Progressive Democrat Issue 236

Well we have a Health Care bill from the House...it isn't ideal, but it is certainly progress. Now we have to get our Senators to do THEIR jobs. I continue the healthcare reform focus in many of the local sections of the newsletter. Get involved and make sure that the final bill that comes out of Congress has a good Public Option and DOESN'T have the anti-abortion BS that Stupak (a Dem, no less!) put in.

Over at Daily Kos there was a wonderful photo diary showing President Obama's spontaneous walk through the section of Arlington National Cemetery where the Iraq and Afghanistan war dead are being buried. Seeing the photos of a clearly serious, thoughtful man I felt such relief that our country is free of that horrible smirk that ran our country for 8 years (really ran it into the ground).

We went from this:


(Bush and McCain partying while Americans died in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina)

to this:


(image from Daily Kos article)

And that image of President Obama immediately brought to mind an image from the early years of photography, one of the best presidential images ever:


(image from photobucket)

There is something about both pictures--a kind of sad dignity and serious determination--that strikes me as similar.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Who needs healthcare reform? Texas leads the pack!

Sequoia Voting Systems Comes Clean

Healthcare Champions vs. Anti-Choice Democrats

Reminder: American Corn Association Comes out for Healthcare Reform

Renewing America: Democrats Work

Silicon Valley Area, CA Focus

Orange County, CA Focus

San Diego, CA Focus

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

Brooklyn, NY Focus

Queens, NY Focus

Bronx, NY Focus

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS

Texas Needs Healthcare Reform!

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

Warren County, NJ Focus

Sussex County, NJ Focus

Passaic County, NJ Focus

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Two More Progressive Wins in Washington State

WASHINGTON STATE FOCUS

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

Virginia Organizing Project Supports Healthcare Reform

VIRGINIA FOCUS

Latest from Alex Sink for Florida Governor

Florida Alliance for Retired Americans on Healthcare Reform

FLORIDA FOCUS

Michigan Congressman John Conyers: Public Option Is Necessary

MICHIGAN FOCUS

ILLINOIS FOCUS

ARIZONA FOCUS

MINNESOTA FOCUS

IOWA ACTION: Help protect air quality in northwest Iowa

IOWA FOCUS

Wisconsin for Healthcare Reform: Facts and Actions

WISCONSIN FOCUS

Colorado Senator Bennet On Healthcare Reform

COLORADO FOCUS

Nevada: Public Option Model that SAVES Money

NEVADA FOCUS

North Carolina Justice Center: Myths About Health Reform

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

Who needs healthcare reform? Texas leads the pack!

Overwhelmingly Texas seems to be the state that is MOST in need of healthcare reform. Massachussetts is the state that needs it the least.

From Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/votes/house/healthcare/index.html?hpid=topnews

Here are the districts with greater than 30% of their people uninsured:
CA-31: 42.4%
TX-28: 35.5%
FL-21: 31.3%
FL-25: 31.3%
TX-20: 31.3%
TX-29: 43.0%
TX-9: 37.3%
IL-4: 32.2%
FL-23: 34.1%
TX-15: 36.6%
TX-18: 36%
TX-30: 38.4%
GA-4: 30.2%
FL-17: 35.9%
TX-27: 32.0%
AZ-4: 34.5%
TX-16: 34.6%
FL-18: 32.7%
CA-34: 38.0%
CA-47: 31.7%
TX-32: 35.7%
CA-33: 30.2%

TX: 10 districts
FL: 5 districts
CA: 4 districts
GA: 1 district
AZ: 1 district
IL: 1 district

Texas REALLY stands out with Florida and California distant seconds.

And next are the districts with fewer than 10% uninsured: (less obvious pattern)

HI-1: 6.0%
MO-2: 7.9%
PA-4: 8.6%
MN-6: 7.7%
WI-2: 9.0%
IL-13: 8.2%
IA-3: 9.2%
MA-8: 6.8%
CT-2: 9.0%
MA-10: 5.1%
MA-4: 4.0%
NJ-11: 7.4%
NJ-5: 9.3%
PA-6: 7.9%
HI-2: 9.4%
NJ-12: 7.6%
NY-3: 7.2%
MN-2: 6.9%
NJ-7: 8.0%
NY-26: 7.0%
MA-9: 4.3%
MA-7: 5.2%
MA-3: 3.7%
PA-8: 6.9%
PA-18: 7.6%
MA-2: 4.3%
MA-1: 4.5%
MN-3: 7.4%
WI-6: 8.7%
PA-19: 9.6%
WA-8: 9.8%
PA-13: 9.6%
WI-5: 6.2%
PA-7: 7.3%
MA-6: 4.1%
MA-5: 4.0%
MN-1: 8.9%
CA-30: 9.6%

MA: 8 districts (many around or below 5%!!)
PA: 7 districts
MN: 4 districts
NJ: 4 districts
WI: 3 districts
HI: 2 districts
NY: 2 districts
MO: 1 district
CA: 1 district
IL: 1 district
IA: 1 district
WA: 1 district
CT: 1 district

Texas should be at the forefront of healthcare reform with Florida coming in second. Massachussetts already has its own excellent healthcare system and Pennsylvania doesn't seem to be doing so badly, but most of the rest of us really need healthcare reform.

Sequoia Voting Systems Comes Clean

Sometimes it seems like Americans are forgetting that we had elections from 2000-2004 where fraud and uncertainly clouded the results and it is very likely that the wrong person won. This included Florida and Ohio in Presidential elections, Georgia elections, etc. This is one reason why I push the Secretary of State Project so heavily since a good sec of state can help avoid such "irregularities." There is considerable documentation of such irregularities including from Republicans who have found fraudulent actions from their own party (see here for the tip of the iceberg).

The push for electronic voting machines after the 2000 election fiasco picked up considerable momentum for awhile...until states who purchased them found out how lousy they were. The technology broke down easily, was easily hacked and open to fraud, and just plain didn't work well. Many states started ABANDONING their electronic voting systems in favor of somewhat less problematic optical scan machines (though these also gave problems in Ohio in 2004...which requires a good secretary of state to fix!).

But there was a fundamental problem with the eVOTE machines: the companies that made them were insisting on a proprietary code. That meant no one in the public, no one in the press could know how the votes were tabulated. This built into the system a way that fraud could be committed without being detected. In fact, it rendered a recount meaningless since no one could legally know how the votes were tabulated. This is clearly counter to a properly running democracy where every aspect of an election MUST be transparent.

Well, this problem is changing. From an email from the Secretary of State Project:

We have big news. Sequoia Voting Systems have announced their first transparent, public source voting system that will be available for public download as early this month!

This is a bold move for Sequoia, who has previously resisted this kind of public examination of their source code, and it will go far to increase transparency in our elections process.1

Now it's time for their competitor ES&S to open up its source code to the public too.

Our campaign isn't about revealing trade secrets as ES&S would have you think. It's about ensuring that voters have the most accurate and trustworthy voting technology when we go to the polls on election day.

That's the direction Sequoia has just taken with their new public source optical-scan voting system. In their own words:

"...security through obfuscation and secrecy is not security...Fully disclosed source code is the path to true transparency and confidence in the voting process for all involved."2

Diebold and ES&S have done nothing to restore that same confidence. In fact, California announced another investigation to determine if there are larger malfunctions with the Diebold machines that dropped hundreds of votes last November.3

Now that ES&S owns those same Diebold machines, not to mention 70% of the voting machines in the country, it's time for them to step up and do what's right.

Tell ES&S to follow Sequoia's example and open up its source code to election officials and the public.

You've already helped to send nearly 5,000 messages to the Justice Department and Senator Schumer calling on them to demand open source voting. Now it's time to send the message directly to ES&S.

Thanks for all you do.

