Progressive Democrat Issue 220

I am streamlining how I put this newsletter together while also expanding coverage in two states where I have lots of readers: Georgia and New Jersey. Interestingly, readership went down while I was on vacation, but immediately came back up once I started posting again. So I guess you all really do pay attention when I post.

As Sotomayor comes closer and closer to confirmation, and as we have a new Surgeon General (who ran a clinic in Louisiana that she pieced back together herself after Katrina...no thanks to Bush and the Republicans, of course) and unanimous approval by the Senate of a new head of NASA, this represents a hugely important week for America where amazingly qualified minorities are reaching all levels of the Federal government. Meanwhile, the Republican Senators have been showing off their ugliest, most racist sides during the Sotomayor confirmation hearings. Even though they know they are losing the fight, they are putting their worst foot forward and coming off looking like absolute assholes. And, in the process, Republicans are further alienating any support they may ever have had among Hispanics and women. The further loss of the Hispanic vote is covered by Daily Kos in this diary. But the real fact of the matter is Sotomayor is showing herself to be one of the best people we have had appointed for the Supreme Court. Far far better than Alito or Thomas or Bork, the fools the right wing liked.

Meanwhile, Obama was in New Jersey campaigning with Governor Corzine, and he really kicked ass. Here's some video of his speech:



And, of course, this week has been some major advances in the healthcare debate. Republicans, of course, want to fight to keep things as they are or worse. Well, as I have written before, America's healthcare is far from impressive. In fact it is among the most expensive in the world, but is about as good as the healthcare they get in Slovenia, Bosnia and Cuba. It is embarassing! The best option, pushed by Kucinich but generally not on the table and probably not possible to get through Congress, is the single-payer option (discussed in this diary, if a bit buried). But the second best option is the current bill that includes a strong public option. This is our best bet for genuine reform right here and right now. And we have to contact our Congress Critters and urge them to support a strong public option. In this week's newsletter I push three particular Congressional Reps on this issue, one of whom I know personally and all of whom I have supported strongly in the past...and all of whom I respect. I am hoping all three will come around and support a strong public option for healthcare reform. Read my messages to these Congress Critters for more info, and for ideas on what to say when contacting your Congress Critters...beacuse now is the time to fight for real healthcare reform and you, more than anyone else, can convince your Reps. to do the right thing.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Better to Invest Now than Risk Disaster Later

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez: Please Support a Strong Public Option

My Message to Linda Sanchez and Zack Space on Healthcare

Republican Senator Brownback Wasting Our Time and Money

NYC FOCUS: Beware Home Energy Scams Revisited

Brooklyn, NY Focus

Queens, NY Focus

Bronx, NY Focus

Rochester, NY Focus

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS

Orange County, CA Focus

San Diego, CA Focus

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

Passaic County, NJ Focus

Warren County, NJ Focus

Sussex County, NJ Focus

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Dallas County, TX Focus

Austin/Travis County, TX Focus

Houston/Harris County, TX Focus

TEXAS FOCUS

Georgia Action for Health Care

Georgia Democrats Work

Coweta County, GA Focus

GEORGIA FOCUS

VIRGINIA FOCUS

COLORADO FOCUS

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

MICHIGAN FOCUS

Tempe, AZ Campaign Training

ARIZONA FOCUS

WASHINGTON FOCUS

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

WISCONSIN FOCUS

Jacksonville, FL Campaign Training

FLORIDA FOCUS

ILLINOIS FOCUS

MINNESOTA FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

NEVADA FOCUS

Better to Invest Now than Risk Disaster Later

The Detroit Free Press recently had a great article on global warming and the recent Climate Bill. Some excerpts:

For a price that reaches about $14.50 per month per household by 2020, it certainly seems worthwhile to insure against being damned by future generations.

Even in the unlikely event that the scientific consensus about global warming emissions were to prove wildly wrong, there still would be honor in having taken action to protect as yet unknown offspring. And even if the first U.S. plan to ratchet back on global warming gases looks sadly weak, it nonetheless marks a commitment that Americans have dodged until now...

But the U.S. House-passed bill is a start, and the Senate needs to follow through. Having a framework in place allows the United States at least to hold up its head among other nations, especially in front of fast-developing countries such as China and India. Those nations' ability -- and motivation -- to control global-warming gases may well have the most impact on whether the worst climate-change scenarios play out.

A framework for controlling carbon dioxide emissions also gives the United States a structure that Congress can tighten or ease as the country learns more and, with luck, makes major technological strides. Every journey begins with that first step. Americans must not be afraid to take it.

The Climate Bill of course does not go far enough in the eyes of most scientists studying global warming. It is too little almost too late...but it is a start. We need more government action and more private action. In most of my state focus pages I highlight some combination of alternative energy groups and programs, biodiesel stations, food co-ops and sustainable living programs. Getting involved in one or more of these can help you become a part of the solution.

Of course you can save money as well as energy by having an energy audit, buying compact fluorescent bulbs, buying energy star appliances, buying or renting hybrid cars or biodiesel cars.

You can also Contact your energy company if you don't find from my state focus pages how to do this in your state. Or use this site to find what is available to you in terms of purchasing renewable energy. It could be one of the most important things you ever do for the future.

You can also offset your carbon use (partly or completely...every bit helps) through any of the following excellent programs:

Native Energy

Carbon Fund

Trees, Water, People

I have also invested in alternative energy companies (and even made money doing so even in these bad economic times) like Sunpower and Western Wind Energy.

Our government has taken the first tenative step. Let's hope they continue. But we also have to take steps as individuals. Between our government's tentative steps and our own individual tenatative steps, maybe we can do what it takes to mitigate global warming.

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez: Please Support a Strong Public Option

Over at Daily Kos they have a round up of which Congressional reps are supporting, leaning towards supporting, or uncommitted/leaning against a strong public option for healthcare reform.

A Congresswoman I respect, Nydia Velazquez, is in the uncommitted/leaning against category. I would like to ask Nydia to please join her many colleagues in supporting a strong public option.

What does this mean?

From the Congressional Progressive Caucus (via the Daily Kos article):

The Congressional Progressive Caucus calls for a robust public option that must:

* Enact concurrently with other significant expansions of coverage and must not be conditioned on private industry actions.
* Consist of one entity, operated by the federal government, which sets policies and bears the risk for paying medical claims to keep administrative costs low and provide a higher standard of care.
* Be available to all individuals and employers across the nation without limitation
* Allow patients to have access to their choice of doctors and other providers that meet defined participation standards, similar to the traditional Medicare model, promote the medical home model, and eliminate lifetime caps on benefits.
* Have the ability to structure the provider rates to promote quality care, primary care, prevention, chronic care management, and good public health.
* Utilize the existing infrastructure of successful public programs like Medicare in order to maintain transparency and consumer protections for administering processes including payment systems, claims and appeals.
* Establish or negotiate rates with pharmaceutical companies, durable medical equipment providers, and other providers to achieve the lowest prices for consumers.
* Receive a level of subsidy and support that is no less than that received by private plans.
* Ensure premiums must be priced at the lowest levels possible, not tied to the rates of private insurance plans.

