Progressive Democrat Issue 218

This will probably be my last newsletter for 3-5 weeks. Work, a conference, petitioning for candidates and vacation will be taking up my time into July.

Once again I want to ask my readers for help in four key NYC races

Josh Skaller: a good friend of mine running for City Council who was recently endorssed by Democracy for America and Howard Dean himself. Josh is a strong environmentalist and has worked on the local Howard Dean and Barack Obama campaigns. His main opponents are heavily supported by corporate interests. One of them is anti-Israel, and the other is anti-choice. Skaller, despite not taking any corporate donations, is doing well in fundraising and can be considered one of the two frontrunners in the race. I will be working very hard for Josh, and I hope some of my readers will send him some money to help us along.

Norman Siegel: another friend, this time running for the citywide office of Public Advocate. With 40 years of impressive civil rights legal work under his belt, including as a former head of the New York Civil Liberties Union, Norm is an ideal candidate for Public Advocate. Of course most of his opponents are corporate funded because corporations want a Corporate Advocate, not a Public Advocate. Norm is so scrupulous I once heard him turn down a ride from another candidate because it would require he report it as an in kind donation! That is an almost unheard of level of integrity. You can read about his long record of public advocacy on his website. I think you will agree he is one of the best candidates to come around in a long time and deserving of our support. If you can help out, please give a contribution.

John Liu: John Liu is running for Comptroller, the position that keeps track of the city's money. He is one of only two candidates in the race who actually has accounting and regulatory experience. The other two candidates (including that shady David Yassky I mentioned earlier) have no monetary experience whatsoever and are merely developer-supported shills. If Liu wins he will be the first Asian-American to win citywide office in NYC. This has generated some excitement, including from Asian-American politicians like Mike Honda from California, who has endorsed him. I have met Liu a few times and, in fact, was the very first person to officially endorse him for Comptroller. I think both John Liu and David Weprin (the other candidate in the race who has accounting/regulatory experience) would be good Comptrollers. I chose Liu because he is the more progressive of the two and the more dynamic candidate. Please help us elect a progressive, qualified Comptroller and elect the first Asian-American to win citywide office in NYC.

Finally, I want to mention another friend running for City Council, this time in my own district: Jo Anne Simon. Jo Anne is nationally known as an advocate for the disabled. Her main opponent is a developer-supported protege of the local corrupt Party Boss, so Jo Anne is our best shot at preventing a takeover of the district by the local machine. Which is a constant battle reformers like joy and I have here in Brooklyn. Please help us keep corruption at bay in NYC.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Boycott Chevron-Texaco

Sotomayor "hard to BS"

NYC Focus: My Evolution on Working Families Party

Brooklyn, NY Focus

Queens, NY Focus

Bronx, NY Focus

Rochester, NY Focus

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS

Silicon Valley, CA Focus

Orange County, CA Focus

San Diego, CA Focus

Redding, CA Campaign Training

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

Houston/Harris County, TX Focus

Austin/Travis County, TX Focus

Dallas County, TX Focus

TEXAS FOCUS

NJ Young Democrats Convention

NJ-5: "Take the Fifth" PAC

Sussex County, NJ Events, Groups and Food Co-op

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

GEORGIA FOCUS

VIRGINIA FOCUS

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

COLORADO FOCUS

Jacksonville, FL Campaign Training

FLORIDA FOCUS

Tempe, AZ Campaign Training

ARIZONA FOCUS

WISCONSIN FOCUS

ILLINOIS FOCUS

WASHINGTON FOCUS

NEVADA FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

MICHIGAN FOCUS

Boycott Chevron-Texaco

With the Burmese dictatorship back in the news (remember, last time people paid attention it was because the Burmese dictators were slaughtering Buddhist Monks), I think it is time to return to the Chevron boycott. Chevron is one of the main American companies supporting the dictatorship. Why should our dollars go to supporting a regime that slaughters monks and brutally squashes democracy?

But Chevron's horrible record goes beyond Burma. This comes from back in 2002:

OilWatch and the member organizations of Ecuador and Nigeria are calling a boycott against Chevron-Texaco Company, to punish this company for the environmental damages and the human rights abuses commited during its operations in Nigeria and Ecuador.

Chevron-Texaco will face trials for its impacts in Nigeria and Ecuador.

These countries' organizations use boycott as an instrument of pressure against the company, to make it remember that whatever is polluted MUST be cleaned up.

At times when transnational companies frame up regimes of impunity for themselves, we must join efforts to punish companies with our protest, and our vow of censorship by not consumming these companies' products.

This campaign will provide a precedent to avoid other oil companies' impunity, that in the same ways cause destruction and death.

For further information, please contact:

Asume Osouka
ERA NIGERIA
asumeo@yahoo.co.uk

Esperanza Martnez
ACCION ECOLOGICA ECUADOR
oilwatch@uio.satnet.net

Leila Salazar
AMAZONWATCH U.S.A.
leila@amazonwatch.org
BOYCOT CHEVRON TEXACO

OilWatch y las organizaciones miembros de Ecuador y Nigeria convocan a un BOYCOT a la empresa Chevron Texaco, para castigar a esta empresa por los daos ambientales e irrrespeto a los derechos humanos provocados durante sus operaciones en Nigeria y Ecuador.

Chevron Texaco deber enfrentar juicios por sus impactos en Nigeria y Ecuador.

Las organizaciones de esos pases utilizan el boycot como una herramienta de presin a la compaa, para que esta compaa recuerda que lo que se ensucia se limpia.

En momentos en que las empresas transnacionales quieren para si mismas un rgimen de impunidad, debemos aunar fuerzas para castigar a las empresas con nuestra protesta y nuestro voto de censura al no consumir productos de la empresa.

Esta campaa ser un precedente para evitar la impunidad de otras empresas petroleras que provocan igualmente destruccin y muerte.

Mayor informacin

Asume Osouka
ERA NIGERIA
asumeo@yahoo.co.uk

Esperanza Martnez
ACCION ECOLOGICA ECUADOR
oilwatch@uio.satnet.net

Leila Salazar
AMAZONWATCH ESTADOS UNIDOS
leila@amazonwatch.org

SECRETARIA DE OILWATCH Casilla 17-15-246-C Quito - Ecuador
Tel-Fax: (593 2) 547516 / 527583 Tel: 593 9 82 56 37
E-mail: oilwatch@uio.satnet.net
Pagina Web: www.oilwatch.org.ec

For more info on the Ecuador case, see this article in the Christian Science Monitor.

Last year, inspired by Chevron's horrible record in Burma, but also by their long-standing horrible environmental record, the city of Berkeley, California voted to join the boycott of Chevron. From their press release:

The authority adopted a resolution on January 29, mandating that it "cease all purchases from Chevron" as a result of the corporation's record of ecological destruction and involvement in human rights abuses in Angola, Burma, Ecuador and Nigeria, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area, where Chevron operates a refinery widely suspected of causing cancers and other health problems among local residents.

Supported by Amazon Watch and 14 other environmental and human rights groups, the Berkeley resolution is the first in a series of similar proposals to be considered by municipal authorities across the U.S. in the coming months as Chevron management's failure to deal decisively with a range of legacy and current corporate responsibility issues causes growing public and investor concern.

"In locations across the globe including Ecuador, Nigeria, Burma, and Iraq, and as close to Berkeley as its Richmond refinery, Chevron has been implicated in major human rights violations and environmental destruction," said Berkeley Peace and Justice Commissioner Diana Bohn, who filed the resolution. "The City of Berkeley stood up today and sent a clear message to Chevron: your corporate recklessness will not be tolerated."

From 1964 to 1992 Texaco (now Chevron) built and operated oil exploration and production facilities in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon, dumping 18 billion gallons of toxic wastewater directly into a vast, inhabited area of rainforest. Today Chevron is a defendant in a class-action lawsuit in the region where thousands of rainforest dwellers, suffering a public health crisis, are seeking at least $10 billion in clean-up damages.

Chevron is also facing a trial in a U.S federal court in San Francisco on charges it paid Nigerian military and police to fire at villagers staging a protest at a Chevron oil platform in 1998, killing two people. Nigerian citizens also allege that the company was complicit in an attack on two villages that left four dead.

In Burma, the company's ties to the military junta, which has carried out a brutal crackdown against peaceful democracy protests, has brought a wave of international condemnation. As a result of its recent take-over of Unocal, Chevron now owns the Yadana gas project in Burma. Yadana is allowed to operate by a loophole in existing U.S. sanctions against the country, and has provided significant revenues to Burma's military regime.

Locally, in Richmond, in the East Bay, Chevron operates a huge oil refinery blamed for causing serious environmental health hazards, including fires, spills, leaks, explosions, toxic gas releases, flaring, and air contamination. The refinery is suspected of causing cancers and other public health problems in the local community.

You have a choice when you buy your gasoline. Chevron-Texaco and Exxon/Mobil are among the worst companies out there. BP (with a moderately better environmental record) and Citgo (which funds free heating oil for poor families in America) seem better than the average gas company. I think Arco is also not too bad. I recommend buying from BP or Citgo and avoiding Chevron, Texaco, Exxon and Mobil. My focus on Chevron-Texaco and Exxon/Mobil is echoed by others, like Third World Traveler. This is from their statement from 2006: (their whole statement is worth reading, but this is just the last paragraph)

It is our opinion that Exxon/Mobil and Texaco/Chevron be boycotted until they demonstrate responsible practices that do not harm the future of society and our planet. The strength of a boycott is determined by wide ranging support. We hope our readers will join us in publicizing this option for expressing our values and demand that oil companies be held accountable for the consequences of their business practices.

Sotomayor "hard to BS"

As I have discussed several times before, a friend of mine is running for city council in my district in NYC. I have known Jo Anne Simon for several years and she is currently one of the district leaders for my area. I have also endorsed her for City Council. Locally Jo Anne Simon is best known for being one of only a handful of district leaders to stand up to local corruption. Nationally, she is known for he role as an advocate for disabled rights. I recently learned that in this capacity she has first hand knowledge of what it is like to argue before Judge Sotomayor, and I think her comments are worth knowing as Sotomayor is scrutinized for her Supreme Court nomination.

This is from Jo Anne Simon's campaign website:

In a letter to New York Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Jo Anne Simon, civil rights attorney and candidate for the 33rd City Councilmatic District, strongly advocated for the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court and thanked the Senators for recommending her.

As an attorney who argued a landmark case, Barlett v. New York State Board of Law Examiners, before the Judge, Ms. Simon brings a unique perspective to the discussion on her nomination on the recommendation for Supreme Court. After being cleared by the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1998, the Senate Republicans held up Judge Sotomayor's confirmation based in part by the Bartlett decision.

Ms. Simon wrote, "I have enormous respect and admiration for Judge Sotomayor. She is brilliant, thoughtful and principled. Judge Sotomayor is demanding-of attorney, litigants and herself. She is uncompromisingly fair and respectful of everyone in the courtroom." Jo Anne Simon further noted that Judge Sonia Sotomayor understands, respects and connects with people whose lives would be affected by decisions of the Court.

Ms. Simon went on to state, "I share my reflections on her qualifications from the position of one who has tried a significant case before her, Bartlett v. New York State Board of Law Examiners. Bartlett, a woman with dyslexia, sought admission to the New York State bar. The Board of Law Examiners had repeatedly denied her request for reasonable accommodations...Judge Sotomayor found that the Americans with Disabilities Act clearly required the board to provide the requested accommodations."

In July 2008, Jo Anne Simon was asked to testify before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in connection with proposed amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Congress later cited Judge Sotomayor's reasoning in Bartlett as the legal analysis it had intended when it passed the ADA in 1990.

For over 30 years, Jo Anne Simon has fought to improve the lives of others. As a teacher and a lawyer, she has worked to ensure that all people have access to education, public services and the workplace. Early in her career, Jo Anne was a teacher for the deaf and a college administrator providing support to college students with disabilities.

But I think the best statement Jo Anne has made about Sotomayor is not in this official statement, but is a quote from PolitickerNY:

“It was very clear to me, very early on, that she was extremely bright and extremely careful about the way her court was run,” Simon said of Sotomayor, in an interview. “She was very demanding, but she was also very fair. It was hard to B.S. her.”

I think one of the highest qualifications for a Supreme Court judge is for her to be hard to BS.

NYC FOCUS: My Evolution on Working Families Party

I first became acquainted with the Working Families Party when I first moved to NYC around 1998. As a loyal Democrat who often is in a dissenting position within the party (I'm a Howard Dean style Democrat from way back), I very much liked the fact that WFP offered a sane alternative to voting Democratic without, in general, the self-destructive narcissism of the Green Party. There was no such option in California where I grew up, so I was warily attracted to the WFP early on.

Since then I have had many ups and downs in my attitude towards WFP...but this year may well mark the final breakdown in my interest in them in much the same way this year might represent the final breakdown in my relationship with the Democratic Club IND. In both cases their hypocrisy has risen to a level I cannot tolerate despite past, and even present, agreements with both. At some point fighting the hypocrisy within gets to be too much of a distraction from fighting the good fight in the larger political arena. My ups and downs with IND have been aired extensively and have been among my most read articles. But I have given less airing to my ups or downs with WFP.

From that early interest in their general style and stated (not always actual) purpose, my next encounter with WFP was another very positive one: a certain dynamic City Council woman named Tish James. There is an interesting history to her election as a WFP candidate against a lousy Democratic candidate which is outside the scope of this article. Suffice it to say her election was a perfect, and seldom repeated, illustration of why something like WFP can be so important in a Democratic dominated town. I don't agree with Councilwoman James on everything, but I agree with her on many things and her style and her ability to stand up for the community against powerful interests made a great impression on me. I believe that was when I first started voting on the WFP line some of the time. Not for Tish James, because I am not in her district, but I could add to my general liking of the idea of WFP a real-life example of how they can work at their best.

And yet, interestingly, one of the main issues I like Tish James on (opposition to Bruce Ratner's overdevelopment plan for Atlantic Yards), WFP is split on. This is an issue that has in the past divided WFP. The fact that WFP supports Tish James encouraged my support. But the realization that Bruce Ratner had his own following within WFP was a warning sign, and I began to realize that money, including developer money, had at least as strong voice within WFP as it does within the Democratic Party WFP claims to be an alternative to. Still, I liked the idea behind them and I liked Tish James, so any time I felt dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party, I'd vote on the WFP line...generally for the same candidate that the Democratic Party was running. It was a way of expressing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party without marginalizing myself the way the Greens have.

My sense of generally positive feelings towards WFP was both tested and re-enforced during the last mayoral race. By then I was already disgusted with Bloomberg's dictatorial style, his calling of protesters against the Republican Convention (like myself and my wife) "terrorists," his support of Tom DeLay's ultra-reactionary PAC, etc. My fellow Democrats in Park Slope all seemed lukewarm in their opposition to Bloomberg. Now I had heard from an insider that WFP was reluctant to endorse Freddie Ferrer, which bothered me and tested my interest in them. But the recruiters WFP put on the street (one of whom was ubiquitous and was one of the best political salesmen I have met...he is now working for DNC I think) were delivering the anti-Bloomberg message with considerable effectiveness. It was on one evening in Park Slope when the New York chapters of NARAL and LCV, completely ignoring Bloomberg's very strong financial support of the anti-choice and anti-environment PAC run by Tom Delay, were endorsing Bloomberg, a WFP attack on Bloomberg particularly inspired me and I gave them what for me was a big donation. At that point I was inclined to vote their line and inclined to send them money.

That was the high point of my relationship with WFP...though I was hoping to see that built upon this year. THAT hope was of course ruined by WFP hypocrisy this year, though in the past there were warning signs.

My inside sources have always emphasized that WFP almost always follows the money, not ideology. And I could see it in some of their endorsements that otherwise didn't seem to make sense to me. That always bothered me. And the fact that Ratner and other developers had their influence on WFP also bothered me, though I understood the link between the two wasn't just money, but also unions. I could at least see WFP's view.

Then there was the State Senate. I hadn't been as aware of it at the time, so it didn't ruin my interest in WFP in 2005, but in 2004 WFP betrayed their ideals and delivered a set-back to progress and reform in Albany by endorsing Republican Nick Spano against progressive Democrat Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Cousins lost by 18 votes. We had the chance to begin the retaking of the State Senate from the obstructionist Republicans back in 2004, but WFP ruined it. Their payment for their betrayal of progress and reform? Spano supported increasing the minimum wage...which, of course, Cousins would have also. Before this, I had various feelings of discomfort regarding WFP, but no specific races I strongly disagreed with them on. This was a major disagreement and the first serious blow to my support of them. It was, in my mind, a horrible decision on their part that hurt working families more than it helped them, fully taking into account the minimum wage deal. Strike one for WFP.

But I remained open to working with them, voting their line and even donating to them, though once the full meaning of their endorsement of Spano sunk in, it made me wary of them and made me realize that not all WFP endorsed candidates were pro-working families, progressive or reform minded.

I had another disagreement with WFP in 2006, though in this case I fully understood their viewpoint and came out of the disagreement eager to work closer with WFP. When Dan Squadron ran against Marty Connor for State Senate, I think many assumed I would support Squadron because I had been a critic of Connor's in the past. It was a tough decision for me. I think two factors convinced both my wife and myself to back Connor. First, we were initially turned off by Squadron's style. Simply put, we both independently heard him and didn't feel we could trust him. More on that in a moment. The second thing was decisive though. Squadron enthusiastically emphasized his role in Bloomberg's mayoral control of schools. Joy and I, as parents with a kid who was in the public school system and who had just gone through the horrendous and insane Middle School application process, support of mayoral control was just about a deal breaker for us. Mostly on this issue alone, and a general distrust of his style and, perhaps, his money (I am suspicious of people whose personal money becomes important in a race), I supported Connor.

For this I was rather nastily, and I will add, STUPIDLY attacked by someone in WFP (no names) who tried portraying me as an anti-reform machine hack because I was supporting Connor and because I was on the board of IND. This person attacked me for IND's disenfranchisement of some new IND members in 2006...completely ignoring the fact that I was one of the major advocates for those disenfranchised members and was the person who publicized the event the most. Funny...never got an apology from WFP person for that one. But mostly I considered that amusing and considered it stupidity and rudeness on the part of one particular leading WFP person. I should note, when I have been wrong in attacking someone I freely admit it and apologize. WFP person doesn't seem to subscribe to this philosophy.

When Daniel Squadron won against Marty Connor, I didn't really mourn. I was actually quite hoping to be proven wrong about Squadron. When, soon after his defeat, Marty Connor played Emcee at Vito Lopez's farcical County Committee meeting, I was willing to admit my support for Connor might have been at least partly misplaced, but not yet ready to admit my opposition to Squadron was misplaced.

Since then I have met and talked to Squadron several times and heard him speak several times. I don't agree with him on everything and remain a tad skeptical that in the long run I won't end up feeling towards him much as I now do towards David Yassky, a man I used to like but now despise. But provisionally I now admit that my opposition to Squadron was probably misplaced and I have grown to like and respect him. The style I previously felt suspicious of has either changed, or my attitude towards it has changed and my distrust has largely faded. I don't regret the decisions I made in the past, since I had my reasons for them. But I have grown more than comfortable with Squadron. Keep on proving my apprehensions wrong, Senator Squadron!

After that, I actually saw hope that WFP was going to be a major force for reform in NYC, and could even become a strong force to counter both the mayor and the corrupt Brooklyn machine I spend so much time fighting. I was, in fact, ready to see WFP take the lead and expressed my interest in working with them this year. So it is ironic that at this moment of strongest hope comes my biggest disappointment and probable final break with WFP. Right after I was attacked by WFP for not being reform enough for their tastes, I find that WFP themselves is opposing reform in Brooklyn by endorsing the Brooklyn machine candidate Steve Levin, and opposing independence among City Council members by supporting the machine's revenge attack on Diana Reyna in the 34th City Council District. Added to this is their support of developer candidate Bill de Blasio and of another, more nuanced developer candidate Brad Lander, and I consider this year a disaster for WFP's claims to be reform minded. It also makes their attack on me (and on Connor, for that matter) as being anti-reform suddenly seem hypocritical in the extreme. And among the things that disgusts me the most is hypocrisy.

Just before this massive disappointment, my blogging reached out with considerable enthusiasm to WFP, suggesting that, after the Squadron win and after their pro-reform rhetoric and after the Bloomberg Putsch (an issue WFP and I strongly agreed on and I emphasized that agreement), NOW was the time for WFP, possibly allied with Schumer and Weiner, to take a true leadership role against Bloomberg, against the term limits traitors, and against Vito Lopez. I even noticed WFP was considering a long list of candidates to run and in general I agreed with who they were considering: Marq Claxton, Daniel Dromm, Yetta Kurland, Rocky Chin (if he ran), etc. And I wrote about these candidates and my interest in working with WFP in their election. It really sounded like WFP was gearing up for a major move after the term limits fiasco.

It never happened.

Funny thing is, when I endorsed Connor over Squadron, I got stupid attacks calling me a machine hack. But when I openly supported their anti-Bloomberg Putsch rhetoric and expressed an interest in backing many of the same candidates who were appearing on their short list (I should note Brad Lander and Steve Levin did not appear on that early list, but many far, far better people did), I heard not one peep from WFP. No encouragement. No eagerness to unite in a good fight. Nothing. Perhaps they didn't actually like someone taking serious rhetoric they were using that they never intended to follow through with.

The one and only candidate I see them supporting who was on their early list and that I endorsed even before they did is Daniel Dromm. May we win that race! Dromm is excellent and I am glad to see WFP is getting at least that one right. We are also in agreement on John Liu for Comptroller. And again, I beat WFP in endorsing him.

But it seems their strong rhetoric regarding other City Council races was mere posturing and instead they are taking on races where they can ally with Brooklyn Party Boss Vito Lopez. What a monumental disappointment! And what rank hypocrisy by WFP who had the nerve to attack me as a machine hack using an issue that I myself publicized.

Steve Levin, nicknamed by my wife "Vito's Pet," has so far skipped most of the candidate forums put on in the district. He did attend the CBID dinner, where he basically behaved like a petulent child in full view. Since then I have met him canvassing my neighborhood. I guess he is willing to meet voters one on one in Park Slope but was too scared to face them in a forum where he may be challenged. I will say that Levin, unlike his demeanor at the CBID dinner, was quite nice and charming. I had been told he could be quite charming, and now I am glad I have seen his charming side in addition to his somewhat less than charming side. I will give him credit that he, unlike some politicians I could name, takes my opposition and writing about him in stride. "This is politics!" as he puts it.

Now people have defended Levin by saying he has been to two forums. Wow. Big deal. He didn't show up at the forum co-hosted by the two biggest clubs in the district (IND and CBID) and one of the main neighborhood associations (Park Slope Neighbors). He also didn't show up to IND's endorsement meeting where every other candidate showed up. He didn't even bother to return the CBID questionaire that all other candidates filled out. Seems to me that is a damned poor way to treat some of the most active and engaged members of the community. From what I can see, Levin's only claim in this race is having worked for the Party Boss and so having the benefit of all of Vito Lopez's donors. I see nothing about him that would inspire a WFP endorsement (despite their protestations that they simply liked him in their interview)...except of course all that money. Which, of course, has often been the dominant consideration WFP has when endorsing candidates.

The Levin candidacy is nothing more than a Vito Lopez power play to get his candidate in a district known to be reform minded and anti-machine. And WFP is playing along with this power play despite there being several better candidates running, Jo Anne Simon and Ken Diamondstone most prominent among them.

I should also note that WFP is endorsing ANOTER Vito Lopez puppet in Maritza Davilla, who is running against Diana Reyna in the 34th City Council District. Reyna, formerlly an ally of Lopez, showed too much independence, bucking Quinn and Lopez on several occasions. Her punishment is a challenger put up by Vito Lopez. And WFP is endorsing Vito Lopez's revenge candidate against Reyna for her independence.

Now I notice that WFP now seems to be defending the Lopez machine. Remember this is the machine that put Noach Dear, a known and vocal homophobe who had never practiced law in his life, on the bench as a civil court judge as part of some Byzantine web of political favors. I guess WFP has become part of that web of favors and is now happy to ally itself with a machine that puts homophobes in court as judges.

This is the same machine that tried (and ultimately failed) to take revenge on Margarita Lopez-Torres when she refused to hire Vito Lopez's daughter. This is just one example of Vito Lopez running candidates as revenge for political independence. And this is just one of many examples of Vito Lopez's cronyism. Let me quote the Lambda Independent Democrats about Vito Lopez:

The lengthy lead story in the Real Estate section [of the NY Times] credited Lopez with sparking a massive rebuilding effort in Bushwick, way back when he was a graduate student in 1971, and then carrying it through. The story also mentioned that Angela Battaglia's agency is the developer for a $20 million component of the rebuilding effort. It even pictured [Vito] Lopez and Battaglia standing together in front of new housing construction. But the story omitted that Battaglia is Lopez's girlfriend. Does that connection at least deserve mention? Might the article have explained why there was or wasn't a conflict of interest present? Was it a coincidence that Lopez's girlfriend's outfit was put in charge of the $20 million deal? Inquiring minds would like to know. It may well be that everything was done on the up-and-up. But given Lopez's tendency to do favors for his friends-for example, he helped make his girlfriend's brother Jack Battaglia a Civil Court judge-the Times should have explored the question.

— Lambda Independent Democrats

I guess cronyism and revenge politics is now acceptable to WFP.

This is the same machine who wanted to give Bruce Ratner the largest tax break yet (so big, in fact, that even Ratner lover Michael Bloomberg thought it was too much) right after Ratner family members donated to Vito Lopez. I guess Pay-to-play is now part of WFP agenda...oh, wait, in some ways WFP has always expected candidates to pay for endorsements. Maybe that is the common ground between Vito Lopez and WFP.

What I want to know is will WFP again try to portray me as a machine hack because I support Jo Anne Simon against Vito Lopez machine insider Steve Levin? Simon hasn't been perfect, but she has a real track record of standing alongside fellow District Leader Alan Fleishman against Vito Lopez. And Simon is a nationally known and respected advocate for disabled rights. What has Levin done for the community other than Lopez's bidding? I mean had WFP endorsed Ken Diamondstone in that race I would have understood and respected their stand. It might even have led me to reassess the strategic aspects of the race. But instead they became the machine hack enablers. And this after using machine ties as a weapon against Marty Connor! Again, the hypocrisy of WFP this year is stark.

