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).

Name: mole333

Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

I am a research biologist in NYC. Married with two kids living in Brooklyn.

View my complete profile

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Progressive Democrat Newsletter 295

UPDATE: Soon after compiling this newsletter, news came out that Osama bin Laden has been killed by US forces in Pakistan. What George W. Bush could not accomplish in 7 years (really 8 since he had been warned by Bill Clinton that bin Laden was a major threat), Barack Hussein Obama, born in Hawaii, accomplished in 2 years.

From Daily Kos:

Of course Fox News and the Republican Party (who never could catch bin Laden when in power...and in fact OPPOSED catching bin Laden when it was Clinton going after him) will continue to be assholes even in the face of this great victory. I am waiting for Trump to demand Osama bin Laden's long-form birth certificate so that he can be SURE the corpse had been born in Saudi Arabia to the second most powerful family in that country.

Osama bin Laden is representative not of Muslims, but of that most dangerous of people: someone who is so convinced he/she is right that they feel justified doing anything and everything, no matter who gets hurt. This is a type of person who is more often than not motivated by religion, like Osama bin Laden (a Muslim), "pastor" Fred Phelps (a Christian), etc. Most people who use the word "jihad" or "crusade" with any seriousness strikes me as being too close to this kind of religious fanatic. But people can also be motivated by ethnic or political motivations into fanaticism. Hitler's Nazism was racially and politically motivated. The Khmer Rouge and the Shining Path were motivated politically. Slobodan Milošević was motivated ethnically. All of these fanatics have more in common with Osama bin Laden than they would like to admit. And I am sorry to say but a significant minority within the modern Republican Party do as well, through a rabid mix of religious Christian extremism, political ideology, and all too often racism...plus a solid dose of greed. The teabagger movement, with its racist and often violent rhetoric, reminds me too much of some of the mobs in Muslim nations that looked to Osama bin Laden. I'd say the teabaggers haven't gone as far down the road as those mobs, but they need to look in a mirror and see what they really look like before they go further down that road. Before we shake our fingers at Muslims for the actions of bin Laden we should look to our own fanatics whose vitriol get ample air time on Fox News.

One thing to note about the death of Osama bin Laden. He was near Islamabad in Pakistan. This is supposed to be a place allied with the US, not with bin Laden, but, like Saudi Arabia, the internal politics in Pakistan mean that official alliances with the US are more than counter balanced by unofficial but often much closer alliances with groups like the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

Now on to domestic politics.

I think this says it all regarding Greedy Oil Party priorities:

(source: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2010/03/paul-ryans-plan-tax-you-more)

Yep, the top 1% get the BIGGEST benefits from the Republican budget...BY FAR! And the bottom 90% pay more under the Republican plan. Blatant redistribution of wealth from the bottom 90% to the top 1%.

Regarding Obama's birth certificate, I think this gives some good insight (found at The Albany Project):

Big Businesses that Pay No Taxes: The fiscal traitors I plan to boycott

What percentage of your income went to taxes? Personally, I don't mind paying taxes as long as I know it goes to good places: education, roads, bridges, levees, healthcare...

But I expect others to pay their share as well. Recently we learned GE doesn't pay taxes. None. Zero. But they aren't alone. Here are other big companies that love to take our money, lobby politicians...and pay little or no taxes. Some of them have taken taxpayer bailouts from you and me...but don't pay taxes themselves. It...isn't...fair. Here are the fiscal traitors to America: (From Rainforest Action Network)

Citigroup: 0% taxes paid
Bank of America: 0% taxes paid
Wells Fargo: 7.5% taxes paid

BP: 0% taxes paid
Shell: 0% taxes paid
Exxon/Mobil: 2.3% taxes paid
Chevron: 5.9% taxes paid

Massey Energy: 0% taxes paid
Alpha Natural Resources: 4.1% taxes paid
Arch Coal Inc: 10% taxes paid

These companies spend billions lobbying Congress, but pay little or nothing to America.

To the best of my ability, not one of these companies will get one penny of my money. These companies HURT America. I will not give them my money. Join me in boycotting these fiscal traitors to America.

Orange County, CA Focus

ORANGE COUNTY NEWS:

Costa Mesa City Council Shoving Facts, Citizens Aside

What Jerry Amante Didn’t Want Tustin Residents To Hear

Costa Mesa’s Righeimer and Mensinger Get A Reality Check on Pensions

Tustin Recall Group Lodges Complaint Against City Staffer

The Truth About the Right-Wing’s Latest Scheme to Punish Workers

Critics and Box Office Agree: “Atlas $ucked”

Rep. Loretta Sanchez forms Congressional Caucus on Women in the Military

Ugly Republican Racism once again rears its head: Racist Tea Party Email Tied to OC Republican Party Member

SEC charges Chip Hanlon’s Investment Firm with Fraud

Recall Amante Website Debuts; PAC Announced

Find local events here thanks to Orange County Democracy for America. Check them out at get involved with your local community. After all, that's how change happens.

REGULAR EVENTS: Here are some regular events that happen weekly or monthly

Mondays, 7:30am, Laguna Hills: Neighborhood Democratic Discussion Group at Starbucks Coffee, 25630 Alicia Parkway, across from Laguna Hills High School.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays 6:30 PM, Fullerton: Drinking Liberally (drinkingliberally.org) Drinking Liberally meets at Table Ten in Fullerton, 124 W. Commonwealth Ave. in the SoCo District (Harbor/Commonwealth). We begin around 6:30pm. Our location is just one block from the Fullerton Transportation Center so you can take the bus or the train. We are on the patio in warm weather or front bar in cold weather. $6.00 burgers every Tuesday and a few specials just for us. It is time to rouse the North! Contact: orangecounty@drinkingliberally.org or (714) 955-7765

Tuesdays, 7pm, Santa Ana: Junta de Voluntarios/Volunteer Meeting El Centro Cultural De Mexico 310 W. 5th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 el-centro.org

Tuesdays, 6-7 PM, Irvine: UC Irvine Young Democrats meeting, in SST 122 (on the first floor of Social Science Tower across from Social Science Lab). Still the same time from 6pm-7pm! I understand that many of you will miss Humanities Hall, but our new location will offer even more greater things... our very own restrooms, vending machines, convenient access to Middle Earth, Social Science Parking Structure, the Student Center, and many many more!

