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

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Progressive Democrat Newsletter 307

So I have been ignoring Herman Cain for some time...he didn't seem to have much going for him as a candidate for the Republican nomination. And let's be realistic, it is too early in the race to have any real clue who the nominee will be. Romney and Perry remain the names most commonly viewed as the likely choices. But by now there have been a large number of polls, both nationally and, more importantly, in individual states that show Cain is in the lead. In Wisconsin he is polling pretty solidly in the lead (with 30% to Romney's 18). Truth is Perry hovers in third, fourth or fifth place fairly consistently. But anything can happen.

But let me say that for me a race between Cain and Obama would be a pretty mind blowing situation. Of course Obama would almost certainly win. But that aside, America has barely emerged from asking the question "are we ready for a black President?" We made history in 2008 pretty solidly when the answer to that question was a landslide "Yes." If we wind up with BOTH major parties fielding black candidates for President a mere 4 years later, in many ways it will be an even more historic event. And something I bet no one would have imagined a mere 8 or 10 years ago. It probably won't happen, but imagine if it did! It would be about as clear a sign of progress as you can get. Of course it doesn't change the unfair poverty rates, sentencing discrepancies, unemployment discrepancies, etc. But it would show that change really is happening and faster than at least I thought it would.

Great to see Alan Grayson back again! And saying what needs to be said about Occupy Wall Street:

And remember that Marine Corps veteran who scolded the NYPD for their violence towards the protesters? He's back. From CurrentTV: Sgt. Shamar Thomas calls on veterans to support the movement:

This week saw the suppression of Occupy Wall Street in several cities, leading to unnecessary injuries and arrests. In some cases (like Oakland) the press was so bad after an Iraq War veteran was injured by an irresponsible and out of control cop they backed off on closing them down. More on the incompetence of the Oakland PD in this instance: Persons Trained in Crowd Control Wonder Why Scott Olsen Was Injured

In response to the unnecessary force used in Oakland, a general strike has been called there for November 2nd.

Find Occupy Wall Street events near you at this map.

We are the 99%:

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

CRITICAL IMPORTANCE: Don't forget to vote November 8th!!!

2011 Election Endorsement Roundup

ARTICLES:

Message to Bank of America CEO: Your stock has tanked, so don't lecture me!

The Big Lie About the Post Office

Targeting the Banks: who owns what

HEY...some of those wind turbines are MINE!

From fellow Culture Kitchen Blogger Leo Igwe: Churches and HIV Cure Claims

More from Leo Igwe: Secularism, Islamism and the Arab Spring

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Massive Protests in Israel in Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street

News Corp suffers investor rebuke...particularly interesting in that if you subtract out the Murdoch family shares and the shares of their Saudi prince buddy, a solid majority of shareholders voted to oust the Murdoch sons. Though it has no effect in the end other than sending a message, it is an almost unheard of event. Watch for the Murdochs to make some very visible penance to appease shareholders.

Good economic news: Consumer spending picks up in US

Something I've been talking about for awhile--energy efficiency: Stop wasting energy!...more on energy: Solar Photovoltaic Prices Have Fallen by Two-Thirds Since 2008 Stimulating 100% Growth Per Year...How YOU can be part of the new energy economy right now: Alternative Energy Options in Your State

Progress in the war against al-Qaeda: Top militants 'dead' in Pakistan...more: Al-Qaeda 'devastated', says Clinton...and the latest on Pakistan's ambivalence in the war on terror: Pakistan accused of backing Taliban

President Obama Bypasses the Obstructionist Republicans to Support Americans, Part I: 'We can't wait': Obama administration announces details of new rules for mortgage refinancing

President Obama Bypasses the Obstructionist Republicans to Support Americans, Part II: 'We Can't Wait': White House announces plan to spur veteran hiring

Tunisia Islamists set for victory...this was somewhat predictable. In the case of Tunisia, the Islamist party seems at the moment to be more like the Turkish Islamists (who remain moderate within a solidly secular state) rather than like the Muslim Brotherhood. Let's hope that lasts. More here: Profile: Tunisia's Ennahda Party

MUSICAL SELECTIONS:

BBC News put me onto these folks...on the surface it looks like kind of inane pop, but it is actually one of Pakistan's most daring satires right now, making fun of some of Pakistan's most powerful people: (go to the Youtube source to see more info on it.

(also from the same BBC News article is reference to a politically brave Pakistani cartoonist Mohammad Zahoor:

A recent sketch by Mohammad Zahoor, one of Pakistan's best known political cartoonists, shows a Taliban militant who has weapons for arms and is wearing an army boot on one foot - a subtle suggestion that the army is a part of Taliban's overall ensemble.

It is an implication the military has long resisted, denying any links or support for militant groups.

STATE AND LOCAL PAGES:

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

CALIFORNIA HEADLINES

Occupy Oakland's Amazing Recovery: Michael Moore's Visit.

Occupy San Diego does NOT stand down!

ROCK ON!!!...Courage Campaign Protesters Disrupt House Speaker John Boehner’s Golf Game...his golf game should be disrupted EVERY SINGLE DAY as long as he blocks President Obama's Job creation.

Marine Injured by Oakland PD expected to make a full recovery...why the HELL do our soldiers keep getting injured by our police officers???

Campaign for a Healthy California

Northern California Focus: TAKE BACK RED CALIFORNIA

Silicon Valley Area, CA Focus

Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley/San Gabriel Valley, CA Focus

COLORADO FOCUS

COLORADO HEADLINES

Vote in Colorado and in particular in Denver.

