Progressive Democrats - East Bay
Newsletter for February 20, 2006

Welcome to the February 20, 2006 edition of the Progressive Democrats of the East Bay Newsletter.

[PLEASE DELETE THE PREVIOUS VERSION OF THE NEWSLETTER. IT CONTAINS SOME BAD LINKS. -vg]

We have an exciting PD–East Bay General Meeting planned for Saturday, Mar 11 (rescheduled from Mar 4). We have two speakers: Stefanie L. Faucher, Program Director of Death Penalty Focus and Don Bechler, chair of the San Francisco chapter of Health Care for All. Please check the details below. We hope to see you there.

Sadly, the "If You Only Have Time To Do One Thing..." item again involves stopping Diebold from introducing faulty voting machines into our elections. It is important that you take the time to act against Diebold voting machines.

I would also like to point out two events that PD–East Bay is sponsoring:

  1. The rally in support of striking Berkeley Honda workers on Sat, Feb 25. Please join us in support of the striking workers.
  2. The upcoming talk by David Ray Griffin, 9/11–the Myth and the Reality, scheduled for the Grand Lake Theater on Mar 30. We are very excited about bringing Dr. Griffin to the Bay Area.

Check out the rest of the newsletter for other important events and actions.

Thanks to all for your support!

Vince
PD–East Bay List Administrator

If You Only Have Time To Do One Thing...

  1. Say NO to Diebold! (Act Now!)

Featured Events for This Newsletter

  1. PD-EB Sponsors Rally to Support Berkeley Honda Workers (Feb 25)
  2. Question 9/11 - A Call to Activism (Thu Feb 23)
  3. Support SB 840, Universal Health Care (Act Now!)
  4. Support Jerry McNerney for Congress (Act Now!)
  5. Clean Money Bill Needs Your Support in the Senate (Act Now!)
  6. Take Back Congress Forum (Fri, Feb 24)
  7. Attend Berkeley Honda Steering Committee (Tue, Feb 28)
  8. PD-EB Sponsors David Ray Griffin Talk on 9/11 (Thu, Mar 30)

About PD–East Bay and This Newsletter

  1. About Progressive Democrats of the East Bay
  2. Join Progressive Democrats of the East Bay
  3. Submit Items for This Newsletter
  4. PD–East Bay General Meeting for Sat, Mar 11
  5. PD–East Bay Steering Committee Meeting (Tuesday, August 16)

If You Only Have Time To Do One Thing...

  1. Say NO to Diebold! (Act Now!)

    Secretary of State Bruce McPherson has certified Diebold's TSx voting system for use in California. This is despite its not meeting the requirements of the California Elections Code (see www.election-reform.us/tsx_legal_jb.html.)

    We urge you to take the following actions now:

    • Say NO to Diebold in Alameda County
      Visit www.election-reform.us/alameda_county/no_in_alameda.html for complete information on how you can lobby your Alameda County Supervisor to reject Diebold voting machines.

    • Help State Senator Debra Bowen Subpoena the Voting System Vendors and Test Labs
      Senator Debra Bowen, chair of the California Senate Elections Committee, is holding hearings investigating the problems with electronic voting systems. However, the vendors (Diebold, ES&S, Sequoia, and Hart InterCivic), will not come to the hearings. Neither will the testing labs (Wyle and Ciber). So Senator Bowen wants to subpoena them to force them to appear and testify.

      The California Senate almost never subpoenas witnesses. To do so, first Senator Bowen must get the agreement of the California Senate Rules Committee. We need your help to convince the members of the Rules Committee to issue the subpoena.

      Visit www.election-reform.us/subpoena.html for information on how you can contact Senators to issue the subpoena.

New and Featured Events for This Newsletter

  1. PD-EB Sponsors Rally to Support Berkeley Honda Workers (Feb 25)

    On Feb 25th, Progressive Democrats of the East Bay will be sponsoring a rally in support of the Berkeley Honda workers who have been on strike since June, 2005. On June 15, 2005 Jim Doten sold his dealership to a group from Blackhawk who are determined to break the union. Because unionized dealerships all over the Bay Area are carefully watching this strike, a favorable outcome for workers is very important.