Tuesdays, 7pm, Irvine: Irvine Queers. 106 Gateway Commons Irvine, CA 92697 UCI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center located between Gateway Commons and the Cross-Cultural Center. spirit.dos.uci.edu/irvineq

Wednesdays, 7:30 am, Anaheim: Los Amigos of Orange County, a progressive networking group, meets at Jagerhaus Restaurant, 2525 East Ball Road.. Contact: guevarasart@yahoo.com or (949) 636-2750

Wednesdays, 5-6 pm, Irvine: UCI Amnesty International meeting, Crescent Bay Room B (A124) in the Student Center spirit.dos.uci.edu/amnesty/calendar.htm

[New location] (2nd Wednesdays), 6:30pm, San Clemente: Drinking Liberally (drinkingliberally.org). meets at Sunsets Bar & Grill in Capistrano Beach, 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy. Contact: SCDrinkingLiberally@gmail.com or (949) 682-5291.

Odd Wednesdays, 7pm, Irvine: Transgender Alliance Group To Educate And Motivate (TAG TEAM) This will be an open space for allies and members of the transgender, gender variant, and gender non-conforming community to spread awareness and create an open space to plan actions for change on our campus. If you are interested, please join us Location: LGBTRC (Student Center South G302) If you would like more information, feel free to contact Sophie Punkar spunkar@uci.edu\ Amanda Woo awoo@uci.edu

Thursdays 8:30 PM, Santa Ana: Drinking Liberally (drinkingliberally.org) a no-agenda social club for local progressives, meets at Memphis Bar at 201N Broadway in the Artists Village Contact: orangecounty@drinkingliberally.org or (714) 955-7765

First and third Thursdays 7 PM, Huntington Beach: Drinking Liberally (drinkingliberally.org) Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. at 19461 Main St., Huntington Beach. (corner of Main and Yorktown) Contact: Louise Stewardson 714-356-6559 HuntingtonBeachg@drinkingliberally.org

2nd Thursdays 7-9PM, Santa Ana: Orange County Young Democrats Meeting
Bistro 400 400 W. 4th Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 OCYD.net

Thursdays 7 PM, Rancho Santa Margarita: Drinking Liberally (drinkingliberally.org), a no-agenda social club for local progressives, meets at Canyon Fireside Grille 22312 El Paseo Rancho Santa Margarita California 92688 Contact: rsm@drinkingliberally.org.

Fridays 5:30pm, Santa Ana: Orange County DREAM Team Coalition Meeting (istillhaveadream.org) Centro Cultural de Mexico Room 211 301 W. 5th Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 Contact: Minerva S. Gómez (714) 376-8065

Saturdays, 9-11am, Irvine: Weekly Democratic Kaffee-Klatch Come and discuss the political topics of the day! University Center (across from UCI), under the trees across from Whale of a Tale Book Store 4199 Campus Dr Contact: Sharon Toji 9499296512 htoji@cox.net

Some Local Orange County Resources:

Liberal OC Blog: for those who want to find news and events in Orange County

Voice of OC: Who says you can't fight city hall?

OC Progressive is a project of the Progressive Group.

Democratic Foundation of Orange County: What We Do

* Develop financial resources to support an active & effective Democratic Party in Orange County.
* Encourage, train and support Democratic candidates in Orange County.
* Sponsor high-profile events to increase the visibility of Democrats and Democratic ideas.
* Provide a forum to develop and discuss political and public policy issues of local and national importance.
* Provide our members with introductions and access to local government, California and National Democratic leaders, as well as to leaders in labor and in business.

COMMUNITY RADIO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:

KPFK Pacific Radio 93.7 FM:
Check out their program schedule here.

KPCC Southern California Public Radio 89.3 FM:

Southern California Public Radio (SCPR) is a member-supported public radio network that operates 89.3 KPCC-FM in Los Angeles and Orange County, 89.1 KUOR-FM in the Inland Empire and 90.3 KPCV in the Coachella Valley. Reaching more than 600,000 listeners every week, SCPR is the most listened to public radio news service of any kind in Southern California and serves the diverse communities of Southern California with award winning local news coverage as well as the most NPR (National Public Radio) content available anywhere in the region.

Check out their program schedule here.

Latino Social Work Network of Orange County (LSWN):
Email lswnoc2007@yahoo.com
Address LSWNOC
P.O. Box 296
Santa Ana, CA 92702-0296
website: http://www.lswnoc.com/index.html

LSWN Orange County's purpose is to advance practice and promote policies which improve access to quality professional social work services for the Latino communities of Orange County. To provide an organizational networking framework whereby Spanish-speaking and Latino service providers can exchange ideas, engage in professional development, discuss problems and issues in their respective communities, and advocate to improve the quality of life for Latinos in Orange County.

To become a member click here.

NAACP ORANGE COUNTY:
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 is a local NAACP branch:

Orange Co (Santa Ana) Branch
PO BOX 3141
Santa Ana, CA 92703
714-543-3637

Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County: The Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County are dedicated to the mission of electing LGBT and Pro-Equality Democrats in California and throughout the country.

The Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County typically meet on the last Sunday of the month:

Local 50 Union Hall
527 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805

Click here to join.

Democratic Club of West Orange County:
2781 W. MacArthur Blvd.
Ste B-Box 347
Santa Ana, CA 92704-7095

The mission of the DCWOC shall be to advance the goals of the Democratic Party through public policy and political issues analysis, education, fundraising, recruitment, coordination with other Democratic groups, and other activities to benefit the Party. The DCWOC shall support the broadest possible registration in the Democratic Party and recruitment of DCWOC membership without discrimination on grounds of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity or economic status.

The cities of WOC include Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Westminster and Seal Beach.

For more info, visit their website: www.dcwoc.org

Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Orange County 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.

3337 S. Bristol, #251 Santa Ana, California 92704

Orange County Biodiesel Cooperative: Working together to increase availability of biodiesel in the Orange County region. Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in the USA from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy. Go to their website to sign up for more info.

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

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

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

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

BACK TO PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT NEWSLETTER MAIN PAGE

San Diego, CA Focus

EVENTS:

You can find great calendar of events for San Deigo, California, thanks to the San Diego County Democrats. Check it out and get involved with your local community. That is how change happens from the bottom up.

