Progressive Democrat Newsletter 253

The big project for progressives right now is actually targeting a Democrat. We have to defeat Blanche Lincoln (DINO Senator from Arkansas) and we have to defeat her for two reasons: 1.) she is way behind in the polls for November's election and 2.) she has essentially been supporting corporate and Republican interests over those of her own party or her constituents. In essence she has become so much like a Republican that voters in Arkansas are figuring they might as well just elect a Republican instead. If she wins the nomination we almost certainly will lose a Senate seat.

We have a great candidate challenging her in the primary: Bill Halter. Over the past three months Blanche Lincoln has raised $1 million, mostly in large, corporate donations. In less than that time, Bill Halter has raised almost $2 million, mostly in small donations under $50. Furthermore, the AFL-CIO has promised help to Bill Halter to the tune of some $4 million. If they hold to that Halter could well win this and we may finally have a REAL Democrat representing Arkansas in the Senate.

Kieth Olbermann on Blanche Lincoln:



And here's Bill Halter:



If you live in Arkansas, please give some of your time to Bill Halter's campaign.

And if you live ANYWHERE in the US, please donate to Bill Halter's campaign through Healthcare4America. Show the Democratic Party that supporting labor, healthcare and progressive values wins elections over corporate sell outs like Blanche Lincoln.

This week I am continuing some focus on healthcare reform. I repeat my call to celebrate our victory while preparing for the next fight. I also focus on the campaigns to replace Stupak and Pitts for their holding healthcare reform hostage to an anti-choice agenda. And I again focus on the campaign to replace Blanche Lincoln for her constant alliance with the obstructionist Repubs (yes...I will be hammering away at Blanche Lincoln and Bart Stupak as much as I can until the primary, and targeting Joe Pitts until November).

I also am adding some more local pages, particularly in Colorado and Florida, so folks who want to find progressive resources in those areas will be able to do so more easily. These are pages I won't be updating much, but they will have lots of good info. From time to time I will add more such pages since once I set them up they take no effort.

I also want to draw people's attention to some interesting developments in Florida. Check out this Daily Kos article: Florida Republican Party Imploding Fast!

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Standing Up for Choice and for Healthcare: Targeting Bart Stupak (MI-1) and Joe Pitts (PA-16)

Standing Up for Choice and for Healthcare: Targeting Blanche Lincoln (AR-Sen)

Continued from two weeks ago: Target the Corrupt Republican Campaign

Continued from last week: I Declare the Celebrations Begin! Comeon and Party!

Brooklyn, NY Focus

Manhattan, NY Focus

Queens, NY Focus

Bronx, NY Focus

Suffolk County, NY Focus

Rochester, NY Focus

New York 19th District Focus: Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, and Westchester Counties

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS

Austin/Travis County, TX Focus

Dallas County, TX Focus

Houston/Harris County, TX Focus

Texas 10th District Focus: Turn TX-10 Blue

Texas 21st District Focus: Turn TX-21 Blue

TEXAS FOCUS

Silicon Valley Area, CA Focus

San Diego, CA Focus

Orange County, CA Focus

California 11th District Focus: San Joaquin, Alameda and Santa Clara Counties

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

Sussex County, NJ Focus

Passaic County, NJ Focus

Warren County, NJ Focus

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Broward County, FL Focus

Orange County, FL Focus

Pinellas County, FL Focus

FLORIDA FOCUS

Charlottesville/Albemarle County, VA Foucus

Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania County, VA Focus

Hanover County, VA Focus

VIRGINIA FOCUS

Georgia Focus: Regina Thomas for Congress (GA-12)

Atlanta, GA Focus

Fayette County, GA Focus

Coweta County, GA Focus

GEORGIA FOCUS

Pennsylvania Focus: Lois Herr for Congress

Lancaster Co. PA Focus

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

Illinois Focus: Dan Seals for Congress (IL-10)

ILLINOIS FOCUS

MICHIGAN FOCUS

NEVADA FOCUS

WISCONSIN FOCUS

WASHINGTON STATE FOCUS

ARIZONA FOCUS

Boulder County, CO Focus

Larimer County, CO Focus

Douglas County, CO Focus

COLORADO FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

North Carolina Focus: Billy Kennedy for Congress (NC-5)

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

MINNESOTA FOCUS

Standing Up for Choice and for Healthcare: Targeting Bart Stupak (MI-1) and Joe Pitts (PA-16)

Healthcare reform and a woman's right to choose affect us all. Michigan Democrat Bart Stupak and Pennsylvania Republican Joe Pitts' attempts to hold healthcare reform hostage to their anti-choice agenda is a particularly horrible way to be obstructionists. It is imperative that progressives and moderates all over the country show Bart and Joe and other obstructionists that they had better get with the program of helping Americans or their seats won't be secure.

Connie Saltonstall and Lois Herr are challenging anti-choice, healthcare obstructionists Bart and Joe, respectively. You can help Challenge these right wingers (one Dem and one Repub) by contributing to Connie Saltonstall and Lois Herr's campaigns through Healthcare4America.

Connie Saltonstall is running a primary challenge against Bart Stupak (MI-1), co-sponsor of the anti-choice Pitts-Stupak amendment that would take away the right to choose from many women in America. Stupak is also part of the religious extremist cult surrounding the C-street group and has also supported the failed "abstinence only" sex-education programs that increase teen pregnancy rates. This is our chance to show Democrats who side too much with Republicans are vulnerable.

The progressive grassroots (including Daily Kos and my own small efforts) have already raised more than $60,000 for Connie Saltonstall in about a week. It isn't enough yet, but it is a great start. I predicted that once she started getting some real money for her challenge, she would start getting some good endorsements. Well, the first one came in already. The National Organization of Women has now endorsed Connie Saltonstall:

The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee is proud to announce our endorsement of Connie Saltonstall for Congress, representing Michigan's 1st District. Saltonstall is taking on reproductive rights foe and health care reform obstructer Rep. Bart Stupak in the state's Democratic primary this August.

