TThhee NNeeww DDeemmooccrraatt A Publication of the Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) August 2019

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo Mark Your (CD-18) traveled to Texas Calendar! detention centers: “The

Sunday, August 18, 2019 conditions are Inhumane” 4:00-7:00 pm Congresswoman Eshoo Tours Texas Border and Speaks with Border Officials, Families, and Volunteers WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Anna PDC Annual G. Eshoo (D-CA) traveled to McAllen and Brownsville, Texas recently Family Potluck to tour the McAllen Border Patrol Processing Center and the Brownsville Port of Picnic & Entry on Saturday, July 13. Eshoo assessed firsthand the deterioration of care in Funwildl ber heald ait as er Texas since her first visit in June 2018. The Cuesta Park , Congresswoman met with located directly beside the El Camino families, questioned U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, right, spoke border officials, and heard with a Border Patrol agent in Texas YMCA and El Camino Hospital, from humanitarian on June 22, 2018, during a tour volunteers. Rep. Eshoo with congressional members of in Mountain View. released the following immigration detention facilities. statement after the trip: Photo courtesy of Rep. Anna “The conditions I Eshoo's office. Special Guest witnessed at the border were inhumane. Forty or more detainees are being kept in cells built to Speaker: house a maximum of eight people for days or even weeks, and children are without access to proper hygiene. Since my first visit Ricardo Lara to the southern border last year, the crisis has worsened and it’s clear the Administration’s policies have exacerbated the Insurance humanitarian crisis. The decision to suspend foreign aid to Commissioner of countries in the Northern Triangle has been catastrophic. The individuals fleeing to our border are coming from the most violent and dangerous countries in the world. “We need comprehensive immigration reform. We need to go to the root cause of why so many are fleeing and seeking asylum. And we need agency standards met when they detain See page 7 and 8 for individuals.” Rep. Eshoo was part of a Congressional Delegation of 20 information & map. Members of Congress. She returned to the site of last summer’s investigation into the conditions and treatment of migrants at (Continued on page 3) The New Democrat 2 August 2019

is ours, she is us, and we owe her the benefit of the doubt. I want to be on her team, even when, especially when, I don’t know exactly how the game is going to turn out. I’ll give Madam Speaker the last word, which is from her latest interview with Maureen Dowd in : President’s “If the left doesn’t think I’m left enough, so be it,” she said, breezily. “As I say to these people, come to my basement. I have Column these signs about single-payer from 30 years ago. I understand what they’re saying. But we have a responsibility to get Leora Tanjuatco something done, which is different from advocacy. We have to have a solution, not just a Twitter fight.”

In defense of Speaker Pelosi Making a difference! Sometime in 2017, I was at an event, and was introduced as “the once encourage a non-registered and future Speaker of the House,” to rapturous Citizen to VOTE applause. Since we hadn’t yet won back the House, it was By Diane Rolfe closer to a hopeful campaign The key to retaining our democracy and Democrats winning slogan than a real fact, but it in 2020 is to inspire people to VOTE!!! The Democratic was the first time I’d felt a Volunteer Center (DVC) will be writing letters to inspire non- glimmer of hope since registered citizens to vote on Thursday, August 22, 2-4 pm at November of 2016. My heart the Embarcadero Room at the Rinconada Library at 1213 soared. After several torturous Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA. Research clearly shows that the months of watching Paul Ryan more people turn out to vote, the more Democrats win here attempt to dismantle and across the nation. In 2016, 44 percent of the those who Obamacare and successfully could vote, did NOT bother to vote for President. pass tax cuts, the hope of having Nancy back in charge was Can we, by working together, send out 300 letters? 500 almost too blissful to imagine. I felt like I would cut off my right letters? 1,000 letters? If you want to write letters, all hand to have Nancy be the Speaker again. materials—including envelopes, writing suggestions, pens and Thankfully, we didn’t have to go there. Millions of Democrats stamps—will be provided. If you want to help, please contact across the country came together, and Nancy Pelosi is at the helm Diane Rolfe at (650) 326-6328 or Mary Gill, (650) 857-0593 once again. The pride I feel in hailing from the same region as for further information or to sign up. Together, let us save our she is only eclipsed by my pride in her as the most powerful democracy. woman in the history of the United States. And yet, mere months after we took back the House, she is under fire from some Democrats for not moving quickly (enough) on impeachment. You can read a million thinkpieces that are critical of her Hand strategy—she has said that impeachment is not off the table—but that there is more work to be done before resorting to painted impeachment. I’m on her side, and I’m an advocate—I organize communities silk for a living. Sure, I would love for every elected official to scarf! implement every policy solution we suggest, but that’s not their job. Their job is to fashion solutions, given the parameters. I don’t envy their jobs. 8”x54” Habotai silk* And honestly, the fact that I’m writing this column is a mini- victory for Republicans. Our infighting only strengthens them. So There are plenty let’s keep the eye on the prize. We have about a year until the of favorite Democrats presidential campaign is in full swing. Until then, let’s stick Only together. Let’s support the woman who got us here, who didn’t to choose give President Trump the money for his border wall, who from this season! comports herself with class at every turn, and also, outstrategizes Margaret in Connecticut a man who, although he is racist and sexist and undoubtedly wearing an Obama scarf! Made to order at [email protected] dumb, somehow still lives in the White House as our leader. She The New Democrat 3 August 2019