I would particularly like to highlight the following upcoming events:

Chicano Democratic Association Meeting
Date(s): Wednesday, May-04-11
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave, San Diego, 93102 (little yellow house to the right)
Contact: (619) 384-4353
Email: chicanodem_cllub@sddem.org
Website: www.chicanodemocrats.com

Fallbrook Democratic Club Meeting
Date(s): Thursday, May-05-11
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Description: Our speaker will be one of the leading securities lawyers in the US, Bill Lerach. He will speak on "America's broken retirement plans." Perhaps best noted for his record recovery of $7.2 billion for defrauded shareholders in the Enron case, he appeared in the documentary, "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room." Everyone is welcome to attend.
Location: Fallbrook Public Utility Dist (Conf room) Fallbrook 92028
Contact: (760) 703-2008
Email: fallbrook_club@sddem.org
Website: www.fallbrookdemocraticclub.com

Pacific Beach Democratic Club Meeting
Date(s): Saturday, May-07-11
Time: 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Description: Council President Anthony Young will address the club. Guests are welcome.
Location: Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond Street, 92109
Contact: (858) 274-8173
Website: www.pbclub.sddem.org/

Filipino-American Democratic Club Meeting
Date(s): Tuesday, May-10-11
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Contact for location
Contact: (619) 764-8926
Email: filapinoamerican_club@sddem.org

Poway Democratic Club Meeting
Date(s): Thursday, May-12-11
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Creekside Plaza Community Room, 13495 Poway Rd (SE corner of Poway Rd & Community Rd behind Chipotle Mex Grill near open-air amphitheater)
Contact: (858) 748-5330
Email: president@powaydemocraticclub.org
Website: www.powaydemocraticclub.org

Lake San Marcos Democratic Club Meeting
Date(s): Saturday, May-14-11
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Description:
After several years of effort we now have new Health Care law addressing the nation's health. Several of its elements have already improved the benefits for many of us. However, there is a concerted effort under way to dismember it. We have invited Dave Roberts to talk about the major elements of the new law, its benefits and beneficiaries, its opponents and their sponsors, and potential impacts. Dave Roberts joined HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) in July 2002 and serves as Vice President of Government Relations since July 2005. Previously, Dave has served as a Corporate Vice President for a Fortune 500 company, as a professional staff member on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and advisor on three U.S. Presidential campaigns. In November 2008, Dave was re-elected to his second four-year term on the Solana Beach City Council in San Diego County, California. Please check Lake San Marcos Democratic Club Newsletter for detailed directions to the meeting place or call for further information.

Location: Lake San Marcos Pavilion, 1005 La Bonita Drive, Lake San Marcos 92078
Contact: (760) 744-9233
Email: president@lsm.sddem.org
Website: www.lsm.sddem.org

Marthin Luther King Jr. Democratic Club Meeting
Date(s): Saturday, May-14-11
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Malcolm X Library, San Diego 92114
Contact: (619) 578-1014
Email: president@mlking.sddem.org
Website: www.mlking.sddem.org

La Jolla Democratic Club Meeting
Date(s): Sunday, May-15-11
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: La Jolla Riford Public Library, 7555 Draper Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
Contact: (858) 457-0246
Email: lajolla_club@sddem.org
Website: www.lajollademocrats.org

Progressive Democrats North Democratic Club Meeting
Date(s): Sunday, May-15-11
Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Aegis Living, Vista 92081
Contact: (760) 635-3719
Email: progressive_club@sddem.org
Website: www.pdsandiego.org

Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
Date(s): Friday, May-20-11
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Description:
Join the San Diego Democratic Club for the LGBT Community Center's third annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast. When he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, Harvey Milk (1930-1978) became one of the first openly gay men to be elected to political office in the United States. On election night, Harvey Milk reminded his supporters: This is not my victory - it's yours. If a gay man can win, it proves that there is hope for all minorities who are willing to fight. He was assassinated (along with Mayor George Moscone) on November 27, 1978, only eleven months after taking office. Although he did not live to see his dreams fulfilled, the example of his life and leadership has made him an important national symbol of the struggle for human rights and freedom of expression.

Location: Bayfront Hilton San Diego (next to the Convention Center)
Price: $50.00 / Person
Contact: (619) 297-8509
Email: sdjeepboy@aol.com
Website: www.sddemclub.org

Community Coffee with Assemblymember Atkins
Date(s): Saturday, May-21-11
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Description: You are invited to attend a community coffee to discuss state and legislative issues with Assemblymember Toni Atkins. Refreshments will be served.
Location: North Clairemont Library, 4616 Clairemont Dr. San Diego, CA 92117
Contact: (619) 645-3090
Email: assemblymember.atkins@assembly.ca.gov
Website: www.asmdc.org/members/a76

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.

COMMUNITY RADIO NORTH SAN DIEGO:
KPFK Pacific Radio 93.7 FM

Check out their program schedule here.

Chicano Democratic Association:
721 9th Ave, Unit 8
San Diego, CA 92101
http://chicanodemocrats.com/home

Our organization is a Chartered Club of the San Diego County Democratic Party. CDA is focused on empowering Chicano/Latino Democrats in the city of San Diego and South County region through advocacy of candidates who share our values.

Our meetings are held every 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm atthe
Sherman Heights Community Center
In the little yellow house to the right of the center.
2258 Island Ave.
San Diego, CA 92102

Check out their calendar of local events

Show your cultural and Democratic pride with a Chicano Democratic Association T-Shirt

San Diego LGBT Pride:

The specific purpose of this corporation is to produce civic, cultural and educational programs, which support and encourage pride within San Diego's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Formed in 1974, as a sponsored program of The Center for Social Services, we produced the first Lesbian and Gay Parade in San Diego to celebrate the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion on New York's Christopher Street. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1994 and today San Diego Pride continues to bring together the skills, talents and vision of our diverse community through numerous programs including the Equality Torch Relay, Walk For Equality and the annual LGBT Pride Celebration which attracts 250,000 participants to Hillcrest for America's Finest Pride Parade and Festival.

To find local LGBT events in San Diego, click here.

To volunteer to help the LGBT community, click here.

Filipino American Democratic Club of San Diego County:
http://www.filamdems.com/

We are actively recruiting individuals in the community that are interested in getting involved as well as individuals that have demonstrated their involvement and commitment to our community values and positions on issues in San Diego. Check out our "Contact Us/Membership" page for more information or visit us at our next meeting.

For more info, contact: filamdemsd@gmail.com

NAACP SAN DIEGO:
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 Diego NAACP
PO BOX 152086
San Diego, CA 92195
760-754-9686

North County NAACP
PO BOX 5786
Oceanside, CA 92052
760-754-9686

N San Diego NAACP Youth Council
PO BOX 5786
Oceanside, CA 92052

Americans United for Separation of Church and State
San Diego 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.

