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Mole's Progressive Democrat

The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

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Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

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  • Thursday, January 13, 2011

    Silicon Valley Area, CA Focus

    CURRENT TV:
    Current TV, founded by Al Gore, includes some of the best journalism in America today. In particular their Vanguard series is amazing and should not be missed by ANYONE who wants to know in depth coverage of some of the major stories in the world.

    In most areas Current TV is available on:
    DIRECTV Channel 358
    DISH Network Channel 196
    Comcast Digital: Channel 107
    AT&T U-Verse: Channel 189

    Check out their program schedule here.


    Democratic Television:
    The Santa Clara County Democratic Party produces "Democratic TV," which airs on Public Access TV channels around the County.

    San Jose, and the east part of Cupertino
    Channel 15, every Friday at 9:30pm

    Cupertino, Los Altos, Mountain View
    Channel 15, every Tuesday at 6:30pm

    Gilroy
    Channel 20, every Sunday at 6pm, Tuesday at 10:30pm, Thursday at 4:30pm, and Saturday at noon

    Los Gatos and Monte Sereno
    Channel 15, the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Monday of every month at 6:30pm

    Morgan Hill and San Martin
    Channel 19, every Monday and Tuesday at 8:30pm

    Palo Alto, Stanford, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Atherton
    Channel 27, every Sunday at 1am and 6:30pm, Monday at 10:30am, Tuesday at 5:30pm, Wednesday at 12:30am and 8:30am, and Saturday at 5:00pm

    Democrats in Santa Clara County produce two Public Access Television Programs. For information on "Straight Talk," produced by the Santa Clara County Democratic Club, click here.


    PROGRESSIVES SPEAK OUT:

    Time for all progressives to speak out. The right wing yammers on and on to the media, often spreading lies. If we speak out more, with passion and honesty, we will beat them more and more. Here is a resource from the Silicon Valley Democrats for calling into talk radio to express your opinions. They include phone numbers for local and national radio shows as well as tips for how to effectively express yourself. If you don't speak out about things you care about, the right wing extremists will and they will win.


    NAACP SILICON VALLEY:
    Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans.

    Here are some local NAACP branches:

    San Jose NAACP
    304 N.6TH STREET
    San Jose, CA 95112
    408-295-3394

    Fremont-Union City-Newark NAACP
    Union City, CA 94587
    510-471-4109

    South San Mateo Co NAACP
    Palo Alto, CA 94303
    415-322-4089

    Stanford University College NAACP Chapter
    418 SANTA TERESA STREET
    Stanford, CA 94305


    MARRIAGE EQUALITY SILICON VALLEY is a grassroots effort, organized by volunteers in the Silicon Valley/San Jose/South Bay area, to educate, unite and mobilize all communities for equality.

    Each month, on a Sunday, which might vary depending on other events, the Outreach to Religious and Youth Communities Group holds a potluck evening. We meet at 6 pm in someone's home for a shared meal. At 6:30 pm, we view an inspiring film which focuses on LGBT issues. After the movie, we discuss current and future actions to promote education and support for marriage equality. Open to everyone. For more information, contact Ray Hixson at (650) 346-7557 or Joanne Loomba at (408) 921-0041.


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

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

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

    Silicon Valley Young Democrats. SVYD serves Democrats under 36 years old from throughout the Silicon Valley. We provide networking, social, and personal growth opportunities for young people dedicated to progressive ideals.

    Meetings are monthly
    the third Monday at 7 p.m.
    UFCW Local 5, 240 S Market St,
    San Jose, Ca
    Dinner and drinks provided

    President: Julie Lind, svyd_at_sccdp.org. Visit the club's website at svyd.org.

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

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

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


    Americans United for Separation of Church and State
    Silicon Valley Chapter

    We come from all 50 states and a wide variety of religious, political and philosophical backgrounds. We are dedicated to preserving the constitutional principle of church-state separation as the only way to ensure religious freedom for all Americans.

    2310 Homestead Road, Suite 523 Los Altos, California 94024


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

    Rotten Robbie: 310 N Whisman Rd, Mountain View, CA 94043, 650-965-2609. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 6AM-10PM

    Rotten Robbie: 1304 Piedmont Rd, San Jose, CA 95132, 408-259-5535. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 6AM-11PM.

