TThhee NNeeww DDeemmooccrraatt A Publication of the Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) June 2014

In Memoriam Mark Your John Bernard Vasconcellos, Jr. Calendar! May 11, 1932 ~ May 24, 2014 Annual PDC Picnic Sunday, August 16, 2014 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Shoup Park, 400 University Avenue, Los Altos

More information and registration coming soon at www.peninsulademocrats.com Democratic Party Endorsements John Vasconcellos died at his home in Santa Clara on May 24, 2014 at the age of 82. John was in the State Legislature, first as a member of the Assembly, then as a State Senator from 1966 until term limits forced his retirement in 2004. I met John in 1968 when he was running for re-election to the Assembly and I was the Democratic candidate in the 22nd Assembly District. (At that time the 22nd ran from Palo Alto, down through Saratoga and Los Gatos to Gilroy; the incumbent was a moderate Republican, George Milias, and the district was heavily Republican.) We shared the stage at a number of candidates’ nights over the course of the campaign. I got to know Vasco and his Because the PDC welcomes all Democrats and in order to positions on a wide range of topics. John was then, and foster unity, it has been club policy not to endorse candidates continued to be through his tenure in the legislature, a staunch in contested primaries with more than one viable Democrat. advocate for education, for health care, and for the interests of But the PDC Board at times does endorse initiatives. Here are the neediest in our population. the Democratic Party endorsements resulting from Over John’s years in Sacramento he was able to combine his delegate votes at the March 2014 California Democratic Party humanitarian outlook with an encyclopedic knowledge of the Convention, in which PDC delegates cast their ballots. budget and the workings of state government. Vasconcellos was Endorsed Democratic candidates cleared the 60% or more bar the epitome of the argument against term limits for legislators – of delegate votes cast. not that he might not have retired in any case; there needs to be For more information on endorsed candidates and ballot a chance for legislators to learn and to grow; the institutional initiatives, visit the California Democratic Party website wisdom amassed by Vasconcellos was invaluable! www.caldem.org . Along with his firm views on important issues, John believed Whatever you decide, it is crucial that you VOTE in the strongly that political discourse should be civil and open ended. June 3 primary and again in the November 4 midterm He was willing to work with almost anyone in Sacramento in the elections. interest of progress. After Vasco retired he created a foundation to further the Politics of Trust; see www.politicsoftrust.net . (Continued on page 8) (Continued on page 10 The New Democrat 2 June 2014

Francisco Chapter of the Truman National Security Project – see the article in this President’s newsletter. If you missed that, find Mike at a PDC event and ask him Column about it – he’s an expert Amy Pearl and a very interesting guy! In May we had an informative talk on Human Trafficking in Santa Clara County by Santa Clara County Recent and Upcoming District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Jeff gave an Events and a Board Report overview of what PDC President Amy Pearl (left) and human trafficking is, the Events Review and Picnic Planning! Amanda Renteria at the Santa Clara scope of the problem, Thanks to our new VP of Programs, Judy Plaska, and all of our County Democratic Party’s Annual JJ and what is being done great board members and volunteers, we had a wealth of events Fundraiser Dinner. locally. See the article in May. And Save the Date: Saturday August 16 we have our elsewhere in the annual club Picnic and Barbecue Bash in Shoup Park in Los newsletter. Thanks to Altos! This is one of our two big social events and our big everyone who supported these events and the club volunteers fundraiser for the year (most of our fundraising goes to getting who helped make them possible. Democrats elected, so come for the fun, bring your friends and bring your “checkbooks”!). If you’d like to help, please Board First Quarter Report contact Andrew Heaton, [email protected]. The Board has Thank you for your confidence in us, the Board of the PDC. discussed having a Climate Change Forum in September and a We have a great board right now, with a balance of longtime pre-election event in October, possibly with George Lakoff – stay board members with a lot of “institutional knowledge” and tuned for details as events develop. newer board members with lots of new ideas and energy. Eleven The fundraiser for Congressional candidate Michael Eggman of our 24 current board members joined the board last year or which we co-hosted with the Democratic Volunteer Center and this year. This is not only due to some regular turnover, it is the the Dean Democratic Club raised over $6,000 from 50 people. result of a concerted effort by the Board to rejuvenate and bring Michael gave a great talk and it was a lot of fun with delicious in new (and frankly some younger) board members. These new food. Thank you to our hosts Jackie and Ralph Wheeler. board members are stepping up, taking on responsibilities, and The fundraiser for Kentucky Secretary of State Alison becoming integral to the PDC. Lundergan Grimes (running for US Senate to defeat incumbent We had a board retreat in May, prior to the regular monthly Kentucky Senator and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, board meeting (which is the second Wednesday of each month, perhaps the most important Senate race in the country and and which all PDC members are welcome to attend). After a probably the most expensive), which we co-hosted with review of the club’s history by Emy and Jim Thurber, we had Progressive Women Silicon Valley, sold out and raised over breakout sessions to discuss three areas in which the operations $65,000! It was a beautiful reception, Anna Eshoo introduced of the club need improvement: our “marketing” of and Alison, and Alison spoke and took questions. Thank you to those communications about the club and our activities; increasing of you who attended and/or donated and to the PDC for helping visibility of the club’s existence to reach out to new members, to make this a successful event. You can still donate at especially in new communities; and improving our policies about https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/05.05.14pw . Note: things like endorsements and what affiliated activities we support I am considering organizing a group to go campaign for her in (such as co-hosting events and including non-PDC events in our Kentucky prior to the election – let me know if you are weekly email calendar). We ended with a discussion of ways to interested. improve our actual board meetings. Here are some outcomes of The Santa Clara County Democratic Party JJ Fundraising Dinner the retreat: featured two fantastic Central Valley California Congressional Involve non-board members in the club: The Board really runs the candidates, Michael Eggman and Amanda Renteria. Michael club and our activities, with some wonderful members Eggman gave a rousing speech and Amanda Renteria is incredibly volunteering to help with things like events and voter registration. charismatic, with a great personal story. Thanks to all who Some of our newer Board members would like to see more attended – the PDC had three tables! There will be future involvement of non-Board club members in our decision making. fundraisers for Amanda, and the PDC should host. While all members are welcome at Board meetings (Second In April we had a great panel on Cybersecurity and Privacy , Wednesday of each month, gather at 7:15pm, see website or moderated by PDC member Mike McNerney with the San (Continued on page 5) The New Democrat 3 June 2014