In conclusion, the public plan, like all other qualified plans, must redress historical disparities in underrepresented communities. It must provide a standard package of comprehensive benefits including dental, vision, mental health and prescription drug coverage with no pre-existing condition exclusions. It must limit cost-sharing so that there are no barriers to care, and incorporate up-to-date best practice models to improve quality and lower costs. All plans, including the public plan, must include coverage for evidence-based preventive health services at minimal or no co-pay. All plans, including the public plan, should be at least as transparent as traditional Medicare.

Bouldin previously linked to Nadler's piece supporting the public option that also gives a good arguement. Also, 75% of Americans support a public option.

The Congress Critters already committed to this include (among others), my own Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke, as well as others I am proud to have supported in the past: Keith Ellison, Dennis Kucinich (supported him in his recent re-election, not for President), Eric Massa, Jerry Nadler, Maxine Waters, Diane Watson, Linda Sanchez, Mike Honda, and John Hall. I would ask Nydia Velazquez to join these other Congress Critters in supporting the public option.

I also urge people to contact their Congress Critters to urge them to support the public option as well.

My Message to Linda Sanchez and Zack Space on Healthcare

I spend a great deal of time and money supporting Democrats all around the nation. Among those I fought to get elected, both with blogging time, appeals to friends for donations, and my own donations, were Linda Sanchez of California and Zack Space of Ohio. Long before that I also helped Linda's sister, Loretta Sanchez, with money...this was before blogging so I could only give money.

In general I do not regret helping even somewhat conservative Democrats get elected because they are always better than the Republicans they replace. But...sometimes I do get frustrated with what I see as a disconnect between the relatively progressive words they utter to get elected and the more conservative stands they take. Now is a time when I want to see those Democrats I helped elect deliver for America.

Right now America has a chance to FINALLY get real healthcare reform. I have blogged about how America's helthcare system is one of the most expensive in the world but only delivers mediocre outcomes, on par with places like Slovenia, Portugal, Albania, Bosnia, Kazakhstan...and even Cuba and North Korea. This takes into account a large number of measurable outcomes including probability of not reaching 60 years old, healthy life expectancy and respiratory disease child death rate. Our healthcare is both far more expensive and far less effective than the healthcare systems in Sweden, Canada, the UK and the Netherlands. We are doing it wrong in BOTH in terms of excessively high costs AND excessively poor benefits. We need reform and we need to reform in ways that learns from those nations that do it much better and even cheaper: Sweden, UK, Canada and the Netherlands.

Right now in Congress we have the chance to start reforming our system in the right way, a way that will overall reduce costs an improve outcomes. This is the public option.

Linda Sanchez and Zack Space: I helped get you two elected with both my time and my money because I trusted both of you to make the right decisions most of the time. Look carefully at the numbers. America is doing it wrong when it comes to healthcare and you have the chance to reform that for the better. I ask you to support a strong Public Option for healthcare. This may be the single most important thing you can do for working and middle class Americans: reduce their healthcare costs and improve their healthcare outcomes. The numbers speak for themselves. Sweden, Netherlands, UK and Canada are consistently, across almost all measures of quality for healthcare, better off than America for less money per capita. I trust you, Conrgesswoman Sanchez and Congressman Space, to see that and to start moving us away from healthcare that costs too much but barely beats the healthcare in places like Slovenia, Cuba and Albania to one that learns from the best there is in the world.

Do me proud. Make me happy that I put the time and effort into your elections. In the case of Zack Space I did so more than once and long before anyone else supported you. Do me proud.

Republican Senator Brownback Wasting Our Time and Money

This man is Senator Sam Brownback...Republican extremist:


(picture from Orbitcast)

He has introduced a bill to the US Senate that goes like this:

The Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act would ban the creation of human-animal hybrids. Human-animal hybrids are defined as those part-human, part-animal creatures, which are created in laboratories, and blur the line between species. The bill is modest in scope and only affects efforts to blur the genetic lines between animals and humans.

Which basically seems aimed at protecting America from this:


(picture from Babyblogblog)

Yes...that's right, the Republican extremist Senator from Kansas wants to protect America from fantasies. I am a developmental biologist and I can tell you that no one, NO ONE is trying to make a human-animal hybrid and it is abyssmally stupid to introduce this bill. If voters in Kansas aren't embarassed as hell by Brownback's stupid bill, they sure as hell should be.

It is no wonder Republicans are so unpopular right now. The Democrats are working to get a sane energy policy that addresses global warming and gives us energy independence, working to create American jobs, working to restore our standing in the world, and generally GOVERNING. Republicans are trying to protect us from myths and fantasies. What fools. Sadly, foolishness like Broanback's wastes the time of the Senate and that costs the taxpayers money.

NYC FOCUS: Return of the Home Energy Scam

I wrote about this some time ago, but apparently the home energy scams are back according to a reader. I just got a comment on an earlier post on this that indicates these scum are back at it. Here is the comment I just got:

It seems they are on the prowl everywhere. I live in WIlliamsburg, Brooklyn and just had an IDT rep ring my door as well. It wasn't until I quickly googled them that I saw all these warnings about "IDT scams" - luckily BEFORE i signed anything. Thanks!

I called ConEd afterwards and you can choose them as your supplier through ConEd if you wish, after doing research, instead of in the 10 minutes rush that these reps put you through. I asked if I could submit the forms online or mail them back to him so I have some time to think about it and the rep said "sorry but no" - that's the one clear sign that it's a scam. I'm glad that there are so many warnings online about this! Much appreciated!

And here is my original warning from January:

Apparently (and not surprisingly) some of those sales pitches you get about switching your energy provider are actually scams. I want to pass along a warning on the scams and pass along my own view of a legit energy choice.

From Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights (a group I was not previously aware of, and thanks to Park Slope Neighbors for pointing them out) comes this info on a scam hitting New Yorkers (PDF):

As a result of the deregulation of our local power companies, you can choose your third-party energy supplier through Con Edison or National Grid. Don’t allow a stranger to Force you to choose through deceptive, coercive or even illegal sales techniques. There has been an epidemic of local residents being intimidated into changing their provider due to misrepresentations by third-party sales staff of regional energy service companies (escos) going door-to-door claiming to “save you money on your electric or gas bill.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Here’s how not to get scammed and “escos slammed” if you are visited or called by a sales RepResentative claiming to woRk FoR a utility company.