What a relief that a courageous feminist candidate stepped up to the plate to challenge the co-author of the anti-choice Stupak-Pitts Amendment. Thanks to Connie Saltonstall, Stupak's bullying attempts to use health care reform as an opportunity to restrict women's access to abortion will be contested at the polls. Saltonstall stated: "I believe that [Stupak] has a right to his personal, religious views, but to deprive his constituents of needed health care reform because of those views is reprehensible."

Saltonstall is a strong supporter of the full range of feminist issues, including reproductive justice, affirmative action, pay equity, constitutional equality and equal marriage rights. More specifically, she is in favor of repealing the Hyde Amendment, fully funding the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, rescinding the Defense Of Marriage Act, expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to add paid leave, and undoing the Bush-era damage done to Title IX.

Saltonstall ran for state representative in 2008 and served as a Charlevoix County commissioner in 2006. Her background includes both education and business. She taught fourth grade in the Charlevoix Schools and in 1978 was elected to the Charlevoix Board of Education, then appointed to the Michigan Association of School Boards Taxation Committee and recently completed a three-year term on the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging.

Saltonstall may be entering the race with less than six months for campaigning, but she has the force of many outraged women and men behind her. The recent health care reform negotiations have demonstrated just how vulnerable reproductive rights are when we don't have true feminist champions in Congress. NOW/PAC is pleased that a stellar candidate like Saltonstall has emerged, and we look forward to sending her to Capitol Hill to fight for the rights of women and girls

I suspect NARAL, Democracy for America and Planned Parenthood will soon follow with their endorsements for Saltonstall, making this a real race.

You can contribute to Connie Saltonstall's campaign through Healthcare4America.

More on Saltonstall's opponent, Bart "Keeping Women Down" Stupak, from the Rachel Maddow:



You can contribute to Connie Saltonstall's campaign through Healthcare4America.

Turning to Pennsylvania, Lois Herr is challenging obstructionist Republican Joe Pitts in the general election. Lois Herr also has raised over $60,000 and she has already received the endorsements of the National Organization of Women and Feminist Majority even before Connie started getting endorsements. And I suspect she will also get NARAL.

Here is NOW's endorsement of Lois Herr:

The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee is proud to announce our endorsement of Lois Herr for Congress in Pennsylvania's 16th District. Lois is taking on the all-important challenge of unseating Rep. Joe Pitts, co-author of the outrageous Stupak-Pitts Amendment. Lois rightly called this amendment "a direct attack on the freedom and privacy of American women."

Thanks in large part to Pitts' efforts, the House's version of health care reform now stands as the greatest threat to women's fundamental right to abortion in decades. That's why we're here today on Joe Pitts' home turf -- not only to express outrage at his actions but also to demonstrate our commitment to getting Lois Herr elected in this district next November.

Lois is dedicated to providing affordable health care to every person in the United States, but not at the expense of women's access to reproductive health services. She is a longtime NOW member and a strong supporter of constitutional equality, equal pay, affirmative action, equal marriage rights and the full range of feminist issues. Lois understands the hurdles that women face every day in this country, and when we send her to Capitol Hill, she will work to improve the lives of women and girls.

We have a battle ahead of us, but I am confident that the people of Pennsylvania's 16th District will see the light. The current health care debate has revealed the cynical side of law-making and exposed those legislators who are only too willing to throw women overboard for the sake of political expediency. To those like Joe Pitts, I say: if women's rights aren't safe when you're in office, then we'll just have to replace you. And I can't think of a better candidate to take your seat than Lois Herr.

You can contribute to Lois Herr's campaign through Healthcare4America.

Let's make sure Bart and Joe can't continue pushing their extremist agenda. Support Connie Saltonstall for MI-1 and Lois Herr for PA-16.

Standing Up for Choice and for Healthcare: Targeting Blanche Lincoln (AR-SEN)

Blanche Lincoln has become so much like a Republican that even Emily's List, who supported Blanche last time around, has very publicly abandoned her. The progressive grassroots has been coming out strong for her primary opponent Bill Halter, who is pro-choice and pro-healthcare reform, unlike Blanche. Furthermore, Blanche has been plummeting in the polls. If she is the Dem candidate, we are likely to lose Arkansas this year. We need a better Democrat as our candidate.

Bill Halter is running a primary challenge against DINO Blanche Lincoln (and I don't use the DINO accusation lightly!). Blanche Lincoln has done everything she can to stop healthcare reform and has sided with Republicans way too often. As soon as Halter, who is Lt Gov. of Arkansas, so has won a statewide election, entered the race, the AFL-CIO, MoveOn.org and Democracy for America all endorsed him. Furthermore, Emily's List immediately withdrew they previous support for Blanche Lincoln. Lincoln is one of the least popular Senators and is likely to be defeated anyway. We'd rather we got a better Democrat in there rather than have a Republican defeat DINO Blanche Lincoln.

Here is Rachel Maddow on Blanche Lincoln:




Here is Bill Halter on the Rachel Maddow show:



Here is a more recent video of Bill Halter:




You can support choice and healthcare reform by donating to Bill Halter through my Healthcare4America Act Blue Site.

If you live in Arkansas, please volunteer for Bill Halter.

Brooklyn, NY Focus

BROOKLYN NEWS:

April Events at Our Neighborhood Libraries

Brooklyn has lowest rate of return on census form: get your forms in, folks! If we have a poor census return we lose services and political influence. I sent mine in...what about you?

This Domino must not fall: Don't let local politicians scuttle Brooklyn housing

The Future of Fourth Avenue, Atlantic Yards traffic, and the lessons of top-down planning

Bed-Stuy: Be Counted. Be Heard.

