The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).
This last week was the 6th anniversary of Bush's Mission Accomplished speech about Iraq. Meanwhile US soldiers are still dying in both Afghanistan and Iraq, the Taliban are slowly taking over more and more of BOTH Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Osama bin Laden is still free. I never was quite sure what mission Bush thought he'd accomplished. Other than miserable failure.
Swine flu continues to be the big news story. And it will continue to be, I think, but I still say that with modern amentities like clean water, indoor heating and fever reducing medicine, this won't be as bad as past pandemics, at least in the US. Remember to wash you hands a lot! I want to also direct people's attention to this: UW Virologist Puts Swine Flu in Perspective.
NJDC welcomes Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter to the Democratic Party.
The Democratic Party of 2009 is an inclusive party that believes political parties should be big tents. In contrast, the Republican Party of 2009 is a party which believes in circling the wagons into an ever smaller and smaller circle until only the ideologically pure are welcome. Senator Specter has been a Republican since 1966 but he has never been a conservative ideologue. It has become increasingly clear in recent years that he is not ideologically pure enough for the Republican activists of today.
The Republican Party’s continued shift to the right has had negative implications for GOP support in the Jewish community. Despite the fact that in every election cycle conservative Jewish activists claim that Jews are becoming more Republican, the Jewish vote for Republicans at the national level is stuck at about 20%. Moreover, over the last decade there are fewer and fewer Republican Jewish office holders at the national level.
With Specter joining the Democratic Party, he becomes the 12th member of the Senate that is Jewish and caucuses with the Democrats. When Al Franken, another Jewish Democrat, gets seated as the second Minnesota senator, there will be 13 Jewish senators who caucus with the Democrats in the Senate (compared to zero who caucus with the GOP). Democrats will then have 60 seats in the Senate, reducing the possibility of Republican filibusters.
And the response from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee:
Moments ago, longtime GOP Senator Arlen Specter, a Republican since 1966, announced he is switching parties and becoming a Democrat!
Senator Specter's bombshell comes on the heels of Democratic Congressman-elect Scott Murphy's come from behind victory in NY-20. It also comes as the ongoing legal battle in Minnesota draws closer to a conclusion that will now make Al Franken the 60th Democratic vote in the U.S. Senate.
You were the ones who made these incredible developments happen. This is the clearest possible evidence of the power that grassroots Democrats like you have to create change.
In making his announcement that he is now a Democrat, Senator Specter said, "I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans. When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing."
Your incredible grassroots support for President Obama's economic agenda is not only proving that the Republicans' "just say no" approach is wrong for America but it's also helping drive proud Democratic candidates like Scott Murphy to victory and driving courageous leaders like Senator Specter away from their party.
Thank you again for keeping up the fight to bring change to Washington.
So, remember how I kept harping on Bank of America's misuse of bailout money, support of right wing reactionary causes, their horrible customer service and their predatory lending practices? Well, I am not the only one who was pissed. Seems Bank of America shareholders have voted to oust their CEO. This comes from SEIU:
Something remarkable happened yesterday. A majority of Bank of America's shareholders voted to oust Ken Lewis as Chairman of the company's board.
This is huge.
Shareholders cast an unprecedented vote of no confidence on Ken Lewis' leadership at Bank of America. It's the first step to real accountability at the financial giant...
After weeks of advocating for major reforms at Bank of America we delivered more than 90,000 signed "taxpayer proxy cards" to the shareholder meeting yesterday. Allies like MoveOn.org, Brave New Films, True Majority, and many others were instrumental in the success of our actions.
Let's be clear: what happened yesterday is just the first step towards holding Bank of America accountable. Shareholders delivered a major vote of no confidence, but there's much more to be done.
While Ken Lewis is out as chairman of the board, he still remains the CEO of Bank of America. That's why we're calling on CEO Ken Lewis and new BofA Chairman Robert Massey to immediately implement these changes:
1. Commit to real financial reform 2. Stop consumer abuses and predatory lending practices that hurt communities 3. Provide bank workers access to affordable healthcare 4. Stop lobbying against pro-worker legislation like the Employee Free Choice Act to ensure bank workers have a voice on the job to protect consumers.
But for today, take a moment to watch this video about your efforts and what we've accomplished in the last several days. Click here to watch and tell your friends:
http://action.seiu.org/page/invite/hugenewsbofa
Thanks for all you've done to reform Bank of America. Our work is just beginning. We're glad to have you on board.
Here's the video:
I continue to urge you to consider banks that have better customer service and have avoided the worst of predatory lending. My recommendations have been USAA, US Bank and TD Bank. But others are favoring their local credit union. But Bank of America, Citygroup and AIG are financial institutions that have screwed America too many times.
I was working on my mathematics Ph.D. in the 1970s at the beginning of the first OPEC oil embargo. Like many Americans, I was astounded by how quickly a few countries could threaten our nation’s security and economy. That experience motivated me to pursue a 20-year career in developing new energy technology. I started as a contractor at Sandia National Laboratories, engineered turbines for a wind energy company, developed smart grid technologies and ultimately started my own wind turbine manufacturing business.