P.O. Box 80071 San Diego, California 92138

SAN DIEGO IMMIGRANTS RIGHTS CONSORTIUM:

Beginning in 2007, community, faith, labor, and legal organizations have come together as the Immigrant Rights Consortium. Through the Consortium, these organizations are pursuing four common goals:

Support comprehensive immigration reform.
Stop the spread of local policies and practices that target and violate the civil and human rights of immigrants.
Educate immigrants about their rights and the legal and other resources available to them.
Educate the public about the important contributions of immigrants and counter the myths and misstatements made about immigrants.

The Consortium includes, among other groups:

American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU)
Catholic Charities
Catholic Relief Services
Employee Rights Center
San Diego LGBT Center
Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice of San Diego County

For questions regarding the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium or to schedule interviews, presentations, trainings or speaking engagements please contact Ricardo, Strategic Communications Coordinator.

Ricardo can be reached by phone at (760) 468-4519 or by email at communicate@immigrantsandiego.org.

This is one of my favorite parks anywhere: California State Parks You Should Know - Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve...and once when playing host to David Brower former head of the Sierra Club and founder of Friends of the Earth, we visited this park and he also expressed amazement at how great it was.

BIODIESEL IN SAN DIEGO:

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

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

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

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

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

SAN DIEGO FOOD CO-OPS:

Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Co-op
4765 Voltaire St.
San Diego, California 92107
Phone: (619) 224-1387
FAX: (619) 224-5089
editor@oceanbeachpeoples.com
http://www.obpeoplesfood.coop

Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Market is a member-owned vegetarian consumer co-op that has been serving the community since 1971. Originally a worker's collective, the cooperative has grown to include 6000 feet of retail space and more than 8000 member/owners. The Co-op offers an extensive selection of organic produce, grocery, dairy, and bulk foods and herbs, as well as vitamins and homeopathics, cruelty-free bodycare, and aromatherapy products. Enjoy a full service sit-down deli featuring a delicious selection of home-style vegetarian and vegan entrees, salads, sandwiches, freshly prepared baked goods, desserts, and more! At People's, San Diego's only community owned grocery store, we specialize in products that are organic, wholesome, minimally processed, cruelty-free, and environmentally safe.

They also have a good community events calendar.

The UCSD Food Coop
0323F Student Cooperative Center,
San Diego, California 92093
Phone: (619) 546-8339
foodcoop@burn.ucsd.edu

I used to shop at this one way, way back when I went to UCSD. It was great then!

Since its introduction to the campus in 1978, the Food Co-op has committed itself to providing the UCSD community with a natural food alternative, as well as a resource for environmentally conscious products and information.

The Food Co-op carries a variety of food and non-food products ranging from baked goods, juices, sandwiches, fresh organic produce, macro-biotic and ethnic foods to cruelty-free cosmetics and environmentally safe cleaning agents. Many foods are stocked in bulk to reduce the price to the customer and the waste of packaging (please bring bags when buying!). Special orders can be made at discount prices (good for items not necessarily carried in the store, as well!).

Come in to shop, get informed, and/or volunteer as a general member of our store. For more information, call (858) 546-8339.

I will also point out some other UCSD co-ops that I liked when I was a student there.

The Ché Café

The Ché Café Collective is dedicated to providing cheap, healthy vegetarian food, all-ages entertainment, and alternative education. We have All-We-Can-Eat dinners every Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm. Entertainment at the Ché ranges from poetry readings and plays to forums, or shows of local bands.

The Ché Café is surrounded by a grove of old eucalyptus trees and is next to the beautiful garden of the Farm Co-op. Tables and chairs inside and outside of the Ché and its close proximity to the Farm Co-op make it an inviting place to eat, study, or just hang out.

The Ché Café is open to having people come by and help out. The Café provides a great opportunity for people to get involved in the process of cooking, running a restaurant and/or putting on events at any level they feel comfortable at. Stop by or call us at (858) 534-2311.

(The Ché Café is located on the Revelle campus behind the Undergraduate library and down the hill from Stonehenge. We're the building with all the murals on it.) Read more about the Che Cafe Collective at its very own website: http://checafe.ucsd.edu/.

General Store

The General Store Co-op is a student-run store which was founded in 1980 to offer students a less expensive alternative to the high Price Center. [EDITOR'S NOTE: This is not quite right...the Price Center didn't even exist when the General Store was founded and greatly appreciated by students like myself.] As a student cooperative, we try to provide the University community with the best quality merchandise at the lowest prices. And we succeed! The General Store Co-op carries items such as selected essential school and office supplies, household and personal items, stationery and gift wrap, clothing (including UCSD logos), craft-center jewelry, and some food and snack items -- all of which range from 5-25% less than anywhere else on campus.

Students are generally most interested in the fact that we sell textbooks, which are guaranteed to cost less than at the UCSD bookstore. We also try to carry as many used texts as possible. Also, we buy back current editions year round. Stop by to check which classes' books we're carrying.

We encourage everyone to visit the General Store Co-op for our low prices and friendly service. Additionally, anyone is invited to come in and volunteer anytime as volunteers are the backbone of our organization. For further information or friendly help please feel free to call us at (858) 534-3932.

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

PristinePlanet.com
www.pristineplanet.com
PristinePlanet.com is an eco-friendly shopping mall that connects online shoppers to socially responsible merchants. Browse thousands of products offered by the top socially responsible retailers.
Phone: (619)316-1314
800 Mark Lane
#305
San Diego, CA 92101

Ecoclean Services
www.ecocleanservices.com
Always striving to create clean, safe, natural environments for you. To start living the natural way call today! Be Green. Choose Ecoclean.
Phone: (619)224-7847
1889 Bacon St.
Ste. 10
San Diego, CA 92107

GreenEdge Kids
greenedgekids.com
An eco-friendly online children's clothing store, offering the best of organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, Tencel. Made in USA, Fair Trade, and otherwise sustainable children's clothes.
Phone: (858)481-6733
Fax: (858)509-1480
249 S. Hwy. 101
No. 422
Solana Beach, CA 92075-1807

Green Field Paper Company
www.greenfieldpaper.com
"Finest in tree-free paper." 100% recycled Grow-a-Note® seed embedded paper. Hemp Heritage paper that is 25% hemp, 75% postconsumer, acid and chlorine bleach free, archival and 100% bio-based, and 100% recycled, and PaperEvolution. Paper, envelopes, invitations, journals, greeting cards, packaging, and promotional items.
Phone: (858)565-2585
Fax: (858)565-2581
7196 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111

