Progressive Democrat Issue 231

Last week I ended my introductory statement by saying, "It may not always seem this way, but things have been moving (slowly) in the right direction." This last week adds a great deal of emphasis to my statement. Looked at from afar, what Obama has been doing is amazing. Of course there is the Nobel Peace Prize, which I discuss in this week's newsletter. Whether or not you think Obama has earned it, it is a sincere expression of just how relieved the world is that America has a good President again and of how hopeful the world is that Obama can turn things around. But the Nobel Prize is just the most obvious expression of this. Simply put, almost every nation in the world views America better thanks to Obama. From Reuters:

The United States is the most admired country globally thanks largely to the star power of President Barack Obama and his administration, according to a new poll.

It climbed from seventh place last year, ahead of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan which completed the top five nations in the Nation Brand Index (NBI).

"What's really remarkable is that in all my years studying national reputation, I have never seen any country experience such a dramatic change in its standing as we see for the United States for 2009," said Simon Anholt, the founder of NBI, which measured the global image of 50 countries each year...

The global survey, conducted by GFK Roper Public Affairs & Media, involved 20,000 people in 20 rich and developing countries around the globe. They were asked to rate 50 nations in categories such as culture, governance, people, exports, tourism, landscape and education.

What a difference a year, and a new President, makes. And it is an important measure of Obama's success. I should note that the two main groups of people who view America worse now that Obama is President are right wing Republicans and Muslim supporters of Islamic Jihad, Iran or the Taliban. I am not making that up. Having read a great deal of the comments both from right wing Republicans and Islamic fundamentalists (Shi'ite and Sunni) I am amazed at how similar are their comments about Obama and America.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Obama Wins the Nobel Peace Prize

Keith Olbermann on Healthcare Reform

Glenn Beck Boycott Continues...and goes international

New York City Focus: Endorsements for November's Election

Rochester, NY Focus

Brooklyn, NY Focus

Queens, NY Focus

Bronx, NY Focus

NEW YORK STATE

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Re-elect Secretary of State Debra Bowen

Silicon Valley Area, CA Focus

Orange County, CA Focus

San Diego, CA Focus

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

Arizona Focus: Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Incompetent Deputy

Arizona Focus: Support the Communities On The Front Lines at Big Mountain, Black Mesa, AZ.

ARIZONA FOCUS

Texas Focus: Bill White for US Senate

Austin/Travis County, TX Focus

Dallas County, TX Focus

Houston/Harris County, TX. Focus

TEXAS FOCUS

Atlanta, GA Focus

Fayette County, GA Focus

Coweta County, GA Focus

GEORGIA FOCUS

Virginia Focus: Creigh Deeds' Latest Ad

Virginia Organizing Project Supports Healthcare Reform

Charlottesville/Albemarle County, VA Foucus

Hanover County, VA Focus

VIRGINIA FOCUS

Sussex County, NJ Focus

Warren County, NJ Focus

Passaic County, NJ Focus

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Pennsylvania Senate: Another Reason to Support Joe Sestak for Senate

Progressive Majority Candidates in Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

Injustice for Florida Lesbian and Family

FLORIDA FOCUS

Restore the Duwamish River - Tukwila, WA

Progressive Majority Candidates in Washington State

WASHINGTON STATE FOCUS

Colorado Senator Bennet On Healthcare Reform

COLORADO FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

Wisconsin for Healthcare Reform: Facts and Actions

WISCONSIN FOCUS

North Carolina Justice Center: Myths About Health Reform

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

Progressive Majority Canidates in Minnesota

MINNESOTA FOCUS

MICHIGAN FOCUS

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

ILLINOIS FOCUS

Nevada: Public Option Model that SAVES Money

NEVADA FOCUS

Obama Wins the Nobel Peace Prize

I completely didn't see this coming. Barak Obama has just won the Nobel Peace Prize. From Salon.com:

President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, citing his outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.

The stunning choice made Obama the third sitting U.S. president to win the Nobel Peace Prize and shocked Nobel observers because Obama took office less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline. Obama's name had been mentioned in speculation before the award but many Nobel watchers believed it was too early to award the president...

The Nobel committee praised Obama's creation of "a new climate in international politics" and said he had returned multilateral diplomacy and institutions like the U.N. to the center of the world stage. The plaudit appeared to be a slap at President George W. Bush from a committee that harshly criticized Obama's predecessor for resorting to largely unilateral military action in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Rather than recognizing concrete achievement, the 2009 prize appeared intended to support initiatives that have yet to bear fruit: reducing the world stock of nuclear arms, easing American conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthening the U.S. role in combating climate change.

"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future," Thorbjoern Jagland, chairman of the Nobel Committee said. "In the past year Obama has been a key person for important initiatives in the U.N. for nuclear disarmament and to set a completely new agenda for the Muslim world and East-West relations."

From BBC News:

Asked why the prize had been awarded to Mr Obama less than a year after he took office, Nobel Committee head Thorbjoern Jagland said: "It was because we would like to support what he is trying to achieve".

"It is a clear signal that we want to advocate the same as he has done," he said...

"It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama's message of hope," said Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, a former winner.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the award confirmed "America's return to the hearts of the people of the world".

Another reactions, also from BBC News:

MIKHAIL GORBACHEV, FORMER SOVIET LEADER AND NOBEL PRIZE WINNER

I am happy. What Obama did during his presidency is a big signal, he gave hope. In these hard times people who are capable of taking responsibility, who have a vision, commitment and political will should be supported.

I should note that most of those STRONGLY objecting to this event are American right wing Republicans and jihadist/pro-Taliban Muslims. I kid you not. The wording from both ends is almost identical and once again shows that intolerance looks similar wherever it comes from.

However, there are some who look at this award to Obama skeptically, wondering if Obama has YET earned it, even though they are happy for the recognition. I hate to say this, but I have to join with those who feel it is too early for Obama to be honored in this way. I have little doubt that he will earn it in the long run and I think the right wing Republicans and fundamentalist Muslims are idiots in their criticisms of Obama. But I don't see that Obama's accomplishments to date warrant such a high honor. Considerable honor, yes. But not YET the Nobel prize. That said, it is an amazing turnaround in global opinion of America and our leadership. And again, I am sure that Obama will rise to the honor.

Other American Presidents who have won the Nobel Peace Prize were Theodore Roosevelt (for negotiating an end to the Russo-Japanese war), Woodrow Wilson (for his efforts to create the League of Nations) and Jimmy Carter (for many of his efforts during and after his Presidency). Al Gore, who was likely the real winner of the 2000 election, Supreme Court aside, won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to fight global warming.

Glenn Beck Boycott Continues...and goes international

Here is a list (possibly already out of date?) of companies that have pulled their ads from the Glenn Beck show because of his hate speech:

LexisNexis, Proctor & Gamble, Progressive Insurance
S.C. Johnson, Geico, Clorox
Men’s Warehouse, Sargento, Lowe’s
State Farm, Roche, Sprint
Sanofi-Aventis, RadioShack, Airware Inc
Con-Agra, Travelocity, Ancestry.com
Wal-Mart, Best Buy, AT&T
CVS, Allergan, Blain Labs
Ally Bank, Broadview Security, Campbell Soup
Re-Bath, Farmer’s Insurance, DiTech
The Elations Co., Experion, Johnson & Johnson
NutriSystem, UPS Stores, Verizon Wireless
Applebee’s, Bank of America, Bell & Howell
DirecTv, General Mills, Kraft
Regions Financial, SAM (Store and Move), Travelers Insurance
Vonage, Binder & Binder, Capital One
Dannon Company, Discover, HSBC
ICAN Benefit Group Ins, Infiniti, Jelmar
J. McKenna Debt Counseling, Mercedes-Benz, Simplex Healthcare

I suggest you pick one or two of these companies and thank them, both by writing them and by going out of your way to patronize them. Personally Roche is a company I order from at work and I was avoiding them in favor of their competitors until they pulled their ads. Proctor and Gamble and SC Johnson are two companies I recently bought from specifically because they pulled their ads. General Mills is a company we buy from some times and we were thinking of boycotting because they advertised on Glenn Beck. Now we continue to buy from them because they pulled their ads. And I now am thinking I will use my Discover card more as well to thank them for pulling their ads. May not mean much to them, but it means something to me and so will seek out companies that pull their ads from Glenn Beck.