And will WFP again call me a machine hack for supporting Josh Skaller, the grassroots progressive whose fundraising numbers (while refusing any corporate money) are stellar and who is a past president of the real reform club in Brooklyn, CBID? They are supporting Brad Lander whose main sources of funding (outside of family) are corporate interests including one of the central figures in the Pensiongate scandal. Yet I see Brad claiming no corporate money. Maybe he doesn't look into where his donors work, but I found several corporate donors that I see creating a conflict of interest that is so common in NYC politics. Corporate interests don't equate to working family interests as far as I can tell. And, rumor has it (been hearing this for some time but now more clearly) Lander is the de facto Vito Lopez candidate in the race. Lander also has support from Hasid Dov Hikind (despite Lander's anti-Israel views). Hikind has previously been a strong advocate of racial profiling (Lander didn't seem so pro-Hikind then), a strong opponent of marriage equality, and made anti-black statements. I wonder how Lander justifies his alliance with Dov Hikind...and I wonder how Hasids justify supporting Lander over the candidate who far more strongly agrees with their views on gays, choice and Israel, John Heyer.

Out of which mess I eagerly support Josh Skaller and WFP has to justify their alliance with corporate interests, the possible link to a key figure in the Pensiongate scandal, links to Hikind, and even yet ANOTHER link to Vito Lopez (more on that if I can get something on record).

And will they call me a machine hack for supporting Diana Reyna (admittedly a former Lopez ally) against Vito Lopez's revenge candidate, Maritza Davilla, put up to punish Reyna for refusing to vote Lopez's way often enough? WFP cannot claim to support independent thinking in politics while supporting a candidate who was specifically put up as revenge for independent thinking...just like now Surrogate Judge Margarita Lopez-Torres was punished for remaining independent of Vito Lopez's cronyism.

Sadly it is hard for me to see how I can take WFP seriously as a force for progress or reform after this year's round of highly questionable endorsements.

BROOKLYN, NY: Clubs, Candidates and Co-ops

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

They are not active yet, and their website isn't built yet, but the domain (and presumably site) for the Bay Ridge Food Co-op have been reserved.

The website will be: http://www.foodcoopofbayridge.com/ (not active yet...put here more so I have the info where I will remember it).

For more info, and if you want to get in at the start, you can call: 347-247-8172


CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES IN BROOKLYN:

Josh Skaller for City Council.

Video of Howard Dean endorsing Josh Skaller:



Josh is a good friend of ours, a solid progressive, and about as honest as you can get. Josh is a long-time organizer for Democracy for New York City, was president of the Central Independent Democrats political club in Brooklyn for two years, and was an early organizer with Brooklyn for Barack. Without taking money from developers, PACs and lobbyists, and while a first-time candidate, he’s the leader in number of donors and second in total dollars in a large field of good candidates. I want to emphasize that this is an amazing accomplishment and shows his organizational skills and potential. I also want to emphasize that it is so rare that the best, most honest and most progressive candidate running is also able to raise the most money.

"Josh has always fought for fiscal responsibility and the progressive solutions needed to reform city government"

--Jim Dean
Chair of Democracy For America (DFA)

It’s a measure of Josh’s hard work, integrity, and just how much people like and believe in him. He’s smart, pragmatic, and works well with others. No small matter in getting it done. He has been endorsed so far by Democracy for NYC, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, local activist and progressive favorite Chris Owens, civil rights attorney and Public Advocate candidate Norm Siegel, and State Senator Eric Adams, among others.

Here is a video from Josh's campaign:



Josh's eclectic background as the son of an environmental scientist and a teacher for the disabled, married to a science teacher, and himself once Associate Director of computer music at Harvard, informs his agenda concerns for education and the environment. He has proposed a green jobs based approach for revitalizing New York's economy.

Josh has been a strong voice against Ratner's plan for Atlantic Yards, as well as other unchecked and unwise development projects, believing environmental sustainability is the key to our prosperity. He advocates a stronger community voice in development decisions and making affordable housing a priority in its own right rather than as simply a bone developers throw the city in exchange for massive subsidies and tax breaks.

Josh alone of the candidates for this district has taken the position of cleaning up Brooklyn’s toxic Gowanus Canal before development progresses. In this he is the only strong candidate in this race I am aware of who is supporting Obama's EPA on declaring the Gowanus a Superfund site. All other candidates have either been silent on this subject or support allowing develpers to procede without clean up. You can read a bit more about this issue here (complete with some disgusting pictures my wife took of the canal).

Here's Josh Skaller Speaking Up for Giving REAL Power to the Parents


33rd City Council District: Jo Anne Simon. You can read my detailed rundown of this race here. Jo Anne has been endorsed by Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats and Lambda Independent Democrats. And here is an interesting article on Jo Anne Simon and Judge Sotomayor

34th City Council District: Diana Reyna. The first woman of Dominican-American descent to be elected to NYC public office. Reyna is being heavily targeted by Brooklyn Boss Vito Lopez because she hasn't gone along with his corruption. Seems to me a certain Surrogate Judge had a similar experience and won when Vito tried to take his revenge. I think we can defeat Vito again. I don't consider Reyna my ideal candidate (she is one of the Bloomberg 29, for example), but I certainly won't support Vito's corruption candidate against her.

35th City Council District: Letitia James wholeheartedly. An amazing woman!

36th City Council District: There are two candidates I have heard good things about. Saquan Jones and Mark Winston Griffith. I am not endorsing in this race, but I do recommend people check out both of these two gentleman and give the one you prefer some support.

38th City Council District: David Galarza has dropped out for personal reasons. I heard the remaining challenger in the race, Robinson Iglesias, speak at CBID. He was not polished and he did not come of as a professional politician. But he came off dedicated, earnest and intelligent. For more about Robinson Iglesias, please visit his website.

40th City Council District: Rock Hackshaw. He is a fellow blogger and his knowledge of Brooklyn politics is amazing. I differ with this guy on some issues. But I know him and his honesty and integrity are exceptional and I think he would be an excellent City Councilman. Since he is running against a guy who lies about being a doctor and is as strange and squirrely as you can get, Rock would be a very welcome change. (No website yet?)

45th City Council District: Two candidates I like. First Terry Hinds. I have three people giving very good recommendations for this guy. But I also think Rod Daley is good and represents a chance to get another educator on the city council.


DFNYC ACTION ALERT ON THE GOWANUS CANAL:

Action: Write the EPA About the Gowanus Canal & Should DFNYC Support Superfund?

It’s not only the banks who are getting stimulus money, the EPA has been given money which will allow them to create new Superfund projects, and the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn is one of the sites under consideration. In the EPA Hazard Ranking System, the minimum score of eligibility is 28.5. The Gowanus scored 50 out of 100 on the very first test.

From the EPA Website: “A result of years of discharges, storm water runoff, sewer outflows and industrial pollutants the Gowanus Canal has become one of the nation's most extensively contaminated water bodies. Contaminants impacting the canal include PCBs, coal tar wastes, heavy metals and volatile organics. The contamination of the canal poses a threat to the nearby residents who use the canal for fishing and recreation." http://www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/npl/gowanus/

So what is the issue? The Mayor and other politicians oppose the Superfund project claiming it may delay development along the waterway. According to them, the developers will do the cleanup in tandem with the city. However, advocates for Superfund argue that the developers will not do the necessary and thorough cleanup that the EPA would. The developers want to avoid the stigma of having the “Superfund” branding and are threatening to pull out of the development project if the Gowanus becomes a Superfund site.

From SuperfundGorwanus.org: “The EPA has the tools to lead a comprehensive and inclusive cleanup. Our community has known for generations that this is a toxic public health hazard. Spot cleanup by developers will not achieve the job necessary for a healthy environment.”

More Information:

Gowanus Canal: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gowanus_Canal

Superfund: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/

NY Times Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/24/science/earth/24gowanus.html

Take Action:

Superfunding to clean up the Gowanus Canal will need Public Support from the community and a reasonable degree of Political Support from our elected officials. The EPA has a public comment period Comment Period which ends on June 8, 2009

1) Go to www.superfundgowanus.org and sign the online petition.

2) Write an email to the EPA (the EPA prefers electronic correspondence). Get instructions at www.superfundgowanus.org.

3) Contact your elected officials and ask them to support Superfund for the Gowanus Canal. Find out how to contact you representatives at: http://dfnyc.org/content/view/3/9/


PLASTIC RECYCLING IN BROOKLYN:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note: We are no longer accepting #2 or #4 type plastics.

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

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

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


Friends & Residents of Greater Gowanus (FROGG)

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

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

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

For more information: FROGGcommunity@earthlink.net


BROOKLYN REFORM DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATIONS:

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

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

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

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

Democracy for NYC in Brooklyn:

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

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

Currently there is only one Brooklyn chapter:

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


DRINKING LIBERALLY IN BROOKLYN:

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

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


FOOD CO-OPS IN BROOKLYN:

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

This is the largest Food Co-op in America. Joy and I are members (as are City Council Candidates Ken Baer and Josh Skaller). Low prices and high quality even if it can be a bit inconvenient at times.

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

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

QUEENS, NY: Democracy for America, Candidates and Drinking Liberally

Reminders about Slasher Monserrate:

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

The Facts on Hiram Monserrate

Marty Golden: Monserrate should resign

Hiram Monserrate: Queens City Douchebag

Hiram Monster Rat


CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES IN QUEENS:

19th City Council District: Steve Behar. I have met Steve at several Democracy for NYC events. Great guy who has worked tirelessly for progressives in NYC and throughout the state.

Here's Steve discussing Small Business:



Here's an article from the Queens Tribune on Steve Behar (PDF)

And here's an article on Steve from the Epoch Times (in Chinese)

Steve Behar has been endorsed by the current City Councilman (and mayoral candidate) Tony Avella as well as by Democracy for NYC and 3-decade Civil Rights champion (and Public Advocate candidate) Norman Siegel.


Marquez Claxton for City Council: A former NYC Police Officer and co-founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, Marq Claxton is running for the City Council District 31 seat in Queens. He is currently the chair of the Public Safety Committee for Community Board 13. He has been endorsed by Eric Adams (who I know and respect) and is being considered by the Working Families Party as a candidate. Here is Eric Adam's endorsement statement:



And here is a statement by Claxton regarding inaccurate crime statistics in NYC.

MARQUEZ CLAXTON ON ROCKAWAY RADIO


Daniel Dromm for City Council: a public school teacher running for the City Council District 25 seat in Queens. He was a founder of the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens and chapter leader of United Federation of Teachers, PS 199Q. He has been endorsed by the United Federation of Teachers, Mark Green, and others. WFP seem to be considering him as well. Dromm received the "Community Service Impact Award" from the Times Ledger Newspapers (2006), the "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" PS 199Q Principal's Award (2006), and the "Citation of Honor" from the Queens Borough President (1995). Seems like exactly the experience we need on the City Council.

Here is a video of Daniel Dromm at Pride '09:



Here is a video of Daniel Dromm protesting the Con Ed rate hikes and inadequate service:




Mel Gagarin: 29th City Council District

This guys sounds pretty exciting given his experience. From his website:

Melquiades Gagarin was born in Elmhurst, Queens to a diverse family background. Mel was raised by his grandmother and mother, a nurse, who emphasized the value of hard work and service to others. Mel carries these values with him into his campaign to represent the 29th Council District.

Mel is a graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School, in Jamaica and received his degree in Political Science from the American University in Washington D.C. After graduation Mel worked for the National Foundation for Women Legislators, a non-profit organization that assists female state legislators develop leadership skills.

In the fall of 2005, Mel and his future wife Aleda returned to New York and moved to Kew Gardens where they would start their family. Mel served as the Communications Liaison to New York State Senator José Serrano before being hired by Congressman Anthony Weiner as his Community Representative. As the Congressman’s Community Representative Mel was dedicated to assisting constituents and working to solve their problems.

Mel now serves as the Media Manager for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, where he is responsible for spreading the organization’s message of equality and justice for all Americans. He lives in Kew Gardens with his wife Aleda, son Micah, and daughter Zoe Frances.

And a video from his website:



And another endorsement I am making in Queens:

24th City Council District: Jim Gennaro. Excellent environmental advocate pushing for more biodiesel in NYC to reduce pollution, and a strong advocate for preserving the safety of our drinking water. No campaign website that I can find, but he is a good guy.


Lesbian & Gay Democratic Club of Queens

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

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

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


Democracy for NYC in Queens:

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

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

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

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

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

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


DRINKING LIBERALLY IN QUEENS:

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

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

BRONX, NY: Green Collar Jobs, Food Co-ops, City Council Candidate

BRONX CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE:

Jerome Rice: 12th City Council District (The Bronx)


Watch Jerome Rice in News  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Here is a statement from Jerome:

Hello, My name is Jerome Rice, I am running to be your next City Councilman for District 12. I am a family man and resident, that attends church in the Bronx, where I serve as both Trustee and Co-chair to Public Safety. I have a Master Degree in Business Administration from Monroe College. I have served 22 years in the New York Army National Guard, before retiring with the rank of First Sergeant. I have a total of 21 years in the NYC Department of Correction, holding the rank of Captain. I have spent the last 13 years in a Civil Rights organization known as 100 Blacks In Law Enforcement Who Care, where I serve as its Director.

I fought against: Wrongful Police Shooting & Policies such as Stop & Frisk, Operation Lucky Bag, Disparate Treatment against Blacks & Hispanic being arrested for lower crime, Privatizing and Re-Zoing of Harlem. Both your Civil Rights and the Bronx are not for sale.

I have been fighting and will continue to fight for those who can't.

Here are some of the concerns, I will address:
Affordable Homes: Why are we allowing homes to be built in our community, that we can't afford? Homes ranging from $350,000-$400,000 and the average income is only $40,000 - $60,000 a year. Lets make homes affordable. Also I will increase inspections and penalties on Landlord that refuse to provide you a comfortable living envirnoment.

Education: I have both created and facilitated informative survival workshops on issues affecting our community such as:
What to do, when stopped by the police
What to do, when you go to court "Because its Just-Us"
Gangs "Our community domestic terrorist'
Disaster awareness "Are you ready" and
Hunting Season "No where to run, No where to hide"

Our Youth should learn in a comfortable learning envirnoment, by ensuring that each school has enough School Safety Officers to patrol our school ground. I will also ensure that each school has Up-To-Date programs to prepare our youth for the REAL WORLD.

Economic Development: Bring in New Business and support existing business. Open more centers for both our senior citizens and youth.

Public Safety- I will call for increase in Police Patrol, in areas that are seriously impacted with crime. I will introduce new programs to educate our youth and senior citizens on issues regarding crime and health.

Here is State Senator Eric Adams' endorsement of Jerome Rice:


Watch Senator Eric Adams Endorses Jerome Rice in Activism & Non-Profit  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com


GREEN JOBS, NOT JAILS

This comes from Sustainable South Bronx.

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

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


La Familia Verde Community Garden:

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

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

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

You can read about their projects here.

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


South Bronx Greenway Project

South Bronx residents have far less open space and waterfront access than other parts of NYC.

The South Bronx Greenway Project (SBG) is a community led plan for a bicycle/pedestrian greenway along the South Bronx waterfront, which will provide much needed open space, waterfront access and opportunities for mixed used economic development.

Majora Carter wrote a $1.25 M federal transportation planning grant to conduct a feasibility study for the Greenway to include the NYC Economic Development Corporation as the government sponsor, SSBx and The Point, CDC as the community partners, and landscape architects Mathews Nielsen. The study provided a unique opportunity for our community to impact design and policy. To date, nearly $30 million is secured for greenway related projects.

The South Bronx Greenway will create bike & pedestrian paths around the Hunts Point and Port Morris waterfront, as well as on-street connections including Hunts Point Riverside Park, the Bazzini Piers, Tiffany St. Pier, and Barretto Point Park, and a connection to Randall's Island Sports Complex.

One reason people struggle with obesity in the South Bronx is the lack of opportunity to exercise safely outdoors. SSBx is developing the South Bronx Greenway to provide safe public space, and create better transportation policy. Integrating traffic calming measures and truck routes that keep trucks away from the residential areas will help integrate physical activity into daily life.

Until the Greenway is built, we are getting people active now!

The South Bronx Active Living Campaign is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Active Living by Design Program. "Active Living" is a public health term which means incorporating physical activity into your daily life. SSBx is developing walking clubs for local residents, including one geared towards parents at PS 48 and one open to any resident who wants to explore Hunts Point history. We are working with local doctors and nurses to create Action Action Plans, similar to Asthma Action Plans that will include advice and information that our local doctors can share with residents about physical activity resources in the neighborhood.

Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects have collected background information on land ownership and site conditions, and conducted surveys and interviews with property and business owners. The City has approved over $10 million to be designated for the Greenway as part of the work of the Hunts Point Task Force, bringing the total of funding for greenway-related projects in the South Bronx to $28.5M over the next few years. SSBx looks forward to moving into the construction phases of the project. First phase projects will include intensive streetscape and bicycle path improvements on Hunts Point Avenue and Lafayette Avenue, two major thoroughfares in Hunts Point; a bridge connecting Randall’s Island and Port Morris under the Hell Gate span; and a new waterfront park adjacent to the new Fulton Fish Market in Hunts Point.

Office: 1231 Lafayette Avenue, 4th Floor • The Bronx, NY 10474
Mailing: 890 Garrison Avenue, 4th Floor • The Bronx, NY 10474
Phone: 646•400•5430 • Fax: 718•617•5228


SOUTH BRONX FOOD CO-OP:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rochester, NY: Democracy for America, Drinking Liberally, Progressive Potlucks, Food Co-op

Here is a Democracy for America Group in Rochester, NY:

DFA Rochester is an organization founded upon the grassroots spirit born in Howard Dean’s campaign to take back our country. We have a year-long history as Rochester For Dean—the local group who concentrated on putting Howard Dean in the White House. While we are mainly Democrats, we welcome everyone.

DFA Rochester is an organization of grassroots leaders who strive to take back our country—one issue at a time…one neighborhood at a time. We work hard to support progressive, honest candidates. We perform community-enriching service through DFA Corps events. We are taking up residence on our town committees. Most important we are both individual voices and a strong collective of voices. Our voices are being heard!

Quite simply we are wherever you are. DFA Rochester serves the greater Rochester area which includes our very active Livingston County, NY group. We are also linked to groups statewide. At present our meetings take place monthly in Rochester and Geneseo. We encourage you to join us and plan meetings in your local area!

Want to get involved?

DFA Rochester is always looking to welcome new members.

Email us today at: dfarochester_at_gmail.com


Green Drinks - Rochester Chapter
Every Fourth Thursday, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Where: Tap & Mallet.at 381 Gregory St. Rochester, NY 585.473.0503

DescriptionGreen Drinks - Rochester Chapter Every month people who work in green business meet up for libations at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. We have a lively mixture of people from academia, government and business. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network. Every Fourth Thursday, 6:00-7:30 PM. Tap & Mallet at 381 Gregory St. Rochester, NY 585.473.0503 In association with US Green Building Council. The event is FREE, with no need to register. http://www.ceinfo.org/ugbn/events.php


DRINKING LIBERALLY ROCHESTER:

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

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


Potluck for Progressives Rochester:

Join us for a community dinner. Everyone is welcome. Bring a dish to pass & your own place setting. Enjoy the bounty that others bring as well.

Downtown United Presbyterian Church
121 North Fitzhugh Street @ 5:30pm
Across from Rochester City Hall.
Free parking in the City Hall parking lot.

At each Potluck we highlight a different Progressive organization and/or activist, talk about our successes, exchange ideas, help each other overcome challenges and/or plan actions together.

The Potluck for Progressives, founded by members of the Rochester chapter of the Alliance for Democracy, has been bringing committed activists together to break bread & coordinate action on a regular basis for the past several years with the goal of building a large progressive coalition in Rochester.

Activists who have a wide range of experience & who's concerns span the entire spectrum from environmental issues to social & economic justice find common ground in the dream of building a powerful local coalition here in our community. Every time we meet together we take another step towards our goal.

To get involved, email here: info@RochesterAlliance.org


Here is a Food Co-op in Rochester, NY:

Abundance Cooperative Market
62 Marshall Street
Rochester, New York 14607
Phone: (585) 454-2667
FAX: (585) 454-0343
info@abundance.coop
http://www.abundance.coop/

Open to the public 7 days a week, Abundance Cooperative Market is Rochester, New York’s only community-owned natural grocery store. We are located at 62 Marshall Street off Monroe Avenue, just 2 blocks from Strong Children’s Museum, with convenient access to I-490, the Inner Loop, and Downtown. Free WI-FI too!

Abundance product selection promotes healthy and sustainable food practices. We offer a wide selection of grocery items (with many vegan & gluten free options) including; bulk goods, fresh organic produce, housewares, health and nutritional supplements, natural body care products, books, gifts, and our own fresh and organic, eat-in deli.

They also have a good list of classes.

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Blogs, 2009 Candidates, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

Here are some articles worth reading:

"Reform" Endorsements in Brooklyn

Democracy for America and Howard Dean Endorse Josh Skaller...and in related news: Assemblyman Jim Brennan Endorses Josh Skaller for City Council.

City Council Candidate Jo Anne Simon and Judge Sotomayor

W.F.P. Makes Lopez A Winner...which I wrote about way before anyone else: WFP Joins IND in Bowing to Vito Lopez

Fresh food for the poor

Albany's Secret Abuse Legislation Battle

Council members cashing in big time

Nadler comes out for public option

Departing MTA chief Sander defends track record

HUGE power play by the Republicans and their two tame Democrats. Interestingly, the two supposed Democrats who betrayed their party are both sleazy as can be. Senator Espada is under investigation by the state Attorney General for misuse of campaign funds. Hiram Monserrate is such a scum he actually stabbed his girlfriend in the face. As far as I am concerned the Republicans can have them. Personally corruption (as in the case of Espanda) is bad enough. But slashing your girlfriend's face (as in the case of Monserrate) is completely unacceptable to me...INTERESTINGLY, the Republicans seem to feel the same about their new ally, Slasher Monserrate: Marty Golden: Monserrate should resign...But there is more to it: What, and who, is behind the New York Senate coup?

Help push the public plan from the states! (New York State that is.)

Government Reform Bill Passes

A Choice in Queens

NY-23: Where The Race Stands In The 23rd

Gehry Dropped from Ratner's Atlantic Yards Project...and the house of cards just keeps collapsing

Shelly Still Blocking Reform...no big surprise. Albany dysfunction will take a long time to fix, but we have begun. But we have to keep pushing.

Katz's conflicts-of-interes...well I've been saying this about Katz for months now.

REMINDER: The Better Schools Act Addresses Mayoral Control

Atlantic Yards Developer Bruce Ratner Tries to Stiff MTA Yet Again...this guy screws taxpayers every chance he gets while begging us for money. Wow...reminds me of some of these banks we've bailed out.

Rattner: Toxic Conflict of Interest; Is the NYT at Risk?...I want to know if David Yassky's Rattner connections are ever going to hit the mainstream media...or even True News! I have blogged about them repeatedly, but no one else wonders if a Comptroller candidate should have such ties with someone involved in such a huge scandal. I should note than in addition to Steve Rattner's brother, another Rattner is helping organize a "women for Yassky" event, so the Yassky-Pensiongate connection seems pretty deep.


NEW YORK BLOGGING:

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

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

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

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

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


Let me highlight some excellent candidates running in New York in 2009: (also see my borough specific sections where I also discuss candidates)

Norm Siegel for Public Advocate
For those of you who live in NYC, let me introduce you to Norman Siegel, one of America's top Civil Rights Lawyers, is running for New York Public Advocate. He has so far been endorsed by Democracy for NYC, Room 8 Blogger Rock Hackshaw, State Senator Eric Adams, and the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats.

Here is Norm Siegel's 14 Point Approach to the Public Advocate's Office:

The backbone of my campaign and my desire to serve as New York City’s Public Advocate is my vision for how this unique elected position – the only position in America that represents the people against the government – can operate as an example of democracy in action. No New Yorker would have to ask “what does the Public Advocate do?” if I were in charge of the office. The City Charter specifies in section 24g, “The public advocate shall establish procedures for receiving and processing complaints, responding to complaints, conducting investigations, and reporting findings, and shall inform the public about such procedures.” Accordingly, I’ve outlined fourteen procedures and approaches I would use to make the office more dynamic and accessible:

1. I will not only contact the appropriate city agencies when it is appropriate, but I will also connect concerned residents and community groups to the appropriate agencies, so they do not get the run-around when trying to deal with city bureaucracies.
2. The Public Advocate has access to the media, and he or she should use it. The Public Advocate’s office will put pressing issues into New York’s papers by writing letters to the editor and opinion editorials on a constant basis.
3. Similarly, our office will hold press conferences to keep New York’s journalists apprised of the problems people are facing, and the work our office and our partners are doing to fix them.
4. A Public Advocate cannot understand the concerns of the City without going directly to the people. That is why we will hold public conferences/town hall meetings throughout the five boroughs to allow residents to give feedback about the difficulties they are facing.
5. Not only will I hold meetings in all five boroughs, but I will also decentralize the office. I would establish satellite Public Advocate offices in each borough, not just the municipal building in downtown Manhattan. No advocate waits for people to come with their problems; advocacy is about taking the first step by reaching out to people in their own neighborhoods.
6. Once a problem has been identified, the Public Advocate’s office will designate a task force to speedily gather information, make recommendations, and if necessary, take action.
7. If a task force is insufficient, I will not hesitate to create Public Advocate Commissions that can hold hearings, issue reports, and bring additional media attention to an issue.
8. If our office identifies an issue that warrants substantial study, we will commission Special Reports and have experts look into those issues.
9. There will be times when new legislation will be required to solve the issues we face. Under my direction, the Public Advocate’s office will be aggressive in recommending and supporting new legislation.
10. As Public Advocate, I will encourage and participate in all protected First Amendment action events, including marches, rallies and protests.
11. One of the most important features of the Public Advocate’s office is its authority to hold public hearings. When dealing with City agencies accused of wrongdoing, one can be assured that holding hearings is a tool I will use liberally. Additionally, New York law allows the Public Advocate to petition for judicial public hearings when there has been any showing of government impropriety, which allows the public to hear the acts in a court of law. As a civil rights attorney representing taxpayers I used this process to bring public attention to the “slush fund” that had been funneling city money to fictitious organizations. That case is currently on appeal in the New York Appellate Division. The incumbent has never asked for judicial hearings, but I will show no such reluctance in exposing government improprieties, such as fraud and corruption.
12. I would create an Institute of Advocacy where the Public Advocate staff would quarterly hold weekend training sessions on the “art of advocacy.” The goal would be to create a citywide network of skilled advocates.
13. To this end, I would recruit, train and supervise hundreds of volunteers (assistant Public Advocates) to participate in weekly intakes at housing developments, public libraries, and senior centers, identifying the systemic issues and recurring grievances that are plaguing city government.
14. As a last resort, the Public Advocate’s office will engage in litigation. We will sue for declaratory judgments, injunctive relief, or, in state court, for a judicial public hearing.

