TThhee NNeeww DDeemmooccrraatt A Publication of the Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) May 2014
Alison Lundergan Grimes Mark Your fundraiser on May 5 The PDC is co-hosting a Calendar! fundraiser for Alison Lundergan Grimes on Monday, May 5. Alison Friday, May 9, 2014 Lundergan Grimes is challenging Senate Minority 23rd Annual Jefferson Leader Mitch McConnell for a Kentucky Senate seat. This is a very strategic race, like Jackson Fundraiser Dinner Wendy Davis running for See last month’s issue for ticket Governor in Texas. Please come support Alison – she is information or visit a rising star in the Party. www.sccdp.org/content/2014-jj-dinner Monday May 5, Atherton: Alison Lundergan Grimes for US Senate (KY) fundraiser. • 5-6:30 pm (cocktail reception starting at $100) • 7-9:30 (very intimate dinner $5,000) Sunday, May 18, 2014 This is possibly the most important Senate race in the country. Alison is running to unseat incumbent Kentucky Senator and Santa Clara County District Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. This race could be a game-changer, but the Republicans are pouring money into the Attorney Jeff Rosen race. Organized by Progressive Women Silicon Valley, co-hosted by Peninsula Democratic Coalition. RSVP and donate at: “Human Trafficking Close to Home” • Cocktail Reception RSVP: secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/05.05.14pw and See page 5 for more infomation. • Dinner & Conversation RSVP: secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/05.05.14cd . SEE PAGE 9 FOR MORE INFORMATION. PDC endorses Measure AA Student Debt Forum for open space! The Peninsula Young Democrats hosted a forum entitled “Student Debt and the Young American” on April 24th. The The PDC Board of forum featured a panel consisting of Assemblyman Bob Directors voted to Wieckowski, the author of a bill package referred to as the endorse Measure AA - Student Bill of Rights, Dave Walter, the Associate Director of the Regional Open Financial Aid at Stanford Law School, and Jeff Greger, a member Space Access, of FAIR Money, a volunteer research collective that takes a Preservation and bottom-up look at unsustainable student debt. Each of these Restoration Bond. This individuals are committed advocates for alleviating the problems bond, placed on the associated with student debt in our country. ballot by the Mid- Peninsula Young Democrats’ president, Cory Wolbach, led the Peninsula Regional discussion through a variety of topics regarding student debt. The Open Space District, will raise $300 million to expand and conversation started with a creating a backdrop of the grave preserve open space, allowing MROSD to acquire new land and situation in our country regarding this issue, which was maintain preserves and trails. For more information on Measure accompanied by some eye-popping statistics to demonstrate AA, go to www.yesforopenspace.org . Make sure you vote yes exactly how drastic the problem has become – including the fact on Measure AA on the June ballot! (Continued on page 3 The New Democrat 2 May 2014
Congressional candidates, Michael Eggman and Amanda Renteria (whom I heard speak in SF – she rocked the event, everyone there wanted to give her money!! Worth the price of admission) President’s A May 18 afternoon talk by Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen on Human Trafficking. 4 pm at Michael’s on Column Shoreline in Mountain View. Amy Pearl Still talking about Women? Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a talk at San Jose State University On April 10. It was a great talk (not a speech). She began by talking about the global importance of ensuring equality for women and girls around the world. She noted that all women and girls need in order to make change in Are you still talking about the world is a fair chance and that it is well known that when women participate equally, society has more peace and women? prosperity. She said people often ask her why she is still “talking Amy Pearl about women.” Her response is that equal rights for women and girls are the unfinished business of the 21st century. I hope you made it to one of our great April events. We co- She linked the obstacles women experience globally to hosted a very successful and really fun fundraiser for Michael discrimination in Silicon Valley and the decline in STEM (Science, Eggman, candidate for Congress in CA-10. If you missed it, you Technology, Engineering and Math) education in the US. She have another chance to hear Michael at the Santa Clara County JJ covered many other topics including bipartisanship and the dinner May 9 – see below, elsewhere in the newsletter, and corrosive effects of money on the US political system and some online ( www.peninsulademocrats.org ). We also had a great facts about the Bin Laden raid that the press didn’t cover. panel on Cybersecurity and Privacy, moderated by PDC member Equal rights and representation of women globally is of critical Mike McNerney with the San Francisco Chapter of the Truman importance to the future of society. A lifelong feminist friend National Security Project. If you missed that, well, find Mike at a recently told me that she had switched her priorities from PDC event and ask him about it – he’s an expert and a very women’s rights to climate change because she feels we are facing interesting guy! We’ll have an article about the panel in next imminent environmental and climate devastation. But research month’s newsletter. Thanks to everyone who supported these shows that the largest single contributor to climate change is events and the club volunteers who helped make them possible. over-population. We must empower women to control their reproductive choices and we must have and support public Upcoming Events policy (in the US can you say Obamacare?) that gives them the Thanks to our new VP of Programs, Judy Plaska, and all of our means to do that. If we don’t get women empowered to stop great board members and volunteers, we have a wealth of events having more children than they want, we can give up on the coming up. See the Facebook page and our web site environment. www.peninsulademocrats.com , the weekly events email and the So, I’m personally going to keep talking about women, calendar in the back of this newsletter for the details. The women’s rights, and women’s political representation as a highlights include: commitment to making the world a better place. Monday May 5 in Atherton the PDC is co-hosting a I hope to see you all at these events (and don’t forget to fundraiser for Alison Lundergan Grimes for US Senate (KY). RSVP AND pre-pay online for them!)