Progressive Democrat Issue 224

Healthcare remains a hot issue this week. And this is really the critical moment. Now is the time for you to contact your Congressional Reps, your Senators, and your local media to give your opinion on healthcare reform. Remember the real facts, the numbers that show America spends top dollar for mediocre medical outcomes. We are on par with Slovakia, Albania and Cuba even though we spend more than almost any other nation on earth. Sweden, Canada, The Netherlands and the UK have the best overall cost to outcome ratio.

This could be our last chance for decades to reform our healthcare system, and it really needs your input both to Congress and the media.

Related to healthcare reform, there is now a boycott of Whole Foods because it's CEO has been both anti-union and anti-healthcare reform. The CEO is also a loyal Republican. I should add that Whole Foods has never struck me as a good company because they charge higher prices for mediocre quality and have never been up front about their business practices. I prefer Trader Joe's and my local food co-op. A particularly enlightening post about the issue comes from a former Whole Foods employee who is both sympathetic and antagonistic about Whole Foods. I basically suggest avoiding Whole Foods because they are overpriced, mediocre quality and conservative biased. Since I am currently focusing on many boycotts, take it for what it's worth and make your own decisions.

Also in this issue of the Progressive Democrat are boycotts of Glenn Beck advertisers (a boycott that has so far been VERY successful, but needs us to keep up the pressure) and of Chevron/Texaco over their alliance with the military dictators in Burma and their poor environmental record. If you avoid Whole Foods and Chevron/Texaco, and you contact the Glenn Beck advertisers I suggest, you will be helping three very critical progressive movements that are on their way to working. I always like recommending alternatives to the companies I suggest boycotting. Alternatives to Whole Foods include Trader Joe's, local food co-ops, community supported agriculture and local farmers' markets. Alternatives to Chevron/Texaco are harder, but for diesel vehicles I highlight in the newsletter many biodiesel alternatives and for regular gasoline vehicles, I suggest Citgo, BP, Arco, and Sunoco. None of these are ideal, but they are better than average.

For those who follow blogging more closely, you may remember one of my colleagues in Nigeria (Leo Igwe) recently was beaten up for standing up to a Christian cult that abused children. Leo is okay despite being attacked by a mob and he and I are asking for your help in spreading the word about this child abuse and donating to organizations fighting this child abuse. We can really make a big difference here. For more information and the latest update, please go to this Culture Kitchen article. A letter from you to the Nigerian embassy and a small donation to the organizations I highlight are critical for helping Leo and the children he is trying to protect.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Continuing the Chevron Boycott

Trees: Fighting Famine, Fighting Global Warming

Continuing the Glenn Beck Advertiser Boycott

Rush Limbaugh's Nazi Rhetoric Must Stop

NYC FOCUS: Working Families Party Scandal

Brooklyn, NY Focus

Queens, NY Focus

Bronx, NY Focus

Rochester, NY Focus

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS

Silicon Valley Area, CA

San Diego, CA Focus

Orange County, CA Focus

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

Coweta County, GA Focus

Georgia Democrats Work

Georgia Action for Health Care

GEORGIA FOCUS

Dallas County, TX Focus

Austin/Travis County, TX Focus

Houston/Harris County, TX Focus

TEXAS FOCUS

Virginia Organizing Project: On Predatory Lending, Legislators Say, "Let Them Eat Cake"

Virginia Focus: Creigh Deeds Launches Tour of Rural SW Virginia

VIRGINIA FOCUS

Sussex County, NJ Focus

Warren County, NJ Focus

Passaic County, NJ Focus

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

COLORADO FOCUS

Washington State Focus: Seattle Police Department LGBTQ Advisory Council

WASHINGTON FOCUS

Arizona Focus: Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the Neo-Nazis

ARIZONA FOCUS

Illinois Focus: Melissa Bean and Bill Foster, Give Us Our Healthcare

ILLINOIS FOCUS

Florida Focus: CFO Alex Sink's Florida Housing Help events provide assistance in America's foreclosure hotspots

FLORIDA FOCUS

Pennsylvania Focus: Stop Blackstone Coal

Pennsylvania Focus: Joe Sestak for Senate

PA-15: Democrats Land Another Top Recruit In Swing Territory Hotlist

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

Wisconsin Focus: Get the Facts on Health Care Reform

WISCONSIN FOCUS

MICHIGAN FOCUS

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

Nevada Focus: Stop Blackstone Coal

NEVADA FOCUS

MINNESOTA FOCUS

Continuing the Chevron Boycott

With a new wave of protests against the military dictators running Burma, I want to once again return to the boycott that we can do in America that can most influence Burma: Boycotting Chevron. Chevron is one of the main American companies supporting the Burmese dictatorship. Why should our dollars go to supporting a regime that slaughters monks and brutally squashes democracy?

From Amnesty International Canada:

Chevron is one of the largest integrated energy companies in the world. They produce over 2.5 million barrels per day of net oil-equivalent. Chevron has operations in over 100 countries, including Myanmar (Burma), Canada, Kazakhstan, Ecuador and Nigeria. In 2001, Chevron merged with Texaco. In 2005, Chevron purchased Unocal Corporation.

Because Chevron operates in countries where systematic human rights violations are occurring, the shareholder resolution requests that Chevron be transparent regarding their criteria for those operations. However, Chevron has indicated that they are opposed to the shareholder resolution and will urge shareholders to vote against it. Please write or send a fax to Chevron to indicate your support for the shareholder resolution which calls on Chevron to make available their criteria for investment and continued operations in specific countries.

TAKE ACTION:

In your communication with Chevron, you could raise any or all of the following points regarding the operations of Chevron in Myanmar (Burma):

* Human rights organizations (such as Amnesty International) have documented egregious human rights violations in Myanmar, including by Burmese troops employed to secure the pipeline projects.
* The US Government has consistently increased economic sanctions against, and restrictions on imports from, the Government of Myanmar.
* Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly called for economic sanctions on Myanmar.
* The decision by Chevron to operate in environments such as Myanmar comes with a large responsibility in regards to the protection of human rights.

You could ask Chevron:

* If Chevron believes that their operations have a positive impact on countries, why would they oppose a shareholder resolution that would allow them to openly share their criteria for operating in challenging countries?
* Does Chevron believe that there is any financial risk, or risk to their reputation, by continuing to operate in Myanmar?

WRITE TO:

David J. O'Reilly
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Chevron Corporation
6001 Bollinger Canyon Rd
San Ramon, CA 94583, USA

But Chevron's horrible record goes beyond Burma. This comes from back in 2002:

OilWatch and the member organizations of Ecuador and Nigeria are calling a boycott against Chevron-Texaco Company, to punish this company for the environmental damages and the human rights abuses commited during its operations in Nigeria and Ecuador.

Chevron-Texaco will face trials for its impacts in Nigeria and Ecuador.

These countries' organizations use boycott as an instrument of pressure against the company, to make it remember that whatever is polluted MUST be cleaned up.

At times when transnational companies frame up regimes of impunity for themselves, we must join efforts to punish companies with our protest, and our vow of censorship by not consumming these companies' products.

This campaign will provide a precedent to avoid other oil companies' impunity, that in the same ways cause destruction and death.