Here's a link to Norm Siegel on NY1.

And here is Youtube footage of Norm Siegel and the NYC Coalition To Preserve Term Limits Press Conference:




More Races: Here is a Facebook Site highlighting some good primary challenges against those City Council members who voted themselves a pay raise then voted themselves a third term in the council over the vote and objections of the voters. In the future I will be highlighting some of these challengers, though for now electing Norm Siegel and Josh Skaller are my main efforts.


Alternative Energy in NY State:

Here are some stats from Repower America:

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

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

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

What you can do for Clean Energy:

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

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

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

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


Here are a handful of Organizations worth checking out:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA MEETINGS IN NY STATE:

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

Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

dfaROCHESTER. And you can check out their website here.

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

Capital District of NY/GenDFA

Democracy for the Hudson Valley

Mid-Hudson Progressive Alliance

Democracy For Westchester

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

North Country Democracy for America

Central New York DFA

Eastern Long Island Democracy for America

Democracy For Saratoga Springs

Kingston Democracy for America

Democracy for Otsego and Delaware Counties

Philipstown for Democracy

DFA: Greene County

Livingston County for Democracy


DEMOCRACY FOR NYC MEETINGS:
First Wednesday of every month.

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

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

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

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

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

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


DRINKING LIBERALLY MEETINGS IN NY STATE:

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

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


New York City, New York:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Silicon Valley Area, CA Events and Food Co-ops

I want to cover some events, Democratic Clubs (below the events) and Co-ops (below the clubs) in the greater Silicon Valley area. Mountain View is one place where I have the most readers, so I want to meet the needs of people in that area. If you have any ideas or things you want included here, please let me know.

First here are some events (from the Silicon Valley Democracy for America calendar and the Santa Clara County Democrats calendar):

Financing a Successful Clean Tech Company in 2009
Jun 16 2009 - Jun 16 2009, San Jose, California

Speakers:
Bob Cart, Founder and CEO, GreenVolts
Paul Douglas, Supervisor, Renewable Procurement and Resource Planning, California Public Utilities Commission
Harold (Hal) O. LaFlash, Director, Emerging Clean Technology Policy, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
Lead Facilitator: Susan Roberts, Vice President, Commercial Banking Group, Citibank

GreenVolts, a leader in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology has raised $45 MM in financing including $30 million in Series B funding from Oak Investment Partners in September 2008. GreenVolts is using these funds to develop its CPV technology and a portion of the funds for its GV1 project, a 2 MW proof of concept power plant, built as part of its 20 year PPA agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric. In addition, GreenVolts secured further funding through the Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission.

Meet the key players including GreenVolts' Founder & Executive Chairman, the CEC who identified GreenVolts as a prime candidate for commercialization and the representative from the CPUC who approved the deal with PG&E. Learn about the company's evolution, how the investment climate has changed since the downturn of the economy and how companies like GreenVolts are turning towards partnerships and alternative sources of funding for future technology development. In addition learn and how the CEC and CPUC are evaluating new concepts and power projects across California.

3-6:30 pm

Environmental Business Cluster

http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=180240

"Dean club" get-together
Event Date: Aug 5, 2009
Event Time: 7:00 PM PDT (10:00 PM EDT)
City: Palo Alto or Los Altos, usually
State: CA
Phone: 650-380-4112

Regular first-Wednesday meeting of the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley. We usually meet in a private home in Palo Alto or Los Altos.

Sign up here for more info.


"Green Mountain View" Community Group

At the recommendation of the Council Environmental Sustainability Committee (CESC), interested community members have formed a new citizen-led group to work with the CESC and City Council/Staff to implement some of the Environmental Sustainability Task Force recommendations. The Green Mountain View group meets on the first Monday of each month, with its next meeting at the following time:

Date & Time: Monday, June 1, 2009, 6:30pm-8:30/9:00pm
Venue: Community Room, Public Library, 585 Franklin Street

Following meeting: Monday, July 6


MOUNTAIN VIEW SOLAR:

Mountain View Solar is an organization, set up by Mountain View Builders, to further its mission of designing and building homes that incorporate renewable energy and sustainable building processes. The main project of Mountain View Solar is the Mountain View Solar House, which serves as an informational and educational resource to encourage the local and wider community to become energy independent. The Mountain View Solar House illustrates that solar and renewable energy technologies are not out of reach for today’s homeowner.


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

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

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

Silicon Valley 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 Democratic Club. Formerly known as the Moorpark Democratic, the Silicon Valley Democratic club prides itself in developing a growing and diverse community with an organized and unifying voice in the political arena. The Club provides a forum for its members to focus, discuss, prioritize positions and promote important issues to our diverse community. Working together, our members help to elect Democratic candidates in local, state, and national elections. Clarence Madrilejos, moorpark_at_sccdp.org. www.moorparkdems.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 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.

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


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/

Orange County, CA Events

I found this amazing round up of events in Orange County, California, thanks to Orange County Democracy for America:

Jun 18 Thursday 7pm, Anaheim: Anaheim Democratic Club: guest speaker will be Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. Join us at 6:00 pm for dinner. At Mimi's on Euclid, just south of the 91 Freeway. For more info: Ken Burke (714) 998-6935

Jun 20 Saturday noon-3pm, Orange: 2nd Annual Unity BBQ! Hart Park - 701 S. Glassell Street, Orange, CA To ensure we have plenty of food and drinks, please RSVP to our office at 714-835-5158 or email info@ocdemocrats.org. Suggested contribution of $5 to cover the cost of food and rentals.

Jun 20 Saturday 2pm, Irvine: AU-OC: Flicks for Thought "Constantine's Sword" Irvine Ranch Water District (Multipurpose Room) 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. (at Waterworks) Irvine, CA 92618

AU-OC is proud to present the documentary, Constantine's Sword as this month's Flick for Thought. This is the story of James Carroll; a former Catholic priest on a journey to confront his past and uncover the roots of religiously inspired violence and war. His search also reveals a growing scandal involving religious infiltration of the U.S. military and the terrible consequences of religion's influence on America's foreign policy. Join us for this powerful and thought provoking documentary and join in the discussion afterwards. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For information contact: Steph Campbell, (714) 299-4551, or e-mail orangecountyau@yahoo.com.

Jun 24 Wednesday 6:30pm, Fountain Valley: Green Valley Community Center, 17250 Los Jardines. Democratic Club of West Orange County: Martin Wisckol "Where Is The Democratic Party of Orange County Going and What the Special Election Results Mean" For more information: dcwoc.org or call (714) 846-5201.

Jun 24 Wednesday 7pm, Newport Beach: Green Lecture: An Inconvenient Truth Enivronmental Nature Center, 1601 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663
isit the ENC to learn more about the planetary emergency of global warming and what YOU can do about it. Join LA County Teacher of the Year John Zavalney for a live presentation of the slideshow that's changing America's mind. After being trained by Mr. Al Gore and his staff, John is on a mission to get the word out about the dangers of global warming and offer suggestions on how we can help solve this crisis. John has won several prestigious educational awards including: The Disney American Teacher Award, The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, the Presidents Council on Environmental Quality Professional Development Award and LA County teacher of the Year. Call 949-645-8489 to RSVP. meetup.com/goinggreenorangecounty/calendar/10090250

Jun 25 (Last Thursday) 7:30pm, Irvine: Amnesty International Group #178 Irvine Monthly Meeting at the Irvine United Congregational Church, 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine.

For more details, see our website. For further information about the meeting, please see our group meeting page. For additional questions, please get in touch with us via our contact page.

Jun 28 Sunday 1:30pm, Irvine: Women For: Orange County: The Politics of School Board Elections. Speaker, Florice Hoffman, attorney and Executive Board Member of the California Democratic Party.

Duck Club: Riparian View, Irvine. Riparian View intersects Michelson between Jamboree Rd. and Culver Dr. From Michelson, turn south toward the open space onto Riparian View. Follow the signs for one mile to the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Jul 5 Saturday 9am, Laguna Woods: Laguna Woods Democratic Club's Annual Luncheon, with John Dean whose latest book, "Blind Ambition - UPDATED EDITION: THE END OF THE STORY," will be featured. Mr. Dean will be available after his talk to autograph that book and some of his previous works. Cost is $22 for members and $25 for guests. Luncheon by Jolanda features an entree choice of cold poached salmon or chicken in basil cream sauce with a vegetarian dish available also. Go to actblue.com/page/demclubluncheon, to make reservations online. This is a secure website managed by ActBlue, which will help the Club keep track of reservations, do all the paperwork necessary, and e-mail a confirmation of each reservation. Call Sylvia Clark at 206-1921 for details. The Luncheon will also feature a Silent Auction.This is the Democratic Club's principal fund-raising event of the year and all Village residents are invited to attend.

Jul 26 Sunday 11am-2pm, San Clemente: Military Families Beach Barbecue to honor the sacrifice of our military families from Camp Pendleton Help us reach out to Blue Star families. We want to give them a fun family day on the beach in San Clemente with a barbecue and games for the kids. San Clemente Beach Email: lori@hedrickforcongres.com

San Diego, CA Events and Co-ops

Below is a list of events in San Diego...followed by a list of Food Co-ops in the San Diego area.

And here is a great calendar of events for San Deigo, California, thanks to the San Diego County Democrats:

2nd Annual Obama Loving Day Potluck BBQ & Pool Party. Sunday, June 14th, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Celebrate Barack's mixed heritage, the Supreme Court Decision that struck down laws against interracial marriage, and the new fight for marriage equality.All kids must have on floaties, and be accompanied by an adult at all times! Bring Items by letter of Last Name A-D Meat, Fish or Veggie Burgers Buns to BBQ; E-G Chips, Snacks, Desserts; H-L Beverages --Water, Beer, Wine, Soda, Kids Drinks; M-P Salads and sides; Q-V Fruits and Veggies; W-Z Ice. Suggested Donation: $10 for Adults, $5 for Kids/Students. At Archstone Pacific View, 5109 Whitman Way, Carlsbad 92008. Info/RSVP at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpcpsl

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, June 17th, from 10:10 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to help register newly naturalized citizens on Join the other volunteers at Golden Hall, Corner of 3rd and B Street. Parking at Horton Plaza. RSVP to Greg Bolan at sdvoter@gmail.com. Note: The San Diego Voter Registration team uses Google Groups to send out volunteer emails. To receive these emails click HERE, and then click on "Join This Group."

Black Mountain Democratic Club Meeting. Thursday, June 18th, 7 PM, Social 6:30 PM. Guest Speaker--Francine Busby, candidate for the 50th Congressional District. Francine will speak about her decision to run for Congress, and what needs to be done to meet the pressing issues of our day. Meeting held at Rec Hall #1, 10550 Caminito Flores, San Diego 92126 (in Mira Mesa). Call Jerry at 858-689-9185 for more information. www.blackmountaindemocrats.org

Council of Clubs meeting. Saturday, June 20th, 10:00 am. Monthly meeting of Democratic Club leadership at SDCDP Headquarters, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Ste. 108. Info: clubs@sddemocrats.org

Progressive Democrats of America (North San Diego County) meeting. Sunday June 21st, 1 PM. Doug Hunter, a computer design expert who is deeply concerned with protecting the "People's Voice" from corporate control, will speak on "The Reason Why We Must Have Internet Neutrality." There will also be a debate about a resolution to call a California constitutional convention to overhaul the state's dysfunctional budgetary process. At the Vista Public Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave. Info: (760)-842-8534.

Progressive Democrats of America (Metro San Diego Chapter) meeting. Monday June 22nd, 7:00 pm (6:30 social/dinner). (Note new date - the 4th Monday of each month). Topics: Single-Payer Health Care, "Focus on Change" online Organizing, and the future of the Anti-War movement in the Democratic Party. At Giovanni's Restaurant, 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego. Info: Mike Copass at california53@gmail.com

Democratic Club of Carlsbad-Oceanside Regular Meeting. Saturday, June 27th, 10 a.m.-noon. Demcco members Zoltan Lucas, MD and William Parks, MD will present the topic of the proposed National Health Care System. Dr Lucas is a retired Physician and Professor of Surgery at Stanford Medical School, and served as a member of the World Health Organization; Dr. Parks, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, had a family practice in Oceanside for many years. Both are members of Physicians for a National Health Program, an organization of 16,000 physicians and health professionals who support a single-payer system. Refreshments.At the Carlsbad Woman's Club, 3320 Monroe St., Carlsbad (4 blocks east of Freeway off Carlsbad Village Dr in the Carlsbad High School area. Info: Robin Friedheim at 760-804-2754 or Rfriedheim@roadrunner.com.

San Diego Democratic Women's Club Picnic for Members and Friends , June 27th, 1 - 4 PM. Please contribute a dish or $5.00 suggested contribution to help defray costs. At the home of Pat Washington and Maggie Allington, 4537 Alamo Drive, San Diego 92115. Info: SDDEMWomen@aol.com or Pat Washington (619) 582-5383.

San Diego Democracy For America Meetup (SD DFA) meeting. Wednesday, July 1st, social at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 pm. Congressman Bob Filner will be speak about the Economy, the stimulus package, healthcare, Iraq War, Afganistan War, and controversies of the day. At Giovanni's Restaurant, 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, SD 92123 (Corner of Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Ruffin Rd. across from Registrar of Voters). Info: Carol (858) 459-7044. or cchangus@san.rr.com.

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, July 22nd, from 10:10 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to help register newly naturalized citizens on Join the other volunteers at Golden Hall, Corner of 3rd and B Street. Parking at Horton Plaza. RSVP to Greg Bolan at sdvoter@gmail.com. Note: The San Diego Voter Registration team uses Google Groups to send out volunteer emails. To receive these emails click HERE, and then click on "Join This Group."

San Diego Democracy For America Meetup (SD DFA) meeting. Wednesday, August 5th, social at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 pm, social at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 pm. Giovanni's Restaurant, 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 92123 (Corner of Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Ruffin Rd. across from Registrar of Voters). Info: Carol (858) 459-7044. or cchangus@san.rr.com.

Naturalization Ceremony Voter Registration. Wednesday, August 19th, from 10:10 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to help register newly naturalized citizens on Join the other volunteers at Golden Hall, Corner of 3rd and B Street. Parking at Horton Plaza. RSVP to Greg Bolan at sdvoter@gmail.com. Note: The San Diego Voter Registration team uses Google Groups to send out volunteer emails. To receive these emails click HERE, and then click on "Join This Group."


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.

June 27: Redding, CA. Campaign Training

Democracy for America Campaign Training in Redding

Event Date: Jun 27, 2009
Event Time: 9:00 AM PDT (12:00 PM EDT)
Venue Name: Shasta College
Address: 11555 Old Oregon Trail
City: Redding
State: CA
Zip Code: 96003

Agenda:

Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Redding this June 27th & 28th:

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign
2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates
3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience
4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events
5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual
6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation
7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign
8. Help elect progressive mayors, city council members and other municipal
offices in 2009
9. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct
10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

Click here to see the training agenda and meet some of our trainers.

Invite Your Friends on Facebook!

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don't worry if you can't afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.

If you have questions you can email us at training(at)democracyforamerica.com or call our DFA Training hotline at: 802-651-3200 x191.

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

BLOGGING CALIFORNIA: Here are some blogs covering California Politics

Calitics is an open source news organization for California.

The Liberal OC covers politics in Orange County.

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

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


Some articles of note:

Democratic Commitment to Fight for Families, Keep Safety Net

Perspective On Tax Increases

The Big Lie Unravels: Westlands Expected to Use 86% of Average Water Supply

Intolerant, Anti-Gay Republican to run for Assembly District 5

LB Port Installs World's First Shoreside Power System & High Speed Rail

Budget Cuts would cancel out federal stimulus dollars...on a related note: Budget plan could doom CalWORKS aid to families, children...doesn't that sound kind of, well, anti-family?

Alternative Budget Proposal Pushes For Reform Rather than Simply Cuts

CalWORKS. We lose $3.7 bln in federal dollars to save $1.8 Bln in state dollars.

Liberal Talk Radio is Back in San Diego

Save $1 Billion In Five Years—End The Death Penalty In California


STONEWALL DEMOCRATS and related organizations in California:

Stonewall Democrats of Los Angeles

Central Valley Stonewall Democratic Club
Stockton, CA

Desert Stonewall Democrats
Cathedral City, CA

Eleanor Roosevelt Stonewall Democrats of Orange County
Santa Anna, CA

Fresno Stonewall Democrats
Fresno, CA

Sacramento Stonewall Democrats
Sacramento, CA

San Diego Democratic Club
San Diego, CA

Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

Stonewall Democrats of Ventura County
Ventura, CA

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.


Alternative Energy in California:

Some statistics from Repower America:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Rocklin
6700 Five Star Blvd
Sacramento, California 95677

* Citrus Heights
7741 Auburn Blvd
Citrus Heights, California 95610

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

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

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

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

* Roseville
999 Sunrise Ave
Roseville, California 95661

* Placerville
151 Main St
Placerville, California 95667


Here are other alternative energy resources for Califorina:

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


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

DFA Marin

Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley

Democratic Club of Coarsegold

DFA - Central Coast

DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties

DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties

Democracy for Monterey County

DFA-Orange County

East Bay for Democracy

Sacramento for Democracy

San Diego for Democracy

(San Fernando) Valley Grassroots for Democracy

San Francisco for Democracy

San Mateo County Democracy for America

Santa Barbara Progressive Coalition

Sonoma County DFA


Here are some local political meetings in California:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mudds Restaurant
$22 per person (meal included)

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

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

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

~~Together, America Can Do Better!~~

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

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

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


Drinking Liberally:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Westside
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Cock and Bull Pub, 2947 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Mary Jack, Robert Coyner, Gisele Perez, Jeremy Bloom, Tami Reiss, Marc Saltzberg and Jim Kennedy, 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

Houston/Harris County, TX. Events

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

Neighborhood Democrats Meeting
Date: Monday June 15, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Java Express, 1026 E. Main, League City
In preparation for the next election cycle, we'll be setting aside our regular monthly meeting to brainstorm ideas for the next 18 months. Also, Tim Tibai will have yard signs available for his L.C. City Council race. Come early and enjoy a sandwich and soup-we need to support Java Express for letting us hold our meetings there for free. For more information about the Neighborhood Democrats Contact Jim & Sylvia Krzmarzick, www.neighborhooddemocrats.org or 281-557-2505

Fort Bend County Democratic Party
Date: Monday June 15, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: 500 Liberty, Richmond, Texas - Jane Long Building
website: www.fbcdp.org

River Oaks Area Democratic (ROAD) Women Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday June 16, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
Location: St. Stephens Church, West Alabama at Woodhead, Houston, Texas
Join the legendary River Oaks Area Democratic (R.O.A.D.) Women at their monthly meeting every third Tuesday at St. Stephens Church, located at West Alabama and Woodhead. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Contact roadway@roadwomen.com for more information.

Southeast Precinct Judges Council
Date: Tuesday June 16, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4605 Wilmington Street @ Cullen
Street: Wilmington @ Cullen
Southeast Precinct Judges Council meeting. For further information contact: Willie Belle Boone, 713/733-5825, wbboone@swbell.net

East End Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday June 16, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: 708 Telephone Rd., Houston,TX 77023
East End Democrats, a Democratic club focusing on the area east of downtown, North of the Gulf Fwy, west of the East Loop and south of Buffalo Bayou, meets the third Tuesday of each month at bohemeo\'s, an art/coffee bar. bohemeo\'s is located just 2 miles south of downtown 708 Telephone Rd. inside the Tlaquepaque Plaza.Coming south on I 45 from DT, take the Cullen exit, turn left on to Cullen, go to Leeland, take a right. After crossing Lockwood take a right onto Tlaquepaque Plaza....go through the arch way and you\'re here!!!!If your coming north on I 45 take the Elgin/Lockwood exit, take a right on Lockwood, before you cross Leeland/Telephone, take a right into The Plaza...you\'ll know when you see the big pink outdoor stage!For more information e-mail judy.craft@gmail.com.

Katy Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday June 16, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Chesterfield Club House, 1707 Briarchester (off Mason at Chesterwick).
Street: Maud Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd.
City/State/Zip: Katy, Texas 77450
Phone: 281-858-7987
NEW MEETING LOCATION: Chesterfield Club House, 1707 Briarchester (off Mason at Chesterwick). 6:30 p.m. social. For more information please visit www.katydemocrats.org or contact Carol Wheeler, President at katydems@hotmail.com or 281-395-0225.

Oak Forest Area Democrats
Date: Wednesday June 17, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Cazadores Mexican Restaurant 11031 Hwy 290 @W 34th
Please note new location. Cazadores is in the Academy shopping center.Leading up to Earth Day this month's theme is The Environment.Join us for a discussion of Houston Regional Air Quality and Legislation. Our guest speaker will be Matthew S. Tejada, PhD.. For more information contact Keith Koski at keithkoski@earthlink.net.

Spring Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Thursday June 18, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Barbara Bush Library 6817 Cypresswood Spring 77379
For information contact Sue Mallott, 281-353-1192 or
smdemocrat@flash.net
Room Change: 2nd floor-Women's Council of Realtors Conference Room

Monthly Meeting of Bay Area Association of Democratic Women
Date: Thursday June 18, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Bay Area Community Center off NASA Road 1, Clear Lake.
Join the Bay Area Association of Democratic Women (BAAD Women) on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bay Area Community Center in Clearlake located at 5002 Nasa Pkwy, Seabook, Texas 77586 (The community center is the building with the blue roof). Membership is open to both men and women. For more info abut BAADWomen, call 832-594-2499 or write to badwomen@gmail.com.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday June 19, 2009
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

West Houston Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday June 20, 2009
Time: 9:45 am - 11:15 am
Location: Tracy Gee Community Center - 3599 Westcenter
Phone: 281-496-9344
Everyone is invited to attend. For more information please contact Buzz Goins, President of the West Houston Democratic Club at 281-496-9344 or cgoins@sbcglobal.net.

Northwest Crossing Area Democrats Meeting
Date: Monday June 22, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Location: Don Jose Mexican Resturant, 5305 Antoine @ Pinemont Dr.
All newly elected democratic judges and and other elected officials, including Sheriff Adrian Garcia are on the invitation list. Come meet and greet, starting at 6:00 p.m. New club officers will be elected at this meeting. For more information email nwcrossingareademocrats@yahoo.com

Harris County Young Democrats General Meeting
Date: Tuesday June 23, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Bohemeos, 708 Telephone Rd., Houston TX 77023
A group of young progressives (ages 14-40) from all walks of life who are unified in dedication to social justice. We meet monthly to discuss political issues and elections, as well as to volunteer for local campaigns and fundraise for local charities.

Harris County Democratic Party Evening Brown Bag: Issues and Answers
Date: Tuesday June 23, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: HCDP 1445 N Loop W, Ste 110, Houston 77008
The Harris County Democratic Party continues its new Evening Brown Bag: Issues and Answers Series by hosting a Candidate Forum for the District H, Houston City Council race. Come and meet the candidates Tuesday, April 28th, 6:30 p.m. at Party Headquarters, 1445 N Loop West, Ste. 110 Houston, Texas 77008. For more information, please contact 713-802-0085.

Spring Branch Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday June 24, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: 2600 N. Gessner, 77080- 2nd Floor Conference Room
Phone: Please RSVP to Chrisina Walsh, President, at crow_2004vote@hotmail.com or call Sylvia at 713-465-3919.
Join the Spring Branch Democrats for their monthly meeting, social begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
TOPIC: TBD
LOCATION: 2600 N. Gessner, 77080-2nd floor conference room.
South of Kempwood. TO THE LEFT OF THE CENTER: Please
enter at the center of the office complex. Upstairs, to the left.
Please RSVP to Chrisina Walsh, President, at crow_2004vote@hotmail.com or call Sylvia at 713-465-3919.

Texas Democratic Women of Fort Bend County Meeting
Date: Wednesday June 24, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugarland, TX
We meet the last Wednesday of each month. For more information e-mail Monica Garcia: TDWFB@aol.com.

Bay Area Association of Democratic Women (BAAD Women)
Date: Thursday June 25, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: 5002 Nasa Pkwy Seabrook, TX 77586 Bay Area Community Center in Clear Lake Park (Bldg with Blue Roof)
BAAD Women meet on the 4th Thursday of Every month at 6:30pm at the Bay Area Commmunity Center in Clear Lake Park. The community center is the building with the blue roof. Contact Diane Rhorer, President at 281-488-5046.

Oil Patch Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday June 25, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: 1445 North Loop West, Ste 110, Houston 77008
Contact Jim Rine at 281-414-1386 for more information.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday June 26, 2009
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

Harris County Young Democrats Happy Hour
Date: Friday June 26, 2009
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Ernie's on Banks, 1010 Banks St. @ Montrose, Houston, TX
Come and meet fellow Young Democrats at our monthly Happy Hour Social. Be sure to bring a friend, or two, or three even! For more info, please contact Conrad at hcyd.webmaster@gmail.com.