Pueblo Clerk: "Inactive Pueblo Voters Will Have Significant Impact"

Denver Area Labor Federation Endorses #OccupyDenver

Things Turn Ugly At Occupy Denver

Something Rotten in the Arvada Mayor's Contest

Denver, CO Focus

Boulder County, CO Focus

Colorado Focus: Teachers Union Makes School Board Endorsements...Please pay attention to local elections like this. They are critical!

Colorado Focus: Alfonso Nunez for Aurora City Council - Ward 5 (Progressive Majority Endorsement, Firefighter) (2011 Endorsement)

NEW YORK FOCUS

NEW YORK HEADLINES

How #OccupyWallStreet will thrive as winter sets in

Does keeping gas drilling out make sense? YES!!!

Bloomberg take note: Another Poll Finds NYers Back Occupy Wall Street, Millionaire's Tax By Wide Margin...more: Two New Polls Show Broad Support In New York For Millionaire's Tax, Occupy Wall Street

And for those who want to show some support for Occupy Wall Street, here is the latest, easy suggestion:

Democratic Party of Milwaukee County:

Our general membership meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of most months. Check our calendar for exact dates. We meet in the Hall of Fame Room of the Pettit National Ice Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 500 S. 84th Street. We look forward to seeing you there.

Oconomowoc Dems Breakfast
First Saturday of each month, 10am – 11am
The Depot/Maxims Restaurant, Hwy 67 and Main St., Oconomowoc

Winnebago Dems Monthly Meeting
Second Wednesday of every month, August 10, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Delta Restaurant - 515 N Sawyer St, Oshkosh, WI

Winnebago County Democratic Party Unity Breakfast
Last Friday of Each Month, 7:00am – 8:30am
B J Clancy's Restaurant - 3341 S Oneida St - Appleton, WI 54915

Click here to find out more about the Winnebego County, Wisconsin Democratic Party

Waukesha County Democratic Party

Monthly meetings held every 3rd Thursday of the month, except in July
Waukesha Labor Temple.
Contact us at websupport@waukeshadems.org

Ozaukee County Democrats
The Ozaukee County Democrats will be holding monthly meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm on the lower level of the the Cedarburg City Hall.

MINNESOTA FOCUS

Minnesota Focus: Joe Tatalovich for St. Louis Park School Board (Progressive Majority Endorsement, CRITICAL RACE) (2011 endorsement)...I feel all judicial and school board races are critical but too often ignored, and we need more progressives elected to these positions.

SOUTH CAROLINA FOCUS

ARIZONA FOCUS

Arizona Focus: Jonathan Rothschild for Tuscon Mayor (Progressive Majority Endorsement) (2011 endorsement)

IOWA FOCUS

Iowa Focus: Sneak Attack In Iowa

Des Moines Food Co-op Now Open

Iowa Focus: Sustainable Agriculture Events

TENNESSEE FOCUS

Tennessee Focus: Republicans disenfranchise elderly voters

NEVADA FOCUS

KANSAS FOCUS

Message to Bank of America CEO: Your stock has tanked, so don't lecture me!

Bank of America CEO Brian T. Moynihan scolded us customers (for me, I am now mostly a FORMER customer), saying he was "incensed" at criticism of his bank.

Well Mr. CEO Moynihan, sir...did you notice that your stock has dropped from over $50 a share to about $6 a share? To me that marks YOU as a failure. Meanwhile, TD Bank, which did NO predatory lending and took NO taxpayer funded bailout money, has stayed about $70 a share through the entire time Bank of America tanked.

Seriously, Mr. CEO Moynihan, sir...do you have ANY right to be scolding ANYONE given the disgusting performance of your company?

Come back to me when you no longer need my tax money to just stay afloat. In a TRUE free market you and your lousy company would already be bankrupt, with companies like TD Bank buying up the remains of your assets at bargain prices. That is what TRUE capitalism would look like. Mr. CEO Moynihan, sir, you would be out of a job in a real free market. So stop whining and stop scolding and start showing some humility given the failure you represent.

Mr. CEO Moynihan, or should I say Mr. CEO $50 drops to $6 a share, has no business telling me I shouldn't complain about his lousy company.

I am an investor in the stock market. When the predatory lending scandal hit, and I saw banks like Bank of America tanking, I saw TD Bank as a buying opportunity because they avoided the whole predatory lending mess. My instincts were right...I made tons of money on that purchase. It was clear to me Bank of America made LOTS of mistakes. Their stock dropped and never recovered. Bank of America would be a penny stock or bankrupt if it hadn't been for the taxpayer funded bailout. So how dare Mr. CEO Moynihan show such arrogance. He is a loser, plain and simple. He failed his company and now he is blaming us??? We bailed him out and our anger at his poor business practices are fully justified. He should be THANKING us. Instead he scolds us...well to hell with that.

I am also a mortgage holder. I never even considered Bank of America for my mortgage. They weren't even on my radar, Mr. CEO Moynihan. You had nothing to offer me. I was with Wells Fargo. Didn't really like them. So I tried Chase. they dicked me around until I told them to get lost. So I wound up with TD Bank who offered me a good deal and stuck with it. So now I pay my mortgage to TD Bank every single month and Bank of America and Chase can kiss my on time paying ass goodbye because they offered me NOTHING despite a solid credit rating and a consistently on time payment record. Again, Bank of America and Chase show what LOUSY business models they work with. And again, Mr. CEO Moynihan shows that he is a LOUSY businessman because HIS bank had nothing to offer me while their stock was plummeting.

