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).
The battle for healthcare reform continues, and the right wing extremists have been resorting to lies, violence and threats...as usual. Funny how deception and violence are the only options when you have no facts on your side and yet still insist you are right. Here is Obama's latest statement on reform:
This week some good news for journalism. The two Current TV Vanguard journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, have been pardoned by North Korea after Bill Clinton paid a visit to North Korea. Ling and Lee had been in China covering a story about refugees from North Korea escaping into China when they were kidnapped by North Korean soldiers at the border. North Korea sentenced them to 12 years hard labor.
Here is footage of their homecoming:
Current TV's Vanguard program is among the best investigative journalism in America today. Laura Ling is one of the ones whose work I am familiar with and she, along with the other Vanguard journalists, has gone all over the world covering stories no one else covers. Among her works:
Narco War Next Door:
Haiti's Hotzone:
Turkey/Iraq Border War:
I recommend Current TV as an antidote to the inane journalism that most American TV gives us. And I am happy Laura Ling is now free.
I also want to mention that one of my fellow Culture Kitchen bloggers, Leo Igwe, a Humanist in Nigeria, was apparently attacked by a mob last week and robbed and beaten. Why? Because he was standing up against child abuse by religious fanatics in Nigeria. Here is my Culture Kitchen article on the incident. And you can read Leo Igwe's pieces on the abuse of so-called "witch-children" in Nigeria here and here.
Just as everyone is getting used to their carbon footprint and trying to reduce it, we now have to consider our water footprint. Actually, this is not a new problem, but the idea of quantifying it this way is new.
Fresh water is a precious commodity. Most Americans are not really aware of how scarce fresh water can be, unless you are a farmer in a drought struck area. But in many parts of the world, fresh water is hard to come by and, although I don't believe any modern international conflict can be comlpetely attributed to conflicts over water, water rights play a role in the conflicts between Israel and its neighbors, between India and its neighbors and in Central Asia...and probably elsewhere. Population growth and industrialization (increased demand) combined with pollution and deforestation (both of which reduce the supply of fresh, clean water) create frequent local crises that can then lead to regional conflicts.
I tend to view water scarcity not necessarily as THE deciding factor in two nations going to war, but it does create tensions between nations that can and will exacerbate existing tensions.
The possibility/probability of water increasing world tensions has led some people to advocate the idea of a water footprint as a measure of a person's water usage. From Water Footprint.org:
People use lots of water for drinking, cooking and washing, but even more for producing things such as food, paper, cotton clothes, etc. The water footprint is an indicator of water use that looks at both direct and indirect water use of a consumer or producer. The water footprint of an individual, community or business is defined as the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce the goods and services consumed by the individual or community or produced by the business.
The relation between consumption and water use
"The interest in the water footprint is rooted in the recognition that human impacts on freshwater systems can ultimately be linked to human consumption, and that issues like water shortages and pollution can be better understood and addressed by considering production and supply chains as a whole,” says Professor Arjen Y. Hoekstra, creator of the water footprint concept and scientific director of the Water Footprint Network. "Water problems are often closely tied to the structure of the global economy. Many countries have significantly externalised their water footprint, importing water-intensive goods from elsewhere. This puts pressure on the water resources in the exporting regions, where too often mechanisms for wise water governance and conservation are lacking. Not only governments, but also consumers, businesses and civil society communities can play a role in achieving a better management of water resources."
Not surprisingly, some of the same consumption habits that lead to a high carbon footprint also lead to a high water footprint. Eating beef, for example, is among the most carbon intensive activities, AND uses 15500 litres of water per kg of beef. Eating cheese is not much better in terms of carbon footprinnt, but is better in terms of waterfootprint: 5000 litres of water for 1 kg of cheese. By comparison, eating chicken is far less carbon intensive than beef or cheese, and uses 3900 litres for 1 kg of chicken meat (much less than beef, slighly less than cheese). Pork is somewhere in between in terms of both carbon and water footprint. Eggs take 200 litres of water for one egg. So eggs are a good option compared with any meat. Milk takes 1000 litres of water for 1 litre of milk. I should re-emphasize that in terms of carbon footprint, chicken and eggs are MUCH better than beef, milk or cheese. And, of course, chicken is healthier. So...when making choices about meat, chicken and eggs are the best way to go. As another comparison, soybeans takes 1800 litres of water for 1 kg of soybeans. So in terms of water footprint, though not necessarily carbon footprint, eggs are better than tofu.