with AT&T. And a while back I had to spend a bit of time in a Martin’s hospital where the cell signal for one carrier was strong and reliable while the signals for all other carriers was non-existent.) Health care is a market in desperate need of financial reform. EDITORIAL Health insurance is one part of the problem. It is clear that a by PDC Member Martin Gorfinkel government option for health insurance would be a step in the right direction. That could be a single payer program that replaced the current health insurance industry or it could be a “Some people are fond of saying that private enterprise can government insurance option that operated in the marketplace handle tasks better and more efficiently than government. These with private insurance. The less desirable of those two options, people want to privatize almost everything from Social Security to which ever it may be, is still far better than the current situation. the postal service to the prison system to the schools. Their The steps suggested here are not socialism! They are measures premise is false! The result of privatization is at least added to be taken to ensure that our current economic system works expense for the consumer and at worst, disaster for the country.” better for consumers. The rich and powerful are doing well – but, That paragraph opened last month’s column. The column in a rephrasing the song by Tom Leher, they are not doing good went on to detail the ways in which private enterprise in the by doing well. form of charter schools are a dire threat to the public school system. And, it was argued, the public school system is vital to our democracy. Eshoo Now the argument will be made that, in some cases the (Continued from page 1) change should go in the other direction. It would benefit the country and consumers if the government were to take on several Department of Homeland Security facilities. The latest responsibility for delivery of some goods and services either Congressional Delegation to the border followed the release of replacing private enterprise or offering a government option to a report on July 2nd by the Inspector General of the existing services. Department of Homeland Security. The report revealed For those who might think it untenable for government to widespread sub-standard and squalid conditions at border compete with private enterprise, there are myriad examples: facilities. (For full text of Anna’s special report of her June 21- public libraries have not eliminated bookstores, public golf 22, 2018, border visit: https://eshoo.house.gov/news- courses have not dampened the demand for private facilities, stories/e-newsletters/rep-eshoo-trip-to-the-border-june- public colleges thrive alongside private ones, and private hospitals 2018/ ) have not gone away in the face of competition from public ones. Members were briefed by detention center staff, and they It is possible to have both public and private organizations spoke to officials, parents, respite care workers, and children. competing in the same field. They also met families at two nonprofit Respite Centers and We have a capitalistic economy; it is based on the premise crossed the U.S.-Mexico border at Gateway International that competition among sellers for a share of the market will Bridge in Brownsville to provide food and other items to produce optimal results for the consumer. Except it does not migrant families waiting to apply for asylum in the United work that way. In many fields there is no competition. In others States. (For full text of Anna’s special report of her July 13-14, the “products” offered by the various sellers are either identical 2019, visit to Texas detention centers: or too complex for consumers to make intelligent decisions about https://eshoo.house.gov/news-stories/e-newsletters/special- which gives the best value for the money. Finally, there are many report-migrant-detention-centers/ ) products which everybody (almost everybody?) wants or needs and which cannot be differentiated from one seller to another. Electric power is one example. There is no way for one company to offer electricity to your home or office that is different from that offered by any other company. There is no room for competition! Instead of a private power company, PG&E, that generates profits for its share holders and oversize salaries for its executives, there should be a state power company directly answerable to the legislature and the citizens. Phone service is another example. The user wants a reliable dial tone for a land line and/or a strong cell signal for a mobile phone. The investment needed to bring that signal is enormous. The user wants a strong and reliable connection to move data and to provide a voice connection. It is folly to have different networks, each building their own cell towers and each providing coverage with dead spots. (Full disclosure: I have recently had reason to deal with AT&T on a couple of issues. Anyone who thinks private enterprise can See page 6 for information on provide better customer service than government has not dealt Voter Registration & Issue Outreach The New Democrat 4 August 2019 The 2020 Candidate Pledge At the presidential candidate debate event July 30, candidates expressed their views and some candidates derided the plans and views of other candidates. While this sounded at times divisive at Are we an America still a time when the party needs to unite and fight together against the hatred, enlightened? racism, greed and The bedrock values institutionalized by the founders in the corruption being spread by formation of our country were forged in the American the Republican President Enlightenment: a belief and recognition that every person and party, I am encouraged possesses inalienable rights not created by Church or Sovereignty, by the number of Democratic presidential candidates who have but rather endowed in them at the time of their creation. taken this We Are Indivisible 2020 Candidate Pledge : It’s a subtle distinction lost in today’s world. While the • We must defeat Donald Trump. The first step is a Declaration of Independence references the right to life, liberty primary contest that produces a strong Democratic and the pursuit of happiness, the document doesn’t create these nominee. The second step is winning the general rights. election. We will not accept anything less. To ensure this Per the documents own text, they pre-existed it. In fact, the outcome, I pledge to: belief that basic human rights pre-exist legal recognition by • Make the primary constructive. I’ll respect the other sovereignty was so deeply held by our founders, they debated candidates and make the primary election about whether a Bill of Rights were even necessary to the Constitution. inspiring voters with my vision for the future. Anti-Federalists argued to go without a Bill of Rights would be • Rally behind the winner. I’ll support the ultimate illusionary against tyranny, and Federalists argued to create a Bill Democratic nominee, whomever it is — period. No of Rights would require unnecessary enumeration risking Monday morning quarterbacking. No third-party threats. something could be left out that resulted in limited tyranny. Immediately after there’s a nominee, I’ll endorse. Both sides deeply arguing details with the same purpose: How • Do the work to beat Trump. I will do everything in my to create a government that protected human rights they believed power to make the Democratic Nominee the next pre-existed government itself. President of the United States. As soon as there is a This basic Enlightenment belief in the value of human dignity nominee, I will put myself at the disposal of the has shaped our American history. The United States’ enduring campaign. narrative has been achieved in the victories that resulted in the tearing down of evils and obstacles that denied these inalienable Go to this website and you will see that all leading Democratic rights to every person, regardless of gender, race, sexual candidates have already signed the above orientation, age, religion and economic background. pledge: https://pledge.indivisible.org / On this website is also the As a parent, I can fathom no greater assault on human dignity Grassroots 2020 pledge that folks can sign to make a and liberty, that pre-exists sovereignty, then the forced separation commitment to rally around the elected Democratic nominee of myself from my child. The assault is a perversion of the and work to beat Trump. principles our nation was founded upon. Carol Lamont The Trump Administration’s separation policy, and subsequent PDC Member, Indivisible removal of undocumented immigrant children from their families and their subsequent caging on the basis of legal status is not just immoral, but is also an assault on the very foundations of American Democracy. The young child left crying in a cage for its parent is also crying out to you and me. Do we still value and believe in inalienable basic human rights that preexist and remain whether those designated as caretakers of the American ideal in government value and protect them as boldly as their forebearers? If we do, what will we do? What would the founders have done? Are we an America still enlightened? Ray Mueller PDC Member The New Democrat 5 August 2019