Here is a list of advertisers still on Glenn Beck...(may be out of date):

* Extenze penis-enhancing pills
* Inogen One portable oxygen concentrator
* Brez anti-snoring nose inserts
* Egg Genie microwave egg cooker
* The Jewelry Exchange
* SmartForLife diet cookies
* The Mesothelioma Hotline
* Jupiter Jack phone device
* Rosetta Stone language training
* The Speed Channel
* Oreck vacuum cleaners
* FreeScore.com credit report service

I'd say contact these companies to urge them to join the boycott...but why bother? Many of these are the bottom of the barrel when it comes to advertising.

And now there are overseas companies that are pulling their ads not just from Glenn Beck, but also Fox News, as described in this Daily Kos diary. Specifically: Waitrose, Britain's most upmarket supermarket chain, has pulled all of their advertising, not just from Beck, but from all of the Fox News Channel.

Keep up the pressure. Contact any advertisers abobve you are familiar with and either thank them or urge them to join the boycott. Seriously, I think the main thing is to keep companies that have pulled their ads continuing to avoid Glenn Beck and/or extending their boycott to Fox News in general (like Waitrose in Britain). And, if you haven't already, join Color For Change's campaign.

Keith Olbermann on Healthcare Reform

As usual, Keith Olberman nails it.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

New York City Focus: Endorsements for November's Election

In general on this blog I don't deviate from being a DEMOCRAT, because the purpose of this blog is to push progressive DEMOCRATS. In this endorsement list I break that habit for now. In general I think it is appropriate for me to use this forum to advocate exclusively for Democrats. But NYC is a different beast and sometimes it is better to support another kind of progressive. So what follows is a mixed bag of Democrats and progressive third party candidates. I have thought carefully before endorsing these third party candidates and I am comfortable endorsing them, though I don't plan on making a habit of it.

Mayor: Bill Thompson (Democratic Party)

One of the best things I have heard said about Bill Thompson was meant to disparage his chances: Bill Thompson was accused of "being too much of a gentleman" to win against Bloomberg. Honestly, that comment made me like Thompson more. Thompson is a good, solid Democrat and I think it is about time this very Democratic city stop having dictatorial, pro-business, anti-labor mayors. Mayor Bloomberg isn't bad...for a Republican. But he IS a Republican not just in name but in actions. His education policy has been little more than privatizing our educational system. This has made it a money maker for outside contractors who deal with the increasingly arduous and Byzantine testing and admissions processes, but it doesn't really help parents or students. If students don't do well enough, too often they get dropped from the system so the tests won't be affected. Admissions have become insane and yet have done little to equalize the discrepancies between neighborhoods because only the wealthy have the time and money for the admissions process, the interviews, extra tutoring for tests, etc. And the big results that Bloomberg claims vindicates his "reforms?" They can be seen statewide, even in areas where Bloomberg has had no influence. So how can he lay claim to the changes? Bloomberg has also closed firehouses, yet given tax money to developers. Bloomberg pissed on voters when he bullied the City Council into overturning term limits ONE TIME ONLY, specifically so Bloomberg could have a third term. I have never understood the cult of Bloomberg that many follow. Once he called my wife and me "terrorists" because we protested the Republican National Convention and once I learned that Bloomberg was the number one individual donor to Tom DeLay's ant-choice, anti-environment, right wing PAC, I have disliked him.

So Thompson is too much of a gentleman to win against Bloomberg, thus, I suppose, admitting that Bloomberg is an asshole. Well, I for one hope the gentleman who has consistently been a solid Democrat wins. I hope Thompson, who is pro-labor, can win over anti-labor Bloomberg. Bill Thompson has been endorsed by one of my favorite Congresswomen, Nydia M. Velazquez. He has been endorsed by State Senator Eric Adams, Councilmember Letitia James, Councilmember John Liu, Councilmember David Weprin, State Senator Diane Savino, and Congressman Anthony Weiner, all of whom I respect (even if I don't always agree with all of them). Thompson has been endorsed by 504 Democrats, NYC's main disabled rights group, Barack Obama Democratic Club, American Heritage Democratic Club, Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, Lambda Independent Democrats, Out People of Color Political Action Club, East Harlem/El Barrio Democratic Club, Gramercy-Stuyvesant Independent Democrats, Village Independent Democrats and West Harlem Independent Democrats. Thompson has been endorsed by Communications Workers of America, United Auto Workers, Uniformed Firefighters Association, Transport Workers Union and the Teamsters. And, of course, many others. To me Thompson represents a good, old fashioned Democrat supported by a good, old fashioned pro-union, pro-LGBT, pro-minority coalition. I would support that any day over a spoiled, dictatorial billionaire.

Comptroller: John Liu (Democratic Party)

John Liu is ideal for this job. With a degree in mathematical physics, extensive financial experience, City Council and community organizing experience, and overwhelming support of Unions, LGBT groups and local clubs from all Boros, John Liu is one of the best candidates we have seen this year. He will also be the first Asian American EVER to be elected to city wide office in NYC, so he is not only a good choice for the job but it will also be historic when he wins.

34th City Council District: Diana Reyna (Democratic Party). The first woman of Dominican-American descent to be elected to NYC public office, Reyna is being heavily targeted by corrupt Brooklyn Boss Vito Lopez and his scandal-ridden ally, WFP, because she hasn't gone along with Vito Lopez's corruption. In essence, she is being punished for her independence, and I personally want to see more independence in our City Council members. This is another race where we can stop a power play by a corrupt party boss. The Village Voice had this to say about this race during the Democratic Primary:

In the adjoining 34th District, which encompasses a swath of Williamsburg and Bushwick, Lopez is pushing the candidacy of a young woman named Maritza Davila, currently a project director at Ridgewood Bushwick. Lopez is such a Davila fan that he allocated $45,000 in funding for her job there. The money, according to Lopez's legislative initiative form, pays for Davila to take residents to museums, aquariums, and sporting events. She also does double duty: In addition to her day job, Davila serves as a Democratic district leader in Lopez's political club.

Bushwick is Lopez's home base. OK, not his actual residential home. He lives blissfully with Battaglia far from his district in a Queens condo. His political home. He has long controlled the local Council seat, but sometimes, his protégés disappoint him and he is forced to seek their removal. For instance, the incumbent Council member in the district is Diana Reyna, whose training came—where else?—from being a Lopez aide.

Reyna, however, ran afoul of her mentor when she dared to disagree about a large tract of undeveloped land known as the Broadway Triangle. Thanks to his great clout with city and state officials, Lopez arranged to have all of the housing development opportunities there routed to Ridgewood Bushwick and a kindred group, the United Jewish Organizations, which controls social service funds in the Orthodox section of Williamsburg and whose executives happily carry Lopez's election petitions. Lopez has long been a big booster of Mayor Bloomberg, and his influence is such that the city didn't even bother holding its usual competition among would-be developers. It simply
designated Lopez's chosen groups...