Becky Bond
Co-Founder, Secretary of State Project

Sources:

[1] - "In Industry First, Voting Machine Company to Publish Source Code," Wired Magazine, October 27, 2009, http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/10/sequoia/

[2] - "Sequoia Voting Systems Announces the First Transparent Election System with Fully Disclosed, Freely Available Source Code and Open Architecture Developed to Meet Federal Voting System Guidelines," October 27, 2009, http://www.sequoiavote.com/press.php?ID=85

[3] - "California Investigating Problems With Voting-Machine Audit Logs," Wired Magazine, October 22, 2009, http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/10/audit-log/

P.S. If you like what we're doing to protect the election process, please donate to the SOS Project Fund here.

I should note that this does not solve all the problems with eVOTE machines, but it is a step in the right direction. We STILL need good secretaries of state and oversight and a formalized, reliable way to conduct recounts. But eliminating the idea that proprietary codes are okay for conducting elections is a big step.

Healthcare Champions vs. Anti-Choice Democrats

The House Healthcare vote focuses attention on two groups of Democrats: those who, despite representing conservative districts, voted against the anti-choice Stupak amendment and for healthcare reform (the healthcare champions), and those who voted for the Stupak amendment, thus putting women's right to choose at risk.

First I want to highlight the first bunch, 20 Democrats, both progressive and Blue Dog, who did the right thing by voting for a woman's right to choose and for healthcare reform despite being threatened with a right wing backlash in their district. There was an excellent Daily Kos article on this group, including a link to an ActBlue page where you can thank these Democrats by donating to their re-election campaign. From that article:

... who were the House Dems in R-leaning districts who voted for the House health care reform bill and against the pro-life Stupak-Pitts amendment?

These courageous Democrats:

AZ-01 Kirkpatrick, Ann R+6
AZ-05 Mitchell, Harry R+5
AZ-08 Giffords, Gabby R+4
KS-03 Moore, Dennis R+3
NY-19 Hall, John R+3
FL-08 Grayson, Alan R+2
MI-07 Schauer, Mark R+2
NY-24 Arcuri, Mike R+2
WI-08 Kagen, Steve R+2
CA-11 McNerney, Jerry R+1
IL-08 Bean, Melissa R+1
IL-11 Halvorson, Debbie R+1
IL-14 Foster, Bill R+1
MN-01 Walz, Tim R+1
NY-23 Owens, Bill R+1
NH-01 Shea-Porter, Carol R+0
NY-01 Bishop, Timothy R+0

Some of them, to be sure, have frustrated us on more than one occasion. Still, when they do the right thing -- when they do the progressive thing -- we ought to encourage them, to show that when Democrats act courageously, progressives will have their backs and support them. (Who knows? It might encourage them to do this more often.)

So please, visit my new WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK ActBlue page and spread some sugar around today -- $3 each? $5? $10, $20 or more? That's up to you.

But if politicians in tough districts don’t get any support when they do the right thing on a big vote -- and there be no bigger than Saturday night's between now and November 2010 -- they will have no incentive to do it the next time.

Show them, right now: WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK.

Updated: I've added Dina Titus (NV-03, D+2), Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15, D+1) and Kurt Schrader (OR-05, D+1) to the page. They're in incredibly vulnerable districts as well, and are additionally worthy of your support.

It is SO important to make sure these folks get a real boost for what they did. So even if it is just a small amount, please give. In particular, Alan Grayson, Tim Bishop, John Hall and Jerry McNerney are good progressives in Republican-leaning districts and need our support. Carol Shea-Porter and Bill Foster are also good people who we want to keep in Congress even if they lean more conservative than I tend to.

But now I want to turn to some disappointing Democrats...the ones who voted for the Stupak amendment. Although I will take an anti-choice Democrat over an anti-choice Republican any day, I have to say that the 64 Democrats who voted for the anti-choice Stupak-Pitts Amendment are a serious disappointment. Some are expected. Some I really hoped for better and I can safely say I am unlikely to support them in the future.

Here is the statement from Planned Parenthood on the passage of the Stupak-Pitts Amendment:

“Planned Parenthood condemns the adoption of the Stupak/Pitts amendment in HR 3962 this evening. This amendment is an unacceptable addition to the health care reform bill that, if enacted, would result in women losing health benefits they have today. Simply put, the Stupak/Pitts amendment would restrict women’s access to abortion coverage in the private health insurance market, undermining the ability of women to purchase private health plans that cover abortion, even if they pay for most of the premiums with their own money. This amendment reaches much further than the Hyde Amendment, which has prohibited public funding of abortion in most instances since 1977.

“Planned Parenthood serves three million women every year through its more than 850 affiliate health centers across the country and has worked tirelessly on behalf of those patients for affordable, quality health care. On behalf of the millions of women Planned Parenthood health centers serve, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America has no choice but to oppose HR 3962. The bill includes the Stupak/Pitts amendment that would leave women worse off after health care reform than they are today, violating President Obama’s promise to the American people that no one would be forced to lose her or his present coverage under health reform.

“The Stupak/Pitts amendment violates the spirit of health care reform, which is meant to guarantee quality, affordable health care coverage for all. In fact, this amendment would create a two-tiered system that would punish women, particularly those with low and middle incomes, the very people this bill is intended to assist. The majority of private health insurance plans currently offer abortion coverage, and the Stupak/Pitts amendment would result in the elimination of private abortion coverage in the ‘exchange,’ the new insurance market created under health care reform, as well as in the public option, if one is created.

“The Stupak/Pitts amendment would purportedly allow women who want comprehensive reproductive health care coverage to purchase a separate, single-service rider to cover abortion. But such abortion riders do not exist because women do not plan to have unintended pregnancies or medically complicated pregnancies that require ending the pregnancy. These so-called ‘abortion riders,’ which would be the only insurance policy through which abortion care could be covered in the ‘exchange,’ are discriminatory and illogical. Proposing a separate ‘abortion rider’ or ‘single-service plan’ is tantamount to banning abortion coverage since no insurance company would offer such a policy.

“It is extremely unfortunate that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and anti-choice opponents were able to hijack the health care reform bill in their dedicated attempt to ban all legal abortion In the United States. Most telling is the fact that the vast majority of members of the House who supported the Stupak/Pitts amendment in today’s vote do not support HR 3962, revealing their true motive, which is to kill the health care reform bill. These single-issue advocates simply used health care reform to advance their extreme, ideological agenda at the expense of tens of millions of women.

“Planned Parenthood applauds the members of Congress who stood up for women’s health and voted to oppose the Stupak/Pitts amendment. We will work with those members to rectify this travesty.

“As a health care provider, Planned Parenthood is committed to passing health care reform that will guarantee affordable, quality health care coverage for all, including access to comprehensive reproductive health care. In the coming weeks, Planned Parenthood will work with its allies in the Senate to ensure that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and those who oppose abortion do not once again hijack the legislative process in their ongoing campaign to make abortion illegal. Planned Parenthood will join forces with women and their families and health providers to ensure that health care reform does not take away benefits that most women with private health coverage have today. Together, women and their allies are going to make their voices heard, so that they do not become second-class citizens in a newly reformed health care system in the United States.”

Here are the names of the 64 anti-choice Democrats who voted for the Stupak-Pitts amendment:

AL-2 Bright, Bobby; AL- 5 Griffith, Parker; AL-7 Davis, Artur; AR-1 Berry, Robert; AR-2 Snyder, Victor; AR-4 AR-4 Ross, Mike; CA-18 Cardoza, Dennis; CA-20 Costa, Jim; CA-43 Baca, Joe; CO-3 Salazar, John.

GA-2 Bishop, Sanford; GA-8 Marshall, James; GA-12 Barrow, John; KY-6 Chandler, Ben; IL-3 Lipinski, Daniel; IL-12 Costello, Jerry; IN-2 Donnelly, Joe; IN-8 Ellsworth, Brad; IN-9 Hill, Baron; LA-3 Melancon, Charles; ME-2 Michaud, Michael.