In the 1970s, our nation’s push for new energy resources was motivated by economic and security concerns. Those issues remain paramount today, but we are also now aware of the threat posed by climate change. We simply can’t afford to be nonchalant about where America’s energy comes from. Our nation’s security, the strength of our economy and the stability of our climate are all tied to how we get our energy. Fortunately, America has the ingenuity to develop new sources of clean energy, the ability to use power more efficiently, the means to reduce emissions and the opportunity to create millions of high-quality, “green collar” jobs...
Wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable resources have now become commercially viable sources of energy. We still need to build and expand on these advances. I’ve worked hard to extend the tax credits that have been fundamental to the growth of clean energy technologies. However, policies that incentivize the deployment of renewable energy resources should be consistent and long-term to provide certainty to investors.
We should not forget the lessons of the 1980s, when many energy tax credits were allowed to expire. American renewable energy companies languished, while foreign competitors grew by leaps and bounds using technology that Americans created. We can’t afford to let that happen again.
A second step toward achieving our national energy goals is to make better use of the resources we have by enhancing energy efficiency, modernizing our electrical grid, and developing “smart” electrical infrastructure. America’s electrical system is like a major highway — during certain times of the day, it becomes jammed with users. As a result, providers turn to power from backup plants that are often less efficient. Excessive demand strains the grid and contributes to service failures.
“Smart grid” technologies interface with the electrical system to reduce demand during these peak times. In the 1990s, I helped develop a low-cost residential power meter with smart grid capabilities. The meter was designed to monitor and communicate with home and office appliances so that consumers could choose to consume less power during periods of peak consumption.
It is smart technologies like these that will play a fundamental role in meeting our energy goals. That’s why I recently introduced the Smart Grid Advancement Act, a bill that will spur their implementation...
A well-designed cap-and-trade system will gradually and predictably lessen emissions, and the revenue generated can be used to reduce consumer energy costs, increase efficiency, and drive down the cost of clean energy sources. However, in implementing cap and trade, we must first protect consumers, prevent abuse of the system, and preserve American manufacturing jobs.
We can, for example, give strong incentives for home efficiency improvements and the purchase of more efficient vehicles. A spectrum of energy incentives will help create new jobs weatherizing homes, building efficient cars and trucks, and harvesting energy from wind, solar, biofuels, geothermal and other renewable resources. Moving America toward energy independence can be synonymous with creating millions of “green collar” jobs that our country needs...
Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Iowa got the ball rolling. New Hampshire is poised to further advance marriage equality. From the Concord Monitor:
The New Hampshire Senate voted, 13-11, today to allow adult same-sex couples to marry, approving an amended version of a House-passed bill after a vote to kill the legislation altogether failed by the same margin.
The bill passed by the Senate recognizes a distinction between civil and religious marriages and allows religious denominations to decide whether they will conduct religious marriages for gay or lesbian couples. Civil marriages would be available to both heterosexual and same-sex couples under the law. “This bill recognizes the sanctity of religious marriage and the diversity of religious beliefs about marriage while still providing equal access to civil marriage to all New Hampshire citizens,” said Sen. Maggie Hassan, an Exeter Democrat.
This isn't a done deal. Both houses have to reconcile differences in their respective bills and it has to get past New Hampshire's governor, who may veto it. If he vetos it I am sure the legislature will not override his veto. But he may just let the bill pass into law without his signature (an option in NH). We'll see.
Maine is one step behind New Hampshire, approving marriage equality in a judiciary committee vote. Next it will go before the full legislature and its chances look promising. We are moving forward on this issue. And let me finish with a reminder of Kieth Olbermann's statement on this issue (made right after the passage of California's Hate Amendment):
What I don't understand is how two consenting adults loving each other threatens anyone else? My marriage isn't threatened if gays can marry!
MEET THE CANDIDATES: Here are some opportunities to meet local candidates and ask them questions.
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. Josh is a long-time organizer for Democracy for New York City, was president of the Central Independent Democrats political club in Brooklyn for two years, and was an early organizer with Brooklyn for Barack. Without taking money from developers, PACs and lobbyists, and while a first-time candidate, he’s the leader in number of donors and second in total dollars in a large field of good candidates. I want to emphasize that this is an amazing accomplishment and shows his organizational skills and potential. I also want to emphasize that it is so rare that the best, most honest and most progressive candidate running is also able to raise the most money.
"Josh has always fought for fiscal responsibility and the progressive solutions needed to reform city government"
--Jim Dean Chair of Democracy For America (DFA)
It’s a measure of Josh’s hard work, integrity, and just how much people like and believe in him. He’s smart, pragmatic, and works well with others. No small matter in getting it done. He has been endorsed so far by Democracy for NYC, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, local activist and progressive favorite Chris Owens, civil rights attorney and Public Advocate candidate Norm Siegel, and State Senator Eric Adams, among others.
His eclectic background as the son of an environmental scientist and a teacher for the disabled, married to a science teacher, and himself once Associate Director of computer music at Harvard, informs his agenda concerns for education and the environment. He has proposed a green jobs based approach for revitalizing New York's economy.