In Brooklyn, Mortgage Crisis Eats Away Wealth of Several Generations of Hispanics

Major Donor Abandons Traitor DINO McMahon...Hate to say I told you so, but McMahon always seemed unreliable while he was running. And for those who think being from a conservative districts means you had to vote against healthcare reform, Brad Ellsworth, a conservative Democrat who represents one of the MOST conservative districts in INDIANA voted for healthcare reform. Why couldn't McMahon show the same balls as Brad Ellsworth?

One of the Bigger Ratner Lies Explained

Ratner Can't Pay MetroTech Mortgage, But Claims He'll Build a $5 Billion Megaproject?

More collateral damage in Brooklyn...Developers don't give a damn about us or our communities

62 fire companies may close...As more and more of our tax money go to developers like Bruce Ratner, Bloomberg closes more and more fire houses. THIS IS INSANE!


BROOKLYN BLOGS:

Pardon Me for Asking

NO LAND GRAB

Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn

Bed-Stuy Blog

Duffield St. Underground

Brooklyn Streets, Carroll Gardens

Bay Ridge Journal


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 Downtown 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.

# When? First and Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm
# Where? 4th Avenue Pub, 76 4th Avenue


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.


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.

Manhattan, NY Focus

Manhattan News:

What Happen to the Council Slush Fund Investigation?

A nation in support of public transportation

Brooklyn Bridge Park, Governors Island takeovers spark privatization questions

In a move without precedent in New York City government, Mayor Bloomberg has appointed a sitting deputy mayor in his administration to simultaneously run his charitable foundation

Worries over rats as city cuts pest control jobs...so, on top of fewer police (crime now going up), fewer firehouses (response time now getting longer and endangering lives), and fewer hospitals (endangering lives), Bloomberg will now give us more rats. I have already seen a huge increase in the stations I frequent. Guess we'll see even more.

New York's Ten Worst Landlords

After-school programs to close due to budget cuts...Stupid! This means working families will have an even harder time, will have to rely on illegally hired nannies (IF they can afford it) which reduces tax revenues, AND it means reduced education, which is linked to higher crime and drug use. ANOTHER example of stupid, short term solutions designed to protect tax breaks for developers and millionaires at the expense of the rest of us.

Judge Voids City School Closings

Time for Developers to Contribute to the City's Infrastructure Needs...more: Without Transit Improvements, NYC growth will stagnate

62 fire companies may close...As more and more of our tax money go to developers like Bruce Ratner, Bloomberg closes more and more fire houses. THIS IS INSANE!


NYC Blogs:

City Hall News provides the substantive analysis of policy and politics often missing in other coverage.

Second Ave. Sagas is the home for all news MTA on the Internet.

Washington Square Park Blog updates on Washington Sq Pk and other NYC issues while advocating for reclaiming our city and our public spaces.


Some Living Liberally groups: Progressive Action Through Social Interaction

Reading Liberally NYC Classics
"Saving Democracy One Book at a Time"
A Liberal Book Club at a cool bar
Third Monday of each month, 6:30 pm
Location:
Stone Creek
140 east 27th st in the backroom
New York, NY, 10016

Eating Liberally Manhattan
Food and Good Politics Mix
Eating Liberally meets every month -- with food, guest speakers, films, discussions -- though not on a consistent night
Location: The Tank, 354 W. 45th Street (between 8th and 9th.)
For more info: Contact the chapter leaders

The Original Drinking Liberally
"Promoting Democracy on Pint at a Time"
* When? Every Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm
* Where? Rudy's Bar & Grill, 627 9th Ave (between 44th and 45th)

Drinking Liberally Steps Out
* When? Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm
* Where? XES Lounge, 157 West 24th St (Between 6th and 7th Avenue)

Greenwich Village Drinking Liberally
* When? First Tuesday of each month, 6:00 pm
* Where? Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street (between Thompson and Sullivan)

Washington Heights Drinking Liberally
* When? Last Sunday of each month, 6:30 pm
* Where? Coogan's, 4015 Broadway (at 168th Street)


Democracy for America Groups in Manhattan: Organizing the Left one Neighborhood at a Time.

These Meet the 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.

Queens, NY Focus

QUEENS NEWS:

Sanitation workers dirty from more than garbage

Federal grand jury probes deals made by Smith, other Queens pols...more here: Greg Meeks, Malcolm Smith, Floyd Flake, and Helen Marshal

Borough hospitals still overwhelmed...this is the VERY predictable result of closing hospitals because Bloomberg and the City Council would rather give our tax money to developers than to supporting hospitals. Let me be blunt here: between closed firehouses and closed hospitals, New Yorkers are DYING because of Bloomberg and Albany.

But it's not just hospitals and firehouses that are being cut. Our police are being cut as well. Leading to more predictable results: NYC crime rates rise, police force cut

What The Media Won't Show You About Tea Party Racism - YouTube

More charter school shenanigans in SE Queens

Peter Koo, where are you?

Queens Borough Library To Put Its Archives On Net

62 fire companies may close...As more and more of our tax money go to developers like Bruce Ratner, Bloomberg closes more and more fire houses. THIS IS INSANE!


Queens Blogs:

Queen's Crap: Shining a spotlight on overdevelopment and corruption in Queens and beyond

LIQCity: Long Island City Neighborhood blog

Lost in the Ozone: local Politics, Education, Community Affairs, Environment, History, Birding,Jamaica Bay, Ridgewood Reservoir, Forest Park, and other assorted items of interest... Concentrating on the Borough of Queens

Willets Point United: Business and land owners dedicated to fighting eminent domain abuse at Willets Point in Queens, NY.


