Progressive Democrat Issue 210

This week the Right Wing seemed to be all about tea, or something. Which is odd because all I heard from them was whining. It should have been wine and cheese, not tea, because it was all whining and cheesy cliches that really are meaningless if you scratch the surface. It led the anti-America Texas governor to even suggest Texas might want to secede. He might want to study some American history (even though he seems to hate American democracy) and he might discover that secession is a dead end, and was something largely opposed by the likes of George Washington, James Madison and, in particular, Andrew Jackson. Isn't it really ironic that at least one of these secessionist wine and cheese...I mean "tea parties" was in front of a statue of Andrew Jackson when THIS is what Andrew Jackson had to say about secession in his "Proclamation to the People of South Carolina" during the nullification crisis:

...each State having expressly parted with so many powers as to constitute jointly with the other States a single nation, cannot from that period possess any right to secede, because such secession does not break a league, but destroys the unity of a nation, and any injury to that unity is not only a breach which would result from the contravention of a compact, but it is an offense against the whole Union. To say that any State may at pleasure secede from the Union, is to say that the United States are not a nation because it would be a solecism to contend that any part of a nation might dissolve its connection with the other parts, to their injury or ruin, without committing any offense. Secession, like any other revolutionary act, may be morally justified by the extremity of oppression; but to call it a constitutional right, is confounding the meaning of terms, and can only be done through gross error, or to deceive those who are willing to assert a right, but would pause before they made a revolution, or incur the penalties consequent upon a failure.

I seriously bet the anti-American Texas governor is completely unaware of what state's rights champion Andrew Jackson had to say on the issue.

This week I focus mainly on scientific issues in my main articles and expand my local coverage.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Breakthrough in Colony Collapse Disorder...of considerable agricultural importance

Keeping Antibiotics Effective: Healthcare and agriculture meet

Taking George Will to Task...I expect better from George Will than actual lies about science.

Brooklyn, NY focus

Queens, NY focus

Bronx, NY focus

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS

Silicon Valley, CA Focus

Orange County, CA Focus

Sacramento, CA Focus

San Diego, CA Focus

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

MICHIGAN FOCUS

Clean Wisconsin

WISCONSIN FOCUS

New Jersey Equality

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Pennsylvania Equality

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

Virginia Equality

VIRGINIA FOCUS

Georgia Hate Crime Legislation

GEORGIA FOCUS

Houston/Harris County Focus

Austin/Travis County Focus

TEXAS FOCUS

ILLINOIS FOCUS

ARIZONA FOCUS

FLORIDA FOCUS

COLORADO FOCUS

NEVADA FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

WASHINGTON FOCUS

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

Breakthrough in Colony Collapse Disorder

For some time the bee population has been declining. This is likely due to many causes. However, in the past few years the decline of honeybees started becoming precipitous with entire colonies merely disappearing rapidly. Most people don't realize how alarming this is. But when you consider that a third of our food supply is dependent on insect pollination, and the vast majority of that pollination is thanks to honeybees, it means about one third of our food supply is at risk. Add to this the fact that fisheries are also collapsing (I recently heard that 90% are in decline, though outright collapse is occurring in some 50% of them) and you have some serious food shortages looming.

This is not exaggeration. This is based on current scientific data.

One of the most worrisome aspect of Colony Collapse Disorder was that no one could find a cause for it. It was frustrating not even knowing what the primary threat to our food supply was.

But now scientists ins Spain have found at least one cause and have been able to treat it. From Ars Technica:

Spanish researchers report the cause of the colony collapse disorder, and also suggest a cure. The researchers isolated the parasitic fungi Nosema ceranae from a pair of Spanish apiaries, while finding none of the other proposed causes—Varroa destructor, IAPV, or pesticides. With the identification of the invading pathogen, the team treated other diseased colonies with fumagillin—an antibiotic—and observed a complete recovery of the colony.

Honeybees play a key role in horticulture as they are significant pollinators of fruit, crops, and wild flowers. They are indispensable to many sustainable agriculture farms, so keeping them healthy is of great concern. While they are important, other research has suggested using wild bees—those that are solitary cavity- or soil-nesting insects—as opposed to large colonies of honey bees, can result in successful pollination as well.

I know California almond growers are thrilled at this breakthrough since their industry was getting hit hardest so far from Colony Collapse Disorder. Hopefully this breakthrough can lead to a slowing of the decline in honeybees...but we have to remember that there was a decline already in progress before Colony Collapse Disorder. That means there are more parts of the puzzle to be found and, hopefully, solved.

KEEPING ANTIBIOTICS EFFECTIVE

I have been following this issue for some years now. Some limited progress has been made, but misuse of antibiotics remains a problem that threatens the efficacy of antibiotics for treating human diseases.

This comes from KeepAntibioticsWorking.org:

Antibiotic Resistance Threatens Public Health
Doctors depend on antibiotics to treat illnesses caused by bacteria, from pneumonia to meningitis and other life-threatening infections. The effectiveness of many antibiotics has begun to wane, the legacy of decades of unnecessary overuse in both human medicine and agriculture.

Keep Antibiotics Working is a coalition of health, consumer, agricultural, environmental, humane and other advocacy groups with more than ten million members dedicated to eliminating a major cause of antibiotic resistance: the inappropriate use of antibiotics in food animals. For a general overview of the issue, see the Campaign's fact sheets: Antibiotic Resistance - An Emerging Public Health Crisis (an annotated version is also available) and Antibiotic Resistance and Animal Agriculture.