Reyna's opponent lost her primary bid but is still actively running on the Working Families Party line. So we still have to stand up to Vito Lopez on this one. Diana Reyna has been endorsed by Councilwoman Tish James and Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez (both of whom I greatly respect), El Diario/La Presnsa, Lambda Independend Democrats, 504 Democrats (disabled rights), the Teamsters, United Federation of Teachers and others.

36th City Council District (Brooklyn): Mark Winston Griffith (Working Families Party Candidate)

Many people know (and can tell by my comments regarding the 34th City Council Race) that I am disgusted by the fact that WFP has been breaking campaign finance laws and has sided with corrupt party boss Vito Lopez this year. To me, WFP was once a great idea that has been descending into the same kind of corruption that they claim to fight. They love to accuse others of being party hacks, but that is exactly what they have become themselves: party hacks surrounded by scandal. But, there are still remnants of the old style, more idealistsic WFP, and among the corrupt and sleazy WFP candidates this year there were some great ones. This includes Debi Rose on Staten Island, John Liu for Comptroller...and Mark Winston Griffith for the 36th City Council seat in Brooklyn. If Griffith wins, he will be the second WFP candidate to win for City Council without the Democratic Party line. Since that first example is Councilmember Tish James, someone I admire and agree with most of the time, and who has become one of the best Democrats in the Council, I believe that for a good progressive, untainted by the current WFP scandals, the WFP line is a good way to get into office.

The incumbent for this seat is Al Vann who is among the least popular incumbents I have ever seen. In fact, I suspect had there only been one opponent in the Democratic Primary, Vann would be history now. But the opposition split the vote and Vann squeaked by the primary with barely 30% of the vote. The man who came in second was Mark Winston Griffith and he has decided to continue the fight on the WFP line. Mark has been Executive Director of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy and co-director of the Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project and has been a community organizer for years. Mark has been endorsed by the United Auto Workers, Educational Justice PAC and Committee for the Future Leadership of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights. I firmly believe that the 36th district would be better served by Mark Winston Griffith than by Al Vann. So I urge a vote on the (I hate to say it) Working Families Party line for Mark Winston Griffith in the 36th City Council district.

39th City Council District (Brooklyn): David Pechefsky (Green Party Candidate)

Most people also know I have seldom sided with the Greens since the 2000 fiasco. Too often the Greens are counterproductive as well as obnoxious purists. But sometimes the Green Party really is an alternative to a Democrat I just can't bring myself to support. This is, I believe, the second time since 2000 that I have endorsed a Green Party candidate. I first heard about David Pechefsky from two of my neighbors. They knew him personally and, though Democrats, were interested in supporting him. At the time I was supporting a Democrat in the running (Josh Skaller) and thought two of the other Democrats (Gary Reilly and Bob Zuckerman) were also good candidates, so I took a dim view of Pechefsky's run given the fact that no fewer than THREE excellent Democrats were vying for the position. Well, none of those three excellent Democrats won. I met Pechefsky and talked with him. He agreed that the candidate I was supporting would be excellent but I gathered he was running in case one of the not so good Democrats won the primary. Which is what happened. The Democrat who won the primary, Brad Lander, is allied with Dov Hikind (a known homophobe and racist), has been publicly anti-Israel, and who has been centrally involved in the WFP campaign funding scandal I mention above. Any one of these would be a reason not to support Lander. Brad Lander is one of those Democrats I feel I can never completely trust even if we agree on most things. He is too blinded by his own sense of self-worth and his own ambition to ever listen to an opposing view. Too often I have seen him face disagreement with disdain or rage. By contrast David Pechefsky is even-tempered, thoughtful and willing to listen to opposing views. Pechefsky seeks to be "a catalyst for a truly democratic City Council, eco-friendly living, and the sensible use of our resources." Unlike many Green Party candidates I have met, Pechefsky has a wide range of practical experience to bring to the City Council. According to his website:

David Pechefsky has 12 years of New York City government experience and has worked with Council Members, advocates, city officials, and service providers on a wide range of housing, youth, senior, health, and economic development programs. He has also consulted internationally working on democratic governance issues in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East...

David is a member of the Park Slope Greens and the Park Slope Food Coop and was recently appointed to the Economic Development Committee of Community Board Six.

I think Pechefsky would represent the district excellently while Brad would too often let personal ambition and ego get in the way of effective governing...and would probably break the law to further his career if he thought he could get away with it. So I endorse Green Party candidate David Pechefsky for the 39th City Council district.

Orange County, CA Focus

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:

Oct 13 Tuesday 6:30pm, Newport Beach: Movie - Dwindling Drops in the Sand 1601 16th Street, Newport Beach. a documentary filmed by Sama Wareh - one of our very own Nature Camp teachers! Travel with Sama on a journey to investigate Syria's water crisis - and gain insight into global water issues that are affecting us right here in California. The documentary begins with an intro to Syria, its history, why Sama is there, and the dangers involved in filming the documentary. Learn about the causes of the water crisis, why it is so significant, and what positive steps folks are taking to remedy the problem. Bring friends and family to enjoy awesome cinematography, adventure, and Sama's famous humor and wit! The documentary is intended for all audiences. For more information, visit www.warehart.com. Organic popcorn will be served! Bring your own re-useable bowl and beverage container. Call 949-645-8489 to RSVP. Suggested donation: $5. Space is limited.

Oct 13 Tuesday 6:30pm, Newport Beach: Environmental Nature Center Green Building Tour 1601 16th Street Newport Beach, CA 92663 Join us for a tour of the ENC's new "Green Building" - the first Platinum LEED Building in Orange County! The tour will begin with a short presentation describing the green building techniques that went into development of the ENC's new building and the reasons behind the incorporation of each green feature. Participants will learn about ways to make their homes and businesses more environmentally friendly and how they can incorporate renewable energy. Enjoy a "behind the scenes" tour of the ENC's new green building - inside and out - to see the sustainable features and materials. Call 949-645-8489 to RSVP. Suggested donation: $5. Space is limited. meetup.com/goinggreenorangecounty/calendar/10988302

Oct 14 (2nd Wednesday) 7pm, Laguna Woods: Laguna Woods Democratic Club Regular meeting; note different room - Clubhouse 3, Dining Room 2; Henry Vandermeir, DPOC Political Director guest speaker lw-dems.org

Oct 17 Saturday 1-6pm, Long Beach: 25th Latin American Encuentro Empire vs. Democracy: From Guatemala to Honduras, U.U. Church of Long Beach, 5450 Atherton Street, Long Beach, CA 90615
Speakers: Michael Parenti - Award-winning author and lecturer considered one of the nation' leading progressive political analysts; Breny Mendoza - CA State Univ Northridge topic - Hondurans Work from Inisde to Reverse Coup; Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda - Latino Studies, UCLA - The New Transnationalism Community Organization and Development. Registration beings at 12:30pm. Suggested donation is $20 with pre-registration and $25 at the door. Snacks provided. Display tables available. Students with ID free; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please bring your old eyeglasses for Nicaragua. For more information call Lucia Munoz at 714/915-3805. uusca.org/unit.htm

Oct 21 Tuesday 6:30pm, Newport Beach: Movie - Dwindling Drops in the Sand 1601 16th Street, Newport Beach. a documentary filmed by Sama Wareh - one of our very own Nature Camp teachers! Travel with Sama on a journey to investigate Syria's water crisis - and gain insight into global water issues that are affecting us right here in California. The documentary begins with an intro to Syria, its history, why Sama is there, and the dangers involved in filming the documentary. Learn about the causes of the water crisis, why it is so significant, and what positive steps folks are taking to remedy the problem. Bring friends and family to enjoy awesome cinematography, adventure, and Sama's famous humor and wit! The documentary is intended for all audiences. For more information, visit www.warehart.com. Organic popcorn will be served! Bring your own re-useable bowl and beverage container. Call 949-645-8489 to RSVP. Suggested donation: $5. Space is limited.