For further information, please contact:

Asume Osouka
ERA NIGERIA
asumeo@yahoo.co.uk

Esperanza Martnez
ACCION ECOLOGICA ECUADOR
oilwatch@uio.satnet.net

Leila Salazar
AMAZONWATCH U.S.A.
leila@amazonwatch.org
BOYCOT CHEVRON TEXACO

OilWatch y las organizaciones miembros de Ecuador y Nigeria convocan a un BOYCOT a la empresa Chevron Texaco, para castigar a esta empresa por los daos ambientales e irrrespeto a los derechos humanos provocados durante sus operaciones en Nigeria y Ecuador.

Chevron Texaco deber enfrentar juicios por sus impactos en Nigeria y Ecuador.

Las organizaciones de esos pases utilizan el boycot como una herramienta de presin a la compaa, para que esta compaa recuerda que lo que se ensucia se limpia.

En momentos en que las empresas transnacionales quieren para si mismas un rgimen de impunidad, debemos aunar fuerzas para castigar a las empresas con nuestra protesta y nuestro voto de censura al no consumir productos de la empresa.

Esta campaa ser un precedente para evitar la impunidad de otras empresas petroleras que provocan igualmente destruccin y muerte.

Mayor informacin

Asume Osouka
ERA NIGERIA
asumeo@yahoo.co.uk

Esperanza Martnez
ACCION ECOLOGICA ECUADOR
oilwatch@uio.satnet.net

Leila Salazar
AMAZONWATCH ESTADOS UNIDOS
leila@amazonwatch.org

SECRETARIA DE OILWATCH Casilla 17-15-246-C Quito - Ecuador
Tel-Fax: (593 2) 547516 / 527583 Tel: 593 9 82 56 37
E-mail: oilwatch@uio.satnet.net
Pagina Web: www.oilwatch.org.ec

For more info on the Ecuador case, see this article in the Christian Science Monitor.

Last year, inspired by Chevron's horrible record in Burma, but also by their long-standing horrible environmental record, the city of Berkeley, California voted to join the boycott of Chevron. From their press release:

The authority adopted a resolution on January 29, mandating that it "cease all purchases from Chevron" as a result of the corporation's record of ecological destruction and involvement in human rights abuses in Angola, Burma, Ecuador and Nigeria, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area, where Chevron operates a refinery widely suspected of causing cancers and other health problems among local residents.

Supported by Amazon Watch and 14 other environmental and human rights groups, the Berkeley resolution is the first in a series of similar proposals to be considered by municipal authorities across the U.S. in the coming months as Chevron management's failure to deal decisively with a range of legacy and current corporate responsibility issues causes growing public and investor concern.

"In locations across the globe including Ecuador, Nigeria, Burma, and Iraq, and as close to Berkeley as its Richmond refinery, Chevron has been implicated in major human rights violations and environmental destruction," said Berkeley Peace and Justice Commissioner Diana Bohn, who filed the resolution. "The City of Berkeley stood up today and sent a clear message to Chevron: your corporate recklessness will not be tolerated."

From 1964 to 1992 Texaco (now Chevron) built and operated oil exploration and production facilities in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon, dumping 18 billion gallons of toxic wastewater directly into a vast, inhabited area of rainforest. Today Chevron is a defendant in a class-action lawsuit in the region where thousands of rainforest dwellers, suffering a public health crisis, are seeking at least $10 billion in clean-up damages.

Chevron is also facing a trial in a U.S federal court in San Francisco on charges it paid Nigerian military and police to fire at villagers staging a protest at a Chevron oil platform in 1998, killing two people. Nigerian citizens also allege that the company was complicit in an attack on two villages that left four dead.

In Burma, the company's ties to the military junta, which has carried out a brutal crackdown against peaceful democracy protests, has brought a wave of international condemnation. As a result of its recent take-over of Unocal, Chevron now owns the Yadana gas project in Burma. Yadana is allowed to operate by a loophole in existing U.S. sanctions against the country, and has provided significant revenues to Burma's military regime.

Locally, in Richmond, in the East Bay, Chevron operates a huge oil refinery blamed for causing serious environmental health hazards, including fires, spills, leaks, explosions, toxic gas releases, flaring, and air contamination. The refinery is suspected of causing cancers and other public health problems in the local community.

You have a choice when you buy your gasoline. Chevron-Texaco and Exxon/Mobil are among the worst companies out there. BP (with a moderately better environmental record) and Citgo (which funds free heating oil for poor families in America) seem better than the average gas company. I think Arco is also not too bad. I recommend buying from BP or Citgo and avoiding Chevron, Texaco, Exxon and Mobil. Actually, my favorite gas company is Conserv Fuels, which we use in California when we need to. My focus on Chevron-Texaco and Exxon/Mobil is echoed by others, like Third World Traveler. This is from their statement from 2006: (their whole statement is worth reading, but this is just the last paragraph)

It is our opinion that Exxon/Mobil and Texaco/Chevron be boycotted until they demonstrate responsible practices that do not harm the future of society and our planet. The strength of a boycott is determined by wide ranging support. We hope our readers will join us in publicizing this option for expressing our values and demand that oil companies be held accountable for the consequences of their business practices.

I would add that there is more you can do to help the democracy movement in Burma. From Amnesty International: Please write General Than Shwe and urge him to release Aung San Suu Kyi and then forward this email to your friends and networks.
Help free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Trees: Fighting Famine, Fighting Global Warming

I have written several times in the past about how important trees are for fighting global warming. In essence, the most cost-effective way to remove carbon from the atmosphere is by planting trees. Now too often lumber companies do this by planting monoculture plantations, which actually have been shown to be counter productive environmentally. But a good tree planting program is an excellent long-term way to combat global warming.

And I have emphasized that tree planting can have further benefits in terms of stabilizing soil, maintaining watersheds, and generally improving the environment of an area. Bangladesh is an example of what happens when deforestation is carried to an extreme. Bangladesh has lost all capacity to maintain soil and watersheds, so they have almost annual floods in the rainy season followed by drought because no water is retained in the soil. Furthermore, they have lost much of their best soil. These contribute to making Bangladesh one of the poorest nations on earth. In Jared Diamond's book Collapse, he uses the comparison between Haiti (severely deforested) and the Dominican Republic (which has maintained its forests) as another example of why trees are so important. Haiti has the same kinds of problems as Bangladesh, plus the loss of topsoil also leads to a destruction of offshore fisheries due to the influx of dirt into the fisheries. By contrast, the Dominican Republic maintains higher soil fertility, fewer droughts and better fisheries.

Trees absorb carbon, protect soil and watersheds for agriculture, and, indirectly, protect downstream fisheries. All of this has led to my making reforestation a priority in my carbon offsets (e.g. through Trees, Water, People). But wait...there's more.

An article on BBC News this week indicates that fruit trees can also be one of the most valuable buffers in times of famine, maintaining a food supply when all other food supplies fail. From BBC News:

Food insecurity is a routine fact of life for many of the world's poorest people, Miranda Spitteler, chief executive of Tree Aid told BBC News.

She said the West needed to recognise the important role trees could play in reducing the need for conventional aid.

She also called for support for a local tree-based solution to food shortages...

She said the fight against hunger, especially in drought-hit times, must target those at the epicentre of of world poverty - smallholder farmers in rural Africa.

"They need support to adopt agro-forestry techniques, which boost soil fertility and provide tree food crops to supplement nutrition."

Ms Spitteler added: "This approach can increase self-sufficiency for both rural communities and national economies. It can increase environmental security, diversify livelihood options and reduce the vulnerability of poor households to climate change and external shocks."