Recycled Products Cooperative
www.recycledproducts.org
National nonprofit environmental program. Online retailer of recycled, environmentally friendly office products. Wholesaler; bulk post-consumer recycled paper. Providing solutions for closing the loop.
Phone: (800)694-8355
Fax: (800)694-8344
137 N. El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024

Michael Leeman, Managing Director, Miombo Capital
www.miombo.co.za
Consultant on socially responsible investments and black economic empowerment in the South African context.
Phone: (858)997-6732
3771 Ruette San Raphael
San Diego, CA 92130

Judith Seid, CFP, Blue Summit Financial Group, Inc.
www.bluesummitinvest.com
Integrating full-service financial and life planning with SRI individualized portfolio management since 1992. Retirement planning; fee-based asset management; real estate 1031 exchanges; 401(k)s; IRAs; and life, disability, and long-term care insurance. Member, First Affirmative Financial Network.
Phone: (888)698-4330
Fax: (619)698-0430
9001 Grossmont Blvd.
Ste. 718
San Diego, CA 91941-4031

Honest Kitchen, Inc.
www.thehonestkitchen.com
Our healthy, dehydrated raw pet foods offer a way to create fresh, natural meals for your pet in the comfort of your home. We use 100% organic grains, hormone/antibiotic-free meats and non-GMO produce. All ingredients are guaranteed 100% Human Food Grade.
Phone: (866)4-DRY-RAW
Fax: (619)544-0370
145 14th St.
San Diego, CA 92101

Onesta Organics, Inc.
www.onestaorganics.com
Manufacturer of delicious, certified organic, human-grade, whole food-based pet food products. No artificial chemicals or GMO ingredients. Made with care in the USA.
Phone: (619)295-1136
1425 Russ Blvd.
T107F
San Diego, CA 92101

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

Some recurring events in the 11th District

MONDAYS
Santa Clara County Democratic Club
Third Monday of each month (except one summer month and December) at a local restaurant. Watch our home page for details and locations. Everyone is welcome to join us for dinner at 6 p.m. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Club meetings feature interesting guest speakers informing us on issues and candidates. For more info: e-mail: president@DemocraticClub-SCC.org

TUESDAYS
Lunch Series with MGO
First Tuesday of every month, 12:30 PM
Ly Luck Restaurant (3537 Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland

All interested Democrats in the East Bay are invited to participate in an informal lunch on the first Tuesday of each month. This is a chance for Alameda County Democrats to share the latest gossip, introduce innovative proposals, and discuss politics in an informal setting.

Come and meet your fellow democrats!

For more information call Robert Warwick, 339-0348, or email rhwarwick@yahoo.com

Democrats of Greater Stockton
Meetings at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at UJ’s Restaurant, 7628 Pacific Ave., Stockton

Contact: Richard Blackston
Club Phone: (866) 752-3367
E-mail: webmaster@stocktondogs.com

WEDNESDAYS
Alameda County Democratic Party Central Committee
Meets the first Wednesday of every month (except during election months) at the San Leandro Library, (Dave Karp Room), 300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. Meetings begin at 7pm.

Democratic Club of Greater Tracy
Meetings are held at 7 PM on the second Wednesday of the month on the third floor of the Platinum Conference Center (in the Old Opera House) located at 902 N. Central Avenue, , Tracy, CA 95376.

Contact: Marvin Rothschild
E-Mail: marvinrothschild@yahoo.com

THURSDAYS
Mix It Up East Bay
Second Thursday of each month, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Casual cocktails, serious organizers. Mix It Up is a monthly happy hour for young progressive activists, leaders, and professionals in the East Bay. Each month a few young representatives of local organizations speak briefly about their work, with a different theme each month. The short program is usually around 7:15pm. The rest of the time is just mixing it up with friends, meeting new people, maybe having a drink or a bite to eat.

Shashamane Bar and Grill (with great Ethiopian food)
2507 Broadway at 25th St. in Uptown Oakland

Democratic Alliance for Action in Santa Clarita is a local grassroots organization fighting to keep California blue. They meet the fourth Thursday of each month at Vincenzo's Pizza - 24504 1/2 Lyons Avenue, Newhall
Please Order Food and Schmooze before 7 pm (doors open 5:45 pm).
Make sure to sign in at the check-in table.

For more info:

661-309-4DAA (4322), Michael Kulka, president
Democratic Alliance for Action PO BOX 802481, Santa Clarita CA 91380-2481

FRIDAYS
Drinking Liberally Stockton
Third Friday of each month, 7:00 pm
Iguanna Wanna
7555 Pacific Ave Front of Bar
Stockton, CA, 95207

Contact: Joel Carignan
(209) 351-3397

San Joaquin Valley Chicano/Latino Youth Leadership Institute (SJVCLYLI)
The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, Inc. (CLYLP) was organized in 1982 with the primary purpose of preparing students to participate in California’s economic, social and political development. CLYLP is guided by the overall theme "California’s Future Leaders," and the leadership training emphasizes the importance of culture, community, college and careers. To date more than 3,400 students have participated in CLYLP programs.

The San Joaquín Valley Institute (SJVI) was established in 1999 by a CLYLP board member to serve high school seniors and juniors in the Central Valley. In 2005, the SJVI became an official program of the CLYLP and was extended from a one-day to a three-day institute. The three day conference is held at Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, California.

If you need more information, please contact the CLYLP by:
(1) Via e-mail at sjvi@clylp.org
(2) Forwarding letters of inquiry to the following address:
Chicano/Latino Youth Leadership Project, Inc.
P.O. Box 161566
Sacramento, CA 95816

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

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

Santa Clara County Democratic Club is a progressive organization dedicated to informing voters, encouraging citizen involvement in the political process, and promoting Democratic Party values.

General Meetings are held every third Monday of each month (except one summer month and December) at a local restaurant. Watch our home page for details and locations. Everyone is welcome to join us for dinner at 6 p.m. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Club meetings feature interesting guest speakers informing us on issues and candidates. For more info: e-mail: president@DemocraticClub-SCC.org

Alameda County Democratic Party: coordinates the party's activities throughout the county, making endorsements, organizing events and directing resources to support local, state and national candidates. Its governing body, the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, is charged under state law with overseeing the Party's local activities and campaigns, under the general direction of the California Democratic Party. The Central Committee consists of members elected from each of the county's State Assembly Districts, as well as the Democratic nominees for Congress, State Senate, Assembly, and State Constitutional office.

The Alameda County Democratic Party Central Committee meets the first Wednesday of every month (except during election months) at the San Leandro Library, (Dave Karp Room), 300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. Meetings begin at 7pm.