Board (2013). An employer was allowed to post a sign informing Can a corporation be a employees of their right not to join a union, but on the grounds that it violated the corporation’s First Amendment rights, person? employees were not allowed to post a sign informing them of their right to create and join unions and bargain collectively. By Herb Engstrom and Brian Carr • Marshall v. Barlow’s Inc. (1978). A company was able to Yes, it can or so avoid surprise OSHA safety inspections on the grounds that the says the U.S. Supreme Fourth Amendment required OSHA to obtain a warrant, thereby Court. This strange weakening its health and safety enforcement powers. doctrine had its This series of Supreme Court Decisions ignored the fact that origins in 1886 right corporations are chartered only under state law and consequently here in Santa Clara can thus be decertified under state law. If under state law an County in the County organization can be terminated as a corporation, it follows that suit against Southern they can have no rights under federal law, specifically including Pacific Railroad, the United States Constitution’s Bill of Rights; which had claimed it The people agree. They strongly support reversal of these could use the same court created rights as 20 states and approximately 700 local tax deductions as governments throughout the United States have passed individuals. The Supreme Court agreed, and the court reporter, resolutions or ballot measures which call for overturning the in a headnote summarizing the case, wrote that the Court found Citizens United decision. Similar measures are pending in many that “…corporations are persons within the meaning of the other states and jurisdictions. Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.” The only definitive and permanent reversal of the decades of That corporations are persons was not cited in the decision itself, these Supreme Court decisions is to allow the people’s voices to only in the headnote. However, Chief Justice Morrison Waite be heard is a Constitutional amendment. House Joint Resolution later confirmed that the headnote “…expresses with sufficient 48 is the proposed amendment that most clearly states that accuracy what was said” during the trial. corporations are not people and that campaign spending can be Over the past 130 years, the Court has expanded this regulated. It was reintroduced this year by Rep. , doctrine—which was never approved by the people—that Democrat, of the state of Washington. It currently has 54 corporations and artificial entities are entitled to constitutional cosponsors including 12 from California among whom are Zoe rights. However, the traditional and necessary rights and powers Lofgren and . of corporations, such as ownership of property, ability to enter into legal transactions and many others are provided for by state law and do not require extension of constitutional rights. Consequently, these judicial decisions have weakened the power of the people to legislate and regulate for the public good and have diminished the role of citizens in the electoral process. The Supreme Court has used the concept of corporate constitutional rights to equate money with free speech and in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) reversed decades of precedent to allow unlimited corporate spending in Democratic Events for the electoral process. Hence the free speech rights of people who have limited financial resources have been overwhelmed by PDC Calendar corporations’ ability to spend millions of dollars in messaging in support of their favored candidates. If you have upcoming Democratic events, please submit for The following are only a few of many examples in which the review to [email protected] . Include your name will of the people has been frustrated by the Supreme Court’s and contact information. Submissions will be reviewed for creation of corporate constitutional rights: timeliness and relevance by the PDC Newsletter • International Dairy Foods Ass’n v. Amestoy (1966). The Committee. Please provide the following information: Vermont legislature passed a law requiring disclosure on the packaging of dairy products containing a synthetic growth Event Title: hormone which was a suspected carcinogen and had been Day, Date: banned by the European Union, Canada and other countries. The court held that the people were not entitled to such notice Time: because it would violate corporations’ First Amendment rights. Where: • Lorillard Tobacco Co. v. Reilly (2001). A Massachusetts regulation prohibiting tobacco advertising within 1,000 feet of a Event description: school or playground was held invalid because it violated the RSVP link/more info: corporation’s First Amendment free speech rights. • National Ass’n of Manufacturers v. National Labor Relations Sponsored by: Save Our Democracy! Do Voter Registration & Issue Outreach! August through October 2019 Sponsored by the PDC and special friends: PYD & the Dean Club