Among grains, wheat requires 1300 litres of water for 1 kg of wheat. So does barley. Corn is better with 900 litres for 1 kg of maize. Millet is high for grain: 5000 litres for 1 kg of millet, about the same as for pork or cheese and a bit higher than chicken. Rice, as you'd expect given how it is grown, takes a lot of water: 3400 litres for 1 kg of rice. Not as bad as millet.
Some more comparisons. Wine: 120 litres of water for one glass of wine. Beer: 75 litres of water for one glass of beer. Coffee: 140 litres for 1 cup of coffee. Tea: 30 litres of water for one cup of tea. So...it is more water intensive to have a coffee habit than a wine or beer habit. But tea is the most benign from this point of view.
What I never see anyone take into account is tobacco use. Smoking has a carbon AND water footprint, as well as supporting some of the most irresponsible and right wing companies in America. Yet rarely is this mentioned.
Next to meat consumption, industrial usage is the largest component of an American's water usage. This means the clothes and electronics and other products we buy actually are a much bigger component of our water usage than what we drink or shower with. This averages out to 80 litres of water per US$ of industrial product. So if you buy something that costs $100, on average 8000 liters of water went into producing it. Keep in mind that is a huge oversimplification, but worth keeping in mind.
Of course consumption is just part of the problem. Pollution of our waterways as well as deforestation (which reduces the capacity of a region to store water after rains, creating flood/drought cycles like Bangladesh sees every year) reduce the supply of potable water. Groups like Riverkeeper work to preserve our waterways. And the group Trees, Water, People combines the need for fresh water, reforestation and development in a very intelligent way (I support them every year).
I have from time to time highlighted two major threats to the global food supply: colony collapse disorder that has been threatening the major pollinator of about one third of our food supply, and the ongoing collapse of nearly half the world's fisheries. Together these pose a very serious threat to our abilities to feed the world's population, perhaps threatening up to half the world's food production. During the Bush presidency, there was some attention given to colony collapse disorder thanks to the Sec. of Agriculture. But Bush's main response to the collapse of fisheries was to censor scientific reports from NOAA that reported on these collapses. Denial, of course, does not solve problems.
I have been avoiding eating fish almost completely due to both the collapse of so many fisheries and to the high level of mercury in seafood. If we can save fisheries and stop burning so much coal (a major source of mercury pollution), both of these problems could be reduced considerably.
Colony collapse disorder is still ongoing, but recently there has been a breakthrough in our understanding of the problem, if not yet any progress in slowing the decline of bees. Now, on the fisheries front, researchers have pretty much worked out the exact steps that need to be taken (by international agreements, presumably) to reverse the collapse of the world's fisheries. In fact, researchers have found that some changes have already made a huge difference in areas where they have been imposed.
There is fresh hope that the world's depleted fisheries can be saved from collapse, says a team of researchers.
They said that efforts introduced to halt overfishing in five of the 10 large marine ecosystems they examined were showing signs of success...
"This was a little like a crime scene investigation for overfishing," said lead author Boris Worm, a marine biologist from Dalhousie University, Canada...
"This is really quite a big step forward because the exploitation rate is the primary driver of depletion and collapse, just as CO2 is the primary driver of climate change."
However, he added that the exploitation rate was the one factor that could be adjusted by direct human intervention, such as introducing management practices.
The authors observed: "Some of the most spectacular rebuilding efforts have involved bold experimentation with closed areas, [fishing] gear restrictions and new approaches to catch allocations and enforcement."