And a recent action alert:

Congress can safeguard antibiotics by passing the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA). This legislation, if passed, will require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to cancel approvals for the routine use of human antibiotics as a feed additive if the uses are found to be unsafe from a resistance point of view. KAW is working hard to ensure that this legislation continues to get the attention it needs from lawmakers, but we need your help in urging Congress to act as quickly as possible. Please Take Action! today and urge your friends and family to do the same. They can join KAW's action network here. The greater the public demand for action on this issue, the stronger our chances are for passing PAMTA in 2009!

FDA Watch: KAW and Allies Demand Action

KAW continues to actively engage with the FDA on issues related to antibiotic resistance and animal agriculture. KAW and allied groups have urged Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, the new Deputy Commissioner of the FDA, to take three immediate measures to safeguard antibiotics for future generations:

1) Reject the application to approve 4th generation cephalosporins for use in food-producing animals;

2) Reissue the ban on the extra-label use of cephalosporins in food-producing animals; and

3) Make public the findings of the FDA's review of penicillin and other veterinary drugs currently on the market, and take appropriate action on any drugs shown to be unsafe.

Want to read the letter in full? You can find it here (PDF).

Taking George Will to Task

I covered this before, but here is a segment from the Rachel Maddow show discussing George Will's deliberate distortion of the truth on global warming: (hat tip to Media Matters)



Now I expect fools like Rush Limbaugh to lie. Rush has routinely used false information to support his ideological fantasies even when scientists correct him. But I expected better of George Will who, unlike Rush, does have a brain. In Rush's case he probably is unable to understand science in any meaningful way. But George Will can and yet he still deliberately distorts science even when those very scientists he refers to try to correct him. THAT is worse than Rush's drug induced ravings.

BROOKLYN, NY: Clubs, Candidates and Co-ops

MEET THE CANDIDATES: Here are some opportunities to meet local candidates and ask them questions.

Apr. 20, 7-9 PM: Candidate Debate: 33rd Council District sponsored by CBID and IND
St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street (bet Court & Clinton Streets)

Apr. 26, 3-5:30 PM: Education Forum Mayoral Control, End It or Mend It ?
Not a candidate's forum, but still worth attending.
Sponsored by CBID, Senator Eric Adams, Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Council woman Letitia james, 57th District Leader Olanike Alabi, UFT
Union Temple, 17 Eastern Parkway

Apr. 30, 6 PM: Education Forum Mayoral Control, End It or Mend It?
Reprise of this event. Sponsored by CBID, Senator Eric Adams, Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Council woman Letitia james, 57th District Leader Olanike Alabi, UFT
Teen Challenge Center, 444 Clinton Ave between Greene and Gates Ave

May 3rd, 5-7 PM: Meet Josh Skaller, candidate for the 39th City Council District: Marjorie Gersten, Joy and I are hosting this event. Refreshments. 50 Willow St, in Brooklyn Heights

May 9th 4-10 PM: One of the hottest events coming up. Food, music and two candidates for the price of one. Meet Rock Hackshaw, candidate for the 40th City Council Distirct, with special guest Norman Siegel, candidate for Public Advocate. Lots of music and Caribbean-American food. $20 donation requested. 1400 Schenectady Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Between Foster Avenue and Farragut Road).

May 19 7-9 PM: Candidate Debate: 39th Council District, sponsored by CBID and IND
Church of Gethsemane, 1012 8th Ave at 10th St. (Park Slope)

BROOKLYN REFORM DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATIONS:

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.

Democracy for NYC in Brooklyn:

Democracy for New York City (DFNYC) is a volunteer-driven non-profit politicalaction committee. We are part of a national coalition of local groups committed to the ideals espoused by Democracy for America, the organization founded by Howard Dean.

We work both locally and nationally to ensure that fiscally-responsible and socially-progressive candidates win elections at all levels of government. We develop innovative ways to advocate for the issues that matter to our members and promote legislation which has a positive effect in our communities. We engage people in the political process and give them the tools to organize, communicate, mobilize, and enact change on the local, state, and national level.

Currently there is only one Brooklyn chapter:

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


CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES IN BROOKLYN:

TOP PICK:

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.

Here's Josh Skaller Speaking Up for Giving REAL Power to the Parents


Here are some more of my endorsements in Brooklyn:

33rd City Council District: Jo Anne Simon.

34th City Council District: Diana Reyna. The first woman of Dominican-American descent to be elected to NYC public office. Reyna is being heavily targeted by Brooklyn Boss Vito Lopez because she hasn't gone along with his corruption. Seems to me a certain Surrogate Judge had a similar experience and won when Vito tried to take his revenge. I think we can defeat Vito again. I don't consider Reyna my ideal candidate (she is one of the Bloomberg 29, for example), but I certainly won't support Vito's corruption candidate against her.

35th City Council District: Letitia James wholeheartedly. An amazing woman!

38th City Council District: David Galarza wholeheartedly. I know him and he is a good guy. Smart, honest, progressive and reform minded.