Oct 24 Saturday 9am-3:30pm, Orange: United Nations Day/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 http://www.una-oc.org/ www.outdooreducationcenter.org www.sierraclub.com

Oct 24 Saturday 5pm, Huntington Beach: Joe Shaw for Huntington Beach City Council fundraiser Hosted by HB Councilwoman Jill Hardy, Former HB Mayors Connie Boardman and Debbie Cook, Coast Community College District Trustee Lorraine Prinsky At the home of Debbie Cook. Time to be announced. Joe Shaw 714-858-0599 Joe Shaw for Huntington Beach City Council 2010

Oct 28 Wednesday 6:30-9pm, Fountain Valley: Dr. Volker Janssen, The California Criminal Justice System and Its Impact on California's Fiscal Crisis. Dr. Volker Janssen will be addressing the issues of prison overcrowding and its antecedents, as well as how that ties-in to our state's current fiscal distress. Green Valley Community Center, 17250 Los Jardines West, Fountain Valley. Open to all Democrats. dcwoc.org. For more information, contact Jo Anne Jennings at 714-846-5201 or by email at jennin1944@yahoo.com.

Oct 28 Wednesday 7pm, Laguna Beach: Theresa Harris, Executive Director of Human Rights USA, and Paul Van Zyl of the International Center for Transitional Justice will be the guest speakers at this event, sponsored by Laguna Beach-based Townhall Foundation, dedicated to educating and building awareness on the progress of human rights around the world.
6 p.m. | reception 7 p.m. | presentation
LAGUNA ART MUSEUM 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
RSVP: FREE EVENT - general public must contact Kelley Martin at kelleymartin7@cox.net or 949.923.8280 if interested in attending

Oct 29 Thursday 7pm, San Clemente: SC Green Dirnks OC Tavern, 2369 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
An informal gathering of the greenest minds in Southern Orange County. The only requisite is caring about our planet and it's/our future. meetup.com/goinggreenorangecounty/calendar/11566616

Nov 6 Friday 6:30-9pm, Orange: Friday Night Film Series: A world without Water The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange present films that raise awareness and encourage conversation about the dynamic, ever-changing, systemic and critical needs of our world.
UK & International Documentary Films A World Without Water The world is running out of water All of us will face it soon, some of us are facing it now. truevisiontv.com/water
St. Joseph Center, Mother Louis Room, 480 South Batavia St, Orange 92868. sistersofstjosephorange.org/calendar.php?ID=249 6:30 - 7:00 Gathering and Refreshments 7:00 - 8:00 Film Showing 8:00 - 9:00 Discussion Justice@csjorange.org

Nov 7 Saturday 2-10pm, Santa Ana: 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration Fiesta Marketplace (Corner of Bush and 3rd), Santa Ana, CA nochedealtares.org

Nov 7 Saturday 7-10pm, Garden Grove: Orange County Recruitment Awareness Project Benefit An Evening at Saint Anselm of Canterbury Episcopal Church 13091 Galway Street Garden Grove, CA. 92844 Phone 714 537-0604 info@SaintAnselmGG.org
Donation $30 Dinner & Entertainment
Endorsed: Military Families Speak Out, Veterans For Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Orange County Peace Coalition, Long Beach Area Peace Network, PDA, Coalition Against Militarism, and The National Network Opposing Militarization of Youth.
For more information contact: Thu-Trang Tran (714)363-7869, Mark Giordano (949)701-3156, Electra Teodosiadis (562)431-2153

Arizona Focus: Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Incompetent Deputy

In my book, the recurrent incompetence of a subordinate is ultimately the responsibility of his boss. Well, in Maricopa County, Arizona, the sheriff's deputy was just found to be in contempt for his incompetence, and this ultimately is the responsibility of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. From AZ Central:

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge found a Sheriff's Office deputy chief in contempt of court Wednesday for his office's repeated inability to deliver jail inmates to court dates on time.

In his order, Presiding Criminal Judge Gary Donahoe wrote that the sheriff's court-security division is "chronically understaffed," which he characterized as a consistent and conscious decision on the part of the Sheriff's Office...

Donahoe ordered that Trombi pay "remedial relief" totaling $10,575 to the court, prosecutors, the defendants, their lawyers and even the jurors for the inconvenience...

Making sure inmates make court dates is one of the primary responsibilities of a sheriff under state law. In 2007, the office transported nearly 150,000 inmates and this year expects to transport more than 160,000.

The indirect civil-contempt findings focus on four incidents in which defendants either arrived late - or not at all - to court hearings over four days in August.

In one instance, a detention officer informed a court commissioner that because of a shortage of experienced officers, only 64 of 123 defendants would be delivered to a single court that day.

Under the law if you don't deliver the inmate to court on time, you are breaking the law and showing contempt to the judge, the court and the legal system. Where I come from, law enforcement recognizes the authority of the courts. I guess they do things differently, and incompetently, in Maricopa County's sheriff's office. I guess somehow Joe Arpaio doesn't care about the law.

Arizona Focus: Support the Communities On The Front Lines at Big Mountain, Black Mesa, AZ.

This is an issue that has been going on since before I was in college. And I joined in just this kind of activism in college:

Caravan Of Support To Big Mountain, Black Mesa, AZ.
November 21-28, 2009

Greetings from Black Mesa Indigenous Support,

We are excited to inform you that a caravan of work crews will once again be converging from across the country in support of residents of the Big Mountain regions of Black Mesa. On behalf of their peoples, their sacred ancestral lands and future generations, these communities continue to carry out a staunch resistance to the efforts of the US Government, which is acting in the interests of the Peabody Coal Company, to devastate whole communities and ecosystems and greatly de-stabilize our planet’s climate for the profit of an elite few.

By assisting with direct, on-land projects you are helping families stay on their ancestral homelands in resistance to an illegal occupation. These courageous communities serve as the very blockade to coal mining! More than 14,000 Dine’ people have been forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands due to spin created by the U.S government & Peabody Coal, under the guise of the so-called “Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute.” Families are now in their THIRD DECADE resisting this travesty and, as you can imagine, many residents are very elderly and winters can be rough. With their guidance, the aim of this caravan is to honor the elders and to generate support in the form of direct, on-land support: chopping and hauling firewood, doing minor repair work, offering holistic health care, and sheep-herding before the approaching cold winter months arrive.