! 5 – 6:30 pm (cocktail reception starting at $100) and 7:00 – 9:30 (very small dinner $5,000). I’ve met Alison and she is very impressive. This is possibly the most important Senate race in the country. Alison is running to unseat incumbent Kentucky Senator and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. We probably don’t agree with all her stances (come to the event and ask her about coal), but she’s running a smart campaign to oust McConnell. This race could be a game-changer, and the Republicans are pouring money into the race. See the flyer elsewhere in the newsletter. Organized by Progressive Women Silicon Valley, co-hosted by Peninsula Democratic Coalition. RSVP and Donate for the reception at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/05.05.14pw . If you are interested in the exclusive dinner, please contact me, Amy Pearl, at [email protected] – it may be sold out. A May 9 dinner fundraising for the Santa Clara County Contact Kristen Lohnes Johnson, editor of The New Democrat , Democratic Party with two fantastic Central Valley California The New Democrat 3 May 2014
interest in who wins can always find ways to spend the cash to help the candidate. The simplest thing is just to give cash to the Martin’s campaign. If that is limited, the next thing is to give to an organization helping the candidate. And if that is also limited, the EDITORIAL donor can hire people to canvas, prepare independent ads or mailings, or find another way to provide support. Is this what we want? To get money out of politics the system The Citizens United court decision, the more recent decision needs to be changed so the advantage that money can buy has a striking down campaign contribution limits, and the efforts to smaller effect on the result. Small districts is an ideal solution – enact campaign contribution limits have one thing in common: except that the country, as well as the State of California, is way they alter the path that money takes on its way from donor to too large to govern with sufficiently small districts. The next best politician without affecting the quantity. solution might be extensive public forums and education so all The court decided that corporations, like people, were candidates get exposure, at no cost to the campaign, on radio, entitled to freedom of speech and that includes freedom to television, and with mailings. spend money on political campaigns. But how does a Martin Gorfinkel, PDC Member corporation arrive at a point of view on politics? Is top management hired with a contract that says “your opinions are the opinions of the corporation on any issue”? The stockholders are the owners of the corporation and would be the logical ones Forum to dictate opinion – but they are rarely consulted on such issues. If the corporation used its freedom of speech to yell fire in a (Continued from page 1) crowded theater, or to advocate the violent overthrow of the government, does the corporation go to jail? How, exactly, does that work? Corporations in business in California pay a minimum of $600 per year in state income tax – even if they have zero income. Corporations must renew their registration with the state every few years. If corporations are people is the Supreme Court going to decide that they cannot be treated differently for tax purposes? Why should they be the same for free speech issues where there are clear logical differences, yet different for tax purposes where there are great similarities? That discussion digresses from the issue of money in politics. We live in a system where money controls politics. It is hard to Pictured left to right: PYD President & PDC Board Member Cory imagine anything different. We can work to adjust the system so Wolbach; Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, Dave Walter, the Associate that the amount of money involved is not so great – but first we Director of Financial Aid at Stanford Law School and PDC Board need to acknowledge that, at some level, money will always Member, and Jeff Greger, a member of FAIR Money. control. Local politics provide an example. If the electorate is small enough the person running for office can become well known to that Americans carry over $1 trillion in student debt. From there, enough voters to decide the election. In that situation a lot of the conversation evolved into looking on what we, as a money is not going to influence the result. Yet, even there, community, can do to improve the situation. Remedies were wealth makes a difference. Someone who can take the time to explored from a state and federal perspective - for example, campaign has enormous advantage over the person working full legislative measures preventing debt collectors on student debt time, much less two jobs, for support. The problem continues from forbearing on wages- along with school and individual- after the election since most local elective offices are not likely to based