Austin/Travis County, TX Events

This comes from the Travis County Democratic Party:

Texas Environmental Democrats www.texasenvironmentaldemocrats.org
Tuesday June 16
Third Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Vinny’s Italian Cafe, 1003 Barton Springs Rd.
Contact: Kedron Touvell, 680-5998 or me@kedrontouvell.com

Southwest Austin Democrats
Wednesday June 17
Third Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. Social; 6:45 Program
Will Hampton Public Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd.
Contact: Albert Gonzales 280-4900 or email4agg@yahoo.com

Black Austin Democrats:
Thursday June 18
Every 3rd Thursday of the Month
Carver Library
1161 Angelina
Austin, Texas 78702

Capital City Young Democrats
Wednesday, July 1
www.capcityyoungdems.org/
First Wednesday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Carver Library, 1161 Angelina
Contact: Ben Simnacher, 576-1679 or bsimnacher@gmail.com

Political Action Book Club
Thursday, July 2
First Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr.
Contact: Patricia Budak, 716-1181 or politicsisit@yahoo.com

Stonewall Democrats
Tuesday July 7
www.stonewallaustin.org
First Tuesday of the month, 7:30 p.m.
The Red House 1917 Manor Rd.
Contact: Rich Bailey, 771-3538 or Rich@stonewallaustin.org

Capital Area Asian American Democrats
Tuesday July 7
First Tuesday of the Month, 6:30pm Eat, Drink, Socialize, 7:00pm Meeting
First Chinese BBQ Restaurant, 10901 N Lamar Blvd.
Contact: Ramey Ko, 577-5729 or ramey.ko@gmail.com

Capital Area Progressive Democrats
Tuesday July 7
www.capdemocrats.org
First Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m.
AFL-CIO, 1106 Lavaca
Contact: Jerry Garcia, 940-9677 or jerrygarcia2008@yahoo.com

West Austin Democrats
Wednesday, July 8
www.westaustindemocrats.org
Second Wednesday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd
Contact: Chris Dietche, 481-1424 or cdietche@mindspring.com

Capital Area Democratic Women
Thursday July 9
Second Thursday of the month, 11:30 a.m. networking, 12:00 p.m. lunch
Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 1501 E. 6th St.
Contact: Laurie Felker Jones, 554-6219 or cadw@cadw.org

South Austin Democrats
Tuesday, July 14
www.southaustindems.org
Second Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m. Eat and socialize, 6:00 Program
Casa Garcia’s Restaurant, 1000 S. Lamar
Contact: Richard Arriola at 775-4154 or richard.arriola@sbcglobal.net

Lake Travis Democrats
Tuesday, July 14
www.laketravisdemocrats.org
Second Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek Rd.
Contact: Judy Donohue, 531-9804 or jdonohue@austin.rr.com

Southwest Austin Democrats
Wednesday, July 15
Third Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. Social; 6:45 Program
Will Hampton Public Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd.
Contact: Albert Gonzales 280-4900 or email4agg@yahoo.com

Black Austin Democrats
Thursday July 16
www.blackaustindemocrats.net
Third Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Victory Grill, 1104 E 11th St
Contact: Fred McGhee president@blackaustindemocrats.net

Texas Environmental Democrats
Tuesday, July 21
www.texasenvironmentaldemocrats.org
Third Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Vinny’s Italian Cafe, 1003 Barton Springs Rd.
Contact: Kedron Touvell, 680-5998 or me@kedrontouvell.com

Northeast Travis County Democrats
Thursday, July 28
Last Tuesday of the month, 6:30 Meet and Greet; 7:00 p.m. Meeting starts
Travis County Community Center in Pflugerville, 15822 Foothill Farms Loop
Contact: Dave Taylor, 251-4645 or mrdave9735@aol.com

Dallas County, TX Focus

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

Dallas Young Democrats July General Meeting
July 14, 2009 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Gezellig
2010-C Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206

Join DCYD for our monthly meeting.

Irving Democrats
6/16/2009 6:30 PM
The regular meeting of the Irving Democratic Club (IDC) is scheduled to meet at 6:30 pm. on January 20, 2009, at the Rancho Restaurant. The program, which begins at 7 p.m. will feature Nancy Jones, Irving School Board Trustee, to discuss the school district and hopes for action of the Texas Legislature. Ms. Jones, elected in May of 2008, comes with a fresh perspective on serving the students of IISD.

Texas Coalition of Black Democrats - Monthly Meeting
6/16/2009 6:30 PM
Moorland YMCA
907 E. Ledbetter Rd.
Dallas, TX 75216

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
6/16/2009 6:30 PM
Ojeda's Restaurant
4617 Maple Ave
Dallas, TX

NW Dallas County Democrats
6/17/2009 7:30 PM
Meets 3rd Wednesday of every month
Taco Cabana, 11824 Webb Chapel Rd (at LBJ) Farmers Branch

North Oak Cliff Democrats Breakfast at Norma's Cafe
6/20/2009 8:30 AM
3rd Saturday Monthly breakfast at Norma's Cafe in the east room (that requires a right turn when you walk in the door....sorry). Come by for a casual breakfast with Democrats of North Oak Cliff. No agenda, no minutes, just a relaxed social opportunity. Meet your neighbors and local candidates.

Most folks show up around 9 or so. Some of us at 8:30. Stay until 10 or so. Don't waffle around, we eggspect your support!

Norma's Cafe 1123 W Davis St at N. Winnetka Dallas 75208

Lake Highlands White Rock Democrats
Begin:
6/20/2009 11:00 AM
End:
6/20/2009 1:00 PM
Description:
Join us for our annual picnic at White Rock Lake. We'll have grilled dogs and all of the fixings. Representatives Allen Vaught, Carol Kent and Terri Hodge will give us a legislative update on what did and didn't happen in Austin.

The Stone Tables at White Rock
600 E. Lawther Drive
(Near Lake Highlands Drive @ Buckner Blvd.)

$5.00 for members & first time guest free
The Stone Tables at White Rock Lake, 600 E. Lawther Drive
Contact Phone: Tim Sexton 214-320-8388
Contact Email: lhwrdems@yahoogroups.com

Richardson / North Dallas Democrats
6/23/2009 7:00 PM
The Richardson/North Dallas Democrats meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Chuck's, Northwest corner of Arapaho and Coit
Contact Phone: Evan Thomas 972-644-1041
Contact Email: evanthomas75081@yahoo.com

Dallas County East Democrats (DACED)
6/24/2009 7:00 PM
Meets the last Wednesday of each month at Paula Sue's Diner, 11915 Lake June Road, Balch Springs, TX, 75180. Mapsco 59A_J (NE corner of Lake June and Hickory Tree Roads). This club serves SE Dallas (Pleasant Grove and Kleberg/Rylie), Mesquite, Seagoville, and Balch Springs.

Stonewall Democrats of Denton County
6/25/2009 7:00 PM
Monthly meeting of LGBT and allied Democrats in Denton County www.stonewalldemocratsofdentoncounty.org
Landmark Grill, 1297 FM 407 (Justin Rd), Lewisville TX

North Dallas Texas Democratic Women Summer Party
6/27/2009 6:00 PM
You know our parties are the best. Great food, great conversation, and this time we add great music for dancing in the spectacular back yard at Diane McQuarie and Paul Wilson's lovely home. Check back for further details.
10898 Crooked Creek, Dallas, TX 75229
(972) 732-7712

Park Cities / Central Dallas Democrats
7/4/2009 10:30 AM
Usually meets the 1st Saturday of each month.
Location: Oak Lawn Public Library

President/Contact Mary Warren, 214-522-1389
Location:
4100 Cedar Springs Rd. 75219

Preston Hollow Democrats
7/9/2009 6:30 PM
Preston Hollow Democrats are invited to meet at Popolo's restaurant to celebrate our victories and plan for the future! Please call Roger Grape at 214-502-7084 to RSVP so that we can tell Popolo's how many to expect.
Popolo's Restaurant at Preston and Royal

Dallas County Young Democrats
7/14/2009 7:00 PM
Dallas County Young Democrats
Zubar
for more information please visit www.dallasyoungdemocrats.org
2012 Greenville Ave.

NW Dallas County Democrats
7/15/2009 7:30 PM
Meets 3rd Wednesday of every month
Taco Cabana, 11824 Webb Chapel Rd (at LBJ) Farmers Branch

Drinking Liberally Addison
7/16/2009 6:00 PM
Join this social liberal drinking club at The Quarter in Addison. Promoting democracy one pint at a time. http://livingliberally.org for more info
The Quarter, 15201 Addison Rd, Addison TX 75001

Coppell Democrats
7/16/2009 7:00 PM
The Coppell Democrats will meet on the third Thursdays of odd-numbered months at 7 p.m. at Siena Pasta & Pizza, 780 S Macarthur Blvd # 100, Coppell (new location).
Siena Pasta & Pizza, 780 S Macarthur Blvd # 100, Coppell

North Oak Cliff Democrats Breakfast at Norma's Cafe
7/18/2009 8:30 AM
3rd Saturday Monthly breakfast at Norma's Cafe in the east room (that requires a right turn when you walk in the door....sorry). Come by for a casual breakfast with Democrats of North Oak Cliff. No agenda, no minutes, just a relaxed social opportunity. Meet your neighbors and local candidates.

Most folks show up around 9 or so. Some of us at 8:30. Stay until 10 or so. Don't waffle around, we eggspect your support!
Norma's Cafe 1123 W Davis St at N. Winnetka Dallas 75208

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
7/21/2009 6:30 PM
Ojeda's Restaurant
4617 Maple Ave
Dallas, TX

Texas Coalition of Black Democrats - Monthly Meeting
7/21/2009 6:30 PM
Moorland YMCA
907 E. Ledbetter Rd.
Dallas, TX 75216

Irving Democrats
7/21/2009 6:30 PM
The regular meeting of the Irving Democratic Club (IDC) is scheduled to meet at 6:30 pm. on January 20, 2009, at the Rancho Restaurant. The program, which begins at 7 p.m. will feature Nancy Jones, Irving School Board Trustee, to discuss the school district and hopes for action of the Texas Legislature. Ms. Jones, elected in May of 2008, comes with a fresh perspective on serving the students of IISD.

Designated an official Inauguration Festivity Gathering, guests will watch the Inauguration Events on the big screen television following Trustee Jones’ presentation. Rancho Restaurant is located at 1210 East Irving Blvd., east of Nursery Street, on the south side of the street. Convenient parking is located at the rear and on the east side of the building.

Rancho Restaurant 1210 East Irving Blvd

Stonewall Democrats of Denton County
7/23/2009 7:00 PM
Monthly meeting of LGBT and allied Democrats in Denton County www.stonewalldemocratsofdentoncounty.org
Landmark Grill, 1297 FM 407 (Justin Rd), Lewisville TX

Richardson / North Dallas Democrats
7/28/2009 7:00 PM
The Richardson/North Dallas Democrats meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Chuck's, Northwest corner of Arapaho and Coit
Every 1 month(s) on the fourth Tuesday
Evan Thomas 972-644-1041
evanthomas75081@yahoo.com

Dallas County East Democrats (DACED)
7/29/2009 7:00 PM
Meets the last Wednesday of each month at Paula Sue's Diner, 11915 Lake June Road, Balch Springs, TX, 75180. Mapsco 59A_J (NE corner of Lake June and Hickory Tree Roads). This club serves SE Dallas (Pleasant Grove and Kleberg/Rylie), Mesquite, Seagoville, and Balch Springs.


DALLAS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

More organizations can be found here.

TEXAS FOCUS: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

BLOGGING TEXAS:

The Burnt Orange Report is a good blog source of news and politics in Texas.

Dos Centavos covers Chicano socio-political discourse in Texas. (new web address and design)

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

North Texas Liberal covers the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

To the Left of College Station: A Liberal Voice in a Conservative Community

Dallas Progress: "Named a "Best of Big D" New Media Star by D Magazine, I write about politics, development, and whatever else comes to mind."


Some Stories of Interest:

John Cornyn racks up highest travel bill in the US Senate.

The Best and Worst Legislators 2009

Ed Gonzales Wins District H Runoff for Houston City Council...on a related note: Congratulations to Council Member-Elect Ed Gonzalez

Wells Fargo racism: Bank Accused of Pushing Mortgage Deals on Blacks

Rodriguez Has Banner Year in House; Hints at Higher Office

Mayor-Elect Lee Leffingwell Negotiates Deal with Police Association

TEXAS: Harris County (Houston) voter registrar scandal

diversity is a good thing: why sonia sotomayor is a good pick for supreme court

And Now, A Word From…Ed Gonzalez...and on a related note: Houston Chronicle has once again endorsed Ed Gonzalez in the run-off to fill the vacancy in City Council District H

John Cornyn Gives Up on Filibuster Threat...funny how Republicans whined when Democrats threatened a filibuster. Now they are threatening it themselves. But they don't have the numbers, of course.

Exoneration punctuates need for eyewitness ID reform

Texas Voters Support Climate Change Bill, According to Survey


Here are some alternative energy groups and events:

Some statistics from Repower America:

* Texas' wind energy accounts for close to one-third of the nation's total installed wind capacity.

* If Texas' solar potential was fully realized, the state could generate up to 40% of its electricity from rooftop applications, as well as 70% from solar thermal systems.

* The state's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power almost 30,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $51 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 46,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

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 Texas, 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.

Texas Solar Energy Society: The TXSES mission is : To increase awareness of the potential of solar energy and other renewable energy applications and to promote the wise use of sustainable and non-polluting resources. Find local chapters here. Check out their calendar for upcoming events.

The Dallas Progressive Alternative Energy Meetup Group
Want to know when and where this meeting is? Sign up for this Meetup.

The foremost purpose of The Dallas Alternative Energy Meetup Group is to bring together individuals seeking better, cleaner, more economical energy methods and technical experts working in the field of solar, wind, water, geothermal and other renewable sources to gain knowlege and how to use that knowledge. Any individual that has family or friends who live and breath air, those who live in a home, apartment, condo or townhouse as well as those who own automobiles or any other energy powered machinery would be well served to visit our monthly meetups.

Sign up to find out when a meeting is scheduled

Texas Wind Energy Group (Austin)

This group is to discuss the role of wind power in Texas. Who should attend?

-citizens interested in learning about wind
-homeowners and landowners
-wind industry professionals
-wind industry job-seekers
-investors
-anyone who feels they can contribute to the group

Go here to find out more info, sign up, and find out when and where the next meeting is.

Alternative Energy Resources in Texas: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Texas. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

Texas Food Co-ops:

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. Here are a few co-ops I could find in Texas:

Wheatsville Food Co-op
3101 Guadalupe
Austin, Texas 78705
Phone: (512) 478-2667
FAX: (512) 478-2081
gm@wheatsville.com
http://www.wheatsville.com

The purpose of Wheatsville is to create a self-reliant, self-empowering community of people that will grow and promote a transformation of society toward cooperation, justice, and nonexploitation.

Wheatsville's mission is to serve a broad range of people by providing them goods and services and by using efficient methods which avoid exploitation of the producer and the environment.

The Sustainable Food Center/Austin Community Gardens Not a food co-op per se, but related.

1106 Clayton Lane
Suite 480W
Austin, Texas 78723

Phone (512) 236-0074
Fax (512) 236-0098

http://www.sustainablefoodcenter.org/

From seed to table, SFC creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and to participate in a vibrant local food system. Through organic food gardening, relationships with area farmers, interactive cooking classes and nutrition education, children and adults have increased access to locally grown food and are empowered to improve the long-term health of Central Texans and our environment.

Sustainable Food Center works to create a food secure community by improving access to local, healthy and affordable food for children and adults in Central Texas. Our community and youth gardens, Farmer's Market Initiative, and cooking and nutrition education classes benefit an estimated 20,000 Central Texans annually.

The focus of this mission is to supply high-quality food and nondoctrinaire information about food to the people in Austin, Texas.

"Best of the Blessed" Healthy Food Co-op
2900 Mistywood Lane
Denton, Texas 76209
Phone: (940) 380-0787
hardiehome@netscape.com

Central City Co-op
2115 Taft
Houston, Texas 77006
Phone: (713) 524-9408
FAX: (713) 520-9813
yaya@wt.net
http://www.centralcityco-op.org/

Imagine communities of people coming together each week in different parts of the city to purchase high quality, organic food at reasonable prices. This was the dream of Jennifer Georgantas and Patricia Greer in September 2001 as the idea for Central City Co-op was born. With the help of numerous volunteers both then and now, the dream has become a reality.

We believe that everyone has a divine right to organic food and that organic food should be available at reasonable prices--that one day there will be co-ops throughout the city that provide locally grown, high quality, organic produce to people on a weekly basis. We offer as much produce as possible from local sources that embrace the practice of compassionate and chemical free growing.

Central City Co-op offers a space--if only for a moment--where people come together as a community. Join us!

Keller Texas Produce Co-op
1401 Briar Meadow Dr.
Keller, Texas 76248
Phone: (817) 284-2433
Monic@yourhealthsource.org


And here are some groups and meetings:

The Texas Fair Trade Coalition (TFTC) is a diverse, nonpartisan, coalition of unions, environmental advocacy groups, consumer groups, family farmers, religious organizations, women's advocacy groups, low-income and immigrant advocacy groups, professors, students, public interest and fair trade groups. TFTC promotes democratic control over fiscal and social policies, social justice, workers' rights and livable wages, and sustainable development in trade policy, in Texas and worldwide.

Monthly Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake Democrats Meeting
The CGS Democrats meet the second Thursday of each month at different locations around our three cities. Arrive at 6:30pm to socialize and eat dinner or at 7:00pm to meet.

Central Market (Southlake, TX)
Hwy 1709
Southlake, TX 76092

Meet with other local Democrats, listen to special guests speakers, and learn how to participate in the poltical process. We have a lot of fun networking and learning how to activate our voters.

Meeting agendas are posted at the club Website one week in advance of the meeting date at
http://www.cgsdemocrats.com

Look for us in the community room of the Central Market store. It is a nice meeting room and works out nicely. Call if you need directions: (817)939-5671

Lake Area Democratic Club (Social)
A gathering of Democrats and anyone interested in the democratic process.
Location: Seven Points Dairy Queen (Seven Points, TX)
Directions: On hwy 85 just west of hwy 274

We meet at the Seven Points Dairy Queen at 6PM 3rd Tuesday of each month. Come join us and dine at the Queen and have fun while we work to get our county, state, and country back in shape.

Call 214-683-2811 for more information.

Stonewall Democrats is an organization of politically active individuals working for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community. Here are some local chapters in Texas:

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

Stonewall Democrats of Austin

Stonewall Democrats of Houston

Stonewall Democrats of Collin County

Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats


Here are the Texas Drinking Liberally groups for those who like to socialize with fellow Liberals:

Austin, Texas
* Every Tuesday, 6:30 pm onward
* The Dog and Duck Pub, 406 W 17th St (at Guadalupe)
* Hosted by Ben Andrews, austin (at) drinkingliberally.org

Corpus Christi, Texas
* Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Cassidy's Irish Pub, 601 N Water St
* Hosted by Teresa Klein and Jim Klein, corpuschristi (at) drinkingliberally.org


Dallas
* Second Friday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* The Stoneleigh P, 2926 Maple Ave (at Wolf across from the historic Stoneleigh Hotel)
* Check out our blog for announcements of Eating Liberally, Screening Liberally, Drinking Coffee Liberally and other nonsmoker-friendly gatherings. Also, please "friend" us at MySpace.com/DallasDrinkingLiberally.
* Hosted by Melissa Morgan, dallas (at) drinkingliberally.org

Addison
* Third Thursday of each month, 6pm until 8pm
* The Quarter, 15201 Addison Rd (next to Sambuca)
* http://www.myspace.com/addisondl
* There is road construction! However, Addison Rd is now re-opened in both directions for the time being.
* Hosted by John McClelland and Erica Stockbridge, addison (at) drinkingliberally.org

Mid-Cities
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward
* Esparza's Tequila Factory and Grill, 3314 Harwood Rd, Bedford
* Hosted by Kathleen Thompson and Todd Hill, midcities (at) drinkingliberally.org

El Paso, Texas
* Third Tuesday of each month, 6:00 pm to 8:00pm
* Hemmingways, 214 Cincinnati Ave
* Hosted by Michael Apodaca and Lily Ruiz, elpaso (at) drinkingliberally.org

Houston, Texas
* First Thursday of each month, 7 PM onward
* Dog House Tavern, 2517 Bagby St
* TRYING SOMETHING NEW. GOING TO MEET 1ST THURS FOR A FEW MONTHS.
* Visit or post on the Houston forum: http://drinkingliberally.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=6
* Hosted by David Robertson, houston (at) drinkingliberally.org


New Braunfels, Texas
* Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Black Whale, On the Plaza in Downtown New Braunfels
* Hosted by Steve Woolbert and Greg Woodall, newbraunfels (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Antonio, Texas
* Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* The Cove, 606 W Cypress St (The Cove is located just west of San Pedro, where Cypress runs into Fredericksburg.)
* Hosted by Bill Livermore, Livi Bogrand and Ned Allen, sanantonio (at) drinkingliberally.org

Waxahachie, Texas
* Every Thursday, 6:30 pm
* Library Lounge, downstairs in the Rogers Hotel, 100 E Main St (Take the elevator or stairs from lobby)
* Location changes from time to time. Be on the email for updates!
* Food available; no smoking. Conversation-friendly environment!
* Hosted by Nathalie Guyol, waxahachie (at) drinkingliberally.org

New Jersey Young Democrats Convention

oin us on Saturday, June 20, 2009
for the NJ Young Democrats State Convention

12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Burlington County Democratic Committee HQ
7000 Atrium Way, Suite 7 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

Join the New Jersey Young Democrats for our bi-annual state convention. Young Democrats from all across the state will join together for informational sessions, trainings, speakers, and election of officers for the 2009-2011 term.

The cost for the event is $20/person (or $25 at the door).

John Adler has been invited to speak. An event schedule and more information is forthcoming. In the meantime if you have any questions please feel free to contact us at newjerseyyds@yahoo.com

Register here.

NJ-5 District: “Take the Fifth" PAC

Repeated from last week.

I want to continue my focus on the NJ-5 district which is represented by a right wing extremist who I have in my sights because he was one of 11 Republicans who voted against funding to help Katrina victims. He also is just plain a lousy politician and an embarassment to New Jersey.

Last week I focused on RetireGarrett.com. This week I want to focus on “Take the Fifth” PAC.

The “Take the Fifth” PAC will help raise funds to more effectively deliver the message that Scott Garrett is unfit to serve in Congress. Ultimately it will assist in the campaign of the Democratic candidate who opposes Garrett in the 2010 election. In George’s words, here is how the “Take the Fifth” PAC will function:

Take the 5th is an all-volunteer, non-profit PAC. Our mission is to unseat Scott Garrett as 5th district NJ Congressman by alerting the electorate of his extreme positions and voting record:

o Garrett is one of the most ultra conservative members of the “House” and is unrepresentative of, and unresponsive to, the citizens of this district.
o Voters are unaware of the wide range of extreme right wing positions he’s taken.
o With Republicans and Democrats about evenly divided in the NJ caucus, he is frequently outvoted twelve to one. GARRETT is the ODD MAN OUT!
o His votes and positions favor the wealthiest 1% of individuals and the most powerful global corporations to the detriment of small businesses, the middle class, working Americans, children and seniors.
o Garret consistently opposes most aid to public education, to the poor, elderly and disaster stricken, to veterans, to scientific and medical research and care.
o He favored the war in Iraq but voted against adequate supplies, armament and protection for our troops.
o He was the only congressman in the entire Northeast to vote against extending the voting rights act.
o He votes so consistently to try to defeat measures that are good for the district, the state and the country that he should be called CONGRESSMAN NO!

We need volunteers to:
- Compile mailing lists, email addresses, phone numbers,
- Research Garrett’s voting history in Washington and Trenton,
- Compile an extensive file on Garrett’s voting record,
- Build a database organized for greatest impact for target audiences,
- Update and improve our web site and our text messaging capability,
- Raise funds to get Garrett’s record to voters and donors,
- Recruit more volunteers to further disseminate Garrett’s record.

It won’t take much persuasion to recruit any volunteer to stop Garrett from doing more harm. No one will be asked to perform more than the time available.
We can retire CONGRESSMAN NO. Until now, his opponents have focused on his negatives. A vigorous campaign conducted by Take the 5th alerting all to Garrett’s record will permit his next opponent to focus on his/her own positives.

To help out, contact: George Hertzberg 201.767.9411 hertzberg1@verizon.net

You can also donate to help whoever wins the next Democratic primary in the NJ-5 district through my Katrina 11 site.

Sussex County, NJ Events, Organizations, and Food Co-op

First I list some events...then I highlight some Sussex County organizations and the Sussex County Food Co-op.

Here are some events from the Sussex County Democratic Party Calendar and the Sussex County website:

Tuesday, June 09, 2009
SCDC REORGANIZATION
Location: Hampton Diner
Route 206 north of Newton
Hampton Twp
Time: 7:30 pm
Bi-annual reorganization of the newly elected/re-elected Sussex County Democratic Committee.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DATE CHANGE!
Contact: 800.WIN.SCDC Email: info@sussexdems.com

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Stanhope's Spring Fest
Location: Main Street
Stanhope Borough
Time: noon - 6pm
Join Stanhope Dems and Mike Depew, who is running for re-election to the Council, at the Borough's Spring Fest. Main Street is blocked off and the event is attended by several thousand who enjoy food, music, shopping -- and, of course, this year will be treated to the Stanhope Dems' booth!
Contact: Nick Bielanowski, StanhopeDemChair 973.347.5819 Email: ncbiel@verizon.net

The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee Meeting
June 16, 7:30 p.m. at the Nordic House (formerly the Internat Cafe) 233 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462.

Organic & Biodynamic Gardening @ Main Library
June 27, 2009

Organic and Biodynamic Gardening Methods!
Did you know that current agricultural practices destroy about 6 pounds of soil for each pound of food produced? Sustainable agriculture retains the soil's value. Rather than deplete the soil, we need to heal the earth's soil.

Learn how to use the Grow Biointensive Method of farming. Learn the difference between conventional farming and gardening, and biologically intensive farming as well as how to stop growing crops and start growing soil.
Presented by Linda Grinthal of Sunset View Farm in Andover Twp. This adult program lasts about 1 hour.
When: 1:00 PM
Where: Main Library

The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee Meeting
July 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Nordic House (formerly the Internat Cafe) 233 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462.