“The Big Mountain matriarchal leaders always believed that resisting forced relocation will eventually benefit all ecological systems, including the human race,” says Bahe Keediniihii, Dineh organizer and translator. “Continued residency by families throughout the Big Mountain region has a significant role in the intervention of Peabody’s future plan for Black Mesa coal to be the major source of unsustainable energy, the growing dependency on fossil fuel, and escalating green house gas emissions. We will continue to fight to defend our homelands.”
Peabody Coal’s Disastrous Coal Mining Operations on Black Mesa: At this moment, decision makers in Washington D.C. are planning ways to continue their occupation of tribal lands under the guise of extracting “clean coal,” which does not exist. In 30 years of disastrous operation, Dine’ and Hopi communities in Arizona have been ravaged by Peabody’s coal mining, which has taken land from and forcibly relocated thousands of families, has drained 2.5 million gallons of water daily from the only community water supply, and has left a toxic legacy along an abandoned 273-mile coal slurry pipeline. Peabody’s Black Mesa mine has been the source of an estimated 325 million tons of CO2 that have been discharged into the atmosphere. Coal from the Black Mesa Mine could contribute an additional 290 million tons of CO2 to the global warming crisis!* Ignoring protests from Dineh and Hopi communities and their allies, the U.S. Government (Office of Surface Mining) has permitted Peabody Energy to extend it’s massive strip-mining operations until 2026 or until the coal is gone. Peabody Coal Co. plans to seize another 19,000 acres of sacred land beyond the 67,000 acres already in Peabody’s grasp at Black Mesa. Peabody Energy, previously Peabody Coal Company, is the world’s largest private-sector coal company, operating mines throughout North America, South America, and Australia and is the twelfth largest coal exporter. In addition Peabody is proposing new coal-fired power plants in several states. Peabody’s coal mining will exacerbate already devastating environmental and cultural impacts on local communities and significantly add fuel to the fire of the current global climate chaos!
We are at a critical juncture and must take a stand in support of communities on the front lines of resistance now! Indigenous and land-based peoples have maintained the understanding that our collective survival is deeply dependent on our relationship to Mother Earth. Victory in protecting and reclaiming the Earth will require a broad movement that can help bridge cultures, issues and nations.

BMIS wishes for this caravan to be an important opportunity for people of all backgrounds to listen and work with the families of Black Mesa to generate more awareness that relocation laws & coal mining need to be stopped, that these communities deserve to be free on their ancestral homelands, and to come together to strengthen our solidarity and find ways to work together to protect Black Mesa & our Mother Earth for all life.

Ways you can support:

* Join the Caravan & Be Self-Sufficient! By joining one of the volunteer work crews, you are expected to be adequately prepared and self-sufficient prior to your visit on Black Mesa, which is a very remote area in a high desert terrain. There is no electricity, no central heating, and no running water. You must come prepared, and bring everything you will need. There could be extreme weather, and it will be cold especially at night! Each participant will need to bring food, water, outdoor camping gear (although we will likely be staying inside with families), very warm clothing, and appropriate attire for hands-on manual work. Coming equipped with chainsaws, trucks, shovels, axes & mauls dramatically increases your effectiveness as a work crew!

* Read and sign the Cultural Sensitivity & Preparedness Guide: All direct, on-land supporters of Black Mesa are required to thoroughly read over and sign the Cultural Sensitivity & Preparedness Guide. This document is an in-depth guide that contains important information that you will need prior to and during your visit with a host family on Black Mesa. This guide gives you crucial information about what to expect, what to bring, how to be adequately prepared, background and current his/herstory, safety and legal issues, cultural sensitivity, code of conduct, and a suggested list of what to bring with you. We want to ensure that each person is informed about the agreements & basic requests by these communities, that each person is safe and accounted for, and that we have your contact and emergency contact info should an emergency arise. It is of the utmost importance that each caravan participant understand and respect the ways of the communities that we will be visiting. Please print out, sign, & bring this guidebook with you during your visit to Black Mesa. [Editor's note: I remember we paid close attention to this kind of sensitivity and it paid off well. Respect people's customs and they far more readily accept you and party with you.]

* Pre-register: To help us estimate how many people to expect as well as to help us make necessary accommodations for all.

* Host or attend regional organizational meetings in your area: We strongly urge participants to attend or organize regional meetings. Caravan coordinators are located in Prescott, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Colorado, Ithaca, NY, and the San Francisco’s Bay Area. The meeting locations and dates will be posted at the BMIS website as coordinators set them up. If you are interested in helping coordinate, contact BMIS. This caravan will be collaborating with the annual Clan Dyken Fall Food & Supply Run on Black Mesa.

* Raise Awareness about Black Mesa and the caravan. You can obtain literature from BMIS.

* Organize fundraisers: At the weeks prior to every caravan, grassroots supporters from all over throw benefits to raise the much-needed funds, for such things as supplies, wood, and direct, on-land people-support. Please contact BMIS for guidelines prior to any fund-raising in the name of Big Mountain and Black Mesa.

* Collect supplies: Chainsaws, axes, mauls, axe & maul handles, chainsaw files, tools of all kinds, organic food, warm blankets, and especially trucks (either to donate to families or to use for the week of the caravan) are greatly needed on the land to make this caravan work! Building materials, tools, & supplies are needed for projects. Check out our Projects Needs List!
*
We are not receiving nor relying on any institutional funding for these support efforts, but are instead counting on each person’s ingenuity, creativity, and hard work to make it all come together. We are hoping to raise enough money through our community connections for gas, specifically for collecting wood and food for host families, and for work projects.

* Stay with a family on Black Mesa: Families living in resistance to coal mining and relocation laws are requesting self-sufficient guests who are willing to give three or more weeks of their time, especially in the winter. Since it is crucial to have good help out there and not create more work for the families, all supporters are required to read and sign the Cultural Sensitivity Preparedness Guide. Contact BMIS in advance so that we can make arrangements prior to your stay, to answer any questions that you may have, and so we can help put you in touch with a family.

We can’t wait to see you in November!

For more info, contact:

Black Mesa Indigenous Support
P.O. Box 23501, Flagstaff, Arizona 86002
Message Voice Mail: 928.773.8086
Email: blackmesais@riseup.net
Web: www.blackmesais.org

ARIZONA FOCUS: Blogs, Biodiesel, Food Co-ops, Alternative Energy, Veterans for Peace, Groups and Events

Check out the Arizona Democratic Party's Calendar to find out what events are going on in your area.


NEWS FROM ARIZONA:

Imagine Schools in Arizona: an example

Fuzzy Math that Would Make Enron Execs Blush

Opinion: Prop. 200 An Irrational Solution to a Nonexistent Problem...more on the same: Who is funding the Public Safety First initiative (Prop. 200)?


BIODIESEL IN ARIZONA:

Here are some biodiesel stations in Arizona. 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.

Western States Petroleum, Inc: 450 S. 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602-252-4011. Offers B99 (ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble). Open 8AM-4PM; 8-12 SAT.

AZ Biodiesel: 721 N Monterey, Gilbert, AZ 85233, 480-344-1480. Offers B99 (ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble). CALL AHEAD!

Catalina Mart: 12030 North Dove Mountain Blvd, Marana, AZ 85653, 520-744-6280. Offers B99 (ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble). Open 24 HRS.

4th Dimension Fuels: 1385 W American Ave, Oracle, AZ 85623, 520-896-9005. Offers B85 and B99 (both ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble). Open 7AM-7PM; WED 8-4; CLOSED MON.

Arizona Petroleum Products: 1015 S Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, 520-623-4721. Offers B5 (good for all diesel engines), B20 (good for all diesel engines), and B99 (ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble).

Safeway Fuel: 1940 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719, 520-206-9047. Offers B20 (good for all diesel engines). Call for details.

Parker Oil Products: 1605 Acoma Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, 928-669-2617 Offers B5 (good for all diesel engines). Open 24 HOURS.


BLOGGING ARIZONA:

AZNetroots: Bringing together Arizona Progressives to take back our country!

Blog for Arizona: Progressive blogging in AZ.

LeftyBlogs Arizona is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across Arizona.

Liberal Desert: IT'S A WRY HEAT; REALITY-BASED COMMENTARY ON ARIZONA AND NATIONAL POLITICS

Black Mesa Indigenous Support: Back in college I was involved in this issue. I have drifted away, but the issues remain!