MA-2 Neal, Richard; MA-9 Lynch, Stephen; MI-5 Kildee, Dale; MI-1 Stupak, Bart; MN-7 Peterson, Collin; MN-8 Oberstar, James; MS-1 Childers, Travis; MS-4 Taylor, Gene; MO-4 Skelton, Ike; NM-2 Teague, Harry

NC-2 Etheridge, Bob; NC-7 McIntyre, Mike; NC-11 Shuler, Heath; ND Pomeroy, Earl; OH-1 Driehaus, Steve; OH-6 Wilson, Charles; OH-9 Kaptur, Marcy; OH-16 Boccieri, John; OH-17 Ryan, Timothy; OH-18 Space, Zachary.

OK-2 Boren, Dan; PA-3 Dahlkemper, Kathleen; PA-4 Altmire, Jason; PA-10 Carney, Christopher; PA-11 Kanjorski, Paul; PA-12 Murtha, John; PA-14 Doyle, Michael; PA-17 Holden, Tim; RI-2 Langevin, James

SC-5 Spratt, John; TN-4 Davis, Lincoln; TN-5 Cooper, Jim; TN-6 Gordon, Barton; TN-8 Tanner, John; TX-16 Reyes, Silvestre; TX-23 Rodriguez, Ciro; TX-27 Ortiz, Solomon; TX-28 Cuellar, Henry.

UT-2 Matheson, Jim; VA-5 Perriello, Thomas; WV-1 Mollohan, Alan; WV-3 Rahall, Nick; WI-7 Obey, David.

I am particularly disappointed in Zach Space and Tom Perriello, both of whom I supported early in their runs for Congress and was proud to have helped win. This may be the moment I find I can no longer support them. Perriello has done some good things since taking office, but this vote makes it hard for me to support him. I will say that he and Zach Space both voted for the healthcare bill in the end, which may be something of a saving grace.

Orange County, CA Focus

News from Orange County:

Will Galloway Support Correa?

Five Orange County Congressmen are Hypocrites on House Health Care Bill...Yet again Loretta Sanchez Rocks!!! Probably not too many people remember who she replaced, but I am eternally thankful for Loretta Sanchez. She brought considerable sanity to Orange County at a time when it was leaning extremist and also going bankrupt.


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 round up of events in Orange County, California, thanks to Orange County Democracy
for America:

Nov 18 Wednesday 6:30-9pm, Fountain Valley: Democratic Club of West Orange County hosts PFLAG who will present a program on the promotion of the well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons 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.

Nov 19 Thursday 7-9pm, Santa Ana: OC Green Drinks OC Green Drinks events are casual and agenda-free; they're just a great forum in which Orange County's growing demographic of eco-conscious professionals can have a drink, spark up a 'green' conversation and not be met with a blank look.
The Road Less Traveled Store, 2204 N. Main Street, 92706 roadlesstraveledstore.com

Nov 20 Friday 11:30am-1:30pm, Orange: Professor Linda Cohen on Coping with California's Fiscal Crisis. Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Central Orange County.
Cohen is an Economics Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the School of Social Sciences at UCI. She's also one of the founding faculty members for UCI's new School of Law. Her research expertise is in areas of political economy, social choice and government regulation. She has served on committees and commissions for the State of California, the National Academy of Sciences, and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Location: Yen Ching Restaurant, 574 S. Glassell Street, Orange. (Just north of the 22 Freeway.) Cost: $12.00 for three-course lunch, including tax and tip. For reservations, call Christine Moore at 714-508-2563.

Nov 21 Saturday 2pm, Irvine: Americans United for Separation of Church & State, Annual Meeting and Appetizer/Dessert Potluck, 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine. Open to all. No charge. au-oc.org. For more information, contact Steph Campbell at 714-299-4551 or by email at orangecountyau@yahoo.com.

Nov 27 Friday 10-6pm: BUY NOTHING DAY-Black Friday We are honoring Buy Nothing Day at our store on Friday Nov 27th. Our store will be a site for trade barter only, no cash or cards, bring something to trade and trade with others. Our back lot will have items for trade only. We will be hosting beverages, and snacks.
The Road Less Traveled Store, 2204 N. Main Street, 92706 roadlesstraveledstore.com

Dec 1 Tues 6:30pm, Huntington Beach: Holiday Pot Luck Party, 68th Democratic Assembly District PAC and 67th Democratic Area Wide Alliance. Speakers include State Senator Lou Correa, Coast Community College Board President Jim Moreno, City Councilmember Jill Hardy, OC Central Committee Carina Franci-Pantone. Opportunity drawing, silent auction and opportunity to meet candidates, VIPs and elected Democrats. MC is Ray Cordova. Co-chairs are Jim Benson and Mohammad Amin. Requested donation is $10. Location: International Association of Machinists Hall, 5402 Bolsa Ave., Huntington Beach. Mail your name, address, city, state, zip, number attending and dish you are bringing to 68th Assembly Democratic PAC, c/o Jim Benson, 11382 Trask Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92843.

Dec 4 Fri 6pm, Irvine: 15th Annual Harry S Truman Awards Dinner This year, our special key note address will be given by Speaker Nancy Pelosi! This year's award recipients are: Harry S Truman Award honoree will be Assemblymember Jose Solorio. Samuel Gompers Award honoree will be Florice Hoffman. Lifetime Achievement Award honoree will be Marti Schrank.
Irvine Airport Hilton, 18800 MacArthur Blvd. Irvine, CA
General Admission: $150 per person Sustaining Member Rate: $125 per person actblue.com/page/2009truman

Dec 5 Sat 8pm, Newport Beach: Evergreen OC Holiday Party It's a party with a purpose! evergreenoc.com On Saturday, December 5, take part in this year's biggest green holiday party in Orange County at a hip, waterfront venue in Newport Beach. More than 350 attendees are expected at the first annual Evergreen Holiday Party, a collaborative effort of more than twelve sustainability-focused organizations Cash proceeds will benefit The Eli Home, a shelter for abused children and their mothers in Anaheim (www.elihome.org). In-kind donations will benefit Laura's House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Ladera Ranch (www.laurashouse.org). To get into the party, just bring one lightly-used children's gift and pay $20 in advance ($30 at the door). Once inside, you'll get two free drinks, and all the free appetizers and desserts you can eat. This will be a Zero Waste event - using reusables, food scrap composting, and other green measures. Have fun while doing good - click the link above to purchase tickets.
GreenGo Enterprises, 2122 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663

San Diego, CA Focus

BIODIESEL IN SAN DIEGO:

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:


Escondido Democratic Club November 14 meeting
Date(s): Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Description:
San Diego Union-Tribune political report John Marelius, who has been observing and reporting on politics at the state and national level for more than 30 years, Discusses Have Democrats Lost Their Edge?

Location: Escondido Library, 239 S. Kalmia Street
Contact: (760) 740-8595
Email: communications@escondidodems.org
Website: www.escondidodems.org

'California Politics' by Senator Kehoe
Date(s): Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Description:
At our November meeting, the Lake San Marcos Democratic Club is proud to present California Senator Christine Kehoe as our featured speaker on 'California Politics.' Christine was elected to the State Senate in 2004 to represent the 39th Senate District. She previously served in the State Assembly for two terms and served as Speaker Pro Tempore. From 1993 to 2000 she was on the San Diego City Council. Christine also served on the California Coastal Commission from 1997 to 2000. She currently chairs the State Senate's Appropriations Committee. She successfully passed several bills related to the wildfires of 2005 and 2007 that helped improve safety and prevention. In 2006 she chaired the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Services and Homeland Security, where she is now the vice-chair. Christine also served on the Governor's Blue Ribbon Fire Commission. She was also the first to chair the Legislative LGBT Caucus. She is a member of the Senate Committee on Budget & Fiscal Review; Natural Resources & Water; Transportation & Housing; Energy, Utilities and Communications; and Local Government; Energy and Environment Task Force for the Council of State Governments 2009 and 2010. NOTE: Social begins at 12:30pm and meeting at 1:00pm.