    Bay Area Biofuel: email biodieselperformance@gmail.com for info and an appt

    Western States Oil Company: 1790 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112, 408-292-1041. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open 7AM-5PM M-F.

    The Green Station: 136 Gilman Ave, Campbell, CA 95008, 831-425-9100. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open TUES, THURS, FRI 4-7.

    Autopia Biofuels: 1025 S Railroad Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402, 650-571-1863. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open M-F 8AM-7PM (CLOSED WEDS/SUNS) SA 1PM-4PM.

    Mountain Feed and Farm Supply: 9550 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005, 831-336-8876. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open M-S 9AM-6PM SUN 10-2

    SF Oakland Truck Stop: 8255 San Leandro Street, Oakland, CA 94621, 510-569-1624. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open M-F, 4AM-11PM; SAT. 6AM-10PM; SUN. 7AM-10PM

    The Green Station: 433 Ocean Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95061, 831-425-9100. Offers B99 (good for newer diesel engines, may not be good in some older engines). Open 10-6 DAILY

    USA Grown Fuels: 2680 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062, 831-476-3653. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HOURS A DAY / 7 DAYS A WEEK; MUST BE MEMBER


    Green Tips from San Jose Green Home Blog:

    How to Tap into Renewable Financing for Energy Upgrades Without PACE

    Three Tips for Buying Used Solar Panels for Pennies on the Dollar

    What can PACE Do for You? Affordable Financing for Green Projects

    More Green Home resources:

    Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley - a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates the homes of low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, free of charge, so that they may live in warmth, safety, and independence. Rebuilding Together mobilizes skilled and unskilled volunteers and utilizes donated materials to complete the repairs. They have recently introduced a green initiative that focuses on completing energy efficiency upgrades and repairs for these homeowners, including CFL installation, Energy Star appliances upgrades, caulking and weatherstripping, and window and door replacements.

    EPA’s Green Home Website – Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, in the market for a new home, or making home improvements, this Web site identifies the key environmental and energy issues at hand, and suggests solutions that will add value to your home, reduce energy use and energy costs, fight climate change, and help protect your health.

    Build It Green Website It’s non-profit organization with a mission to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient homes in California. They have great reources and “Search the Product Directory” to conveniently locate suppliers of green building products within the 9-County San Francisco Bay Area.

    PG&E Website Rebate Section. Thinking of buying new appliances or equipment? Remodeling or upgrading your home? Don’t make a step without checking out the PG&E website for an incredible variety of savings in the form of rebates.

    Go Solar California website provides consumers a “one-stop shop” for information on rebates, tax credits, and incentives for solar energy systems in California


    GREEN BUSINESSES IN THE SILICON VALLEY AREA: These are some of the best local businesses around. Taken from the Green America Green Pages

    Green Career Central
    www.greencareercentral.com
    Helps you identify your green niche, focus your job search, and produce results. Access expert support, resources, green job boards, and a discussion forum.
    Phone: (650)322-8661
    P.O. Box 354
    Menlo Park, CA 94026

    Laptop Lunches
    www.laptoplunches.com
    "Want to pack nutritious, waste-free meals for school, work, and travel? Check out our bento-style containers, creative recipes, stainless steel water bottles, and lunch jars."
    Phone: (831)457-0301
    Fax: (831)430-0302
    849 Almar
    Ste. C-323
    Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5848

    Uhuru Pies
    www.uhurupies.org
    A voluntary, community-based fundraiser for the African People's Education and Defense Fund, offering quality, fresh based all natural pies. The original, progressive holiday tradition.
    Phone: (510)625-1106
    Fax: (510)217-4422
    484 Lake Park Ave.
    #357
    Oakland, CA 94610

    Eco-Care Professional Housecleaning
    www.wagescooperatives.org/eco-care.html
    Women's cooperative of highly-trained worker owners dedicated to ecologically sound cleaning methods and the highest quality of service.
    Phone: (408)778-8445
    Fax: (408)778-8433
    60 W. Main Ave.
    Ste. 11-B
    Morgan Hill, CA 95037