But they warned that the signs of recovery should not be interpreted by policymakers as a sign that all was well beneath the waves.
The majority of fisheries were still in trouble, and were not being managed or regulated properly.
The international efforts that led to the banning of ozone-depleting CFC's worked to slow and soon to reverse the loss of the UV-blocking ozone layer, and should be a model for such efforts. Better regulation of ALL fisheries could now be the next international environmental effort, if governments listen to the scientists for once.
This is a very isolated, very localized indicator. And I know that in many parts of the country the Bush Recession has yet to reach it's worst impact. In fact Joy and I aren't sure whether WE have seen the worst impact or not...let's see if we have jobs in a year. But I think I am seeing the first small sign of a recovery.
Joy and I live in a neighborhood where real estate prices are relatively stable. They go up in good times but don't go down so much in bad times. But the Bush Recession has hit our neighborhood even if not as hard as many neighborhoods. Some people in our building have had to move out because of job insecurity, new children, etc. Yet we have noticed that for the first time since we moved here, sales have been very, very slow. Generally when an apartment hits the market in our building, it goes within a few weeks. But these days they often are on the market for months.
One of the signs I saw of an ailing economy was when open houses in our building went from crowded affairs with flocks of people coming in and out eager to see an apartment, to lonely affairs for the real estate agents, leaving them with time on their hands to chat in between the occasional looker who left without making an offer. Asking any of these real estate agents how it was going, "SLOW!" was always the emphatic response. And they would have a demoralized look on their face as if "SLOW" didn't even begin to convey how bad the market was.
Last weekend was the first time since the Bush Recession began when the flow of apartment shoppers returned to normal. A constant flow of people, clutching their telltale sheet of paper downloaded from a Realtor site, crowding into an apartment to take a look. The Realtor asked us not to take a sheet with the description of the apartment (we were being nosy and helping a friend browse for an apartment) because she was running out. She didn't look demoralized, but looked as if she could barely handle the flow of lookers and was anticipating offers.
I don't know if actual sales are picking up yet, but the number of people looking has returned to normal in my building. This is the first sign I have seen that the economy is improving and we may finally be getting ourselves out of the Bush Recession. I am sure we have a long, long way to go, and I know of no one, myself included, who doesn't still feel financially insecure. But it may be that Sunday, July 19, 2009 will mark the first overt evidence I personally saw of a recovery.
Mayor:Bill Thompson. Here is Congressman Weiner's endorsement of Bill Thompson:
Public Advocate:Norman Siegel wholeheartedly. Norman Siegel has also been endorsed by the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Democracy for NYC, Park River Independent Democrats (Upper West Side), the Village Reform Democratic Club, the Grand Council of Guardians (an organization of African-American law enforcement officials), Room 8 blogger and Brooklyn City Council candidate Rock Hackshaw, the New York Metro Area Postal Union (APWU, AFL-CIO), Audubon Reform Democratic Club (Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights), and Brooklyn Democrats for Change (Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton, Bath Beach and Gravesend). Here was Norm's kickoff event:
Comptroller: In this race there are two complete hacks with no finanacial experience whatsoever (Katz and Yassky) and two candidates who have solid financial experience (Weprin and Liu). Which means it comes down to only two viable candidates: David Weprin and John Liu since in an economic crisis we do NOT want inexperienced hacks running the city's money. Of the two, I prefer John Liu partly because his background was as a mathematical physicist, and I love it when science nerds enter politics, but also because Liu is more progressive than Weprin. I believe either would make a good Comptroller but I have been supporting John Liu. And for the record, currently John Liu is my 4 year old son's favorite politician, and I have found Jacob has a good sense of whose good and who isn't. Here is John's campaign announcement:
CITY COUNCIL RACES:
BROOKLYN:
33rd City Council District:Jo Anne Simon. This is a chance to stop a power play by corrupt Brooklyn Party boss Vito Lopez whose aide is running against Jo Anne. Jo Anne is our current district leader and has a national reputation as an advocate for disabled rights who has argued and won some major cases (including before Judge Sotomayor). Jo Anne Simon has also been endorsed by the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, ChangeNYC, 504 Democrats, and Lambda Independent Democrats, among others. Here is a video of Jo Anne Simon testifying before the US Senate on ADA Amendments:
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. In essence, she is being punished for her independence, and I personally want to see more independence from the Brooklyn machine. This is another race where we can stop a power play by a corrupt party boss. Diana Reyna has been endorsed by Councilwoman Tish James and Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez (both of whom I greatly respect), Lambda Independend Democrats, DC 9 Painters Union, IUPAT, American Federation of Musicians, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators and Teamsters, Local 237.
