor and human rights movements at a party and fundraiser for the ERC on May 1. At the Handlery Hotel, Terrace Room Hotel Circle. Appetizers and No-Host Cocktails. $50 per person. Details at http://aclusandiego.org/news_item.php?article_id=000752

29th Annual Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt Dinner. Saturday, May 2nd, VIP Reception 5:30, General Reception 6:00, Dinner and Program at 7:00 pm. At the Holiday Inn on the Bay, 1355 N. Harbor Drive. Tickets: $95 each ($100 after April 25). Purchase your tickets online here or by phone at (858) 277-3367.

California Statewide Special Election. Tuesday, May 19th. Measures include creating a state spending cap and rainy day fund, modifying the minimum funding guarantee for schools, changing the state lottery and shifting money from mental health and child-development programs. For a list of the ballot measures click HERE.

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, May 20th, from 10:10 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to help register newly naturalized citizens on Join the other volunteers at Golden Hall, Corner of 3rd and B Street. Parking at Horton Plaza. RSVP to Greg Bolan at sdvoter@gmail.com. Note: The San Diego Voter Registration team uses Google Groups to send out volunteer emails. To receive these emails click HERE, and then click on "Join This Group."

East County Democratic Club meeting. Wednesday, May 20th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm (refreshments at 6:30). At the El Cajon Library at 201 E. Douglas Ave, El Cajon 92020. Info: (619) 820-5321 or visit www.ecdcweb.org.


SAN DIEGO FOOD CO-OPS:

Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Co-op
4765 Voltaire St.
San Diego, California 92107
Phone: (619) 224-1387
FAX: (619) 224-5089
editor@oceanbeachpeoples.com
http://www.obpeoplesfood.coop

Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Market is a member-owned vegetarian consumer co-op that has been serving the community since 1971. Originally a worker's collective, the cooperative has grown to include 6000 feet of retail space and more than 8000 member/owners. The Co-op offers an extensive selection of organic produce, grocery, dairy, and bulk foods and herbs, as well as vitamins and homeopathics, cruelty-free bodycare, and aromatherapy products. Enjoy a full service sit-down deli featuring a delicious selection of home-style vegetarian and vegan entrees, salads, sandwiches, freshly prepared baked goods, desserts, and more! At People's, San Diego's only community owned grocery store, we specialize in products that are organic, wholesome, minimally processed, cruelty-free, and environmentally safe.

They also have a good community events calendar.

The UCSD Food Coop
0323F Student Cooperative Center,
San Diego, California 92093
Phone: (619) 546-8339
foodcoop@burn.ucsd.edu

I used to shop at this one way, way back when I went to UCSD. It was great then!

Since its introduction to the campus in 1978, the Food Co-op has committed itself to providing the UCSD community with a natural food alternative, as well as a resource for environmentally conscious products and information.

The Food Co-op carries a variety of food and non-food products ranging from baked goods, juices, sandwiches, fresh organic produce, macro-biotic and ethnic foods to cruelty-free cosmetics and environmentally safe cleaning agents. Many foods are stocked in bulk to reduce the price to the customer and the waste of packaging (please bring bags when buying!). Special orders can be made at discount prices (good for items not necessarily carried in the store, as well!).

Come in to shop, get informed, and/or volunteer as a general member of our store. For more information, call (858) 546-8339.

I will also point out some other UCSD co-ops that I liked when I was a student there.

The Ché Café

The Ché Café Collective is dedicated to providing cheap, healthy vegetarian food, all-ages entertainment, and alternative education. We have All-We-Can-Eat dinners every Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm. Entertainment at the Ché ranges from poetry readings and plays to forums, or shows of local bands.

The Ché Café is surrounded by a grove of old eucalyptus trees and is next to the beautiful garden of the Farm Co-op. Tables and chairs inside and outside of the Ché and its close proximity to the Farm Co-op make it an inviting place to eat, study, or just hang out.

The Ché Café is open to having people come by and help out. The Café provides a great opportunity for people to get involved in the process of cooking, running a restaurant and/or putting on events at any level they feel comfortable at. Stop by or call us at (858) 534-2311.

(The Ché Café is located on the Revelle campus behind the Undergraduate library and down the hill from Stonehenge. We're the building with all the murals on it.) Read more about the Che Cafe Collective at its very own website: http://checafe.ucsd.edu/.