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
* Second and Fourth Friday of each month, 7:30 pm
* Studio Square Beer Garden, 35-33 36th Street, Long Island City, NY ((Look for our signs or ask the helpful staff))
* Hosted by Donald Graff, queens (at) drinkingliberally.org


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.

Bronx, NY Focus

Bronx News:

Green Jobs Summit April 7 from 9am-5pm at BCC

More evidence that Bloomberg's "reforms" are making our schools worse: Riverdale schools may turn away kindergarteners

Parents Corner- Sex Education in the Classroom

Big changes ahead for Community Board 2

Residents rail against transit cuts

Gov aide in domestic abuse scandal appears at Bronx family court

Ex-Bronx non-profit leader pleads guilty to stealing $50K

Bronx Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo 2nd council member in boiler-firm hot water...will she go the way of Seabrook? NYC corruption starts at the top and trickles down.


Bronx Blogs:

Hunts Point Express: Serving Hunts Point and Longwood

The Bronx River Alliance serves as a coordinated voice for the river and works in harmonious partnership to protect, improve and restore the Bronx River corridor

Bronx Mama: Parenting in the Bronx

Bronx Latino: a project of Puerto Rico Sun Communications

The Bronx Council for Environmental Quality: seeking to leave our great grandchildren better air, land, and water quality than we have at present.


West Bronx Drinking Liberally: Political Action through Social Interaction
Drinking Liberally is a fun way to stay politically active
* When? First and Third Friday of each month, 7:30 pm
* Where? An Beal Bocht, 445 W 238th St (between Waldo and Greystone)
* Hosted by Jamin Sewell | Scott Kennedy


Padre Plaza Farmers Market

Sustainable South Bronx is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Padre Plaza Farmers Market. Coming this summer, the market will be open every Wednesday from 9am to 6pm at the corner of 139th Street and St. Ann’s Avenue.


Green Jobs in the Bronx:



GREEN JOBS, NOT JAILS

This is 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.


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.


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/


Some Reminders about Traitor Espada: Espada is among the sleaziest people in Albany...and that is saying A LOT. Yet the local Democrats don't have the balls, guts or integrity to challenge him. Some examples of Espada's sleaze:

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


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:

Some Stability for the Upstate Economy

A New Dawn in Sunset Park?

The Immigrant Information Center: Serving The Underserved

Pension spiking: It is more than the just the Police Department

NYC Inspector Accused of Shakedown

Steve Ratner Pension Mess

Gov. denies wrongdoing amid deepening scandal

Coffee Party Takes Next Step in New York

Sen. Chuck Schumer 'really excited' after chat with NASA about getting shuttle for Intrepid museum

Is regional wind farm planning on New York State’s horizon?

Without Transit Improvements, NYC growth will stagnate...seems blatantly obvious to me, but somehow this gets ignored!


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

Austin/Travis County, TX Focus

Phonebanking for Bill White

Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. & Saturday/Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
We are calling voters all day, everyday to tell them about Bill White. Even if you can volunteer for an hour a week, your effort can make a difference. Come by the office anytime or schedule a shift by emailing volunteeraustin@billwhitefortexas.com or giving us a call at 512-810-6790.


NEWS FROM AUSTIN:

Get to Know an Activist: Melissa Sanchez

Outstanding Texas High School Migrant Students To Be Recognized

Statesman Editorial Says Hank Skinner Entitled to Delay for DNA Tests...I am pro-death penalty, but I also believe that we need to be absolutely sure we have the right person. DNA testing is a critical part of this. Without DNA evidence, I feel far less confident in imposing the death penalty

Austin ISD Board of Trustees and the Austin Community College Board of Trustees Election Season Begins


EVENTS:

This comes from the Travis County Democratic Party:

Central Texas Democratic Forum: Program: Kathy Miller, Texas Freedom Network: The Texas Board of Education Did What?!!???
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Time: 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Austin Bar Association
816 Congress Avenue, Suite 700

Which Thomas is Right for Texas: Jefferson or Aquinas? Look, for years we Texas Democrats have been drenched with buckets of humiliation tossed our way by friends in other states where schools still value such quaint concepts as facts and science. But really now–the Texas Board of Education is going to replace Thomas Jefferson with Thomas Aquinas??? The Austin American Statesman said that the currently dominant Republican majority “embraces ignorance with a religious fervor.” And, incredibly, that’s an understatement!

Among the other breathtaking lowlights of the Republican BOE vote on curriculum-standards changes at its March meeting:

• Dropping references to the “Age of Enlightenment.” (Which apparently bypassed the Rs on this Board entirely.)

• Limiting discussion of sex and gender issues in social studies. (BOE Member Cargill commented that those notions “allow students to go into the world of transvestites, transsexuals and God-knows-what-else.”)

• Adding emphasis on gun rights in social studies. (“Class, write a 250-word essay comparing the relative social merits of the Glock .380 and the Smith & Wesson M&P .40.”)

• Eliminating the requirement that schools teach about Hispanics who were at the Alamo.

• Removing references to “capitalism,” so that now students will speak only of the “free-enterprise system.”

• Deleting references to the “historically inaccurate” and apparently apocryphal “separation of church and state” doctrine. (Hence, the banishment of that despised leftist, Jefferson.)

• Requiring study of the “unintended consequences” of the Great Society, affirmative action, and Title IX.

• Requiring that students learn about Phyllis Schlafly, the Contract with America, the Heritage Foundation, the Moral Majority, and the National Rifle Association. And on and on and on.

So what’s a Democrat–or any Texan who has read a book, believes in truth, or has heard of an idea called “science”–supposed to do about the nightmarish absurdities proposed by the BOE? How can Texas public education be saved from the dire threat posed by these political-fringe, religious-right crackpots?

Kathy Miller is the Executive Director of the Texas Freedom Network. Unfortunately for her, but fortunately for us, she is remarkably knowledgeable about the BOE. She’ll tell us exactly what has happened, what is scheduled to happen, and what we can do to rescue Texas school children from the BOE.