In fact, the mailer may advocate votes for five candidates in five different races – and each of the five paid to be included. In Martin’s other words, that card is not an endorsement of any kind – it is merely a commercial venture to make money for those doing the EDITORIAL printing and distribution. Full disclosure of who is behind a mailing and what the “endorsement” really means would help the card recipient reach a sound judgment. We live in a world of too much communication without Another benefit of requiring attribution would affect postings responsibility. This column is signed; anyone with a problem on the web as well as items on the air on in the paper: people about, question on, or compliment for the opinions expressed might watch what they say a bit more carefully if they knew the can easily contact the source. However, people sending email, words would be attributed to them. Thus, merely by forcing placing a phone call (automated or live), buying advertisements accountability, we are likely to improve – at least marginally – the on television or in the newspaper, or posting information on the level of political discourse. internet can hide their identity. We need a law providing that public distribution of false Sometimes the source does not matter. There is no need for information as part of a news story, a paid commercial, or a mass attribution of the weather report that no one much believes in mailing is subject to civil penalties. Information would be any case. Sometimes the source is obvious. When the local car deemed false if 10 of 12 jurors viewing the material – with no dealer advertises everyone knows who is behind the ad and why additional explanation – get a wrong message. the ad is airing. Responsibility for the penalty would rest with the person, or But there are times when the source makes a big difference. A persons, distributing the material. If the broadcaster, or the story or an advertisement touting the benefits of a possible public newspaper failed to provide the appropriate contact information works project means one thing when coming from an then the distributor would be assuming responsibility for the independent assessment of the value; there is an entirely misinformation. different interpretation if the source is a company, or individual, Does this plan run afoul of the free speech provision of the First who will benefit financially from the development. Amendment? Hard to tell. With the current atmosphere on the We have all received slate mailing cards which urge votes for a Supreme Court the outcome would likely depend on whether slate of candidates as well as yea or nay on ballot propositions. conservatives or progressives brought the complaint. There is a The slate cards may come from “Democrats United” with very general principle that speech which causes harm is not protected. small print indicating that they are not related in any way to any Clearly false advertising – in any form – does cause harm. official collection of Democrats; or from “Parents for Progress, Martin Gorfinkel Slate Mailer Committee” with no clue as to that group might be. PPeenniinnssuullaa DDeemmooccrraattiicc CCooaalliittiioonn MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Annual PDC Picnic Saturday, August 16, 2014 • 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Shoup Park, 400 University Avenue, Los Altos * Food * Fun * Fellowship * Fundraising Invite your friends and neighbors. More information and registration coming soon at www.peninsulademocrats.com The New Democrat 4 June 2014 Ending human trafficking in Santa Clara County