35th City Council District: Letitia James wholeheartedly. An amazing woman! Here is a video of Tish James talking to a rally opposing a local overdeveloment scheme:
36th City Council District: I told one candidate I wasn't endorsing in this race. But there are two candidates I consider worth bringing to people's attention: Saquan Jones and Mark Winston Griffith. I have friends I respect supporting each of them.
39th City Council District:Josh Skaller. My favorite candidate this year. I know Josh well. Very smart, very honest, very progressive and reform minded. And he has been running one of the best grassroots campaigns I have seen. He is ahead in fundraising while refusing to take any corporate or developer money. THAT is an amazing accomplishment already. Josh has been endorsed by Howard Dean, Assemblyman Jom Brennan, State Senator Eric Adams, New York Metro Area Postal Union (APWU, AFL-CIO), International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 237, 111 and 854, Service Employees International Union (Special Officers and Guards, Local 177), Democracy for America, the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Democracy for NYC, and Public Advocate candidate Norman Siegel. Here is video of Howard Dean's endorsement of Josh:
40th City Council District: Rock Hackshaw. Rock is a fellow blogger and his knowledge of Brooklyn politics is amazing. I differ with him on some issues, but I know him and his honesty and integrity are unquestioned. And honesty and integrity are something we desperately need in Brooklyn, partucularly when they are paired up with intelligence and an encyclopedic knowledge. Since Rock is running against a guy who actually 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.
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. He has been endorsed by Councilman Tony Avella (whose seat he is running for), Queens County Progressive Democratic Club, Democrats for New Politics, Democracy for New York City, Democracy for America, and Public Advocate candidate Norman Siegel. Here is video of Steve Behar at Netroots Nation:
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.
25th City Council District:Daniel Dromm. One of my favorite candidates this year. A teacher and gay rights advocate with excellent credentials. Daniel Dromm has been endorsed by Stonewall Democrats, the United Federation of Teachers, 504 Democrats, and ChangeNYC, among others. Here is a campaign video from Dromm:
26th City Council District: I like Brent O'Leary. An active Dean Democrat! While spending time in Japan he helped organize Democrats Abroad Japan and in 2004 was elected to the Democratic National Committee. Strong advocate of Dean's 50 state strategy. This is the kind of guy I want to see more of in politics! Brent O'Leary has also been endorsed by Change NYC.
29th City Council District: I like Mel Gagarin. I like his experience with the National Foundation for Women Legislators and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Seems like a very interesting candidate worth supporting. Mel Gagarin has also been endorsd by Change NYC.
31st City Council District:Marquez Claxton. Another one of my favorites. Very much in the Eric Adams mold, he combines police force experience with as strong civil rights focus. I have been following his run and like much of what he says. He has been endorsed by State Senator Eric Adams and Change NYC. Here is State Senator Eric Adams endorsing Marq:
BRONX:
12th City Council District:Jerome Rice. Former National Guardsman and corrections officer who is also a strong voice for Civil Rights. I like these people who bridge law enforcement and civil rights. It is a refreshing trend! Jerome has also been endorsed by State Senator Eric Adams and Change NYC. Here is State Senator Eric Adams endorsing Jerome Rice:
1st City Council District:Margaret Chin is my choice for this seat. Here is a video of Margaret Chin:
3rd City Council District: I am supporting civil rights activist Yetta Kurland. Yetta has been endorsed by Downtown Independent Democrats, ChangeNYC, 504 Democrats, and the New York Blade, among others. Here is a video of Yetta Kurland at a NYC Schools Rally:
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.