    Berkeley Honda has finally begun negotiating with the union! This is a tremendous and hard-won accomplishment. It's tempting to think that we can slack off now, since they're finally doing what we've asked for. But it's actually the other way around: We have to reinforce their willingness to bargain by maintaining the pressure, or even increasing it, if possible. That will disabuse them of any second thoughts they may have.

    Please join PD–East Bay for the rally:

    Saturday, Feb 25, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

    Parker & Shattuck, Berkeley
    For more information, contact Bill Lawler, (510) 524-4244

    Additionally, you can support the workers by showing up at rallies that take place every Thursday and Saturday, as listed below:

    Thursday, 4:30-6:00pm
    Saturdays, 1-3:00pm
    Parker & Shattuck, Berkeley

    See also the following article about a Berkeley Honda Steering Committee meeting on Tue, Feb 28 regarding attempts to decertify the union.

    For more information on how you can help, please contact Judy Shelton:

    Judy Shelton
    Bay Area Labor & Community Coalition
    beactive@sbcglobal.net
    510-548-9334

  2. Question 9/11 - A Call to Activism (Thu Feb 23)

    This fund raiser for the Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance is hosted by Janette MacKinlay, 9/11 survivor. The event features speakers and videos that question the "official story" on the events surrounding the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and provides you with information on actions you can take to help get the true story told.

    When: Thu, Feb 23 at 7:00pm (Door open at 6:00pm)
    Where: Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave, Oakland
    Tickets: $10

    Directions

    Details on this event can be found at www.communitycurrency.org/Feb23.html

    Featured Films:

    • World Premier: Flights 11, 175, 77, and 93: The 9/11 Commission's Incredible Tales
      Featuring Dr. David Ray Griffin, noted author of The New Pearl Harbor and The 9/11 Commission Report, Omission and Distortions.

    • 9/11: Attack or Godsend?
      Two prominent European politicians, Michael Meacher and Andreas von Balow, express their serious doubts about the official version of the 9/11 story. As seen on Dutch TV.

    Featured Speakers Include:

    • Carol Brouillet
      co-founder of Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance; 9/11 Truth hyper-activist

    • Gabriel Day
      Founder, Peace Resource Project and www.911sharethetruth.com

    • Ken Jenkins
      award winning video and media producer; producer of numerous 9/11 DVDs

    Note: Progressive Democrats of the East Bay is sponsoring a talk by Dr. Griffin on Thu, Mar 30, as described below.

  3. Support SB 840, Universal Health Care (Act Now!)

    The Health Care Committee of Progressive Democrats of the East Bay is working together with the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club Health Committee, primarily on SB 840. SB 840 is Senator Kuehl's bill for universal health care in California.

    Currently, we are developing a network of support with other democratic clubs around the state for the bill through a new interactive website www.caldems.net. We are also developing a speaker's bureau to speak on SB 840 around the Bay Area.

    VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you would like to get involved, send an email to Moria Lawlor at moriala@hotmail.com. Moria will be glad to inform you about Health Care Committee meetings and help you plug into our work.

    Let's get health care for all!

  4. Support Jerry McNerney for Congress (Act Now!)

    You can help Take Back Red California in our own East Bay!

    Support Jerry McNerney who is attempting to unseat Congressman Richard Pombo (R-Tracy). Pombo, one of the most conservative, corrupt politicians in Congress, is in a neighboring red district.

    Pombo, named one of the 13 most corrupt members of Congress, is a close associate of indicted Rep. Tom DeLay. Pombo is working vigorously to overturn environmental laws (including the Endangered Species Act) and destroy our natural heritage. Pombo is a right-wing zealot in charge of the House Resources Committee.

    Progressive Democrats of the East Bay has endorsed Jerry McNerney in his bid to unseat Pombo.

    There are many ways to help the campaign of Jerry McNerney including:

    • Hosting a houseparty or helping to plan fundraising events
    • Helping with phone banking and precinct walking
    • Volunteering your computer and organizational skills

    Phonebanking has started in Dublin at IBEW Hall 2nd flr, 6250 Village Pkwy, Dublin.