40th City Council District: Rock Hackshaw. He is a fellow blogger and his knowledge of Brooklyn politics is amazing. I differ with this guy on some issues. He is too conservative to my mind. But I know him and his honesty and integrity are exceptional and I think he would be an excellent City Councilman. Since he is running against a guy who lies about being a doctor and is as strange and squirrely as you can get, Rock would be a very welcome change. (No website yet?)

45th City Council District: Two candidates I like. First Terry Hinds. I have three people giving very good recommendations for this guy. But I also think Rod Daley is good and represents a chance to get another educator on the city council.


DRINKING LIBERALLY IN BROOKLYN:

An informal, inclusive progressive social group. Raise your spirits
while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher.
Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place
to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a
book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent
frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk
politics.

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


FOOD CO-OPS IN BROOKLYN:

Park Slope Food Co-op
782 Union Street
Brooklyn, New York 11215
Phone: (718) 622-0560
FAX: (718) 622-5685
linda_wheeler@psfc.coop
http://www.foodcoop.com/

This is the largest Food Co-op in America. Joy and I are members (as are City Council Candidates Ken Baer and Josh Skaller). Low prices and high quality even if it can be a bit inconvenient at times.

Flatbush Food Cooperative
1318 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn, New York 11226
Phone: (718) 284-9717
FAX: (718) 284-9719
info@flatbushfoodcoop.com
http://www.flatbushfoodcoop.com/

Established in 1976, and located on Cortelyou Road in the heart of Victorian Flatbush since 1985, Flatbush Food Coop is a community-owned, full-service natural foods store specializing in organic products. We are committed to serving the diverse community in which we are situated, and beyond, by providing goods and services that promote personal and environmental well-being. Like the 300 food coops across the nation with which we are affiliated, we are open to all—it is not necessary to be a member to shop. By joining the Coop, however, you become a joint owner of our business and are able to take additional savings on your purchases. There are opportunities for varying degrees of involvement in the coop, and our member-owners are able to influence the direction of our organization. We are particularly proud that the dozens of ethnic groups in Brooklyn’s most diverse neighborhood are reflected in our staff, our close to 3,000 members, and countless shoppers.

QUEENS, NY: Democracy for America, Candidates and Drinking Liberally

Democracy for NYC in Queens:

Democracy for New York City (DFNYC) is a volunteer-driven non-profit political action committee. We are part of a national coalition of local groups committed to the ideals espoused by Democracy for America, the organization founded by Howard Dean.

We work both locally and nationally to ensure that fiscally-responsible and socially-progressive candidates win elections at all levels of government. We develop innovative ways to advocate for the issues that matter to our members and promote legislation which has a positive effect in our communities. We engage people in the political process and give them the tools to organize, communicate, mobilize, and enact change on the local, state, and national level.

Currently there are three Brooklyn chapters: Each meets the First Wednesday of every month.

Astoria, Queens - 7:30pm, - Ommonia Cafe 32-20 Broadway, with host Jeremiah Frei-Pearson and Costa Constantinides.

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

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


Lesbian & Gay Democratic Club of Queens

The Lesbian & Gay Democratic Club of Queens (LGDCQ) is the only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender independent Democratic club in the Borough of Queens.

The LGDCQ was founded eleven years ago to increase the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in the political arena of Queens, New York City, New York State and the nation.

To receive the monthly newsletter or to be put on the Club's mailing list contact;
Democratic District Leader Daniel Dromm at
Write "LGDCQ Newsletter" in subject title.


CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES IN QUEENS:

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:



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

MARQUEZ CLAXTON ON ROCKAWAY RADIO

MARQUEZ CLAXTON COMMENTS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE


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:




Mel Gagarin: 29th City Council District

This guys sounds pretty exciting given his experience. From his website:

Melquiades Gagarin was born in Elmhurst, Queens to a diverse family background. Mel was raised by his grandmother and mother, a nurse, who emphasized the value of hard work and service to others. Mel carries these values with him into his campaign to represent the 29th Council District.

Mel is a graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School, in Jamaica and received his degree in Political Science from the American University in Washington D.C. After graduation Mel worked for the National Foundation for Women Legislators, a non-profit organization that assists female state legislators develop leadership skills.

In the fall of 2005, Mel and his future wife Aleda returned to New York and moved to Kew Gardens where they would start their family. Mel served as the Communications Liaison to New York State Senator José Serrano before being hired by Congressman Anthony Weiner as his Community Representative. As the Congressman’s Community Representative Mel was dedicated to assisting constituents and working to solve their problems.

Mel now serves as the Media Manager for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, where he is responsible for spreading the organization’s message of equality and justice for all Americans. He lives in Kew Gardens with his wife Aleda, son Micah, and daughter Zoe Frances.

And a video from his website:




Some other endorsements I am making in Queens:

19th City Council District: Steve Behar. I have met Steve at several Democracy for NYC events. Great guy who has worked tirelessly for progressives in NYC and throughout the state.

24th City Council District: Jim Gennaro. Excellent environmental advocate pushing for more biodiesel in NYC to reduce pollution, and a strong advocate for preserving the safety of our drinking water.


DRINKING LIBERALLY IN QUEENS:

An informal, inclusive progressive social group. Raise your spirits
while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher.
Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place
to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a
book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent
frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk
politics.