The BOE meets for its next public hearing and for the final vote on these bizarre curriculum standards on May 19-21. Don’t miss this Forum program!

Spectacular Door Prizes:

1. Copies of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. These make great gifts for graduating high school seniors this year. Next year, of course, graduates won’t have any idea what they are, if the BOE has its way. But some day these could be really valuable—again.

2. Introduction to St. Thomas Aquinas. Soon to be on the BOE best-seller list. As you now know, Aquinas is more important for Americans than Thomas Jefferson. You’ve probably read a lot about the wrong Thomas, now read about the Right Thomas.

3. Red Wassenich’s Keep Austin Weird. Still a best-seller, even though Thomas Aquinas didn’t write a single word of it.

Cost: lunch is $15.00 for members, $20.00 for non-members.

Parking: 816 Congress Avenue/IBC Bank parking garage. Enter the parking garage on 9th Street, between Colorado and Congress. Bring your ticket to the receptionist on the 7th floor and you will receive a coupon to use to exit the garage at no charge.

Reservation required: To reserve your seat, email jerben@herring-irwin.com or cherring@herring-irwin.com or call Chuck Herring or Judy Erben at 320-0665. Please tell us if you intend to bring a non-member guest and if you have any special dietary concerns. PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS BY 10:00 A.M. ON MONDAY, APRIL 5. Seating to this event is limited.

About the Forum: The Forum meets monthly for lunch to hear Democratic speakers. Membership is $120/yr. Non-members may attend, but members have priority and receive discount prices for lunches.

Capital Area Asian American Democrats Meet
DATE: Tuesday,April 6, 2010
TIME: 6:30pm Social 7:00pm Program begins
LOCATION: First Chinese BBQ Restaurant, 10901 N Lamar
The Capital Area Asian American Democrats

Capital City Young Democrats Meeting
Capital City Young Democrats welcomes the young and the young at heart to join us for volunteering and social events. Each month, we have a regular meeting, a happy hour, and at least one social or volunteer event. We meet the first Wednesday of every month.
George Washington Carver Branch of the Austin Public Library
1161 Angelina Street, Austin, TX 78722, (512) 974-1010
For more information, contact kimberlyhokanson@gmail.com

Celebrate Allandale Picnic in the Park


Come and Join us for the Annual Allendale Picnic in the Park
Sunday April 11 form 2:00-6:00
Northwest Park
Food and Drinks
Arts and Crafts
Live Music from 2:00 -6:00
Featuring: Ruby Jane
Djembabes
The Apple Trio
Come early with your Rhythm instruments. Drum Circle begins at 1:00 pm

April 14: SAD and Austin Tejano Dem Endorsements
South Austin and Austin Tejano Democrats endorsement meeting
for ACC & AISD Board members
6:00PM at AFL-CIO 1106 Lavaca.

April 26: First Day of Early Voting

Northeast Travis County Democrats Meeting
TIME/DATE: April 27, 2010. 6:30pm Meet and Greet, 7:00pm Meeting starts
PLACE: Travis County Community Center, 15822 Foothill Farms Loop, Pflugerville
CONTACT: Dave Taylor at 844-1300 or mrdave9735@aol.com

You are invited to join Northeast Travis County Democrats for their monthly meeting the last Tuesday of the month. The Community Center is located across FM 1825 from the Springhill Restaurant and behind the Lamb's Auto.


BIODIESEL IN AUSTIN AREA

Here are some biodiesel stations near Austin, TX. 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.

DieselGreen Fuels: 5217 Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702, 512-247-3835. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine) and B100 (OK for newer diesel engines). Open 9-5.

El Sol Logistics: 1114 Regal Row, Austin, TX 78748, 512-563-8142. Offers B100 (OK for newer diesel engines). Open 9-5 M-F

Oaxacan Tamaleo: 1634 Hwy 71, Cedar Creek, TX 78612, 512-289-9262. Offers B100 (OK for newer diesel engines). CLOSED MONDAYS

Ecowise: 110 W. Elizabeth St. Austin, TX 78704, 512-326-4474. Offers B100 (OK for newer diesel engines). Open M-SU 10-7PM.

Dallas County, TX Focus

Dallas News:

Now is time for Craig Watkins to hand corruption cases to AG

DMN Transportation Blog - Dueling gets serious between 2 tollway authorities

Health Care Comments From Both Side Show GOP FAIL...Why do Republicans Hate Americans?

Alternative Spring Break: Lessons in activism

Dallas Fed Chief calls for breakup of 'Too Big to Fail' Banks


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

Preston Hollow Democrats
04/08/2010 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Preston Hollow Democrats are invited to meet at Popolo's restaurant to celebrate our victories and plan for the future! Please call Roger Grape at 214-502-7084 to RSVP so that we can tell Popolo's how many to expect.

Garland Area Democratic Club
04/08/2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Meetings 2nd Thursday of every month

Garland Women's Activities Building
713 Austin St
Garland, TX 75040-6306

Grand Prairie Democrats
04/10/2010 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Every Second Saturday
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Where: Avion Village Clubhouse
800 Skyline Rd.
Grand Prairie, Texas


Metrocrest Democrats
04/12/2010 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Metrocrest Democrats normally meets on the second Monday of even numbered months at 7 PM at New New Buffet, 3822 Belt Line Rd., Addison 75001. Metrocrest will be meeting on the 3rd Monday in October due to the Columbus Day holiday.

RUNOFF PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
04/13/2010 - 7:00am - 7:00pm

Happy Hour--North Oak Cliff Democrats
04/13/2010 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Monthly happy hour with Democrats in the north part of Oak Cliff. http://northoakcliffdems.bravehost.com/

Beckley Brewhouse, 1111 N. Beckley Ave at Zang

Dallas County Young Democrats
04/13/2010 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Zubar
2012 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75206

Join DCYD at our Monthly Membership meeting.