1. Know the scam: “ESCOS slamming” begins when a representative of an ESCOS such as IDT Energy either misrepresents him/herself (“Hi, I work for Con Ed/National Grid”) OR misrepresents his/her intent (“Show me your Con Ed/National Grid bill—I want to save you money.”)

2. Know the “slam”: “ESCOS slamming” happens when a third party provider’s sales reps (usually door-to-door salespeople) entice you into signing up for their “service” (e.g., IDT Energy misrepresents itself as being a direct provider to energy companies and thus if you “buy direct” from them, you will see a 7% reduction on your energy bill) OR sign you up for their service without your permission, by obtaining your personal information (name, address, Con Ed account number) or even by forging your signature. In many cases, instead of a reduction, you will see an increase in your monthly bill by $100 or more.

3. Know your rights: It is your choice to use a third-party energy supplier and only your choice (for more info, visit www.poweryourway.com for a list of ESCOS and options [EDITOR'S NOTE: I recommend, as I will say below, choosing the Green Energy option]. If you get pressured into switching to a third-party provider, Just say no. If you were pressured to sign up with a different provider, feel you were mislead and signed up or were switched to a different energy company without your permission (“slammed”) call the number on your con edison or national grid bill immediately. You can refuse the service over the phone. You may still need to call the ESCOS to confirm the change has been made. Do it immediately!

4. Take action: Even if you have not been scammed or “slammed,” you can take immediate control of your energy accounts by asking for an “escos freeze” on your accounts, requiring any changes to your account to come from you, not from a third-party ESCOS. If you have been scammed or “slammed,” request the “ESCOS freeze” immediately once you have restored Con Ed or National Grid as your energy provider.

5. File a complaint: If you have been scammed or “slammed,” you can file a complaint and make a difference. Complaints can be filed with:

Better Business Bureau http://welcome.bbb.org/

NYS Public Service Commission http://www.dps.state.ny.us or 1-800-342-3377

Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

you can always contact your local elected officials and community board for assistance.

Now there ARE good energy options, and don't let these scams scare you away from choosing your own energy option. Joy and I chose to go green through ConEd Solutions three years ago. Our energy comes 100% from wind power through our normal ConEd bill, and we pay only a little more a month (I think 2.5 cents per kWh). There is also a mixture of 35% wind power and 65% small, run-of-the-river hydropower option which I think they added after we signed up. In some cases this is offset by incentives. We didn't really notice a difference when we switched and we know we are no longer adding to the major pollution problem that local power stations generate here in Brooklyn. If you signed up for this program, you would be making a HUGE difference in combating global warming. It could be the most significant thing you did this year.

So beware the scam and join us in buying Green Energy.

BROOKLYN, NY: Clubs, Candidates and Co-ops

Brooklyn has some GREAT candidates running this year that really deserve your support. We also have several excellent political organizations that need your help fighting the deep-rooted corruption that we find in Brooklyn. And, for those who want high quality, excellent food at cheap prices, at the bottom of this page I list three local food co-ops: Park Slope, Flatbush and the new Bay Ridge Food Co-ops.

EUGENE MYRICK FOR BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT:

Eugene Myrick is running for Brooklyn Borough President against Angry Clown and homophobe supporter Marty Markowitz (see also here for the Angry Clown story). Here is Eugene Myrick's video:




CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES IN BROOKLYN:

Josh Skaller for City Council.

"Josh has always fought for fiscal responsibility and the progressive solutions needed to reform city government"

--Jim Dean
Chair of Democracy For America (DFA)

Video of Howard Dean (Jim Dean's brother) endorsing Josh Skaller:



Josh has also been endorsed by Assemblyman Jim Brennan, State Senator Eric Adams, Civil Rights attorney (and Public Advocate candidate) Norman Siegel, Joint Council 16, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Teamsters Locals 111, 202, 237, 295, 851 and 854, New York Metro Area Postal Union, APWU, AFL-CIO, SEIU, Special Officers and Guards, Local 177SEIU, Special Officers and Guards, Local 177, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Democracy for New York City, Democracy for America, The New York Community Council, Carroll Gardens Coalition for Respectful Development, and Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus.

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 was the first of the candidates running in this district to take the position of cleaning up Brooklyn’s toxic Gowanus Canal before development progresses. Most other candidates followed his lead with varying degrees of reluctance. You can read a bit more about this issue here (complete with some disgusting pictures my wife took of the canal).

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


33rd City Council District: Jo Anne Simon. You can read my detailed rundown of this race here. Jo Anne has been endorsed by Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, 504 Democrats, and Lambda Independent Democrats. Her main opponent is a lackey of party boss Vito Lopez and is anti-reform. Here is an interesting article on Jo Anne Simon and Judge Sotomayor

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

36th City Council District: There are two candidates I have heard good things about. Saquan Jones and Mark Winston Griffith. I am not endorsing in this race, but I do recommend people check out both of these two gentleman and give the one you prefer some support.

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.

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.


PLASTIC RECYCLING IN BROOKLYN:

Recycling of plastics not accepted in the city recycling can be done at the Park Slope Food Co-op at 782 Union Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)

Bring clean, dry plastic to the Coop's sidewalk during monthly recycling hours. We close up promptly. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the collection end time to allow for inspection and sorting of your plastic:

2nd Sat., 10 AM-2 PM
3rd Thur., 7 PM-9 PM
Last Sun., 10 AM-2 PM.

As of 2/16/09 and until further notice, we collect....

* #1 and #6 transparent plastics (Labels OK. Mouth is wide or wider than the body, meaning NOT bottles.)
* #5 plastic tubs, cups & specifically marked lids and caps. Must be especially clean and dry. (Discard any with paper labels, or cut the labels off.)
* Plastic film and bubble wrap. 100% transparent only -- must be able to see through the plastic. No colored or opaque. No paper labels. Minimal writing OK.

All the above must be brought to the Coop CLEAN AND DRY.

Note: We are no longer accepting #2 or #4 type plastics.

These changes result from a significant decline in the worldwide market for recyclable materials that has affected recycling programs everywhere. Please be patient and cooperate with us as we adjust to these changes, as well as to any further changes that may be necessary.

We are currently updating our literature and will make new fliers available as soon as possible. Or, contact us at plasticrecycling@foodcoop.com.

And on a related note, you can help increase the demand for recycled plastic products by shopping through these companies that specialize in recycled plastic products (including lumber!!).


Friends & Residents of Greater Gowanus (FROGG)

We are a community based grass-roots organization advocating for environmentally sound community planning for the Gowanus Canal neighborhoods.

The Gowanus Canal is a very unique resource for our community and all of New York. It has long historal significant as a pre-industrial and industrial transportation waterway in addition to playing a significant roll in the Battle of Brooklyn. This natural tidal estuary connects our urban world to the waters that surround us and opens our city to the natural habitat it was built upon. Even today, it provides an open sky, early industrial/estuary landscape that can not be matched anywhere in our city.