District Attorney Jeff Rosen is known for his integrity and as traffickers being required to register as sex offenders, no the people’s DA. He was awarded Outstanding Deputy DA in “shaming” of victims and training for police officers. 1996 , and is among the most respected career prosecutors in Concern has heightened as incidents have escalated. HT is the the country. He ran for SCC DA in 2010 on a reform platform, fastest growing business at $32 billion per year worldwide, winning decisively. His revitalization of the DA’s office and second only to drug trafficking and tied with gun trafficking. establishment of the “Conviction, Integrity Unit” to ensure California’s metropolitan areas with the highest incidents of integrity in law enforcement and prosecution have received trafficking are Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. It can national recognition. also be cyclical with prostitution rings following major sporting events such as Super Bowls. Rosen’s office is already planning “It’s the crime that with law enforcement for the opening of the new 49er Stadium hides in plain sight,” in Santa Clara. Santa Clara County Rosen said Santa Clara County has a Zero Tolerance policy for District Attorney Jeff HT, views trafficked minors as victims and children and seeks to Rosen said at the recent rehabilitate and reunited them with their families or foster care. PDC event held at His office currently has 13 defendants and eight open cases— Michaels at Shoreline in a start, but not all the incidents occurring. Rosen’s office is Mountain View. on training San Jose Airport personnel to recognize those being Human Trafficking (HT) in trafficked. He said that his office has developed a partnership Santa Clara County and good communications with law enforcement and that his Trafficking is difficult to office has not lost a prosecution for HT yet. combat because As for what we can do, Rosen said to educate ourselves and situations may seem our families to recognize signs that someone is being trafficked normal. Is the young man selling strawberries or bags of oranges and alert authorities. Educate our children in how to protect on the corner there voluntarily or is he being coerced? Is the themselves online and off and speak about the issue. young girl walking with the older man being victimized or is this Rosen urged us to be aware of red flags that someone is being normal? trafficked: “Victims are adults, children, male, female, citizens and Person in question is not free to leave the house and come undocumented,” Rosen said. “In the United States, the typical and go; underage; is paid little or nothing for his/her labor trafficked minor is a 12 to 14-year old runaway who has suffered (domestic servitude or labor trafficking); depressed behavior; fear abuse and is living on the streets when targeted by traffickers. of the police; extended illness; no ID or passport; not allowed to Adults may be immigrants promised work and a better life, but speak alone; claims just visiting but can give no address; seems find themselves in servitude performing agricultural or domestic lost, does not know the city; loss of sense of time, inconsistency work without pay and without escape… The modern-day plague in his/her story. of human slavery has 100,000’s of victims worldwide who have Like with any other suspicious behavior, notify the police. one thing in common: all share a loss of freedom,” Rosen said. Rosen stressed that human trafficking will not stop by itself or Human Trafficking is not new, as slavery has existed in cultures fade away, but will fester, exposing our children to its risks unless since ancient times, and whether ancient or modern, rests on the we educate ourselves and work together to eradicate the scourge same notion that one person’s life can be bought or sold at will of human trafficking. by another. To suppress the white slave trade, Congress passed the Mann Act in 1910 that makes it a felony to transport white women and girls across state lines for illegal or immoral purposes. The 2001 passage of the Human Trafficking and Prevention Act—renewed in 2003-2008—focused on prevention through education; protection and services for victims. (medical care, shelter, undocumented trafficked persons could be eligible for visas if they cooperate with law enforcement.); prosecution of traffickers. In 2002 Brown University students founded the Polaris Project to work with victims and combat human trafficking through volunteer chapters across the United States. In 2005 the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking was founded to coordinate efforts to identify and rescue victims and prosecute offenders. In 2012, President Obama declared January as Human Traffic Prevention Month. In 2013 voters approved Prop. 35 that PDC President Amy Pearl and PDC Board Member Diane Rolfe increased fines for “Johns” then used to rehabilitate victims; with Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. The New Democrat 5 June 2014

and in government. She edited three books on mobile security, Cyber Security Panel information confidentiality and bio- metrics and has a new book coming out soon called The Digital Mystique. Presentation in Palo Alto Sarah emphasized the need to protect the US infrastructure, including the electrical grid, from cyber threats. Her two biggest concerns were (i) the threat of non-government groups being hired by rogue states and terrorist organizations to hack into internet sites and disrupt the everyday flow of services to our communities and (ii) the current amorphous rules that the NSA uses to detect national security threats that impinge on our privacy. The panelists agreed that it’s vitally important for citizens to learn more about US cyber technology policy. Individuals can do this by becoming familiar with the Electronic Frontier Foundation at eff.org and asking questions of elected officials at town meetings and other events. It’s equally important for congressional representatives and their staffs to be informed and up-to-date on cyber security issues and policies and the government’s role. For instance, should there be a Cyber Security Council established to review and provide timely recommendations to our elected leaders? Also, what is the role of the CBO on this issue and what are they doing now? The PDC and the members of the San Francisco Chapter of Cyber security and its effects touches all of us in the US and the Truman National Security Project cosponsored a timely, throughout the world. For more information on cyber security go informative and extremely thought-provoking panel discussion on to the Truman National Security Project at April 29 in Palo Alto with three experts on cyber security. Mike www.trumanproject.org . McNerney, the expert Panel Moderator, has a extensive Judy Plaska, PDC Board Member background as a Cyber Security Strategist and Startup Consultant based in Palo Alto. Previously, Mike served as a Cyber Policy Advisor at the Pentagon and as a diplomat at the State Department. Mike is a veteran officer of the US Air Force and a President’s Message Truman Security Fellow. Mike directed the panel for the evening (Continued from page 2) program, generating discussion on US cyber security policy and whether the NSA can detect cyber threats without infringing on our civil liberties. He asked if more secure and private internet newsletter for location) , we need to let membership know programs and sites were needed. He indicated that what’s on the month’s agenda, in case they are interested. We both the government and private firms should provide more have started posting the tentative board agenda on our transparency to users. The questions he recommended people Facebook page the Monday before the meeting . Much of the ask were (i) what is being collected; (ii) what is being done with board meeting is concerned with operational issues, but for the data; and (iii) how can we opt out to protect our privacy. example at May’s meeting we had a vote of whether to Chris Finan, a cybersecurity strategist based in Palo Alto, was endorse the recall of Sunnyvale city council member Pat one of the distinguished panelists. He previously served as a Meyerling. Other than the presenters, we had no PDC Director for Cybersecurity on the National Security Staff and as a Sunnyvale members there; it would have been helpful to have Legislative Affairs Officer at the Department of Defense. He is your input if you live in Sunnyvale. Manage our “marketing” of and communications about the club also a former US Air Force pilot and technology entrepreneur. and activities: Chris recommended the audience ask questions of elected As a result of the retreat, Cory Wolbach has volunteered to officials regarding cyber security threats and privacy issues. He be our Communications chair to oversee our communications mentioned that the NSA has thousands of employees who are activities and Andrew Heaton has volunteered to be our Social experts in encryption and gathering information from the Media manager. We could still use a newsletter content airwaves. He asked the audience to consider if (i) the military editor to help newsletter editor/publisher Kristen Johnson should be involved in cyber efforts and (ii) should the NSA be corral interesting articles for the newsletter – if you are helping private US companies to compete with overseas interested, let me (or any board member) know! companies. Also he asked about proper oversight for the NSA The PDC will be focused on voter registration this summer. and what position the US government should take regarding Contact Diane Rolfe if you are interested in helping with that. internet issues like the Heartbleed bug. And we look forward to seeing you at the club picnic on August Sarah Granger, a Civil Liberties Expert and a Fellow at the 16! Truman National Security Project was the third panelist on the program. She is an award-winning digital media innovator and has had a long career working in cyber security as a consultant The New Democrat 6 June 2014