Location: AT OUR NEW LOCATION (Check Club Newsletter for details or phone, email or check website below).
Contact: (760) 752-1035
Email: SOLSM12@aol.com
Website: www.lsm.sddem.org

Cell Phone Bank November 14th, 2009
Date(s): Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Description:
Come to our cell phone bank and help get out the vote to the "Mail-In Ballot" voters! Time is short. Ballots go out November 9th and we must get folks to return them with a "YES" on the recall and also VOTE FOR CHARLES 'CHUCK' LOWERY.

Location: Hill Street Cafe, 524 So Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Contact: (760) 754-6968
Email: Lowery4Council@gmail.com
Website: www.Lowery4Council.com

2009 Equality Awards honoring Jerry Brown, Stuart Milk and Diane Schroer
Date(s): Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Description:
Equality California is honoring three individuals for their outstanding contributions to equality in the State of California. Business attire. Hosted bar and reception. Silent auction.

Location: Museum of Man, 1315 El Prado, Balboa Park
Price: $100.00 / Person
Contact: (619) 847-3531
Email: albert@eqca.org
Website: www.eqca.org/sandiego

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration
Date(s): Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time: 10:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Description: Volunteers are needed to help register newly naturalized citizens.
Location: At Golden Hall, Corner of 3rd and B Street. Parking at Horton Plaza.
Contact: Greg Bolan. Note: The San Diego Voter Registration team uses Google Groups to send out volunteer emails.
Email: sdvoter@gmail.com

Delivering for High Tech, Bio Tech, & Green Tech in San Diego
Date(s): Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Description:
Please Join Lisa Haie & Co-Hosts for a Cocktail Reception in support of Francine Busby for Congress 2010. At the Rancho Pacifica home of Lisa Haile. RSVP required for gate entry. RSVP online at www.busbyforcongress.com, to Leigh by email below, or by phone.

Cost: Minimum Suggested Donation: $100.
Location: 4663 Rancho Laguna Bend, San Diego, CA 92130
Contact: (760) 681-4108
Email: leigh@busbyforcongress.com
Website: www.busbyforcongress.com

South Bay Democratic Club meeting
Date(s): Saturday, November 21, 2009
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: 140 W 16th St., National City, 91950
Contact: Mona Rios at (619) 994-0884
Email: monarios@gmail.com

Chula Vista Democratic Club Meeting
Date(s): Sunday, November 22, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Description:
We are holding our first meeting and all are welcome to attend and partifipate. The meeting will mainly consist of club business - the "nuts and bolts" of the organization that still need to be addressed and ironed out. We hope to be an active group of Democrats that will help foster party ideals and encourage and support individuals running for office in Chula Vista. Looking forward to working with all of you.

Location: The Brew House at Eastlake
Contact: Ed Valerio
Email: president.cvdc@gmail.com

San Diego Democracy for America Meetup
Date(s): Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: At Giovanni's Restaurant, 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, SD 92123 (Corner of Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Ruffin Rd. across from Registrar of Voters).
Contact: Carol at (858) 459-7044
Email: cchangus@san.rr.com

Oceanside City Recall Election
Date(s): Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Time: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Description: Last day to register for this City Recall election is November 23rd. Last day to request mail in ballot is December 1. Be sure and vote!
Location: City of Oceanside

East County Caucus for the San Diego Democratic Central Committee Meeting
Date(s): Saturday, December 12, 2009
Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: At CWA Local 9400 Union Hall, 566 E. Main Street, El Cajon 92020.
Contact: Christopher Pearson
Email: chrispearson11@hotmail.com

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration
Date(s): Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Time: 10:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: At Golden Hall, Corner of 3rd and B Street. Parking at Horton Plaza.
Contact: Greg Bolan. Note: The San Diego Voter Registration team uses Google Groups to send out volunteer emails.
Email: sdvoter@gmail.com

Mesa Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Date(s): Monday, January 11, 2010
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Description:
We will be kicking of 2010 will elections of officers. While we do have a slate, we welcome others candidates who would like to play a leadership role. Speaker is not yet scheduled.
Remember, club dues are due in January.
Location: Party Headquarters
8340 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite 105 (Turn into Industrial Park Driveway at lights)
Website: www.mesa.sddem.org

SDCDP Central Area Meeting
Date(s): Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Description:
Central Area members of SDCDP are encouraged to attend, especially members of the SD County Central Committee.
Location: 8340 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 105, San Diego CA 92111 (Go North on Industrial Park Driveway)
Contact: (858) 277-3367
Email: CentralVC@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.

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Blogs, Stonewall Democrats, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

News from the blogs:

Five Orange County Congressmen are Hypocrites on House Health Care Bill...once again I am THRILLED that I supported Loretta Sanchez from day one. She is among California's best Congressional Reps!

Healthcare Reform and Workers' Compensation

51% of Californians Approve of Gay Marriage

If you want to know where this stupid anti-gay crap leads: Rhode Island Gov. Denies Same Sex Funerals...this is just disgusting. Deliberately hurting those already grieving is a sin...and that is a word I do not use lightly.

Lynn Woolsey Asks: "Who Elected These Bishops?"

Camp Courage: Winning Back Marriage by Telling Painful Stories

Ten reasons the health care bill is a good bill

SF seeks green power alternatives to PG&E

Time to watch Keith's Gay-Marriage Comment again (updated with special request)

Mayor Villaraigosa wants commuter rail now, not decades from now

Boxer and Feinstein sign letter supporting a strong public option

LA-SF Nation's Second Busiest Air Route - Shows Need For HSR: The busiest route, the Boston-NYC-DC route, has a high speed rail that is extremely well used. Time for the second busiest route to follow the same path.

Has the Federal Stimulus Helped YOU? Congressman Pete Stark (CA-13) has put together a tagged Google map indicating each appropriation to the district approved through the federal stimulus package.


BLOGGING CALIFORNIA: Here are some blogs covering California Politics

Calitics is an open source news organization for California.

The Liberal OC covers politics in Orange County.

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

The California Progress Report is published by Frank D. Russo, a longtime observer of and participant in California politics.


STONEWALL DEMOCRATS and related organizations in California:

Stonewall Democrats of Los Angeles. Look for upcoming events here.

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.

Central Valley Stonewall Democratic Club
Stockton, CA

Fresno Stonewall Democrats
Fresno, CA

Stonewall Democrats of Ventura County
Meetings: First Thursday of the Month, 7:15 PM
Ventura County Rainbow Alliance (VCRA)
4567 Telephone Rd., Suite 100
Ventura, CA 93003

Stonewall Alliance of Chico: The Stonewall Alliance Center offers a range of services to help connect people to their community. Volunteers staffing the Center provide information on activities and events and offer referrals for services. Our Education & Outreach give community members access to the Harlan Adams Memorial Library, Out Education classes, we deliver speaker’s panels to local colleges and presenters to area organizations and groups.

Beginning July 15th, Connecting Circles of Care (CCOC) will be collaborating with Stonewall Alliance Youth (SAY) to offer a weekly drop-in group for Gay, Lesbian, Two-Spirit, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning Youth age 14-18. The group will focus on education and providing an environment where youth are valued and respected. Drop-in times are 3:30-5:00pm at the Stonewall Alliance Center, 2289 Cohasset Rd Suite 5 Chico. CCOC will be providing pizza at the first meeting on July 15 and some type of snack at each group thereafter.


Alternative Energy in California:

Some statistics from Repower America:

# California is ranked 3rd in the nation for its 2,517-megwatts of installed wind capacity. The state’s 60 wind farms are in 5 major wind resource areas and 4 new projects are underway.

# Southern California Edison and Florida Power & Light are operating the largest single source of solar energy in the world at 310-megawatts in the Mojave Desert.