With extensive urban Brownfields and an Aquatic Brownfield standing, we work to see this water way brought back to life with water quality standards that sincerely meet state standards for fishable and contact use; not only for the community but also for local wildlife.

For more information: FROGGcommunity@earthlink.net


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.


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:

New Food Co-op Coming to Brooklyn: (info sent to me by a reader)

They are not active yet, but their website is: http://www.foodcoopbayridge.com

They are recruiting new members and looking to open summer/fall 2010.

For more info, and if you want to get in at the start, you can email ( fcbrmembership@gmail.com ), call ( 347-247-8172 ) or follow them on Twitter (twitter.com/thefoodcoop) or on Facebook.

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.

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

Some Reminders about Traitor Espada: Espada is among the sleaziest people in Albany...and that is saying A LOT. Some examples:

Key Senate Coup Player Pedro Espada: Corrupt or Crazy or Both

Bronx DA and Andrew Cuomo Investigating State Senator Espada

Espada Never Seen in Bronx Residence...really lives in Westchester

Healthcare Funds Go to Espada Campaign, Not to Healthcare...and again

Espada's "nonprofits" rife with "administrative deficiencies and apparent misuse of funds"

And the REAL reason for Espada's coup may be that Democrats refused to play his game with the very groups Espada is under investigation for: Before Defecting, Espada Sought $2 Million for Bronx Groups


BRONX CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE:

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


Watch Jerome Rice in News  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

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.

Here is State Senator Eric Adams' endorsement of Jerome Rice:


Watch Senator Eric Adams Endorses Jerome Rice in Activism & Non-Profit  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com


GREEN JOBS, NOT JAILS

This comes from Sustainable South Bronx.

The City of New York is still moving forward with their plans for a jail in the South Bronx. We’ve been hearing these rumors and plans for a while, but have recently been alerted that the approval proceedings are moving forward. This has to stop. At a time when folks are losing their jobs and prisons are shutting down, why would we still invest over half a billion dollars on a jail that stands to only result in the continuation of limited opportunity. To these ends, we have launched our Green Jobs Not Jails campaign on Facebook. Already we’ve collected over 600 signatures against the proposal. Please join the cause today and sign our online petition. Help us tell the City of New York that communities deserve green jobs, real alternatives to incarceration, not developments that limit our community’s future opportunities. Stay tuned for additional events for our Green Jobs Not Jails campaign.

As we continue to face the challenges affecting our communities, we should all give thought to the types of sustainable communities we can create. Communities filled with green jobs, clean tech businesses, green roofs, solar panels, healthy children, healthy food, clean air, healthy homes and trees. As our new president inspires us to face some of our country's greatest challenges, SSBx will continue to serve the South Bronx Community and share our work across the globe. We ask that you help us, work with us, support us, and join us.


La Familia Verde Community Garden:

La Familia Verde is a coalition of community gardens in the Crotona, East Tremont, and West Farms neighborhoods in the Bronx. Formed in 1998, our mission is to sustain the environment and culture of our neighborhood through education, community service, and horticulture.

La Familia Verde is part of a community gardening tradition in New York City that dates back over 25 years, when city residents first began taking control of abandoned lots left by the economic and social devastation of the inner cities. Since that time, community gardens have played an important role in helping revitalize some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. The gardens are not only pleasing to look at; they serve as educational, cultural, and social resource centers in traditionally underserved communities.

Today, La Familia Verde is comprised of more than ten community-operated gardens and various community based organizations. The gardens and community organizations help foster community pride, partnership, and activism.

You can read about their projects here.

La Familia Verde
2158 Mapes Avenue
Bronx, NY 10460
http://www.lafamiliaverde.org/


South Bronx Greenway Project

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


SOUTH BRONX FOOD CO-OP:

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)

Website: http://www.sbxfc.org/

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

Rochester, NY: Democracy for America, Drinking Liberally, Progressive Potlucks, Food Co-op

Alternative Energy in Rochester:

Rochester Solar Technologies Solar and wind power for Rochester, NY

Rochester Solar Technologies is a Rochester New York based solar and wind renewable energy company. As a division of O'Connell Electric Company Inc. one of the largest electrical companies in New York, we are growing and expanding the renewable energy sector to meet our customer’s needs. Rochester Solar Technologies and O'Connell Electric are members of NECA and the IBEW. We have also been in the electrical industry since 1911.

We specialize in solar electric installations and service. We also offer consultation for on-grid and off-grid applications in New York State. As an international resource for sustainable energy products, we are making the connections between green power USA, and the renewable energy market in Canada.

See for yourself: Green Buildings 2009 tour Rochester New York

Click here to estimate which size system is right for you.

Click here for more information and to find out how you can begin generating energy.


Here is a Food Co-op in Rochester, NY:

Abundance Cooperative Market
62 Marshall Street
Rochester, New York 14607
Phone: (585) 454-2667
FAX: (585) 454-0343
info@abundance.coop
http://www.abundance.coop/

Open to the public 7 days a week, Abundance Cooperative Market is Rochester, New York’s only community-owned natural grocery store. We are located at 62 Marshall Street off Monroe Avenue, just 2 blocks from Strong Children’s Museum, with convenient access to I-490, the Inner Loop, and Downtown. Free WI-FI too!

Abundance product selection promotes healthy and sustainable food practices. We offer a wide selection of grocery items (with many vegan & gluten free options) including; bulk goods, fresh organic produce, housewares, health and nutritional supplements, natural body care products, books, gifts, and our own fresh and organic, eat-in deli.

They also have a good list of classes.


Here is a Democracy for America Group in Rochester, NY:

DFA Rochester is an organization founded upon the grassroots spirit born in Howard Dean’s campaign to take back our country. We have a year-long history as Rochester For Dean—the local group who concentrated on putting Howard Dean in the White House. While we are mainly Democrats, we welcome everyone.

DFA Rochester is an organization of grassroots leaders who strive to take back our country—one issue at a time…one neighborhood at a time. We work hard to support progressive, honest candidates. We perform community-enriching service through DFA Corps events. We are taking up residence on our town committees. Most important we are both individual voices and a strong collective of voices. Our voices are being heard!

Quite simply we are wherever you are. DFA Rochester serves the greater Rochester area which includes our very active Livingston County, NY group. We are also linked to groups statewide. At present our meetings take place monthly in Rochester and Geneseo. We encourage you to join us and plan meetings in your local area!

Want to get involved?

DFA Rochester is always looking to welcome new members.

