TheThe NewNew DemocratDemocrat A Publication of the Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) September 2017
PDC Annual Picnic Wrap-Up Mark and Thank You Your By Leora Tanjuatco and Cory Wolbach, Picnic Co-Chairs The PDC Annual Picnic this year was another success! In the afternoon on a perfect summer day, August 19th, we gathered in Calendar! our terrific new venue, Cuesta Park in Mountain View. We celebrated being Democrats, reconnected with friends, and MONTHLY MEETINGS inspired each to stay focused through the next year to prepare Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee for the critical 2018 election. meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Fun 70 West Hedding, San Jose. Call 408/445-9500 for information. Anll The crowd of over 200 attendees included old and new PDC are welcome to attend. members, families, community activists and leaders, former and San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee current elected officials, and candidates for office! A great time meets for their General Meeting on the third Thursday of every month was had by all. Lots of potluck and BBQ’d food was enjoyed, at 7:30pm at the Transport Workers Union, Local 505 building located along with beer, wine, and non-spirited drinks. at 1521 Rollins Road in Burlingame." Fundraising The Picnic is always our biggest fundraiser of the year. This year The PDC Board of Directors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second broke all previous records with aproximately $13,000 raised in WEDNESDAY of each month at the Palo Alto Unitarian Church, 505 East total! We brought in almost $1,000 in tickets, $2,000 from the Charleston Road, Palo Alto, Fireside Room; all are welcome. silent auction, and over $10,000 from our sponsors. These funds build the PDC’s financial base, and enable our club to hold future EVENTS: SEPTEMBER 2017 events, support the Peninsula Young Democrats, support the Saturday, September 23, 5-9 p.m. Democratic Volunteer Center, and support Democratic candidates GreenTown Los Altos Celebrates its 10th birthday: Farm to and causes. Table Dinner & Auction. Information Where: Private Los Altos home. Address provided upon Guest speaker Delaine Eastin, a candidate for governor of registration. Come celebrate with GreenTown. Enjoy a delicious California, was a huge draw and a wonderful speaker. She shared meal of local, seasonal and organic ingredients prepared by with us her thoughtful views and inspiring vision for the future. Catered Too. More information and Tickets, The picnic also was a great opportunity for members to meet http://greentownfarmtotabledinner2017.brownpapertickets.com/ and chat casually with candidates and elected officials about Or critical issues facing the Democratic Party and the region. http://greentownfarmtotabledinner2017.brownpapertickets.com Thank you! Sunday, September 24, 2-4 p.m. Rather than attempt to list everyone and risk forgetting Reception in Support of AD-24 Assemblymember Marc someone, as this year’s picnic chair, please allow us to offer our Berman’s Re-election Campaign. gratitude to several groups. Thank you to everyone who attended! Where: Kavita Tankha’s home, 11121 Magdalena Road, Los Thank you to everyone who donated an item to the silent Altos Hills. Increasing our housing supply. Fixing our pothole auction! strewn roads. Improving access to high quality education and Thank you to everyone who sponsored the Picnic or 21st century skills. Combatting climate change and cleaning up contributed a silent auction item! And special appreciation is due our air and water. These are just a few of the promises I made to all the volunteers who helped out before, during, and after the during the campaign - and I've been working hard in picnic. Lots of people pitched in, and we made it happen Sacramento to keep them. We've made progress on these without a hitch! We are stronger together! issues, but there's so much more work to do. And that's where I need your help. (Continued on page 11) See full sponsor list on page 2. The New Democrat 2 September 2017 Heartfelt Thanks to All of Our Picnic Sponsors! Diamond Level: Bronze Level: • Dan Hoffman, PDC Member • Margaret Abe Koga, Mountain View City Council • Kavita Tankha, PDC Board • Patrick Ahrens, Advisor, CA Assembly • Sally Bemus & Pat Burt, PDC Members Platinum Level: • Todd Burke, PDC Member • Jerry Hill, State Senator, SD-13 • Steve & Pat Emslie, PDC Members • Gary Kremen, SCC Valley Water District • Nicole Fernandez, PDC Board • Zack Ross, PDC President, Max Ross, PDC Board, Sarah • Terry Godfrey, Palo Alto School Board Good & Marc Ross, PDC Members, Leora Tanjuatco, PDC • Joe Goethals, San Mateo City Council Board • Richard Hackman, PDC Member • Greg Scharff, Mayor, City of Palo Alto • Kirsten Keith, Mayor, City of Menlo Park & John Woodell • Gilbert Wong, Foothill-De Anza Community College Board • Arthur Keller, PDC Member • Larry Klein, Sunnyvale City Council Gold Level: • Liz Kniss, Palo Alto City Council • Marc Berman, Assemblymember, AD-24 • Don McDougall, Palo Alto City Council • Chelsea Bonini, San Mateo-Foster City School Board • Mike & Jillian McNerney, PDC Members • Anna Eshoo, Congresswoman CD-18 • Pamela O’Leary • Bill James, SCC Democratic Party Chair & Danielle • Donna & Darwin Poulos, PDC Members Cullinane, PDC Member • Lucas Ramirez, PDC Member • Carol Kuiper, PDC Board & Ralph Kuiper, PDC Member • Eric Rosenblum, PDC Member • Gustav Larsson, Sunnyvale City Council • Donna Rutherford, East Palo Alto City Council • Kevin Mullin, Assemblymember, AD-22 • Pat & Tom Sanders, PDC Members • Diane & Joe Rolfe, PDC Board • Nancy Smith, Sunnyvale City Council • Joe Simitian, SCC Supervisor, District 5 & Mary Hughes, • Amy Sung, PDC Member Close the Gap CA • Bruce Swenson, Foothill-De Anza CC Board & Barbara • Jessica Speiser, Los Altos School Board Swenson • Charles Stone, Mayor, City of Belmont • Greg Tanaka, Palo Alto City Council • Philip Stupak, PDC Member • Rachel Thomas, PDC Member • Emy & Jim Thurber, PDC Board Silver Level: • Elaine Uang, PDC Member • Cory Wolbach, Palo Alto City Council • Rick Bonilla, San Mateo City Council • Lorri & Irvin Holzberg, PDC Members Please note: Titles are for identifying purposes only. • Peter Landsberger, Foothill-De Anza Community College Board & Claire Noonan, PDC Members • Steve Levy, PDC Member • Amy Pearl, PDC Board & Skip Parodi, PDC Member • Sandra Slater, PDC Member
other branches, as well as the general public, are compatible with the existing laws involving the Constitution, acts of Congress, Importance of the courts in treaties, as well as disputes between the states and individuals.). Over time, as more and more states were added to the United these challenging times States, the states created similar constitutions. The federal court structure includes trial courts, appellate By Katherine Forrest courts, and the Supreme Court. They decide cases that involve The Founding Fathers of the United States created a national parties from different states, federal laws, or constitutional rights. constitution that authorized three branches of government: State courts, on the other hand, decide disputes that involve state legislative (makes laws), executive (carries out and enforces the laws), and judiciary (determines whether actions of those in the (Continued on back page) The New Democrat 3 September 2017 PDC Annual Picnic & Fundraiser Beat All Records! The New Democrat 4 September 2017
hand, we want to commit our finances to candidates to beat Republicans and flip seats rather than funding Dems competing against each other. The PDC has selected one candidate who we are confident will reach the general election, Randy Bryce, better known to President’s most as Iron Stache (https://randybryceforcongress.com) who is taking on Speaker Paul Column Ryan. We have decided to support him early and Zack Ross send him money and encourage everyone to do the same. This is all to say, we need to be prudent and It is always political season. strategic, but we also In years past, political seasons ebbed and flowed. We would need to act and step up ramp up going into election season and calm down after. People now. The PDC will would start to care in a few months before a primary, and in continue to seek out Presidential election years, everyone would care between August ways to partner with and November. This is no longer our reality. different groups, support At least once a week something crazy is happening, and that’s Randy Bryce for Congress important causes, donate easily an understatement. Every week something happens that we to good candidates, and all bemoan as the worst one yet. Whether it be appointing volunteer in constructive climate deniers to the EPA, trying to repeal and replace the ACA, ways, while also saving up resources in preparation for what we getting rid of DACA, the list can go on and on and on. This is truly hope and believe will be a very successful 2018! awful, and with this comes a calling. We need to act and we need to act now, we need to act later in the week, the month, the year, and next year. We need to stay ready and act as often as we possibly can. From 350org Silicon Valley: As the President of the PDC, I find it my responsibility to act as much as possible. My question becomes: What do I do? We need to not only “do things” but do the right thing and do it all Dear Friends of the Climate the time. So I’ve been seeking out ways we can do that.