You can help by donating to Tree Aid (they are British and hence the donation is in British currency, but that shouldn't be a problem if paying by credit card). Here is their mission statement:

TREE AID was established as a charity in 1987 by a group of foresters in response to the famine in Africa, brought to public attention by Band Aid and Live Aid.

They wanted to provide a long term solution once the emergency relief efforts ended. They believed that trees could significantly reduce the vulnerability of communities in rural Africa's drylands to drought and famine in the future.

Our current strategy expands on the original concept, focusing on forest management and income, food and medicines from trees.

Click here to find out about their current projects (currently in Burkina Faso, Mali and Ghana)

Continuing the Glenn Beck Advertiser Boycott

Every now and then I highlight a Fox News advertiser boycott. People often question the usefulness of boycotts. Well, boycotts are a very old tool for protest, used by right and left. These days the right tends to be more tenacious about boycotts than the left, so they tend to get their way more often. The trick to a boycott is to be persistent. It helped during the grape boycott. It helped during the anti-apartheid boycotts. And it helped change the outward, at least, poilcies of Coors. So I push boycotts whenever it seems they are worth it. The Exxon/Mobil and Chevron/Texaco boycotts are the ones I am most persistent about. But pressuring advertisers on their sponsorship of Fox News is another effort I like to push. Remember, Fox News is not doing as well as they used to financially. Advertiser boycotts can be even more effective now than ever.

Before I continue I should note that some advertisers are already backing away from Beck...but they still need to hear from you to re-enforce that. Some advertisers pull are pulling their advertising from Glenn Beck altogether. First of all: GEICO has pulled its ads from the Glenn Beck show. But I think the most responsive and most responsible advertiser so far has been the Men's Warehouse. I can safely say if anyone out there is looking for a men's suit, the Men's Warehouse is a good place to go. When I have the money and need for a new suit (my current one dates back to the Clinton Presidency) I will definitely consider the Men's Warehouse when I go shopping. Then there is Sargento Cheese. They have also pulled their advertising. I will be looking to make sure we buy Sargento if we can...we have in the past but generally I don't pay close attention. Now I will be looking for Sargento and favor them,

But there is more to be done.

This boycott originally comes from MSNBC via Daily Kos:

MSNBC's Donnie Deutsch just called (on air!) for advertisers to boycott Glenn Beck for his "Obama is a racist" screed on Fox (faux) News, after Fox News refused to take responsibility for Beck on their station (they said he was entitled to his opinion...).

From Deutsch:

"He called this president a 'racist' and a 'hatred of white people', okay? This has to stop. Here's the only way this stops. The reason this man does this, this Glenn Beck does this, is because it attracts viewers, it creates controversy."

He then calls for a boycott of sponsors of Glenn Beck:

"If you're an African-American or white American who's tired of this kind of talk, write to the CEO's of those companies and say: 'you know what, put it somewhere else on Fox News, I'm not saying take it [your advertising] off of Fox News, take it off this man's show."

And here is a list of advertisers to contact:

Contact information (current as of last wikianswers update):

The Procter & Gamble Company (I found them open to my comments and may be cutting back their advertising on Glenn Beck...Please contact them as well and make sure they know the boycott continues. If they respond well to your comment, but something from their company. We should reward the companies that are listening.)
Chairman: Alan G. (A.G.) Lafley
President, CEO, and Director: Robert A. (Bob) McDonald
CFO: Jon R. Moeller
1 Procter & Gamble Plaza
Cincinnati, OH 45202
OH Tel. 513-983-1100
Fax 513-983-9369
http://www.pg.com/
Contact form: http://pg.custhelp.com/...

General Motors:
Chairman: Edward E. (Ed) Whitacre Jr.
President, CEO, and Director: Frederick A. (Fritz) Henderson
EVP and CFO: Ray G. Young
300 Renaissance Center
Detroit, MI 48265-3000
Contact Media Relations at 888-436-6687 (h/t sueroegge)
MI Tel. 313-556-5000
Contact form: http://www.gm.com/...

Campbell Soup:
Chairman: Harvey Golub
President, CEO, and Director: Douglas R. Conant
SVP, CFO, and Chief Administrative Officer: B. Craig Owens
Campbell Soup Company
1 Campbell Place
Camden, NJ 08103-1799
NJ Tel. 856-342-4800
Toll Free 800-257-8443
Fax 856-342-3878
http://www.campbellsoupcompany.com
Contact form: http://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/...

Chrysler Group LLC:
Chairman: C. Robert (Bob) Kidder
CEO and Director: Sergio Marchionne
SVP and CFO: Ronald E. Kolka
1000 Chrysler Dr.
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2766
MI Tel. 248-576-5741
Toll Free 800-992-1997
http://www.chryslerllc.com
Contact form: https://www.chryslergroupllc.com/...

Pfizer Inc.
Chairman and CEO: Jeffrey B. (Jeff) Kindler
Chairman Emeritus: William C. Steere Jr.
Chairman Emeritus: M. Anthony Burns
235 E. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10017-5755
NY Tel. 212-573-2323
http://www.pfizer.com
Contact page: http://www.pfizer.com/...

Kellogg Company
Chairman: James M. (Jim) Jenness
President, CEO, and Director: A. D. David Mackay
EVP, COO, and CFO: John A. Bryant
1 Kellogg Sq.
Battle Creek, MI 49016-3599
Contact media at 800-323-0768
MI Tel. 269-961-2000
Toll Free 800-962-1413
Fax 269-961-2871
http://www.kelloggcompany.com
Media email: media.hotline@kellogg.com

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Chairman: S. Robson (Rob) Walton
President, CEO, and Director: Michael T. (Mike) Duke
EVP and COO: William S. (Bill) Simon
702 SW 8th St.
Bentonville, AR 72716
AR Tel. 479-273-4000
Fax 479-277-1830
http://www.walmartstores.com
Contact form: http://walmartstores.com/...

Kraft Foods Inc.
Chairman and CEO: Irene B. Rosenfeld
EVP Operations and Business Services: David A. (Dave) Brearton
EVP and CFO: Timothy R. (Tim) McLevish
3 Lakes Dr.
Northfield, IL 60093
Contact #: 1 800 323 0768
IL Tel. 847-646-2000
Fax 847-646-6005
http://www.kraft.com
Contact form: http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/...

Nestlé USA, Inc.
Chairman and CEO: Brad Alford
SVP and CFO: Dan Stroud
GLOBE Executive and CIO: Kimberly (Kim) Lund
800 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
CA Tel. 818-549-6000
Toll Free 800-225-2270
Fax 818-549-6952
http://www.nestleusa.com
Contact form: http://www.nestleusa.com/...

I want to emphasize that Glenn Beck has a Cosntitutional right to say the crap he says. But we also have a Constitutional right to boycott his sponsors. In both cases it is freedom of expression.

Find out more about Glenn Beck's race-baiting, hate speech and lies at Media Matters.

Rush Limbaugh's Nazi Rhetoric Must Stop

Rush Limbaugh loves to call Obama a Nazi. To me this shows either Rush has no concept of history or he is deliberately lying, because there is NO RESEMBLANCE between Obama's policies and Nazism. I seriously think Rush needs to read the classic history The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.

The National Jewish Democratic Council is sick and tired of Rush's ignorance and/or deliberate deception and are demanding that Rush stop his irresponsible Nazi rhetoric. From the NJDC:

Rush Limbaugh has engaged in some wild right-wing antics over the years. But yesterday he compared President Barack Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Hitler and today his website has the logo of the president's health insurance reform plan morphing into a Nazi graphic replete with Swastikas.