Email us today at: dfarochester_at_gmail.com


Green Drinks - Rochester Chapter
Every Fourth Thursday, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Where: Tap & Mallet.at 381 Gregory St. Rochester, NY 585.473.0503

DescriptionGreen Drinks - Rochester Chapter Every month people who work in green business meet up for libations at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. We have a lively mixture of people from academia, government and business. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network. Every Fourth Thursday, 6:00-7:30 PM. Tap & Mallet at 381 Gregory St. Rochester, NY 585.473.0503 In association with US Green Building Council. The event is FREE, with no need to register. http://www.ceinfo.org/ugbn/events.php


DRINKING LIBERALLY ROCHESTER:

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.

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


Potluck for Progressives Rochester:

Join us for a community dinner. Everyone is welcome. Bring a dish to pass & your own place setting. Enjoy the bounty that others bring as well.

Downtown United Presbyterian Church
121 North Fitzhugh Street @ 5:30pm
Across from Rochester City Hall.
Free parking in the City Hall parking lot.

At each Potluck we highlight a different Progressive organization and/or activist, talk about our successes, exchange ideas, help each other overcome challenges and/or plan actions together.

The Potluck for Progressives, founded by members of the Rochester chapter of the Alliance for Democracy, has been bringing committed activists together to break bread & coordinate action on a regular basis for the past several years with the goal of building a large progressive coalition in Rochester.

Activists who have a wide range of experience & who's concerns span the entire spectrum from environmental issues to social & economic justice find common ground in the dream of building a powerful local coalition here in our community. Every time we meet together we take another step towards our goal.

To get involved, email here: info@RochesterAlliance.org

Orange County, CA Focus

Loretta Sanchez comes out for Public Option: I know some consider her too conservative, but I have always liked Loretta Sanchez. Not only did she defeat (twice!) one of the most insane right wing nuts ever (Bob Dornan) but she has a sense of style all her own. Here's the video:



CA-48: An analysis


Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County: The Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County are dedicated to the mission of electing LGBT and Pro-Equality Democrats in California and throughout the country.

The Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County typically meet on the last Sunday of the month:

Local 50 Union Hall
527 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805

Click here to join.


Orange County Biodiesel Cooperative: Working together to increase availability of biodiesel in the Orange County region. Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in the USA from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy. Go to their website to sign up for more info.


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

Jul 19 Sunday noon-4pm, Irvine: ACLU Potluck Orange County ACLU and KPFK potluck in the park.
Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Drive, Irvine. Shelter #1. (714) 956-5037. quetzalcoatl38@aol.com.

Jul 19 Sunday 1:30pm, Irvine: Humanist Association of Orange County Pending confirmation of our speaker on the Bahai faith, we shall hear about and disciuss this religion which originated in Iran and one which is not ver familiar to most of us. If our soeaker does not come through, we shall have an open forum on topics of interest, maybe discuss recent political events in Iran.
Irvine Ranch Water District building located at 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. Irvine, CA 92618 ochumanists.org

Jul 20 Monday 7pm, Mission Viejo: Canyon Democrats regular meeting. Melahat Rafiei and Lindsay Hopkins from the DPOC will speak on the 34 City Strategy and the progressive Council of Orange County. A great opportunity to gain insight into the relationship of the DPOC to the local clubs. Norman Murray Senior Center 24932 Veteran's Way. For more information, go to canyondemocrats.org

Jul 21 Tuesday 8am-2:30pm, Silverado: ¡Viaje a la aldea antigua! (Trek to an Ancient Village!) Stay in shape! Learn about Orange County's history and ecology!
Contact Scott: (714)381-5331 naturalist-for-you.org
Where: Black Star Canyon, Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676 (map)
Description: Venture into the infamous Black Star Canyon, where a Native American massacre happened in the 1830s. Follow an abandoned country road through woodlands, purple sage, and chaparral to the Mariposa Preserve, a high valley where sycamore groves cut through an extensive grassland. Historically known as Hidden Ranch, the property is now owned by The Wildlands Conservancy. Impressive rock formations occasionally poke through the scrubby vegetation. Learn about the survival skills of the local tribe who occupied a village site, known as Pahav. Find evidence of the tribal people in a mystic meadow surrounded by gnarly oak trees. Observe different habitats for a chance to see local wildlife, especially birds. See how elevation influences the occurrence of certain plant species. Who: 18 and older Where: Black Star Canyon, Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676. Take Santiago Canyon Rd east from Jamboree, follow past Irvine Lake, turn left on Silverado Cyn Rd, turn left on Black Star Cyn Rd, follow all the way to white pipe gate and park. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, roughly 10 miles round-trip, full sun exposure, wide dirt road, over a thousand feet of elevation gain.

Jul 21 Tuesday 5:30-6pm, Tustin: National Farm Worker Ministry PRAYER VIGIL FOR THE CALIFORNIA FARM WORKERS WHO HAVE DIED SINCE 2004 In front of Trader Joe's, 12932 Newport Avenue, Tustin
NFWM and the United Farm Workers are holding prayer vigils throughout the summer to honor the lives of 15 farm workers who have died of heat-related deaths since 2004. Each year, many farm workers are denied water, rest, and shade by their employers as they work for hours under the hot summer sun, despite laws in California to protect farm workers from these very violations. Last summer alone, 6 farm workers lost their lives and with the summer upon us, it is time to join together in a call for justice. (See also July 26)
For more info: Suzanne Darweesh SDarweesh@aol.com (714) 732-9101 Sponsored by Orange County Chapter of Progressive Christians Uniting

Jul 26 Sunday 11am-2pm, San Clemente: Military Families Beach Barbecue to honor the sacrifice of our military families from Camp Pendleton Help us reach out to Blue Star families. We want to give them a fun family day on the beach in San Clemente with a barbecue and games for the kids. San Clemente Beach Email: lori@hedrickforcongres.com

Jul 30 (Last Thursday) 7:30pm, Irvine: Amnesty International Group #178 Irvine July meeting canceled For more details, see our website. For further information about the meeting, please see our group meeting page. For additional questions, please get in touch with us via our contact page.

Aug 4 Tuesday 8am-9:30am, Newport Beach: Breakfast with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez! Balboa Bay Club 1221 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach
Special Guests: Members of Congress to be announced! Suggested contribution: Individual Tickets $100 Table of 8 $1000 Individual Sponsor $2400 PAC Sponsor $5000 Please RSVP to Kelly Martinez at 714-832-4431 or kmartinez@loretta.org

Aug 5 Wednesday: DFA-OC normally meets the first Wednesday of the month. However, we will NOT meet in August. Meetings will resume monthly on Sept. 2, 7 pm, Karl Strauss Brewery, 901 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa. Contact: Susan Kopicki @ sckopicki@yahoo.com

Aug 6 Thursday 6:30pm, Anaheim: Hooray! Arianna Huffington is coming to the OC! It is our honor to invite you to join us for a very special evening with author, syndicated columnist and Huffington Post founder, Arianna Huffington.
Individual Ticket Levels: $75 for General Admission $60 for Sustaining Members FREE for Members of the Progressive Council of Orange County
Sheraton Park Hotel, 1855 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802 Click here to RSVP and get your tickets today! If you prefer to pay by check or have any questions, please contact Melahat Rafiei at 714-835-5158 or Melahat@OCDemocrats.org.