votes come more heavily from young voters, women—especially Learn history’s lesson. single moms—people of color and the working poor—groups large in number in our society, but poorly represented on Elections matter. VOTE! Election Day. They are the citizens most harmed by voter suppression measures enacted in alarming numbers in In the midterm election of 2010, the the 26 states controlled by Republican legislators Democratic Party suffered massive defeats, as and 29 Republican governors. Grassroots voter the Republican Party gained 63 seats in the registration drives need to be organized in House of Representatives, recapturing the under-represented neighborhoods in concert majority, six seats in the U.S. Senate, with trusted community institutions such as expanding its minority, and 680 seats in state churches and other religious bodies, schools legislative races giving Republicans control of and community centers. Once voters are 26 state legislatures and 29 of the 50 registered, these community institutions need to governorships. get out the vote. Although continued economic downturn and • Donate Dollars: The Democratic message a bruising fight with the Tea Party over the needs to reach voters, which costs money. We dubbed Obamacare contributed cannot cede media coverage and campaign appearances to the loss, the bottom line was Democrats , especially to super PACs funded by the Koch brotheresque libertarians young voters, failed to vote . However, if we learn the lessons who seek to buy our democracy and to appropriate for their own from that defeat, history does not need to repeat itself. selfish ends those who should be our voices in government—the To win means to apply history’s lessons: U.S. Congress, our state houses and our governors, school board •VOTE in Tuesday’s June 3 primary. California’s open and city council members. primary means the top two candidates—regardless of party— • Get out the Vote, especially the youth vote —the 18 to 29- progress to the midtern election of November 3. For Democratic year olds. Younger citizens vote less frequently than those 65 and candidate’s to progress later, Democrats must vote now. older, particularly in midterm elections. The young adult vote fell • Support compelling, new Democratic candidates, retain from 51% turn-out in 2008 to 29.1% in 2010—down almost 10% incumbent Democrats, especially those elected in 2008 and from previous midterm elections. When younger voters stayed 2010 and veterans with proven records of effectiveness and home, that cost Democrats Senate and House seats across the dedication to Democratic values. Nationwide, Democratic nation. When young people failed to vote, the losses were even candidates are bright, charismatic, diverse, capable and worthy of more significant as close contests for state and local races tipped our support. to Republicans and the resultant voter suppression, anti-labor, • Speak with a single, disciplined voice: The Democratic anti-woman, anti-environment legislation of the past two years. message needs to ring from sea to shining sea offering Americans Democrats are champions of the issues concerning young hope and a clear vision of a country full of opportunity and basic adult voters: adequate opportunities for the education they need fairness for all. We need to express our confidence and pride in to participate fully in the US economy. Younger adults need what Democrats have accomplished against daunting odds: the grants, low interest loans and other opportunities to graduate first healthcare reforms in 60 years; the rescue of financial without crushing debt. They need good paying and meaningful institutions too big to allow to fail; the bail-out of the auto jobs to match their skills, interests and talents; affordable health industry, repaying its debt to taxpayers; a slow, steady increase in care not tied to employment; affordable housing and the employment; a steadily improving housing market with fewer opportunities to achieve their fair share of the American dream. foreclosures and bankruptcies; a growing alternative energy Democratic candidates and the Democratic Party need to industry; our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. connect with young voters, engage them in the campaign, and However, Democrats need to expose undue Tea Party inspire them to link their futures to the values and vision for a influence on Republicans leading to their intransigency and better society of the Democratic Party. Congressional gridlock, tactics including an unnecessary • Get out the Democratic vote by getting involved. The government shutdown costing the economy billions and needless PDC leadership in collaboration with the reactivated Democratic suffering to millions of Americans. The country simply cannot Volunteer Center (DVC) and other local Democratic clubs have tolerate such irresponsible Republican antics that have impeded been planning a winning strategy for the November 3 midterm rebuilding the economy, the infrastructure and the job creation election. Voter registration drives at summer art and wine people need to rebuild their lives. Democrats need to hit hard festivals, farmer’s markets and other venues, fund raising, phone on the urgency of electing a Democratic majority in Congress to banking, precincting, staffing the office and meet the candidates counter Supreme Court rulings that have dismantled voter events are all vital grassroots efforts to educate voters and get out protections and endangered our democracy, stating bluntly that the vote. Or perhaps you will travel out of state to key races to the House must be freed from the tyranny of obstructionist join local teams on the ground. Republicans who, since 2008 when President Obama was elected, have put their own quest for power and fear of the Tea Whatever best fits your interests, passions and talents, Party in their ranks ahead of doing urgent work on behalf of the volunteer to help. Together, we will beat the midterm Elections Matter. VOTE. American people. slump and prevail. • Find and register new Democratic voters: Democratic Carol Kuiper, PDC Board Member The New Democrat 7 June 2014