Rush has to be stopped, and we need your help to do so – today. Add your voice to those telling Rush’s network that he has to be stopped; sign our petition today.

Limbaugh's horrifying use of Hitler references and swastikas is deeply offensive and wildly inappropriate, and it has to stop – now. It doesn't help when Rep. Eric Cantor, the lone Jewish Republican in Congress, said last weekend that "we need... the Rush Limbaughs" in the GOP. Cantor is wrong; we do not need anyone who abuses the memory of the Holocaust in our political discourse, period.

Rush’s deeply offensive use of Holocaust imagery must stop, and we need your help to put an end this right-wing insanity today. We need your help to do two things right now:

1. Sign our petition and lend your voice to those telling Rush’s network that enough is enough – abusing the memory of the Holocaust has to stop right now.

2. Forward this...to five friends right now!
We need to engage as many friends and family as possible in this effort to shut Rush up.

Together, we can reclaim our political discourse – and put a stop to Rush's horrendous Nazi rhetoric.

NYC FOCUS: Working Families Party Scandal

I have been watching the unfolding WFP scandal with some interest, but have been waiting to comment. Partly I wasn't at first sure if we were talking minor technicalities that WFP ran afoul of or if we are talking about a deeper pattern of disregard for campaign finance laws. I am now thinking it is a deeper pattern of disregard for the law, or at least an attempt to skirt the laws, that we are talking about.

An article in City Hall News covers this developing scandal in considerable detail. Here is the breakdown they give of the scandal:

A complicated web of coordinated activities, shared resources and staff, and quiet money transfers between the Working Families Party, a secretive private company called Data and Field Services and at least six current Council campaigns, as well as Bill de Blasio’s campaign for public advocate, appears to have found several ways around the strict city campaign finance laws. Upwards of a million dollars, and possibly more, are involved, with over $1.7 million in matching funds comprised of taxpayer dollars already disbursed and more are potentially at stake.

There have long been assumptions and rumors of the collaboration between the Working Families Party (WFP) and its favored candidates, but never before has the scope of or intricate processes behind its joint activity been exposed to the degree made possible by an extensive review of public documents and close to 50 interviews with a range of key players conducted by City Hall over the last few days.

The article goes on in great detail and is well worth reading.

The candidates who are potentially caught up in this scandal are Bill de Blasio (running for, ironically, Public Advocate), and several city council candidates: Brad Lander, Debi Rose, Daniel Dromm, Lynn Schulman, Jumaane Williams, S.J. Jung, Jimmy Van Bramer. Each of these candidates are using WFP personnel and/or resources in a way that may well either violate or dodge existing campaign finance laws.

I should note that one of the candidates caught up in this scandal, Daniel Dromm, I have endorsed. I don't know if I consider involvement in this scandal a deal breaker, but Dromm definitely is on thin ice with his WFP connections and involvement in this scandal is one strike for a candidate in my book. I like everything else about Dromm, but his ties to WFP do raise an eyebrow. Interestingly, another candidate that WFP and I agree on, John Liu, has NOT been mentioned in this WFP scandal, so perhaps he followed the rules in his connections with the WFP. I find this encouraging about Liu.

Other candidates involved are opposing candidates I have endorsed. Brad Lander is running against my friend Josh Skaller. Lynn Schulman is running against my endorsed candidate Mel Gagarin.

I also think it remains to be seen whether WFP and these candidates have actually violated the letter of the law or have merely violated the intent. Either way, it reflects poorly on WFP.

Josh Skaller, running to replace Bill de Blasio in the City Council, has this to say about his opponent Brad Lander's role in the scandal:

"Once again, we are disappointed to learn that a candidate has engaged in slush fund politics at the public's expense -- this time it's Brad Lander. Lander has allowed his Council campaign to be propped up by unethical and possibly illegal under-the-table funds, and the public might be awarding him taxpayer-generated matching funds regardless of this scandal.

"Recent media reports confirm the intent of New York City's Campaign Finance Law has been violated through the creation of a for-profit company named Data and Field Services (DFS). DFS was created by the Working Families Party and an unknown amount of money has flowed through the Working Families Party and DFS to certain campaigns, including Brad Lander's.

"My entire campaign I've been talking about real reform. I am proud to say that Democrats -- and all New Yorkers -- can track each of our contributions and expenditures to the penny through our filings with the Campaign Finance Board. But you can't do that with Lander's funds because his real expenditures -- and the real level of contributions from the Working Families Party -- are laundered through DFS. Lander has abused the public's trust and the evidence of an unholy relationship with the Working Families Party is quite plentiful.

"Brad Lander talks about his reform credentials. Yet he has failed a critical test of leadership when it comes to his Council campaign. We cannot stop typical Democratic Party politics in Brooklyn if we have elected officials without the judgment and the guts to do the right thing. We cannot stop slush fund politics in the City Council if we have candidates like Lander who utilize slushy money to fuel their campaigns. If it's good enough during the campaign, we will see more dirty money when the new Council takes office.

"It was my call to end slush funds that helped to put the City Council and a disgraced former elected official on the spot and stop the outrage. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Presumably a reference to the DiBrienza scandal] No other Council candidate in the 39th District joined me in making that call -- I stood alone. Then, it was my refusal to accept any contributions from developers that led other candidates to make the same pledge -- I was again the leader on this critical issue. Brad Lander got around to returning developer money he had already accepted.

"Now, I am calling for the New York City Campaign Finance Board to rescind any funds provided to the Lander campaign until and unless a full accounting of the Lander finances has been provided both to the Board and to the public. New Yorkers deserve to know the truth. If violations are determined to have taken place, then appropriate action must be taken.

"We don't need four more years of corruption in the City Council. We need independent Democrats who understand what democracy is supposed to look like. On September 15, Brooklynites can choose more of the same, or they can choose reform. A vote for me is a vote for real change."

Over at Room 8 another blogger (whose identity or identities have been much discussed) has already written about supposed corrupt behavior by WFP, targeting Brad Lander in particular. The article is rambling and in places poorly sourced. I have hesitated to refer to that article even though some of its accusations have been backed up off the record to me by another blogger I know. But one particular accusation, made in May, is of note because it presages the current scandal. From Room 8:

These transactions are hidden behind a wall of corporate secrecy.

Yes, corporate: To run its canvassing operations, the WFP has created an in-house, for-profit corporation called Data & Field Services. The party publicly discloses only the five-figure lump sums it occasionally "pays" the company. (Some individual candidates also disclose payments to DFS.)

This practice apparently violates state campaign-finance regulations. Board of Elections officials insist that party committees are required to itemize exactly who gets the money they dispense, even if it's paid through an "outside" vendor. While the public can sometimes see where the WFP's money comes from, it knows very little about where it goes. In the Working Families Party, ACORN has created a conglomerate that is one part campaign machine, one part commercial enterprise and one part lobbying-clearinghouse for special-interest money and muscle -- a conglomerate that is shored up by its privileges as a state-registered political party and shielded from scrutiny by a corporate subsidiary.

Of course this is precisely the scandal that is now hitting the papers, brought up months before by an anonymous Room 8 blogger. Perhaps this lends credibility to some of the other accusations made in that article...