The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee Meeting
August 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Nordic House (formerly the Internat Cafe) 233 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462.

The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee Meeting
September 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Nordic House (formerly the Internat Cafe) 233 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009
General Election
Location: your voting district
cast your vote for our 2 Assembly candidates,2 Freeholder candidates, County Surrogate & municipal candidates


Northwest New Jersey for Democracy
If you are a progressive Democrat or Independent living in Northwest NJ, you know that like-minded neighbors might be hard to find. Maybe it seems that this red part of a blue state is an island of conservative thinking. But - you are not alone, there are plenty of us, and we aren't afraid to be heard.

Join the group.

Join the discussion at our Yahoo! Group.

Other local resources:
Warren County Democratic Committee
Morris County Democratic Committee
Sussex County Democratic Committee


The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee

The Vernon Township Democratic Municipal Committee is the Vernon branch of the Sussex County Democratic Committee. Our mission is to promote the Democratic cause and develop the local Democratic organization to help elect Democrats at all levels of government. While we are naturally particularly interested in local Vernon government, we are also concerned with county, state, and national affairs.

Although voting membership is by election or appointment, meetings are open to all, and you don't have to be a voting member to be active in the Committee's work. There are committee openings in some districts, so if you are interested in serving as a committee member let us know.

The VTDMC meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Nordic House (formerly the Internat Cafe) 233 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462. except as noted. In addition, events of interest coming up in the next few months are listed below.


Sussex County Food Co-op
30 Moran Street
Newton, New Jersey 07860
Phone: (973) 579-1882
scfc@beithe.com
http://www.sussexcountyfoods.org/

(email doesn't work?)

We at the Sussex County Food Co-op believe in the positive association between good food and good health. We are dedicated to providing our members and customers with high quality products -- with emphasis on organic, Biodynamic and locally-produced food suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. We welcome special orders for goods not usually found in conventional food stores. We strive for first-rate customer service, and truth in advertising. Another goal is to educate our members and the public. The Sussex County Food Co-op pledges to provide our patrons with good-for-you food at good-to-you prices!

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Blogs, Food Co-ops, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

Here are some stories of interest:

Welcoming our National Guard Troops home

Newspaper backs LLANJ in Freehold incident...and more: Hearing set for alleged Freehold police brutality incident

Budget bills released

Chris Christie in his own words

NJ National Guard Troops finally start coming home! Thank you Obama!

First Hispanic Councilwoman in Jersey City is Committed to Education

Study says NJ Latinos support gay marriage


NEW JERSEY BLOGGING: Blue Jersey is a great source for the latest in New Jersey politics.

LatinosNJ.com – a website designed for and about New Jersey Latinos who number almost 1.5 million – provides the latest news and issues, and features blogs and columns from Latino leaders and experts in various fields such as health, education, business, and immigration.

Green Jersey is an environmental news blog that’s based in, and all about, New Jersey. Its blogger-editor is Jennifer Weiss, a New Jersey-based journalist.

Every Saturday Morning: Blue Jersey Radio
Saturdays 10:30 - 11:00

Listen Live every Saturday morning from 10:30a-11:00a - or download the podcast anytime to listen to the latest hot topics, gossip and opinion on New Jersey politics with hosts Jeff Gardner and Jay Lassiter.

Click here to listen!


New Jersey for Democracy:
Howard Dean started the strategy that won big in 2006 and 2008. Let's continue to the tradition. Here are the local Democracy for America groups in New Jersey:

North Jersey -

Bergen County
meets at the Ethical Culture Society
687 Larch Ave
Teaneck, NJ 07666
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/bergen

Essex County
Cryan's Beef & Ale House
24 First Street
South Orange, NJ 07079
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/essex

Hudson County
The Hard Grove Cafe
319 Grove St.
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201-451-1853
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/hudson
(First Wednesday of the Month, 7:30pm)

Morris County
Morris County Democratic Headquarters
11 Washington St
Morristown, NJ 07960
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/morris

Passaic County
Puzo's Restaurant (Upstairs)
4 Garfield Ave.
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/passaic
(First Thursday of the Month)

Union County
Rockin Joe Cafe
20 Prospect Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
908-232-1660
RSVP at Union Meetup

Warren County
MS Health Software Corp
605 Grand Ave.
Hackettstown, NJ
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/nwnj

Central Jersey -

Hunterdon County
Friendly Grounds Coffee
36 Mine St.
Flemington, NJ
908-788-8983
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/hunterdon

Mercer County
Carl A Fields Center
86 Olden Street
(Corner of Olden St and Prospect Ave on Princeton Univ campus)
Princeton, NJ
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/mercercounty
(please check DFA-Link for schedule)

Middlesex County
Panera Bread
1551 Route 1 South
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 516-1611
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/middlesexNJ

Monmouth County
Racioppi's Kitchen
107 Oakland St. (at the train station at Bridge Ave.)
Red Bank, NJ
(917) 863-2408
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/monmouth

Somerset County
Somerset County Complex
40 North Bridge St. (off of High)
Somerville, NJ
RSVP at Somerset Meetup
(Second or Third Tuesday of the Month)

South Jersey -

Camden County
Haddon Township Library
15 MacArthur Blvd
Westmont, NJ 08108
856-854-2752
RSVP at Progressive Democracy South Jersey
4th Tues. of month

Gloucester County
RSVP at Democracy for Gloucester County
(Please check DFA-Link for date & location)

Ocean County
Joshua Huddy Brew Pub and Grill
1250 Hooper Ave.
Toms River
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/oceancounty
(First Tuesday of the Month)


NEW JERSEY FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in New Jersey:

Purple Dragon Co-op
289 Washington Street
Glen Ridge, New Jersey 07028
Phone: (973) 429-0391
FAX: (732) 247-0103
http://www.purpledragon.com/

Purple Dragon Co-op was formed in 1987 to bring natural foods into our area at prices closer to wholesale. In 1989, we began working to improve the availability of exquisitely fresh organic produce for our members. Janit London, a songwriter and veteran of many food co-ops, with 20 years’ experience in the Natural Foods business, designed Purple Dragon’s unique format, i.e., a new low-labor co-op model that works for today’s busy families.

Purple Dragon originated the idea of a mixed produce variety basket that has been copied all over our area and has become a national trend. We buy from many local organic and some ecological farmers and work closely with them to support their efforts to grow food in an ecologically sound manner in our own community.

We also shop up and down the East Coast, eastern Canada, the rest of the US, Europe, New Zealand, Israel and buy from certain farms in Central and South America and the Caribbean. When in doubt about a grower’s authenticity, we double check certifications with reliable sources in the industry. We work to provide you with the finest and most interesting variety of organic produce available.

We work constantly to refine and improve our service. We welcome your suggestions. We are also different in that we are the only group that is really a co-op. Our members actually work (see “How much do I have to work?”) This allows lower prices, better quality produce, and we get to meet people with similar interests in our area. It is also a chance to be closer to nature by handling the beautiful fruits and vegetables soon after they arrive from local farms.

Another difference is that we stand up for what we believe. We recycle all office paper, use only recycled paper, return crates to farmers and support environmental and organic farming associations, including the Organic Trade Association, CAFF, Sierra Club, NYCAP, NCAP, NOFA, American Farmland Trust, and the NJ Organic Farming Association.

George Street Co-op
89 Morris Street
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
Phone: (732) 247-8280
FAX: (732) 247-0103
gscoop@georgestreetcoop.com
http://www.georgestreetcoop.com/

The George Street Co-op is a non-profit natural foods store owned and run by its members. We sell vegetarian foods with the greatest nutritional value possible, and only minimal processing, additives or toxins. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op and choose from our excellent selection of fresh organic produce, bulk foods, vitamins & herbs, body care and earth-friendly products, gifts, and more.

The Co-op serves the community by supporting local farms, community groups, events and gardens. We host a variety of outreach programs and informational seminars and produce a free, informative publication, Food for Thought.

We are also committed to bringing jobs and wellness into the area as a conscientious employer providing a safe, healthy work environment and offering benefits and competitive wages to our employees.

Sussex County Food Co-op

See Sussex County Page


In Good Taste
1301 N Delsea Drive
Vineland, New Jersey 08360
Phone: (609) 794-4856
FAX: (856) 794-4856
igt@snit.net


Alternative energy and Sustainable Agriculture in New Jersey:

Some stats from Repower America:

* New Jersey has approved a 350-megawatt, offshore wind farm at least 16 miles out to sea. If completed in 2013 as scheduled, it will be the first offshore wind farm in the US.

* The state's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 25,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $29.2 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 20,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* New Jersey has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires all public utilities to generate 22.5% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2021.

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 New Jersey, 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.


The Newark Alternative Energy Meetup Group
Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of Alternative Energy. Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment!

In Addition, you will receive informative newsletters that are chock full of Alternative Energy news from around the country. For more info go here.

Alternative Energy Resources in New Jersey: a short summary of alternative energy resources for New Jersey. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey is a twenty two year-old, membership based educational nonprofit organization. We are a unique collaboration among the stakeholders in our food system; our members and our governing board include farmers, consumers, retailers, processors, educators and researchers. We serve as a catalyst in the development of a sustainable organic agricultural system; provide assistance to both organic and progressive conventional farmers to help build and maintain sustainable operations; educate diverse audiences about the significance and meaning of organic practices for food and the environment; and provide independent, third-party certification to organic farms and processors.


Groups and Events:

Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women Meeting
Sam DiVico Senior Center
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Join the Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women to discuss important local, state and federal issues. All are encouraged to join!

2nd Thursday of every month.
7:00pm
Sam DiVico Senior Center
Romney Place
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

For more information, please contact:
Virginia Hesel
609-884-5848

PFLAG of North Jersey: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of North Jersey is a group of people who meet regularly in the South Orange area and are dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, their families and their friends. Meetings are 2nd Sunday of Every Month. Our regular meeting is from 2:30 to approximately 4:15. Newcomer's meet from 1:30 to 2:30 in a smaller, more informal setting. For more info contact: Helpline: 973-267-8414 or
pflagwaver_at_aol.com


Drinking Liberally:

For the more social and fun-oriented (and booze oriented), there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the New Jersey Drinking Liberally Chapters:

Hillsborough, New Jersey
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Petrock's Bar and Grill, 419 Amwell Rd (at Amwell and 206)
* Hosted by Matthew Dawson, hillsborough (at) drinkingliberally.org

Montclair, New Jersey
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Just Jake's, 30 Park Street (b/t Bloomfield & Claremont)
* We meet in the REAR DINING ROOM. Turn left after entering, go past the juke box, bar and W.C.
* Ample parking in municipal lot next to Just Jake's (free after 7 pm)
* ** Mtclair DL ON THE ROAD, TUES, NOV 13, from 8PM at PAUL'S BAR & BOWLING, 377 CROOKS AVE, PATERSON, NJ (973) 278-1982 http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=10780514 **THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL MEETING, WE STILL HAVE OUR USUAL 2nd THURSDAY
* Hosted by Kevin Kelly and Dan Evans Farkas, montclair (at) drinkingliberally.org

Morristown
* Third Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm onwards
* Hennessey's Tavern, 140 Morris St (Corner of Elm & Morris, next to the train station)
* There's plenty of public parking behind train station or on Elm Street.
* Come on by & raise a pint with other fun loving local progressive's! Hope to see you there...
* Hosted by Jim Long, Chip Robinson, David Cochran and Linda Humphries, morristown (at) drinkingliberally.org


Dover
* First Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Hop, 14 N Morris St
* Hosted by Jim Long, Chip Robinson, Dave Cochran and Linda Humphries, dovernj (at) drinkingliberally.org

New Brunswick, New Jersey
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Doll's Place, 101 Paterson St (corner of Paterson & Joyce Kilmer)
* Hosted by Bob Scardapane and Chris Swasey, newbrunswick (at) drinkingliberally.org

Pennsauken, New Jersey
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Kings Row Sports Bar and Billiards, 6030 S Crescent Blvd (Route 130 N)
* Hosted by Art Williams and Denise Williams, pennsauken (at) drinkingliberally.org

Toms River, New Jersey
* First Tuesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Joshua Huddy Brew Pub, 1250 Hooper Ave (across from Ocean County Mall)
* Hosted by Robin Kinlin and Ian Valentine, tomsriver (at) drinkingliberally.org

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS: Blogs, Biodiesel, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

BLOGGING PENNSYLVANIA:

Lefty Blogs Pennsylvania: a roundup of Progressive News in Pennsylvania

Progress Pittsburgh is building a broad coalition of progressives to transform the governance of our city. Decades of mismanagement by directionless leadership and regressive machine politics have put our city at the brink of collapse. We need a transformation: new vision, new blood, and a new democratic process. We are working to make this transformation happen.

The Pennsylvania Progressive, brining you Pennsylvania News and Politics from a...well, PROGRESSIVE view.

THE HUDDLER: A Pittsburgh blog, political rag, cyber tabloid, and place to hear the word on the street, from the outside looking in


Some Stories of Interest:

Rabbis Send Specter a Message: Support Employee Free Choice

Bank's Backdoor to stealing from Consumers

Big Tobacco Down For the Count

PoliticsPA Speaks With Joe Sestak

New Website Tracking Specter's Votes

Obama to Host G20 in Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania Legislature Becoming Gay Marriage Battleground...maybe Pennsylvania will join Iowa and New Hampshire in teaching the rest of the country what true progress and true equality is. My own California and New York aren't doing a good job of it, but Iowa did America proud.

American Clean Energy and Security Act

Health Care For All?


Alternative Energy and Sustainable Agriculture in Pennsylvania:

Some stats from Repower America:

* The Pennsylvania Solar Park, a 10.6-megawatt array of 50,000 photovoltaic solar panels in Nesquehonig, Carbon County, will be the nation's second largest solar PV farm to date.

* The 34.5-megawatt Casselman Wind Power Project near Garrett, PA will generate enough clean, renewable wind energy to sustain 10,000 homes in the tri-state area of southern Pennslyvania, northern West Virginia and western Maryland

* Pennsylvania has an alternative energy portfolio standard that requires all public utilities to generate 18% of their electricity from alternative energy resources by 2021, with at least 8% from renewable energy and 0.5% from solar.

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 Pennsylvania, 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.


Biodiesel of Pennsylvania
We believe alternative energy is the way of the future! Biodiesel is AMERICAN made fuel that helps keep our air clean and helps out farmers...not Saudi billionaires.

Biodiesel of Pennsylvania, Inc.
61 Cat Drive
White Deer, PA 17887
570 538 1041 office
Email: kalin_at_biodieselpa.com

We are located one mile off the Route 80 / Route 15 intersection: Coming off Route 80 (major East/West highway) go North on Route 15; drive about one mile. Take the White Deer exit. At bottom of ramp, make a RIGHT. Go about 200 meters. On the RIGHT you will see our Biodiesel of Pennsylvania sign with pretty fir tree landscaping. Our large modern facility is right there on Cat Drive.

Please contact us if you are:
* A fleet manager and would like more information about adding Biodiesel to your fleet.
* A municipality looking to comply with upcoming changes mandating use of biodiesel.
* A heating and oil firm looking to satisfy customers who demand biodiesel.
* A biodiesel marketer looking for fuel.


Pennsylvania Incentives for Renewable Energy:

From the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency:

Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS), created by S.B. 1030 on November 30, 2004, requires each electric distribution company (EDC) and electric generation supplier (EGS) to retail electric customers in Pennsylvania to supply 18% of its electricity using alternative-energy resources by 2020.* Pennsylvania's standard provides for a solar set-aside, mandating a certain percentage of electricity generated by photovoltaics (PV). Pennsylvania's AEPS also includes demand-side management, waste coal, coal-mine methane and coal gasification as eligible technologies.

H.B. 1203 (2007) provided a more detailed solar schedule, clarified the force majeure clause, confirmed REC property rights for generators, added solar thermal to Tier I, clarified that AEPS RECs cannot have been retired for other purposes, and expanded the definition of customer-generator. Revised rules addressing these changes and other necessary clarifications became effective in November 2008.

Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Geothermal Electric, Fuel Cells, Municipal Solid Waste, CHP/Cogeneration, Waste Coal, Coal Mine Methane, Coal Gasification, Anaerobic Digestion, Other Distributed Generation Technologies

Applicable Sectors: Investor-Owned Utility, Retail Supplier
Standard: 18% during compliance year 2020-2021 (8% Tier I and 10% Tier II)
Technology Minimum: Solar PV set-aside of 0.5% for June 1, 2020 and thereafter
Credit Trading: Yes
Website:http://www.puc.state.pa.us/electric/electric_alt_energy.aspx


Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is a nonprofit organization working to improve the economic and social prosperity of Pennsylvania food and agriculture. We work with the farmers that grow our food, the consumers that eat the food, and those concerned with the ecological well-being of our environment and natural resources.

Alternative Energy Resources in Pennsylvania: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Pennsylvania. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.


Here are some important progressive groups and events in Pennsylvania:

Progressive Majority Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania is the quintessential battleground state — it has been a swing state in every presidential election for more than 70 years. And it is a state where deep political work must be done to reverse the stranglehold conservatives have on the government, build a durable political infrastructure, and tip the state for progressives once and for all.

Pennsylvania is the slowest-growing of any major state in the nation. Since few new people move in, progressives must build lasting political relationships that address people's core needs and take into account their core values. Pennsylvania is a conflicted state — voters hold conflicting views on economic and social issues in different parts of the state. In short, a "one size fits all" political strategy will not work here.

That's why Progressive Majority's long-term, state-based approach to candidate recruitment and development is so well-suited to meet this challenge. Our work to identify community leaders and activists, authentic candidates who care about what's best for people and who will lead on a local agenda, is what's needed here.

Progressive Majority has leadership programs and can help progressive candidates run an efficient and successful campaign. You can sign up for email updates here.

Critical Mass
Monthly at 5:30 PM on the fourth Friday
Where: Dinosaur, Carnegie Library, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Description: Critical Mass is a celebration of bicycling as a pollution-free mode of transportation. Critical Mass is not an organization nor it is affiliated with any organization, it's an unorganized coincidence. It's a movement ... of bicycles, in the streets.

Pittsburgh Green Drinks
3rd Friday of every month
Check the website for locations & guest speakers:
http://www.biothinking.com/greendrinks/index.php?country=USA&city=Pittsburgh

Steel-City Stonewall Democrats Happy Hour
Monthly at 17:15 on the fourth Tuesday
Where: Images 965 Liberty Avenue downtown

Liberty City Stonewall Democrats

Peace Vigil Every Saturday, 10:30 AM
Intersection of Lincoln Hgwy & Oxford Valley Roads
Business Route 1 & Oxford Valley Road at the Closed Transmission Station
Langhorne, PA
Organized by Lower Bucks for Democracy


Here are a few Democracy for America groups in Pennsylvania:

Gettysburg Area DFA Meetup: will be held at the Lutheran Theological Seminary on Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg the first Wednesday of each month. We gather at 6:30 pm to chat and enjoy refreshments. Our meeting begins at 7:00 PM at the Seminary's Valentine Hall, Room 206 -- across from the Seminary Library. There is parking both in front of Valentine Hall (off Springs Ave) and in the Seminary lot next to the Library. Contact Elaine Jones for more information: elainelynchjones_at_gmail.com

Western PA DFA Monthly Meeting: second Thursday of each month, 6:00 PM, Rudy & Son Restaurant, 1641 Mercer - Grove City Rd

Philly for Change Meeting: first Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Find out more about the group at www.phillyforchange.com


Next, here are some Drinking Liberally chapters in Pennsylvania: second Thursday of each month,

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
* Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Orchards Restaurant, 1580 Orchard Dr
* Ask for the Drinking Liberally group and you'll find us.
* Hosted by Alice Elia, chambersburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
* Second Thursday of each month (next meeting December 13), 6:00 pm onward
* O'Rorke's Eatery & Spirits, 44 Steinwehr Avenue (second floor)
* New Location
* additional parking in National Park Service Visitor Center lot behind restaurant
* Hosted by Eileen H. Potemra, gettysburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
* Every Tuesday, 7:30 pm onward
* Lancaster Brewing Company, 302 N Plum St (corner of Walnut and Plum)
* Hosted by Jeff Fulmer, Monz Wenner and Cher Rineer, lancaster (at) drinkingliberally.org

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Center City
* Every Tuesday, 6:00-9:00 pm
* Tangier, 1801 Lombard St (at 18th St)
* Hosted by Brendan Skwire, philadelphia (at) drinkingliberally.org

Mount Airy
* Every Thursday, 6:30-9:00 pm
* Mermaid Inn, 7673 Germantown Ave
* Hosted by Adam Zion, mtairy (at) drinkingliberally.org

Reading, Pennsylvania
* Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 6pm onward
* Canal Street Restaurant & Pub, 535 Canal St (a few blocks past RACC along the riverfront)
* NEW LOCATION!!! Great local beer from Legacy Brewing Co. & a large selection of wines by the glass.
* NO Thanksgiving meeting, obviously. Enjoy your holiday and all those awkward political conversations with ornery family members!
* Hosted by Kim Stahler and Dan Sauder, reading (at) drinkingliberally.org

State College, Pennsylvania
* First and third Tuesday of each month, 5:30 pm onward
* Hi-Way Pizza, 428 Westerly Pky
* Hosted by Nancy Crane, statecollege (at) drinkingliberally.org

West Chester, Pennsylvania
* First Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Ryan's Pub, 124 W Gay St (On Gay St. between Church & Darlington)
* We are still on the once a month format and we have changed the venue to Ryan's. We'll be meeting up on the 2nd floor near the bar.
* Remember, no need to feed the meters in town after 5pm- save that cash for drinks!
* Hosted by Jonathan Long, Daniel Tyman and Jamie Manos, westchester (at) drinkingliberally.org

York, Pennsylvania
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The First Capital Dispensing Company, 57 N Pershing Ave (We usually secure a large table or two in the back room.)
* Hosted by Phyllis Wise, Roland Rode and Craig Thomas, york (at) drinkingliberally.org

GEORGIA FOCUS: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Veterans For Peace, NAACP, Groups and Events

Go Green Expo
Jun 26 2009 - Jun 28 2009, Atlanta, Georgia

Nancy Mathew
212-655-4505

nmathew@gogreenexpo.com
http://www.gogreenexpo.com

Business-to-Business Expo
Friday, June 26th • 10am - 5pm

Business-to-Business & Business-to-Consumer Expo
Saturday, June 27th • 10am - 6pm
Sunday, June 28th • 10am - 5pm

Atlanta, GA • Cobb Galleria Centre
Two Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30339
www.CobbGalleria.com

Tickets:
Friday: Complimentary to Business Buyers
(please bring your business card for admission)
Saturday & Sunday: $10 for a full weekend pass
$5 for Students & Seniors with proper ID; Children 12 and under are Free


BLOGGING GEORGIA:

For Local Georgia News and Events, go to Lefty Blogs Georgia for the latest.

Tondee's Tavern: "A Practical and Useful Blog for the benefit of PROGRESSIVES in GEORGIA."

Atlanta Progressive News: Also on Every Thursday on 89.3 FM WRFG 12pm "Current Events" Show with Adam Shapiro. And for more on Radio Free Georgia, go here.

Georgia Justice Project is an unlikely mix of lawyers, social workers and a landscape company. We defend people accused of crimes and, win or lose, we stand with our clients while they rebuild their lives.


Here are some stories of interest:

Georgia Coalition Joins Call for Immigration Reform

DOJ Rejects Discriminatory Voter List Procedure in Ga.; Raises Concerns for New Election Law

Former AJC Editor Launches Online News Service

Former Georgia Governor Enters 2010 Gubernatorial Contest

City Responds in Fired Arborist Lawsuit

How Utility Companies and Consumers Can Both Win

Q&A with Mayoral Candidate, Glenn Thomas

Stacey Evans makes it official

Attorney General Race

Coal-powered corruption in Georgia?

Chat with Atlanta Mayoral Candidate Lisa Borders

Chat with Atlanta City Council Candidate, Michael Julian Bond

Jeff Scott announces run for State School Superintendent

Obama gets decent approval numbers in GA


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN GEORGIA:

Some statistics from Repower America:

* According to the Georgia State Wind Map and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, there is over 10,000-megawatts of wind potential off the state’s coast. That's enough to replace 10 large coal-fired power plants!

* There are 2,027-megawatts of clean hydroelectric power in Georgia, which accounts for nearly all of the state's renewable energy generation today.

* Suniva, Inc. is building the first solar manufacturing plant in Georgia. The company will begin production at its 32-megawatt, high-efficiency solar cell facility in Gwinnet County, initially creating 100 new jobs.

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 Georgia, 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.


Saving the Economy and Environment with Clean Energy!

Solar, Wind, Energy Efficiency, and Energy Conservation all have the power to meet our current and projected energy demand more cheaply then fossil fuels (read: Fools), all while providing more local jobs then traditional coal, nuclear, or natural gas plants! Join here for more details. Or go here: www.cleanpower4georgians.com

Atlanta Beyond Oil
We are interested in peak oil, global warming, relocalization,
sustainable communities, alternative energy, permaculture, and more. We are beginning to network with other Metro Atlanta groups and to have events that educate people about our concerns. We offer support, information, and opportunities to contribute to the solution. We'd love to have you join us! Go here for more details.

The Atlanta Green Living Meetup Group
We will meet to share ideas, listen to speakers, review new products, and organize in the community to promote the preservation of Atlanta's natural environment. The group focuses on easy, accessible options that everyone can take to reduce their footprint. Join here for more info.


Next let me highlight some NAACP groups:

The Cobb County NAACP monthly meetings are the first Monday of the month at the branch office at 6:30 p.m.

General membership meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, mostly at the office location but varies based on programs. Members are encouraged to attend these meetings. Join a committee today. Elections of officers are held in even years.

For more info contact the branch office: 605 B. Roswell St Marietta, GA 30061 770.425.5757 info_at_cobbnaacp.org

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, is the oldest, largest and strongest civil rights organization in the United States. The principal objective of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States.

The NAACP is committed to achievement through non-violence and relies upon the press, the petition, the ballot and the courts, and is persistent in the use of legal and moral persuasion even in the face of overt and violent racial hostility.