their history in certain parts of the country as tools to fight back against desegregation efforts. School systems do need more Young Voices funding, but we can’t be blind to the fact that many systems Brought to you already receive quite a bit of money, and that there are certainly by the instances of waste and bloat in the administrative ranks that must be addressed. Tying teacher’s jobs directly to standardized tests is ill-advised and blind to the realities of what those tests do to education in the classroom, but at the same time, outdated The Sound & The Fury: The modes of tenure must be addressed for the inefficiencies that they can inflict upon the system as well. Public Education Debate in To see the difficulty in the road ahead, one need look no further than the debate currently surrounding efforts to roll out America Common Core across the country. Spear-headed by the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School By Andrew Heaton Officer, Common Core is an attempt to level the playing field in Last week, The New Yorker published to the web a lengthy terms of what children are learning. Unfortunately, it has become report by Dale Russakoff about the attempts by several elected a lightning rod on both the right and the left of the political officials, activists, and philanthropists to try and rework the public spectrum. Much of this is due not because of Common Core’s schools in Newark, NJ. “Schooled” details the attempt by then- actual standards, but in the way districts have attempted to Newark Mayor (now U.S. Senator) Cory Booker and Gov. Chris implement them through their selected curriculum. Christie to try and work with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Here in California, Common Core has had a relatively smooth a plan that would hopefully revolutionize the way schools were roll-out, and Superintendent Tom Torlakson is a firm advocate of run in Newark. The plan involved shutting down poor performing its implementation. With the implementation in 2013 of the schools, creating a path for new charter schools to be created in Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), California schools should their place, a slimmed down bureaucracy, and most importantly, also see more funds rolling to the students that need them most, required a massive injection of non-public funds. with greater local flexibility in how those funds are used to the That’s where Zuckerberg came in, who eventually pledged benefit of children. These are all steps in the right direction, and $100 million dollars over five years, on the condition that the passage of Proposition 30 showed that voters are willing to matching funds from other investors accompany each year’s invest more of their money into their children if there’s a viable allotment from Zuckerberg’s non-profit foundation. $200 million plan in place. A year and a half later, Prop 30’s effects have in total was assumed to be more than sufficient to save one cities proven to be nothing but an unquestionable success. school system. The story of the five years that followed is Around the county, the debate around education ebbs and disheartening and tragic, if not predictable and familiar to anyone flows, usually around election time. Now, the time has come for who has traced the education reform movement in America. a rededicated effort. Much like the War on Poverty, the effort to It is beyond debate that we have a problem in the United States cure what ails our public education system should be viewed as regarding the state of our public education system. Schools are nothing more than a War For Our Collective Future. As the literally falling to pieces, classrooms are crammed full with father of a two-year-old girl who will soon enough be heading off students, teachers are understaffed and underprepared to deal the to school, I’m ready to do my part for the effort. number of students they’re required to work with, and desperately needed support staff (like counselors that can help students deal with issues from home that weigh heavily on their performance in A Parable the classroom) are either sparse or simply non-existent. Russakoff’s Two siblings were raiding the cookie jar while Mom and article points out that more money isn’t the only missing piece; Dad were otherwise occupied. At some point the younger felt $200 million couldn’t solve the problems in Newark. put-upon. The elder seemed to be getting better cookies – not The simple fact is that there is no “silver bullet” when it comes more, just the more delectable ones. to education reform. However, in too many places across the In order to solve the problem the younger ran to Mommy country, lack of an easy answer has led to inaction. Now is the and Daddy and complained. The complaint, of course, was time that we the people demand better, because so many of our taken in light of the complicity of the complainer. Mommy and country’s problems, current and future, are directly tied to our Daddy decided they had better things to do than interfere. ability to provide quality, publicly funded education to our The complaints were loud enough to be heard by all the children. Jobs are not going to get any easier to obtain as more neighborhood children; they grasped the situation quickly and and more of the economy is fueled by the information joined in. Thus, the complaint did nothing to stem the excesses technology sector. Fixing education should be considered a of the elder child, but it succeeded in getting more hands in national priority to be addressed now, not later. the cookie jar. Fortunately it was a magical, bottomless, cookie To fix our system, though, we all have to start looking at each jar so there was still enough to go around. The only losers were issue from all angels and be open minded to every possibility. the cookie keepers who were forced to work harder to protect Charter schools are not inherently evil, but we also can’t be blind the treats. to their potential to be as equally inefficient as the failing schools Too puzzled? See the Hint on page 12. they’re often created to replace, and we also can’t be blind to The New Democrat 8 June 2014 Endorsements FAQ for Voters from (Continued from page 1) Secretary of State Debra Statewide Endorsed Candidates Bowen’s Office Governor: Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Lieutenant Governor: Attorney General: Kamala D. Harris 1. When is the last day I can register to vote in the Controller: No recommendation June 3 primary? In the Nov. 4 midterm election? Treasurer: John Chiang A: 15 days before Secretary of State: No recommendation Election Day. For the Insurance Commissioner: Dave Jones June 3 primary, the date Supt. of Public Instruction: Tom Torlakson was May 19. If you missed that deadline, Ballot Initiatives register before October YES on Prop. 41 - Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Bond Act 20 to vote in the Nov. 4 of 2014 midterm. If you are not Authorizes $600 million in general obligation bonds for currently a registered affordable multifamily supportive housing to relieve voter, but are a US homelessness, provide affordable transitional housing, affordable citizen, are not a felon rental housing, or related facilities for veterans and their families. and will be 18 years of age by Nov. 4, register YES on Prop. 42 - Public Records. Open Meetings State Reimbursement NOW to vote. If you are to Local Agencies. Legislative Constitutional Amendment a registered voter, but have moved, changed your name or changed your political party since the last election, you must RE- REGISTER . Requires local government compliance with laws 2. Do I need to show my ID to vote? YpErSo voind Minega sfuorre pAAu,b Mliicd paecncinessusl at oR elgoicoanla lg Oopveenr Snpmaceen Dt ibstoridcty * me*eTthine gPsD aCn dB oraercdo rhdass oefn dgorvseerdn manedn ut rogfefsic yiaolusr. EYEliSm viontaet eosn A: In California, almost all cases NO . However, if you are Mreeimasbuurer sAeA m, ea n$t3 f0o0r mcoilslitosn o bf ocnodm mpeliaasnucre . on the June 3 ballot, voting for the first time after registering to vote by mail and did that would fund as many as 25 projects and initiatives within the not provide your drivers license number, California ID number district. Funds will go toward more hiking, biking and equestrian or the last four digits of your social security number on your trails, and conserving additional open space areas such as registration form, you may be asked to show a form of watersheds, redwood forests and farmlands. identification at the polls. In this case, maybe. A copy of a recent utility bill, the sample ballot booklet you received from your Board of Equalization county elections office or another document sent to you by a District 1: Chris R. Parker government agency are examples of acceptable forms of District 2: Fiona Ma identification. Other acceptable forms of ID include your District 3: Jerome E. Horton passport, driver license, official state identification card or District 4: No endorsement request student ID card showing your name and photograph.