It's good to read positive climate news sometimes to see that things are not hopeless. The 4th issue of SVCAN was just The number one way I can see to act right now is the released. They've added a new “International” section, since upcoming 2017 elections. The PDC has partnered with Sister much of the good news about bold national climate policy District Project (see pages 4 and 5 for more information) to host continues to be from outside of the U.S. an event and raise money for the upcoming Virginia House of In California, while there is some good news regarding Delegate elections. I believe this is important because state level climate legislation in Sacramento that we can report, much of elections is where the rubber meets the road. If we want to fix what has been recently enacted, especially AB 398 which the gerrymandering issues we can sit and hope the Supreme extends our cap and trade system, is misguided and may not Court makes it illegal, or we can flip the houses that make those have the needed effect of rapidly slowing carbon emissions in district drawings, and then have those districts redrawn fairly. The the state. As a result, please write to your legislators to support way we do this is by flipping state houses. Sister District for CA14 SB 100 (De León) which would ensure that California is focused on two candidates in Virginia: Kathy Tran and Cheryl generates 100% of its electricity from renewable and carbon- Turpin in Virginia’s 42nd and 85th districts respectively. We all free sources by 2045. want to flip Congress, but part of flipping Congress starts with The new SVCAN Newsletter has information on the flipping state legislatures and that is where those efforts are following topics: committed. PERSONAL - Support Solar XL: Panels not Pipes The other way is more obvious. We need to support LOCAL/CITY - San Mateo County Sues Fossil Fuel congressional candidates. The biggest difficulty we have is that Companies there are primary elections. On one hand, it is great that we have (continued on page 3) so many good Democrats stepping up to run, but on the other The New Democrat 5 September 2017
state of computer software. The operating systems and applications software are unnecessarily hard to cope with, the Martin’s systems crash (or lockup) far too often, and the opportunity for mischief with worms, viruses, and other malware is inexcusable. EDITORIAL With that background, I read the Damore essay and thought that he was trying to make the argument that software might work a whole lot better if more women were involved in the design, James Damore, an engineer employed by Google, wrote a writing, and testing. On further reflection, I doubt that was his long memo on the employment of women in technology and on point – however it shows how much one’s preoccupation with a Google’s efforts to combat discrimination based on gender. He particular problem can influence the reading of a text, especially was fired for his writing. That has caused some right wing activists a loosely written one. to oppose Damore’s firing as a free speech issue. Others Again, from my personal perspective, I read Damore as condemn him as being sexist. postulating that the average female was different from the It seems safe to assume that most of those who either support average male. For those who have experienced the bias of “you Damore or condemn him have not read his full text. If the memo are different, therefore you are inferior” that makes the essay is considered a political statement, then it is appropriate to judge highly objectionable. My perspective, on the contrary, is that it on the reactions rather than on the specific text. The reactions “different” does not imply better or worse; to the contrary, when are real and the reactions, not the text, are what have an impact putting together a team I would strive for different talents and on the public discussion. viewpoints within the team. I know well that my biases are not We do not know Damore’s motivation for writing and universally shared. circulating his memo. It is, however, possible to measure the So, for those who would participate in the political dialogue: note’s effectiveness of any of several possible motives: When speaking to an audience, or when there is a possibility of • If Damore hoped to change the course of discussions within being quoted widely, be careful with your words. Both the Google, he failed. Management made it clear that any specific words, and the tone matter if you want to get a point conversations along the lines