VETERANS FOR PEACE, PHOENIX CHAPTER 75
We are Veterans working together for peace and justice through non-violence! To this end we will work with others to:

(a). Increase public awareness of the full cost of war.
(b). Restrain our government from intervening, overtly or
covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations.
(c). End the arms race and reduce and eventually eliminate
nuclear weapons.
(d). Seek justice for veterans and victims of war.
(e). Abolish war as an instrument of national policy.

We meet every second Wednesday at 6:30PM.

Location is: Casey Moore's Oyster House
850 S Ash Ave.
It is located one block south of University Drive and two blocks West of Mill Ave


Official Recall Campaigns Begin of Racist Thugs Sheriff Arpaio and Andrew Thomas...for background on Arpaio, see here and here. You can learn more here.


ARIZONA FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Arizona:

Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N. 4th Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85705
Phone: (520) 624-4821
FAX: (520) 792-2703
natural@foodconspiracy.org
http://www.foodconspiracy.org/

Food Conspiracy is a natural foods market, cooperatively owned by its members and open to the public. Since 1971 we have been committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and products to the Tucson community. Our produce department is entirely organic, and we don’t carry any products known to contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). We are committed to offering certified organic products whenever we have a choice, and we have the most extensive bulk selection in town. In alignment with our commitment to environmentalism, social justice, and education, we are constantly expanding our line of local, fair trade, and independently produced items.

I should note that I personally am not as concerned about GMOs as this co-op seems to be, but I have no doubt that overall I agree with their philosophy and that they are an excellent place to shop.

They also have a small list of upcoming community events.


Shop Natural Market
350 S. Toole
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Phone: (520) 622-3911
FAX: (520) 792-3258

Their website doesn't seem to exist anymore. I can't confirm if they still exist. They are listed on City Search but with no reviews. If anyone has more info, please let me know.

Bisbee Food Cooperative
72 Erie Street
Bisbee, Arizona 85603
Phone: (520) 432-4011
FAX: (520) 432-9014
bisbeefoodcoop@hotmail.com

Magpie Natural Foods Co-op & Buying Club
500 West Gurley Street
Prescott, Arizona 86301
Phone: (520) 778-5880
FAX: (520) 776-0808
mpcoop@attglobal.net


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN ARIZONA:

Some stats from Repower America:

* The state's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 9,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $11.6 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking almost 13,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* Some of the best solar resources in the nation fall right on Arizona. In fact, research shows that Arizona's sunshine can provide 50 times more electricity than what the entire state uses today.

* Arizona has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires public utilities to generate 15% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2025

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 Arizona, 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.


Arizona Biodiesel: AZ BioDiesel produces ASTM Certified B99 BioFuel from reclaimed oil at our processing plant in Gilbert, Arizona. Our goal is to reduce air pollution in Phoenix by introducing 1 million gallons of BioDiesel in 2009.

New Extended Hours: 7AM-7PM M-F, 9AM-1PM Sat.

FREE Delivery to most of the Phoenix Metro with orders of 250 or more gallons of biodiesel.

Call our facility at 480-344-1480 Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

Fuel Purchasing Options:

Option 1: We can fuel your vehicle and/or we can fill up your fuel containers.

Option 2: We can provide a 55 gallon barrel (small deposit required) for your fuel.

Our Gilbert Fueling Facility Address and Map (Click here)

All major credit cards accepted.


Arizona Solar:

Thousands of utility customers throughout the U.S., who were tired of the high cost of electricity have taken advantage of generous rebates and tax credits which are available for the installation of solar electric systems on their homes and businesses.

The State of Arizona is currently offering a cash rebate 25% (up to $35,000.00) for the installation of a solar system for your home or place of business !. And unlike the old solar systems of yesteryear that only produced hot water, these new systems actually produce electricity ! Clean reliable electricity to run lights, TVs, pumps, refrigerators, computers and many other appliances, all with free energy from the Sun.

Call Toll Free: 1-877-498-6527


The Phoenix Alternative Energy Meetup Group

All Alternative Energy Meetups are scheduled to meet at 1:30pm on the second Saturday of each month. We are searching for a permanent location. Event fee: $1.00 per person

Please join us for discussions and activities on various subjects related to energy use and alternatives to our current carbon-based system.

For more info, sign up here.

Solar Alliance of Greater Tucson Community and Choice for a Brighter Future Sustainability in action!

The Tucson Solar Alliance is a non-profit community coalition dedicated to helping people access solar energy and related measures more easily on a practical and cost-effective basis.

Sustainable Tucson

The purpose of Sustainable Tucson is to facilitate an inclusive, dynamic community-building process that ensures economic prosperity, social vibrancy, and ecological health.

Cottonwood Alternative Energy

Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of practical alternative energies.

Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment beginning in our local community!

This group welcomes those embracing the urge to respect our planet and to actively promote community programs that seek to provide practical solutions to residential energy needs, as well as promote the adoption of variant lifestyles that enrich the local and regional biocosm.


GROUPS AND EVENTS:
Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:

DFA of Phoenix Monthly Meeting
Democracy for America meets the first Monday of the month at IHOP at the corner of 44th St. and Thomas Rd at 7PM
Contact: Toby Stohl at 602.955-9050 for more information
Website: www.dfalink.com/az-vote

Community Gardens of Tucson: A community garden is a place where neighbors can grow flowers or vegetables together on one piece of land. The land is usually volunteered by a home owner for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 25′, are made available to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A drip irrigation system is installed to supply water to the plants. A separate water meter is installed in the garden, and the home owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is currently $12.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment. Find locations of Tucson community gardens here. To find monthly meetings, go here. And to get involved, go here.

Arizona Democratic Veterans’ Caucus
Jeff Latas
1402 E. Placita Meseta Dorada
Oro Valley 85755
Phone: (520) 404-9133
Email: jeff_at_latasgroup.com

TUCSON AREA DEMOCRATS:
Democrats of Greater Tucson
Marion Pickens
80743 E. 29th Street
Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone : 520-296-5908
Email : DGT_at_pimademocrats.org

Northwest Democrats
Marty Drozdoff
1352 W. San Nichols Drive
Tucson 85704
Phone: 502 742 1019
Email: martyrepresentsyou_at_msn.com

Saguaro Eastside Democrats
Sharon McCormick
9701 E. Sunburst Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85748
Phone: 520-296-9395
Email: sharonamcc_at_msn.com
Website: http://saguaroeastsidedemocrats.org

Southern Arizona GBLT Democrats
Les Krambeal
4991 N. Placita Aguilera
Tuscon 85745
Phone: 520-743 2046 or cell 520 548 4947
Email: leskrambeal_at_yahoo.com

Tanque Verde Democrats
Henry Johnson, M.D.
3033 N. Spirit Dancer Trail
Tucson, AZ 85749
Phone: 520-760-3012
E-Mail: hjohnsonMD_at_simplybits.net
Website: www.tanqueverdedems.org

UofA Young Democrats
James Jefferies
1063 East Adams St
Tucson 85719
Phone: 520 490 5631
Email: jjj4_at_email.arizona.edu

African American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Harold Holmes
15604 N 7th Dr Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: 602-993-5040
Email: harhol_at_msn.com

Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus
David Olvera
4875 North Hummingbird Lane
Tucson 85750
Phone: 520 631 7626
Email: davido_at_comcast.net

Native American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Chris Clark Deschene
P.O. Box 1854
Chinle 86503
Phone: 928 660 3332
Email: clarkdeschene_at_att.net

Jacqueline Thomas
3040 North 2nd Street, Unit 202
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 285 0157
Email: jackiefayeblues_at_cs.com

Tribal Outreach Coordinator: Arista LaRusso
602-298-4200
Alarusso_at_azdem.org

National Jewish Democratic Council – Arizona Chapter
Jerry Gettinger
10018 E. Friess Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-510-1320
Email: jget_at_cox.net