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

BRONX, NY: Green Collar Jobs, Food Co-ops, City Council Candidate

April 25th: Get Green: South Bronx Earth Fest
Join Sustainable South Bronx at St. Mary's Park on St. Ann's Avenue and 146th Street from noon to 4:00 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day. This intergenerational event will not only celebrate our environment, but also the community we live in. Other expected organizations include Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Bronx River Alliance, Bronx YMCA, CityMatters, Council on the Environment of NYC, Materials for the Arts, Nos Quedamos, NYC Parks Department, and Waste Management of NY.


Training a New Generation of Green Collar Workers

Celebrating Over 100 Graduates and
5 years of Success

BEST & Introducing BEST for Buildings

The Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training (BEST) program is one of the nation's first and most successful green-collar job training & placement systems. Students graduate with several certifications, job readiness preparation, and a powerful environmental justice perspective on all of the important work they are qualified to do. Nearly all of the students were on some form of public assistance, and about half have prison records. This 14-16-week program is free to qualified applicants. We work with our graduates to help them find the right job, and we track their progress for 3 years in case they need help finding their place in this growing and rewarding job market. Now in its 5th year of operation, over 80% are employed and 15% have gone on to higher education.

Due to the ever increasing demands in the burgeoning green-collar economy and its successful track record of pathways out of poverty, SSBx is proud to announce its new 10 to 13 week pilot job training program in basic building construction, energy retrofits, and home energy audits - BEST for Buildings! Accepting applications NOW!

HOW TO APPLY- We are currently accepting applications for both BEST training programs now! Download application!

BEST CURRICULUM
Hands-On Training:

River BankRestoration
Bioremediation
Green Roof Installation
Green Roof Maintenance
Phytomediation
Ecological Restoration
Wetland Restoration
Stream Bank Stabilization
Landscape 101
Plants, trees, shrubs, identification
Water and Soil Quality Testing
Wildlife Identification
Brownfield Remediation
Hazardous Waste Cleanup
Asbestos Abatement
Power Tool Safety & Operation

CERTIFICATIONS:
First Aid and CPR
NYC Tree Pruner
Entry Level Tree Climbing
40 Hour Hazardous Waste Cleanup
10 Hour OSHA
Herbicide/Pesticide Applicator

New York Botanical Garden Classes:
Intro to Horticulture
Intro to Ecology
Chainsaw safety and usage
Preparation for Pesticide Applicator Certification Examination
Intro to Wetland Restoration

BEST for BUILDINGS CURRICULUM:
CERTIFICATIONS:
OSHA 10 Hour Safety for Construction
Lead Awareness
Asbestos Handling


SOUTH BRONX 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. So I will try to highlight some co-ops in the coming week.

Here is a food co-op in the South Bronx:

The South Bronx Food Cooperative (SBxFC) is a green shopping alternative to the profit-oriented commercial food markets found in the Bronx. Founded and operated by committed residents, the SBxFC is dedicated to making a difference in the community by working together to provide healthy and affordable food to all who want it.

The South Bronx Food cooperative carries a wide variety of products, including local, organic and conventionally grown produce; pasture-raised, grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry; bulk grains, sugars, spices and pastas; fair-trade coffees and chocolate; environmentally safe cleaning supplies, and much more. All of this plus a selection of standard supermarket items makes the SBxFC a one-stop shopping destination. Sales are brisk at the SBxFC and inventory is replenished often ensuring that the products we sell are as fresh as possible..

As a member of the SBxFC you share ownership of the coop with fellow members. Members have a voice in the decision-making process and participate in directing the organization's future. Equally important, as a shopper you will know where your food choices come from. By becoming a member you and your family not only have access to fresh foods at reasonable prices, you will learn about our local farmers, organizations and vendors.

In addition to providing green/local products and democratic operations (common at most cooperatives), the SBxFC provides various health and nutrition services including workshops, cooking classes and education seminars. Our community education programs are designed and administered by local medical professionals and nutrition specialist. The goal of the SBxFC is to correct the various health disparities faced by Bronxites including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

They seem to even have an online shopping option (members only).

Hours:

11:00 am – 8pm, Thursday – Monday
CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday
(Additional hours and days of operation will be added in the very near future)

Location:

3103 Third Avenue
Bronx NY 10451
(The corner of 158th St)


BRONX CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE:

Here is a City Council Candidate I am considering supporting in the Bronx

Jerome Rice: 12th City Council District (The Bronx)

Here is a statement from Jerome:

Hello, My name is Jerome Rice, I am running to be your next City Councilman for District 12. I am a family man and resident, that attends church in the Bronx, where I serve as both Trustee and Co-chair to Public Safety. I have a Master Degree in Business Administration from Monroe College. I have served 22 years in the New York Army National Guard, before retiring with the rank of First Sergeant. I have a total of 21 years in the NYC Department of Correction, holding the rank of Captain. I have spent the last 13 years in a Civil Rights organization known as 100 Blacks In Law Enforcement Who Care, where I serve as its Director.

I fought against: Wrongful Police Shooting & Policies such as Stop & Frisk, Operation Lucky Bag, Disparate Treatment against Blacks & Hispanic being arrested for lower crime, Privatizing and Re-Zoing of Harlem. Both your Civil Rights and the Bronx are not for sale.

I have been fighting and will continue to fight for those who can't.

Here are some of the concerns, I will address:
Affordable Homes: Why are we allowing homes to be built in our community, that we can't afford? Homes ranging from $350,000-$400,000 and the average income is only $40,000 - $60,000 a year. Lets make homes affordable. Also I will increase inspections and penalties on Landlord that refuse to provide you a comfortable living envirnoment.