suggested by Damore would not be across. If you have a position, or want to make a point that will tolerated. That point was made emphatically by firing Damore. irritate some listeners, that is OK – but be sure you are doing it • If Damore hoped to further the cause of diversity within on purpose. It is wildly counter-productive to annoy supporters Google and the tech industry in general, that too was a failure. with vague or misunderstood statements. Whatever good intentions may have been in the writing have And, for those who would run for political office, ensure that been drowned out by the chorus of those who were outraged your circle of advisors includes as wide a diversity of experiences and insulted by the perceived or reported sexist tone and and viewpoints as possible. To be successful you need to hear direction of the discourse. and understand a large range of opinions. • If Damore hoped to propel himself to a time, however brief Martin Gorfinkel it may be, in the national spotlight, then he seems to have succeeded. Management at Google had, at least, three choices: they could ignore Damore’s piece; they could use the essay as a basis for discussion to further their vision of an open cooperative workplace; or they could fire Damore thus making it clear that his point of view as they perceived his memo would not be tolerated. They chose to fire him. SVCAN Not all speech, or writing, need be tolerated. Words that (Continued from page 2) promote hatred against members of the society, words that are intended to inspire violence, words that are unnecessarily hurtful or insulting, these can all properly be censored. Damore’s memo, STATE - California Extends Cap-and-Trade, Voting on 100% however misguided it might be for some readers, did not fit any Renewable Energy Soon of those categories. Some considerable effort, although, perhaps NATIONAL - Kids Take U.S. to Court Over Climate Change not quite enough, went into the writing. It would have been INTERNATIONAL - Countries Around the World Commit to better to promote civil argument with the piece rather than to Electric Vehicles banish the author. UPCOMING EVENTS This episode has lessons for corporate managers. A local BOOK REVIEW - How Culture Shapes the Climate Change corporate consulting group has said that it will be a case study in Debate, Andrew J. Hoffman, 2015 future training classes. The episode also has lessons for politicians. SPOTLIGHT - Menlo Spark and Diane Bailey. Climate Those in public office, and those seeking office, need to Progress consider how a message will be heard by a variety of listeners. It is not sufficient to be clear with what is said, it is also necessary Go to 350.org Silicon Valley to sign up at to understand how the message will be perceived. And the http://www.350siliconvalley.org/svcan_subscription. perception is highly dependent on the experiences of the listener. I come from a position of profound disgust with the current The New Democrat 6 September 2017
THE SISTER DISTRICT PROJECT
MISSION The Sister District Project harnesses the energy of volunteers in deeply blue (or red) places, creating a network of local teams that support strategically important, winnable state legislative races across the country. The purpose of Sister District Project is to ensure that all Americans have equal representation and our government works for all people, not just the minority in power.
BACKGROUND The Sister District Project came into being after the election of November 2016 to address a big problem: our House of Representatives is controlled by Republicans, a minority party. Our House of Representatives is, by definition, not representative of our country's population.
The founders of the Sister District Project saw that Republicans, particularly the Tea Party, had focused on and successfully taken control of the great majority of state legislatures allowing them to successfully increase the power of Republican votes through gerrymandering and voter suppression, thereby gaining control of the House.
GOAL For Democrats to take back control of the House of Representatives, Democrats need to take back control of state legislatures.