Learn what voters are thinking, enjoy spirited conversation, talk to folks about issues, collect petition signatures, build up the Democratic network, and have FUN while strengthening our democracy!

We are looking for Volunteers and Leads to staff local Fairs and Festivals this summer. We need folks all summer long, so check your calendars and contact Voter Registration Coordinator Karl Kramer with the dates and times you are available. All training and supplies will be provided. • Palo Alto Festival of the Arts - Aug 24 & 25 (10am-6pm) • Mountain View Art & Wine - Sept. 7 & 8 (11am-7pm, 10 am-6pm)

Other events may be added to the calendar so stay tuned!

For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinators: Karl Kramer: [email protected] Laura Martinez: [email protected] Alexander Melendrez: [email protected]

PHOTO CREDIT: https://chambermaster.blob.core.windows.net/userfiles/UserFiles/chambers/2469/CMS/Festival_of_the_Arts/festarts-home-hdr.jpg Getting voters registered is the first step to supporting Democrats. Help eligible voters exercise their right to participate in our democracy by registering voters. The Peninsula Democratic Coalition’s website is www.peninsulademocrats.com PPeninsula DDemocratic CCoalition Annual PDC Picnic & Fundraiser Sunday, August 18, 2019 • 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Cuesta Park, located directly beside the El Camino YMCA and El Camino Hospital, in Mountain View $10 contribution at the door (children are free) Expected guests include elected officials and candidates. The picnic features good food, brief (very brief!) speeches, and drawings for a variety of goodies! Special Guest Speaker: Ricardo Lara Insurance Commissioner of California

The picnic is a potluck with enough food to make a meal. (Those who come early can generally fill up on desserts.) We request a $10 contribution at the door. Children are free. You can make your payment online by visiting: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pdc2019picnic Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available; those attending are asked to bring a potluck dish to share (appetizer, main dish, salad, or dessert). Please bring your checkbook to make donations for exciting drawings: $5/ticket or $20/5 tickets! No reservations or RSVP required. For further information, visit www.peninsulademocrats.com.

The Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) is the oldest and largest Democratic Club in . The PDC has a long history of promoting Democratic candidates and ideals and is chartered by both the Santa Clara and San Mateo County Democratic Central Committees. The PDC is affiliated with the California Democratic Council, a statewide coalition of grass roots clubs. The PDC has members throughout Silicon Valley including the towns of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, San Jose, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Portola Valley, Atherton, Woodside, San Mateo, Belmont and San Carlos. The New Democrat 8 August 2019 The New Democrat 9 August 2019 Congressman event on Wednesday, 8/28 - Welcoming a patriot! By Prameela Bartholomeusz, Finance Director, SCCDP on the PDC Board With this very special event, I am launching a speaker series to raise funds particularly for the Santa Clara County Democratic Party, the California Democratic Party and the Democratic Alexander “Alex” Melendrez National Committee, but also for other non-profit and grassroots organizations. This effort is intended to help build out infrastructure for the Democratic Party. The series is called Prameela Spotlights, and each event will directly benefit organizations that are doing the good work of protecting our civil liberties and improving the lives of the underserved in our communities. I hope you will throw in your support at this critical time and consider joining our Fight for Democracy recurring donation program which will also provide ticket discounts toward these events. We are fortunate to have an opportunity to welcome and thank the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Adam Schiff (left), a true patriot. The fireside chat will be moderated by Alexander “Alex” Melendrez joined the Peninsula Democratic Amanda Renteria, Coalition (PDC) Board earlier this year but has been involved Board Chair of with the Peninsula Young Democrats (PYD) and the PDC since Emerge America. 2015. Alex has been interested in politics since the 9th grade. He The event is on had always been interested in history, but the Great Recession Wednesday, galvanized him to learn more about politics and policy and lead August 28, 6:30- him to watch the news compulsively. He asked himself, “What 8:30pm. There were politicians doing to solve the problems of the people?” will be a VIP during this economic downturn. It was in those following months reception 6:30- leading up to Obama’s presidency that he became a Democrat 7:15pm after and registered the day he was 18. He joined the Democratic which the Party because he views it as the house of equity, the historically program will start. marginalized, of progress and science, and of welcoming. He The event will be admits the party isn’t perfect and has its own issues, but strives to held at the Indian improve it from where he can. Community Alex has many capacities including being on PYD’s E-Board, Center in Milpitas (see invitation attached). Please share this with currently serving as the club’s Communications Director, where colleagues, friends and family. If you lead a Dem club or he sends out regular club emails and runs the group’s social grassroots organization, please share this with your members as media pages. He is also a state delegate to the California soon as possible. Democratic Party. He was appointed through the San Mateo Special shout-out to Titus Lin, SCCDP Campaign Services County Democratic Central Committee (SMCDCC), where he sits Director, for providing support of talented interns. Thank you to on a subcommittee and serves as an alternate. the very talented Ethan Choi for helping design the invitation and Alex was born and raised in San Bruno. He currently sits on other material to promote the event. the city’s Parks and Recreations Commission and has done so I assure you, this is a must-attend event with a couple of nice since 2015. Alex also earned a political science degree with a surprises for the Congressman. The $50 tickets are limited, so minor in city planning from the University of California, Berkeley. please purchase them early as we expect this event to sell out While in college he was involved with the External Affairs Vice early. Please help make this launch event representative of the President’s office, representing students at the state level on successes we wish to see in the upcoming elections in November matters such as mass incarcerations, issues around sexual assault, 2019, 2020 and beyond! voter accessibility, affordability, and student engagement. His For more information: [email protected] biggest focus was in college funding and affordability. (Continued on page 11) The New Democrat 10 August 2019

Fundraiser for Congressman in person! Meet TJ Cox

Standup comedy by Nato Green Saturday, August 24 Jazz vocalist 6:00 - 9:00 pm Lua Hadar

1955 The Alameda Great Food and Wine San Jose, CA 95126

Co-Host: $500 r Sponsor: $250 r Guest: $100

RSVP at http://actblue.com/donate/southbayfortj For questions or to volunteer, contact Gayle Boesch [email protected]

Champions, Co-Hosts and Sponsors John and Barbara Comiskey Sharon Childress, Kathleen Houk, Anne Marie de Cesare Kimberly Ayers, Tracey Carr, Patrick Dill, Shannon Edwards, Marsha Palitz-Elliott and John Elliott, Adriana Farkouh, Suresh Mahanty, Kjirste Morrell, Dan and Dimity Mueller, Scott and Marybeth Nacey, Tom Shaw The New Democrat 11 August 2019

Melendrez (Continued from page 9) Who Am I?