State Assembly 3. I forgot to mail in my Vote by Mail Ballot before AD 22: Kevin Mullin Election Day. What do I do to be sure my vote is AD 24: Rich Gordon counted? AD 27: Nora Campos A: Do NOT mail in your Vote by Mail ballot on Election AD 28: Evan Low Day! To be counted, your Vote by Mail ballot MUST be received by the close of the polls on June 3. This means mail State Senate your ballot not later than the Saturday prior to the Tuesday SD 10: Bob Wieckowski Election or hand deliver your completed ballot by the time the polls close at 8 p.m. either to yours or any polling place or Congressional any designated ballot drop-off place, such as your city hall. CD 14: Jackie Speier Check your Registrar of Voters’ website for your polling place or CD 17: Mike Honda designated ballot drop-off sites. (Continued on page 9) CD 18: Anna Eshoo The New Democrat 9 June 2014 FAQ (Continued from page 8)

4. I lost/threw out/can’t find my Vote by Mail Ballot. What do I do?

I'd like to personally ask you to help pass Measure AA - a bond measure for our local open space district on June 3rd's ballot. This funding for the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District is critical for buying more land, opening up new trails, and preserving wildlife habitat. To learn more, take a tour of the top 25 open space projects that this funding would support http://greenfoothills.us4.list- manage.com/track/click?u=e461bef4dd8f81538c816552b &id=e610c95ca1&e=11a7527692 . We have less than 2 weeks left to get thousands to vote Yes on AA. Committee for Green Foothills is working with the campaign team to recruit 100 new volunteers to support phone banking and precinct walking to GET OUT THE VOTE every day between now and June 3.