# Solel and Pacific Gas & Electric will begin operating a 553-megawatt solar plant in 2011. When completed, the 6,000-acre solar field will bring power to 400,000 PG&E homes in northern California.

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 California, 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.

Here are some Biodiesel Cooperatives in California. If you have a diesel truck or car, joining one of these co-ops can help you drive more green.

The Berkeley Biodiesel Collecctive
Berkeley, CA
email: berkeleybiodiesel_at_yahoo.com. Or check out their website.

The Biofuels Research Cooperative
Sebastopol, CA
email: veggieoilcoop_at_yahoo.com.

I also want to highlight Conserv Fuels in Los Angeles, which offers a selection of alternative fuels (biodiesel and ethanol included) as well as pretty cheap regular gasoline. Joy and I buy our fuel (whatever we need) when we are in Los Angeles.

And Propel Fuels have several stations around California that offer biodiesel (and, according to a reader, they also offer E85 ethanol blend): (I discovered them when I saw they did carbon offsets)

* Rocklin
6700 Five Star Blvd
Sacramento, California 95677

* Citrus Heights
7741 Auburn Blvd
Citrus Heights, California 95610

* Sacramento, Folsom Blvd.
8090 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, California 95826

* Sacramento, Norwood Ave.
4200 Norwood Ave
Sacramento, California 95838

* Sacramento, Florin Road
8062 Florin Road
Sacramento, California 95828

* Elk Grove
9190 E Stockton Blvd
Elk Grove, California 95624

* Roseville
999 Sunrise Ave
Roseville, California 95661

* Placerville
151 Main St
Placerville, California 95667


Here are other alternative energy resources for Califorina:

San Francisco Community Power pilots innovative programs that improve our neighborhoods' environmental and economic conditions. We help small businesses and low-income families lower their expenses and reduce their ecological footprint. Our work provides policy makers with demonstrative ways to solve complex resource allocation issues.


California for Democracy:
Here are some local Democracy for America groups (click on the link for more info)

DFA Marin

Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley

Democratic Club of Coarsegold

DFA - Central Coast

DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties

DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties

Democracy for Monterey County

DFA-Orange County

East Bay for Democracy

Sacramento for Democracy

San Diego for Democracy

(San Fernando) Valley Grassroots for Democracy

San Francisco for Democracy

San Mateo County Democracy for America

Santa Barbara Progressive Coalition

Sonoma County DFA


Here are some local political meetings in California:

San Fernando Valley Young Democrats: San Fernando Valley Young Democrats shall endeavor to stimulate in young people an active interest in governmental affairs, increase the efficiency of our government, maintain the viability of our free institutions, and contribute to the growth and influence of the ideals and philosophy of the Democratic Party. Check their calendar of events here.

Pasadena Young Democrats:
PYD welcomes students and young adults from throughout the region to join us. The mission of PYD is to encourage young people to participate in the political process, support progressive ideals and Democratic candidates and have a lot fun in the process!

If you are actively looking to find out about the local scene, get involved with a campaign, or even if you are just looking for some fun progressive people aged 14-35 to hang out with, we encourage you to join PYD and attend one of our meetings or events. Check out their calendar here.

Orange County Young Democrats: We are young workers, young families, college and high school students--ages 14-35--who are commited to the Democratic values that make America strong and provide opportunity for all. As the official voice for young people in the Democratic Party of Orange County, OCYD is a network of Young Democrat activists around the county that are helping to provide a Democratic presence around Orange County and around college and high school campuses. Check out their calendar here.

San Ramon Valley Democrats Meetings
We are a group of dedicated Democrats living in the San Ramon Valley who have come together to support and promote the progressive social and political principles that always have been fundamental to the Democratic Party. The San Ramon Valley is comprised of Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo, Danville, San Ramon, and southern Walnut Creek, and members of our club come from each of those communities. We meet once a month for an educational program at Mudd's Restaurant in San Ramon, alternating between lunch on the second Tuesday, and appetizers (no-host bar) on the evening of the fourth Thursday (6:30 PM). We register people to vote, walk precincts to arouse voters, raise money for candidates, and enjoy the opportunity to socialize with people of common interests. Go here for more info.

Our meetings are lively and our programs are focused on issues of concern to Democrats, locally, statewide, and nationally. Our speakers are chosen for their astute insight into the problems before us as citizens and as voters. We socialize before and after the formal meetings, and enter into animated discussions about the topic of the day. In the process we become fast friends.

Mudds Restaurant
$22 per person (meal included)

Democrats of North Orange County
Bill Daly, President
714-990-6767
Bruce Sandercock, Vice-President
714-871-5244
P. O. Box 6597
Fullerton, CA 92834
Monthly meeting: First Thursday, Sizzler Restaurant,
1401 N. Harbor, Fullerton; 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. meeting

Santa Clara County (San Jose) Democratic Party Meetup
We meet at 7:30pm on the second Tuesday of each month at the Dem Party Office, 2102 Almaden Road, Suite 114, San Jose, 95125. Feel free to bring snacks to share.

Brought to you by the Santa Clara County Democratic Party (http://www.sccdp.org).... Please join us to learn ways to help elect Democrats in Santa Clara County and beyond.

~~Together, America Can Do Better!~~

On Almaden ROAD (not Expwy), between Curtner and Canoas Garden. It's OK to park in the big lot, despite posted warnings.

Internet directions usually suggest taking Almaden Expressway, which is sometimes backed up. A lower stress route is to take Bird Avenue west from 280 and follow it all the way until it dead-ends at Malone. Left on Malone, Right on Almaden Road and 2102 is on the first corner on your left.

We meet in Suite 114, first door on your left as you enter the glass doors marked Main Entrance.


Drinking Liberally:

For those who like a more social, and beer focused, environment, there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the Drinking Liberally groups in California:

San Jose
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 and on
* Trials Pub in downtown San Jose, 265 N 1st St (main cross streets: W St James and W Julian)
* September is our first meeting with our new host! I'm looking for a co-host, so let me know if you are interested
* Hosted by Mia White, sanjose (at) drinkingliberally.org

Downtown Los Angeles
* Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* The Edison, 108 West 2nd St
* We'll be in the area past the bar, known as the "Generator Lounge" (the entrance to the bar is through the alley off of 2nd street)
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Cecilia Cabello, Becca Doten, Roxi Reeves and Jim Kennedy, downtownla (at) drinkingliberally.org

Hollywood
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 PM
* Molly Malone's Irish Pub, 575 South Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles 90036 (near corner of 6th avenue)
* http://www.mollymalonesla.com/
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Jim Kennedy and Mary Jack, la (at) drinkingliberally.org

Pasadena
* Every Tuesday, 7:30-10:00 pm
* Madeleine's Wine Bistro, 1030 E Green St (between Wilson and Catalina)
* We'll start out in the wine bar, then move out to the front patio.
* Hosted by Asa Hopkins, pasadena (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Fernando Valley
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The White Harte Pub, 22456 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills (Two blocks west of Shoup Ave.)
* Hosted by Andy Beaton and Jon Hytowitz, sfv (at) drinkingliberally.org

Westside
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Trip Bar in Santa Monica, 2101 Lincoln Blvd
* Contact: westsidela (at) drinkingliberally.org

Monterey, California
* First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward
* Ol' Factory Cafe, 1725 Contra Costa St (In Sand City, off of Del Monte Blvd)
* http://www.olfactorycafe.com/
* Please note that The Ol' Factory Cafe currently only takes cash and local checks.
* Hosted by Annie Ho, monterey (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Ana
* Every Thursday, 8:30 pm onward
* Memphis Bar, 201 N Broadway (Artists Village)
* Hosted by Mike Lawson, orangecounty (at) drinkingliberally.org

Rancho Santa Margarita
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Canyon Fireside Grille, 22312 El Paseo
* Hosted by Gary Kephart, rsm (at) drinkingliberally.org