Josh Skaller is a good friend and a brilliant individual. His integrity and honesty are unmatched, and that is something Brooklyn politics desperately needs. He would be an excellent addition to the 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.
Jo Anne Simon has been endorsed by many people and organizations I respect, including Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez, State Senators Eric Adams and Velmanette Montgomery, City Councilmember Letitia James, Assembly members Joan Millman and Jim Brennan, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, LAMBDA Independent Democrats, NYC Community Council and 504 Democrats.
35th City Council District: Letitia James wholeheartedly. An amazing woman! She has two mediocre challengers, but no one can stop this excellent woman! Here is a video of Tish at a Rally for Democracy NYC:
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. Rock Hackshaw is one of the best people running this year and I strongly urge people to support him. If you want honesty in government, THIS GUY is the number one person to deliver honesty.
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:
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.
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.
QUEENS, NY: Democracy for America, Candidates and Drinking Liberally
QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT: Marc Leavitt qualifies for matching funds; Helen Marshall doesn't
In an amazing surprise, challenger Marc Leavitt looks to be beating incumbent Helen Marshall. Details can be found at Daily Gotham.
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.
Here's Steve discussing Small Business:
Steve Behar has been endorsed by the current City Councilman (and mayoral candidate) Tony Avella as well as by Democracy for NYC, Democracy for America, Queens County Progressive Democratic Club, The New York Community Council, Democrats for New Politics, 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. While Claxton's opponent, James Saunders, has received a FAILING score from the NY League of Conservation Voters, Marq Claxton has picked up an amazing range of endorsements (see, for example, these recent endorsements from both establishment and reform groups).
Here is State Senator 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.
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:
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.
Some reminders about Slasher Monserrate, one of the traitors who stopped reform in Albany:
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.
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
Some of our state's Reps need to hear from us to get healthcare reform passed. Here are some articles/open letters to NY State Congressional Reps. If these are your Reps, please contact them!
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 Norman Siegel would be, without any doubt, the best Public Advocate possible for NYC. He has 40 years experience as a civil rights lawyer and already takes on the causes of 9/11 widows, firefighters, bloggers, and just about anyone who needs help defending their rights and liberties. He has so far been endorsed by Democracy for NYC, Room 8 Blogger Rock Hackshaw, State Senator Eric Adams, New York Metro Area Postal Union, Three Parks Independent Democrats, Broadway Democrats, Village Independent Democrats, Village Reform Democratic Club, Park River Independent Democrats, New York Community Council, the Audubon Reform Democratic Club, Brooklyn Democrats for Change, and the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats.
The only poll so far done on this race shows Norm Siegel in second place, just ahead of the much better funded, establishment and pro-developer candidate Bill DeBlasio. This is an excellent showing for Norm, and if he can hold that position he can make it to a runoff.
The race for comptroller includes four candidates. Only two of those candidates have financial experience: David Weprin and John Liu. Of the two, I find Liu the more progressive and more appealing, though both are qualified. I also like Liu because he is a science nerd turned politician (he got his degree in mathematical physics). That endears him to Joy and myself.
I was among the first (John says I WAS the first) to endorse Liu. In a recent poll, John Liu is the clear leader...though there are still more than 50% undecided. This means this is a race we can most affect because so few people have paid attention to it.
I should note that my son has taken a particular liking to John Liu, and he has had a pretty good sense of who's a good person. John Liu has also been endorsed by 504 Democratic Club (disabled rights), American Heritage Democratic Club (Bay Ridge, Brooklyn), Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (the club Joy is an officer of), Democratic Organization of Richmond County, East Harlem United Democrats, El Nuevo Caribe Democratic Club of El Barrio/East Harlem, Gramercy Stuyvesant Independent Democrats, Councilwoman Letitia James, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Lambda Independent Democratic Club, Lambda Independent Democrats, Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens, Martin Luther King Democrats, Rosa Parks Democrats, Staten Island Democratic Association, Stonewall Democrats of New York City...whew, and MANY more. But I was first!