But one thing I want to emphasize is that Brad Lander is not the only candidate involved, even though the Room 8 blogger and (not surprisingly) Skaller both focus on Lander's involvement. I think Bill de Blasio deserves even more scrutiny than Lander. And even some people I have considered good candidates seem involved. I think this shows how widespread scandal is in our local government, whether it is the slush fund scandals that involve as much as 3/4 of the current City Council (including, I should add, Bill de Blasio as well), or the WFP scandal described here, these scandals cross party lines and really call for massive reform in NYC. I believe most of the candidates I endorse (perhaps with some exceptions who I may have to reconsider) are the ones MOST dedicated to reform of this corrupt system. And I think in particular this shows how the likes of Bill de Blasio (involved in both slush fund and WFP scandals) should NOT be Public Advocate. The two frontrunners in the Public Advocate race are Norman Siegel and Mark Green. I think without a doubt Norman Siegel is the most honest candidate in NYC and his integrity is unquestioned. I really think we need a man like Norman Siegel as our advocate these days. But we certainly do NOT need someone like Bill de Blasio.

Silicon Valley Area, CA Biodiesel, Events and Food Co-ops

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.


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

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

Sign up here for more info.

October 3, 2009 – 1st Annual Gay Family Day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 11 am–7 pm.

Nov 4, 2009 DFA first-Wednesday get-together 7:00 PM PST (10:00 PM EST)
City: Palo Alto or Los Altos, usually
Phone: For more info call: 650-380-4112
Probably a discussion of the November 3 election; more later


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Diego, CA Biodiesel, Events and Co-ops

Biodiesel is one of the alternatives I have been pushing for some time. It can be used in any diesel engine, is less polluting and has a smaller carbon footprint than regular diesel.

Here are some gas stations that offer biodiesel in the San Diego area:

Carr's Car Center: 3940 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-433-2166. Offers B5 (5% biodiesel, good for any diesel engine). Open M-SAT 6AM-6PM.

Soco Group: 145 Vernon Way, El Cajon, CA 92020, 858-627-0440. Offers B20 (20% biodiesel, good for any diesel engine). Open 7 AM - 5PM M-F.

Pearson Ford/RTC Fuels: 4067 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92105, 619-243-0456. Offers B99 (99% biodiesel, good for new engines, some old engines not ok). Open 7AM-10PM.


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

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.

Orange County, CA Events

Loretta Sanchez comes out for Public Option. Here's the video:




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.

And here are some other biodiesel stations in/near Orange County, CA:

Extreme Biodiesel: 1560 N Maple St, Corona, CA 92880, 888-998-7223. Offers B99.9 (nearly 100% biodiesel, good for newer diesel engines, some old engines not ok). MEMBERSHIP REQD

Nickey Petroleum: 925 S Lakeview Ave, Placentia,, CA 92870, 714-547-4123. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine), B99 (ok for newer diesel engines). CALL AHEAD

Socal Biofuel: 1006 E South St, Anaheim, CA 92805, 888-888-4121. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel enginns, some old engines not ok). Open 8-4:30 M-F


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

Aug 16 Sunday 1:30pm, Irvine: OC Humanists: Dr. Clay Costner on "The Art of Thinking" The talk will cover the advancement of critical thinking from the time of the Renaissance until the present and will include the concept of Cognitive Dissonance. Clay is a long-time teacher and coach at the High School, College and University level. Clay has a PhD in Education with a major in Physical education and a minor in Social Psychology. He has taught in the South and here in California. He was a Baptist before becoming a Humanist
Irvine Ranch Water District 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. Irvine, CA 92618 meetup.com/OCHumanists/calendar/11023130

Aug 20 Thursday 4pm-Sunset, Irvine: Humanist Association of Orange County Picnic meetup.com/OCHumanists Mason Regional Park 18712 University Drive, Irvine Chips and Salsa, Soft Drinks Deli Sandwiches Picnic Tables provided, or bring a Folding Chair $10.00 per person (plus $3 per car park entrance fee) Please RSVP to ochumanists@gmail.com or 714-446-9283 (cell phone 714-504-3857 on event day) Directions: 405 Freeway to Culver Drive, Right on University Dr., Left into the Park, Right to Shelter #1 ? Look for the HAOC signs.

Aug 21 Friday 9am-1pm, Fountain Valley: State Water Crisis Hearing On behalf of the members of the Assembly Select Committee on Regional Approaches to Addressing the State's Water Crisis, I would like to invite you to our first committee hearing. Details are as follows: HEARING: Friday, August 21, 2009 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (including lunch)
LOCATION: OCWD / MWDOC Board Room 18700 Ward Street Fountain Valley, California 92708 California's water crisis deserves statewide attention to find solutions that work. Our select committee will conduct three or four hearings throughout the state to find best practices regarding local conservation projects, regional strategies to deliver new supplies of drinking water, and new ideas for the state to consider as it addresses current and future water shortages. I encourage you to join us at our first hearing. Panelists will include: * Darcy Burke, Director of Public Affairs, Municipal Water District of Orange County * Lucy Dunn, President, Orange County Business Council * Paul Jones, General Manager, Irvine Ranch Water District * Jeff Kightlinger, CEO, Metropolitan Water District * Scott Maloni, Vice President, Poseidon Resources * Michael Markus, General Manager, Orange County Water District * Michael Motherway, President, DXV Water Technologies * Steve Sheldon, President, Orange County Water District * Robert Wade, Director of Legislation, California Landscape Contractors Association For a detailed agenda see attached. Seating for the hearing is limited. Please RSVP by Tuesday, August 18th with my scheduler, Kim Nguyen, via e-mail at kim.nguyen@asm.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 319-2069.

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

Sep 2 (1st Wednesday) 7pm, Costa Mesa: Democracy for America - Orange County September General Meeting Karl Strauss Brewery, 901 S Coast Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
We will NOT meet in August. We will resume monthly meetings on September 2 and we hope to see you there. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Kopicki at sckopicki@yahoo.com

Sep 13 Sunday 5pm, Newport Beach: Orange County Interfaith Committee to Aid Farm Worker Fundraiser-Dinner at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2200 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Newport Beach. our speaker will be the Rev. Noelle Damico of the Presbyterian Hunger Program To make a reservation, please make your checks out to the National Farm Worker Ministry and mail them to Suzanne Darweesh, 2104 Hilltop Ct, Fullerton, CA 92831. For more information please contact her at 714-738-1785 or sdarweesh@aol.com. Donations are requested at $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Sep 26 Saturday 10am-4pm, Huntington Beach: Huntington Beach Green Expo Sponsored by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and ?the City of Huntington Beach Economic Development Department. This was an excellent green expo in 2008 with a respectable amount of vendor booths and speakers throughout the day. Interested in being a vendor at this expo? Visit hbchamber.org for more information. HB Central Library 7111 Talbert Ave Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Sep 26 Saturday 6-9:30pm, Costa Mesa: Orange County Labor Federation 9th Annual Solidarity Leadership Awards Dinner -Honoring- Lifetime Achievement Award AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney César Chávez Leadership Award Ron Herrera Teamsters Local 396 Organizing Union Award UniteHERE Local 11 Delegate of the Year Doug Mangione IBEW 441 Phillip Burton Award Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez Model Corporate Partner Award Anderson and Howard Electric -Business/Dinner Attire- Go to link below for Sponsorships, Tickets, and Ad Rates. oclabor.org/images/docs/RESERVATION.psf.pdf
Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 priscilla@oclabor.org

Oct 24 Saturday 9am-3:30pm, Orange: International Day of Climate Action Run, Walk, Bike, or Carpool (in your alternative fuel vehicle) to the Outdoor Education Center (located adjacent to Irvine Regional Park) 2 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA For more information, to download the printable registration form, or to register on-line, please visit the registration website at WWW.OCICE.ORG Enter the 5K Walk, hosted by the UNA-USA, Orange County Chapter? Join in the hike, beginning at Irvine Regional Park, hosted by the Sierra Club Join an OC bike club on a ride (from various locations throughout OC) to the Outdoor Education Center Participate in the tree planting at the Outdoor Education Center Participate in the aerial photo of the number - 350 that will be uploaded to the 350.org website Houses of Worship - Ring your bells 350 times! Play on the Zip Line Guest Speakers include: OC Clergy who have signed the Creation Protection Agreement Local Politicians that are working to reduce their cities CO2 emissions Keynote address: Chris Prelitz, sustainable architecture, author, and activist Eco-Friendly exhibits-
This rally is a coordinated effort by the following organizations: www.350.org www.earthresource.org www.ocice.org www.unausa.org www.outdooreducationcenter.org www.sierraclub.com

Coweta County, GA Focus

As my Georgia readership grows, I feel I have to focus more on that state. So now I will highlight what is going on in Coweta County, GA.