Happy Hour begins at 6:30
Meeting starts at 7:00

For more information please visit www.dallasyoungdemocrats.org

Far North Dallas Democrats
04/15/2010 - 6:45pm - 8:30pm
Far North Dallas Democrats is an activist group primarily located in the Far North Dallas area

www.farnorthdallasdemocrats.org

Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse
1251 W Campbell Rd
Richardson, TX 75080-2971
(972) 664-9494

North Oak Cliff Democrats
04/17/2010 - 9:00am - 10:00am
3rd Saturday Monthly breakfast at Norma's Cafe in the east room (that requires a right turn when you walk in the door....sorry). Come by for a casual breakfast with Democrats of North Oak Cliff. No agenda, no minutes, just a relaxed social opportunity. Meet your neighbors and local candidates.

Most folks show up around 9 or so. Some of us at 8:30. Stay until 10 or so.

Lake Highlands White Rock Democrats
04/17/2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
LHWR Democrats Monthly Meeting 10:00 a.m. until Noon @ Dancemasters, 10675 E. Northwest Hwy., Dallas
$5.00 donation at the door to help defray meeting expenses.
Contact: Al Ortiz, President (214-349-1082)

Southwest Democrats
04/17/2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Meet the Third Saturday each month, 10 AM
next meeting June 20th

Ranch Steakhouse
1435 N HWY 67, Ste 200
Cedar Hill, Texas 75104 (Wintergreen Exit)

North Texas Asian Democrats
04/19/2010 - 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Every 3rd Monday of each Month
From 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Hunan Dynasty
8150 N Macarthur Blvd
Irving, TX 75063

Texas Coalition of Black Democrats
04/20/2010 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Monthly Meeting
Moorland YMCA
907 E. Ledbetter Rd.
Dallas, TX 75216

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
04/20/2010 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Ojeda's Restaurant
4617 Maple Ave
Dallas, TX

Garland Democratic Women's Club
04/21/2010 - 11:30am - 1:00pm
Garland Democratic Woman's Club meets at
Siciliano's Taste of Italy
2210 W. Buckingham
Garland, TX
at 11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month

23rd Senate District Democratic Organization
04/24/2010 - 9:00am - 11:00am
Meetings on the last Saturday of each month.

University of North Texas, Hampton Road, Room 242

Old East Dallas Democrats
04/26/2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Meetings are the 4th Monday of the Month
La Calle Doce, 1925 Skillman St Dallas, TX 75206

East Dallas Democrats
04/28/2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
We meet at Martinez Restaurant on 901 Gross Rd, Mesquite, TX. This club serves SE Dallas (Pleasant Grove and Kleberg/Rylie), Mesquite, Seagoville, and Balch Springs.


Biodiesel in Dallas:

Biodiesel is an American produced fuel that is cleaner than traditional diesel. Up to B20 (a 20% blend of biodiesel and traditional diesel) any diesel engine, car or truck, can run on it. Above B20, some older engines may have problems but newer diesel engines should be ok. Here are some gas stations selling biodiesel near Dallas/Ft. Worth:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


DALLAS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

More organizations can be found here.

Houston/Harris County, TX Focus

News from Houston/Harris County:

KHOU Wins Peabody Award

Mayor Parker Raising Health Insurance Premiums For Some City Retirees By 50%

Get those Census forms in!!!...I sent mine in already, have you?

Commissioners want YOU to pay MORE taxes to support tax breaks for Polluters

Apartments cheaper alternative for sheltering homeless

How Census could benefit Texas Dems

Indictments for State Rep Allen Fletchers Business Buddies


EVENTS:

This comes from the Harris County Democratic Party: (selected events, they have more on their website)

Early Voting for Dem Primary Runoff Election
Date: Monday April 5, 2010
Time: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

HCC Northwest - Spring Branch Young Democrats Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 7, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCC Northwest - Spring Branch Campus
Street: 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North
City/State/Zip: Houston, TX 77043
Phone: (713) 718-5700

Democracy for Houston Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 7, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ, 1445 North Loop West, Ste. 110, Houston, TX
6:30 pm social; 7:00 pm meeting at 1445 N Loop West, Ste. 110, Houston, Texas 77008.

For more info contact Phillip McNutt at mgrnutt@yahoo.com.

Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus
Date: Wednesday April 7, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Havens Center, 1827 W. Alabama (near Woodhead)
Street: Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus
City/State/Zip: POB 66664, Houston Tx 77266-6664
Phone: 713 521 1000
Monthly club meeting.

Please note the new location for the monthly meetings is Havens Center, located near Alabama & Woodhead, 713-528-6665
Visit our web site: www.thecaucus.org

Kingwood Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 7, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Kings Crossing Apartments meeting room, 4545 Kingwood Dr, Houston 77345
Kingwood Area Democrats meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the Kings Crossing Apartments, 4545 Kingwood Dr. (across from Randalls). Go to http://www.kingwoodareademocrats.org/ for more information.

Houston Black American Democrats Meeting
Date: Thursday April 8, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Location: Judge Zinetta Burney's, Pct. 7, Position 2 Courtroom, 5300 Griggs Road, Houston Texas 77021
Contact: Gabriel Hadnot 713-697-6732.
gmhadnot@aol.com

Battleground Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday April 8, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Deer Park Community Center, 610 E. San Augustine, Deer Park, TX
The Battleground Democrats meet the 2nd Thursday evening of each month at the Deer Park Coummunity Center located 610 E. San Augustine at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact Gene Hayman, President at ehayman@aol.com or 281-479-4579.