Check out their entire calendar here.

For more information, Email: info@acdems.org, Phone: 510.537.6390

Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus of Alameda County:

The Democratic Party is the party of equal opportunity and access.
* Democrats believe in providing quality education for everyone who seeks it, ensuring healthcare for all who need it, and protecting services for seniors who deserve it.
* Democrats advocate for a fair and balanced immigration policy.
* Democrats want to build and support small businesses and promote diversity in the awarding of government contracts.
* Democrats believe in fighting for and upholding civil rights.

In short, the Democratic Party shares the beliefs and aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans. For more information, email us at membership@apacaucus.org.
or call 510-522-7797

For upcoming events, go here.

Democratic Club of Greater Tracy:
As Democrats, we value human dignity, social and environmental justice, equal opportunity and fairness. Working together, we can elect candidates who will embrace those values and make our community a better place for all.

We hope you will join with us. Here at our website, you’ll discover how you can connect with other Democrats, gather information, and find many different ways to get involved in shaping our future.

Meetings are held at 7 PM on the second Wednesday of the month on the third floor of the Platinum Conference Center (in the Old Opera House) located at 902 N. Central Avenue, , Tracy, CA 95376.

Contact: Marvin Rothschild
E-Mail: marvinrothschild@yahoo.com

Latina Democrats of San Joaquin County
Contact: Carmen Fernandez
(209) 944-0118

Democrats of Greater Stockton: Meetings at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at UJ’s Restaurant, 7628 Pacific Ave., Stockton

Contact: Richard Blackston
Club Phone: (866) 752-3367
E-mail: webmaster@stocktondogs.com

Drinking Liberally Stockton
Third Friday of each month, 7:00 pm
Iguanna Wanna
7555 Pacific Ave Front of Bar
Stockton, CA, 95207

Contact: Joel Carignan
(209) 351-3397

Manteca Democratic Club
Contact: Bill Perkins
(209) 239-7650 or perkinsbill@comcast.net

Greater Lodi Area Democrats:
Contact: Marcia or Dean Savage
(209) 368-6493 or marsav@yahoo.com

Eden Area United Democratic Club
15069 E. 14th St. Suite B, San Leandro, 94578
Serves: San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Hayward, Castro Valley and other unincorporated areas in this region
Contact: Edith Looney
edenareaudc@hotmail.com
www.EdenAreaUDC.com

Oakland United Democratic Club
1931 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94106
Serves: City of Oakland
Co-chairs: Abel Guillen & Rodney Brooks
Staff contacts: Carla Woodworth and Alex Boskovich
carla@tennypress.com
510-893-3842

Ohlone United Democratic Club
4949 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538
Serves: Fremont, Newark and Union City
Contact: Ryan Belden
ryanbelden85@gmail.com, 510-938-6079

Tri-Valley United Democratic Club
6777 Dublin Blvd. Dublin, 94568
Serves: Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton
Contact: Dean Wallace
info@tvudc.org, dean.c.wallace@gmail.com
www.tvudc.org

BIODIESEL IN THE 11TH DISTRICT:

I also want to highlight where you can get biodiesel in and around the 11th District.

BioFuel Oasis Cooperative
www.biofueloasis.com
Offers ASTM quality biodiesel, a renewable fuel made from vegetable oil. A woman/worker owned cooperative. "May you never go to a gas station again."
Phone: (510)665-5509
1441 Ashby Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702

Rotten Robbie, 1304 Piedmont Rd, San Jose, CA, 95132, 408-259-5535, Offers B20 (good in ANY diesel engine), CASH, CREDIT/ 6AM-11PM

Western States Oil Company, 1790 S 10th St, San Jose, CA, 95112, 408-292-1041, Offers B99, 7AM-5PM M-F; SIGN PAPERS FIRST

Rotten Robbie 310 N Whisman Rd, Mountain View, CA, 94043, 650-965-2609, Offers B20 (good in ANY diesel engine), CASH, CREDIT CARDS/ 6AM-10PM

The Green Station, 136 Gilman Ave, Campbell, CA, 95008, 831-425-9100, Offers B99, TUES, THURS, FRI 4-7 CASH/CHECK

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

Sun Light and Power Co.
www.sunlightandpower.com
"The S.F. Bay’s solar experts since 1976." Specializes in the design, installation, and repair of solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal systems.
Phone: (510)845-2997
Fax: (510)845-1133
1035 Folger Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94710-2819

Back To Earth Organic Catering
www.organiccatering.com
"Our delicious cuisine is carefully prepared to compliment the atmosphere of your event using only the highest quality organic, seasonal, sustainable, and local ingredients."
Phone: (510)652-2000
Fax: (510)217-9707
P.O. Box 10104
Berkeley, CA 94709

Living Tree Community Foods
www.livingtreecommunity.com
Freedom Butter--alive, organic almond butter made from California almonds grown by family farmers. Also alive olive oil--unheated, unfiltered, unpressed.
Phone: (800)260-5534
Fax: (510)526-9516
P.O. Box 10082
Berkeley, CA 94709-5082

Compassionate Cooks
www.compassionatecooks.com
Compassionate Cooks' Vegetarian Cooking DVD entertains and informs with six tantalizing, easy-to-make dishes, packing each segment full of cooking lore, nutrition facts, and shopping tips.
Phone: (510)531-2665
P.O. Box 18512
Oakland, CA 94619

Numi Tea
www.numitea.com
Produces full-leaf, premium quality organic teas and fresh herbs, free of added flavorings.
Phone: (888)404-NUMI
Fax: (510)536-6864
P.O. Box 20420
Oakland, CA 94620-0420

Knoll Farms
www.knollorganics.com
10-acre family farm committed to sustainability via ecological and biodynamic farming practices, fair treatment of employees, and use of markets within 150 miles of farm.
Phone: (925)634-5959
12510 Byron Hwy.
Brentwood, CA 94513-4233

Under the Nile
www.underthenile.com
A collection of children’s apparel and clothing, diapers, bedding, blankets, toys, and floor mats made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton. Also has gift baskets.
Phone: (800) 710-1264
Fax: (408) 935-8572
1503 N Milpitas Blvd
Milpitas, CA 95035

David Dobkin, CFP, AIF, First Affirmative Financial Network
A "general practitioner" financial planner. Background in cohousing development has contributed to understanding of real estate issues. Especially interested in retirement planning and community investing. Treasurer of Bay Area Social Investment Forum. Member, First Affirmative Financial Network.
Phone: (510)549-8275
Fax: (510)649-1622
1510E Walnut St.
Berkeley, CA 94709-1565