I also use credit cards. And here is where I was a big Bank of America customer. Somehow I wound up with most of my credit cards with Bank of America. But I didn't like them. And Mr. CEO Moynihan confirms that Bank of America does not deserve my business. So at this point I have switched almost all my credit card use to Discover and USAA. Bank of America has LOST MY BUSINESS. Got that Mr. CEO Moynihan? You have LOST MY BUSINESS. Losing people like me is why YOUR stock is at $6 a share and TD Bank is at over $70 a share. I am surprised you maintain such arrogance with your tiny $6 a share company!

Smart businessmen know that making customers feel good is the whole trick to doing business. Bank of America, and particularly Mr. CEO Moynihan, have lost sight of that very basic rule of doing business. Without taxpayer bailouts Bank of America would be dead in the water. That is a plain fact. Mr. CEO Moynihan owes American taxpayers his very job. I see Bank of America as a toxic company at this point. They'd have to do a hell of a lot to convince me to patronize them ever again, and when Mr. CEO Moynihan, as CEO of a company, insults me, does he really think it inspires me to become their customer or investor again? Hell no!

So Mr. CEO Moynihan, sir...you do NOT get my business. You do NOT get my investment. There are better banks out there. I am now mostly doing business with THEM and not with you. And I have some investment in at least one of them (and it doubled in value since I bought it!), but would never touch your toxic stock.

So think about it. Mr. CEO Moynihan is CEO of a company that would be a penny stock or out of business if taxpayers hadn't bailed him out. So who gives a rat's ass if he is "incensed" at our anger? HE is the one who should be begging us for forgiveness. We owe him nothing. We already bailed him out and if we take our business elsewhere, that is his own fault, not ours. Personally I am happy with USAA and TD Bank. Others are switching to credit unions, with membership in credit unions BOOMING.

I feel that Occupy Wall Street protesters should publicly cut up their Bank of America credit cards and switch to credit unions or banks who didn't do predatory lending or take a taxpayer bailout. Tell Mr. CEO Moynihan just what you think of his being "incensed" at us. He needs us. We don't need him. Cut up your Bank of America credit cards, close your Bank of America accounts, and refinance your mortgages to other banks or credit unions. Then Mr. CEO Moynihan can be "incensed" all he wants without our business.

Return to Mole's Consumer Advice Page.

Return to I Had a Thought

BACK TO PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT NEWSLETTER MAIN PAGE

Alternative Energy Options in Your State

The future of America, both in terms of job creation and fighting global warming, is in renewable energy. We need to wean ourselves off oil, a product that creates jobs in Saudi Arabia, Libya, Iran and Venezuela while polluting our atmosphere, to cleaner, greener products like solar, wind, biomass and geothermal, to name a few. This isn't just one person's opinion. It is the opinion of some of the world's greatest scientists. From BBC News:

Renewables can fuel society, say world climate advisers

Renewable technologies could supply 80% of the world's energy needs by mid-century, says the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

In a report, it says that almost half of current investment in electricity generation is going into renewables...

The report analysed 164 "scenarios" of future energy development; and the ones in which renewables were most aggressively pursued resulted in a cut in global greenhouse gas emissions of about one-third compared with business-as-usual projections by 2050...

We need to do this for our economy, for job creation, and for our environment. And you can be a part of it. Right now in many states you can CHOOSE to buy all green energy. There are various programs at various costs, but most provide some environmental benefit, create American jobs and cost mere pennies more per kwH than your current bill.

You can find out about 100% Green Energy Plans or click here for other options. But if you want to do some research first, there is a site, Power Scorecard, that makes comparisons easy in some states.

You have to click on the site, select your state (New York for me) and your service territory (Consolidated Edison--New York City for me). The site will then provide a list of options, with a comparison of cost and environmental impact (lower is good) in a clear table with a comparison to your regular, non green, fossil fuel based company. You can then get a more detailed comparison of some of the options you like as well as links and info on how to sign up.

Let me give you a few examples.

For me, I select New York and Consolidated Edison--New York City and get a big table. Fist I look near the bottom of the table and see the regular ConEd utility service. It costs 26.4¢ per kWh and has a pretty terrible environmental impact. It shows a breakdown of many different environmental factors, but for simplicity let's just look at the overall environmental impact score: 7.7. Needless to say for both cost and environmental impact we want the lowest possible number. Every green option will be a little bit more than 26.4¢ per kWh, but that can be offset but simple actions like replacing light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (see below). But the goal is to get the lowest environmental impact with the lowest cost above 26.4¢ per kWh.

The easiest option, and the one my wife and I chose years ago, is Con Edison Solutions Wind Power. This is supposed to be 100% wind power. A rival company told me that may not be completely true, but of course they had a vested interest in convincing me to switch. The environmental impact score is only .5, a large improvement over the 7.7 of most ConEd customers. The cost is 32.0¢ per kWh...that is 5.6 cents per kWh higher than the regular service. Now this is a bit higher a jack up than we might like, but I want to emphasize that when we combined this increase with switching all our bulbs to compact fluorescents, our electricity bill went DOWN by 30%. So the increased cost per kWh was easily offset by an energy efficiency step that saved us gobs of money. However, as you will see below, I now learn, thanks to the Power Scorecard website, that there is an even better option if we can get up the initiative to change. We can lower our impact even more while saving a bit of money.