ORGANIZATION Ɣ Organize Local Volunteers for National Impact: We organize volunteers into teams based on the congressional district they live in. We use a distributed organizing model to establish, train, and activate our networks on the ground. Ɣ Identify and Communicate with Sister Races: Based on quantitative and qualitative data, we identify races that (1) are both winnable and close (+/- 5 points over the past few election cycles); (2) have a progressive candidate; and (3) are strategic for Democrats. We call these Dz ǡdz and work directly with campaigns to tailor our efforts to suit their needs. Ɣ Assign Sister Races to Local Teams: Once we have identified races that fit our criteria, we pair each local team with a Sister Race. Matching teams with a specific race enables our teams to form connections with their Sister ǯ ǡ long-term civic engagement and participation. Each team is responsible for action items such as fundraising, phone-banking, canvassing, and social media outreach.
WHAT SISTER DISTRICT PROJECT HAS DONE SO FAR: With no budget and zero spent on marketing, in eight months we have: Ɣ 25,000+ volunteers on the ground in all 50 states Ɣ Supported and won our first Sister Race, Stephanie Hansen for Delaware State Senate District 10. In a strategic partnership with Flippable, we helped to raise $145,000Ȅone-third of her initial budget. She won by 17 points with record turnout Ɣ Accepted speaking invitations, such as a panel at the DNC meeting in Atlanta, GA with other resistance groups ȋ ǯ ) Ɣ Received press coverage including Mother Jones, WSJ, Slate, Huff Post, Esquire, and Bustle
CONTACT: For more information and to sign up to volunteer, please go to our website, www.sisterdistrict.com. The New Democrat 7 September 2017
AnAn Octoberfest OktoberfestrebotOkAn ffee BrautsBrats && BeerB&stuarBtse B!Beerree Benefit! Benefit!enBe fifit
When:hd:neW WeWednesday, September 2rebmetpeS,yadsend 27,7- 2017, 6:30pm-8:30pmmp03:6,7102, 8:30pm30pm Where:ht:ereW At the Hillsborough homemeohhguorobsllHieht of the Bell Family (addressa(ylmiaFllBeehtfome will be providedivorpeblliwsserdda tooted RSVPs the wehtsPVRS week beforeebkeew ffoo the event)tneveehter )t Special Guests:ueGalicSpe ep:stsu Kevin Mullin, SpeakerS,nilluMnivKe pf Pro Tem,m,TeorPrekae CaliforniailCa ffoo State AssemblyylmbesAsetatSainr and RitaatRidna Bosworth, Foh,trowsBo Founder of Sister DistricttsDiretsSiforundeFo ProjecttcejoPrtcirt Peninsula DemocraticDaulnsniPe CoalitionoitilaoCcitarcomeD n an andd Sister DistricttsiDretsSin ctri CA14C a41AC arere joiningj ninio g forcesffoorces to hosthto so t a greateatrga eveningevenna whereerhwgnie you cancanuoye lelearn hnra how towo to h help Dlpe Democratscome taketatsarc backbek kca theth HouseHe o ofoesu f RepresentativestntatneserpRe i asve and state governmentsrgoveetatsnd m all over the country!ountchetrovellasntenm y!rount Kevin and RitaRdnanivKe will share their visionssivriehterahsllwiatiR of howohfosnois we musttsmuwew gain and hold state legislaturesgeletatsdlohdnaniag serutalsig so we cannacwe pass p progressive legislation,alsigelevissergorpssa aatt noi eend Rdn, Republicannalicbupe ggerrymandering,ginrednamyrre anda dn, regainr age in DemocraticcitarcmoDe control of the House..esuHoehtfolortnoc MeetelteM otherrheot like-mindedl-kei neighborsrobhgiendednmi s and enjoyednas nnjj sausages andasegasuasyo beer (and vegetarianairategevdna(reebdna options))snoitpona in thin the gardenge edra e ofon f the homeheth ofoemo f ththee BellBe ll family.fafa PlusPilym boccebslu. ecco ball,be aaa puttingpll, green,ggttinu , andaaneer pingpdn, gin pong! The event issitneveeTh aas fundraiserffuu resiardn forffoo KathyhtaKr Tran and Cheryl Turpin,rTulyreChdnanaTryh two Sister District-cirtsiDretsSiowt,nipr c-t endorsed candidatescansedroden atdidcan running for thehDhtrfogninnures e Virginia House offoesuHoainigrVi Delegateseee innisetagelD November.mbevNo .re $25/personsrpe$25/ on rorequestedqe etsue donationitdonad on onlinenl via ActBlue ororuelBtcAavineionl byy checkkchecb at thehtat eventeneve t.
RSVPS: at:taPVR http://tinyurl.com/sdpca14-bratsht p:tht //// dpcs/omc.lnyurit pca14d -atbr s To donateanodTo via ActBlue::euBltcAaivet goo.gl/LHJgWRJgWHL/glgoo. RJgW Save Our Democracy! Do Voter Registration & Issue Outreach! Through October 2017 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 farmers markets and other events. We still need folks to help register voters, 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. Farmers’ Markets: • Palo Alto Farmers’ Market ...... Gilman Avenue (Saturdays 9am-12:30pm) • Palo Alto Farmers’ Market ...... California Ave. (Sundays, 9-1 PM) • Mountain View Train Station Farmers’ Market ...... East entrance Evelyn (Sundays 9am-1pm) • Los Altos Farmers’ Market ...... Third & State (Thursdays, 4-8pm) • Menlo Park Farmers’ Market ...... Chestnut Street (Sundays, 9am-1pm)
Other events may be added to the calendar so stay tuned!