COWETA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

The Coweta County, Georgia Democratic Party's regular monthly meeting is the first Saturday of every month at 10:00 am (come at 9:30 for breakfast) at the Westside Restaurant on Temple Avenue in downtown Newnan. Upcoming events from the Coweta County Democratic Party Calendar:

August 22, 2009
05:00 PM - 09:00 PM - eRSVP: Young Democrats Go To the GADCC Dinner in Dublin
Location: DuBose Porter Training Center 560 Pinehill Road, Dublin, GA, 31021 US
Contact: Tim Cairl: tim@georgiayds.org
Price: $40.00
Website: http://www.heartofgatech.edu/m...

Join Young Democrats from around the state as we attend the the Annual Georgia Association of Democratic County Chairs Awards Dinner in Dublin Georgia.

This is a great event, awesome reception, and a chance to meet hard-working Democrats from every corner of the state.

We are offering limited discount tickets, so be sure and RSVP here, then go to www.georgiayds.org/contribute and use the GADCC Dinner option too make your payment today.

What: GADCC Annual Awards Dinner
When: Saturday August 22nd 5-9pm
Where: DuBose Porter Training Center at the Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin, Georgia

http://www.heartofgatech.edu/main/InstSpptSrvs/Porter/2006_about_us_.cfm

Cost: $40 per person, you MUST RSVP here and then go to the georgiayds.org contribute page and make your payment as soon as possible.

Thanks!
[RSVP]

September 2, 2009
06:30 PM - 08:30 PM - Business Meeting: Monthly Business Meeting
Location: Manuel's Tavern 602 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA, US
Contact: Mijha Butcher, president@atlantayoungdems.org,
New Member Orientation: 6:30pm
Mix and Mingle: 7pm
Business meeting: 7:30pm

September 13, 2009
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM - Meeting: Lumpkin County Forum
Location: Hancock Park Dahlonega, GA, US
All State Democratic Candidates have been invited to this event in Dahlonega. The function will start at 1pm and be held at Hancock Park in Dahlonega. The Celtic Band Emerald Rose will be performing.

September 19, 2009
08:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Fundraiser: Sterling Stampede 5K
Location: Sterling on the Lake Clubhouse 7005 Lake Sterling Drive, Flowery Branch, GA, 30542 US
Contact: Eric Gray: egray9@gmail.com
678-267-3502
Website: http://www.sterlingconnects.co...

Sterling on the Lake’s community enhancement committee, Sterling Life, is sponsoring this event and will donate race proceeds to local charities

5K Race Course: The course features beautiful scenic trails along Looper Lake and the residential neighborhood of Sterling on the Lake. Several hills are included in the race terrain. A water station will be located at the 1.5 mile marker. Tree House Trot: The 1/2 mile course follows the street housing the community tree house. A water station will be available for children at the tree house.

October 7, 2009
06:30 PM - 08:30 PM - Business Meeting: Monthly Business Meeting
Location: Manuel's Tavern 602 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA, US
Contact: Mijha Butcher: president@atlantayoungdems.org
New Member Orientation: 6:30pm
Mix and Mingle: 7pm
Business meeting: 7:30pm


Solar Energy in Coweta County:

You can search for a solar installer in your area of Coweta County by clicking here.

All graphs I see for locations in Coweta County indicate that Coweta County is suitable for solar energy based on the amount of sunshine received during the year. For example, for Sharpsburg, GA here is the graph of sunshine received on a month-by-month basis compared with the national average:



This information can be useful to help determine if Sharpsburg will do well with solar photovoltaic panels (for solar electricity generation), solar water heating systems, solar pv, solar heat, solar pool heating, etc. The closer the dark green line is to the light blue line (or the higher it is above it), the better. Sharpsburg matches the light blue line pretty well, going above (better) some months, and below (worse) some months. The rest of Coweta County, GA shows a pattern similar to that of Sharpsburg. To be sure your property is suitable, click on the link above, find your town and then zip code, then fill in the form to get a detailed analysis and quote. On average for the nation, you break even on your investment in solar energy within 3-5 years and after that you get many years of essentially free energy (warranties on solar panels range from 20-25 years...so that is 15-20 years of nearly free energy from your solar panels).

GEORGIA FOCUS: Blogs, Biodiesel, Alternative Energy, Veterans For Peace, NAACP, Groups and Events

Some Georgia News:

Neurosurgeons favor health reform bill, HR 3400

And, racism and anti-Semitism continue to rise among right wingers: Rep. David Scott's (D-Ga) office spray-painted with Swastika. Funny how Republicans seem to think this kind of crap is okay.

MoveOn Rallies for Healthcare at US Sen. Isakson's Office


Here are some biodiesel stations in Georgia. Biodiesel is less polluting and has a smaller carbon footprint than regular diesel, and is produced right here in the USA. Biodiesel can be used in almost any diesel engine. Up to B20 (a 20 percent blend) any diesel engine, whether car or 18 wheeler or whatever, can use it. Above B20 some older engines may have problems, but newer engines should be ok.

Citgo Food Mart: 174 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-475-7071. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS

ReFuel Bio: 250 Arizona Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307, 404-219-9709. Offers B100 (not ok for some older engines). Open 24 HRS.

SA White Oil: 590 Atlanta Street SE, Marietta, GA 30060, 770-427-1387. Offers B20 (ok for all engines) and B100 (not ok for some older engines). Open 7AM-6PM M-F; SAT 7AM-2PM.

Down to Earth Energy: 941 Monroe Jersey Road, Monroe, GA 30655, 770-267-7891. Offers B20 (ok for all engines) and B100 (not ok for some older engines). Open 8AM-7PM.

Enterprise Oil Co. 651 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy SE, Cartersville, GA 30120, 770-382-4804. Offers B100 (not ok for some older engines). Open 6AM-5PM M-F.

Apex Express: 205 Hawthorne Ave. Athens, GA 30606, 706-549-7535. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 6AM-11PM M-F.

Merryman Biodiesel: 288 Bowdoin LN SW, Adairsville, GA 30103, 706-602-9160. Offers variety of biodiesel blends. Open M-F 9-5.