approaches, like improving transparency with load pay even minimum wage for the time required. People without ‘awards’ and mandatory counseling associated with receiving money, no matter how politically adept they might be, are substantial disbursement checks. generally locked out of the “running for office” role in politics. The event was a major success and a very informative and While running for local office is limited to those fortunate forward-thinking conversation that concluded with a call to enough to have the time and energy, running for office in a action. Assemblymember Wieckowski asked everybody in the district with 500,000 or more voters cannot be done without audience to call on their legislators to support the Student Bill of cash. There is no way for the candidate to meet and know Rights. (For more information on the Students Bill of Rights, enough voters in a district that large. Thus, most voters are forced please visit Assemblymember Wieckowski’s website at: to depend on paid material: advertisements, social media or http://asmdc.org/members/a25/.) Attendees left with a fire lit mailers. Once that threshold is crossed, money controls the within them to help solve a problem that is currently holding election. down and restricting opportunities for many students across our If the stuff that money buys controls the election then there is country and projects to be an even more serious problem in the no way to regulate spending effectively. A rich person with an years to come. The New Democrat 4 May 2014 Sign Up Those Voters & Get Them Out to Vote
The mid-term election this year could be a great suffering disproportionately from poor-quality jobs, low oppportunity for Democrats—if we approach it right. wages, and inability to pay down debts and save for the Mike Lux, a savvy progressive political strategist, future. Their hopes of ever achieving a middle-class points out the parallels between 2014 and 1998. In lifestyle are fading. both cases, a Democratic president in the middle of These are the very groups who tend not to vote in his second term was being relentlessly attacked by mid-term elections. In order for Democrats to win his Republican opponents. Many Democratic in this election, we need to get them registered pundits were inclined to just hunker down and to vote, get them involved in campaigns, and hope the damage wouldn’t be too bad. Sounds then get them out to vote. like 2014, doesn’t it? Even though our own area is Democrat- But in 1998 a feisty minority that included leaning, there are opportunities here and groups like People for the American Way and now for us to make sure we get people MoveOn went against the conventional wisdom, registered and committed to joining in this registering new voters, getting them actively populist fight. Don’t hesitate to attack involved, and getting out the vote. The the motives of the Wall Street bankers, result? Big wins for the Democrats in big business (think Walmart), big fossil Congress, instead of the predicted losses. fuel companies (think of the tax breaks Lux sees the release of Elizabeth Warren’s new they’re getting, while polluting our atmosphere and book, A Fighting Chance , as a great opportunity to do oceans), and the robber barons undermining our the same for the Democrats in this year’s election: democracy (think the Koch brothers and Sheldon www.thedemocraticstrategist.org/strategist/2014/04/lux_how_ Adelson). This is our country, our democracy, and our future warrens_challenge_can.php . Warren’s populist message is that we need protect—now, more than ever. getting a lot of media attention, and we should pick up on it. Even now, we should start contacting friends & relatives in This year, we Democrats should ignore the attacks and other states to get them fired up. Think particularly of any young obstructionism of the Republicans. The Affordable Care Act is in people, African Americans, Latinos, and unmarried women you operation, and sign-ups have exceeded expectations. The overall know – how are they being impacted by recent economic trends? economy is in better shape. Consider these non-issues any Get them to register to vote—and then remind them to vote at more—there’s no need to apologize for them. Instead, keep the election time. If they’re local, invite them to come with you to focus on jobs and economic issues. Play off the momentum of PDC- and PYD-sponsored events. Support good Democratic Warren’s book. congressional candidates across the country early this year, before The key for Democratic wins will be registering & mobilizing the primary elections. And when our local Democratic Volunteer the groups who are most being hurt by the actions of Big Money Center (DVC) opens for the 2014 election season, plan to join in and the growing gap between the 1% and everyone else. Young making this a winning year for We the People! people, African Americans, Latinos, and unmarried women are Katherine Forrest, PDC Board member MEMBERSHIP UPDATE PDC/PYD Weekly Calendar In an effort to clean up our membership Guidelines rolls, we are no longer Want to publicize an event of interest to members in the carrying non-paying PDC/PYD Weekly Online Calendar? This calendar features PDC- members. While we do sponsored and co-sponsored events, and other local items of make exceptions, and interest to Democrats. The PDC does not publish direct appeals we understand that for money, and inclusion is at the discretion of the PDC. many of our members (I Submit to Carol, [email protected] Questions: (650) confess!) procrastinate, 941-8190. Deadline is Monday preceding Thursday if you want to receive publication. Format: Please provide the following information: the New Democrat Day: newsletter and special Date: member rates and Time: privileges, but you have not