General Store

The General Store Co-op is a student-run store which was founded in 1980 to offer students a less expensive alternative to the high Price Center. [EDITOR'S NOTE: This is not quite right...the Price Center didn't even exist when the General Store was founded and greatly appreciated by students like myself.] As a student cooperative, we try to provide the University community with the best quality merchandise at the lowest prices. And we succeed! The General Store Co-op carries items such as selected essential school and office supplies, household and personal items, stationery and gift wrap, clothing (including UCSD logos), craft-center jewelry, and some food and snack items -- all of which range from 5-25% less than anywhere else on campus.

Students are generally most interested in the fact that we sell textbooks, which are guaranteed to cost less than at the UCSD bookstore. We also try to carry as many used texts as possible. Also, we buy back current editions year round. Stop by to check which classes' books we're carrying.

We encourage everyone to visit the General Store Co-op for our low prices and friendly service. Additionally, anyone is invited to come in and volunteer anytime as volunteers are the backbone of our organization. For further information or friendly help please feel free to call us at (858) 534-3932.

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Blogs, Stonewall Democrats, 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:

Boxer Holds Comfortable Leads Going Into 2010

The legislature is fast-tracking changes to unemployment law to make the jobless eligible for an extra $839 million from stimulus package

Where Should a Hanford-Visalia High Speed Rail Station Go?

Kern County and unemployment. Bush's Republican Recession has hit Kern County particularly hard.

OC Board of Supervisors wants to take away money for tracking children’s immunizations. REALLY bad idea. Immunizations are one of the most cost-effective things you can imagine. You save a great deal of money in the long run by funding vaccinations.

Homeless Get Representation from ACLU

Marriage equality showdown, on the streets and in court...and a legal view of the case: A Legal Wonk's Guide to the Prop 8 Hearing...and another opinion: Jerry Brown: Court Should Strike Down Proposition 8

Defendant in a murder trial stabbed the judge in Stockton

We Do Not Have to Choose Between Fish and People

Los Angeles: Villaraigosa Reelected

Prop 1E Threatens Mental Health Services For Needy

PG&E's to add 500 megawatts of solar power by 2015

Orange County Racist Republican Mayor To Resign. What the hell is with racism in the Republican Party. Abraham Lincoln would despise Republicans like this.

Evans, Fuentes Highlight California’s Strategy to Maximize Federal Stimulus

Port of Los Angeles Green Trucks program

Environmental/Labor Champion Confirmed As Secretary Of Labor. And on the same subject: CA Labor Federation - “proud to see one of our own… take the helm of the Labor Department”

Wind farms provide energy - and work!

Regressive Taxes Brought To You By The California Legislature

U.S. to yield marijuana jurisdiction to states. This seems a no brainer. I would think even conservatives would support this states rights position.

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.

You are what you eat: San Diego Food Blogs Explored

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

BROOKLYN CORRUPTION: Steve DiBrienza Scams the Taxpayers

I had heard rumors about this, but I am always skeptical of things that come from the NY Post, a notoriously inaccurate propoganda rag. However, in this case the NY Post article matches the rumors I had heard from other sources.

Steve DiBrienza, who wants to be the Once And Future Councilmember for the 39th Council District in Brooklyn, has essentially been using for his own private use an office paid for by the city (which means by us) ostensibly for a non-profit whose only impact on the community seems to be a name on an awning. From, gasp, the Post:

Since leaving the council at the end of 2001, DiBrienza has continued to work out of his former district office, which now houses a not-for-profit group - founded by DiBrienza and funded with a total of $1.185 million in council grants, according to city, state and federal records.

In fact, DiBrienza's group, the Neighborhood Assistance Corp., has paid a salary and benefits to him, to several former members of his council staff and to his wife, who worked a year for the organization when it first started...

...DiBrienza's office is two storefronts from current Councilman Bill de Blasio's district office.

DiBrienza is a lawyer who teaches college courses part time. His Neighborhood Assistance Corp. shares the corner storefront at 2903 Fort Hamilton Pkwy. in the Windsor Terrace section, with his law office and his real-estate and lobbying business.

Other than the group's name printed on the awning over DiBrienza's corner office, there's almost no other mention of the Neighborhood Assistance Corp. in any publication, press release or Web site.