Huntington Beach
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. - Out Back On The Patio, 19461 Main St
* Next Meeting will be on Thursday November 15th
* Hosted by Scott McKown and Louise Stewardson, huntingtonbeach (at) drinkingliberally.org

Sacramento, California
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* BJs Restaurant and Brewery, 3531 N Freeway Blvd (Natomas)
* Come check out our new venue and meet some new people!
* Hosted by Leslie Simmons, sacramento (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Diego, California
* Every other Tuesday, 7:30 pm onward
* Nunu's Cocktail Lounge, 3537 5th Ave (Between Brookes and Ivy Ln)
* We will also be meeting periodically at Firehouse in Pacific Beach for special editions of Drinking Liberally. 722 Grand Avenue Pacific Beach, CA 92109
* Hosted by Jesse Rubin and Jason Miller, sandiego (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Francisco
* Every Monday, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Nickie's, 466 Haight Street (between Fillmore & Webster) (Look for our red, white and blue striped bottle!)
* Hosted by Susan Harrison, sf (at) drinkingliberally.org

Oakland
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
* Luka's Taproom & Lounge, 2221 Broadway
* Join us for the Eating Liberally Oakland Brunch at Luka's
* Hosted by Cyril Allen and Philip Combs, oakland (at) drinkingliberally.org

Napa
* First and third Monday of each month, 5:00-6:30 pm
* Compadre's, 505 Lincoln Ave
* Hosted by Mick Winter and Lauren Coodley, napa (at) drinkingliberally.org


San Luis Obispo, California
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Graduate, 990 Industrial Way
* Hosted by Lorrie Toles and Sergio Monge, slo (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Barbara, California
* Every Wednesday, 8 pm - 10 pm
* Elsie's Bar, 117 W de la Guerra St (behind Paseo Nuveo Mall)
* Elsie's is 21+ and cash only
* Hosted by Daryl Chrisman and Bart Woolery, santabarbara (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Clarita, California
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Mulligans, 25848 Tournament Rd (Near Cal Arts)
* Hosted by Michael Cruz, Bill Bailey and Minerva Williams, santaclarita (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Cruz, California
* First Tuesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Cafe Pergolesi, 418 Cedar St (In the orange room to the right and back)
* Hosted by Brandon Smith and Natalie Rojas, santacruz (at) drinkingliberally.org

Stockton, California
* Third Friday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Stockton Grand Hotel, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd (Front of Bar)
* Grand Hotel tel. 209-957-9090
* Joel's Cell: 209-351-3397
* Hosted by Joel Carignan, stockton (at) drinkingliberally.org

Ventura, California
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm
* JJ Brewsky's, now and forever, 2344 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo (in the heart of Old Town Camarillo)
* Join us every second and fourth Wednesdays at 8:00 PM for a pint and some politics!
* Heather, Marie, Mark and Brian
* Hosted by Heather Schmidt, Marie Davis, Mark Eggertsen and Brian Mack, ventura (at) drinkingliberally.org

Brooklyn, NY Focus

News from Brooklyn:

Ratner: Atlantic Yards Is Not a Public Project...well then why the FUCK are you taking so much taxpayer money for it? You want OUR money you better be willing to be held accountable to the PUBLIC. Which of course brings up the question yet again, why the hell is this corrupt developer raking in so much of our hard earned money?

BAM losing out on their support of Ratner

Brooklyn has fallen out of love with Bloomberg...about time! For some time now just about everyone I know involved in education (parents and teachers in particular) are sick and tired of Tsar Bloomberg and his inefficient privatization of our schools.

Judicial Review of Atlantic Yards Corruption: Laws Should Not Be A "Dead Letter"

With a Solid Council Win, Reyna Breaks With Vito Lopez

Class, financial issues led Brooklyn voters' gripes about Bloomberg

Atlantic Yards Gets $55 Million Subsidy For Make-Believe Affordable Housing.


Friends & Residents of Greater Gowanus (FROGG)

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

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

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

For more information: FROGGcommunity@earthlink.net


PLASTIC RECYCLING IN BROOKLYN:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


BROOKLYN REFORM DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATIONS:

Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats is a community-based Democratic club. CBID has fought for reform and progressive causes since 1968. As a Brooklyn-based Club, we have been instrumental in the election of many candidates for public office. Much of this success was a result of our question-and-answer forums with prospective candidates as well as our extensive on-the-street contact with our constituents.

Staunchly opposed to political corruption, we are proud of our independence and our commitment to progressive reform in city, state and national politics. We are a vehicle for citizen empowerment and making government more accountable to our neighborhoods.

We meet monthly, usually the fourth Thursday evening of the month in the basement of the Park Slope United Methodist Church, on the corner of 6th ave and 8th street, at 7:30pm. All are welcome.

New Kings Democrats (”NKD”) is a new, grassroots organization in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York whose primary mission is to recruit and prepare individuals to run for Kings County Democratic Committee. NKD hopes to achieve the goal of an inclusionary and participatory democracy by making it easy for individuals to run for local, elected office. NKD will serve as a training ground for individuals seeking higher office, and hopes to build and nurture a new group of Brooklyn Democratic leaders.

Democracy for NYC in Brooklyn:

Democracy for New York City (DFNYC) is a volunteer-driven non-profit politicalaction committee. We are part of a national coalition of local groups committed to the ideals espoused by Democracy for America, the organization founded by Howard Dean.

We work both locally and nationally to ensure that fiscally-responsible and socially-progressive candidates win elections at all levels of government. We develop innovative ways to advocate for the issues that matter to our members and promote legislation which has a positive effect in our communities. We engage people in the political process and give them the tools to organize, communicate, mobilize, and enact change on the local, state, and national level.

Currently there is only one Brooklyn chapter:

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn - Meets First Wednesday of every month. 7:00pm, Wyckoff-Bennett Homestead 1669 E. 22nd St. with host Annette Mont and Estelle Glasser.


DRINKING LIBERALLY IN BROOKLYN:

An informal, inclusive progressive social group. Raise your spirits
while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher.
Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place
to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a
book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent
frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk
politics.

Park Slope
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30-10:00 pm
* Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street)
* Hosted by Anthony Accurso, Emilie Harkin and Emily Farris, parkslope (at) drinkingliberally.org


FOOD CO-OPS IN BROOKLYN:

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

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

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

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

Park Slope Food Co-op
782 Union Street
Brooklyn, New York 11215
Phone: (718) 622-0560
FAX: (718) 622-5685
linda_wheeler@psfc.coop
http://www.foodcoop.com/

This is the largest Food Co-op in America. Joy and I are members. Low prices and high quality even if it can be a bit inconvenient at times.

Flatbush Food Cooperative
1318 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn, New York 11226
Phone: (718) 284-9717
FAX: (718) 284-9719
info@flatbushfoodcoop.com
http://www.flatbushfoodcoop.com/

Established in 1976, and located on Cortelyou Road in the heart of Victorian Flatbush since 1985, Flatbush Food Coop is a community-owned, full-service natural foods store specializing in organic products. We are committed to serving the diverse community in which we are situated, and beyond, by providing goods and services that promote personal and environmental well-being. Like the 300 food coops across the nation with which we are affiliated, we are open to all—it is not necessary to be a member to shop. By joining the Coop, however, you become a joint owner of our business and are able to take additional savings on your purchases. There are opportunities for varying degrees of involvement in the coop, and our member-owners are able to influence the direction of our organization. We are particularly proud that the dozens of ethnic groups in Brooklyn’s most diverse neighborhood are reflected in our staff, our close to 3,000 members, and countless shoppers.

Queens, NY Focus

News from Queens:

Candidate Kevin Kim and Sacred Heart RC Church in Bayside Mixing Politics and Religion...I really hate it when Democrats do the wrong thing.