Alex deeply cares about a variety of issues including but not Due to the fact that there are now 24 Democratic candidates limited to voter rights and accessibility, immigration, funding for running for president, this contest will now run two candidates education, international relations, utility reform, youth per issue to make sure we cover them all! We’ll see what engagement, transportation and many more issues. He has happens after the Presidential Primary Election - March 3, 2020. published several opinion articles in the San Mateo Daily Journal and other forums specifically on some of these issues. However, for several years, the biggest issue on his mind has been housing. It’s reflected in his work life as well. Alex works at the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County as an organizer and loves his job—he’s not just saying that because Leora is his boss. He feels strongly that we need to build more housing at all income levels, including market rate but especially affordable housing, as well as providing protections to renters in the Bay Area. He previously worked at the San Mateo County Elections Office for two years. Do you know who this Outside of work and politics, Alex surprisingly does have a life presidential candidate and hobbies. He is a lover of nutrition and fitness. You can often find him at the gym (though he claims to be anti-social when is? Find the answer to there). He also categories himself as a “big nerd” and enjoys #1 on page 16. playing video games, watching all the latest pop culture media and browsing history courses on YouTube. He also likes rooting on Bay Area sports teams (except Stanford). Alex believes very strongly the lesson his parents taught him at a young age: “If you are upset or unhappy about something, what is the solution? Does complaining or action offer the better solution? Then do it. A phone call, a knock on a door, an email, and yes, sometimes even a ‘tweet’ is always better than inaction.” He is honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Peninsula Democratic Coalition board with his fellow board members. Look out for Alex knocking on doors soon! Do you know who this Voter Registration Brings presidential candidate is? Find the answer to Out the Best! #2 on page 16. See page 6 for opportunities to help register voters! The New Democrat 12 August 2019 Anna Eshoo, CD-18, Town The DVC, PDC, and Dean Hall well-attended Democratic Club held a Congresswoman Anna Eshoo held a Town Hall for CD-18 constituents in Mountain View. The July 22 event was sold out. Debate Watch Party On July 30, the PDC, the DVC and the Dean Democratic Club held a Debate Watch Party at the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto to watch the second Democratic candidate debates of 2019. A large crowd of Democratic and resistance friends gathered to watch on a large screen and enjoyed food, wine and good conversations! County Supervisor Joe Simitian led the post debate discussion. DVC Chair Pam Salvatierra welcomed and thanked all for attending and urged involvement in the campaign, which is underway now. Stephanie Grossman, fund raising and hospitality chair, reminded attendees of the high cost of funding the volunteer center and encouraged all to give generously. Each $35 donation (or more) will begin the funding for our 2020 DVC Campaign Headquarters. All DVC contributions are independently managed through the Santa Clara County Democratic Party. The New Democrat 13 August 2019 The New Democrat 14 August 2019