Sign Up with Our Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SM3DKc9yV6OJC3ExB7sqbvuvXHBwhhWmriAdEShCGOc/viewform OR contact Volunteer Coordinator Karl: [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 The New Democrat 9 September 2017
Do You Want to Support and Avoid Using Plastic and Improve Public Education? Paper Bags for Global Join the PDC Education Climate’s Sake By Katherine Forrest Committee At some time not too long ago grocery stores stopped By Diane Rolfe putting the things we bought in v Do you want to see plastic bags, and started to use early childhood education paper bags. A number of expanded for all Families in counties and cities had made it California that is high-quality illegal for the stores to use and accessible to all? disposable plastic bags. v Do you want to California now is the first improve (K - 12) public state in the nation to ban the education? (More use of single-use plastic bags. A proposition on the ballot, Senate funding,more prepared teachers, lower class sizes, more Bill 270, in November 2016 was approved by the voters. The vocational/professional training)? measure was designed to prohibit large grocery stores and v Do you want to see a free community college education pharmacies from providing plastic single-use carryout bags and (two years) for all students? ban small grocery stores, convenience stores, and liquor stores v Do you want to see university education affordable for all from doing so the following year. It allowed single-use plastic students who qualify?? bags for meat, bread, produce, bulk food, and perishable items. PDC Board Members Laura Martinez, Kavita Tankha, and The measure also required these stores to charge 10 cents for Diane Rolfe have joined forces to organize a PDC Education recycled, compostable, and reusable grocery bags. Other stores Committee to work with other organizations to help shape public and farmers’ markets, though, continue to use plastic bags. policy and to educate the public on the great value of education What do plastic bags have to do with fossil fuels and global in producing a vital economy, stability and harmony of our warming? society, and a healthy democracy. Educators keep hearing that Plastic bags are made from petroleum or liquid natural gas. there is no money to raise expenditures on education. However, These fossil fuels are also used to get the heat needed to make the three of us believe that the paucity of funding is due to a lack the bags. Burning fossil fuels—including plastic bags—releases of political will and low priorities regarding children and families. carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that pollutes our planet’s The lack of funding is revealed in the fact that California is atmosphere and thereby is causing global warming. 42nd in the nation in per pupil spending, dropping from 5th in Annually, about 8% to 10% of our total oil supply goes to 1965 when it was tied with New York which is now spending making plastic. It is estimated that about 12 million barrels of oil twice as much as the state of California. It is “dead last” in per year are used in manufacturing the 30 million plastic bags staffing librarians, nurses, and counselors. that Americans use each year. If you are interested in changing this dismal record, please When plastic is used for disposable bags, it is a wasteful and join our Education Committee and attend our meetings with unnecessary way to deplete our oil supply and contribute to CO2 others wanting to make a change. To do that, please respond to build-up in our atmosphere. Diane Rolfe at [email protected] or (650) 326-6328 • Here are some things you can do about the plastic bag on behalf of Laura and Kavita as well. problem: • Stop using plastic bags, not only for food but also for just about everything; Silicon Valley for America • Suggest your relatives, friends, and family members do the same; Silicon Valley for America is an alliance of ordinary citizens • Use re-usable fabric bags and give them to others; working to protect our democracy, human rights, and civil • Be aware of what bags are made of; there are some plastic liberties through influencing the political process and electing fabrics that are used for making bags. representatives. We have approximately 200 members and To change the whole plastic bag problem, ask your city, we’re organized into tracks focused on electoral issues and county, and state officials to propose and support legislation that policy issues such as health care, immigration, and will ban the use of plastic bags for almost everything. Let your environment. friends and relatives in other states know about the plastic bag For more information, see pages 4 and 5 and to sign up to problem and ask them to try to encourage their government volunteer, please go to our website, www.sisterdistrict.com. officials to put a ban on use of plastic bags. The New Democrat 10 September 2017