After Fatal Fire, Many in Queens Denounce Illegal Apartment Conversions ...DA probing criminal charges in Queens fatal fire

Queens Harvest Food Co-op in LIC, NY seeks core members & volunteers: seems people are trying to start a Food Co-op in Queens. Which is a GREAT idea. For more info, go here: http://www.queensharvestcoop.com/

Auction of Queens hospital sites stirs up controversy


Update on Slasher Monserrate:

Dem Party dinner serves up a challenger to disgraced state Sen. Monserrate

US Senator Gillibrand calls for Slasher Monserrate to Resign

Monserrate Found Guilty... Of Misdemeanor. That means he can keep his state senate seat if he wants. So Queens has a State Senator who switches parties on whiims, slashes the face of his girlfriend, and lies like crazy. State Senator Liz Kruger is demanding Monserrate resign. You can sign the petition to fire Slasher Monserrate

Some reminders about Slasher Monserrate, one of the traitors who stopped reform in Albany:

Here is video of Monserrate dragging his girlfriend outside after the slashing he claims was accidental. Is this how you would treat YOUR loved one after accidentally slashing her? From Albany Project:



Constituents of dissident Dems are angry, confused...really bad idea to piss off your constituents

The Facts on Hiram Monserrate

Marty Golden: Monserrate should resign

Hiram Monserrate: Queens City Douchebag

Hiram Monster Rat


Lesbian & Gay Democratic Club of Queens

The Lesbian & Gay Democratic Club of Queens (LGDCQ) is the only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender independent Democratic club in the Borough of Queens.

The LGDCQ was founded eleven years ago to increase the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in the political arena of Queens, New York City, New York State and the nation.

To receive the monthly newsletter or to be put on the Club's mailing list contact;
Democratic District Leader Daniel Dromm at
Write "LGDCQ Newsletter" in subject title.


Democracy for NYC in Queens:

Democracy for New York City (DFNYC) is a volunteer-driven non-profit political action committee. We are part of a national coalition of local groups committed to the ideals espoused by Democracy for America, the organization founded by Howard Dean.

We work both locally and nationally to ensure that fiscally-responsible and socially-progressive candidates win elections at all levels of government. We develop innovative ways to advocate for the issues that matter to our members and promote legislation which has a positive effect in our communities. We engage people in the political process and give them the tools to organize, communicate, mobilize, and enact change on the local, state, and national level.

Currently there are three Brooklyn chapters: Each meets the First Wednesday of every month.

Astoria, Queens - 7:30pm, - Ommonia Cafe 32-20 Broadway, with host Jeremiah Frei-Pearson and Costa Constantinides.

Sunnyside, Queens - 7:30pm, Bliss Street Station restaurant, 47-02 Greenpoint Ave., with host Dan Jacoby.

Bayside, Queens - 7:00pm, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics.


DRINKING LIBERALLY IN QUEENS:

An informal, inclusive progressive social group. Raise your spirits
while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher.
Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place
to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a
book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent
frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk
politics.

Queens
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102 (group of young liberals taking up one lane)
* Hosted by Donald Graff, queens (at) drinkingliberally.org

Bronx, NY Focus

News from the Bronx:

A challenge for Pedro Espada?

Charlotte Street in New York City's South Bronx was once the epicenter of urban blight. No longer.

State report slams Bronx court program


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

The Legislative Ethics Commission is probing the hiring of Pedro G. Espada

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

Bronx DA and Andrew Cuomo Investigating State Senator Espada

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

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

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

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


Leadership Intern Field Training (LIFT)

This comes from Sustainable South Bronx.

In this prestigious 6-week internship, open to high school Juniors and Seniors, LIFT participants learn, through a combination of in classroom and hands-on field work, all the ins and outs of field organizing and a powerful environmental justice perspective. LIFT participants also learn an invaluable set of skills such as messaging, public speaking, strategic thinking and community organizing. For more information, contact Marta Rodriquez at 646.400.5431 or email: mrodriguez@ssbx.org.


GREEN JOBS, NOT JAILS

This also comes from Sustainable South Bronx.

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

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


La Familia Verde Community Garden:

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

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

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

You can read about their projects here.

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


SOUTH BRONX FOOD CO-OP:

The South Bronx Food Cooperative (SBxFC) is a green shopping alternative to the profit-oriented commercial food markets found in the Bronx. Founded and operated by committed residents, the SBxFC is dedicated to making a difference in the community by working together to provide healthy and affordable food to all who want it.

The South Bronx Food cooperative carries a wide variety of products, including local, organic and conventionally grown produce; pasture-raised, grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry; bulk grains, sugars, spices and pastas; fair-trade coffees and chocolate; environmentally safe cleaning supplies, and much more. All of this plus a selection of standard supermarket items makes the SBxFC a one-stop shopping destination. Sales are brisk at the SBxFC and inventory is replenished often ensuring that the products we sell are as fresh as possible..

As a member of the SBxFC you share ownership of the coop with fellow members. Members have a voice in the decision-making process and participate in directing the organization's future. Equally important, as a shopper you will know where your food choices come from. By becoming a member you and your family not only have access to fresh foods at reasonable prices, you will learn about our local farmers, organizations and vendors.

In addition to providing green/local products and democratic operations (common at most cooperatives), the SBxFC provides various health and nutrition services including workshops, cooking classes and education seminars. Our community education programs are designed and administered by local medical professionals and nutrition specialist. The goal of the SBxFC is to correct the various health disparities faced by Bronxites including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

They seem to even have an online shopping option (members only).

Hours:
11:00 am – 8pm, Thursday – Monday
CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday
(Additional hours and days of operation will be added in the very near future)

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

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

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

News from the Blogs:

Sen. Gillibrand argues against Stupak Amendment on the Senate floor...this is one of the best things Gillbrand has done to date

Agreeing (And Disagreeing) With Congressman Eric Massa

Yet ANOTHER Albany Cop-out: State Senate Delays Vote on Same-Sex Marriage Bill. Can we all agree that Albany dysfunction hasn't really changed? Speaking of which: Dysfunctional Budget Crisis Again and Again

A challenge for Pedro Espada?

Why McMahon Voted No on Health Care Bill...sadly McMahon seems to be speaking Republican talking points, many of which have been debunked. He has either been duped or he is showing his DINO side. I should note I have been more than willing to express appreciation for McMahon when he did the right thing. This time I think he failed miserably.

NY State Sen: Five Targets For 2010

Introduction Of Ian's Law Draws National Attention...more evidence that healthcare reform is desperately needed

Dutchess County Voter Suppression: One Student's Perspective

Marriage for Gays on Agenda in New York

Bklyn's CB13 afraid to speak out against Marty's $64M potato chip

Joe Bruno Corruption


New York's Congressional Reps and Healthcare:

Some of our state's Reps need to hear from us to get healthcare reform passed. Here are some articles/open letters to NY State Congressional Reps. If these are your Reps, please contact them!

Senator Gillibrand Among 30 Democratic Senators Who Sign Letter Calling For Public Option

5 NY Democrats are blocking healthcare: fight back!

An Open Letter To Rep Scott Murphy On Health Care Reform

Nydia Velazquez: Please Support a Strong Public Option...and an update on her position: Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez on the Public Option

If you want healthcare reform, contact these Congressional reps now!


NEW YORK BLOGGING:

The Albany Project gives excellent coverage of New York State politics.

The Daily Gotham covers both New York City (with a slight emphasis on Brooklyn) and New York State politics.

Reform NY is the blog of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law

No Land Grab: News from the point of view of Brooklyn opposition to overdevelopment

True News from ChangeNYC.Org: ChangeNYC.Org is an organization unifying our City’s Democratic Party by welcoming all New Yorkers back into the political process. We are a coalition of real, everyday New Yorkers – young voters, progressives, neighborhood leaders, community bloggers, good government groups, and even conservatives – who believe that in cooperation we can bring the change to our City that together we have begun to bring to our nation.