A: If you lost or never received your vote by mail ballot—they What you can do right now were mailed in early May—contact your County Registrar for a 1. Email the volunteer coordinator replacement or go to the Registrar’s Office to pick up a [email protected] or go to the website to let us duplicate. If you are still without a ballot on Election Day, go to know when you're available http://greenfoothills.us4.list- your polling place and request a Provisional Ballot. Bring ID manage.com/track/click?u=e461bef4dd8f81538c816552b with you. &id=702e92997c&e=11a7527692 for: • Phone banking (at POST every weeknight from Still have questions about voting? Phone or visit your 6:30-8:30pm, or email the volunteer coordinator County Registrar of Voters website. [email protected] if you're interested in San Mateo County Registrar: Mark Church, Chief Elections phone banking from home) Officer & Assessor-County Clerk-RecorderRegistration-Elections • Precinct walking (weekends 10am-2pm and 1-5pm, Division, 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 9440 (650) 312-5222 weeknights 5:30- 7:30pm, or walk on your own time) (650) 312-5348 Fax Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.shapethefuture.org 2. Attend the volunteer training at 5:30pm at POST's Santa Clara County Registrar: office in Palo Alto (222 High Street). There will be a training Shannon Bushey, Registrar of Voters before every phone bank and precinct walk. 1555 Berger Drive, Bldg. 2 San Jose, CA 95112 3. Spread the word. Print out a poster Mailing Address: http://greenfoothills.us4.list- P.O. Box 611360 manage.com/track/click?u=e461bef4dd8f81538c816552b San Jose, CA 95161-1360 &id=145d97f773&e=11a7527692 for your windows. (408) 299-8683 Share the Mercury News endorsement editorial on social (866) 430-8683 media http://greenfoothills.us4.list- (408) 998-7314 Fax manage2.com/track/click?u=e461bef4dd8f81538c816552 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. b&id=9baee11a34&e=11a7527692 . Tell your friends and E-Mail: [email protected] neighbors that you are supporting Measure AA. Website: www.sccvote.org Feel free to contact me or the campaign volunteer coordinator [email protected] if you have any questions. In Service, Megan Medeiros, Executive Director The New Democrat 10 June 2014

FREE, BUT bring a FINGER-FRIENDLY savory or sweet AND a beverage TO SHARE: Aram sandwiches, party sandwiches, cheese & cracker tray, CALENDAR fruit tray, veggie tray, cookie tray PLUS beverage to share-bottle of wine, water, beer, soft drinks. OF EVENTS Where: 255 Polhemus Ave., Atherton, CA 94027 RSVP: by Friday, June 21 online www.peninsulademocrats.com/garden_party Sponsored by the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley (DFA), the MONTHLY MEETINGS Peninsula Democratic Club (PDC), the Peninsula Stonewall Democrats (PSD), and the San Mateo County Democracy for America (SMCDFA). Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee Questions: Contact your club president.. meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at 70 West Hedding, San Jose. Call 408/445-9500 for information. SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 4-7 pm Anll are welcome to attend. PDC Family Fun Picnic and Auction: Bid on “Lunch with your Favorite Legislator.” The PDC Board of Directors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Where: Shoup Park, 400 University Avenue, Los Altos WEDNESDAY of each month at the Palo Alto Unitarian Church, 505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, Fireside Room,; all are Visit peninsulademocrats.com for additional calendar events. welcome. EVENTS: JUNE 2014 Friday, June 13, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Join Congresswoman Jackie Speier, CD-14,: Ready, Set, SUCCEED: A Women’s Small Business Seminar. Vasconcellos Guest speaker: Co-Founder and President of Eventbrite Julia Hartz Where: Eventbrite Headquarters, 1255 5th Street, 7th Floor, San (Continued from page 1) Francisco The Seminar is designed to assist current and aspiring business owners in the Bay Area overcome potential roadblocks. To register for this FREE event online http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ready- set-succeed-a-womens-small-business-seminar-hosted-by- congresswoman-jackie-speier-registration-11654443755 Information: Samantha Roxas of Jackie’s office at 650-342-0300 or via email at [email protected]

 Saturday, June 14, 3-5 p.m. Cheese and Wine Appreciation Party for Voter Registration Volunteers Where: Diane and Joe Rolfe’s Home, 1360 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 94301 A strong Democratic Voter Registration and Get-Out-the-Vote drive is key to Democrats holding current seats and winning new ones in the Mid-Term Elections. Attend this gathering to join the 2014 Voter Reg Team of veteran and new voter registration volunteers to be part of this effort to save our democracy. RSVP/Questions: Diane Rolfe: 650-326-6328 or Carol Kuiper: 650-941-8190 [email protected] To learn more about him and his career you can look to the longer articles on line from the San Jose Mercury and Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the San Francisco Chronicle, or follow this link for a good Join Senator Jim Beall SD-15: Free Child Car Seat story from the LA Times Safety Clinic http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-john- Where: Kohls Parking Lot, 2323 McKee Rd., San Jose 95116 vasconcellos-20140526-story.html Co-sponsored with Supervisor Cindy Chavez, California Highway Patrol, John Vasconcellos was a unique person and a unique Stanford Children’s Health member of the legislature. He was spoofed by Doonesbury for his work on self-esteem; he drove convertibles almost Sunday, June 23, 3-5 pm exclusively; he picked his clothes to suit his own Garden Party and State of the District with Assembly preferences; and was for many years the finest legislator that Member Rich Gordon, (AD 24) I knew. Calling all party activists!! Come have a glass of wine and enjoy an Martin Gorfinkel afternoon with Rich as he updates us on key legislation, the State budget outlook and the state of the District. Plenty of time for your questions. The New Democrat 11 June 2014