renewed, please do so TODAY at Title: www.peninsulademocrats.com ! If you have questions about Sponsored by: your membership status, please contact Carol at Cost: [email protected] or (650) 941-8190. Thank you. RSVP and/or Contact Information: Brief (3-5 lines) description: Join Us for a Special PDC May Event The Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) presents Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen "Human Trafficking in Santa Clara County" While trafficked adults may come from afar, trafficked children are our own. Hear DA Rosen talk about this growing problem close to home. Sunday, May 18, 2014 Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Michaels at Shoreline 2960 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View Lunch cost: $16.50 for members $20 for non-members Includes entrance, tasty appetizers and beverages PRE-PAID RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY MONDAY, MAY 12. Reservations and payment can be made online at http://www.peninsulademocrats.com/jeff_rosen To RSVP by US Mail, checks must be received by Wednesday, May 12. Make checks payable to PDC. Note: Jeff Rosen Event. Mail to: PDC, P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023 For questions, call Carol at (650) 941-8190 www.peninsulademocrats.com
3/2014 The New Democrat 6 May 2014 Save Our Democracy: Register Voters!! You’re Invited to a Party Honoring Those Who Register Voters (or want to) Saturday, June 14 - 3-5 p.m. in Palo Alto Come and Hear About the Latest Updates in Voter Registration
During the Democratic State Convention in March, we heard the refrain again and again: “The only way Democrats can win is to register more and more voters and get those voters out to vote.” Nothing less will enable Democrats and our democracy of, by, and for the people to survive. The Republicans at the present time are outspending Democrats 2 to 1 according to an e-mail I received from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (dccc.org) as of April 27th. Billionaire reactionaries like David and Charles Koch have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in the last year attacking President Obama’s Affordable Care Act and the Democrats who voted for it—especially those up for re-election to the Senate in 2014. On Saturday, June 14 from 3 – 5 p.m., a special wine and cheese party will be held to honor those who have volunteered in the past, will do so again or want to be new voter reg volunteers. We will go over best practices and latest updates on voter registration and elections from across the nation. The Voter Registration Wine and Cheese Appreciation Party will be co-hosted by Carol Kuiper and myself. It will be held at my home. Where: 1360 Emerson Street (corner of Emerson and Kellogg Avenue), Palo Alto When: 3 – 5 p.m. RSVP/Questions: Diane Rolfe: 650-326-6328, and Carol Kuiper: 650-941-8190 [email protected] You are invited to help save our democracy by registering voters at Farmers’ Markets and Fairs and Festivals. Carol Kuiper is our dedicated Chair of the Farmers’ Markets while I chair the Fairs and Festivals. We are blessed with an outstanding leadership Team and the support of our club allies such as the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, the Peninsula Young Democrats (PYD), and the Democratic Volunteer Center, (DVC). Marcene VanDierendonck of the Dean Democratic Club began voter registration this year on April 27th in Palo Alto at the California Avenue Farmers’ Market where they registered 7 Democrats, collected many signatures for the Move to Amend Petition and the Disclose Act, and received $10 in donations. We are off and running, but we have much to do. According to National Voting Statistics, only 70% of eligible Americans bother to register to vote. In 2008 only 64% of Americans bothered to vote in the exciting 2008 Election. That means that only 45% of eligible Americans helped to elect President Obama. The rest stayed home. Why don’t Americans vote? 17.5% say that they are too busy and voting conflicts with their schedule; 15% cite illness or disability and 13% say that they are not interested. We must do better as a democracy and we will with your help! Volunteer today to do voter registration and come to the June 14th Party to refresh/learn how you can make a difference in saving our democracy. by Diane Rolfe, PDC Board Member The New Democrat 7 May 2014 PDC Member John Clipper Card update Submitted by PDC Board Member Lucas Ramirez Indergand receives Nations’ Do you want Clipper, the local all-in-one transit card that keeps highest honors track of any passes, discount tickets, ride books and cash value that you PDC member load onto it, to be better? The John Indergand Metropolitan Transportation is a WWII Commission (MTC) and transit combat veteran. agencies are starting to make He was a presentations and take feedback on member of the a major initiative to upgrade the U.S. Seventh Clipper system. The contract for Infantry Clipper expires in 2019, and MTC Devision which plans to gather requirements for the fought in France next-generation system by the end and Belgium in of this year. 1944. He was So far, the ideas on the table seem to be relatively modest. wounded and The biggest idea is a standard 50 cent transfer for customers who taken to a transfer from one operator to another, along with a 25 cent hospital. transfer credit for youth and senior/disabled customers. Another General Joseph proposal is to harmonize the eligibility for youth fares. Currently, L. Collins, the agencies define the age range differently - the MTC is proposing commanding a consistent age range from 5 to 18 years (ACTransit is 18 years, officer for that Muni, Caltrain, SamTrans, VTA currently go up to 17). area, visited the A Clipper upgrade could potentially