S. Katharine Campbell, North Berkeley Investment Partners
www.northberkeleyinvestment.com
Provides comprehensive personal and business financial planning, which provides a context for comprehensive investment management via mutual funds. Member, First Affirmative Financial Network.
Phone: (510)528-5820
900 Colusa Ave.
#201
Berkeley, CA 94707

Linda Jacobs, AIF, RIA, CSA, Cambridge Investment Research
Financial planning and SRI management. Customized screening and allocation to reflect clients' life, financial, and social goals. Full spectrum of investments and insurance products (life, disability, long-term care). Accredited investment fiduciary. Member, First Affirmative Financial Network.
Phone: (510)549-8777
Fax: (510)649-1622
1510 Walnut St., Ste. E
Berkeley, CA 94709-1565

Haas SRI Fund
responsiblebusiness.haas.berkeley.edu/HaasSRI...
The Haas SRI Fund is administered by the Center for Responsible Business at the Haas School of Business for the educational benefit and experiential use of its student fund principals.
Phone: (510)643-7668
C/O Center for Responsible Business
545 Student Services Building, #1900
Berkeley, CA 94720

Marjorie Bennett, CFA, Aegis Capital Management, Inc.
www.aegiscapital.com
Aegis Capital Management, Inc. provides comprehensive financial management for high net worth individuals so you never outlive your wealth. As a NAPFA registered, fee-only manager, we partner with you to implement strategies that lead to long-term financial security.
Phone: (888)412-3447
Fax: (510)655-5453

Blue Sky Shipping
www.blueskyshipping.com
Blue Sky Shipping serves the bay area of San Francisco with hauling, freight, and delivery services on trucks powered by 100% Biodiesel. "For every gallon of fuel that we use to ship your product we reduce green house gas emissions by 16 lbs. Call or e-mail us today for a quote!"
Phone: (415)485-6767
Fax: (415)485-9282
P.O. Box 70717
Point Richmond, CA 94807

Earth Island Journal
www.earthisland.org
"Award-winning reporting from the front lines of environmental journalism." Local news from around the world. Links global survival strategies with the struggle for social justice. $25/year (4 issues).
Phone: (510)859-9100
2150 Allston Way
Ste.460
Berkeley, CA 94704

Christine Sculati Grant Writing and Consulting
www.christinesculati.com
Supporting nonprofits with integrated and cost-effective tools and communications to help organizations innovate, improve visibility, increase revenue and achieve their goals.
Fax: (415)358-5726
P.O. Box 7153
Berkeley, CA 94707

Ecology Center Berkeley
www.ecologycenter.org
Environmental books and sustainable living products. Promotes education and awareness about environmental issues and low-impact lifestyles. $40 per year membership with discounts.
Phone: (510)548-2220 x223
Fax: (510)548-2240
2530 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702-2000

Ecohome Improvement
www.ecohomeimprovement.com
Provides materials and advice for ecological and healthy home building and remodeling projects. Carries paints, flooring, kitchen cabinetry, countertops, and more.
Phone: (510)644-3500
2619 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702

Flooring Alternatives
www.flooringalternatives.com
Bamboo, cork, hardwoods (FSC certified), natural linoleum. Nationwide sales and expert product consultation for 8+ years.
Phone: (877)639-1345
Fax: (510)528-7960
764 Gilman St.
Berkeley, CA 94710

BioFuel Oasis Cooperative
www.biofueloasis.com
Offers ASTM quality biodiesel, a renewable fuel made from vegetable oil. A woman/worker owned cooperative. "May you never go to a gas station again."
Phone: (510)665-5509
1441 Ashby Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702

GreenerPrinter.com
www.greenerprinter.com
High-quality, full color eco-printing on maximum recycled New Leaf papers: gloss, matte, uncoated. Certified Green Business. Vegetable inks, AQ, climate neutral shipping. Clients large and small include: ClifBar, Working Assets, Annie's, Air America, Equal Exchange, Mother Jones. Realtime online pricing at www.greenerprinter.com.
Phone: (866)978-8547
Fax: (510)898-0011
2800 7th St.
Berkeley, CA 94710

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

CALIFORNIA NEWS:

The Sierra Club Endorses Debra Bowen for Congress...more: Peace Officers Research Association of California Endorses Debra Bowen for Congress

From the Folks Who Brought You the Weekend

LA TIMES Editorial Eviscerates ProtectMarriage Argument

California Public Workers and Retirees Respond to Los Angeles Time/USC Poll

Medical Malpractice Lobby Spends 50K To Support Janice Hahn in CA-36 Election

Lawmakers Should Be Dealing With California’s Budget Crisis, Not Taking a Junket to Texas

California Leads Way on Green Energy

California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton Blasts GOP on Budget, Deficit Plans

No More Greedy Oil Party Cuts to Benefit Billionaires and Multi-millionaires

California Battle on Higher Education continues

Assembly Democrats Will Hold Budget Summits Across State

California League of Conservation Voters Endorses Debra Bowen for Congress

BLOGGING CALIFORNIA: Here are some blogs covering California Politics

Calitics is an open source news organization for California.

The Liberal OC covers politics in Orange County.

OC Progressive is a project of the Progressive Group.

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

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

NAACP IN CALIFORNIA: The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination.

Here are some local chapters of the NAACP:

California State Conference
(916) 498-1898
(916) 498-1895 Fax
1215 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
ca-naacp.org

Altadena Branch
P.O. Box 6018
Altadena, CA 91003
(626) 794-1180
(626) 798-5546 Fax

Antelope Valley Branch
P.O. Box 2466
Lancaster, CA 93539
(661) 223-7376
(661)285-2281 Fax
www.avnaacp.org

Bakersfield Branch
P.O. Box 70101
Bakersfield, CA 93387
(661) 665-9281
(661) 717-6414 Fax

Barstow Branch
P.O. Box 874
Barstow, CA 92312
(760) 256-2795

Berkeley Branch
P.O. Box 613
Berkeley, CA 94701
(501) 845-7416
(510)845-7421 Fax

Berkeley Youth Council Branch
(510) 435-3101
P.O. Box 11143,
Berkeley, CA 94712

Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch
P.O. Box 2349
Hollywood, CA 90078
(323) 464-7616
beverlyhillshollywoodnaacp.org

Carson/Torrance Branch
P.O. Box 4668
Carson, CA 94709
(310) 885-3500
(310) 631-2326 Fax