More Races: Here is my updated list of races I am targeting. There are lots of important races I highlight all over the city. If we want change locally, this list is a good start.
* 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.
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 Biodiesel stations, events, Democratic Clubs, and Co-ops in the greater Silicon Valley area.
Biodiesel: Biodiesel is an American produced fuel that is cleaner than traditional diesel. Up to B20 (a 20% blend of biodiesel and traditional diesel) any diesel engine, car or truck, can run on it. Above B20, some older engines may have problems but newer diesel engines should be ok. Here are some gas stations in the Silicon Valley area that offer biodiesel:
Rotten Robbie: 310 N Whisman Rd, Mountain View, CA 94043, 650-965-2609. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 6AM-10PM
Rotten Robbie: 1304 Piedmont Rd, San Jose, CA 95132, 408-259-5535. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 6AM-11PM.
Bay Area Biofuel: email biodieselperformance@gmail.com for info and an appt
Western States Oil Company: 1790 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112, 408-292-1041. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open 7AM-5PM M-F.
The Green Station: 136 Gilman Ave, Campbell, CA 95008, 831-425-9100. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open TUES, THURS, FRI 4-7.
Autopia Biofuels: 1025 S Railroad Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402, 650-571-1863. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open M-F 8AM-7PM (CLOSED WEDS/SUNS) SA 1PM-4PM.
Mountain Feed and Farm Supply: 9550 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005, 831-336-8876. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open M-S 9AM-6PM SUN 10-2
SF Oakland Truck Stop: 8255 San Leandro Street, Oakland, CA 94621, 510-569-1624. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open M-F, 4AM-11PM; SAT. 6AM-10PM; SUN. 7AM-10PM
The Green Station: 433 Ocean Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95061, 831-425-9100. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open 10-6 DAILY
USA Grown Fuels: 2680 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062, 831-476-3653. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HOURS A DAY / 7 DAYS A WEEK; MUST BE MEMBER
MARRIAGE EQUALITY SILICON VALLEY is a grassroots effort, organized by volunteers in the Silicon Valley/San Jose/South Bay area, to educate, unite and mobilize all communities for equality.
Each month, on a Sunday, which might vary depending on other events, the Outreach to Religious and Youth Communities Group holds a potluck evening. We meet at 6 pm in someone's home for a shared meal. At 6:30 pm, we view an inspiring film which focuses on LGBT issues. After the movie, we discuss current and future actions to promote education and support for marriage equality. Open to everyone. For more information, contact Ray Hixson at (650) 346-7557 or Joanne Loomba at (408) 921-0041.
Also coming up: October 3, 2009 – 1st Annual Gay Family Day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 11 am–7 pm.
Zoe Lofgren's Annual BBQ 08/09/2009 1:00pm History Park, 1650 Senter Road, Central San Jose
Join Zoe Lofgren for her annual BBQ fundraiser, from 1-4 pm on the first Sunday in August. For more information: www.lofgrenforcongress.com/upcomingevents
PDC Potluck Picnic 08/22/2009 5:00pm Shoup Park, 400 University Avenue, Los Altos, North County
The Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) Potluck Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. Expected guests include elected officials and candidates. The picnic features good food, brief speeches, and silent auctions. We will also have children's activities, so bring the children! The picnic is a POTLUCK with enough food to make a meal. We request a $5 contribution at the door (free for the children). Hot dogs, wine, beer and soft drinks will be available; you are asked to bring a potluck dish to share (appetizer, main dish, salad, or desert – your choice). No reservations or RSVP required.
DFA first-Wednesday get-together Event Date: Sep 2, 2009 Event Time: 7:00 PM PDT (10:00 PM EDT) City: Palo Alto or Los Altos, usually State: CA Phone: 650-380-4112
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/