be an opportunity to hospital and presented Purple Heart medals to the patients. A integrate fares and transfers across the region, with features like a few months later, John was wounded again. This time a different regional day pass and regional month pass which capped general came to the hospital and told John and a few other maximum fares and rewarded frequent transit users. For large patients that they were now entitled to an oak leaf cluster to go organizations, housing developments, and cities starting to manage with their purple hearts. Unfortunately, the Army was out of oak transportation, which have customers who use a variety of transit leaf clusters, so the eligible patients received a small paper note systems, there is an opportunity to provide coordinated bulk which, the general said, they could exchange for the oak leaf purchase programs that help increase ridership, reduce traffic and cluster at any Army base after they got home. parking costs, and provide stable revenue for transit agencies. Strangely, John lost that piece of paper so he never got his oak Also, a Clipper upgrade could potentially be used to provide leaf cluster. He also never received the Bronze Star nor the integrated payment for the growing number of first and last mile Combat Infantry Badge, which he had also earned. services. Currently, Clipper cards can be used for car parking at Earlier this year he was at an event with Representative Anna five San Francisco garages. Imagine if Clipper could be used for Eshoo. He mentioned the lack of receipt of these medals and carshare, rideshare, bikeshare, bike lockers - and other emerging Ms. Eshoo overheard what he said. She then wanted to hear services that are helping riders make their first and last mile more of the details and said she would work on getting these connections? items for him. The requirements gathering process is currently focused on A few days later, John received a call from Rep. Eshoo's office. transit agencies. There are three committees advising the MTC - asking for complete details about this problem. A few weeks an Executive Committee comprised of General Managers and the after this, John was asked to come to Rep. Eshoo's Palo Alto MTC Executive Director; a Steering Committee and the Long office. There he was presented with beautiful boxes, each Range Planning Committee are working committees comprised of containing one of the missing medals, as well as folders holding various levels of MTC and operator staff. Not yet included in the all the official paperwork to go with each item. outreach - major customer stakeholders such as large employers He could not believe that Rep. Anna Eshoo and her staff and city-based TMAs and transit rider organizations. If you agree member Anthony Lin were able to accomplish this enormous that the Clipper should take larger steps toward regional task --even rather quickly. integration, please sign this petition: John Indergand earned all these medals but he would never www.ipetitions.com/petition/better-clipper . have received all of them if Anna Eshoo were not the best Adina Levin Representative ever in our Congress. She deserves the greatest Friends of Caltrain thanks anyone could ever get! [email protected] Litsie Indergand, PDC Member and 650-646-4344 proud wife of John Indergand http://www.greencaltrain.com/ The New Democrat 8 May 2014
of frivolous lawsuits – the cost of bringing a truly “frivolous” Why the GOP still doesn’t lawsuit is not worth the gamble. When it comes to gender pay equality, the GOP would have “Get It” with Women you believe that their opposition to the Paycheck Fairness Act is just an exception, and not the rule. “We believe in equal pay, By Andrew Heaton just not this bill!” However, as Joan Walsh over at Salon.com accurately points out, that if the GOP was serious about closing When the Paycheck Fairness Act failed to get enough votes in the gender pay gap, they would be moving a lot faster on a slew the Senate two weeks ago to even come up for debate, both of other pieces of legislation. “Raising the minimum wage would Democrats and Republicans took the stances that you would be a great way to get at that particular pay-gap widener, since have assumed they’d take on the matter. Democrats claimed two thirds of minimum wage workers are women. But of course, that, once again, Republicans were showing just how little they Republicans oppose not only the Paycheck Fairness Act, but an cared about women’s issues and rights. Republicans claimed that increase in the minimum wage as well.” the legislation was just pandering to the base, and that it would At this point, any piece of legislation that Democrats advocate have done little to actually combat pay inequality. The more for, the Republicans will just accuse them of pandering. Paycheck interesting stance was the one taken by the media. Fairness Act? Pandering to women. Minimum Wage increase? Many media outlets that are typically friendly to Democratic Pandering to poor workers. Immigration reform? Pandering to causes thought that this was a ripe opportunity to show that they, Latino voters. So essentially, any meaningful, truly progressive just like Fox News, are “fair and balanced”. The argument was legislation that could truly make a difference in improving the the Democrats were choosing an overinflated number (in this lives of millions of Americans will just be pandering? Then I say, case, the 77 percent pay gap between men and women that is Mr. President, Senate and House Democrats, let’s pander. Let’s arguably smaller depending on which studies you look at) to pander our way to a better, more fair, more prosperous America. pander to voters on a piece of legislation that might really not Let’s pander, and let’s pander now! have addressed the wage gap