Women in Blue
Carole Pearsall
3466 East Charlston Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 602-765 9135
Email: carole.pearsall_at_cox.net
Website: www.arizonawomeninblue.com

Young Democrats of Arizona
Cole Hickman
1732 South McKemy St.
Tempe 85251
Phone: 415 847 9174
Email: President_at_ydaz.org
Website: www.ydaz.org

Stan Williams – Executive Director
Phone: 602 796 2472 or 602 234 6809
Email: stanwilliams_at_ydaz.org

Arizona Democratic Progressive Caucus
Sherry Bohlen, Co-Chair
15207 E. Stardust
Fountain Hills, 85268
Phone: 480 529 2131
Email: Sherry_at_OracleArchitecture.com
Website: www.AzDPC.org

Steve McClure, Co-Chair
4155 E. La Cienega Drive
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 520 806 2701
Email: smcclureazdem@cox.net

Arizona GBLT Democrats
Justin Unga
2910 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 828 3920
Email: junga_at_azdem.org

Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democrats and supporters. This group serves to inform and educate persons within the GLBT community regarding elected officials, candidates, and issues of interest to that community. They also provide information and education to elected officials, candidates, and others regarding GLBT issues.

Contact:
Maurice Grossman (323-2293)

Meetings:
The last Monday of the month, 6:30pm, at varying locations.

Email:
sasdtucson_at_yahoo.com

Monthly Meeting - District 17 Democrats - Pyle Center
When: second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 PM
Where: 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ

District 20 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

For more info go here: http://ld20.maricopademocrats.org/

District 10 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap

Progressive Majority Arizona: "The progressive movement is on the march in Arizona, and Progressive Majority is proud to be part of the momentum. Across Arizona, progressives are getting elected to councils in formerly arch-conservative cities, and progressive legislators are winning in districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. Our successes all over the state and at every level are proof positive that conservatives are on the run and the future is bright for Arizona progressives."

Progressive Majority has leadership programs and can help progressive candidates run an efficient and successful campaign. You can sign up for email updates here.


And for those who are interested in combining social events and politics, here are the Drinking Liberaly events in Arizona:

Flagstaff, Arizona
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* Bigfoot Bar-B-Q, 120 N Leroux St (basement of Old Town Shops)
* Hosted by Andy Stevenson and George Castleberry, flagstaff (at) drinkingliberally.org

Phoenix
* Every other Thursday, 5:30-9:00 pm
* Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub, 906 E Camelback Rd (9th St & Cameback on the North Side)
* http://www.rosiemccaffreys.com/index.htm
* Hosted by Stuart Dollar, phoenix (at) drinkingliberally.org

Scottsdale
* First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30
* Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird)
* On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road.
* Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month.
* Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!!
* Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tucson, Arizona
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* The Shanty, 401 E 9th St (Fourth Ave. at the underpass)
* Please visit our chapter's web site for schedules, book club info, and more: http://arizona.typepad.com/drinkingliberally
* Hosted by Michael Bryan, Tasha Nelson and Shasta McManus, tucson (at) drinkingliberally.orgMy Arizona readership has been dwindling since the election, so I am cutting back on my updates of news from Arizona. But there is enough useful info that I will keep posting.

Check out the Arizona Democratic Party's Calendar to find out what events are going on in your area.

BLOGGING ARIZONA:

AZNetroots: Bringing together Arizona Progressives to take back our country!

Blog for Arizona: Progressive blogging in AZ.

LeftyBlogs Arizona is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across Arizona.

Liberal Desert: IT'S A WRY HEAT; REALITY-BASED COMMENTARY ON ARIZONA AND NATIONAL POLITICS

Black Mesa Indigenous Support: Back in college I was involved in this issue. I have drifted away, but the issues remain!


Democracy for America Campaign Training in Phoenix:

Event Date: Jul 25, 2009
Event Time: 9:00 AM MST (12:00 PM EDT)
Venue Name: University of Advancing Technologies
Address: 2625 W Baseline Rd
City: Tempe
State: AZ
Zip Code: 85283

Agenda:

Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Phoenix this July 25th-26th:

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign
2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates
3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience
4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events
5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual
6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation
7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign
8. Help elect progressive mayors, city council members and other municipal
offices in 2009
9. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct
10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

Click here to see the skills you'll learn at a DFA Campaign Training!

Invite Your Friends on Facebook!

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don't worry if you can't afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.


VETERANS FOR PEACE, PHOENIX CHAPTER 75
We are Veterans working together for peace and justice through non-violence! To this end we will work with others to:

(a). Increase public awareness of the full cost of war.
(b). Restrain our government from intervening, overtly or
covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations.
(c). End the arms race and reduce and eventually eliminate
nuclear weapons.
(d). Seek justice for veterans and victims of war.
(e). Abolish war as an instrument of national policy.

We meet every second Wednesday at 6:30PM.

Location is: Casey Moore's Oyster House
850 S Ash Ave.
It is located one block south of University Drive and two blocks West of Mill Ave


ARIZONA FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Arizona:

Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N. 4th Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85705
Phone: (520) 624-4821
FAX: (520) 792-2703
natural@foodconspiracy.org
http://www.foodconspiracy.org/

Food Conspiracy is a natural foods market, cooperatively owned by its members and open to the public. Since 1971 we have been committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and products to the Tucson community. Our produce department is entirely organic, and we don’t carry any products known to contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). We are committed to offering certified organic products whenever we have a choice, and we have the most extensive bulk selection in town. In alignment with our commitment to environmentalism, social justice, and education, we are constantly expanding our line of local, fair trade, and independently produced items.

I should note that I personally am not as concerned about GMOs as this co-op seems to be, but I have no doubt that overall I agree with their philosophy and that they are an excellent place to shop.

They also have a small list of upcoming community events.


Shop Natural Market
350 S. Toole
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Phone: (520) 622-3911
FAX: (520) 792-3258

Their website doesn't seem to exist anymore. I can't confirm if they still exist. They are listed on City Search but with no reviews. If anyone has more info, please let me know.

Bisbee Food Cooperative
72 Erie Street
Bisbee, Arizona 85603
Phone: (520) 432-4011
FAX: (520) 432-9014
bisbeefoodcoop@hotmail.com

Magpie Natural Foods Co-op & Buying Club
500 West Gurley Street
Prescott, Arizona 86301
Phone: (520) 778-5880
FAX: (520) 776-0808
mpcoop@attglobal.net


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN ARIZONA:

Some stats from Repower America:

* The state's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 9,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $11.6 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking almost 13,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* Some of the best solar resources in the nation fall right on Arizona. In fact, research shows that Arizona's sunshine can provide 50 times more electricity than what the entire state uses today.

* Arizona has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires public utilities to generate 15% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2025

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 Arizona, 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.


Arizona Biodiesel: AZ BioDiesel produces ASTM Certified B99 BioFuel from reclaimed oil at our processing plant in Gilbert, Arizona. Our goal is to reduce air pollution in Phoenix by introducing 1 million gallons of BioDiesel in 2009.

New Extended Hours: 7AM-7PM M-F, 9AM-1PM Sat.

FREE Delivery to most of the Phoenix Metro with orders of 250 or more gallons of biodiesel.

Call our facility at 480-344-1480 Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

Fuel Purchasing Options:

Option 1: We can fuel your vehicle and/or we can fill up your fuel containers.

Option 2: We can provide a 55 gallon barrel (small deposit required) for your fuel.