Tejano Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday April 8, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCDP HQs, 1445 North Loop West, Ste 110
Harris County Tejano Democrats meet every month on 2nd Thursday at 7pm. Visit our website at www.hctejanos.org.
For more information, contact Sandra Puente(chair)email:HCTD01@aol.com 713-864-4700.

Alief Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday April 8, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Benny's Mexican Restaurant, Westheimer and Eldridge, Houston
Monthly meeting of the Alief Democrats is changed to the second Thursday of each month. Come early ( 6:00 or 6:30 ) if you wish to eat early-great Mexican food. PLEASE NOTE! WE ARE NO LONGER MEETING ON SATURDAY MORNING. For more information e-mail lhatlen@aol.com or call 281 493 3107.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday April 9, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

Greater Heights Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday April 10, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Saturday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Harris County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1445 North Loop West (East of IBEW Bldg.), Ste 110, Houston, TX 77008
Please join the GHDC at the HCDP headquarters for our monthly meeting. Call 713-305-5468 or email kjhman12002@yahoo.com for further information. Visit our website at www.ghdc.org

1960 Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Monday April 12, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Monday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Doss Community Center, 2500 Frick Rd
Street: 2500 Frick Rd
City/State/Zip: Houston
Phone: 281-583-1174
Meets 2nd Monday¸ 7:00 PM at Doss Community Center¸ 2500 Frick Road. Frick is off Veterans Memorial HWY (Steubner Airline) about 5 miles S of FM 1960
For more information contact Jack Carney, 281-583-1174.

2010 Primary Run Off Election
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Houston Area Stonewall Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Harris County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W. , Suite 110 , Houston, TX 77008
Stonewall Dems and their allies meet each month.

For further info: email houstonareastonewalldemocrats@gmail.com or call 832-474-3926.
visit our website:
www.houstonareastonewalldemocrats.com

I-10 East Democrats Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every other month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: El Toro Mexican Restaurant, 5810 Garth Rd, Baytown TX 77521
Meets 2nd Tuesday of even-numbered months, but date can vary based on speaker availability.

Contact Don Coffey, President, at 281-787-0002, don@coffeyforjudge.com.

Galleria Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Los Tios Restaurant, 9527 Westheimer @ Tanglewilde
Join Galleria Area Democrats at their monthly meeting at Los Tios Restaurant, 9527 Westheimer @ Tanglewilde, from 7-9 pm. Food and drink will be served before and during the meeting. Contact Janice Weiss for more information at 713-532-4418 or janicerosew@yahoo.com

Bellaire Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Check website for Meeting locations http://www.bellairedemocrats.org/
The Bellaire Democrats meet the second Tuesday of the month EXECPT In: June, July, August, and December. Locations vary, check website for meeting locations http://www.bellairedemocrats.org/. For more info contact Margo Kendrick, President. Phone: 713-665-4409 Email: agabee@aol.com
or Patrick Durio, Treasurer, Bellaire Democrats 832-423-4038.

Bay Area New Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 14, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Wednesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Harris County Courthouse Bay Area Annex, 16603 Buccaneer, Houston 77062
BAND meets at 7 pm every second Wed. of the month at the Harris County Courthouse Bay Area Annex at 16603 Buccaneer, Houston, 77062 in the second floor courtroom. The meeting begins at 7 pm with a guest speaker, the club business meeting follows. Contact Don Rhorer for more information at 281-488-5046 or email drhorer99@earthlink.net

Spring Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Thursday April 15, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 4019 Rolling Terrace, Spring 77388
Meeting will be at the home of BERNARD and SANDY SMITH, 4019 Rolling Terrace Drive, Spring, TX 77388.

Social at 6:30 p.m., Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, call Sue Mallott, 281-353-1192.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday April 16, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

West Houston Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday April 17, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Saturday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Tracy Gee Community Center - 3599 Westcenter
For more information please contact Jimmy Dunne, President of the West Houston Democratic Club, at jimmydunne@sbcglobal.net

Neighborhood Democrats of Galveston Co. Meeting
Date: Monday April 19, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Peppers Steak and Seafood, I-45 @ FM 518, League City
Neighborhood Democrats of Galveston County will meet on the third Monday of each month (except Dec.), 7:00 PM, at Peppers Steak and Seafood on I 45 Northbound @ FM 518 in the Kroger shopping center. The street address is 220 Gulf Fwy. S., League City. If you wish to eat come early. No purchase necessary. The website is www.neighborhooddemocrats.org

Contact H. J. (Jim) Brown, 832-415-4490 for information.

Meyerland Area Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Monday April 19, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Fadi's Mediterranean Grill 4738 Beechnut (across from Meyerland Plaza)
For more information, contact Alan Guttman, President, at info@meydems.org, or go to website www.meydems.org.

Fort Bend County Democratic Party
Date: Monday April 19, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 500 Liberty, Richmond, Texas - Jane Long Building
website: www.fbcdp.org

Area 5 Democrats Meeting
Date: Monday April 19, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: USW Union Hall, 311 Pasadena Blvd., Pasadena, TX (formerly PACE Union Hall)
For more information please contact Area 5 Chair: Jimmy Serrano at jfser@earthlink.net or (713)649-8838

River Oaks Area Democratic (ROAD) Women Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 20, 2010
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: St. Stephens Church, West Alabama at Woodhead, Houston, Texas
Join the legendary River Oaks Area Democratic (R.O.A.D.) Women at their monthly meeting every third Tuesday at St. Stephens Church, located at West Alabama and Woodhead. Social interaction, including refreshments, begins at 5:30 p.m. Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. Contact roadway@roadwomen.com for more information.