So, if the Post is getting this straight (a big "if"), DiBrienza has had his private office, private salary, his wife's salary and the salries of his staff paid for by taxpayer money AFTER he was no longer serving the taxpayers as a councilman. And he was doing this under the nose of the City Council, Council Speaker Quinn, and current councilmember Bill DeBlasio, who's office is practically next door to DiBrienza's possibly illegal office. That is a LOT of corruption if the Post has it right and it could get DiBrienza, Quinn and DeBlasio in some trouble. DiBrienza has basically been leeching off you and me. Quinn and DeBlasio either were blind or let it go on with a wink. This is definitely Quinn's pattern of either being blind as a bat or deliberately blind as a bat to corruption. My impression of DeBlasio is that he has not made a habit of this kind of thing so much as having a more typical pay to play relationship with developers that I consider a problem, but not necessarily illegal as far as I have ever heard.

What is DiBrienza's excuse? He claims the non-profit that pays him sponsors sports teams. Yet they seem to have no visible presence in the community. And I am not just taking the Post's word for it, I did some searching myself. I can find no substantial reference to this organization other than what seems a very incongruous reference to "Neighborhood Assistance Corp. protestors invading Bear Stearns lobby." It is unclear to me if this is the same organization...if it is it sure makes it more intriguing! But given what I hear about DiBrienza, it doesn't seem likely that he is running out of his office an organization that sends protesters into Bear Stearns. A national organization with a simiar name, the "Neighborhood Assistance Corp of America" seems to do a lot, but not DiBrienza's local organiztion.

UPDATE: Interestingly I find one additional listing for the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation at the same address. It is NOT listed as sponsoring kids sports but as "Mortgage Advisory." This may have a connection with the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America which has a program to help people during the mortgage crisis.

My friend Josh Skaller is running for the 39th council district seat and has issued this satement on the subject:

JOSH SKALLER CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO DIBRIENZA AFFAIR

In response to the article that appeared in the March 6th edition of the New York Post entitled Grants Keep Ex-Pol In 'Office', City Council candidate Josh Skaller issued the following statement:

"The people of New York need to know that their hard-earned tax dollars support organizations that provide legitimate services. Given the current economic crisis, there is no more appropriate time than now to ensure that this is the case. A recent media report highlighted the need for a more formal investigation into the relationship between the so-called Neighborhood Assistance Corporation, Mr. Stephen DiBrienza -- a former elected official -- and the New York City Council.

As someone committed to reforming government, I was saddened to read that the City Council has been giving Mr. DiBrienza so many dollars for so many years with so little transparency and accountability -- raising so many questions. Accordingly, as a concerned resident of Brooklyn's 39th Council District, I will be submitting Freedom of Information Law requests to the Department of Youth and Community Development, the Mayor's Office of Contracts and to the City Council regarding these transactions."

I like Josh's approach. He is not assuming that the accusations made by the Post are true. He is filing a Freedom of Information Act request to get the agencies involved to make the necessary information public so we all can know what really happened. Is DiBrienza a crook? Or is the Post smearing him as they have so many others? A Freedom of Information Act request can determine which it is.

NYC Comptroller's Race: Let me be the first to endorse John Liu

I recently wrote about (based on a good analysis from True News from Change NYC) how lawyer and developer money is dominating the NYC Comptroller's race. As background I will also refer you to the corrupt sweetheart deals developers routinely get in NYC. Basically, when I wrote that earlier article the Comptroller's race looked pretty lousy with Melinda "Developer's Quisling" Katz, David "Weasel" Yassky, and David Weprin who I don't know well enough to give the kind of nickname I hear from a new State Senator that I have become known for. Weprin had been my choice by default because he a.) wasn't such a clear developer shill as Katz, b.) hadn't supported the Bloomberg Putch like Weasel Yassky, and c.) actually had considerable experience in regulation of banking and financial industries. Weprin, as came up in my earlier article, does seem conservative and, as brought up in the comments to that article, has sponsored some bills that have raised some concerns. The field was very weak.

That field looks to be about to get better.

When I heard Councilman John Liu speak at a recent Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats meeting, I found him excellent. I agreed with him on most issues. He came off intelligent, knowledgable and experienced. The only problem was he was running for Public Advocate, a race that already had two far more qualified candidates, Norman Siegel, who has been NYC's unofficial public advocate for 30 years, and Mark Green, who was previously NYC's official Public Advocate. I asked him if he might not change his mind and run for Comptroller. He answer was less convincing than the rest of his speech, basically saying he thought he could do more as PA than as Comptroller. Even he didn't sound convinced.

Now, from Azi over at the Politicker, it seems John Liu may be about to announce that he is running for Comptroller. This news seems premature and his campaign has been a bit evasive and contradictory about it, but given the strength of the Public Advocate field, and the weakness of the Comptroller field, I strongly suspect John Liu will decide to run for Comptroller.