The top option is Community Energy, Inc. 100% New Wind Energy. This really is 100% wind energy. It's environmental impact score is only .1, far below the 7.7 of regular ConEd service and better even than ConEd's all wind option (which has some land use issues, it seems). So it is about as green as you can get. The cost is only slightly higher than regular ConEd service, 28.9¢ per kWh. That is 2.5 cents per kWh higher than regular, fossil fuel based service and again that is easily offset by a little energy efficiency. My wife and I should consider saving some money and improving our environmental impact by switching from our current green energy option to this one.

There are several other options listed, but the ones I discuss seem to be the best bang for the buck. NativeEnergy WindBuilders is even better and cheaper 27.4¢ per kWh, but is more of an offset than something that just gets onto your regular energy bill. But it is a valid way to go. And is actually REALLY cool since it helps finance construction of new Native American wind energy projects by purchasing a share of the renewable energy credits it will generate. NativeEnergy is currently supporting construction of the Rosebud St. Francis wind turbine in South Dakota. This is a very attractive option, but I will say that we for now prefer the convenience of a program that we can do right through our regular bill. I should emphasize that this kind of offset program is really not that different otherwise than the options you do through your bill. All in reality use the regular energy mix, but offset it by helping to add green energy to that mix for the future.

For the NativeEnergy WindBuilders option, contact Native Energy directly:
Email: support@nativeenergy.com
Phone: 1.800.924.6826

For other parts of New York you'd have to pick another service area.

Let me do another example. Let me do one in New Jersey. I pick New Jersey and, just as an example, Rockland Energy. First thing I see is that energy in New Jersey is WAY cheaper than in NYC. Not a surprise. The basic Rockland Energy service is 12.5¢ per kWh. But the environmental impact is even worse than for ConEd in NYC: a 9 instead of 7.7. There are several better options.

Community Energy, Inc.100% New Jersey Wind Energy: Overall Environmental Impact Rating: 0.8 for 18.0¢ per kWh.

Community Energy, Inc. 50% Wind, 1% Solar, & 49% Low-Impact Hydro: Overall Environmental Impact Rating: 1.3 for 14.5¢ per kWh.

Sterling Planet New Jersey Clean Power Choice Option: Overall Environmental Impact Rating: 2.6 for 16.0¢ per kWh

Green Mountain Energy Company: Overall Environmental Impact Rating: 2.9 for 14.5¢ per kWh.

You could switch to Community Energy, Inc.100% New Jersey Wind Energy, the best option, and still save money if you also switch your lightbulbs to compact fluorescents. But you can also switch to Community Energy, Inc. 50% Wind, 1% Solar, & 49% Low-Impact Hydro and still do far better than the regular Rockland Energy service and pay very little extra. That alone would greatly lower your impact and would still be helping create American jobs.

Now let me do a Pennsylvania example. I pick Pennsylvania and Allegheny Power Co. Here the prices are even cheaper than New Jersey! The regular Allegheny Power Co. fossil fuel based service is 4.3¢ per kWh...with a horrible environmental impact score of 9.6! If you get regular power service in Pennsylvania, you have an awful carbon footprint. But you can do better. There are two particularly good options.

NativeEnergy CoolWatts costs only 5.3¢ per kWh for an overall environmental impact score of 1.1...MUCH better than the regular service and only for one penny more per kWh. CoolWatts is 100% New Wind, certified by Green-e. For just 1 cent per kWh over the cost of electricity from your local electric service provider, you can create the same impact as buying clean electricity from your utility, supporting wind-powered electricity production in North and South Dakota. This is really one of the best programs you can find because it offsets your energy use with some of the best wind power generation in the world. For more info on this excellent program, contact Native Energy:

Email: support@nativeenergy.com
Phone: 1.800.924.6826

The other Pennsylvania option has a lower impact but costs more. Community Energy, Inc. New Wind Energy has an environmental impact score of .3 for 6.8¢ per kWh. Better than CoolWatts but a tad more expensive. But again, if you combine it with some energy efficiency you will still overall save more.

You can also compare companies in Texas.

One of the best actions you can take for the future of America is to switch your power choice to one of the green options I mention or the equivalent in your area. If you are in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Texas, go to Power Scorecard and find your best options. Once you switch you will feel great about being part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

For other states there are a variety of programs. Again, you can find out about 100% Green Energy Plans or click here for other options.

I also want to emphasize that energy efficiency is another way you can be greener and in this case save money. Often combining energy efficiency with a switch to all green power gives you a net savings while making you about as green as can be, your car aside.

First, get a home energy audit. This is the best way to find ways to save energy and save money. The US Department of Energy has suggestions for a do-it-yourself (cheaper but not as effective) audit as well as how to get a professional audit (costs money but will find more effective ways of saving you money in the long run).

You should also switch your light bulbs from the old, inefficient incandescent bulbs to new, cleaner, MUCH more efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. When my wife and I did this our energy bill went down by 30% immediately. We saved a huge amount by making the switch. Compact fluorescents are a bit more expensive than incandescent, but they last MUCH longer and use MUCH less energy so you save a lot in the long run.

The savings from switching to compact fluorescents alone can be enough to more than offset the cost of buying all green energy. And if you add some of the other energy efficiency savings, you will never even notice the cost of buying green energy. And you will be helping revitalize America's economy and environment, providing one of the best gifts you can give your children and grandchildren.