Compton Branch
1701 East Alandra St.
Compton, CA 90221
(310)930-3866

East Contra Costa County
P.O. Box 1026
Pittsburg, CA 94565
(925) 753-5089

El Cerrito Branch
6830 Stockton Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 526-2958
(510) 559-3517
(510) 526-4624 Fax

Eureka Branch
P.O. Box 1434
Eureka, CA 95503
(707) 268-8287

Fresno Branch
P.O. Box 661
Fresno, CA 93709
(559) 457-2620
(559) 485-5783 Fax

Hanford Branch
P.O. Box 46
Hanford, CA 93232

Hayward Branch
P.O. Box 363
Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 581-4111

Hercules/Pinole/Rodeo Crocket
256 Sparrow Dr.
Hercules, CA 94547
(510) 867-7193
(510) 245-8118 Fax

Indian Wells Valley
P.O. Box 1616
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 375-6762

Inglewood/South Bay Branch
P.O. Box 8162
Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 671-3174 phone
(562) 924-6044 fax

Lake County Branch
P.O. Box 3610
Clear Lake, CA 95422
(707) 995-2545
(707) 995-2099

Lake Elsinore Branch
P.O. Box 543,
Lake Elsinore, CA 92531
(951) 674-7146
(951) 674-1971 Fax
lakeelsinorenaacp.org

Long Beach Branch
P.O. Box 1594
Long Beach, CA 90801
(562) 856-7586
(562)494-6507
(562)987-4778 Fax

Los Angeles Branch
3910 Martin King Jr. Blvd Suite 202
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 296-2630
(323) 294-9435 Fax
naacp-losangeles.org

Las Banos Branch
1006 Acacia Way
Las Banos, CA 93635
(209) 827-8671
(209) 827-3246

Madera Branch
P.O. Box 513
Madera, CA 93639
(559) 674-7324
maderanaacp@yahoo.com

Merced Branch
P.O. Box 544
Atwater, CA 95304

Modesto/Stanislaus
P.O. Box 5224
Modesto, CA 94535
(209) 882-1480

Monterey Peninsula Branch
P.O. Box 782
1104-F Broadway Ave.
P.O. Box 782
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 394-3727
(831) 394-1505 Fax
naacpmonterey.org

North San Diego County Branch
P.O. Box 5786
Oceanside, CA 92052-5786
(760) 754-9686
nsdcnaacp.org

Oakland Branch
1970 Broadway, Suite 1030
Oakland, CA 94612
(510)465-4747

Orange County/Santa Ana
P.O. Box 3141
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 692-5287

Oxnard/Ventura County
P.O. Box 53033
Oxnard, CA 93030
(805) 485-2374

Pasadena Branch
595 North Lincoln
Avenue, Suite 103
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 793-1293
(626) 793-1555

Redding Branch
P.O. Box 493331
Redding, CA 96049
(530) 549-5131

Rialto/Fontana Branch
P.O. Box 1726
Fontana, CA 92334
(909) 360-6827

Richmond Branch
P.O. Box 2402
322 Harbor Way Suite 6
Richmond, CA 94801
(510) 236-1166
(510) 236-1183 Fax
naacprichmond.org

Riverside Branch
P.O. Box 55131
Riverside, CA 92517
(909) 686-2227
1-800-488-3036

Sacramento Branch
(916) 447-8629
(916) 447-8671 Fax
P.O. Box 188231 816 H St.
Sacramento, CA 95817
sacnaacp.org

San Bernardino Branch
1505 West Highlands
Avenue Suite 11
San Bernardino, CA 92411

San Diego Branch
P.O. Box 152086
San Diego, CA 92114
(619) 263-7823
(619) 263-7851 Fax

San Fernando Valley Branch
P.O. Box 922092
Sylmar, CA 91333-0998
(818) 686-0143
1-877-245-9381

San Francisco Branch
1290 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 922-0650

San Gabriel Valley Branch
P.O. Box 1743
West Covina, CA 91793
(626) 913-1338
(626) 965-4342
(626) 913-0993 Fax

San Jose Branch
(408) 295-3394
P.O. Box 1345, San Jose, CA 95109
sanjosenaacp.org

San Mateo Branch
P.O. Box 5280
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 558-1971

Santa Cruz Branch
118 Claremont Perrace
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 460-9660
(831) 688-3561 Fax

Santa Maria/ Lompoc
185 Oakmont Avenue
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 733-3463
(805)733-1059 Fax

Santa Monica/ Venice
1705 West Pico Blvd. Suite 143
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 564-4445

Santa Rosa/Sonoma Branch
2174 Warwick Dr.
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 332-1573
(707) 568-3941

Stockton Branch
(209) 547-2155
(209) 465-1534 Fax
P.O. Box 907, Stockton, CA 95201

Stockton Youth and College Division
2002B Pacific Avenue,
Stockton, CA 95203

Tri- City Branch
P.O. Box 3364
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 426-1123

Vallejo Branch
P.O. Box 9502
Vallejo, CA 94591
(707) 315-7001

Victor Valley Branch
P.O. Box 1563
Victorville, CA 92393
(760) 246-5868

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

DFA Marin

Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley

Democratic Club of Coarsegold

DFA - Central Coast

DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties

DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties

Democracy for Monterey County

DFA-Orange County

East Bay for Democracy

Sacramento for Democracy

San Diego for Democracy

(San Fernando) Valley Grassroots for Democracy

San Francisco for Democracy

San Mateo County Democracy for America

Santa Barbara Progressive Coalition

Sonoma County DFA

STONEWALL DEMOCRATS and related organizations in California:

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

Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County: The Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County are dedicated to the mission of electing LGBT and Pro-Equality Democrats in California and throughout the country.

The Harvey Milk Stonewall Democrats of Orange County typically meet on the last Sunday of the month:

Local 50 Union Hall
527 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805

Click here to join.

Central Valley Stonewall Democratic Club
Stockton, CA

Fresno Stonewall Democrats
Fresno, CA

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

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

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

Alternative Energy in California:

Some statistics from Repower America:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Rocklin
6700 Five Star Blvd
Sacramento, California 95677

* Citrus Heights
7741 Auburn Blvd
Citrus Heights, California 95610

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

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

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

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

* Roseville
999 Sunrise Ave
Roseville, California 95661

* Placerville
151 Main St
Placerville, California 95667

Here are other alternative energy resources for Califorina:

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

Here are some other local political meetings in California:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mudds Restaurant
$22 per person (meal included)

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

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

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

~~Together, America Can Do Better!~~

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

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

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

Drinking Liberally:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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