Fayette County NAACP Branch General Membership Meeting:
2nd Saturday Each Month - 4:00 PM, Flat Rock AME Church

And if you want contact info for other NAACP branches in Georgia (mainly street addresses), please go here.


Here are a couple of Democracy for America meetings in Georgia:

Decatur Meeting: First Wed. of every month, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Location: ChocoLate Coffee, 2094 North Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033 US Contact: Susan Keith susan_at_georgiafordemocracy.org

The North Fulton/East Cobb Democracy for America: Second Tuesday of every month, 7:00 PM, sign up here to find out where and more details.

You can also sign up here to help organize a Georgia for Democracy group in your area.

Veterans for Peace, Atlanta has several vigils and rallies around Atlanta. Here is their weekly schedule. I urge you to join them if you can to show your support:

Tuesdays 12:45-1 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Emory University , in front of Woodruff Library. For more information e-mail: thee.smith@emory. edu.

Thursdays 5:00-6:00pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at CNN, Marietta and Centennial Olympic Park. For more information e-mail John.Zientowski@ turner.com

Fridays 12:00-1:00 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Colony Square , corner of Peachtree and 14th Street . For more information, e-mail bobbiepaul@rp.cbeyond.com

Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Marietta Square ( Cobb Court House). For more information e-mail cobbpeace@comcast.net

Saturdays
12:00-1:00
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Dekalb Farmers Market At 3000 Ponce de Leon Avenue , Decatur For more information, Fro more information e-mail John.Zientowski@ turner.com

Sundays
12:15-1:00 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at the corner of MLK Drive and Washington Street (across from the state capitol). For more information, e-mail elogan@gsu.edu or peggyhendrix2000@yahoo.com.

12:00-12:30 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at 910 Ponce De Leon Ave NE ,Open Door Community. For more information contact Lauren Cogswell at lauren_cogswell@yahoo.com, 404-874-9652


Here are more organizations, groups and events in Georgia:

The Carter Center: Creating a world in which every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to enjoy good health and live in peace. Find out how you can get involved.

DeKalb County Young Democrats: The future leaders of DeKalb County. Go here to see upcoming events.

Atlanta Area Democrats Meetup Group: Grassroots Democrats upset with the direction the Republicans are taking our country and our state - we're taking action! Sign up for more information.

Cobb County Young Democrats
Monthly Happy Hours on the first Fridays of every month and monthly Business Meetings on the third Tuesdays of every month. Both are great opportunities to meet fellow Cobb County Young Democrats and learn about the 2008 heated races taking place in Cobb County.

Happy Hours: BLACKBIRD, 114 W Hancock St, Milledgeville, GA, 31061 US
Contact: Christin Ivey, Christin_ivey@ecats.gcsu.edu,

Business Mettings: Little Azio Pizza and Pasta 1675 Cumberland Pkwy, Ivywalk Unit #415, Smyrna, GA, 30080 US
Contact: Alexandra O'Callaghan, alli@georgiayds.org,

Cherokee County Democratic Party Meeting
Third Monday of Every Month, 7 PM
Hot Springs Community Center
100 Hickory Circle
Holly Springs, GA
More info here.

Georgia Equality is the political advocacy voice of Georgia's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender citizens and their allies. Founded in Atlanta in 1995, it has grown into a true statewide organization and is known nationally as one of the leaders among state and local LGBT groups.

Atlanta Amnesty International Chapter 75: Meet others in your local area interested in Amnesty International USA, a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. Sign up to find out when and where.


Drinking Liberally is a grassroots social organizations for people who like to meet fellow liberals over a good beer. Here are the Drinking Liberally chapters in Georgia:

Atlanta, Georgia
* Every Thursday, 8:00 pm onward
* Thinking Man's Tavern, 537 W Howard Ave, Decatur
* Hosted by Erin Abrahams, atlanta (at) drinkingliberally.org

Dunwoody
* First and third Wednesday of each month (next meeting January 2), 7:00 pm onward
* Ye Olde Dunwoody Tavern, 5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd (map)
* Hosted by Hillary Meister, dunwoody (at) drinkingliberally.org

Augusta, Georgia
* Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Helga's Lounge, 2015 Central Ave
* Hosted by Margie Hobbins, augusta (at) drinkingliberally.org

Savannah, Georgia
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Crystal Beer Parlor, 301 W Jones St (corner of west jones and jefferson)
* lots of parking
* Hosted by John Mattingly, Victor Fishman and McKay Schwalbach, savannah (at) drinkingliberally.org

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Blogs, Energy and Agriculture, Food Co-ops, Veterans for Peace, Groups and Events

BLOGGING VIRGINIA:

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

The Virginia Public Access Project is a non profit group that demonstrates how technology can improve public understanding of money's role in Virginia politics. This is one of the best resources to use to find out who takes money from whom in Virginia politics.

The Virginia Organizing Project is a statewide, multi-issue citizens' organization committed to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives.

Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) is a not-for-profit organization concentrating in the areas of law that affect low-income families.

The Virginia Young Democrats blog has links to local Young Democrat groups and college clubs, and has information of interest to young voters in Virginia. This is Virginia's political future!

Virginia Coalition for Open Government: formed to promote expanded access to government records, meetings and other proceedings at the state and local level. Our efforts are focused solely on local/state information access. While we do some lobbying (within limits imposed by IRS rules), our primary work is educational. The Coalition was formed in 1996, after a year-long organizing effort. Our 23-member board of directors represents the state's access activists and friends of open government, including Virginia's librarians, genealogists, broadcasters, newspapers and the public at large. Also check out their blog for recent news.

Ox Road South: Chap Peterson's website


Some stories of interest:

An Energized Virginia Democratic Primary

Creigh Deeds KICKS ASS!...I was not expecting such a decisive win from ANY of the candidates. Bravo Deeds! This is an amazing accomplishment and suggests he will kick ass in the general election as well.

Important info: Questions, answers on Virginia's jobless benefits

Important info: Options for health insurance and aid for unemployed

Gay marriage, equality, politics, and religion

Virginia Young Democrats taking Charlottesville!

Tell ODEC: Energy Efficiency, Not New Coal in Surry


Veterans For Peace: DC, Maryland & Virginia Chapter

Veterans For Peace is a national organization founded in 1985. It is structured around a national office in Saint Louis, MO and comprised of members across the country organized in chapters or as at-large members. There is an annual convention each year attended by our members, families and supporters from across the nation.

We, having dutifully served our nation, do hereby affirm our greater responsibility to serve the cause of world peace. To this end we will work, with others to:

1. Increase public awareness of the full costs of war.

2. Restrain our government from intervening, overtly or covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations.

3. End the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons.

4. Seek justice for veterans and victims of war.

5. Abolish war as an instrument of national policy.

Go here to become a member.

To find out more, contact: vfpdc_at_vfpdc.org


VIRGINIA FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Virginia:

Eats Natural Foods Co-op
708 North Main Street in Blacksburg (new location)
Phone: (540) 552-2279
info@eatsnaturalfoods.com
http://www.eatsnaturalfoods.com/

(email doesn't work? If anyone has any info on this co-op, let me know)

Crozet Natural Foods
PO Box 634
Crozet, Virginia 22932
Phone: (434) 823-5583
keptfreeinhim@yahoo.com

Healthy Foods Co-op
110 W Washington Street
Lexington, Virginia 24450
Phone: (540) 463-6954
FAX: (540) 463-7213
hfoods@rockbridge.net
http://healthyfoodscoop.org/

(email doesn't work?)

We are a community-based cooperative, dedicated to offering products, services and leadership which reflects our membership's commitment to healthy living, nutritional awareness and environmental responsibility.

Healthy Foods Market is a cooperative business, meaning that we are owned and democratically controlled by our members. We are proud of our experienced and knowledgeable staff that can assist you with your regular purchases, as well as with special inquires and needs.

They also have a cafe, something I wish my local food co-op would do.

Fare Share Cooperative
2132 W. Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Phone: (804) 355-5919

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op
1319 Grandin Road SW
Roanoke, Virginia 24015
Phone: (540) 343-5652
FAX: (540) 343-5711
info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop
http://www.roanokenaturalfoods.coop/

Incorporated in 1975, Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op– or the Co-op as it is more commonly known – provides our community with nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products. Operating from cooperative principles, we support sustainable environmental practices, local organic farmers, local businesses, and our community.

We are the largest cooperatively owned natural foods grocery store in Virginia, and though we're member owned, ownership is not required to shop. Our products are many, our selection diverse, and our promise unwavering – that you will find quality items for sale in our store with no artificial colorants, preservatives, or additives.

In addition to providing families with high-quality organic and natural products, the Co-op supports local efforts to preserve the integrity and health of our natural resources and community.

Valley Market
PO Box 23
Staunton, Virginia 24402-0023
http://www.valleymarket.org

Valley Market is a food co-op currently forming in Staunton, VA. It is our vision to open a cooperatively run, retail grocery store-front in the Staunton area.

Valley Market is a community-owned and democratically run business. We are an excited group of volunteers who are interested in making a difference in the health and well being of our community. Though we are in the development stages, our vision is to open a retail natural food co-op emphasizing locally grown and produced food and products.

We are presently in the planning, organizing and fundraising stages of our development.

This gives you a chance to be in on the beginning of a tradition. To get involved, go here.


Alternative Energy and Sustainable Agriculture in Virginia:

Some stats from Repower America:

* The recently passed Virginia Energy Plan will aim to reduce Virginia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025 through energy efficiency education and investment in state renewable energy projects.

* A 39-megawatt wind farm recently gained approval in Highland County and is expected to power 15,000 homes with clean energy

* Virginia's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) enourages public utilities to generate 12% of their electricity sales from renewable energy sources by 2022.

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 Virginia, 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.


Algae Key to Greenhouse Gases Solution? This is a topic I have been skeptical of, but have recently read up more on the topic and feel it is well worth looking into. This article comes from the Roanoke Democracy for America website.

Living Green DC/MD/VA:
LIVING GREEN DC/MD/VA works to send a message to the community and influence small changes in everyday actions that can have a big impact on our world. As a group we look for ways to make small changes in the way we live, enjoying the support and friendship of other like-minded people. This meetup can only grow if lots of members become Assistant Organizers and provide fun and creative ways to socialize, learn, spread the word, volunteer, network, do fun things. Suggestions are seeing films with environmental themes, dining where organic and locally purchased produce is promoted, visiting farmers markets and socializing afterwards, volunteering for Earth Day activities, meeting in cafes to discuss books and articles, etc.. Whether it's a movie screening or eating a meal with freinds at an environmentally friendly restaurant, you are sure to make an impact, so join the group and volunteer. Go here for more information.

Alternative Energy Resources in Virginia: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Virginia. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Publications: Whether you're a beginning farmer, or an experienced agricultural producer interested in transitioning to more sustainable practices, you may want to start by learning more about the principles of sustainable agriculture and some of the "systems" approaches associated with it.

Northern Virginia Environment Meetup: Promoting alternative energy: Freedom's Renewable Energy Everyday/where/one. Sign up here to find out when and where they meet.


Now some other groups and events:

Arlington Democrats Meetup Group
Meet other local Dems! Sponsored by the Arlington Democratic Committee, about 60 attendees meet to discuss local/national politics, listen to guest speakers and receive news on getting involved. Email jamesemcb_at_yahoo.com to join the ACDC listserv or sign up at www.arlingtonyoungdems.org.

Monthly Charlottesville Democratic Breakfast
This gathering takes place on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30a.m. and is usually held at the JABA building on Hillsdale Drive. Pay what you can.

Virginia Beach Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
Held the First Wednesday of every month, 7 PM, at the Virginia Beach Central Library.

Monthly Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering
Final Thursday of evern month, 7:15pm

Location: Sojourners UCC Church, 1017 Elliott Ave, Charlottesville
Sponser: Interfaith Cooperation Circle of Central Virginia-URI; Gesher Center; Unity Church

Description:
On the final Thursday of every month, the Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs to an inspired and inspiring flow of prayers, meditations and songs for peace.

Contact Name: Heena Reiter
Contact email: gesher_at_mindspring.com
Contact Phone: 434-970-7836

Equality Loudoun has been working since 2003 to make Loudoun County, Virginia a welcoming place for all its residents - gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight.

Vienna Hispanic Democrats:
Meet with local Hispanic Democrats. To learn more, join here.

Fauquier Democrats Monthly Meeting
Third Tuesday of Each Month, 7:30 pm
Warren Green Building
10 Hotel Street
Old Town, Warrenton

Blue Mondays With the Stafford County Democrats
Every Monday evening at 5 PM
King Street Blues Restaurant
Casual get-together of like minded Democratic Activist
For more info contact: jac_at_j2power.com

Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Virginia Chapter: Keeping America Free, Secular and Jeffersonian. Church-state separation stands as one of the foundations of our nation. Because of it, Americans enjoy unparalleled religious liberty and nurture one of the most vital religious communities in the world. Separation guarantees the freedom to worship or not to worship as you choose. Northern Virginia Chapter and Southern Virginia Chapter.

Democracy for Virginia:
Here are the local Democracy for America chapters in Virginia. Click on the link for more info:

* Arlington for Democracy (may be dormant...you can go here to contact the organizers and get more up to date info)

* Roanoke DFA

* Tidewater for Democracy

* Virginia Grassroots Coalition (may be dormant...you can contact them here for more info: info@vagrassroots.org)


Drinking Liberally:
For the more social and fun-oriented (and booze oriented), there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the Virginia Drinking Liberally Chapters:

Alexandria/Springfield, Virginia
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* King Street Blues, 5810 Kingstowne Center Drive, Alexandria (Corner of Kingstowne Blvd and Van Dorn Street)
* Hosted by Brian Murray and Mike Sizemore, alexandria (at) drinkingliberally.org

Arlington, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
* Capitol City Brewing Company, 2700 S Quincy St
* We're usually in the back room at Cap City; check with the host station if you don't see us there!
* "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world" - Margaret Mead
* Hosted by David Swim, Quinn Jones, Michelle Elliott and Bev Wright, arlington (at) drinkingliberally.org

Charlottesville, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* South Street Brewery, 106 W South St
* Hosted by Chris Dumler and Clare Wuerker, charlottesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lorton, Virginia
* First and third Friday of each month, 6pm to 8 or 9
* Glory Days Grill, 9459 Lorton Market St
* First hour of the gathering is part of happy hour
* Hosted by Alan Salisbury and Chris Ambrose, lorton (at) drinkingliberally.org

Norfolk, Virginia
* Third Thursday of each month, 5:00-7:00 pm
* The New Belmont, 2117 Colonial Ave (upstairs at the bar)
* Hosted by Tom Mitchell and Vivian Paige, norfolk (at) drinkingliberally.org

Richmond, Virginia
* Every other Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Chiocca's Downstairs, 425 N Belmont Ave (Museum District - corner of Kensington & Belmont)
* Come join us for brews & news!
* Hosted by Morgan Bailey and John Manall, richmond (at) drinkingliberally.org

Virginia Beach, Virginia
* First Friday of each month, 7:00 PM
* Studio For The Healing Arts, 1611 Colley Ave # D, Norfolk, VA, Norfolk (One block from the Naro theater)
* Zeitgeist the Movie, DVD Door Prize
* http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Virginia9-11Truth/ http://vbdems.org
* One block from the Naro theater in Ghent
* Hosted by Chris Jaramillo and Eileen Levandoski, vabeach (at) drinkingliberally.org

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS: Blogs, Biodiesel, Alternative Energy, Veterans for Peace, Groups and Events

Since the 2008 election my North Carolina readership has declined. So I am not going to be updating this page unless readership increases. However, there is a fair amount of info here that I think is worth keeping out there, so I will keep it available.

NORTH CAROLINA BLOGGING:

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

BlueNC is a community-driven website that promotes progressive values and policies in North Carolina.

N.C. Justice and Community Development Center
The Justice Center is dedicated to helping low income and working poor North Carolinians escape poverty and achieve economic security. It includes several well-known projects within its umbrella and is professionally staffed by a team of lawyers, community educators and policy analysts.

Raleigh Eco News: Reporting environmental news and views from North Carolina's capital city.

Recommended by a reader: Scrutiny Hooligans

Indyweek.com: Progressive News, Culture & Commentary For Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hill


VETERANS FOR PEACE, NORTH CAROLINA:

We, having dutifully served our nation, do hereby affirm our greater responsibility to serve the cause of world peace and justice. Americans will be secure at home only when there is peace and justice abroad. To this end, we will work, with others: toward increasing public awareness of the costs of war, to restrain our government from intervening, overtly and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations, to end the arms race and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons, and to abolish war as an instrument of international policy. To achieve these goals, members of Veterans For Peace pledge to use non-violent means and to maintain an organization that is democratic.

Veterans for Peace, Inc. (VFP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational and humanitarian organization dedicated to the abolishment of war and was founded in 1985 by ex-service members.

Listen to Veterans Voices
WPVM-93.5 FM
The Progressive Voice of the Mountains
Tune in at 5 pm every Wednesday
Interviews, News, Conversations, by and about Veterans

Stream/Podcast Here

Asheville Chapter:

Weekly Veterans for Peace Vigil in Asheville
Every Tuesday 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
At the Vance Memorial
Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801

Find more events in Asheville here.

Help the Asheville chapter help orphans in Afghanistan


Triangle Chapter:

Go here to find their upcoming events


Alternative Energy and Sustainable Agriculture in North Carolina:

Some statistics from Repower America:

* The coast region from Massachusetts to North Carolina contains up to 330,000-megawatts of offshore wind energy potential. This power is larger than the entire mid-Atlantic coast's total energy demand for electricity, heating, gasoline, diesel, and natural gas.

* The state has nearly 500 companies providing services related to efficiency, renewables and sustainability, with expectations for its green sector to grow by 24 percent this year.

* North Carolina has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires investor owned utilities to generate 12.5% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2021, with electric cooperatives generating 10% by 2018. The state also wants to improve its energy efficiency 5% by 2021.

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 North Carolina, 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 a couple of biodiesel cooperatives in North Carolina. If you drive a diesel car or truck, please check them out.

Piedmont Biofuels
The most successful biodiesel cooperative in America
Pittsboro, NC

Here is a list of services offered.

Three locations: Production site, co-op and educational site.

Check out their website

Burlington Biodiesel Coop
Burlington, NC
Check out their website


Here are some other alternative energy groups in North Carolina:

North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association is a 501c3 non-profit membership organization of individuals and businesses interested in sustainable energy. Located in Raleigh but active throughout the state, NCSEA works to ensure a sustainable future by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in North Carolina through education, public policy and economic development. Go here to get involved. To find upcoming events, go here.

Greensboro Sustainable Living Meetup Group:
Meet others in your town interested in various Environmental issues on global and/or a local level.

This is a forum for people to get together and discuss issues and share ideas on sustainable living. Let's share ideas about organic and locally grown food, reducing toxins in our environment, reducing our use of resources, the carbon issue, raising healthy children, etc.

People who should join include those with expertise to share, those wanting to learn more, and anyone interested in building community through environmental initiatives. For more info, go here.

Alternative Energy Resources in North Carolina: a short summary of alternative energy resources for North Carolina. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

North Carolina Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Publications: Whether you're a beginning farmer, or an experienced agricultural producer interested in transitioning to more sustainable practices, you may want to start by learning more about the principles of sustainable agriculture and some of the "systems" approaches associated with it.


Here are events and groups in North Carolina:

Weekly Women in Black Anti-War Vigil in Asheville
Every Friday 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Vance Monument - Pack Square
Asheville, NC

The Women In Black stand in silence against war, each Friday from 5 to 6 PM. All others are welcome to stand with them.

Democratic Women of Union County hold their monthly meeting the second Monday of every month at the Hilltop Restaurant Hwy 74 and 601 South. Seating for "Dutch Dinner" at 5:30PM, Program & Business at 6:00PM

Cabarrus County Senior Democrats have their monthly meeting the second Tuesday of every month at Troutman's BBQ restaurant, 1388 US-601-BYP S, Concord, NC. They start at 6.30 pm and for $7 you can enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet.

Mecklenburg County Democratic Women meet on the second Wednesday of each month, usually at a local library. Meet and greet from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00. Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Joan Belk, 704-578-4227

Mecklenburg County Senior Democrats
meet on the second Friday of each month at Walls AME Zion Church, 2722 Bancroft St. Bring a bag lunch if desired. Meeting time is Noon.
Contact Sam Brown, 704-553-9061 or sambev_at_bellsouth.net

The Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County meet on the second Sunday of each month at 7:00 pm. Locations will vary and will be announced in advance of each meeting. Contact Becky Gomer, 704-200-8801 or president_at_meckyoungdems.org

"Third Thursday Group", a North Carolina Democratic "think tank", meets every third Thursday at Restaurant Costello's from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. 970 Branchview Dr NE, Concord, NC. Join us again to express your views and help to shape the party's agenda as we move into the future!

African-American Caucus of Mecklenburg County
Takes place the third Thursday of each Month, at 7:00 pm, at the Texas Land & Cattle Co., 517 University Center Blvd. Contact Michael Lawson 704-458-8150 or mamlawson_at_carolina.rr.com

Cabarrus County Democratic Women will have their monthly meeting the fourth Thursday of every month at the Stowe A-Way fish restaurant, starting at 6.30 pm. 455 Corban Ave Se, Concord, NC. All Democrats are encouraged to attend.


And for those who want to combine social events with politics, here are the Drinking Liberally Groups in North Carolina:

Asheville, North Carolina
* Every Thursday, 7:00-10:00 pm
* Asheville Brewing Company, 77 Coxe Ave (Downtown, 1/2 block north of Hilliard Ave.)
* Hosted by Aric Vance and Susan Lee, asheville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Charlotte, North Carolina
* First Monday and Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* First Monday of the month Location: Brixx Uptown, 225 E 6th St (we usually gather at the bar, on the LEFT side)
* Be sure to bring in your parking pass for validation, and to tell the parking attendant you are going to Brixx so they don't charge you $5!
* Third Wednesday of the month Location: Dolce Vita, 3205 N Davidson St 1/2 priced wines by the glass on Wednesday
* Hosted by Marcus Williams, Andy Graves and Mark Campbell, charlotte (at) drinkingliberally.org

Charlotte Eating Liberally
* Second Saturday of each month, 10:00 am
* Matthews Community Farmers' Market, 105 N Trade St, Matthews (We meet at the tables just outside of the Community House Coffee Shop)
* Come by after collecting your week's bounty & join us for a cup of coffee from the community house and a freshly baked pastery from one of the vendors!
* Bring your favorite organic/local/sustainable related books or recipes.
* Hosted by Laura Paynter and Heather Taylor, charlotte (at) eatingliberally.org

Concord, North Carolina
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Sweet Pea Cafe, 16 Union St S (1/2 block south of Cabarrus & Union)
* Hosted by Mark Ortiz, concordnc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Greensboro, North Carolina
* Every Thursday, 7:00-9:00 pm
* The Green Bean, 341 S Elm St
* Hosted by Richard Rozzelle, greensboro (at) drinkingliberally.org

Raleigh, North Carolina
* Every Tuesday, 6:00-9:00 pm
* Players Retreat, 105 Oberlin Rd (right near Hillsborough Street)
* Look for us in the room across from the bar, thru the doorway.
* Hosted by Wallace Pankow and Dave Carden, raleigh (at) drinkingliberally.org

Wilmington, North Carolina
* First and third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Orton's, 131 N Front St
* Hosted by Tom Schutte and Jimmy Cartrette, wilmingtonnc (at) drinkingliberally.org

COLORADO FOCUS: Blogs, Food Co-ops, Veterans for Peace, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

Engineering Greener Products and Clean Technologies
Jun 16 2009 Golden, Colorado

Join NI, industry experts, and leading researchers and engineers at this complimentary, full-day event.

Topics include:
Monitoring Environmental Data
Designing and Testing of Wind Power Technologies
Automated Control of Solar Cell Fabrication
Machine and Process Optimization

The measurement and automation tools that you will learn
about in this seminar can be applied across a wide variety of industries and applications and can help you achieve your specific goals, whether lowering the emissions of process, developing devices that consume less energy, creating viable renewable energy technologies, or better understanding the global eco-system.

corey.smith@ni.com
National Instruments

corey.smith@ni.com
http://http://sine.ni.com/apps/utf8/nievn.ni?action=display_offerings_by_event&event_id=37140&state=CO&s

Energy Efficiency Forum & Expo
Jun 18 2009 Montrose, Colorado

*Adding power to our economy through energy efficiency
*Saving money in schools & other public buildings
*Achieving high rate of return on investment in efficiency in commercial buildings
*Examples of energy efficient businesses in Western Colorado
*Daylighting (conventional & fiber optic)
*High-efficiency heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC)
*Utility efficiency programs
*Government policies to accelerate energy efficiency
*Grants, loans and other financing for energy efficiency
*Energy efficient new homes and home energy retrofits
*Plug in” hybrids, electric vehicles and more!h-efficiency heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC)

Tom Polikalas
970-240-1245

public.relations@dmea.com
http://www.dmea.com/Portals/0/DMEA%202009%20Expo%20flag%209-5-2008G.pdf


My Colorado readership has been dwindling since the election, so I am cutting back on
my updates of news from Colorado. But there is enough useful info that I will keep posting.

BLOGGING COLORADO:

Colorado Independent

Colorado MediaMatters: Colorado Media Matters is a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the Colorado media. Colorado Media Matters is managed and staffed by Coloradans trained in the rigorous editorial policies and research methods developed by Media Matters for America.

Square State, The Progressive Political Blog for Colorado


COLORADO VETERANS FOR PEACE:
Chapter 120 Boulder
Chapter 079 Denver

Meetings:

Join us for our regular potluck social and business meeting at 6:00 PM on the first Sunday of every month, at the Arborwood Condominums’ Club House, 3250 O'Neal Circle, in Boulder, Colorado.

Denver meetings 3rd Wed. of evrey month at 7:00 PM at the AFSC office, 901 W. 14th Street

For further information call:
George Newell - 303-440-0942
Frank Bessinger - 720-939-5057

Or Email info_at_covfp.org to ask to be added to our mailing list.