Take these three steps to saving money and going green. You can be part of the solution, reducing pollution AND creating American jobs.

Return to Mole's Consumer Advice Page.

Return to I Had a Thought

BACK TO PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT NEWSLETTER MAIN PAGE

Silicon Valley Area, CA Focus

UPCOMING EVENTS IN SILICON VALLEY:

Salute to Military women
Wednesday, 02 November, 2011
05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
County Government Center,Board Chambers
70 West Hedding St.
San Jose, CA 95110

Join Assemblymember Jim Beall Jr, and the Santa Clara County's Office of Women's Policy to celebrate and honor all women that have served and are serving...Among the best and the bravest.

Santa Clara County Democratic Club Annual Holiday Event
Friday, 16 December, 2011
06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Fiorillo's Restaurant
638 El Camino Real
Santa Clara , CA 95050 USA

Dixie Johanson
Email: djohanson2002@yahoo.com
Phone: 415/297-0674

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.

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.

Mesa de la Communidad, Mountain View
P.O. Box 930032
Mountain View, CA 94039-0032
888-657-6801
info@mesacomunidad.org
http://www.mesacomunidad.org/index.htm

Our vision is to create a Mountain View community that is thriving, inclusive and compassionate. Our mission is to advocate for and increase participation of underrepresented groups in Mountain View’s civic and business life. Working on the following issues: Immigration, schools, and gangs.

East San Jose Democrats:
http://www.esjd.org/

The purpose of the ESJD is to promote and influence the aims of the East San José community within the Democratic Party; to promote leadership in political activities for East San José residents; to educate the East San José community on the political process and the issues of importance to the East San José community and the Democratic Party; to assist in the selection and election of East San José Democrats to office locally, statewide and nationally and to support candidates who have strong records in the positive advancement of East San José issues; and to provide a vehicle through which its members may more actively participate at all levels of the Democratic Party.

West Valley for Change:
http://www.westvalleyforchange.com/

West Valley for Change Democratic Club grew out of the grassroots movement in West San Jose to get Barack Obama elected President in 2008. Since then we have continued to use our hope and energy to affect change, with research into issues facing our community at the local, state and national level. Further, we want to get to know our local officials and candidates for elected office to help legislate change. And we are ready to work for progressive reform within the Democratic Party.

Stanford Democrats:

We're the largest political group on campus, mobilizing for key campaigns, organizing around important issues, and working for progressive change across the street and across the country. Email us to get involved!

To join the Stanford Democrats mailing list, send an email to democrats@lists.stanford.edu.

Or visit the Stanford Democrats on Facebook.

San Mateo Democratic Party:
Our mission is to support Democratic candidates and elected officials at all levels of government, and ballot measures promoting Democratic values in San Mateo County and the State of California.

Contact Information
Voicemail: (650) 581-1350
Email: contact@sanmateodemocrats.org
751 Laurel Street, Box 702, San Carlos, CA 94070

Central Committee General Meetings – Everyone Is Welcome!
When: 7:30 pm, 3rd Thursday of every month.
Where: Machinists Hall, 1511 Rollins Road, Burlingame

Click here to find your local Democratic Club

Coastside Democratic Club
Contact: Brigid O'Farrell (650-728-3380) mbofarrell@aol.com
Website: www.coastsidedemocrats.org

Coalition 5000 Democratic Committee Club
Contact: Ashwani Bhakhri (650-583-7677) bhakhrilaw2004@yahoo.com
Meetings and events in or near South San Francisco.

North San Mateo County Democratic Club
Contact: Wallace Moore (650-589-6293) wallace.moore@comcast.net
Meets every third Monday evening of the month near Daly City Hall.

Filipino-American Democratic Club
Contact: Mike Guingona mikeguingona@yahoo.com
Visit them on Facebook.

Hillsborough Democratic Club
Contact: Grande Lum (650-340-9150) grandelum@gmail.com

Millbrae-Burlingame Democratic Club
Contact: Wayne Lee uponawish@yahoo.com

North Peninsula Democratic Club
Contact: Sandra Lang (650-342-9860) langinsureyou@sbcglobal.net

Pacifica Democrats
Contact: Barbara Arietta (415-246-0775) barietta@hotmail.com

Peninsula Young Democrats
Contact: Kai Stinchcombe kai.stinchcombe@gmail.com
Website: www.peninsulayd.org

Redwood City Democratic Club
Contact: Chris Balme chbalme@gmail.com

San Mateo County Democracy for America
Contact: Carole Dorshkind (650-766-2162) cdorshkind@comcast.net
Website: www.smcdfa.org
Meets every First Wednesday of the month in Foster City (County wide club).

San Mateo/Foster City Democratic Club
Contact: Patrick Sullivan patrick.sullivan@sanmateofostercitydemocraticclub.com
Website: sanmateofostercitydemocraticclub.com

Alameda Democratic Party:
The 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.

Find your local Democratic Clubs and organizations by clicking here.

Santa Clara County Democratic Party
2102 Almaden Road
San Jose, CA 95125

The Santa Clara County Democratic Party strives to build, sustain, and use our collective power to enable good Democratic candidates to win elections at all levels and to fight for important Democratic values such as first class schools, affordable healthcare, quality jobs, safe communities, innovative energy policies, reliable Social Security, a clean environment, and honest and open government.

You can contact us by phone or email:
(408) 445-9500
info@sccdp.org

Find local events here.