Alternative Energy in NY State:

Here are some stats from Repower America:

* A $2 billion investment by Spanish energy company, Iberdrola, will double New York's 1,000-megawatt wind capacity to 2,000-megawatts - providing enough electricity for nearly 600,000 homes.

* New York's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power almost 115,000 homes for a whole year, save almost $140 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 60,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* The state has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires all public utilities to generate 24% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2013.

What you can do for Clean Energy:

For pennies per month more than you currently pay for energy you can buy 100% green energy from Con-Ed. Joy and I have been doing it for years, seriously reducing our carbon footprint and giving NY State cleaner air. Here's how it works:

Clean Energy for Residential & Small Business Customers ConEdison Solutions is leading the way in promoting pollution-free electricity by offering WIND and GREEN Power - clean, 100% renewable power. Instead of drawing on traditional power sources, such as nuclear power and fossil fuel sources, GREEN Power is generated from regional wind and low-impact hydropower sources. GREEN Power is composed of 65% run-of-the-river hydro and 35% wind power. See content label WIND Power is composed of electricity exclusively generated from 100% wind power. The benefit of clean energy is that it produces none of the detrimental environmental effects associated with electricity production that results in air emissions.

ConEdison Solutions is committed to making a difference in the environment and together we have the opportunity to help make a powerful impact. The cost for renewable energy has fallen dramatically in recent years and is only a fraction higher than electricity generated from traditional power sources. ConEdison Solutions' GREEN Power costs only an additional one cent per kilowatt-hour (kWh) more than our standard offer and WIND Power is an additional 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) more than our standard offer. Upgrading to renewable energy makes a difference and is a very affordable way to show that you care about the future of our environment.

To sign up GO HERE. Or call: 1-888-320-8991. You won't regret switching.


Here are a handful of Organizations worth checking out:

The Environmental Business Association is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the growth of the environmental industry in New York State. Specifically, we help to promote and serve serving the industry sectors of Climate Change, Greening Communities, Energy and WALCE (Water-Agriculture-Land Use-Conservation-Environmental). News here. Events list here (not recently updated).

NY Citizens for Clean Elections: We are committed to passage of Clean Money Clean Election legislation in NYS that provides a non-partisan approach for full public funding of campaigns for all qualified candidates who refuse private money and abide by spending limits. We want to ensure that all Americans, regardless of wealth, have an equal voice in the political system and that qualified candidates are not discouraged from running because they do not have access to the money needed for a competitive campaign.

The Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats is a community-based Democratic club. CBID has fought for reform and progressive causes since 1968. As a Brooklyn-based Club, we have been instrumental in the election of many candidates for public office. Much of this success was a result of our question-and-answer forums with prospective candidates as well as our extensive on-the-street contact with our constituents.

Staunchly opposed to political corruption, we are proud of our independence and our commitment to progressive reform in city, state and national politics. We are a vehicle for citizen empowerment and making government more accountable to our neighborhoods.

We meet monthly, usually the fourth Thursday evening of the month in the basement of the Park Slope United Methodist Church, on the corner of 6th ave and 8th street, at 7:30pm. All are welcome.

New Kings Democrats (”NKD”) is a new, grassroots organization in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York whose primary mission is to recruit and prepare individuals to run for Kings County Democratic Committee. NKD hopes to achieve the goal of an inclusionary and participatory democracy by making it easy for individuals to run for local, elected office. NKD will serve as a training ground for individuals seeking higher office, and hopes to build and nurture a new group of Brooklyn Democratic leaders.

Stonewall Democrats of Western New York is the GLBT Democratic voice in WNY. Our mission is to advocate for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community within the Democratic Party and to encourage GLBT participation within the Democratic Party. Our membership includes representatives from State, County, and City government, and several Democratic committee members amongst the various County Committees in WNY.


DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA MEETINGS IN NY STATE:

Democracy For The Southern Adirondack/Tricounty Area. You can also check out their website here.

Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

dfaROCHESTER. And you can check out their website here.

Democracy for the Hudson-Mohawk Region. And you can join their Yahoo group here.

Capital District of NY/GenDFA

Democracy for the Hudson Valley

Mid-Hudson Progressive Alliance

Democracy For Westchester

Democracy for Long Island. You can also join their Yahoo group here.

North Country Democracy for America

Central New York DFA

Eastern Long Island Democracy for America

Democracy For Saratoga Springs

Kingston Democracy for America

Democracy for Otsego and Delaware Counties

Philipstown for Democracy

DFA: Greene County

Livingston County for Democracy


DEMOCRACY FOR NYC MEETINGS:
First Wednesday of every month.

Upper West Side - 7:00 pm, The Parlour (back room) - 250 West 86th Street (btwn B'way and West End Ave.), with hosts Bernadette Evangelist and Sally Swisher.

West Village - 7:00pm, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7th Ave.) with host Tracey Keij-Denton.

Astoria, Queens - 7:30pm, - Ommonia Cafe 32-20 Broadway, with host Jeremiah Frei-Pearson and Costa Constantinides.

Sunnyside, Queens - 7:30 pm, Bliss Street Station restaurant, 47-02 Greenpoint Ave., with host Dan Jacoby.

Bayside, Queens - 7:00 pm, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics.

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn - 7:00pm, Wyckoff-Bennett Homestead 1669 E. 22nd St. with host Annette Mont and Estelle Glasser.


DRINKING LIBERALLY MEETINGS IN NY STATE:

Clifton Park, New York
* First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Old Dublin Inn, 130 Meyer Rd (Google maps is wrong, please contact me for directions.)
* Hosted by Chris Selkirk, cliftonpark (at) drinkingliberally.org

Ithaca, New York
* Every Wednesday, 6:30 pm onward
* Felicia's Atomic Lounge, 508 W State St
* Hosted by Joseph Cannon Murtagh, ithaca (at) drinkingliberally.org


New York City, New York:

The Original Drinking Liberally
* Every Thursday, 7:30 pm onward
* Rudy's, 627 9th Ave (between 44th and 45th)
* In the backyard, weather permitting
* Hosted by Justin Krebs, Matthew O'Neill and Katrina Baker, nyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Drinking Liberally Steps Out
* Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* XES Lounge, 157 W 24th St (@ 7th Avenue)
* In conjunction with the Stonewall Democrats of New York City www.sdnyc.org.
* Hosted by Matthew Carlin and Greg Rae, outnyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Harlem
* Second Wednesday of each month), 6:30 pm onward
* Soundz Lounge, 3155 Broadway (between 123rd and 124th)
* Hosted by Yolanda (Shoshi) Shoshana, harlem (at) drinkingliberally.org

Park Slope
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30-10:00 pm
* Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street)
* Hosted by Anthony Accurso, Emilie Harkin and Emily Farris, parkslope (at) drinkingliberally.org

Queens
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102 (group of young liberals taking up one lane)
* Hosted by Donald Graff, queens (at) drinkingliberally.org

Upper East Side
* Last Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Doc Watson's, 1490 2nd Ave (at 77th)
* Hosted by Matthew Bachiochi, ues (at) drinkingliberally.org

West Bronx
* First and third Friday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* An Beal Bocht, 445 W 238th St (between Waldo and Greystone)
* 1 to 238th, turn left, straight on 238th, just past the top of the stairs
* Hosted by Jamin Sewell and Scott Kennedy, westbronx (at) drinkingliberally.org

Rochester, New York
* Every Thursday, 8:00-10:00 pm
* Monty's Korner, 355 East Ave
* Hosted by Tom Tucker and Tracy Logan, rochester (at) drinkingliberally.org

And then we have: Shooting Liberally
Tuesday, Feb 19
From your friends at Drinking Liberally comes the SHOOTING LIBERALLY...

For the First Amendment enthusiast ready to move on to the Second. A social evening at the gun range including training & weapon rental.

For more info and to reserve your spot, contact: Stanley Sherman - maskarts (at) worldnet.att.net