Our Gilbert Fueling Facility Address and Map (Click here)

All major credit cards accepted.


Arizona Solar:

Thousands of utility customers throughout the U.S., who were tired of the high cost of electricity have taken advantage of generous rebates and tax credits which are available for the installation of solar electric systems on their homes and businesses.

The State of Arizona is currently offering a cash rebate 25% (up to $35,000.00) for the installation of a solar system for your home or place of business !. And unlike the old solar systems of yesteryear that only produced hot water, these new systems actually produce electricity ! Clean reliable electricity to run lights, TVs, pumps, refrigerators, computers and many other appliances, all with free energy from the Sun.

Call Toll Free: 1-877-498-6527


The Phoenix Alternative Energy Meetup Group

All Alternative Energy Meetups are scheduled to meet at 1:30pm on the second Saturday of each month. We are searching for a permanent location. Event fee: $1.00 per person

Please join us for discussions and activities on various subjects related to energy use and alternatives to our current carbon-based system.

For more info, sign up here.

Solar Alliance of Greater Tucson Community and Choice for a Brighter Future Sustainability in action!

The Tucson Solar Alliance is a non-profit community coalition dedicated to helping people access solar energy and related measures more easily on a practical and cost-effective basis.

Sustainable Tucson

The purpose of Sustainable Tucson is to facilitate an inclusive, dynamic community-building process that ensures economic prosperity, social vibrancy, and ecological health.

Cottonwood Alternative Energy

Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of practical alternative energies.

Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment beginning in our local community!

This group welcomes those embracing the urge to respect our planet and to actively promote community programs that seek to provide practical solutions to residential energy needs, as well as promote the adoption of variant lifestyles that enrich the local and regional biocosm.


GROUPS AND EVENTS:
Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:

DFA of Phoenix Monthly Meeting
Democracy for America meets the first Monday of the month at IHOP at the corner of 44th St. and Thomas Rd at 7PM
Contact: Toby Stohl at 602.955-9050 for more information
Website: www.dfalink.com/az-vote

Community Gardens of Tucson: A community garden is a place where neighbors can grow flowers or vegetables together on one piece of land. The land is usually volunteered by a home owner for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 25′, are made available to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A drip irrigation system is installed to supply water to the plants. A separate water meter is installed in the garden, and the home owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is currently $12.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment. Find locations of Tucson community gardens here. To find monthly meetings, go here. And to get involved, go here.

Arizona Democratic Veterans’ Caucus
Jeff Latas
1402 E. Placita Meseta Dorada
Oro Valley 85755
Phone: (520) 404-9133
Email: jeff_at_latasgroup.com

TUCSON AREA DEMOCRATS:
Democrats of Greater Tucson
Marion Pickens
80743 E. 29th Street
Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone : 520-296-5908
Email : DGT_at_pimademocrats.org

Northwest Democrats
Marty Drozdoff
1352 W. San Nichols Drive
Tucson 85704
Phone: 502 742 1019
Email: martyrepresentsyou_at_msn.com

Saguaro Eastside Democrats
Sharon McCormick
9701 E. Sunburst Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85748
Phone: 520-296-9395
Email: sharonamcc_at_msn.com
Website: http://saguaroeastsidedemocrats.org

Southern Arizona GBLT Democrats
Les Krambeal
4991 N. Placita Aguilera
Tuscon 85745
Phone: 520-743 2046 or cell 520 548 4947
Email: leskrambeal_at_yahoo.com

Tanque Verde Democrats
Henry Johnson, M.D.
3033 N. Spirit Dancer Trail
Tucson, AZ 85749
Phone: 520-760-3012
E-Mail: hjohnsonMD_at_simplybits.net
Website: www.tanqueverdedems.org

UofA Young Democrats
James Jefferies
1063 East Adams St
Tucson 85719
Phone: 520 490 5631
Email: jjj4_at_email.arizona.edu

African American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Harold Holmes
15604 N 7th Dr Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: 602-993-5040
Email: harhol_at_msn.com

Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus
David Olvera
4875 North Hummingbird Lane
Tucson 85750
Phone: 520 631 7626
Email: davido_at_comcast.net

Native American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Chris Clark Deschene
P.O. Box 1854
Chinle 86503
Phone: 928 660 3332
Email: clarkdeschene_at_att.net

Jacqueline Thomas
3040 North 2nd Street, Unit 202
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 285 0157
Email: jackiefayeblues_at_cs.com

Tribal Outreach Coordinator: Arista LaRusso
602-298-4200
Alarusso_at_azdem.org

National Jewish Democratic Council – Arizona Chapter
Jerry Gettinger
10018 E. Friess Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-510-1320
Email: jget_at_cox.net

Women in Blue
Carole Pearsall
3466 East Charlston Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 602-765 9135
Email: carole.pearsall_at_cox.net
Website: www.arizonawomeninblue.com

Young Democrats of Arizona
Cole Hickman
1732 South McKemy St.
Tempe 85251
Phone: 415 847 9174
Email: President_at_ydaz.org
Website: www.ydaz.org

Stan Williams – Executive Director
Phone: 602 796 2472 or 602 234 6809
Email: stanwilliams_at_ydaz.org

Arizona Democratic Progressive Caucus
Sherry Bohlen, Co-Chair
15207 E. Stardust
Fountain Hills, 85268
Phone: 480 529 2131
Email: Sherry_at_OracleArchitecture.com
Website: www.AzDPC.org

Steve McClure, Co-Chair
4155 E. La Cienega Drive
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 520 806 2701
Email: smcclureazdem@cox.net

Arizona GBLT Democrats
Justin Unga
2910 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 828 3920
Email: junga_at_azdem.org

Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democrats and supporters. This group serves to inform and educate persons within the GLBT community regarding elected officials, candidates, and issues of interest to that community. They also provide information and education to elected officials, candidates, and others regarding GLBT issues.

Contact:
Maurice Grossman (323-2293)

Meetings:
The last Monday of the month, 6:30pm, at varying locations.

Email:
sasdtucson_at_yahoo.com

Monthly Meeting - District 17 Democrats - Pyle Center
When: second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 PM
Where: 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ

District 20 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

For more info go here: http://ld20.maricopademocrats.org/

District 10 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap

Progressive Majority Arizona: "The progressive movement is on the march in Arizona, and Progressive Majority is proud to be part of the momentum. Across Arizona, progressives are getting elected to councils in formerly arch-conservative cities, and progressive legislators are winning in districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. Our successes all over the state and at every level are proof positive that conservatives are on the run and the future is bright for Arizona progressives."

Progressive Majority has leadership programs and can help progressive candidates run an efficient and successful campaign. You can sign up for email updates here.


And for those who are interested in combining social events and politics, here are the Drinking Liberaly events in Arizona:

Flagstaff, Arizona
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* Bigfoot Bar-B-Q, 120 N Leroux St (basement of Old Town Shops)
* Hosted by Andy Stevenson and George Castleberry, flagstaff (at) drinkingliberally.org

Phoenix
* Every other Thursday, 5:30-9:00 pm
* Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub, 906 E Camelback Rd (9th St & Cameback on the North Side)
* http://www.rosiemccaffreys.com/index.htm
* Hosted by Stuart Dollar, phoenix (at) drinkingliberally.org

Scottsdale
* First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30
* Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird)
* On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road.
* Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month.
* Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!!
* Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tucson, Arizona
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* The Shanty, 401 E 9th St (Fourth Ave. at the underpass)
* Please visit our chapter's web site for schedules, book club info, and more: http://arizona.typepad.com/drinkingliberally
* Hosted by Michael Bryan, Tasha Nelson and Shasta McManus, tucson (at) drinkingliberally.org