head on. While many tried to backhandedly compliment the President by saying that he wasn’t doing anything different than what the Republicans do all the WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL time for their own legislative causes, the underlying sentiment seemed to be, “Hey, you’re better than this, Mr. President.” PENINSULA CHAPTER At this point, let me say that I respectfully disagree with the media on this particular issue. First, the President and Senate Democrats pointing out the gender pay gap again and again is Wednesday, May 21. Refreshments: 7:00 PM; Program: 7:30-9:00 PM appropriate, even if you want to disagree on the exact number. The Peninsula Chapter will sponsor a joint program with the It’s appropriate because, despite years of work, several pieces of Silicon Valley Red Cross on “International Humanitarian Law: previous legislation, and the hard work of countless legislators Investigating War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity.” Eric and advocacy groups, in 2014 there is still a gender pay gap! This Stover, the Faculty Director of the Human Rights Center at UC is unacceptable, no matter the size of the gap. Berkeley, will be discussing the results and effectiveness of his Secondly, the reason that Democrats are right to keep hitting years of experiences investigating violations of human rights in the Republicans on this issues is because the Republicans are so countries like Cambodia, Iraq, Rwanda, and Bosnia. The scarily off-key on this and other women’s issues that it needs to implications for the International Criminal Court and assistance to be brought up as often as possible. In defense to their no votes victims are also presented. The event will be at the Los Altos on the Paycheck Fairness Act, Senate Republicans and their Youth Center, 1 North San Antonio Road, at 7:00 pm for buddies in the House made the rounds of the talk shows all refreshments and 7:30 to 9:00 pm for the program. The event is saying the same thing, that gender pay inequality was essentially free and open to the public and more information can be found a myth at this point. A myth! Even if you disagree with the on the websites: www.worldaffairs.org and administration’s 77% figure, to say that gender pay is a myth at www.santaclaracountylib.org/losaltos. this point is just staggeringly out of touch. Ralph Kuiper, Chair, Peninsula Chapter, World Affairs Council Republicans also claimed that the Paycheck Fairness Act would of Northern California just open businesses up to unnecessary and wasteful litigation. If the President’s 77% figure is exaggeration, then the Republican When I say "good," theory of a flood of wasteful and unnecessary litigation is just a boldfaced lie. It presupposes that the American civil litigation you say "neighbor." system favors individuals who want to sue corporations. Anyone who has watched an injured party try to carry the burden of a lawsuit against a corporation knows that this isn’t true. Court costs, attorney fees, delays, all of these play out AGAINST Amanda J Martin, Agent Now that's teamwork. Insurance Lic#: 0B68529 CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7 individuals and in the favor of corporations. That’s why, in reality, Charleston Shopping Center Palo Alto, CA 94303 so few lawsuits are brought by women regarding unfair pay Bus: 650-494-1404 practices. It’s also why there would not be this supposed “flood”
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The New Democrat 10 May 2014 For more information and to reserve your tickets, visit www.sccdp.org/sites/default/files/2014%20JJ%20dinner%20SAVE%20THI CALENDAR S%20DATE.pdf 5-6 p.m.: Have some one-on-one time with our speakers who are also OF EVENTS two dynamic candidates, Michael Eggman, CD-10, and Candidate Amanda Renteria, CD-21—Democrats running to represent California in Congress and take back the House. MONTHLY MEETINGS Saturday, May 10, 4-5:30 p.m. Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee Garden Party for Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, CD-18, meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at with special guest San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee Where: Home of Amy Rao and Harry Plant, Palo Alto (full address 70 West Hedding, San Jose. Call 408/445-9500 for information. available on request) Anll are welcome to attend. Our region demonstrates an extraordinary ability to invent and produce for the benefit of all while still preserving what we love about living in The PDC Board of Directors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second the Bay Area by individuals, business and government working together. WEDNESDAY of each month at the Palo Alto Unitarian Church, Suggested contribution: $5200, $2600, $1,000; Activist contribution: $500, $250, $150 505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, Fireside Room,; all are Contribute securely online annaeshoo4congress.us4.list- welcome. manage.com/track/click?u=6959c24b4448232d2ff0c696c&id=3e86975 bf3&e=f039078ec5 or Anna Eshoo for Congress, 2350 Taylor Street, EVENTS: MAY 2014 Ste.7, San Francisco, CA 94133 Monday, May 5, 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ALISON LUNDERGAN GRIMES FOR US SENATE (KY) MPOSD Trustee Curt Riffle speaks on the Open Space FUNDRAISER. See pages 1 and 9 for more information. Bond, Measure AA on the June 3 ballot. Hear an overview of the measure and have your questions Monday, May 5, 6:45-9 p.m. answered. Judicial Candidates Forum: Office #21 and Office #24 Lunch with the League sponsored by the LWV of the Los Altos/Mountain Where: Mountain View Council Chambers, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View Area. Open to the public with advanced, pre-paid reservations. View. Sponsored by