    GreenHeart Global
    www.greenheartglobal.com
    Conceives, designs, manufactures, and markets products to meet the growing demand for goods that are less harmful to the environment.
    Phone: (510)261-7343
    1148 E. 18th St., #5
    Oakland, CA 94606

    World Centric
    www.worldcentric.org
    Compostable and biodegradable disposable utensils, cups, plates, bowls, containers, etc. made from annually renewable resources such as sugar cane fiber, wheat straw, and corn.
    Phone: (650)739-0699
    Fax: (866)850-9732
    2121 Staunton Ct.
    Palo Alto, CA 94306

    Sungevity
    www.sungevity.com
    Our mission is to bring solar to the mainstream market. With our unique and revolutionary remote solar design approach we are able to make solar energy simple, affordable, and efficient.
    Phone: (510)496-5500
    Fax: (510)496-5501
    66 Franklin St.
    Ste. 310
    Oakland, CA 94607

    Ready Solar
    www.readysolar.com
    Offers attractive convenient and affordable solar electric systems. Sells systems directly to homeowners - completely packaged, including site analysis, installation, and financing.
    Phone: (650)299-9854
    Fax: (650)851-3212
    2929 Campus Dr Ste 110
    San Mateo, CA 94403

    Sustainable Home
    Interior design, healthy materials, color consulting. Your home can embody both beautiful, functional design and your environmental values.
    Phone: (650)855-9476
    471 Matadero Ave.
    Palo Alto, CA 94306

    Building Solutions
    www.buildingsolutions.com
    As a Home Performance Contractor, Building Solutions uses applied building science to improve the energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and comfort of your home.
    Phone: (866)899-2517
    1757 E Bayshore Rd
    Ste. 24
    Redwood City, CA 94063

    Ecostruction
    www.ecostruction.com
    Designs and builds structures using RASTRA (ICF-integrated concrete form). Rammed earth, straw bale, solar technologies, and conventional framing techniques. Training, workshops, and internships available.
    Phone: (831)427-1600
    Fax: (831)338-1600
    P.O. Box 446
    Ben Lomond, CA 95005

    Santa Cruz Community Credit Union
    www.scruzccu.org
    A nonprofit financial cooperative that promotes economic justice. Community development priorities include offering a wide range of financial services, financial education, and an individual development account program, family loan program, low-interest child care revolving loan program, microenterprise loans, and more.
    Phone: (831)460-2342
    Fax: (831)426-6669
    324 Front St.
    Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4506

    Catherine Cartier, Financial Advisor, Camejo Group
    www.camejogroup.com
    Values based investing for the individual investor.
    Phone: (800)471-7244
    Fax: (510)380-6662
    1814 Franklin St.
    Ste. 503
    Oakland, CA 94612

    Eric Leenson, Pres., Progressive Asset Management
    www.progressiveassetmanagement.com
    SRI and planning with an emphasis on appropriate asset allocation, including direct community investments. Offers individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in all major markets.
    Phone: (510)622-0202
    Fax: (510)287-2419
    1904 Franklin St.
    Ste. 903
    Oakland, CA 94612


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    3 Comments:

    Anonymous Traycee said...

    Thanks for the Silicon Valley Area Focus on your Progressive Democrat blog ... I live and work in the Bay area (my company name, World Centric, is on your blog which is how I found you!) and really liked all the links for green resources. I LOVE living in this area; speaking of progressive, everyone here is so focused on going green ... it’s just great. May I ask, what made you decide to focus on Silicon Valley ... all the way from NYC?

    7:31 PM  
    Blogger mole333 said...

    Hi Traycee. Glad you like the blog. As to how I came to focus on SIlicon valley, I basically try to cover wherever I have readers. At one point I saw a spike of readers in Silicon Valley, so I started focusing on it. But I also grew up in California and still have friends and family there, so I have a good sense of California politics.

    9:07 AM  
    Blogger Unknown said...

    Awesome ... it doesn't surprise me that you have a lot of readers from this area. We have a lot of progressives here. A friend of mine from SoCal said when visiting, "everyone up here has some issue they're fighting for or against." He said it to be funny but it's so true! Well, great job on the blog, very interesting. And thanks again for the mention of my company, World Centric. Wishing you all the best ... I'll keep reading!

    6:16 PM  

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