    For more information call the campaign headquarters: 925.833.0643 or contact PD-EB member, Jody Ginsberg, 510-636-4149. Visit www.jerrymcnerney.org and volunteer.

    Note: Jerry McNerney will be speaking at the Hayward Demos Democratic Club, Friday, Feb. 24, 7:00 pm, Westminster Hills Presbyterian Church, 27287 Patrick Ave, Hayward CA. (See Take Back Congress article below.)

  5. Clean Money Bill Needs Your Support in the Senate (Act Now!)

    The California Clean Money and Fair Elections Bill (AB 583) has now moved out of the Assembly and moves on to the State Senate, thanks to the thousands who phoned, wrote, and faxed Assemblymembers for support.

    It is most essential that we now get the support of Senate President Pro-Tem Don Perata! This may be a tougher job than getting support from his counter-part in the Assembly, speaker Fabian Nunez. So, please write to Senator Perata as well as your own State Senator (if it is not Perata) immediately to tell them to co-author AB 583.

    You can contact Perata at:

    Senate President Pro-Tem Don Perata
    State Capitol, Room 205
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    Phone: 916-651-4009
    Fax: 916-327-1997

    Although personal letters and phone calls are more effective, you can still take advantage of the letter writing tool available at the California Clean Money Campaign website.

    For more information contact:

    Lynn Davidson
    lynn@lynndavidson.com
    510 527-4299, 510 847-0612 (cell).

    So let's all show that we want to get big money out of California politics through publicly financed election campaigns.

  6. Take Back Congress Forum (Fri, Feb 24)

    On Friday, Feb 24 at 7:00pm, the Hayward Demos are hosting a Take Back Congress forum featuring three congressional candidates who are vying for some all-important seats currently held by California Republicans.

    Speakers at the forum will include:

    • Charles Brown, who is facing John Doolittle in the 4th District

    • Jerry McNerney, who is challenging Richard Pombo in the 11th district

    • Steve Filson, who also is challenging Richard Pombo in the 11th district

    • Jeffrey Thomas of Representative Barbara Lee's office will be in attendance to give a speech

    Please join the Hayward Demos at this important opportunity to hear the candidates! Details:

    When: Fri, Feb 24 at 7:00pm
    Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church Hayward, 27287 Patrick Ave, Hayward

    Directions

  7. Attend Berkeley Honda Steering Committee (Tue, Feb 28)

    From Harry Brill:

    We are urging you to attend our next Berkeley Honda Steering Committee meeting:

    When: Tue, Feb 28th at 6:30pm
    Where: CUE office, 2161 Allston Way between Oxford and Shattuck, Berkeley

    Directions

    The Belmont Honda (BH) strike is the longest strike in auto dealership history. Now the multimillionaire owners, Tim and Stephen Beinke have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board to hold a decertification election, which is intended to disqualify the union from representing BH workers. All those workers who lost their jobs will be barred from voting. If the Union loses, they will also have lost their jobs forever. That's right, mechanics with up to 31 years of tenure will be permanently replaced by workers on the job only several months. The vote and the jobs will belong to the scabs, who replaced them.

    For more information, contact:

    Harry Brill
    Phone: 510-559-3138

  8. PD-EB Sponsors David Ray Griffin Talk on 9/11 (Thu, Mar 30)

    On Thursday, March 30th, the Progressive Democrats of the East Bay presents, with other sponsors, a talk by David Ray Griffin: 9/11–The Myth & the Reality.

    Dr. Griffin, a theologian and philosopher of religion, is one of a growing list of prominent scholars and others in the United States and the world to step forward and openly challenge the official account of 9/11.

    Operating from the principle that all suspects who had the means, motive, and opportunity should be investigated, Dr. Griffin brings to the light of day many omissions and distortions of fact in the official document of the official story–The 9/11 Commission Report.