Education: I have both created and facilitated informative survival workshops on issues affecting our community such as:
What to do, when stopped by the police
What to do, when you go to court "Because its Just-Us"
Gangs "Our community domestic terrorist'
Disaster awareness "Are you ready" and
Hunting Season "No where to run, No where to hide"

Our Youth should learn in a comfortable learning envirnoment, by ensuring that each school has enough School Safety Officers to patrol our school ground. I will also ensure that each school has Up-To-Date programs to prepare our youth for the REAL WORLD.

Economic Development: Bring in New Business and support existing business. Open more centers for both our senior citizens and youth.

Public Safety- I will call for increase in Police Patrol, in areas that are seriously impacted with crime. I will introduce new programs to educate our youth and senior citizens on issues regarding crime and health.

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

Here are some articles worth reading:

LGBT Equality And Justice Day Set For April 28 In Albany

Governor Announces Bill To Legalize Gay Marriage

NY-20: Murphy Gets More Votes, Tedisco Sues to be Declared Winner...and on a related note: NY-20: Cue The Fat Lady: Final Tally Shows 273 Vote Murphy Lead

Gowaus Canal: Luxury Development on a Toxic Waster Site?

The first barbecue of the 2009 political season takes place on the second Saturday of May

Awkward Confrontation at a Bloomberg Speech...Bloomberg apparently does not understand the meaning of "disability"

The Latest Revised MTA Bailout Proposal

Marty Markowitz is still getting city money for his nonprofits, which also take donations from companies involved in several controversial development projects...no wonder Marty was so uncomfortable when I confronted him on this issue at a local Democratic meeting.

Time Warner Cable Pulls "Consumption Based Billing" Trials

Making the case for an independent public defense commission

Full Rundown on College Democrats of New York Convention

City Council Race in Brooklyn's 33rd District: Two Party Hacks, Three Reformers, and a Satmar

Bill Thompson said at a forum in Queens that Bloomberg is “there to fight for a few in Manhattan, not those in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island, and not above 100th Street in Manhattan

Though AY was supposed to remove blight, it's now created blight in Prospect Heights

NYC's first building with mounted wind turbines

ESDC CEO Lago admits the obvious: Atlantic Yards would take “decades”

Reflections on the Binghamton shooting...and on the same topic: Thoughts On Binghamton

City Contractor Is Accused of Bribing Ex-Assemblyman

City admits it lied about Willets Point redevelopment

Vast majority of immigrants dying in detention centers are Latin American

Rock Hackshaw and Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats join Democracy for NYC, Senator Eric Adams and myself in endorsing Norm Siegel for Public Advocate. Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats also endorses John Liu for NYC Comptroller...and more on Norm: City Screws 9/11 Heroes...Norm Siegel Stands up for Them

Bruce Ratner's architect for his Atlantic Yards Project Says the Project is Unlikely to be Built...and this came soon after this: Forest City Enterprises Stock Getting Dumped. Ratner must not be a happy man these days.

Chinese and Hispanic Community Activists to Councilmember Sara Gonzalez: "Does she think we are all fools?"

Thompson Attacks Bloomberg as A.I.G. Defender

Democracy for NYC Early Endorsements...Three superb candidates running in NYC.

VIDEO: Bill Thompson Takes on Bloomberg:




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. He has so far been endorsed by Democracy for NYC, Room 8 Blogger Rock Hackshaw, State Senator Eric Adams, and the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats.

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.


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

Silicon Valley Area, CA Events and Food Co-ops

I want to cover some events, Democratic Clubs (below the events) and Co-ops (below the clubs) in the greater Silicon Valley area. Mountain View is one place where I have the most readers, so I want to meet the needs of people in that area. If you have any ideas or things you want included here, please let me know.

First here are some events (from the Silicon Valley Democracy for America calendar and the Santa Clara County Democrats calendar):

3rd Annual Red to Blue Grassroots Dinner with Gov. Howard Dean
Event Date: Apr 25, 2009
Event Time: 6:00 PM PDT (9:00 PM EDT)
Address: 1400 J Street
City: Sacramento
Website: actblue.com/page/redtobluedinner

Agenda:
THE 2009 RED TO BLUE DINNER IS SOLD OUT!
CALL 916.734.2782 TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST FOR DINNER

You are still welcome to join us for cocktails at 6 p.m. This invitation is open whether or not you are a delegate or a convention-goer.

Sacramento Convention Center
2nd Floor Landing
(in front of rooms #202/203)

Special Guest Speaker & Honoree: GOV. HOWARD DEAN

$58.00 (in the spirit of our 58-county commitment)

Tons of time to network with fellow activists, prepare for the next round, celebrate our victories & honor our red-county candidates.

TO RSVP & PRE-PAY PLEASE GO TO: www.actblue.com/page/redtobluedinner


Forum on Ballot Propositions
04/27/2009 7:00pm
2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara CA 95051, North San Jose/Santa Clara/Milpitas

Former Assemblyman John Laird (D-27, Santa Cruz), who chaired the Assembly Budget Committee for four years until he was termed out in 2008, will speak Monday April 27 on the initiatives that will be on the May 19 special election ballot. The public forum will be held in the Redwood Room of the Santa Clara City Library. Admission is free. The event is sponsored by the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara County Democratic Club, and the Obama Democratic Club of Silicon Valley.