and Mexico’s President demanded HE be released? Funnies by Janice • Bill Sanderson, 59, a married and anti-LGBTQ Tennessee lawmaker resigned in July for “family reasons,” just as rumors By Janice Hough, PDC Member emerged alleging he was looking online for college age young men. Those GOP closets are going to be shut down by the fire marshal for overcrowding. • Come on, don’t we all know Trump rushed to Ground Zero • Trump tweet upon hearing conclusion of Mueller hearings: as soon as he finished helping victims of the Bowling Green “TRUTH IS A FORCE OF NATURE!” Uh, seriously what does he Massacre? know about “truth” or “nature?” • Capital One data breach affected approximately 100 • Pretty sure at this point GOP members of Congress would million individuals in the US. Well, unfortunately now everyone also use “witch hunt” to describe Watergate. knows what’s in your wallet. • Big parties in streets of Puerto Rico after governor Ricardo • Rand Paul is offering to buy a ticket to visit her Rossello resigned. So who’s with me on suggesting to Trump that home country of Somalia “to learn to be more grateful for living he could have bigger parties, HUGE, for his own resignation? in the United States.” Wonder how often Paul flies and drives to • One criticism directed by some at Mueller, 74, during the spend time in parts of Kentucky, the 5th poorest state in US, to hearings is that they thought he seemed “doddering,” and had make him more grateful for living in Washington DC? aged immensely in past few years. So do the same folks realize • A white teenager kills three people including a six-year old Trump will be 74 next June? boy and a thirteen-year old girl, along with a 20 year old African • The Rolling Stones are trying to eliminate single-use cups at American man. their concerts. But really at their age, shouldn’t all drinks be • If the killer were Hispanic, especially an immigrant ,and served in sippy cups? victims were white, Trump would have sent a dozen tweets • Rand Paul and Mike Lee were the only two senators who within 24 hours, eulogizing the victims and railing loudly about voted against reauthorizing the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. the need for speed in building his wall. Well at least Lee and Paul are also campaigning tirelessly to stop • GOP was retweeting a doctored video of Ilhan Omar Trump’s extravagant rallies and golf weekends. Oh wait. Never talking about profiling white men. But seriously, after yet another mind. mass shooting maybe we SHOULD start profiling white men. • Can bartenders start calling Stoli and orange juice a • Now it’s DNI director Dan Coats leaving. Makes sad sense, “Donald Trump” – an Orange Russian? for Trump “national intelligence” is an oxymoron. • After he said the country could be “wiped off the face of • Ever get that sense Trump wakes up some mornings and the earth, Afghanistan has demanded USA clarify remarks made just thinks “what can I do for a new disgusting low?” by Donald Trump, Nice try, Americans know Trump won’t even • As Trump attacks the American cities of Baltimore and San clarify remarks he makes about the US itself. Francisco, remember, this is the same man who said “if you don’t • Let’s be real. If Mueller says FBI had a signed contract and love our country, leave.” So when is he packing? video showing Trump and Putin agreeing to fix election, Trump • At some point thinking seriously that Democrats best cult members would say it was for our own good and Hillary campaign slogan in 2020 might be simply “We are better than should still be locked up. this!” • So as ICE now will try to circumvent courts and deport • As Trump rants about A$AP Rocky, wonder what he’d do if immigrants without a hearing perhaps they should raid known a European leader attacked him about ICE locking up an employment offenders like European model agencies? American-born teenager for 22 days • Trump says he could wipe Afghanistan off face of the Earth • Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is apparently splitting from her but doesn’t want to kill 10,000,000 people. second husband. Does that make her closer to Presidential? Besides, by ignoring opioids, guns, safety regulations & climate • President Trump tweets ‘big VICTORY’ after Supreme Court change, not to mention taking away healthcare, he can kill that grants $2.5 billion to continue with border wall. many people right here at home. So how is a victory when SCOTUS says US can spent that • So as a liberal hearing all the “if you don’t like it leave” much taxpayer money on something Mexico is paying for? comments from Trumpers, I have a question. What country did • Guess we shouldn’t be surprised that some in a country that you like best when you left during the Obama presidency? elected a reality show President are disappointed we didn’t get • In July, Boris Johnson joined the chorus of European an “action-hero” Special Counsel performance. leaders condemning Trump’s racist comments. Uh oh, another • There will be a new Lifetime movie this fall – “College bromance bites the dust. Admissions Scandal.” So will Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin • says "send her back” chant against Ilhan Omar star in it if they can get bail? was inappropriate but claims, “This isn’t about race. It’s not about • Trump tweets that Sweden has “let our African American gender. It’s not about religion.” Right, like Liz’s refusal to community down.” Of course, Donald thinks “our African denounce anti-Obama birthers wasn’t about any of those things American community” is Kanye West, Herman Cain, Ben Carson either. and Diamond and Silk.” • Okay, seriously, if you asked those MAGAers chanting “send • As Trump demands Swedish government intercede on her home” what an “anti-Semite” was, what percentage of them behalf of an American visitor accused of a crime, have to wonder do you think could correctly answer? how Donald would feel if a Mexican musician was arrested here (Continued on page 14) The New Democrat 15 August 2019