Find your local Democratic club here.

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

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 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

BACK TO PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT NEWSLETTER MAIN PAGE

Denver, CO Focus

THIS WEEK'S RECOMMENDED BOOK FROM Café Sci Denver:

In the Café Scientifique, people (often science buffs) come together in a friendly pub after work and hear an informal (no PowerPoint!) introduction to an interesting current scientific topic, led by an expert.

I want to highlight books featured by Café Sci Denver. For this week:

The Honest Broker. Making Sense of Science in Policy and Politics
by ROGER A. PIELKE, Jr.
2007, Cambridge University Press. ISBN : 9780521694810. Paperback

Roger talked about the need for scientists to maintain some distance between themselves and the policy-makers, in order to stay as effective as possible. Once one declares an opinion about policy, there is a risk of being categorized and, by people who choose to do so, marginalized. Hence, one tries to be an "honest broker." The book has been very well received. "The book's direct language and concrete examples convey the concepts to a wide audience." (review in Science, 17 August 2007)

Progressive Jobs and Internships in Denver area:

Intern with the House Majority Project

The House Majority Project works toward building a Democratic majority in the Colorado State House of Representatives. We take a statewide view of Colorado politics; funneling financial and strategic resources to key candidates and races. We analyze data, recruit and train candidates, and vigorously support Democratic candidates in targeted races.

Click Here for Full Details

Paid Canvassers for Susman for City Council

Susman for City Council is seeking two personable, outgoing people to go door-to-door visiting with voters and sharing information about why they should vote for Mary Beth. Canvassers must commit to 20 hours/week and contact a minimum of 500 doors/week. Phone banking and data entry will fulfill the time commitment if canvassing is finished early. Pay is competitive.

For more information about Mary Beth Susman, visit www.susmanforcitycouncil.com.

If you are interested in applying for the position, please contact Thomas Young at thomas@susmanforcitycouncil.com or (720) 260-4771.

Stan Garnett for Attorney General

Stan is gaining ground on his opponent, but needs your help in the final few days. Email campaign coordinator Mara Brosy-Wiwchar at voters4garnett@gmail.com to learn how to get setup for a virtual phone bank!

PROGRESSIVE TALK RADIO IN DENVER:
AM 760 - Denver

Weekday Program Schedule:
David Sirota 7AM-10AM
Ed Schultz 10AM-1PM
Thom Hartmanm 1PM-4PM
Mario Solis-Marich 4PM-7PM
Randi Rhodes 7PM-10PM
Alan Colmes 10PM-1AM
Leslie Marshall 1AM-4AM
Bill Press 4AM-6AM

GO GREEN DENVER: Five simple things you can do for Colorado

The Denver Mayor's office is engaged in a number of programs and initiatives hoping to make us all more aware of the impact we have on our environment, as well as offering ways to reduce this impact. Take 5 for the environment offers 5 simple habit changing opportunities that anyone can take part in and help keep our environment healthy for longer.

CURRENT TV DENVER AREA:
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 Denver 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.

Veterans Green Jobs
2627 West 6th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
Toll Free: 866.984.8452
Local: 720.236.1300

Our mission is to connect military veterans with meaningful employment opportunities that serve our communities and environment.

To contact us:

Weatherization Programs:
Colorado, Region 9
720-236-1321

Colorado, Region 3
(719) 587-9492

Veterans Green Corps:
(720) 236-1313

Veterans City Canopy:
(720) 236-1309

Veterans Development:
(720) 236-1313

Communications & Resource Development:
(720) 236-1315

Colorado Café Scientifique in Denver: The Café Scientifique idea started in England a few years ago, based on the French Café Philosophique. In the Café Scientifique, people (often science buffs) come together in a friendly pub after work and hear an informal (no PowerPoint!) introduction to an interesting current scientific topic, led by an expert. We take a short break for refreshments, to meet new people, and chat, and then we return for questions and answers and general discussion. All questions and comments are welcome, as this isn't a seminar, it's a chance for all of us to express an opinion, expert or otherwise.

We meet at the Wynkoop Brewing Company. Check the website for upcoming events. We start at 6:30 PM in the large & comfortable first floor Mercantile Room and go to approximately 8:00 PM. Because we have been getting large crowds, it isn't practical to serve meals at the tables. We invite you to come early and get dinner in the regular restaurant, or wait until we're through (about 8 PM) and eat then. The Wynkoop's food is great! There is bar service throughout the session, and the Wynkoop people have generously offered to provide snacks for our guests. Café Scientifique meetings are FREE. The Wynkoop is generously providing the facility; we buy our own food and drinks. Seating is limited, and the event is popular, so you may want to arrive around 6 PM to be sure of getting a seat.

Denver Democracy for America Meetup
Meet others to learn more about Democracy For America and discuss local strategies. Get the latest news at your Democracy for America Meetups! This Meetup is officially brought to you by Democracy for America. Join here to find out more.

Denver Young Democrats
http://www.denveryoungdems.org/
email: info@denveryoungdems.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=16820092813
Click her to find local Young Democrats events.
Click here for job and volunteer opportunities

Sign up here for email alerts from Denver Young Democrats

For the University of Denver College Dems contact:
Jeff Graves Jgraves2_at_du.edu

For the University of Denver Law School College Dems contact:
Kelley Rider KRider09_at_law.du.edu

HELP SUPPORT UNIONS IN DENVER:

Colorado AFL-CIO
http://www.coaflcio.org/

140 Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80226-8101
(303) 433-2100

NATIONAL JEWISH DEMOCRATIC COUNCIL, Denver Branch
The National Jewish Democratic Council is the trusted voice and resource for Democratic office holders, candidates and party organizations to better understand and engage with the Jewish community. NJDC mobilizes the Jewish community and convenes opinion leadership to support the Democratic promise for all Americans. We look to our Jewish tradition to guide us on the issues of social and economic justice, religious pluralism and the peace and security of the State of Israel that will be the hallmark of our work.