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.

Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee
05/07/2009 7:00pm
County Building Cafeteria, 70 W Hedding St., Central San Jose

The Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee meets on the first Thursday of the month to coordinate local Democratic Party activities. 408-445-9500. The agenda will be posted at sccdp.org/sccdcc.php 10 days before the meeting.

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 DEMOCRATIC CLUBS: This list comes from the Santa Clara County Democratic Club website:

Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley. The Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley is an alliance in Silicon Valley, California dedicated to the issues brought forth by Gov. Howard Dean, M.D., his cause and his message of progressive, positive change. dfasv.org, www.dfalink.com/siliconvalley, Co-Chairs; Spandan Chakrabarti, Alice Smith. Contact deanclub_at_sccdp.org

Obama Democratic Club of Silicon Valley. A club of volunteers from the 2008 Barack Obama campaign and local arm of Organizing for America. Members of this club will continue to promote Obama's policies and priorities. Peter Allen, President, obama_at_sccdp.org. sites.google.com/site/obamadcsv/

Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club. SVAPADC was founded in 1996 to foster member participation at all levels of the Democratic Party. Our goals are to unify and empower the Asian Pacific American (APA) communities; ensure fair representation of the APA's interests; and educate and promote political participation. Contact Buu Thai at apa_at_sccdp.org. The club's homepage is svapadc.org.

Silicon Valley Democratic Club. Formerly known as the Moorpark Democratic, the Silicon Valley Democratic club prides itself in developing a growing and diverse community with an organized and unifying voice in the political arena. The Club provides a forum for its members to focus, discuss, prioritize positions and promote important issues to our diverse community. Working together, our members help to elect Democratic candidates in local, state, and national elections. Clarence Madrilejos, moorpark_at_sccdp.org. www.moorparkdems.org

Silicon Valley Latino Democratic Forum. A venue for local Latinos to become active in the Democratic Party. Javier Gonzalez, svldf_at_sccdp.org.

Silicon Valley LGBT Democratic Club. Dedicated to providing a grassroots channel for the political participation of like-minded lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Democrats. President: David Parker, lgbt_at_sccdp.org. Visit the club on the web at http://www.lgbtdems.org.

Silicon Valley Young Democrats. SVYD serves Democrats under 36 years old from throughout the Silicon Valley. We provide networking, social, and personal growth opportunities for young people dedicated to progressive ideals. President: Julie Lind, svyd_at_sccdp.org. Visit the club's website at svyd.org.


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:

Apr 22 Wednesday 11:30am, Irvine: Women For: Orange County "Health Care is in Your Hands" (Refreshments 11:00)
Michel-Joy Re coaches leaders in holistic health. She will speak about the research, practices, organizations and individuals who are exploring healing and health-care utilizing both holistic and allopathic medical thinking, techniques, and practices. She will give examples of organizations, free lecture series and other resources that are available as we consider ways to get our arms around the health-care delivery problem.
Duck Club: Riparian View, Irvine. Riparian View intersects Michelson between Jamboree Rd. and Culver Dr. From Michelson, turn south toward the open space onto Riparian View. Follow the signs for one mile to the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Apr 22 Wednesday 6:30pm, Irvine: LWV Irvine Unit Meeting. "Pros and Cons of the May 19th Ballot Issues." Open to all League members and prospective members. Come. Get Involved. Make a Difference For information: 949-400-2183
Inn at the Park, 10 Marquerite, Irvine, CA 92612

Apr 22 (4th Wednesday) 6:30pm,Fountain Valley: Democratic Club of West Orange County: Eli Reyna, Orange County Human Relations Commission Green Valley Community Center, 17250 Los Jardines West, Fountain Valley. For more information, contact Jo Anne Jennings at westocdems@yahoo.com, visit the web site: dcwoc.org or (714) 846-5201

Apr 25 Saturday 9am-9pm, Santa Ana: Queer People of Color Conference Reclamando Nuestros Colores: Rooting Ourselves In The Community

El Centro Cultural De Mexico 310 W. 5TH Street (2Nd Floor) Santa Ana, CA 92701
All ages, races, genders and sexualities WELCOME! The conference will be directed and will include Latino LGBT issues that affect the latino community in Orange County. There will be several educational and informative workshops along with performances and a dance in the night to end the conference. We still need sponsors and resources so if you can help please contact me. All ages, races, genders and sexualities welcome. jgkahlo@gmail.com

Apr 25 Saturday 10am, Irvine: Irvine Global Warming Group
Waste Management's Irvine Recycling Center near Jamboree & Barranca 16122 Construction Circle Irvine, CA 92606
Guided Tour with presentation at the Waste Management Recycling Center of Irvine: meetup.com/Irvine-Global-Warming-Group/calendar/9929278

Apr 25 Saturday 4:30-8:30pm, Santa Ana: Spring Bacchanalia Benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,
The Africa Project, Orangewood PALS & other Bacchus supported charities
801 N. Main St. Santa Ana, 92701 BACCHUSSOCIETY.ORG www.OC-Bacchanalia.com

Apr 28 Tuesday 6:30-7:45pm, Newport Beach: Orange County for Darfur - Planning Meeting 2424 SE Bristol Street, Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
OCFD seeks to increase awareness among local residents about the continued suffering in Darfur and the surrounding region and to get our elected officials and others in positions of influence to take more action in order to halt the genocide. Come to our planning meeting to find out how you can make a difference. For more information, visit ocfordarfur.org.