Southeast Precinct Judges Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 20, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4605 Wilmington Street @ Cullen
Street: Wilmington @ Cullen
Southeast Precinct Judges Council meeting. For further information contact: Willie Belle Boone, 713/733-5825, wbboone@swbell.net

East End Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 20, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 708 Telephone Rd., Houston,TX 77023
East End Democrats, a Democratic club focusing on the area east of downtown, North of the Gulf Fwy, west of the East Loop and south of Buffalo Bayou, meets the third Tuesday of each month at bohemeo\'s, an art/coffee bar. bohemeo\'s is located just 2 miles south of downtown 708 Telephone Rd. inside the Tlaquepaque Plaza.Coming south on I 45 from DT, take the Cullen exit, turn left on to Cullen, go to Leeland, take a right. After crossing Lockwood take a right onto Tlaquepaque Plaza....go through the arch way and you\'re here!!!!If your coming north on I 45 take the Elgin/Lockwood exit, take a right on Lockwood, before you cross Leeland/Telephone, take a right into The Plaza...you\'ll know when you see the big pink outdoor stage!For more information e-mail judy.craft@gmail.com.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Katy Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 20, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Chesterfield Club House, 1707 Briarchester (off Mason at Chesterwick).
NEW MEETING LOCATION: Chesterfield Club House, 1707 Briarchester (off Mason at Chesterwick). 6:30 p.m. social.

For more information please visit www.katydemocrats.net or contact Linda Sawyer, President at 281-455-8516.

HCC Northwest - Spring Branch Young Democrats Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 21, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCC Northwest - Spring Branch Campus
Street: 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North
City/State/Zip: Houston, TX 77043
Phone: (713) 718-5700
For more information contact Dr. Veronica Reyna: veronica.reyna1@hccs.edu

Oak Forest Area Democrats Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 21, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Wednesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Cazadores Mexican Restaurant 11031 Hwy 290 @W 34th
Phone: 713-670-4348 www.oakforestdems.org
Please note new location. Cazadores is in the Academy shopping center.

Northwest Crossing Area Democrats Club Meeting
Date: Thursday April 22, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the fourth Thursday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Don Jose Mexican Restaurant, 5305 Antoine @ Pinemont
Meet & Greet 6:30pm, Meeting 7-8pm.
For Information: contact Secretary Pat Schoellkopf @ (713) 466-8200 or (713) 466-0008 or President / Chairperson – Bob Schoellkopf, Phone: (713) 682-3853, bobschoellkopf@yahoo.com

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday April 23, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

Sharpstown Democrats Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday April 24, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Saturday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet
Join the Sharpstown Democrats for their monthly meeting every 4th Saturday of the month at the Bayland Park Community Center located at 6400 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas. Contact Joyce Akins for info at 713-270-1318 or joyce_akins@hotmail.com.

Texas Democratic Women in Harris County
Date: Monday April 26, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Monday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ, 1445 N Loop W, Suite 110, Houston 77008
The Texas Democratic Women of Harris County will meet at the HCDP headquarters at 6:30 pm. Contact Barbara Gardner for more information at bjgardner@tuckervaughan.com

Harris County Young Democrats General Meeting
Date: Tuesday April 27, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 1135 Oxford Hall, Houston TX 77008
A group of young progressives (ages 14-40) from all walks of life who are unified in dedication to social justice. We meet monthly to discuss political issues and elections, as well as to volunteer for local campaigns and fundraise for local charities.

Spring Branch Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 28, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Wednesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Unitarian Fellowship-Houston, 1504 Wirt Road, Houston 77055-4919, 1 block NORTH of NE corner of Wirt & Westview
Join Spring Branch Democrats for their monthly meeting. The meet & greet begins at 6:30, & the meeting begins at 7:00.

Spring Branch Dems meets the 4th Wednesday of each month.
NOTE: Meeting location may sometimes vary – please check website (www.springbranchdemocrats.com) for location.

Contact crow_2004vote@hotmail.com or www.springbranchdemocrats.com, or call Anne at 713-467-9020 or Ann at (713) 468-5121.

Texas Democratic Women of Fort Bend County Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 28, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Wednesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugarland, TX
We meet the last Wednesday of each month. For more information e-mail Monica Garcia: TDWFB@aol.com.

Oil Patch Democrats
Date: Thursday April 29, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: 1445 North Loop West, Ste 110, Houston 77008
Contact Jim Rine at 281-414-1386 or John Preston at 713-659-6444 for more information.

Oil Patch Dems will co-host the April evening Brown Bag program.

Harris County Democratic Party Evening Brown Bag with Michael Tobis on Climate Change
Date: Thursday April 29, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP, 1445 North Loop West, Suite 110, Houston 77008
Please join fellow democrats at their monthly evening Brown Bag Speaker Series, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the HCDP HQ.

This month the speaker will be UT Research Scientist Michael Tobis speaking on climate change. Oil Patch Dems are co-hosts of this event.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday April 30, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.


BIODIESEL IN HARRIS COUNTY:

Biodiesel is an American produced fuel that is cleaner than traditional diesel. Up to B20 (a 20% blend of biodiesel and traditional diesel) any diesel engine, car or truck, can run on it. Above B20, some older engines may have problems but newer diesel engines should be ok. Here are some gas stations selling biodiesel near Houston:

ORourke Petroleum: 223 McCarty Street, Houston, TX 77029, 713-672-4500. Offers B20 (good in any diesel engine). CFN CARDLOCK ONLY

hyperfuels.com: 12969 W Hardy Frontage Toll Rd, Houston, TX 77037, 877-447-7207. Offers B100 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). Open 9 AM - 5 PM.

Peachleaf Bio: 1611 Peachleaf St, Houston, TX 77039, 281-449-9500. Offers B99 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). COOP SIGNUP NEEDED. Call for details. Open M-F 8-5.

Houston Biodiesel: 723 N Drennan Street, Houston, TX 77003, 713-222-0832. Offers B100 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). Open 9:30-6 M-F; WEEKENDS CALL

American Greenfuels: 6421 Eppes St, Houston, TX 77087, 713-634-0033. Offers B99 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). CALL FOR AVAILABILITY