More Info: Debbie Mytels, connectthedots2016, CALENDAR [email protected] Thu. August 15, 6:30 p.m. OF EVENTS Community Workshop on Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Act (CSFRA), Eviction 101, landlord focus. Mountain View. Workshop topics include information on covered units, allowable evictions and rent increases under Mountain View’s CSFRA. Where: City of Mountain View, 500 MONTHLY MEETINGS Castro St., Plaza Conference Room. Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Sun. August 18, 4-7 p.m. 70 West Hedding, San Jose. Call 408/445-9500 for information. All are PDC Annual Family Picnic/Barbeque. Family Fun welcome to attend. Fundraiser! Cuesta Park, Group Picnic Area, 615 Cuesta Dr., Mountain San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee View. meets for their General Meeting on the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm at the Transport Workers Union, Local 505 building located at Guest Speaker CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. 1521 Rollins Road in Burlingame. Donation: Adults $10, kids 12-and-under Free. Help us plan and skip the lines at the picnic by pre-paying. The PDC Board of Directors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pdc2019picnic A $10 per WEDNESDAY of each month at the Palo Alto Unitarian Church, 505 East person donation helps cover costs. Sponsorships have an even Charleston Road, Palo Alto, Fireside Room; all are welcome. bigger impact, helping us do the important work of electing Democrats all year round, holding the House, taking back AUGUST governorships, state houses, the Senate, the Presidency. Sponsor: $1,000, $500, $250, $100 Donate/Sponsor/RSVP: Sat. August 10, 10:30 a.m. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pdc2019picnic Congresswoman , CD-14, TOWN HALL. “Conversations about America: Justice for All”. Tues. August 27, 7:30 p.m. Canada College Theater, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Bldg 3, Room “Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice that Shapes What 106, Redwood City. We See, Think and Do.” Please register one person per RSVP! First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, 1985 Louis Rd. https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?& Sponsored by the Peace and Justice Task Force of First cid=CA14JS&crop=16933.12162609.5638816.91160774&repo Congregational Church of Palo Alto. Social Psychology Professor rt_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.eventbrite.com%2fe%2 Jennifer Eberhardt, PhD, reviews her recent book, a multi-faceted fa-conversation-about-america-justice-for-all-tickets- review of how racial bias impacts decisions and systems at the 66485310353&redir_log=862403463363615 personal and societal level. FREE and OPEN to ALL. Sun. August 11, 4-6 p.m. SEPTEMBER Fund Raiser and Team Building for RECLAIM OUR VOTE. Wed. September 4, Doors open 7:15 p.m. Program: 7:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2124 Brewster St (west of Forum on Democracy, “Congressional Oversight and El Camino at the corner of Lowell. On-street parking Securing the 2020 Election.” allowed.) Sunnyvale Community Center, Ballroom, 550 E. Remington Learn how you can be part of the movement this summer and Ave. Sunnyvale. fall to contact more than 100,000 underrepresented voters Congressman Ro Khanna (CD-17) and Professor Larry through postcards, phone calls, texts. Our country’s future Diamond, SU Freeman Spoglie Institute (FSI), former Director of depends on getting everyone out to vote! Reclaim Our Vote is a the Center on Democracy, Development and Rule of Law non-partisan voter-outreach project fighting voter suppression, (CDDRL) in conversation: How Democracies Die? On Tyranny. especially in Southern states, where black voters have been How Democracy Ends? Trumpocracy. The Road to Unfreedom? purged from voter rolls for moving or missing the previous Fascism: A Warning. Can It Happen Here? Authoritarianism in election, etc. Reclaim Our Vote is organized by the Center for America. Professor Diamond’s latest book, Ill Winds: Saving Common Ground of Virginia, with the help of the NAACP, Black Democracy from Russian Rage, Chinese Ambition and American Voters Matter, VoteRiders, DemLabs, Mi Familia Vota and other Complacency, explains his views and prescription for taking back organizations. RSVP to attend our democracy. Sponsored by PDC partners Indivisible South Bay https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/fundraiser-for- and Silicon Valley Courageous Resistance. RSVP at: reclaim-our-vote?source=direct_link https://democracy-and-oversight.eventbrite.com / — or if you can’t make it, please join me to make a donation! https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/fundraiser-for- (Continued on page 16) reclaim-our-vote?source=direct_link DEM LA O The Peninsula Democratic Coalition U C S R P.O. Box 97 N A

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Wed. September 11, 6-8 p.m. Multifaith Peace, Picnic and Prayer Service. King Plaza Palo Alto (250 Hamilton Ave.) Let us come together to honor the victims of 9/11, their families and First Responders as we strive to transform this tragic day into one of peace & community building…The ability to make our country safe, secure, peaceful and harmonious lies in The New Democrat our hands. Dinner & sowing the seeds of friendship 6-6:40 p.m.; Program: 6:45-8 p.m. Sponsored by American Muslim Voice Published monthly by Foundation, SCC Supervision Dave Cortese, Seat 3, Multifaith The Peninsula Democratic Coalition Voices for Peace & Justice. More Info: www.amuslimvoice.org , DEM LA O SSC District 3 Office: 408-299-5030. All are welcome. U C S R N A

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AND THE MAP OF CUESTA PARK. C O N A LITI O P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023-0097

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h Vice President, Programs, Lorri Holzberg

. 0 2 0 2 Vice President, Political Action & Issues, Cory Wolbach

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e h t e m a c e b y e n a l e D , 7 1 0 2 , 8 2 y l u J n O . 9 1 0 2 o t 3 1 0 2 m o r f Treasurer, Herb Engstrom

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