Apr 30 Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm, Orange: "In Darfur" Chapman University, Waltmar Theater, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866.
Orange County for Darfur, Moving Target Theater, and Chapman University invite you to join us for a performance of the critically acclaimed play by Winter Miller. A question and answer discussion will follow the performance. Admission is FREE. All donations will be contributed to Genocide Intervention Network's Civilian Protection Program. For more info. or to RSVP: livingubuntu.org/events/2009/in-darfur

May 1 Friday 8:30-10am, Garden Grove: Orange County Labor Federation Employee Free Choice Act Round Table with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and Orange County Workers.
Saint Anselm of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 13091 Galway Street, Garden Grove, CA 92844 Flyer: oclabor.org/images/docs/EFCA_LORETTA.jpg

May 4 Monday 5pm, Statewide: LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE in the May 19 Special Election

May 8 Friday 8:30-10am, Buena Park: Orange County Labor Federation 3rd Annual Building Fund Cinco de Mayo Celebration Breakfast UFCW 324, 8530 Stanton Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620 oclabor.org/images/docs/BUILDING_FUND_FINAL_1.psf.pdf

May 12 Tuesday 6:30-7:45pm, Newport Beach: Orange County for Darfur - Planning Meeting 2424 SE Bristol Street, Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
OCFD seeks to increase awareness among local residents about the continued suffering in Darfur and the surrounding region and to get our elected officials and others in positions of influence to take more action in order to halt the genocide. Come to our planning meeting to find out how you can make a difference. For more information, visit ocfordarfur.org.

May 14 Thursday 6-8:45pm, Irvine: League of Conservation Voters 10th Anniversary Awards Dinner University Club at UCI
We will be recognizing and honoring those who helped Save the Trestles as well as our special Lifetime Achievement Award. Our event is always fun, inspirational, has great food and drinks, and is a great time to meet and greet fellow environmentalists. oclcv.org

May 16 Saturday 7am-1pm, Anaheim: OC AIDS WALK Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA 92806-6143 aidswalk.org/oc

May 17 (moved from usual 2nd Sunday) 1-3pm, Fullerton: Progressive Women of North OC Meeting
Monkey Business Cafe, 301 E Amerige, Fullerton progressivewinoc.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.

May 26 Tuesday 6:30-7:45pm, Newport Beach: Orange County for Darfur - Planning Meeting 2424 SE Bristol Street, Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
OCFD seeks to increase awareness among local residents about the continued suffering in Darfur and the surrounding region and to get our elected officials and others in positions of influence to take more action in order to halt the genocide. Come to our planning meeting to find out how you can make a difference. For more information, visit ocfordarfur.org.

May 31 Sunday 1pm, Orange: Tias Arms 8th Annual Celebration for the Children of South Africa tiasarms.org Join us for an African barbecue (braaivleis) and South African wines. Entertainment will include live music and other activities. Silent and live auction to include items from around the world.
Chapman University Campus, One University Drive, Orange , CA
Colorful or global attire encouraged More details to follow on the admission price.

Jun 5 (1st Friday) 6:30-9pm, Orange: Friday Night Film Series - The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c709.shtml Winner of the Sundance Special Jury Prize in Documentary, this extraordinary film, shot in the war zones of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), shatters the silence that surrounds the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Tens of thousands of women and girls have been systematically kidnapped, raped, mutilated and tortured by soldiers from both foreign militias and the Congolese army.
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

Jun 6 Saturday 9am, Huntington Beach: UNIFEM WalkJoin UNIFEM for a fun 5-mile walk along Huntington Beach to take a stand against violence against women for UNIFEM's United Nations Development Fund for Women. Meet at Huntington State Beach Park. $10 donation. Contact stephaniepa@socal.rr.com for further details.

Jun 24 Wednesday 7pm, Newport Beach: Green Lecture: An Inconvenient Truth Enivronmental Nature Center, 1601 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663
isit the ENC to learn more about the planetary emergency of global warming and what YOU can do about it. Join LA County Teacher of the Year John Zavalney for a live presentation of the slideshow that's changing America's mind. After being trained by Mr. Al Gore and his staff, John is on a mission to get the word out about the dangers of global warming and offer suggestions on how we can help solve this crisis. John has won several prestigious educational awards including: The Disney American Teacher Award, The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, the Presidents Council on Environmental Quality Professional Development Award and LA County teacher of the Year. Call 949-645-8489 to RSVP. meetup.com/goinggreenorangecounty/calendar/10090250

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


Planned Parenthood Capitol Day 2009
State Capitol
4/22/2009 from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Hosted By: Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
RSVP by: March 27, 2009 at 5:00 pm
http://ga0.org/prochoicepower/events/pp_capitol_day_2009/details.tcl

Join Planned Parenthood volunteers, activists, and staff for a Day of Action at the Capitol in Sacramento!

* Participate in the Planned Parenthood Education Fair
* Talk with legislators about reproductive health issues that are important to you
* Learn about reproductive freedom issues and advocacy opportunities

Join hundreds of other Planned Parenthood supporters as we gather in Sacramento to support reproductive health care access for women and families in California!