COLORADO FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Colorado:

Valley Food Co-op
3211 Main Street Suite G
Alamosa, Colorado 81101
Phone: (719) 589-5727

Durango Natural Foods
575 E 8th Avenue
Durango, Colorado 81301
Phone: (970) 257-8129
FAX: (970) 382-9477
info@durangonaturalfoods.coop
website: www.durangonaturalfoods.coop

Fort Collins Food Co-op
250 East Mountain Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Phone: (970) 484-7448
foodcoop@ftcfoodcoop.com
http://www.ftcfoodcoop.com/

The Fort Collins Food Co-operative offers fresh, local food, with a commitment to education, transparency to its sourcing and to the local circle of profit. The Market is a place for you to find the best local food, learn and support your community.

Huajatollas Food Co-op
106 County Road 632
Gardner, Colorado 81040
Phone: (719) 746-2314

High Plains Food Coop
5655 S. Yosemite St., Suite 400
Greenwoods Village, Colorado 80111
Phone: 785-626-3640
info@highplainsfood.org
http://highplainsfood.org/

This is one of the best sounding co-ops I have come across because it coordinates producers with consumers online and provides delivery. THIS is how a 21st Century food co-op.

Modeling from the Oklahoma Food Cooperative and the Nebraska Food Cooperative the High Plains Food Coop is a grassroots network of High Plains and Rocky Mountain Front Range producers and consumers uniting interests in locally grown food and other locally made products. The High Plains Food Cooperative strives to be a business that is environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially just. To foster a local food community and promote a culture of stewardship by cultivating farmer-consumer relationships, promoting the enjoyment of healthful food, increasing food security through diversity, and enhancing overall rural sustainability. We bring the farmer's market to your front door.

Once you join, you can order online and they deliver! The Online Food Market is intended to bring fresh, healthy, locally grown and produced food to you, the buyer, in a cost-effective and easy manner. Product selection will vary by season. While many of our producers are organic, we also support the sustainable practices of the small non-certified farmer. We believe in the quality and freshness of foods and whether food is produced in an ethical and sustainable manner.

In summary, you'll use the computer to purchase fresh, local produce and other locally produced goods in quantities you can use.

Producers can also sell their products through this co-op.

Mountain People's Co-op
30 E. First St PO Box 161
Nederland, Colorado 80466
Phone: (303) 258-7500
FAX: (303) 258-7500

Natural Foods Market & Buyers Co-op
112 Colorado Avenue
Pueblo, Colorado 81004
Phone: (719) 545-2958
FAX: (719) 545-0669

Rainbow Gardens Co-op
655 Tabernash Drive
Ridgeway, Colorado 81432
Phone: (970) 626-9720
FAX: (970) 626-9720
kimah@independence.net
http://www.rainbowcoop.com/

Website and email don't work...if anyone has more info on this co-op, let me know.

SDA Coop
106 Division Avenue
Sterling, Colorado 80751
Phone: (970) 265-2642


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY:

Some statistics from Repower America:

* Colorado's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 7,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $5.4 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 10,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* National Wind, along with Sedgwick, Phillips, and Logan County landowners, will create the state’s largest community-based wind development. The 400-megawatt project could produce enough electricity to power 120,000 homes.

* The state has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires all investor-owned utilities to generate 20% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2020, with at least 4% from solar energy. The RPS also requires municipal utilities and rural electric providers to achieve a renewable energy goal of 10% by 2020.

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.


Colorado Biodiesel: Supporting and advocating Colorado's fastest growing renewable fuel source
phone: 303-800-4650

Blue Sun is an integrated agriculture-energy company and marketer of premium renewable fuel products. Blue Sun products and services are differentiated by proprietary oilseed crops, additives, quality assurance, blending, and distribution infrastructure. Blue Sun oilseed crop R&D and established farmer network, industry-leading QA/QC policies, numerous retail pumps, and well-established distributor network bring you the best-quality diesel fuel possible today.

Go here for a list of pumps in Colorado (as well as a few in other neighboring states). Remember that ANY diesel car or truck can use up to B20 without modification, so most of these stations can serve you.


Here are some other alternative energy groups in Colorado:

Alliance for Sustainable Colorado: The mission of Alliance for Sustainable Colorado is to catalyze the shift to a truly sustainable world by fostering collaboration among nonprofits, businesses, governments, and academia. We are working to advance economic, environmental, and social sustainability in Colorado by building cross-sector alliances and networks.

Colorado Green Tech Group, Boulder
A gathering of people involved and/or interested in Green Tech including Energy generation, transportation, construction, and efficiency technologies.
We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00PM (6:00 for networking).

Sign up here to find out where they meet.

Boulder Sustainable Energy Group
We welcome anyone looking for an interesting, informative, and social forum for the exchange of ideas that will help each of us reduce our 'personal' consumption of fossil fuels and emission of greenhouse gasses, and make greener consumer choices in general. Sign up here to find out when and where they meet.

Colorado Alternative Energy: Alternative energy news for Colorado

Colorado Reewable Energy Society: The Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) is a nonprofit membership organization that works for the sensible adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies by Colorado businesses and consumers. Check out their website for local events and chapters.

Alternative Energy Resources in Colorado. A short summary of alternative energy resources for Colorado. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.


Here are some other groups and events in Colorado:

Progressive Majority Colorado: According to the Almanac of American Politics, Colorado is "at the front edge of economic, cultural and political change." Unfortunately for progressives, the political change that's occurred since the 1990's has come in the form of right-wing politics — dominated by religious and social conservatives who have, in turn, soured the national political debate.

This is truly a state where we are at a stand off — one side wins and one side loses — and who wins can shape the electoral mood of the country.

That's why Progressive Majority set up shop in Colorado — to bring true progressives into politics and create positive change that would last. We're recruiting progressive leaders to run for office who can also galvanize progressive voters who have been shut down by the loud voices of the ultra-conservative right.

Colorado remains a battleground state despite its vocal right-wing movement. It hasn't been won in the last two presidential elections, but Democrats have fared better at the state level — including winning slim margins in both the House and the Senate in 2004. Now, Progressive Majority is tapping an emerging demographic that leans progressive, recruiting candidates they can connect to, and building a progressive power base that will take control of the state — and keep it.

Progressive Majority has leadership programs, and helps progressive candidates run successful and efficient campaigns. Sign up for email updates here.

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.

Colorado Young Democrats Chapters: Find your local Young Democrats chapter and contact them to find out what you can do to organize your community.

Adams County Young Dems
Edward Casso, Representative
edwardcasso_at_hotmail.com
720.495.3861

Adams State University Undergraduate College Dems
Ryan Crick
ChefCO_at_gmail.com

Arapahoe County Young Dems
Derek Dye, President
derekodye_at_hotmail.com
303.921.1685

Boulder Young Dems
Sara Lu Hanley, President
saraluhanley_at_google.com
303.501.2575

Broomfield Young Dems
Samara Kapich, President
samarajbrown_at_yahoo.com
720.231.2072

College Democrats of Colorado
Jay Hazen, jay_at_coloradoyoungdems.com
303.884.7083
http://www.cocollegedems.com/

Colorado School of Mines College Dems
LB Williams, President
csmdemocrats_at_gmail.com

CSU Graduate School
Sunshine Swetnam, President
970.482.2025

Denver Young Dems
http://www.denveryoungdems.org/

Jefferson County Young Dems
Kyle Anderson, President
kylea1979_at_gmail.com
303.971.0370

School of Mines College Dems
LB Williams
MinesDemocrats_at_Gmail.com

Steamboat Springs Young Dems
Harris Reitman-Swiss, President
904.742.8061

University of Colorado at Boulder College Dems
Daniel Ramos
Daniel.Ramos_at_Colorado.edu

University of Denver College Dems
Jeff Graves
Jgraves2_at_du.edu

University of Denver Law School College Dems
Kelley Rider
KRider09_at_law.du.edu

Colorado chapter of National Stonewall Democrats—a grassroots network connecting LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Democratic activists through over 90 Stonewall chapters throughout the United States.

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.


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

Avon
o Fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30 pm
o Loaded Joe's, 82 East Beaver Creek Blvd Suite 104
o Hosted by Cheryl Bottomley

North Boulder
o First and Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
o Murphy's Grill, 2731 Iris Ave (By the bar in back)
o Hosted by Richard Bateman | Marc Sobel

Downtown Boulder
o Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm
o Pearl Street Pub, 1108 Pearl St
o Hosted by Carrie Jackson

Cañon City
o First and Third Wednesday of each month, 5:30 pm
o McClellan's Grill & Brewing Company, 413 Main St
o Hosted by Alain Chamot | Brandy Johnson

Colorado Springs
o First and Third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm
o he Coffee Exchange, 526 S Tejon St (In between McCabe's and Southside Johnny's)
o Hosted by Jeff and Amanda Courtright

North Colorado Springs
o Second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm
o Old Chicago, 7115 Commerce Center Dr
o Hosted by Lucy Wolboldt | Jan Hejtmanek

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

Lakewood
o First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
o Dino's, 10040 W Colfax Ave (SW Corner of Colfax and Kipling)
o Hosted by Bill Simpson

Durango
o Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm
o Joel's, 119 W 8th St
o Hosted by Brandon Donohue

Fort Collins
o Second and Fourth Thursday of each month, 5:00 pm
o The Crown Pub, 144 S College Ave (between Oak and Mountain)
o Hosted by Anne Wilseck

Frisco
o Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
o The Boatyard, 3rd and Main
o Hosted by Heather Christie | Karin Mitchell

Grand Junction
o First Wednesday of each month, 5:00 pm
o Kannah Creek Brewing Company, 1960 N 12th St

Greeley
o Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm
o Island Grill, 809 9th Street ((look for our table in the resturant area))
o Hosted by Ed Craig | Judy Craig

Longmont
o First and Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
o RedZone, 540 S Main St
o Hosted by Andi Hill

Sep 12: Jacksonville, FL Democracy for America Campaign Training

Democracy for America Campaign Training in Jacksonville:

Event Date: Sep 12, 2009
Event Time: 9:00 AM EDT
Venue Name: IBEW Union Hall
Address: 966 N Liberty St
City: Jacksonville
State: FL
Zip Code: 32202

Agenda:
Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Jacksonville this September 12th - 13th:

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign
2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates
3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience
4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events
5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual
6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation
7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign
8. Help elect progressive mayors, city council members and other municipal
offices in 2009
9. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct
10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

Click here to preview the agenda and trainers!

Invite Your Friends on Facebook!

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don't worry if you can't afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.

FLORIDA FOCUS: Blogs, Equality, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

My Florida readership has been dwindling since the election, so I am cutting back on my updates of news from Florida. But there is enough useful info that I will keep posting.

Florida CFO Alex Sink is running for Governor. Here is her announcement:




BLOGGING FLORIDA: FLA Politics covers the Florida Netroots and Florida politics.

The Florida Progressive Coalition coverse progressive politics in Florida.

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


Equality Events in Florida: The Dolphin Democrats have a calendar with many events throughout Florida. Go here to find out what is going on in your area.

Florida Democratic Party Netroots Coalition

The Netroots Coalition was created to help bring together bloggers and Netroots activists who support the Democratic Party. The mission of the organization is to contribute to the growth and influence of the Democratic Party, to establish and maintain a Democratic online community, and to promote the party and all party candidates for Democratic leadership throughout the state and nation. We also seek to assist and encourage Florida Democrats, including clubs, county, and grassroots organizations to get online and establish a communication network and promote online participation among Democrats. Go here to join.

Florida Democratic Party Small County Coalition

The SCC is made up of the counties in Florida that have less than 35,000 registered Democrats, which includes more than half of the counties in Florida. The mobilization and organization of small counties through the SCC is an important asset to Florida Democrats. As one of the finest examples of what cooperation within the Party can achieve, the SCC, Florida's largest Democratic voting block, gives Democrats from smaller counties a chance to deliver our message in underrepresented areas of Florida.

Go here to get active in the coalition.

Mark your calendars for the next Smal County Coalition Convention on June 20-22 in Nassau County. Learn more here: http://www.doug2008.net/scc2008.html


Alternative Energy in Florida:

Some statistics from Repower America:

* NextEra Energy began construction on three solar energy facilities that will prevent the release of nearly 3.5 million tons of greenhouse gases – or the equivalent of removing 25,000 cars from the road per year!

* Florida Power & Light claims to be the nation's No.1 utility for energy conservation. FPL's programs have helped the company avoid the need to build 12 medium-sized power plants since 1980.

* Governor Crist’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change adopted a fifty-policy climate plan that, when fully implemented, will provide a net cost savings of more than $28 billion and reduce GHG emissions by 64% by 2025.

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 Florida, 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 is a biodiesel cooperative in Florida. If you drive a diesel truck or car, check them out.

Brevard BioDiesel
Brevard County

Brevard Biodiesel seeks to promote the availability and use of clean-burning, renewable biodiesel fuel as a replacement for petroleum by raising public awareness of its environmental, economic, and national security benefits.

Check out their website. They have some good environmental news reports on their site.


Here are some other alternative energy groups in Florida:

SolarCity Gainesville is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of solar and renewable energy in Gainesville and Alachua County. Go here for more info.

Jacksonville's Sustainable Future:
Jacksonville's Sustainable Future is a resource for those who are concerned about Global Climate Change and want to do something, as well as a resource for those who want to learn more.

Our focus is on creating a better world for future generations.

Join us to discuss citizen awareness projects, personal endeavors, and other plans for a better future for Jacksonville, Orange Park, the Beaches, St. Augustine, Fernandina, and the other areas that make up Greater Jacksonville. Go here for more info.

We are working on a number of projects related to energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

Please join us if you want to work towards a greener, cleaner, and healthier future for our community.


Here are some Florida groups and events:

Florida Public Transportation Association

The Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) is chartered to fulfill the following objectives:

1. To provide a forum for public transit service providers and affiliated organizations to exchange experiences, studies and to engage in meaningful discussion of mutual problems, concerns and issues.
2. To foster the improvement of public transportation in the state by promoting the beneficial use of research and factual study.
3. To act as a collective voice in promoting the recognition, use, expansion and enhancement of public transportation in the state.
4. To elicit cooperation efforts among member agencies, their employees, agents and customers, along with the general public to pursue and achieve common interests.
5. To represent the interests of member agencies, individually or collectively, in forums appropriate for the prosecution, enforcement or defense of issues of interest to those members.
6. To receive and apply funds for the achievement and furtherance of organizational purposes and objectives, including levying, assessing, charging and collecting dues from the membership of the Association.
7. To acquire, hold and own land, facilities, equipment and furnishings and do all things necessary and incident to carrying out the organizational purposes and objectives.

Miami-Dade Democratic Black Caucus Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Second Saturday of every month at 10 AM
Event Location: El-Portal City Hall 500 NE 87 Street, The Village of El-Portal.

We welcome new membership, please join us, free continental breakfast served! Honorable Joyce A. Davis, President 305-754-0934

Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Miami-Dade
Fourth Wednesday of every month, 7:00PM
Hoja Nueva Restaurant at the Westin Colonade
Please attend the monthly meeting for the Miami Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida. For more info: 305 632-0036

Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club
Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club Breakfast Meeting
Event Location: “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 ST Miami, FL 33135 Fourth Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. (If this is the same Versailles Cuban restaurant that I know in California, the food is fantastic! Particularly the roast chicken and rost pork).

The Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club invites you to its next breakfast meeting at “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 St
Cost: $15 per person.

For more info contact: Hector Caraballo (President, Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club) at hector_at_miamicubandems.org

MIAMI-DADE YOUNG DEMS MONTHLY MEETING
Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7pm
Location:
Gordon Biersch
1201 Biscayne Ave. Miami, FL 33131
For info: 786-425-1130

Sumter County Democratic Club
P.O. Box 1066 Wildwood, FL 34785
General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of every month Sumterville Community Center

Tri-County Women's Democratic Club
General Meeting at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st Monday of every month at the Sumter County Sheriff's Annex on Highway 466 @ Morse Boulevard.

Charlotte County Democrats meeting
The Charlotte County Democratic Club meets on the second Saturday of every month. Please join us at 9:30 AM for coffee and snacks. The meeting starts at 10 AM. Location is the upstairs meeting room at the Public Library on Aaron Street in Port Charlotte. Call 743-5560 for directions or more info.


And for those interested in a more fun way to be liberal, here are Florida's Drinking Liberal groups:

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Island Jack's Patio Bar and Grille, 5425 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate (just East of 441)
* Hosted by Jacqueline Hope Derby and Dave Pfeffer, ftlauderdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Orlando, Florida
* Every Wednesday, 6:00 pm onward
* Johnny's Fillin' Station, 2706 S Ferncreek Ave (NE corner of Michigan and Fern Creek)
* Hosted by Dan Hill, orlando (at) drinkingliberally.or

Pensacola, Florida
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Intermission, 214 S Palafox St
* Hosted by Terry Welch, pensacola (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tallahassee, Florida
* Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* Gill's Tavern, 2545 North Monroe Street
* Hosted by Sharon Collins, tallahassee (at) drinkingliberally.org

South Tampa UPDATED
* Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward (used to only be first Thursday)
* Rock-N-Sports, 1600 E 8th Ave, #E200 (Above Starbucks, Across from Muvico, Next to Adobe Guilas)
* Hosted by Tim Heberlein, southtampa (at) drinkingliberally.org
* http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/FL/southtampa

St. Petersburg
* Last Thursday of each month, 8:30 pm onward
* Limey's Pub, 1492 4th St N
* Hosted by Connor Davis and Dave Lee, stpetersburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Brandon
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Giordano's, 11310 Causeway Blvd, Brandon FL 33511 (Outside patio) (NEW location)
* Hosted by Joe Litton and Shirley Litton, brandon (at) drinkingliberally.org
* http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/FL/brandon

Land O Lakes
* Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Rapscallions, 4422 Land O Lakes Blvd (US-41)
* Hosted by Brian Reach and Michael Greenman, landolakes (at) drinkingliberally.orgF

Jul 25, Tempe, AZ Democracy for America Campaign Training

Democracy for America Campaign Training in Tempe, AZ:

Event Date: Jul 25, 2009
Event Time: 9:00 AM MST (12:00 PM EDT)
Venue Name: University of Advancing Technologies
Address: 2625 W Baseline Rd
City: Tempe
State: AZ
Zip Code: 85283

Agenda:

Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Phoenix this July 25th-26th:

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign
2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates
3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience
4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events
5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual
6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation
7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign
8. Help elect progressive mayors, city council members and other municipal
offices in 2009
9. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct
10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

Click here to see the skills you'll learn at a DFA Campaign Training!

Invite Your Friends on Facebook!

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don't worry if you can't afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.

ARIZONA FOCUS: Blogs, Food Co-ops, Alternative Energy, Veterans for Peace, Groups and Events

My Arizona readership has been dwindling since the election, so I am cutting back on my updates of news from Arizona. But there is enough useful info that I will keep posting.

Check out the Arizona Democratic Party's Calendar to find out what events are going on in your area.

BLOGGING ARIZONA:

AZNetroots: Bringing together Arizona Progressives to take back our country!

Blog for Arizona: Progressive blogging in AZ.

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

Liberal Desert: IT'S A WRY HEAT; REALITY-BASED COMMENTARY ON ARIZONA AND NATIONAL POLITICS

Black Mesa Indigenous Support: Back in college I was involved in this issue. I have drifted away, but the issues remain!


VETERANS FOR PEACE, PHOENIX CHAPTER 75
We are Veterans working together for peace and justice through non-violence! To this end we will work with others to:

(a). Increase public awareness of the full cost of war.
(b). Restrain our government from intervening, overtly or
covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations.
(c). End the arms race and reduce and eventually eliminate
nuclear weapons.
(d). Seek justice for veterans and victims of war.
(e). Abolish war as an instrument of national policy.

We meet every second Wednesday at 6:30PM.

Location is: Casey Moore's Oyster House
850 S Ash Ave.
It is located one block south of University Drive and two blocks West of Mill Ave


ARIZONA FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Arizona:

Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N. 4th Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85705
Phone: (520) 624-4821
FAX: (520) 792-2703
natural@foodconspiracy.org
http://www.foodconspiracy.org/

Food Conspiracy is a natural foods market, cooperatively owned by its members and open to the public. Since 1971 we have been committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and products to the Tucson community. Our produce department is entirely organic, and we don’t carry any products known to contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). We are committed to offering certified organic products whenever we have a choice, and we have the most extensive bulk selection in town. In alignment with our commitment to environmentalism, social justice, and education, we are constantly expanding our line of local, fair trade, and independently produced items.

I should note that I personally am not as concerned about GMOs as this co-op seems to be, but I have no doubt that overall I agree with their philosophy and that they are an excellent place to shop.

They also have a small list of upcoming community events.


Shop Natural Market
350 S. Toole
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Phone: (520) 622-3911
FAX: (520) 792-3258

Their website doesn't seem to exist anymore. I can't confirm if they still exist. They are listed on City Search but with no reviews. If anyone has more info, please let me know.

Bisbee Food Cooperative
72 Erie Street
Bisbee, Arizona 85603
Phone: (520) 432-4011
FAX: (520) 432-9014
bisbeefoodcoop@hotmail.com

Magpie Natural Foods Co-op & Buying Club
500 West Gurley Street
Prescott, Arizona 86301
Phone: (520) 778-5880
FAX: (520) 776-0808
mpcoop@attglobal.net


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN ARIZONA:

Some stats from Repower America:

* The state's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 9,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $11.6 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking almost 13,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* Some of the best solar resources in the nation fall right on Arizona. In fact, research shows that Arizona's sunshine can provide 50 times more electricity than what the entire state uses today.

* Arizona has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires public utilities to generate 15% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2025

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 Arizona, 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.


Arizona Biodiesel: AZ BioDiesel produces ASTM Certified B99 BioFuel from reclaimed oil at our processing plant in Gilbert, Arizona. Our goal is to reduce air pollution in Phoenix by introducing 1 million gallons of BioDiesel in 2009.

New Extended Hours: 7AM-7PM M-F, 9AM-1PM Sat.

FREE Delivery to most of the Phoenix Metro with orders of 250 or more gallons of biodiesel.

Call our facility at 480-344-1480 Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

Fuel Purchasing Options:

Option 1: We can fuel your vehicle and/or we can fill up your fuel containers.

Option 2: We can provide a 55 gallon barrel (small deposit required) for your fuel.

Our Gilbert Fueling Facility Address and Map (Click here)

All major credit cards accepted.


Arizona Solar:

Thousands of utility customers throughout the U.S., who were tired of the high cost of electricity have taken advantage of generous rebates and tax credits which are available for the installation of solar electric systems on their homes and businesses.

The State of Arizona is currently offering a cash rebate 25% (up to $35,000.00) for the installation of a solar system for your home or place of business !. And unlike the old solar systems of yesteryear that only produced hot water, these new systems actually produce electricity ! Clean reliable electricity to run lights, TVs, pumps, refrigerators, computers and many other appliances, all with free energy from the Sun.

Call Toll Free: 1-877-498-6527


The Phoenix Alternative Energy Meetup Group

All Alternative Energy Meetups are scheduled to meet at 1:30pm on the second Saturday of each month. We are searching for a permanent location. Event fee: $1.00 per person

Please join us for discussions and activities on various subjects related to energy use and alternatives to our current carbon-based system.

For more info, sign up here.

Solar Alliance of Greater Tucson Community and Choice for a Brighter Future Sustainability in action!

The Tucson Solar Alliance is a non-profit community coalition dedicated to helping people access solar energy and related measures more easily on a practical and cost-effective basis.

Sustainable Tucson

The purpose of Sustainable Tucson is to facilitate an inclusive, dynamic community-building process that ensures economic prosperity, social vibrancy, and ecological health.

Cottonwood Alternative Energy

Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of practical alternative energies.

Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment beginning in our local community!

This group welcomes those embracing the urge to respect our planet and to actively promote community programs that seek to provide practical solutions to residential energy needs, as well as promote the adoption of variant lifestyles that enrich the local and regional biocosm.


GROUPS AND EVENTS:
Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:

DFA of Phoenix Monthly Meeting
Democracy for America meets the first Monday of the month at IHOP at the corner of 44th St. and Thomas Rd at 7PM
Contact: Toby Stohl at 602.955-9050 for more information
Website: www.dfalink.com/az-vote

Community Gardens of Tucson: A community garden is a place where neighbors can grow flowers or vegetables together on one piece of land. The land is usually volunteered by a home owner for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 25′, are made available to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A drip irrigation system is installed to supply water to the plants. A separate water meter is installed in the garden, and the home owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is currently $12.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment. Find locations of Tucson community gardens here. To find monthly meetings, go here. And to get involved, go here.