illegal decisions as toddlers but Donald Jr , 39, is a “good Funnies by Janice boy” & Ivanka, 35, calls him “Daddy.” • Trump tells Dreamers for 6 months they’ll have By Janice Hough, PDC Member nothing to worry about – “no action.” Same as doctors sometimes say about inoperable cancer. • Steve Bannon, Catholics support #DACA because • So many people lauding Al Gore now about Climate “they need illegal aliens to fill churches.” Yeah, can see Change. What if he had just shut up & gone away after why religious right supported Trump. losing Presidency. • Betsy DeVos announced plans to rewrite Obama-era • Problem with saying that people shouldn’t rebuild in campus sexual assault policy to better protect accused flood zones, is that climate change means we don’t really students. And this is a woman who has daughters? know where flood zones will be. • Facebook reportedly is telling advertiser it can reach • What was Steve Bannon doing on 60 Minutes. What 25 million more people in the US than census data shows these clowns need is a new reality show on Fox – “Dancing exist. Well, hey, guess Russian bots need friends too? with the Truth?” • Rush Limbaugh on Irma “These storms, once they • Remembering those bumper stickers “God is coming actually hit, are never as strong as they’re reported.” and boy is she pissed.” Not sure about God but Mother Shame he didn't go report on this travesty in person? Nature sure seems unhappy. • FEMA was already running out of money after Harvey • Amazing how many people who don’t believe and before Irma. But hey, the priority for Americans’ safety scientists on climate change now do believe in the National is a wall? @realDonaldTrump Weather Service. • Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer stepping down and • So how come hackers can even access info from cited “personal reasons.” As in he’s personally tired of companies in business of data security like Equifax, and no Trump? one’s gotten Trump’s tax returns? • How long until GOP leaders who supported Trump • Don Jr said he met with Russian lawyer to learn realize they were enacting US version of Colin Powell’s Hillary’s “fitness” to be President. If he said it with a Pottery Barn “You break it you buy it” policy. straight face he’s better actor than dad. • Can anyone imagine GOP response if an Obama • A Florida man suggested shooting guns at Hurricane daughter, or even Michelle, just dropped by closed White Irma out of “stress and boredom.” And apparently over House meetings to say “hello? #WTF? 54,000 have signed up to join in. Good to know that even • 2 horrific hurricanes, major LA fires & record in the worst of times, some Floridians remain committed to Northern Calif temperatures in a week. Would hate to see upholding their state’s reputation. weather if climate change was real. • Hillary Clinton “I’m done with being a candidate.” • Trump claims he’s not punishing children but DACA Your turn, Bernie. unconstitutional. Trump also claims he can make the rules. • Quite a quandry for Facebook if Zuckerberg ever runs So why doesn’t he issue his own EO? A biglier and better for President: Would site accept big $$$ from Russians EO protecting Dreamers than Obama. running ads against him? • Note, those defending Trump on DACA decision are • Pope Francis: “The President of the United States almost all people whose ancestors immigrated here early presents himself as pro-life and if he is a good pro-lifer, he enough they aren’t affected by it. understands that family is the cradle of life and its unity • Trump to get rid of DACA, but giving Congress 6 must be protected.” Time to start a pool on timing of months to replace. What if they just take Obama’s name #FakePope tweets? off & call it Trump Dreamer act? • Trump says U.S. may have gotten a “little bit lucky” • A terror alert over someone “acting weird” caused with Irma veering west. Translation, it didn’t damage Mar-a- tourists to be locked inside Eiffel Tower tonight. Fear itself is Lago? winning. #Paris • A real man of the people: “The Consumer Financial • So if USA has money to build a wall, should be easy Protection Bureau recently passed new rules that would to divert $$$$ for now to Harvey and Irma relief and have barred Equifax and a number of other financial infrastructure? services companies from using forced arbitration clauses in • Trump on FEMA director Long “a man who’s really consumer contracts. However the Trump administration is become very famous on television over last couple of currently attempting to stop those rules from going into days.” Working w/ Frederick Douglas? effect.” • In Trump world: Dreamers were capable of making The New Democrat 11 September 2017
Court Judge/Community Activist, and Dan Mayfield, Criminal CALENDAR Defense Attorney, National Lawyers guild champion of Justice Award Recipient. OF EVENTS Where: Midpen Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto. Sponsored by Peninsula Peace and Justice Center of Palo Berman Alto. More Info http://www.peaceandjustice.org/injustice. FREE and OPEN to ALL. continued from page 1 http://www.voteberman.com/kavita_event?e=ffc7ddc7bdf1813 Thursday, October 17, 2017-Wednesday, January 7 3231512ee7715e36792d2df13&utm_source=marcberman&ut Los Altos History Museum Hosts Smithsonian Traveling m_medium=email&utm_campaign=8_28_ask&n=2> Exhibit: I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific Can you join us at my upcoming event on Sunday, American Story. September 24, in support of my re-election campaign? Where: Los Altos History Museum, 51 S. San Antonio Road. Please reply, or contact Zack Ross at [email protected] Paired with artifacts from the History Museum's Collection and if you are interested in being an early sponsor, or from community members, a special focus of the exhibition in http://www.voteberman.com/kavita_event?e=ffc7ddc7bd Los Altos will be the vital role played by Japanese and Chinese f18133231512ee7715e36792d2df13&utm_source=marc immigrants in the agricultural revolution of the area, from the berman&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8_28_as planting of apricots to the creation of gardens and nurseries. k&n=3 to donate online or Monday, October 23, 7-8 p.m. http://www.voteberman.com/kavita_event?utm_campaig Beyond the Messy Truth. n=8_28_ask&utm_medium=email&utm_source=marcb Where: Villa Ragusa, 35 S. 2nd Street, Campbell. Speaker: erman Political commentator and activist Van Jones. “The entire national conversation today can be reduced to a simple statement—‘I’m Sunday, September 24, Check-in 2:30, Program 3-4:30 p.m.; right, and you’re wrong.’” Jones has traveled across the country Reception follows. promoting the ideals that unite us all, and he'll share a powerful World Affairs Council of the Peninsula KICK OFF: blueprint for transforming the country’s anxiety and distrust into Democracy around the World: Facing Future Challenges and meaningful change, regardless of political ideology, religion or Hazards. background. Sponsored by Commonwealth Club. Speaker: Professor Francis Fukuyama, Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. Where: EVENTS: NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2017 Outdoor setting in Atherton. Address available on RSVP. Saturdy, November 11, 6 p.m. Join Congresswoman Anna Reservations required. Register by September 21 at 415-293- Eshoo’s Celebration of 25 years in Congress. 