Leagues of Women Voters of Palo Alto and Los Where: Ristorante Bella Vita, 376 First Street, Los Altos Altos-Mountain View Area. Here is your chance to learn about judicial Cost: $25 RSVP online at lwvlamv.org candidates before casting your vote June 3. Office #21: Candidates Julianne Sylva and Dennis A. Lempert. Office #24: Candidates Dianne Sunday, May 18, 4-6 p.m. Ritchie, Annrae Angel and Mathew S. Harris Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen Thursday, May 8, 2014, time tbd, speaking on Human Trafficking Close to Home Reception with President Barack Obama While trafficked adults may come from afar, trafficked children are our Where: At the home of Marissa Mayer, Palo Alto, CA own. Come meet DA Jeff Rosen, hear what he has to say about human $1,000 - Reception with the President (free for NLC Members) trafficking in Santa Clara County and what we can do to end this $5,000 - Reception + Photo with the President (+$2,500 for each exploitation. additional person in the photo) Where: Michaels at Shoreline, 2960 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View $10,000 - Co-Chair of the President's Reception. Includes a very small 94043 pre-gathering clutch with the President and photo. Co-Chairs also Cost: $16.50, PDC Members; $20, Non-Members. Includes entrance, become NLC Members. array of appetizers, non-alcoholic beverage. Pre-paid reservations $32,400 - Roundtable discussion with the President. A substantive, in- required by Monday, May 12. Reserve and pay online at depth discussion with the President for a significant period of time; wwwpeninsulademocrats.com or mail your check payable to the PDC to separate from reception event. Limited to 20 people. Participants PDC, PO Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023. Questions: 650-941-8190 become NLC VIP Members. NLC Members can attend the Reception for free, or take $1,000 off any Wednesday, May 21 other ticket; VIP Members can take $2,000 off ticket prices. Doors open at 7; Program: 7:30-9 p.m. RSVP info: https://my.democrats.org/PaloAltoReceptionMay8?custom1=99267535 International Humanitarian Law: Investigating Violations and Implications. Friday, May 9, 5:30-9 p.m., Guest speaker: Eric Stover, Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Human Rights Center, UC Berkeley and war crimes investigator in Annual Jefferson and Jackson Dinner: 5-6 p.m.: Meet Cambodia, Iraq, Rwanda, Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo. the Candidates, then Social Hour followed by 23rd Where: Los Altos Youth Center, 1 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos, Annual Jefferson and Jackson Dinner 94022 Where: Fairmont Hotel, Market Street, San Jose, Free and open to the public. Meet the Candidates: Suggested donation: $50 minimum, but all are Sponsored by the Peninsula Chapter of the World Affairs Council and welcome the Los Altos Public Library J&J Dinner Cost: $125 per person; $1,250 per table of 10; $2,000 VIP More information: www.worldaffairs.org or 415-293-4600 table. Come celebrate BLUE CALIFORNIA! Join the Santa Clara County Visit peninsulademocrats.com for additional calendar events. Democratic Party for this fund raiser and gala event. The New Democrat 11 May 2014 • Chelsea Clinton’s pregnancy is a big deal in the U.S. Of Funnies by Janice course, it’s not like in Britain with Prince George, where a child can grow up to rule simply by virtue of his/her birth….Oops, By Janice Hough, PDC Member never mind. • The arts and crafts chain Michaels is the latest to be hit by a security breach. The company said that about 2.6 million customer credit and debit cards used at its stores may have been • This tweet from Donald Trump: “Interesting how President affected. Worrisome news for a lot of women and almost a Obama is flying around in a Boeing 747 on so-called Earth Day!” dozen men. Even more interesting, this tweet from someone who a) doesn’t believe in climate change, and b) has his own personal 757. • Fox News has fired an executive who used her company e- mail account for a charity drive for relatives of MH370 s • Security folks are still trying to figure out how a teenage boy passengers. Guess she should have known better. Had the was able to get onto the San Jose airport tarmac and into the woman simply used her business email to attack Obama she wheel well of a commercial jet. On the brighter side, TSA said would have been fine that day they did confiscate over 100 bottles of water. • The White House has declined to comment on a “Deport • Bob Dole, 90, in an interview said his “main concern about Justin Bieber and revoke his green card” petition. The GOP is (the 2016) elections is that, well, I just hope I’m still around to trying to decide how to say that Obama’s no comment response vote then. If not … I plan to vote absentee.” If Jimmy Carter had is wrong. said that the GOP would be screaming about potential voter fraud. • Why there is no satire. Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, campaigning campaign for better safety with Metro- • More from Bob Dole “A number of the younger members, North trains, held a press conference, set up his easel too close to first-termers like Rand Paul, (Marco) Rubio Morand that extreme- the tracks, and almost got hit by the train. right-wing guy – Ted Cruz? All running for president now. I don’t think they’ve got enough experience yet.” So maybe Dole • During Sarah Palin's speech to the NRA she complained secretly wants to run again with John McCain? that the "Obama administration wants you ID’d" for having a gun. Okay, I guess being ID'ed should be reserved for truly dangerous • Macy’s CEO just spoke out against raising the minimum things, like voting. wage. What, if the store has to pay more they’ll only be able to have “One Day Sales” every other day? • A girl gave Michelle Obama her father’s resume, saying he hadn’t had any work in three years. “Honey, you didn’t have to • In New Jersey, a woman is suing the Department of Motor do that” said Joe Biden. Vehicles for rejecting her request for a vanity license plate reading “8THEIST.” Where are the small government folks lining • Wonder how many Americans who profess complete up to defend her right to free speech on this one? disinterest in William, Kate and George’s Australia tour because they don’t believe in hereditary monarchy are really hoping Jeb • According to Fox News' Charles Krauthammer said “it is runs against Hillary in 2016. evident the real objective of ObamaCare is to sever the relationship that Americans have now with their private insurance • GOP Presidential contenders are now rushing to distance so everyone eventually ends up in in a market essentially themselves from rancher Cliven Bundy, who said, amongst other controlled by the government.” As an ex-resident of Canada, things about African-Americans, “And I’ve often wondered, are we can only hope…. they better off as slaves, picking cotton and having a family life and doing things, or are they better off under government • Chelsea Clinton has announced that she is pregnant with subsidy? They didn’t get no more freedom. They got less her first child. And presumably that baby, boy or girl, will be freedom.” If Bundy had just stuck to insulting the government running for President in 2064. and maybe women and gays, he’d still be some conservatives’ hero. • Chelsea Clinton has announced she is expecting. It was the first time in decades that Bill was actually happy to hear “the pregnancy test was positive.” Help Us Get Out the Vote in 2014! Join the Voter Registration Drive! July through September Sponsored by the PDC, PYD, Dean Club and DVC Learn what voters are thinking, enjoy spirited conversation about issues and have FUN while strengthening our democracy. We are looking for Volunteers and Leads to staff fairs & festivals, farmers markets, community college outreach, other events. What is needed now is your call saying you will help, so check your calendars and contact Coordinators and Leads to volunteer. All training and supplies provided. \Attend the special Wine and Cheese Party on Saturday, June 14, 3 - 5 PM @ Diane’s Home, co-sponsored by Carol, for those interested in volunteering . Farmers’ Markets: Contact Carol at [email protected] or 650-941-8190 • Palo Alto - California Avenue - El Camino & Birch, (Sundays, 9-1 PM) • Palo Alto - Gilman Avenue - Near Hamilton & market, Palo Alto (Saturdays 9 – 12:30 PM) • Mountain View Train Station - East entrance Evelyn (Sundays 9-1 PM) • Los Altos Farmers’ Market - Third & State (Thursdays, 4-8 PM) • Menlo Park Farmers‘ Market - Chestnut Street (Sundays, 9-1 PM) • Redwood City - Kiwanis Farm Market - Redwood City near Train Station - (Sundays, 8 AM-12 Noon) • Foothill College - Times to be established Getting voters registered is the first step to winning in November. Help eligible voters exercise their right to participate in our democracy by registering voters. The Peninsula Democratic Coalition’s website is www.peninsulademocrats.com Save Our Democracy Do Voter Registration May through September Sponsored by the PDC and special friends: PYD, Dean Club and DVC Learn what voters are thinking, enjoy spirited conversation about issues and have FUN while strengthening and saving our democracy. We are looking for Volunteers and Leads to staff farmers markets, Fairs and Festivals, community college outreach, and other events. What is needed now is your call saying you will help, so check your calendars and contact Voter Registration Manager/Coordinator, Diane Rolfe or Coordinator Carol Kuiper or the various Event Leads to volunteer. All training and supplies provided. Attend the special Wine and Cheese Party on Saturday, June 14, 3 - 5 PM @ Diane’s Home, co-sponsored by Carol, for those interested in volunteering . Festivals: Contact: Diane Rolfe at [email protected] or 650-326-6328 or the Fair and Festival Leads directly • Chili Cook-Off - July 4, Mitchell Park, PA (10 - 5 PM); Contact: Cory Wolbach at [email protected] • Los Altos Art and Wine - July 12 & 13 (10 - 6 PM) Contact: Carol Kuiper at [email protected] • Palo Alto Clay & Glass - July 12 & 13 (10 - 5 PM) Contact: Marcene Van Dierendonck at [email protected] • Menlo Park Connoisseur’s Marketplace - July 19 & 20 (10 - 6 PM) Contact: Cory Wolbach at [email protected] and the PYD • Palo Alto Art & Wine - Aug 23 & 24 (10 - 6 PM) Contact: Diane & Joe Rolfe at [email protected] • Mountain View Art & Wine - Sept. 6 & 7 (10 - 6 PM) Contact: Judy Plaska at [email protected] and Cory Wolbach @[email protected] DEM The Peninsula Democratic Coalition LA O U C P.O. Box 97 S R N A Los Altos, CA 94023-0097 I T T T T N I I I I C C E E E E P P C O N May 2014 A LITI O Printed on 100% recycled paper. C DEM LA O U C S R N A I T T T T N I I I I C C E E E E P P C Join the PDC on Facebook! O N A LITI O www.facebook.com/groups/144436228947606/ The New Democrat Published monthly by GRAFFIK DEZINE The Peninsula Democratic Coalition PDC members receive 10% off your first P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023-0097 graphic design job! Need a newsletter to inform your clients of what you and your President: Amy Pearl business are doing? Are you a Vice President: Nicole Fernandez politician? Newsletters offer the Editor: Emy Thurber opportunity to keep your constituents Design/Layout: Kristen Lohnes Johnson informed of what is happening with your Email: [email protected] campaign plus local and statewide issues. Web site: www.peninsulademocrats.com GRAFFIK DEZINE IS WOMAN-OWNED & OPERATED and UNION!! 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