Arizona Democratic Veterans’ Caucus
Jeff Latas
1402 E. Placita Meseta Dorada
Oro Valley 85755
Phone: (520) 404-9133
Email: jeff_at_latasgroup.com

TUCSON AREA DEMOCRATS:
Democrats of Greater Tucson
Marion Pickens
80743 E. 29th Street
Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone : 520-296-5908
Email : DGT_at_pimademocrats.org

Northwest Democrats
Marty Drozdoff
1352 W. San Nichols Drive
Tucson 85704
Phone: 502 742 1019
Email: martyrepresentsyou_at_msn.com

Saguaro Eastside Democrats
Sharon McCormick
9701 E. Sunburst Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85748
Phone: 520-296-9395
Email: sharonamcc_at_msn.com
Website: http://saguaroeastsidedemocrats.org

Southern Arizona GBLT Democrats
Les Krambeal
4991 N. Placita Aguilera
Tuscon 85745
Phone: 520-743 2046 or cell 520 548 4947
Email: leskrambeal_at_yahoo.com

Tanque Verde Democrats
Henry Johnson, M.D.
3033 N. Spirit Dancer Trail
Tucson, AZ 85749
Phone: 520-760-3012
E-Mail: hjohnsonMD_at_simplybits.net
Website: www.tanqueverdedems.org

UofA Young Democrats
James Jefferies
1063 East Adams St
Tucson 85719
Phone: 520 490 5631
Email: jjj4_at_email.arizona.edu

African American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Harold Holmes
15604 N 7th Dr Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: 602-993-5040
Email: harhol_at_msn.com

Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus
David Olvera
4875 North Hummingbird Lane
Tucson 85750
Phone: 520 631 7626
Email: davido_at_comcast.net

Native American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Chris Clark Deschene
P.O. Box 1854
Chinle 86503
Phone: 928 660 3332
Email: clarkdeschene_at_att.net

Jacqueline Thomas
3040 North 2nd Street, Unit 202
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 285 0157
Email: jackiefayeblues_at_cs.com

Tribal Outreach Coordinator: Arista LaRusso
602-298-4200
Alarusso_at_azdem.org

National Jewish Democratic Council – Arizona Chapter
Jerry Gettinger
10018 E. Friess Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-510-1320
Email: jget_at_cox.net

Women in Blue
Carole Pearsall
3466 East Charlston Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 602-765 9135
Email: carole.pearsall_at_cox.net
Website: www.arizonawomeninblue.com

Young Democrats of Arizona
Cole Hickman
1732 South McKemy St.
Tempe 85251
Phone: 415 847 9174
Email: President_at_ydaz.org
Website: www.ydaz.org

Stan Williams – Executive Director
Phone: 602 796 2472 or 602 234 6809
Email: stanwilliams_at_ydaz.org

Arizona Democratic Progressive Caucus
Sherry Bohlen, Co-Chair
15207 E. Stardust
Fountain Hills, 85268
Phone: 480 529 2131
Email: Sherry_at_OracleArchitecture.com
Website: www.AzDPC.org

Steve McClure, Co-Chair
4155 E. La Cienega Drive
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 520 806 2701
Email: smcclureazdem@cox.net

Arizona GBLT Democrats
Justin Unga
2910 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 828 3920
Email: junga_at_azdem.org

Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democrats and supporters. This group serves to inform and educate persons within the GLBT community regarding elected officials, candidates, and issues of interest to that community. They also provide information and education to elected officials, candidates, and others regarding GLBT issues.

Contact:
Maurice Grossman (323-2293)

Meetings:
The last Monday of the month, 6:30pm, at varying locations.

Email:
sasdtucson_at_yahoo.com

Monthly Meeting - District 17 Democrats - Pyle Center
When: second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 PM
Where: 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ

District 20 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

For more info go here: http://ld20.maricopademocrats.org/

District 10 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap

Progressive Majority Arizona: "The progressive movement is on the march in Arizona, and Progressive Majority is proud to be part of the momentum. Across Arizona, progressives are getting elected to councils in formerly arch-conservative cities, and progressive legislators are winning in districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. Our successes all over the state and at every level are proof positive that conservatives are on the run and the future is bright for Arizona progressives."

Progressive Majority has leadership programs and can help progressive candidates run an efficient and successful campaign. You can sign up for email updates here.


And for those who are interested in combining social events and politics, here are the Drinking Liberaly events in Arizona:

Flagstaff, Arizona
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* Bigfoot Bar-B-Q, 120 N Leroux St (basement of Old Town Shops)
* Hosted by Andy Stevenson and George Castleberry, flagstaff (at) drinkingliberally.org

Phoenix
* Every other Thursday, 5:30-9:00 pm
* Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub, 906 E Camelback Rd (9th St & Cameback on the North Side)
* http://www.rosiemccaffreys.com/index.htm
* Hosted by Stuart Dollar, phoenix (at) drinkingliberally.org

Scottsdale
* First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30
* Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird)
* On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road.
* Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month.
* Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!!
* Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tucson, Arizona
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* The Shanty, 401 E 9th St (Fourth Ave. at the underpass)
* Please visit our chapter's web site for schedules, book club info, and more: http://arizona.typepad.com/drinkingliberally
* Hosted by Michael Bryan, Tasha Nelson and Shasta McManus, tucson (at) drinkingliberally.orgMy Arizona readership has been dwindling since the election, so I am cutting back on my updates of news from Arizona. But there is enough useful info that I will keep posting.

Check out the Arizona Democratic Party's Calendar to find out what events are going on in your area.

BLOGGING ARIZONA:

AZNetroots: Bringing together Arizona Progressives to take back our country!

Blog for Arizona: Progressive blogging in AZ.

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

Liberal Desert: IT'S A WRY HEAT; REALITY-BASED COMMENTARY ON ARIZONA AND NATIONAL POLITICS

Black Mesa Indigenous Support: Back in college I was involved in this issue. I have drifted away, but the issues remain!


Democracy for America Campaign Training in Phoenix:

Event Date: Jul 25, 2009
Event Time: 9:00 AM MST (12:00 PM EDT)
Venue Name: University of Advancing Technologies
Address: 2625 W Baseline Rd
City: Tempe
State: AZ
Zip Code: 85283

Agenda:

Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Phoenix this July 25th-26th:

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign
2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates
3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience
4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events
5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual
6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation
7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign
8. Help elect progressive mayors, city council members and other municipal
offices in 2009
9. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct
10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

Click here to see the skills you'll learn at a DFA Campaign Training!

Invite Your Friends on Facebook!

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don't worry if you can't afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.


VETERANS FOR PEACE, PHOENIX CHAPTER 75
We are Veterans working together for peace and justice through non-violence! To this end we will work with others to:

(a). Increase public awareness of the full cost of war.
(b). Restrain our government from intervening, overtly or
covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations.
(c). End the arms race and reduce and eventually eliminate
nuclear weapons.
(d). Seek justice for veterans and victims of war.
(e). Abolish war as an instrument of national policy.

We meet every second Wednesday at 6:30PM.

Location is: Casey Moore's Oyster House
850 S Ash Ave.
It is located one block south of University Drive and two blocks West of Mill Ave


ARIZONA FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Arizona:

Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N. 4th Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85705
Phone: (520) 624-4821
FAX: (520) 792-2703
natural@foodconspiracy.org
http://www.foodconspiracy.org/

Food Conspiracy is a natural foods market, cooperatively owned by its members and open to the public. Since 1971 we have been committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and products to the Tucson community. Our produce department is entirely organic, and we don’t carry any products known to contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). We are committed to offering certified organic products whenever we have a choice, and we have the most extensive bulk selection in town. In alignment with our commitment to environmentalism, social justice, and education, we are constantly expanding our line of local, fair trade, and independently produced items.

I should note that I personally am not as concerned about GMOs as this co-op seems to be, but I have no doubt that overall I agree with their philosophy and that they are an excellent place to shop.

They also have a small list of upcoming community events.


Shop Natural Market
350 S. Toole
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Phone: (520) 622-3911
FAX: (520) 792-3258

Their website doesn't seem to exist anymore. I can't confirm if they still exist. They are listed on City Search but with no reviews. If anyone has more info, please let me know.

Bisbee Food Cooperative
72 Erie Street
Bisbee, Arizona 85603
Phone: (520) 432-4011
FAX: (520) 432-9014
bisbeefoodcoop@hotmail.com

Magpie Natural Foods Co-op & Buying Club
500 West Gurley Street
Prescott, Arizona 86301
Phone: (520) 778-5880
FAX: (520) 776-0808
mpcoop@attglobal.net


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN ARIZONA:

Some stats from Repower America:

* The state's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 9,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $11.6 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking almost 13,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* Some of the best solar resources in the nation fall right on Arizona. In fact, research shows that Arizona's sunshine can provide 50 times more electricity than what the entire state uses today.

* Arizona has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires public utilities to generate 15% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2025

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 Arizona, 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.


Arizona Biodiesel: AZ BioDiesel produces ASTM Certified B99 BioFuel from reclaimed oil at our processing plant in Gilbert, Arizona. Our goal is to reduce air pollution in Phoenix by introducing 1 million gallons of BioDiesel in 2009.

New Extended Hours: 7AM-7PM M-F, 9AM-1PM Sat.

FREE Delivery to most of the Phoenix Metro with orders of 250 or more gallons of biodiesel.

Call our facility at 480-344-1480 Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

Fuel Purchasing Options:

Option 1: We can fuel your vehicle and/or we can fill up your fuel containers.

Option 2: We can provide a 55 gallon barrel (small deposit required) for your fuel.

Our Gilbert Fueling Facility Address and Map (Click here)

All major credit cards accepted.


Arizona Solar:

Thousands of utility customers throughout the U.S., who were tired of the high cost of electricity have taken advantage of generous rebates and tax credits which are available for the installation of solar electric systems on their homes and businesses.

The State of Arizona is currently offering a cash rebate 25% (up to $35,000.00) for the installation of a solar system for your home or place of business !. And unlike the old solar systems of yesteryear that only produced hot water, these new systems actually produce electricity ! Clean reliable electricity to run lights, TVs, pumps, refrigerators, computers and many other appliances, all with free energy from the Sun.

Call Toll Free: 1-877-498-6527


The Phoenix Alternative Energy Meetup Group

All Alternative Energy Meetups are scheduled to meet at 1:30pm on the second Saturday of each month. We are searching for a permanent location. Event fee: $1.00 per person

Please join us for discussions and activities on various subjects related to energy use and alternatives to our current carbon-based system.

For more info, sign up here.

Solar Alliance of Greater Tucson Community and Choice for a Brighter Future Sustainability in action!

The Tucson Solar Alliance is a non-profit community coalition dedicated to helping people access solar energy and related measures more easily on a practical and cost-effective basis.

Sustainable Tucson

The purpose of Sustainable Tucson is to facilitate an inclusive, dynamic community-building process that ensures economic prosperity, social vibrancy, and ecological health.

Cottonwood Alternative Energy

Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of practical alternative energies.

Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment beginning in our local community!

This group welcomes those embracing the urge to respect our planet and to actively promote community programs that seek to provide practical solutions to residential energy needs, as well as promote the adoption of variant lifestyles that enrich the local and regional biocosm.


GROUPS AND EVENTS:
Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:

DFA of Phoenix Monthly Meeting
Democracy for America meets the first Monday of the month at IHOP at the corner of 44th St. and Thomas Rd at 7PM
Contact: Toby Stohl at 602.955-9050 for more information
Website: www.dfalink.com/az-vote

Community Gardens of Tucson: A community garden is a place where neighbors can grow flowers or vegetables together on one piece of land. The land is usually volunteered by a home owner for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 25′, are made available to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A drip irrigation system is installed to supply water to the plants. A separate water meter is installed in the garden, and the home owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is currently $12.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment. Find locations of Tucson community gardens here. To find monthly meetings, go here. And to get involved, go here.

Arizona Democratic Veterans’ Caucus
Jeff Latas
1402 E. Placita Meseta Dorada
Oro Valley 85755
Phone: (520) 404-9133
Email: jeff_at_latasgroup.com

TUCSON AREA DEMOCRATS:
Democrats of Greater Tucson
Marion Pickens
80743 E. 29th Street
Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone : 520-296-5908
Email : DGT_at_pimademocrats.org

Northwest Democrats
Marty Drozdoff
1352 W. San Nichols Drive
Tucson 85704
Phone: 502 742 1019
Email: martyrepresentsyou_at_msn.com

Saguaro Eastside Democrats
Sharon McCormick
9701 E. Sunburst Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85748
Phone: 520-296-9395
Email: sharonamcc_at_msn.com
Website: http://saguaroeastsidedemocrats.org

Southern Arizona GBLT Democrats
Les Krambeal
4991 N. Placita Aguilera
Tuscon 85745
Phone: 520-743 2046 or cell 520 548 4947
Email: leskrambeal_at_yahoo.com

Tanque Verde Democrats
Henry Johnson, M.D.
3033 N. Spirit Dancer Trail
Tucson, AZ 85749
Phone: 520-760-3012
E-Mail: hjohnsonMD_at_simplybits.net
Website: www.tanqueverdedems.org

UofA Young Democrats
James Jefferies
1063 East Adams St
Tucson 85719
Phone: 520 490 5631
Email: jjj4_at_email.arizona.edu

African American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Harold Holmes
15604 N 7th Dr Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: 602-993-5040
Email: harhol_at_msn.com

Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus
David Olvera
4875 North Hummingbird Lane
Tucson 85750
Phone: 520 631 7626
Email: davido_at_comcast.net

Native American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Chris Clark Deschene
P.O. Box 1854
Chinle 86503
Phone: 928 660 3332
Email: clarkdeschene_at_att.net

Jacqueline Thomas
3040 North 2nd Street, Unit 202
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 285 0157
Email: jackiefayeblues_at_cs.com

Tribal Outreach Coordinator: Arista LaRusso
602-298-4200
Alarusso_at_azdem.org

National Jewish Democratic Council – Arizona Chapter
Jerry Gettinger
10018 E. Friess Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-510-1320
Email: jget_at_cox.net

Women in Blue
Carole Pearsall
3466 East Charlston Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 602-765 9135
Email: carole.pearsall_at_cox.net
Website: www.arizonawomeninblue.com

Young Democrats of Arizona
Cole Hickman
1732 South McKemy St.
Tempe 85251
Phone: 415 847 9174
Email: President_at_ydaz.org
Website: www.ydaz.org

Stan Williams – Executive Director
Phone: 602 796 2472 or 602 234 6809
Email: stanwilliams_at_ydaz.org

Arizona Democratic Progressive Caucus
Sherry Bohlen, Co-Chair
15207 E. Stardust
Fountain Hills, 85268
Phone: 480 529 2131
Email: Sherry_at_OracleArchitecture.com
Website: www.AzDPC.org

Steve McClure, Co-Chair
4155 E. La Cienega Drive
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 520 806 2701
Email: smcclureazdem@cox.net

Arizona GBLT Democrats
Justin Unga
2910 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 828 3920
Email: junga_at_azdem.org

Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democrats and supporters. This group serves to inform and educate persons within the GLBT community regarding elected officials, candidates, and issues of interest to that community. They also provide information and education to elected officials, candidates, and others regarding GLBT issues.

Contact:
Maurice Grossman (323-2293)

Meetings:
The last Monday of the month, 6:30pm, at varying locations.

Email:
sasdtucson_at_yahoo.com

Monthly Meeting - District 17 Democrats - Pyle Center
When: second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 PM
Where: 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ

District 20 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

For more info go here: http://ld20.maricopademocrats.org/

District 10 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap

Progressive Majority Arizona: "The progressive movement is on the march in Arizona, and Progressive Majority is proud to be part of the momentum. Across Arizona, progressives are getting elected to councils in formerly arch-conservative cities, and progressive legislators are winning in districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. Our successes all over the state and at every level are proof positive that conservatives are on the run and the future is bright for Arizona progressives."

Progressive Majority has leadership programs and can help progressive candidates run an efficient and successful campaign. You can sign up for email updates here.


And for those who are interested in combining social events and politics, here are the Drinking Liberaly events in Arizona:

Flagstaff, Arizona
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* Bigfoot Bar-B-Q, 120 N Leroux St (basement of Old Town Shops)
* Hosted by Andy Stevenson and George Castleberry, flagstaff (at) drinkingliberally.org

Phoenix
* Every other Thursday, 5:30-9:00 pm
* Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub, 906 E Camelback Rd (9th St & Cameback on the North Side)
* http://www.rosiemccaffreys.com/index.htm
* Hosted by Stuart Dollar, phoenix (at) drinkingliberally.org

Scottsdale
* First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30
* Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird)
* On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road.
* Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month.
* Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!!
* Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tucson, Arizona
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* The Shanty, 401 E 9th St (Fourth Ave. at the underpass)
* Please visit our chapter's web site for schedules, book club info, and more: http://arizona.typepad.com/drinkingliberally
* Hosted by Michael Bryan, Tasha Nelson and Shasta McManus, tucson (at) drinkingliberally.org

WISCONSIN FOCUS: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

Here is a Calendar of Events from the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Find out what is going on in your area.

Blogging Wisconsin:

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

Wisconsin Energy Connection: On the blog you’ll find podcast interviews with professionals in the industry. They’ll share a lot of in-depth information with you about their company and their perspective on the sector. You’ll also find job listings for Wisconsin. These can help you keep an eye on developments with other companies, and perhaps launch a new facet in your career. If you hear of a job opening, please send me an email at greg_at_wisconsinenergyconnection.com.

Milwaukee Rising covers local issues in Milwaukee

Urban Milwaukee: seeks to provide a informative and open dialogue on the issues, events, and people affecting Milwaukee’s most urban neighborhoods, and to promote urbanism within the city of Milwaukee.

Watchdog Milwaukee is another local Milwaukee blog of note

Blogging Blue covers progressive issues in Wisconsin.


Some Stories of Interest:

Troops Actually Come Home After Referendum Passes With Record Turnout

Strange stuff from Wis DOT

“Silver Spoon” Scott Walker has a Challenge in Mark Neuman

Yet another Republican calls for higher taxes. Of course let's not forget that the biggest tax hikes in American history were under Reagan and Bush.

Traditional Neighborhood Development Partners Solar Village Renderings

Don't nuke Wisconsin's climate

Wisconsin Republicans Wanted More Lay-Offs

Madison Small Businesses Support Employee Free Choice


Alternative Energy in Wisconsin:

Some stats from Repower America:

* The Glacier Hills Wind Park, a 207-megawatt wind farm with the potential to power 45,000 homes, is in the approval stages. The proposed wind park would be located 45 miles northeast of Madison.

* Governor Doyle's recent directive to purchase 92,000-megawatts of clean power from solar, wind, and landfill gas systems for government buildings will take the state halfway to meeting his goal of powering the state government with 20% renewable energy sources by 2011.

* Wisconsin's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 40,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $36.1 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 52,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

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 Wisconsin, 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.


PrairieFire BioFuels: a member-owned cooperative creating access and building infrastructure to support vegetable oil-based fuels sources and usage. Their website also lists diesel cars for sale which can use biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel is an AMERICAN fuel that helps farmers, not Saudi oil shieks.

1894 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704

Co-op and non-profit: (608) 441-5454

Shop: (608) 441-9566

Business Office and Diesel Repair Shop hours:
Monday - Friday 8am-5pm

The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association (WBA) is a membership trade organization that promotes the commercial development, production, marketing, distribution, and utilization of biodiesel and other renewable biofuels.

It is the vision of WBA that Wisconsin biodiesel producers, marketers and distributors will provide, through a network of readily accessible retail outlets, biodiesel fuel that consistently meets recognized quality standards so that all Wisconsin citizens benefit from the economic returns, improved air quality and energy independence achieved through use of renewable biodiesel fuels.

Membership info here.

For a list of biodiesel stations around Wisconsin, go here (PDF). Remember, ANY diesel engine can use up to B20 biodiesel, so most of these stations can fuel any diesel truck or car.

RENEW Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Madison, promotes clean energy strategies for powering the state's economy in an environmentally responsible manner.

Madison Peak Oil Group meets on the first Thursday of every month for a brown bag lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the lower level conference room at 222 S. Hamilton Street.

Renewable Energy Milwaukee: A renewable energy blog for greater Milwaukee, moderated by RENEW Wisconsin

THE MadiSUN PROGRAM: The City of Madison was recently awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the Solar America Cities Program. MadiSUN’s goal is to double to number of solar electric and hot water solar installations in the city. The City of Madison, along with Madison Gas and Electric, Focus on Energy and UW Extension will be working on this project for the next two years. A major component of the grant is to provide the community with a consultant who can help interested residents and businesses install a solar system. The consultant is on board to provide technical expertise and to answer questions regarding design, permitting and rebate programs. Contact (608) 243-0586 or solar_at_cityofmadison.com

Alternative Energy Resources in Wisconsin: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Wisconsin. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.


Here are some Wisconsin Democracy for America Groups:

Democracy for Wisconsin - Madison
Meets first Wed. of each month, 7 PM, Madison, WI

Join us in building a brighter and more progressive future for our country.

For more information (including where) email: russwallac_at_aol.com or go here.

DFA Northeast Wisconsin
DFA - Northeast Wisconsin (DFA-NEW) meets the first Wednesday of each month to discuss issues, promote progressive candidates and actively work to bring democracy to the political process locally, regionally and nationally. Sign up here to get information on their meetings.

Democracy for America-Greater Milwaukee
Sign up here for information on this group.

Democracy for SE Wisconsin
Join this Yahoo Group to get information on this group.

Democracy for Stevens Point:
A group of progressive, concerned citizens in the Stevens Point, WI area who are interested in political change as described in Democracy for America, and organization originally begun by Governor Howard Dean.

Join this Yahoo Group for more info on this group.


Here are some other Wisconsin Groups and Events:

Progressive Majority Wisconsin: Over the years, Wisconsin has proved to be the ultimate swing state. It is a battleground state that must be protected as a progressive stronghold because of its history as a "laboratory of reform," which has historically tested new public policies and set examples for the nation.

Wisconsin is a state with progressive urban areas and politically diverse rural areas. Progressive Majority's state-based approach to candidate recruitment and development is well-suited to adapting to unique political environments such as this.

Progressive Majority Wisconsin believes values-centered campaigns are winning campaigns. That's how Progressive Majority succeeded in flipping control of the state senate in 2006. Kathleen Vinehout won because she thinks everyone deserves affordable health care. Jim Sullivan took a suburban Milwaukee district on the strength of his commitment to good public schools. John Lehman wants a government that cares about people instead of corporations - Racine agrees. Pat Kreitlow knows that people want and deserve a healthy environment. And Kim Hixson squeaked out a win, by focusing on the hopes of local voters. We will continue nurturing local candidates to build a deeply-rooted progressive coalition in the state. In addition, Wisconsin staff will focus on incumbent protection efforts for progressive candidates that will face tough re-election bids in 2008.

Click here to visit the Progressive Majority Wisconsin website for more information

Ozaukee First Friday Forum
First Friday Forums - public affairs breakfast forums co-sponsored by MATC-Mequon, UW-Extension and the Ozaukee County Board.

Held on the first Friday of every other month from 730am to 900 am at MATC-Mequon. $5 registration fee per session.
Additional information: Sandra Webster 262-238-2205/ websters@matc.edu

Milwaukee County Democratic Club:
We meet on the fourth Monday of most months, 7 PM in the Hall of Fame Room of the Pettit National Ice Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park. We look forward to seeing you there!

Petitt National Ice Center
500 S. 84th St
Milwaukee, WI, 53214

For the bicycilists in Madison, here's Critical Mass Madison:

Critical Mass is a movement (not an organization) that advocates for better transportation alternatives. Meets 5:30 PM, the last Friday of Every Month, no matter the weather. Gather where West Washington meets Capitol Square. Where the ride goes after that is decided by whoever shows up.


And for those who like to combine social events with politics, here are the Drinking Liberally Groups in Wisconsin:

Fitchburg, Wisconsin
* Second Thursday of each month, 5:30-7:00 pm
* Kelly's Grill, 2685 Research Park Dr
* Hosted by Alice Jenson and John Mosman, fitchburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Sister Bay, Wisconsin
* Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Shipwrecked Restaurant & Brewery, 7791 Egg Harbor Rd (Hwy 42), Egg Harbor (village center on Hwy 42)
* ALERT! We are currently on seasonal hiatus with our next gathering in May of 2008.
* Hosted by Dick Kaiser, sisterbay (at) drinkingliberally.org

ILLINOIS FOCUS: Blogs, Food Co-ops, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

My Illinois readership has declined and I have been trying to cut back on the time I spend on this newsletter, at least until readership picks up. So I will not be regularly updating the Illinios focus for now. But there is still plenty of information here I want to make available.

Equality Illinois First Friday
Monthly at 6pm on the first Friday
Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted Street, Chicago
(21 and over, with I.D.)
For a $10 donation to Equality Illinois, you receive two drink tickets and a ticket for a door prize drawing. Contributions to this event support the Equality Illinois Political Action Committee.


Blogging Illinois:

Prairie State Blue: Open Source Politics.

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

The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center is a grassroots organization committed to using media production and distribution as tools for promoting social and economic justice in the Champaign County area. We foster the creation and distribution of media, art, and narratives emphasizing underrepresented voices and perspectives and promote empowerment and expression through media and arts education.

Equality Illinois: The Mission of Equality Illinois is to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois.

Illinois Democratic Network: Independent grassroots organization of progressives, liberals and moderates promoting an activist democratic agenda in the state of Illinois.


Reform Illinois:

The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform is a non-partisan public interest group that conducts research and advocates reforms to promote public participation in government, address the role of money in politics and encourage integrity, accountability, and transparency in government.

Here are a bunch of issues briefings they have written

They have a Sunshine Database showing contribution and expenditure data for politicians through August 31, 2008.


Democracy for America Campaign Training in Chicago

Event Date: Jul 11, 2009
Event Time: 9:00 AM CDT (10:00 AM EDT)
Venue Name: Truman College
Address: 1145 W. Wilson Ave
City: Chicago
State: IL
Zip Code: 60640
Website: trumancollege.edu/

Agenda:

Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Chicago this July 11th-12th:

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign
2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates
3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience
4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events
5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual
6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation
7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign
8. Help elect progressive mayors, city council members and other local offices in 2009
9. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct
10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

Click here to see the skills you'll learn at a DFA Campaign Training!

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don't worry if you can't afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.

If you have questions you can email us at training(at)democracyforamerica.com or call our DFA Training hotline at: 802-651-3200 x191.


Alternative Energy in Illinois:

Some statistics from Repower America:

* Illinois ranks 8th in existing wind capactity at 744-megawatts, and has 5,500-megawatts of planned wind power in development.

* In 2006, the state produced nearly 600,000-megawatt hours of electricity from biomass - that's enough to power almost 65,000 homes per year!

* Illinois has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires all public utilities to generate 25% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2025, with at least 18.75% from wind by 2013.

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 Illinois, 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.


BIODIESEL: Biodiesel is clean, AMERICAN fuel that could be fueling many of our trains, trucks and diesel cars, as well as being used for heating fuel. All that while supporting American farmers, not Saudi oil shieks.

Here is a list of Biodiesel stations in Illinois. All diesel cars, trucks and furnaces can take at least up to B20 biodiesel. So almost all of these stations can be used to fuel ANY diesel vehicle.


Illinois Solar Energy Association: The ISEA was founded in 1975 and incorporated in the State of Illinois in 1979. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported by our members and volunteers. The ISEA is the Illinois chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). Go here for their events calendar. Find out about upcoming workshops here.

The Chicago Green Home Meetup Group

Meet other local people who are interested in making their homes environmentally friendly. As developers, designers, and brokers of Green Homes, we are a great resource to learn more about what you ca