The 2009 Planned Parenthood Capitol Day Theme is: Yes We Plan: Taking action for a healthy California.

Time: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 - 8:00am PST

Rocklin Health Care Forum
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS®
OF PLACER COUNTY
Practicing Democracy Where We Live

Join us to learn more about this important issue!

Health Care Reform

Health care is an important issue for everyone. State and federal governments are considering different approaches to providing health coverage to all. Some of these options could radically change the health care system as we know it today. A panel of government, nonprofit and health care leaders will discuss these options at a health care forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Placer County.

Speakers
Pat Brady, CEO, Sutter Medical Center Roseville
Richard Burton MD, Director, Placer County Health and Welfare Dept.
Jim Holmes, Placer County Supervisor
Jeannine English, AARP California, State President
Sara Rogers, Health Consultant, California State Senate

Saturday, April 25, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Sierra Community College
Library/Learning Resource Center (LRC-133)
5000 Rocklin Road
Rocklin, CA 95677

For parking permit or more information go to www.lwvplacercounty.org
or email the League at lwvplacer@yahoo.com

Friends of the River; the voice of California Rivers

New York City has Central Park. Sacramento has the American River Parkway.

2009 Capitol River Awards

When: Thursday, May 7, 5-8 PM
Where: Private home Crocker Cir
Cost: Individual tickets - $50, Sponsorship - $1,000

River and nature lovers in the Sacramento area owe a tremendous debt to the visionaries that waged the campaign to create the American River Parkway. The Save the American River Association led that campaign from its start 50 years ago and continues to lead efforts today to maintain and improve the parkway. This year as part of the Capital River Awards, Friends of the River will present the Peter H. Behr Award to SARA in gratitude for its long-standing and successful efforts to create, protect, and preserve the American River Parkway.

Accepting the award on behalf of SARA will be long-time SARA board members and parkway advocates Frank Cirill and Felix Smith.

Looking forward to seeing you there,

Paul Tebbel
Executive Director

50% of the ticket proceeds will be given to Save the American River Association to support their continued work.

Time: Thursday, May 7, 2009 - 4:00pm PST


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.


Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento Presents: 6th Annual Four Freedoms Award Dinner

Honoring Attorney General Edmund G "Jerry" Brown

Wednesday, May 20
5:30 - Cocktails and Auction
6:30 - Dinner

at the Radisson Hotel Sacramento, 500 Leisure Lane

Contact David Troxel for more information about tickets or sponsorships
916-600-8075 or bestfriendsdavid@aol.com

Location: Radisson Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane
When: 5:30 PM
Tickets/More Info

Time: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 4:30pm PST


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:

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.

La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club Meeting. Wednesday, May 6th, social at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 pm. Dr. Farouk Al Nassar will discuss what will happen when the US leaves Iraq. At the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa.. Info: Linda Armacost at 619-741-1994 or larmacost@cox.net.

San Diego Democracy For America Meetup (SD DFA) meeting. Wednesday, May 6th, social at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 pm. At Giovanni's Restaurant, 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, SD 92123 (Corner of Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Ruffin Rd. across from Registrar of Voters). Info: Carol (858) 459-7044 or cchangus@san.rr.com. Dean's New site: www.standwithdrdean.com

Escondido Democratic Club meeting. Saturday, May 9th, 10:30 am to Noon. Jose Aponte, director of the San Diego County Library system, who will discuss “Dancing with the Elephants: Staying Relevant in Extraordinary Times.” Club members will consider ways EDC can help the library during these difficult times. Light refreshments will be served. In the Turrentine Room of the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St. in Escondido. Info: Rick Moore at 760-740-8595 or communications@escondidodems.org, or www.escondidodems.org

Lake San Marcos Democratic Club meeting. Saturday May 9th, social at 12:30, meeting at 1:00 pm. Greg Bolian, who has been leading the Voter Registration effort in San Diego County, will discuss the registration process and the role Lake San Marcos Democrats can play in helping build the Democratic base. At the Club House at Palomar Estates West (1930 W. San Marcos Blvd. San Marcos 92078; 760-727-5453). Please note the change of venue and check the Club Newsletter for detailed directions to the meeting place. Info: Betty Ball at (760) 752-1035; SOLSM12@aol.com

Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside Counties 46th Anniversary Dinner. Thursday, May 14th, 5:30 - 9:00 pm. The featured speaker will be Melissa Harris-Lacewell, Ph. D., an Associate Professor of Politics & African American Studies at Princeton University, award-winning author, and regular commentator on MSNBC and NPR. At the Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego. Details and tickets 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.

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.

Uptown Democrats meeting. Tuesday, May 26th, 7:00 pm. At the Joyce Beers Community Center, 1220 Cleveland Avenue, east of Trader Joe’s in the Ralph’s shopping Center off University Avenue and Vermont. Just go up the concrete steps south of the Terra Restaurant and through the double doors.

San Diego Democracy For America Meetup (SD DFA) meeting. Wednesday, June 3rd, social at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 pm. Councilmember Donna Frye will discuss the city budget and other issues before the SD City Council. At Giovanni's Restaurant, 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, SD 92123 (Corner of Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Ruffin Rd. across from Registrar of Voters). Info: Carol (858) 459-7044. or cchangus@san.rr.com.

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, June 17th, 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."


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.