NJDC believes that through our work in Democratic Party politics, we can ensure a better world for our children and grandchildren.

For more information, or to become a member of NJDC and the Denver chapter, email sharronsfk@aol.com.

Chapter Board

Chair - Sharron Klein, sharronsfk@aol.com

Vice Chair - David Fogel, dfogel@fogel-law.com

Secretary - Elaine Steinberg, dsteinb105@comcast.net

PR Director - Francine Haber, franhaber@earthlink.net

Recent NJDC, Denver Events

Professor Shaul Gabbay was the featured speaker at the chapter's February meeting.

Attorney Howard Boigon spoke to the Denver Chapter of the NJDC on January 29th at Temple Emanuel. There was a great deal of discussion on current events in Gaza and the history behind these events. In particular, those in attendance were most concerned with how these events are misinterpreted by the press and others casting Israel in a bad light. Howard and his wife, Carol, a Denver councilwoman-at-large, attended the inauguration and gave a detailed overview of the activities and emotions surrounding this momentous event.

COLORADO LATINO FORUM:
http://www.coloradolatinoforum.org/

The CLF is committed to increasing Latino participation and awareness in the electoral process, educating the community on issues vital to the community and perhaps most importantly; increasing the number of Latino office holders in Colorado. CLF offers connectivity between Latino individuals and organizations across the state to achieve its mission, an element that has oftentimes been absent in past efforts in political organizing within the Latino community.

In 16 of Colorado’s 35 Senate Districts and 27 of Colorado’s House Districts, Latinos make up at least 10 percent or more of the total population. The growing numbers of Latinos in the state offer great opportunities in successfully running Latino candidates and other candidates supportive of issues important to our communities.

Currently, Colorado’s political infrastructure lacks the type of statewide organization needed to translate the rising number of Latinos across the state into meaningful political change for Latinos as a whole. The CLF offers to fill this gap. It is estimated that approximately 13-16 percent of Colorado voters in 2008 were Latino. These voters tended to vote overwhelmingly for Barack Obama and a solid majority supported progressive candidates across the state.

Despite this success, the number of Latinos serving in elected office at the federal level and at the State Capitol is at a 25-year low. The CLF has already begun the important process of reaching out to Latino communities and organizations in all areas of Colorado to mobilize Latino voters, identify possible candidates, and build coalitions that will ensure that greater numbers of Latinos are elected in the next election cycle.

Contact Us

Write: 3480 W. 38th Ave., Denver, CO 80211

Call: 303-350-2660

Fax: 303-458-0757

Email: info@ColoradoLatinoForum.org

Denver Teaching Fellows:
Denver Teaching Fellows seeks outstanding professionals and recent graduates to make a difference in the lives of the students who need you the most by becoming effective teachers in some of our highest-need public schools. Do you want to be a part of what can truly make Denver great? We are now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year. Create an account here to start your application today!

Global Denver:
http://www.globaldenver.org/home/

Global Denver is a collaborative initiative that celebrates the international and ethnic communities of the Metro Denver region!

As a hub in the new global economy, Denver is increasingly becoming a prominent international city. Denver International Airport recently celebrated its 15th birthday and reached the 50 million passenger milestone. Metro Denver is home to 83 foreign-based companies with over 17,000 local employees, and an additional 743 companies participate in the global economy through exports. International activity accounts for nearly 123,000 jobs and over five billion dollars in wages in Metro Denver every year! In addition, over 180,000 foreign tourists and 5,000 foreign students come to our region every year.

GlobalDenver.org is intended to be an online portal to community resources, events, and organizations. We invite employers, investors and entrepreneurs who are interested in improving their position in the domestic and global marketplace to learn more about our business resources and jobs in the region.

Each year, Denver is a portal into the United States for over 10,000 foreign immigrants, who come from across the world, including Latin America, Asia, and Africa and have come to work, recreate, study, and to grow their businesses. Over 17% of Denver residents are foreign-born, and many of Denver’s ethnic communities have been in Colorado for generations. Meet our international communities and learn more about the many events and opportunities to experience the international cultures of Denver!

For more info contact:
Margarita Nieto
924 West Colfax Ave, Suite 201
Denver, CO 80204
Direct line: 303-620-4489
Main line: 303-534-7783
Email: info@globaldenver.org

Denver Democrats
http://www.denverdems.org/
574 S. Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80209
Tel: 303.830.8242
Fax: 303.830.2486
Email: info@denverdemocrats.org
Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 1pm-5pm.

Sign up for Denver Dems Email

Join our Facebook Group

Follow us on Twitter

Sign up for Action Alerts

Find local Democratic Events here.