Rock-It BP: 145 Highway 411 SE, Rome, GA 30161, 706-234-1838. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Soymet 101: 5680 Alabama Hwy NW, Rome, GA 30165, 706-802-1110. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Walthall Oil Company #401: 4433 Forsyth Road, Macon, GA 31210, 478-405-8218. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS. NO TRACTOR/TRAILER ACCESS

Mini Food Stores: 3224 Vineville Ave, Macon, GA 31204, 478-742-2023. Offers B10 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Davis Oil Company: Gunn Rd and Eagle Pkwy, Centerville, GA 31093, 478-953-1437. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Fillers #21: 2601 Moody Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31088, 478-328-3755. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 6AM-MIDNIGHT.

Fast Break: 200 South State Street, Lyons, GA 30436, 912-526-6591. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Fastbreak - BP: 142 South State Street, Lyons, GA 30436, 912-526-6591. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.


BLOGGING GEORGIA:

For Local Georgia News and Events, go to Lefty Blogs Georgia for the latest.

Tondee's Tavern: "A Practical and Useful Blog for the benefit of PROGRESSIVES in GEORGIA."

Atlanta Progressive News: Also on Every Thursday on 89.3 FM WRFG 12pm "Current Events" Show with Adam Shapiro. And for more on Radio Free Georgia, go here.

Georgia Justice Project is an unlikely mix of lawyers, social workers and a landscape company. We defend people accused of crimes and, win or lose, we stand with our clients while they rebuild their lives.


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN GEORGIA:

Some statistics from Repower America:

* According to the Georgia State Wind Map and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, there is over 10,000-megawatts of wind potential off the state’s coast. That's enough to replace 10 large coal-fired power plants!

* There are 2,027-megawatts of clean hydroelectric power in Georgia, which accounts for nearly all of the state's renewable energy generation today.

* Suniva, Inc. is building the first solar manufacturing plant in Georgia. The company will begin production at its 32-megawatt, high-efficiency solar cell facility in Gwinnet County, initially creating 100 new jobs.

Alternative energy and YOUR energy bill: YOU can be part of the solution for America by signing up to purchase your energy through a Green Power Provider. My wife and I have been doing this in NYC for years. All our energy usage is provided through wind energy generation on American farms. So we use clean energy AND help American farmers. It costs us three cents per kilowatt-hour more per month, but we feel great about it. Although our actual energy may come from anywhere, we are paying to purchase wind energy for the energy grid. Each state has different programs available, usually through yuor existing energy provider right on your existing energy bill. To find such options in Georgia, go here and pick your energy provider from the list. If you need help, you can email me and tell me who you get your bill from (don't give me any other info!) and I can tell you who to contact to go green through that energy provider. Or you can do the same thing using Renewable Energy Certificates through an organization that works with utility companies, though in this case it is a separate bill. One off the cheapest (.4-1 cent per kilowatt-hour), but still e-Green certified, ways to do this is through Good Energy. Or, for about half a cent per kilowatt-hour you can purchase renewable energy certificates through Carbonfund.org. ANY of these ways you do it, you are helping the environment, helping America, and helping cut carbon emissions.


Saving the Economy and Environment with Clean Energy!

Solar, Wind, Energy Efficiency, and Energy Conservation all have the power to meet our current and projected energy demand more cheaply then fossil fuels (read: Fools), all while providing more local jobs then traditional coal, nuclear, or natural gas plants! Join here for more details. Or go here: www.cleanpower4georgians.com

Atlanta Beyond Oil
We are interested in peak oil, global warming, relocalization,
sustainable communities, alternative energy, permaculture, and more. We are beginning to network with other Metro Atlanta groups and to have events that educate people about our concerns. We offer support, information, and opportunities to contribute to the solution. We'd love to have you join us! Go here for more details.

The Atlanta Green Living Meetup Group
We will meet to share ideas, listen to speakers, review new products, and organize in the community to promote the preservation of Atlanta's natural environment. The group focuses on easy, accessible options that everyone can take to reduce their footprint. Join here for more info.


Next let me highlight some NAACP groups:

The Cobb County NAACP monthly meetings are the first Monday of the month at the branch office at 6:30 p.m.

General membership meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, mostly at the office location but varies based on programs. Members are encouraged to attend these meetings. Join a committee today. Elections of officers are held in even years.

For more info contact the branch office: 605 B. Roswell St Marietta, GA 30061 770.425.5757 info_at_cobbnaacp.org

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, is the oldest, largest and strongest civil rights organization in the United States. The principal objective of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States.

The NAACP is committed to achievement through non-violence and relies upon the press, the petition, the ballot and the courts, and is persistent in the use of legal and moral persuasion even in the face of overt and violent racial hostility.

Fayette County NAACP Branch General Membership Meeting:
2nd Saturday Each Month - 4:00 PM, Flat Rock AME Church

And if you want contact info for other NAACP branches in Georgia (mainly street addresses), please go here.


Here are a couple of Democracy for America meetings in Georgia:

Decatur Meeting: First Wed. of every month, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Location: ChocoLate Coffee, 2094 North Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033 US Contact: Susan Keith susan_at_georgiafordemocracy.org

The North Fulton/East Cobb Democracy for America: Second Tuesday of every month, 7:00 PM, sign up here to find out where and more details.

You can also sign up here to help organize a Georgia for Democracy group in your area.

Veterans for Peace, Atlanta has several vigils and rallies around Atlanta. Here is their weekly schedule. I urge you to join them if you can to show your support:

Tuesdays 12:45-1 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Emory University , in front of Woodruff Library. For more information e-mail: thee.smith@emory. edu.

Thursdays 5:00-6:00pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at CNN, Marietta and Centennial Olympic Park. For more information e-mail John.Zientowski@ turner.com

Fridays 12:00-1:00 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Colony Square , corner of Peachtree and 14th Street . For more information, e-mail bobbiepaul@rp.cbeyond.com

Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Marietta Square ( Cobb Court House). For more information e-mail cobbpeace@comcast.net

Saturdays
12:00-1:00
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Dekalb Farmers Market At 3000 Ponce de Leon Avenue , Decatur For more information, Fro more information e-mail John.Zientowski@ turner.com

Sundays
12:15-1:00 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at the corner of MLK Drive and Washington Street (across from the state capitol). For more information, e-mail elogan@gsu.edu or peggyhendrix2000@yahoo.com.

12:00-12:30 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at 910 Ponce De Leon Ave NE ,Open Door Community. For more information contact Lauren Cogswell at lauren_cogswell@yahoo.com, 404-874-9652


Here are more organizations, groups and events in Georgia:

The Carter Center: Creating a world in which every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to enjoy good health and live in peace. Find out how you can get involved.

DeKalb County Young Democrats: The future leaders of DeKalb County. Go here to see upcoming events.

Atlanta Area Democrats Meetup Group: Grassroots Democrats upset with the direction the Republicans are taking our country and our state - we're taking action! Sign up for more information.

Cobb County Young Democrats
Monthly Happy Hours on the first Fridays of every month and monthly Business Meetings on the third Tuesdays of every month. Both are great opportunities to meet fellow Cobb County Young Democrats and learn about the 2008 heated races taking place in Cobb County.

Happy Hours: BLACKBIRD, 114 W Hancock St, Milledgeville, GA, 31061 US
Contact: Christin Ivey, Christin_ivey@ecats.gcsu.edu,

Business Mettings: Little Azio Pizza and Pasta 1675 Cumberland Pkwy, Ivywalk Unit #415, Smyrna, GA, 30080 US
Contact: Alexandra O'Callaghan, alli@georgiayds.org,

Cherokee County Democratic Party Meeting
Third Monday of Every Month, 7 PM
Hot Springs Community Center
100 Hickory Circle
Holly Springs, GA
More info here.