Aug 15 Saturday noon-4pm, Irvine: OC LGBT Pride Festival: Picnic in the Park with Pride 2009 William R. Mason Regional Park, on University Drive in Irvine The Festival will be centered at Shelter 6 in Mason Park Sponsored by the Orange County Equality Coalition Bring a picnic lunch. Admission is free to all. Families are welcome. Dogs are permitted. (But no alcohol please.) Carpooling is encouraged, as parking is limited and OC Parks charge for parking.
The After Party Steelhead Brewery at 4175 Campus Drive in Irvine welcomes the OC LGBT Pride After-Party from 4-8 pm Contact us at oclgbtpride@gmail.com or visit sites.google.com/site/oclgbtpride

Aug 22 Saturday 11am-2pm, Irvine: Women For: Orange County, Twenty-Ninth Annual Suffrage Day Celebration! University Club at UCI, 801 E. Peltason Dr., 11:00am to 2:00pm. This year's honorees are: Elaine Booth, Women For and OC progressive activist; Pam Allison, Project Hope; Chay Peterson, OC environmental and humanitarian activist, and Debbie Cook, Post Carbon Institute and former Mayor, Huntington Beach. The Suffrage Day Luncheon is open to all. Reservations with payment of $45 are due August 8th. Please make check payable to Women For: Orange County, and mail to: "Suffrage Day", 19192 Sierra Isabelle, Irvine, CA 92603. (To request a vegan meal, please write "VEG" in the memo line on your check.) Registration begins at 11:00am. Lunch will be served at noon in the Dining Room. Information 949.276.7298, womenforoc.org

San Diego, CA Focus

Some San Diego News:

Gay sailor murdered on base, DADT prevented stalking report that might have saved his life


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:

Meet-and-greet cocktail reception/discussion with Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, Democratic Candidate for the 45th CD. Tuesday, July 21st, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. At the home of Kevin Tilden & Dr. Philip Diamond, 4215 Arden Way, Mission Hills. No contribuion requested! RSVP to Greg at 619.727.1191 or gevans415@yahoo.com

San Diego County Democratic Central Committee meeting. Tuesday, July 21st, at 7:00 pm. In the Union Street entrance. MAP. Our meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to attend! Info.: 858.277.3367 or info@sddemocrats.org.

"The World According To Monsanto" - a free documentary film. Thursday, July 21st, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. This eye-opening forerunner to "Food Inc" is about Monsantos threat to our agricultural biodiversity. Donations accepted. Sponsored by Home Int'l and GoodOnYa Organic Bars At Lestat's West Showroom (next to Lestat's Coffeehouse), 3339 Adams Ave, SD 92116 (about 5 blocks east of 30th and Adams). Info: info@HomeIntl.org or 619.330.9798. More at http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/3033292

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, July 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."

Cocktail and dinner reception honoring Attorney General Jerry Brown. Thursday, July 23rd, 6:00 pm. At the home of Marcy and Jeffrey Krinsk, 567 Gage Lane, San Diego 92106. Guests $500. Info: Lynn Schenk at 858.523.6265 or las@schenklaw.us

Dim Sum Brunch with Betty Yee (Chairwoman - State Board of Equalization). Saturday, July 25th, 10:30 am. At Pearl Restaurant in RB, 11666 Avena Place, San Diego 92128. $30/person. Info/RSVP: Judy Ki YellowDogs@cox.net or (858) 486-8336

La Jolla Democratic Club monthly meeting. Sunday, July 26th, business meeting 1:00-2:00 pm, program from 2:00-4:00. The topic will be 'Unanswered Questions About 9/11.' At the La Jolla Public Library 7555 Draper St., La Jolla 92037. Info: Michael Mcquary at 858 752 9544, michael_mcquary@yahoo.com or http://www.lajollademocrats.org

Point Loma Democratic Club meeting. Sunday July 26th, 4:00 PM. Assembly Member Lori Saldana will be the guest speaker. At the Point Loma Assembly building, 3035 Talbot St., just west of Rosecrans. Info: Ruth Rollins at 619-222-9344.

Santee Democratic Club Meeting. Tuesday, July 28th, 7:30 pm. At the Carlton Hills Lutheran Church, 9735 Halberns Blvd, Santee. Info: Pat Hurley phurley@cox.net or 619 258 9190. www.santeedemocrats.org

Mesa Democratic Club Booth at Clairemont Family Fun Day. Saturday, August 1st from 8:00 am to 4 pm. Pancake breakfast, car show, live entertainment, free swimming at the pool and many booths including our Mesa Booth. Info: president@mesa.sddem.org or hhttp://www.mesa.sddem.org/

Meet & Greet w/Tracy Emblem, Candidate California’s 50th Congressional District. Friday, August 1st, 4:00-6:00 PM. Dust off your safari gear and join civic activists, pioneers, local leaders and the Rancho Bernardo Democratic Club for an Elephant Hunt/ Fundraiser to take out Brian Bilbray. At the Elephant Bar, 17051 W. Bernardo Dr. (RB) 92127. Minimum suggested contribution: $35. RSVP: 760-300-5837 or info@TracyEmblemForCongress.com

San Diego Democracy For America Meetup (SD DFA) meeting. Wednesday, August 5th, social at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 pm, social at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 pm. Giovanni's Restaurant, 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 92123 (Corner of Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Ruffin Rd. across from Registrar of Voters). Info: Carol (858) 459-7044. or cchangus@san.rr.com.

East County Caucus For The San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee meeting. Saturday, August 8th, 9:30 to 11:00 am. At CWA Local 9400 Union Hall, 566 E. Main Street, El Cajon 92020. Info: Christopher Pearson chrispearson11@hotmail.com

Mesa Democratic Club's Annual Pot Luck. Saturday, August, 8th, noon to 4:00 pm. Members, friends, electeds and candidates welcome. Newt & Laura will share their lovely home at 3829 Sioux Ave in Clairemont. Bring your favorite dish. Info: president@mesa.sddem.org

The Escondido Democratic Club meeting. Thursday, August 13th, 7:00 pm. The topic will be wastewater disposal, with guest speakers from the City of Escondido and the Escondido Creek Conservancy. At the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. in Escondido. Light refreshments. Info: Rick Moore at communications@escondidodems.org or 760-740-8595.