And for those who like to combine social and political activities, here are the Drinking Liberally groups in the Denver area:

Denver
o Every Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm
o Skylark Lounge, 140 S. Broadway
o Hosted by Kathy Brandon | John E. | Sarah Fong

South Metro Denver
o Second Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm
o Lansdowne Arms Bistro & Bar, 9352 Dorchester St (Near HR Tattered Cover)
o Hosted by Rick Munoz

BIODIESEL IN DENVER:
Biodiesel is less polluting and has a smaller carbon footprint than regular diesel, and is produced right here in the USA. Biodiesel can be used in almost any diesel engine. Up to B20 (a 20 percent blend) any diesel engine, whether car or 18 wheeler or whatever, can use it. Above B20 some older engines may have problems, but newer engines should be ok.

Here are some stations in Denver that offer biodiesel:

Offen Petroleum: 5201 York Street, Denver, CO 80216, 303-297-3835. Offers B20 (good in any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS

Green Brothers Oil Company: 5335 Harrison St, Denver, CO 80216, 303-295-7669. Offers B20 (good in any diesel engine). Open 6AM-5PM SAT 7-NOON.

Denver Biodiesel Coop: 3600 Clay street, Denver, CO 80211, 303-256-8494. Offers B100 MEMBERS ONLY BY APPOINTMENT. call for more info

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 Colorado, 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.

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

Earth Tones--the Environmental Telephone & Internet Co.
www.earthtones.com
Wireless/cellular service, Internet access, and long distance telephone service. Gives 100% of profits to environmental groups. Competitive rates and quality service, plus bills on recycled paper and monthly environmental updates.
Phone: (888)EARTH-TONES
Fax: (303)573-3780
1536 Wynkoop St., Ste. 100
Denver, CO 80202

Earth Friendly Coffee Company
www.earthfriendlycoffee.com
Wholesales only the highest-quality, Fair Trade, shade-grown, chemical-free, specialty coffees. Reduces roaster profiteering while empowering the small grower.
Phone: (866)807-6089
5310 Tennyson St.
Denver, CO 80212

Bete Noire Chocolates
www.betenoirechocolates.com
Special diets are Bete Noire's specialty! Vegan chocolates and baked goods; most products can be made without gluten, soy, or other allergens. "Ask us!"
Phone: (303)399-4876
Fax: (303)316-0608
670 Pearl St, #3
Denver, CO 80203

Catering Consciously LLC
www.cateringconsciously.com
"We are Denver's newest boutique wedding and full-service caterer, focusing on environmental sustainability." Local, organic, seasonal, sustainable, anywhere in Colorado. Amazing cuisine, flawless events!
Phone: (303)450-4815
Fax: (720)929-1100
11625 Community Ctr. Dr.
#1138
Northglenn, CO 80233

Earth and Sky Architecture, LLC
www.earthskyarchitecture.com
"Whether you want a conventional home or a state-of-the-art environmentally friendly home, Earth and Sky can help make your dreams a reality."
Phone: (720)956-1643
Fax: (303)675-6597
800 W. 8th Ave.
#113
Denver, CO 80204

BECKONS organic
www.beckonsorganic.com
Using organic and sustainable fibers and fair labor manufacturers, Beckons provides comfortable, vivid clothing and other empowering products to enhance beauty and affect change.
Phone: (303)881-0872
Fax: (303)355-0877
1120 Hudson St.
Denver, CO 80220

Natural Sleep Store
www.thenaturalsleepstore.com
Offers organic mattresses, natural latex mattresses, crib mattresses, and organic bedding including sheets, pillows, and blankets. Also offering natural bed frames.
Phone: (866)663-0859
928 W. 8th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204

Amazing Recycled Products, Inc.
www.amazingrecycled.com
Has manufactured and distributed 200 recycled products since 1990. Wholesale gifts, landscaping timber, and recycling bins. Also offers a variety of unusual promotional products.
Phone: (800)241-2174
Fax: (303)699-2102
P.O. Box 312
Denver, CO 80201-0312

PureWater Colorado
www.multipureusa.com/dsmyth/
Water purification systems. NSF certified to reduce broadest range of contaminants. "Get the Toxins out!" Lifetime warranty. Reverse osmosis systems. No more bottles in landfills.
Phone: (303)763-8622
6892 W. Eldorado Pl.
Lakewood, CO 80227-5207

Fiddlehead Designs
www.ecoconcretesinks.com
Loop integral sinks, washbasins, and vessels by Fiddlehead Designs are made with an eco-friendly concrete blend of recycled concrete and glass. Residential and commercial.
Phone: (303)777-0374
Fax: (866)861-6146
2505 W. 2nd Ave.
Unit 5
Denver, CO 80219

Business Nonprofit CONNECTIONS, Inc.
www.BusinessGivingStrategies.com
Specialists in designing and evaluating strategic partnerships between businesses and nonprofits to maximize benefits to both organizations. Providing consulting, speaking, live/online training, and the "Back to the Community ProgramTM." We help you "do well by doing good."
Phone: (866)512-0808
Fax: (866)255-8458
1305 S. Elm St.
Ste. 208
Denver, CO 80222

Green Website Solutions
www.greenwebsitesolutions.com
"The first and only environmentally friendly, 100% solar-powered Web hosting service available on the market today."
Phone: (877)293-8464
Fax: (877)293-8464
8547 E Arapahoe Rd.
#J153
Englewood, CO 80112

Denver Open Acupuncture
www.denveropenacupuncture.com
Provides high quality acupuncture treatment at an affordable cost following the sliding scale community room model of the Community Acupuncture Network.
Phone: (303)837-8166
1414 Marion St.
Apt 2
Denver, CO 80218-2232

BACK TO PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT NEWSLETTER MAIN PAGE