Georgia Equality is the political advocacy voice of Georgia's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender citizens and their allies. Founded in Atlanta in 1995, it has grown into a true statewide organization and is known nationally as one of the leaders among state and local LGBT groups.

Atlanta Amnesty International Chapter 75: Meet others in your local area interested in Amnesty International USA, a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. Sign up to find out when and where.


Drinking Liberally is a grassroots social organizations for people who like to meet fellow liberals over a good beer. Here are the Drinking Liberally chapters in Georgia:

Atlanta, Georgia
* Every Thursday, 8:00 pm onward
* Thinking Man's Tavern, 537 W Howard Ave, Decatur
* Hosted by Erin Abrahams, atlanta (at) drinkingliberally.org

Dunwoody
* First and third Wednesday of each month (next meeting January 2), 7:00 pm onward
* Ye Olde Dunwoody Tavern, 5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd (map)
* Hosted by Hillary Meister, dunwoody (at) drinkingliberally.org

Augusta, Georgia
* Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Helga's Lounge, 2015 Central Ave
* Hosted by Margie Hobbins, augusta (at) drinkingliberally.org

Savannah, Georgia
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Crystal Beer Parlor, 301 W Jones St (corner of west jones and jefferson)
* lots of parking
* Hosted by John Mattingly, Victor Fishman and McKay Schwalbach, savannah (at) drinkingliberally.org

Dallas County, TX Focus

Dallas Dialogue On Proposed Health Care Reform

Join us for an important dialogue on proposed health care reform with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) & Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX).

Monday, August 17th
7:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Southern Methodist University
Umphrey Lee Ballroom
Umphrey Lee Center
3300 Dyer St., Dallas, TX 75205

To register, click this link and complete the form.

Here is the planned schedule for the event:
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Registration, Networking and Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Congressional Dialogue and Discussion
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Community Perspectives Panel
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Closing and Networking


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 selling biodiesel near Dallas/Ft. Worth:

Loves: 1501 W Highway 287, Midlothian, TX 76065, 972-775-2820. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Green Spot Market and Fuels: 702 N Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75218, 214-319-7768 Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine) and B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open 6AM-9PM.

Texas Biotech Inc. 614 111th Street, Arlington, TX 76011, 817-633-3139 Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine) and B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open 7AM-5PM M-F ; 9A,-3PM SATURDAY; CLOSED SUNDAY

Carls Corner Truck Stop: I35E and FM 2959, Hillsboro, TX 76645, 254-582-8433. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine).

Loves Store #299: 715 S Central Expressway, Anna, TX 75409, 972-924-3683. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

DFW Biodiesel: 2561 E Long Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76137, 817-875-5147. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine) and B100 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open 24 HOURS.

Drivers Truckstop/Valero: 3201 N Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76106, 817-624-3975. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS


Find out about the Dallas County DA Office, one of the more advanced DA's office in the nation and the reason I became inspired to focus on Dallas County. They have championed a program to confirm the guilt of convicted felons to ensure that the REAL criminals are taken off the street. Their efforts have been extremely successful. And find out about careers with the Dallas DA Department.


DALLAS COUNTY EVENTS:(excerpted from the Dallas County Democrats)

Irving Democrats
8/18/2009 6:30 PM
The Irving Democratic Club meeting.
The regular meeting of the Irving Democratic Club (IDC) is scheduled to meet at 6:30 pm. on January 20, 2009, at the Rancho Restaurant. The program, which begins at 7 p.m. will feature Nancy Jones, Irving School Board Trustee, to discuss the school district and hopes for action of the Texas Legislature. Ms. Jones, elected in May of 2008, comes with a fresh perspective on serving the students of IISD.

Designated an official Inauguration Festivity Gathering, guests will watch the Inauguration Events on the big screen television following Trustee Jones’ presentation. Rancho Restaurant is located at 1210 East Irving Blvd., east of Nursery Street, on the south side of the street. Convenient parking is located at the rear and on the east side of the building.

Texas Coalition of Black Democrats - Monthly Meeting
8/18/2009 6:30 PM
Moorland YMCA
907 E. Ledbetter Rd.
Dallas, TX 75216
Contact Phone: 214-264-8483
Contact Email: tcbddallas@yahoo.com

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
8/18/2009 6:30 PM
Ojeda's Restaurant
4617 Maple Ave
Dallas, TX

Garland Democratic Womens Club
8/19/2009 11:30 AM
Garland Democratic Woman's Club meets at
Siciliano's Taste of Italy
2210 W. Buckingham
Garland, TX
at 11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month

NW Dallas County Democrats
8/19/2009 7:30 PM
Meets 3rd Wednesday of every month
Taco Cabana, 11824 Webb Chapel Rd (at LBJ) Farmers Branch
Contact Phone: Gordon Peterson, 972-488-8447
Contact Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/NWDallasDemocraticClub

Drinking Liberally Addison
8/20/2009 6:00 PM
Join this social liberal drinking club at The Quarter in Addison. Promoting democracy one pint at a time. http://livingliberally.org for more info
Location: The Quarter, 15201 Addison Rd, Addison TX 75001
Recurrence: Every 1 month(s) on the third Thursday
Contact Email: addison@drinkingliberally.org

Richardson / North Dallas Democrats
8/25/2009 7:00 PM
The Richardson/North Dallas Democrats meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Location: Marrakesh Cafe, 7989 Belt Line Rd, Dallas, TX 75248
Contact Phone: Evan Thomas 972-644-1041
Contact Email: evanthomas75081@yahoo.com

Stonewall Democrats of Denton County
8/27/2009 7:00 PM
Monthly meeting of LGBT and allied Democrats in Denton County www.stonewalldemocratsofdentoncounty.org
Location: Landmark Grill, 1297 FM 407 (Justin Rd), Lewisville TX
Recurrence: Every 1 month(s) on the fourth Thursday
Contact Email: info@stonewalldemocratsofdentoncounty.org

North Dallas Texas Democratic Women
8/27/2009 6:45 PM
We are a lively group dedicated to increased political activity of Democratic women in Texas politics and government.
Location: Northaven Methodist Church, 11211 Preston Rd (between Royal & Forest Lanes), 2nd floor
Contact Phone: Lenna Webb, 972-732-7712
Contact Email: msnilknarf22@att.net


DALLAS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATIONS:

Dallas County Young Democrats
URL: http://www.dallasyoungdemocrats.org
For Dallas Area Democrats between the agaes of 14 and 36.
Renee Hartley, President
Email: president@dallasyoungdemocrats.org

Democracy for America Dallas
URL: http://www.dfalink.com/dallas
Contact Name: Michael Thomas
Phone: 214-403-8657
NW Dallas; NE Dallas; SW Dallas; SE Dallas; Central Dallas

Progressive Populist Caucus of Texas
URL: http://www.texaspopulists.com

Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus
URL: http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org/texas
Contact Name: Shannon Bailey, President
Email: texas@stonewalldemocrats.org
3532 Cedarplaza Lane, Dallas, TX 75209

Texas Coalition of Black Democrats
Contact Name: T. Nobles
Email: tcbddallas@yahoo.com
Phone: 214-264-8483
P. O. Box 764726, Dallas, Texas 75376
News Group-Meetup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TCBDDallasChapter

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
URL: www.stonewalldemocratsofdallas.org
Contact Name: Jesse Garcia, President
Email: info@stonewalldemocratsofdallas.org
Phone: 214-500-7066
P.O. Box 192305, Dallas, TX 75219

More organizations can be found here.