4600 or on-line at http://www.worldaffairs.org/events, $20 To join the Host Committee, please contact Amy Salomone at World Affairs Members, $25 Non-members, $10 Students. [email protected] Sponsored by the Peninsula Chapter of the World Affairs Council. Saturday, November 4 Thursday, September 28, Doors open 11 a.m.; PDC Luncheon with Professor Larry Diamond Lunch/Program 11:30-1 p.m. Where: TBD. Guest speaker, Larry Diamond, MA, PhD: American Red Cross Heroes Centennial 2017. “Impact of the Trump Administration on Democracy Around the Where: Computer History Museum, 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., World.” Professor Diamond is Senior Fellow at the Freeman Mountain View. Join us as we honor this year’s heroes, celebrate Spogli Institute for International Studies, Senior Fellow at the 100 years of Red Cross service and ensure the American Red Hoover Institution, Professor, by courtesy, of Political Science and Cross can continue to deliver in lifesaving programs and Sociology, Former Director of the Center on Democracy, emergency services in Silicon Valley for another 100 years. Development, and the Rule of Law. Larry is a contemporary Master of Ceremonies is Garvin Thomas of NBC Bay Area. More scholar in the field of democracy studies. information at http://www.redcross.org/news/press- release/local/california/northern-california-coastal/silicon- Saturday, December 16. 7-10pm valley-home-link/Red-Cross-Announces-2017-Silicon-Valley- Heroes-Honorees. PDC HOLIDAY PARTY Holiday Party: The PDC Holiday Party will be held on EVENTS: OCTOBER 2017 Saturday, December 16, at the Thurber's home - 7-10 as always. See upcoming issues of “The New Democrat” for more Tuesday, October 3, 7 p.m. information. Free Forum: Jeff Session’s U.S. Department of Injustice—A Additional calendar listings will be available on the Conversation with Judge LaDoris Cordell, Retired Superior PDC website as they become available. DEM LA O The Peninsula Democratic Coalition U C S R P.O. Box 97 N A
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law and other cases that do not fall within federal courts’ The New Democrat jurisdiction. Published monthly by Now, with extreme conservatives dominating all three The Peninsula Democratic Coalition branches of government at the national level, the judiciary DEM branch at the level of the states is more important than ever. LA O U C A high-profile climate lawsuit is Juliana vs. United States, S R N A
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Climate lawsuits by that youth group are also pending against C Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Washington O N A LITI O State. The District of Columbia Circuit Court recently decided that P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023-0097 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the right to reconsider a 2016 rule limiting methane and smog-forming President: Zack Ross pollutants emitted by oil and gas wells, but cannot not delay the Vice President: Emy Thurber effective date of the rule by two years while the EPA claims it is Editor: Emy Thurber working on rewriting the regulation. Delaying would let the fossil Design/Layout: Kristen Lohnes Johnson fuel companies continue to pollute the atmosphere for another Email: [email protected] couple of years. Web site: www.peninsulademocrats.com Other departments in the executive branch are trying to put Opinions expressed in signed columns represent delaying actions into place, too. For example, Trump’s Interior views of the author and are not necessarily official Department seeks to delay compliance with a rule that would positions of the PDC. limit methane burned off from drilling operations on federal and For advertising rates, email Kristen Johnson at tribal lands. The Labor Department has proposed to delay a rule [email protected] that was set to take effect July 1 which would require companies to electronically report injuries and illnesses. These cases may The Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) is end up in court, too, and they first will come before state courts. chartered by the Santa Clara County Democratic The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is a Central Committee, and affiliated with the California Democratic Council (CDC) www.cdc-ca.org regulatory agency that regulates the transmission and wholesale The Peninsula Young Democrats (PYD) is a group within sale of electricity and natural gas in interstate commerce. FERC’s the PDC for members under age 36; the PYD is five members are nominated by the president and confirmed by affiliated with the California Young Democrats. the Senate. While FERC’s official purpose is to protect the public and energy customers, not long ago climate and energy activists complained that one of FERC’s decisions did not take into account the cumulative environmental impact of four projects proposed for the same pipeline. The D.C. Circuit Court ruled against FERC. Cases like this one against FERC could even end up in front of the Supreme Court. Join the PDC on Facebook!