Josh has been a strong voice against Ratner's plan for Atlantic Yards, as well as other unchecked and unwise development projects, believing environmental sustainability is the key to our prosperity. He advocates a stronger community voice in development decisions and making affordable housing a priority in its own right rather than as simply a bone developers throw the city in exchange for massive subsidies and tax breaks.
Josh alone of the candidates for this district has taken the position of cleaning up Brooklyn’s toxic Gowanus Canal before development progresses. In this he is the only strong candidate in this race I am aware of who is supporting Obama's EPA on declaring the Gowanus a Superfund site. All other candidates have either been silent on this subject or support allowing develpers to procede without clean up. You can read a bit more about this issue here (complete with some disgusting pictures my wife took of the canal).
I will say that I know all of the candidates in this race and respect them all. Originally I was supporting Josh mainly because he was a good friend who was smart and had some great ideas...but I wasn't expecting him to organize such an effective campaign. His fundraising and organization were so ahead of the other candidates that he was distributing buttons and had volunteers handing out literature on election day 2008 when every Democrat in Brooklyn seemed in line to vote. It was a brilliant way to meet the voters and get his name out there.
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. 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
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.
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.
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES 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.
From his website:
Steve Behar is a Democrat who believes that together we can work to make our district and our city a better place to live. Steve promises to fight for better schools, safer streets, a strong economy, a better environment, better services for seniors and responsible development that retains the character of our community.
Steve Behar is an attorney, a small business owner and a political and community activist who grew up in our community and will always put our district first.
Steve believes that if we work together to ensure that parents have good jobs, that children have good schools and that families live in clean, safe communities we can solve most of the problems that plague our community.
Steve Behar has been endorsed by the current City Councilman (and mayoral candidate) Tony Avella as well as by Democracy for NYC and 3-decade Civil Rights champion (and Public Advocate candidate) Norman Siegel.
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:
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:
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:
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. No campaign website that I can find, but he is a good guy.
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
South Bronx residents have far less open space and waterfront access than other parts of NYC.
The South Bronx Greenway Project (SBG) is a community led plan for a bicycle/pedestrian greenway along the South Bronx waterfront, which will provide much needed open space, waterfront access and opportunities for mixed used economic development.
Majora Carter wrote a $1.25 M federal transportation planning grant to conduct a feasibility study for the Greenway to include the NYC Economic Development Corporation as the government sponsor, SSBx and The Point, CDC as the community partners, and landscape architects Mathews Nielsen. The study provided a unique opportunity for our community to impact design and policy. To date, nearly $30 million is secured for greenway related projects.
The South Bronx Greenway will create bike & pedestrian paths around the Hunts Point and Port Morris waterfront, as well as on-street connections including Hunts Point Riverside Park, the Bazzini Piers, Tiffany St. Pier, and Barretto Point Park, and a connection to Randall's Island Sports Complex.
One reason people struggle with obesity in the South Bronx is the lack of opportunity to exercise safely outdoors. SSBx is developing the South Bronx Greenway to provide safe public space, and create better transportation policy. Integrating traffic calming measures and truck routes that keep trucks away from the residential areas will help integrate physical activity into daily life.
Until the Greenway is built, we are getting people active now!
The South Bronx Active Living Campaign is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Active Living by Design Program. "Active Living" is a public health term which means incorporating physical activity into your daily life. SSBx is developing walking clubs for local residents, including one geared towards parents at PS 48 and one open to any resident who wants to explore Hunts Point history. We are working with local doctors and nurses to create Action Action Plans, similar to Asthma Action Plans that will include advice and information that our local doctors can share with residents about physical activity resources in the neighborhood.
Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects have collected background information on land ownership and site conditions, and conducted surveys and interviews with property and business owners. The City has approved over $10 million to be designated for the Greenway as part of the work of the Hunts Point Task Force, bringing the total of funding for greenway-related projects in the South Bronx to $28.5M over the next few years. SSBx looks forward to moving into the construction phases of the project. First phase projects will include intensive streetscape and bicycle path improvements on Hunts Point Avenue and Lafayette Avenue, two major thoroughfares in Hunts Point; a bridge connecting Randall’s Island and Port Morris under the Hell Gate span; and a new waterfront park adjacent to the new Fulton Fish Market in Hunts Point.
Office: 1231 Lafayette Avenue, 4th Floor • The Bronx, NY 10474 Mailing: 890 Garrison Avenue, 4th Floor • The Bronx, NY 10474 Phone: 646•400•5430 • Fax: 718•617•5228
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.
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
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.
Here is State Senator Eric Adams' endorsement of Jerome Rice:
Bloomberg unveils city budget with higher sales taxes, plastic bag surcharge...I don't mind the plastic bag surcharge for environmental reasons, but this is yet ANOTHER example of how Bloomberg only likes regressive taxes that put the tax burden even more on middle class New Yorkers while wealthy New Yorkers get off easy.
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.
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.
* 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.
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 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
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.
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.
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/
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
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