Council of Clubs meeting. Saturday, August 15th, 10:00 am. Monthly meeting of Democratic Club leadership at SDCDP Headquarters, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Ste. 108. Info: clubs@sddemocrats.org

Democratic Club of Carlsbad-Oceanside Summer Fundraiser. Sunday, August 16th, 1 - 5 PM. Catered buffet from Tuscany Restaurant-Carlsbad. Many excellent auction items. Featured speaker: Ferial Masry from Ventura County, a writer, educator, and mother of an Iraqi soldier. Ms. Masry is hoping to be the first Saudi-American woman elected to the California State Assembly, running for the 37th A.D. in next year's elections. At the Carlsbad Woman's Club, 3320 Monroe St., Carlsbad (4 blocks east of Freeway off Carlsbad Village Dr., in the Carlsbad High School area.). Info: Kathi Carbone, 760-521-2286, kcfc@cox.net.

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, August 19th, 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 Democracy For America Meetup (SD DFA) meeting. Wednesday, September 2nd, 7:00 - 8:45 pm (social at 6:00 pm). Councilmember Donna Frye will discuss 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.

San Diego County Democratic Central Committee meeting. Tuesday, September 15th, at 7:00 pm. In the Basement Conference Room of the State of California Building, 1350 Front St. (Corner of Ash and Front Streets). Note: Use Union Street entrance. MAP. Our meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to attend! Info.: 858.277.3367 or info@sddemocrats.org.

Council of Clubs meeting. Saturday, September 19th, 10:00 am. Monthly meeting of Democratic Club leadership at SDCDP Headquarters, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Ste. 108. Info: clubs@sddemocrats.org

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, September 23rd, 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 County Democratic Convention. Saturday, September 26th. In what promises to be San Diego's largest Democratic campaign event of the year, the daylong County Convention will feature workshops, policy forums, networking opportunities, and appearances by candidates for statewide and local office. For the first time, the San Diego County Democratic Party will be holding our convention jointly with the California Democratic Council, the statewide association of Democratic clubs and county committees. At the historic Naval Training Center Promenade in Point Loma. Online registration for the Convention will open in July. For more information contact the County Democratic Party at (858) 277-3367 or info@sddemocrats.org.


SAN DIEGO FOOD CO-OPS:

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

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

They also have a good community events calendar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ché Café

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

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

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

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

General Store

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

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

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

Passaic County, NJ Focus

Here are some Democratic and Community Supported Agriculture groups in Passaic County, NJ

Passaic County Democracy for New Jersey
First Thursday of the Month
meets at Puzo's Restaurant (Upstairs)
4 Garfield Ave.
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/passaic

Passaic County DFA is a grassroots community of progressives. We meet each month to talk politics, plan events, and engage in citizen activism. Join us!

Passaic County DFA is a Coalition Partner with DFA New Jersey and Democracy for America.

Hawthorne Democrats The local Democratic Party of Hawthorne, NJ
Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month, 8 PM at the Llewellyn Fire House (no meeting listed in August)

For a schedule of local events, go here.

Bear Swamp Farm Community Supported Agriculture
81 Otterhole Road
West Milford, New Jersey 07480
URL: http://www.bearswampfarmcsa.org
Phone: 201-574-6194

Bear Swamp Farm CSA is a small organic community supported agriculture farm located at 81 Otterhole Road in West Milford, NJ. The 20-week minimum season runs from mid-June until the end of October (or longer, weather permitting). The 2009 season will include 29 vegetables, 6 herbs and 2 fruits. An average of 4 different varieties of each vegetable will be grown, totaling around 100 varieties. The cost of a full share for the 2009 season is $600. ($30/week or less). Please visit our website for more information.

Warren County, NJ Focus

Here are some events in Warren County, NJ: (see below for local Democratic groups and organic farming groups)

July 25, 2009
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Meeting: Warren County Democratic Party Executive Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Meeting: Warren County Democratic Party General Committee Meeting
Washington Borough Municipal Bldg 100 Belvidere Ave, Washington, NJ, 07882 US
Contact: Michael Sedita, msedita@gmail.com, 908-752-5426

Designing a Winter Community Supported Agriculture Program
August 12, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Genesis Farm, 41A Silver Lake Road, Blairstown, NJ
NOFA-NJ Member- $10, Non-Member- $15

September 12, 2009
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Meeting: Warren County Democratic Party Executive Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Meeting: Warren County Democratic Party General Committee Meeting
Washington Borough Municipal Bldg 100 Belvidere Ave, Washington, NJ, 07882 US
Contact: Michael Sedita, msedita@gmail.com, 908-752-5426

October 2, 2009
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Meeting: Warren County Democratic Party Executive Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Meeting: Warren County Democratic Party General Committee Meeting
Washington Borough Municipal Bldg 100 Belvidere Ave, Washington, NJ, 07882 US
Contact: Michael Sedita, msedita@gmail.com, 908-752-5426


Warren County Democracy for New Jersey
at MS Health Software Corp
605 Grand Ave.
Hackettstown, NJ
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/nwnj

If you are a progressive Democrat or Independent living in Northwest NJ, you know that like-minded neighbors might be hard to find. Maybe it seems that this red part of a blue state is an island of conservative thinking. But - you are not alone, there are plenty of us, and we aren't afraid to be heard.

Join the discussion at our Yahoo! Group.

Warren County Democratic Committee

We are busy gearing up for the 2009 election season. With thousands of new Democratic voters in the county, we look forward to exciting new opportunities. Join us, and be a part of changing Warren County for the better. Go here for more info.

List of Farms in Sussex, Warren and nearby counties
Courtesy of the Foodshed Alliance of the Ridge and Valley, Blairstown, NJ
http://www.FoodshedAlliance.org/localfoodsource.html

Foodshed Alliance of the Ridge and Valley
Do you yearn to...
* find local sources of cheese, free-range eggs, grass-fed meat, and certified organic produce?
* know where your food comes from, and how it is raised?
* support family farms?
* keep gardens in the Garden State?
* preserve farmland and open space?
* protect our rivers and streams?
* encourage and support sustainable agricultural?
* taste an heirloom tomato?

Join like-minded groups and individuals
as a member of the
Foodshed Alliance of the Ridge and Valley
P.O. Box 713
16 Main Street
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Tel. (908) 362-7967
E-mail: info@FoodshedAlliance.org
http://www.FoodshedAlliance.org/

Local Sustainability Resources

Ridge and Valley Conservancy
P.O. Box 146
16 Main Street
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Tel: 908-362-7967
E-mail: rvc@goes.com
http://www.rvclandtrust.org/
"A non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving the unique and wonderful natural and cultural heritage of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region of New Jersey."

Genesis Farm
41A Silver Lake Road
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Tel: 908-362-6735
http://www.caldwellop.org/genesis.htm
http://www.njpcgreens.org/genesisfarm.html
http://www.ic.org/resources/cdir1995/GenesisFarm.html
Education programs & Community Supported Garden

The Foodshed Alliance of the Ridge and Valley
P.O. Box 713
16 Main Street
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Tel: 908-362-7967
E-mail: info@FoodshedAlliance.org
http://www.FoodshedAlliance.org/
"A grassroots effort to sustain the farmers, agricultural lands, and rural way of life in the ridge and valley area of Warren and Sussex counties in northwestern New Jersey."