And let me be the first person to endorse John Liu for NYC Comptroller! He would be a much, much better and more trustworthy Comptroller than Katz and Yassky. And I have never been fully comfortable with Weprin, and no one I know has been enthusiastic about him either. But I know many people who find Liu an attractive candidate for Comptroller.

A little background on John Liu:

His family seems to love the Kennedy family since his father changed his name (when he moved to the US from Taiwan) to Joseph while John's brothers were named Robert and Edward. Like Weprin, Liu has some good experience on oversight and financial issues, having served on the Consumer Affairs, Contracts, and Oversight and Investigations Committees as City Councilman. One of the things I love about Liu is that as Chair of the Transportation Committee he has tried to do what no one else seems willing to do: actually demand accountability from the MTA (remember how they keep two sets of books and got away with it?).

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

Here are some articles worth reading:

Stealth Online Election for NYC Education Boards: I am not sure I share this guy's enthusiasm for online elections, but this whole election for Community and Citywide Education Council seems to be poorly publicized.

DiBrienza, Quinn, Yassky and a Dysfunctional City Council...and more on the DiBrienza Scandal: Steve DiBrienza Leeching off Taxpayers?

Brooklyn Paper Bought By News Corp & Greenpoint Courier Marked For Death

NYC Comptroller's Race: Let me be the first to endorse John Liu

Steve Behar on ethics reform in New York City

Investigate this shocking charge: Is there Enron-style manipulation of N.Y. electric bills?

No Stimulus Money for Rich Developers

VIDEO: Bill Thompson Takes on Bloomberg:



On the same subject: THOMPSON RIPS 'TRICKLE DOWN' MIKE


Vance announces candidacy for Manhattan DA

LGBT Equality And Justice Day Set For April 28 In Albany

The Bigger, Better Bottle Bill

NY Drinking Water at Risk

Cover Up At City Hall Continues: Bloomberg and Quinn's Con Game will go unpunished...but it has inspired a reform bill in the City Council.

Killer cuts to ambulance services coming...and this comes after repeated cuts by Bloomberg to the fire department. Does Bloomerg WANT New Yorkers to die?

The fare hikers: Kruger, Diaz and Espada will bear blame for hammering straphangers

38th City Council District: Gonzalez Stealing Galarza's Ideas

Manhattan DA Will Not Seek Re-Election: At age 90, this is not surprising. Personally I think Richard Davis sounds like a good candidate for Manhattan DA. He has been chair of Citizens Union and served on the Watergate Special Prosecution Force and in the United States Attorney’s Office.

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

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.

Former NY State Senate Republican majority committed wild abuses of power

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


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: (also see my borough specific sections where I also discuss candidates)

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:



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


Alternative Energy in NY State:

Here are some stats from Repower America:

* A $2 billion investment by Spanish energy company, Iberdrola, will double New York's 1,000-megawatt wind capacity to 2,000-megawatts - providing enough electricity for nearly 600,000 homes.

* New York's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power almost 115,000 homes for a whole year, save almost $140 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 60,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* The state has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires all public utilities to generate 24% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2013.

What you can do for Clean Energy:

For pennies per month more than you currently pay for energy you can buy 100% green energy from Con-Ed. Joy and I have been doing it for years, seriously reducing our carbon footprint and giving NY State cleaner air. Here's how it works:

Clean Energy for Residential & Small Business Customers ConEdison Solutions is leading the way in promoting pollution-free electricity by offering WIND and GREEN Power - clean, 100% renewable power. Instead of drawing on traditional power sources, such as nuclear power and fossil fuel sources, GREEN Power is generated from regional wind and low-impact hydropower sources. GREEN Power is composed of 65% run-of-the-river hydro and 35% wind power. See content label WIND Power is composed of electricity exclusively generated from 100% wind power. The benefit of clean energy is that it produces none of the detrimental environmental effects associated with electricity production that results in air emissions.

ConEdison Solutions is committed to making a difference in the environment and together we have the opportunity to help make a powerful impact. The cost for renewable energy has fallen dramatically in recent years and is only a fraction higher than electricity generated from traditional power sources. ConEdison Solutions' GREEN Power costs only an additional one cent per kilowatt-hour (kWh) more than our standard offer and WIND Power is an additional 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) more than our standard offer. Upgrading to renewable energy makes a difference and is a very affordable way to show that you care about the future of our environment.

To sign up GO HERE. Or call: 1-888-320-8991. You won't regret switching.


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, 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 - 7:30pm, - 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 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