    Join us in this important event:

    When: Thu, Mar 30 at 7:00pm

    Where: Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Lake Avenue, Oakland

    Tickets $10 (no one turned away at the door for lack of funds)

    For event details, including how to purchase tickets in advance, visit: www.pdeastbay.org/911MythReality

About PD–East Bay and This Newsletter

  1. About Progressive Democrats of the East Bay

    Progressive Democrats of the East Bay is a growing chapter of Progressive Democrats of America, a national organization and Political Action Committee (PAC), started by supporters of Kucinich, Dean, and various social justice groups. It is not affiliated with the Democratic party but is dedicated to restoring to the Democratic party its progressive vision by engaging local support for national and local progressive causes.

    Progressive Democrats of the East Bay will support progressive candidates for elected office from the small local boards to national offices. It dialogues and networks with a broad-based coalition of likeminded groups and people in our community to create a common agenda and an agreed-upon plan by which to realize our goals.

  2. Join Progressive Democrats of the East Bay

    We realize that many who support our causes and endeavors cannot attend all our meetings or are too busy with other activities to be involved in an Action Group.

    Please, if you support our work, become a member. Funds make it possible for us to create flyers, literature, and banners, rent the meeting room, and mail notices about events. These are all essential activities to our functioning as a progressive voice.

    Dues are on a sliding scale: $10–$100 per year or a minimum of 2 hours of volunteer work a year.

    Make checks payable to PD-EB, and send to:
    Moria Lawlor
    336 Wayne Avenue, #3
    Oakland, CA. 94606

    Please provide the following:
    Name: _______________________________________
    Address: _____________________________________
    _____________________________________________
    _____________________________________________
    E-mail and phone: ______________________________
    _____________________________________________
    Interest and skills: ______________________________

  3. Submit Items for This Newsletter

    If you have items you would like listed in this newsletter or on the PD-East Bay web site at www.pdeastbay.org, submit them to pdebListAdmin@PDEastBay.org. Events, activities, and action alerts about local progressive causes will be considered for inclusion. Note: All submissions subject to editing to fit the style and content of our organization.

    Check out www.pdeastbay.org regularly for updated information on progressive politics!

  4. PD–East Bay General Meeting for Sat, Mar 11

    The next PD–East Bay General Meeting will be on Saturday, March 11 at 2:00pm.

    There are two featured speakers* for this meeting:

    1. Stefanie L. Faucher, Program Director, Death Penalty Focus.

    Stefanie is coordinator of the statewide coalition Californians for a Moratorium on Executions. There has been a succession of executions recently in California, with additional executions scheduled. She will discuss the state of the death penalty in California, the organizations that are fighting it, and what you can do to oppose capital punishment.

    Stefanie has been organizing against the death penalty in California for more than seven years.

    2. Don Bechler, chair of the San Francisco chapter of Health Care for All.

    Don will speak to us about the plans to get Senate Bill 840, the California Health Insurance Reliability Act, to the Governor's desk this year, and what you can do to help.

    SB 840, a bill creating universal healthcare through a publicly financed administration in California, authored by Senator Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, was introduced to the Senate in February, 2005. A fact sheet on the bill from Senator Kuehl's office is available here. More information on SB 840 is available from Health Care for All.

    *Scheduled speakers are subject to availability.

    If time permits, there will also be a brief discussion on significant races in the upcoming primary and general election.

    PD–East Bay general meetings are held at the Temescal Oakland Library the first Saturday of each month at 1:00pm. Note that for March we are holding our meetings on the second Saturday, Mar 11 at 2:00pm. Details:

    Saturday, Mar 11 at 2:00pm
    Temescal Oakland Library
    5205 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA

    Directions

    Wheelchair accessible.   The Oakland Public Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of meetings or meeting room users.   For more information, contact Vince.

  5. PD–East Bay Steering Committee Meeting (Thursday, Feb 23)

    The next meeting for the PD–East Bay Steering Committee is Thursday, February 23rd from 7:00–9:00 pm. The agenda and location to be determined.

    If you are not on the steering committee, but would like to attend, please RSVP to Vince Genovese.

    Those interested in forming action groups within our organization and those interested in helping determine the direction of PD–East Bay are welcome. You must join PD–East Bay to participate in the steering committee.