The Mountain Preservation Society
http://www.saveourmountain.com/
Dedicated to protecting the natural integrity of Hamburg Mountain and the New Jersey Highlands

Sussex County, NJ Focus

First I list some events...then I highlight some Sussex County organizations and the Sussex County Food Co-op.

Here are some events from the Sussex County Democratic Party Calendar and the Sussex County website:

Olde Lafayette Village Farmers' Market
Olde Lafayette Village
Route 15 at Route 94
Lafayette, NJ

Sundays, 11 AM - 4 PM
June 27 through October 31, 2004

Hats off to the Sussex County Board of Agriculture, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County, Olde Lafayette Village, the Garden State Garlic Growers, and the local farmers of the Sussex County Farmers Marketing Association. Their efforts -- and fruit, vegetables, herbs, cheeses, goat milk products, honey, baked goods, flowers and cider -- made the market's inaugural season in 2002 a smashing success.
~~~
Driving Directions and Info:
http://www.lafayettevillageshops.com/

The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee Meeting
July 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Nordic House (formerly the Internat Cafe) 233 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462.

The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee Meeting
August 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Nordic House (formerly the Internat Cafe) 233 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462.

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009, 5 -10pm FEED AND FILM
Co-sponsored with the Foodshed Alliance and The Nature Conservancy
Sustainable Potluck Dinner and OUTDOORS FILM NIGHT

Food 5 pm -7 pm Movie at 8:30 pm or when dark enough Film: OVER THE HEDGE (Rated G)

The Nature Conservancy and the HTHS team up again to offer an evening out under the stars in a pristine lakeside landscape. Bring a dish to pass, a blanket and chairs, and settle in for food and an outdoor movie projected on the side of the old barn. The site has plenty of level field for setting up for an evening in the park. If it rains, the event is canceled.

Dinner requires bringing a dish, made with local ingredients, to pass! Movie Portion is Free

4th Annual Farm & Food Open House
to benefit the Foodshed Alliance, a project of Genesis Farm
Saturday, September 12, 2009 (raindate: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009)

Enjoy a day of getting to know where your local food comes from!
Join us for the 4th Annual Farm & Food Open House - a day of
FARM TOURS and an amazing local HARVEST DINNER prepared by
some of NJ's most talented, passionate chefs and served on the farm.

FARM TOURS: 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm

For more info, click here.

The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee Meeting
September 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Nordic House (formerly the Internat Cafe) 233 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009
General Election
Location: your voting district
cast your vote for our 2 Assembly candidates,2 Freeholder candidates, County Surrogate & municipal candidates


Northwest New Jersey for Democracy
If you are a progressive Democrat or Independent living in Northwest NJ, you know that like-minded neighbors might be hard to find. Maybe it seems that this red part of a blue state is an island of conservative thinking. But - you are not alone, there are plenty of us, and we aren't afraid to be heard.

Join the group.

Join the discussion at our Yahoo! Group.

Other local resources:
Warren County Democratic Committee
Morris County Democratic Committee
Sussex County Democratic Committee


The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee

The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee is the Vernon branch of the Sussex County Democratic Committee. Our mission is to promote the Democratic cause and develop the local Democratic organization to help elect Democrats at all levels of government. While we are naturally particularly interested in local Vernon government, we are also concerned with county, state, and national affairs.

Although voting membership is by election or appointment, meetings are open to all, and you don't have to be a voting member to be active in the Committee's work. There are committee openings in some districts, so if you are interested in serving as a committee member let us know.

The VTDMC meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Nordic House (formerly the Internat Cafe) 233 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462. except as noted. In addition, events of interest coming up in the next few months are listed below.


Sussex County Food Co-op
30 Moran Street
Newton, New Jersey 07860
Phone: (973) 579-1882
scfc@beithe.com
http://www.sussexcountyfoods.org/

(email doesn't work?)

We at the Sussex County Food Co-op believe in the positive association between good food and good health. We are dedicated to providing our members and customers with high quality products -- with emphasis on organic, Biodynamic and locally-produced food suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. We welcome special orders for goods not usually found in conventional food stores. We strive for first-rate customer service, and truth in advertising. Another goal is to educate our members and the public. The Sussex County Food Co-op pledges to provide our patrons with good-for-you food at good-to-you prices!

Foodshed Alliance of the Ridge and Valley

Do you yearn to...
* find local sources of cheese, free-range eggs, grass-fed meat, and certified organic produce?
* know where your food comes from, and how it is raised?
* support family farms?
* keep gardens in the Garden State?
* preserve farmland and open space?
* protect our rivers and streams?
* encourage and support sustainable agricultural?
* taste an heirloom tomato?

Join like-minded groups and individuals
as a member of the
Foodshed Alliance of the Ridge and Valley
P.O. Box 713
16 Main Street
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Tel. (908) 362-7967
E-mail: info@FoodshedAlliance.org
http://www.FoodshedAlliance.org/


Farms and Markets in Sussex County, NJ:

Olde Lafayette Village Farmers' Market
Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm through November 24, 2003
Olde Lafayette Village http://www.lafayettevillageshops.com/
Route 15
Lafayette, NJ

List of Farms in Sussex, Warren and nearby counties
Courtesy of the Foodshed Alliance of the Ridge and Valley, Blairstown, NJ
http://www.FoodshedAlliance.org/localfoodsource.html

Jersey Grown Organics - CSA info from Catalpa Ridge Farm
http://members.aol.com/njgrownorganics/index_m.htm


Local Sustainability Resources

Ridge and Valley Conservancy
P.O. Box 146
16 Main Street
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Tel: 908-362-7967
E-mail: rvc@goes.com
http://www.rvclandtrust.org/
"A non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving the unique and wonderful natural and cultural heritage of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region of New Jersey."

Genesis Farm
41A Silver Lake Road
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Tel: 908-362-6735
http://www.caldwellop.org/genesis.htm
http://www.njpcgreens.org/genesisfarm.html
http://www.ic.org/resources/cdir1995/GenesisFarm.html
Education programs & Community Supported Garden

The Foodshed Alliance of the Ridge and Valley
P.O. Box 713
16 Main Street
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Tel: 908-362-7967
E-mail: info@FoodshedAlliance.org
http://www.FoodshedAlliance.org/
"A grassroots effort to sustain the farmers, agricultural lands, and rural way of life in the ridge and valley area of Warren and Sussex counties in northwestern New Jersey."

The Mountain Preservation Society
http://www.saveourmountain.com/
Dedicated to protecting the natural integrity of Hamburg Mountain and the New Jersey Highlands