Darwin ineligible because they have already bred. Funnies by Janice • At this point the only U.S. state where anti-gay marriage laws are not being challenged is North Dakota. Guess the state's not By Janice Hough, PDC Member too worried about losing potential tourism from gay weddings? • The RNC is selling “I’ll be damned, I’m a Republican” t-shirts. • Mother of 19, Michelle Duggar, 47, says she has gone to a And somewhere Jesus is thinking about his message of tolerance, fertility doctor, if there are things physically I need to know, that I peace and helping the poor, and thinking “You may be right.” need to do, health-wise just to be ready to catch a baby if God • Do get the feeling that the only way most Americans would saw fit to give us one.” Maybe this is an explanation of why God know about the coup in Thailand is if Kim Kardashian and Kanye may have influenced so many judges to support gay marriage? West were planning their wedding there and the ceremony was • You just cannot make this “stuff” up. In Arkansas, GOP postponed…. gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson, who backs the state’s • Angelina Jolie, saying that she doesn’t have it that hard as a new voter ID law, was originally turned away at the polls because working mom “I actually feel that women in my position, when he forgot his ID. He had one of his staff go get the ID, and was we have all at our disposal to help us, shouldn’t complain then able to vote. Well, of course, and don’t we all have staff for “Consider all the people who really struggle and don’t have the things like that? financial means, don’t have the support, and many people are • Pat Sajak tweeted “I now believe global warming alarmists single raising children. That’s hard.” Who knew? Self-awareness? are unpatriotic racists knowingly misleading for their own ends. This could get her drummed out of Hollywood. Good night.” Note to Pat, get some vowels and – B_Y _ CL__. • EBay admitted that hackers broke into their site two months • Karl Rove continues to insist that ’s brain ago, and stole a database full of user information – including injury will keep her from running in 2016, saying it is “far more customer names, account passwords, email addresses, physical serious’” than many currently realize. Except if anyone knows addresses, phone numbers and birth dates. Why worry about that a working brain is not required for being President…- government intrusion on our privacy when we have the private sector doing such a spectacular job of it? • Judge just declared PA’s #gaymarriage ban unconstitutional. Will last state to keep gay marriage banned please keep the lights • Michael Bloomberg said he would run for President, except turned off? he doesn’t think he can win. Well, that never stopped a whole lot of other people. • Researchers at the University of Sydney examined seven sets of data involving more than 1.25 million children and concluded • Love it. Sarah Palin, mocking Michelle Obama’s for using that there was NO evidence to support a relationship between “hashtagging tweets” as foreign policy,: “Diplomacy via Twitter is common vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, the lazy, ineffectual, naive and insulting way for America’s leaders tetanus and whooping cough and the development of autism. to deal with major national and international issues. It’s Which will convince exactly no one who believes otherwise embarrassing,” Sarah posted this rant on Facebook. because it involves commie-pinko science and numbers. • All of this speculation over who will and will not run for • In Canada, the FCC equivalent reprimanded three porn President in 2016, even though the primaries are almost two broadcast stations, not for obscenity, but because they felt short years away…. The process is becoming almost as over-hyped as of the country’s rules requiring at least 35% of content be of the NFL draft. Canadian origin. Ah, the things you have time to worry about • 50 U.S.Senators sent a letter to the NFL saying it was time when you have healthcare and strict gun laws. for the league “to endorse a name change for the Washington, • Actual warning on a bottle of Korbel sparkling wine – D.C. football team.” Of course some think the team could “NEVER open using a corkscrew.” Must have been a lawyer change from the derogatory “Redskins” to the even more and/or an interesting story behind that one. derogatory “Senators.” • A 17-year-old girl was kicked out of her senior prom in • A 19 year old Texas man in facing five years to life in prison Virginia last weekend, because some of the fathers chaperoning for allegedly baking and selling pot brownies made with hash oil. said her dress was too short, her dancing was “too provocative” If he’d only shot and killed someone he’d probably be facing 10 and she was going to “cause the young men at the prom to think years max. impure thoughts.” I’ve got news for them, getting up in the • A video has surfaced of an Easter sermon from “Duck morning causes young men to think impure thoughts. Dynasty”‘s Phil Robertson “Neither the sexually immoral, nor the • Hyon Song-Wol, said to be Kim Jong-Un’s ex-lover who he idolators, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexual ordered to be executed, has apparently appeared alive and well offenders, nor thieves, nor greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, on state television. Will North Korea now announce their nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Can’t wait for Supreme Leader has the ability for resurrection? Robertson’s next appearance with some of Louisiana’s members of Congress. Especially Senator David Vitter. • Apparently in 2013, 63 parents in the U.S. named their daughter “Vanellope.” The scariest thing, these people are 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

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The New Democrat Join the Peninsula Democratic Published monthly by Coalition on Facebook! The Peninsula Democratic Coalition P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023-0097 PDC/PYD Weekly Calendar President: Amy Pearl Vice President: Nicole Fernandez Editor: Emy Thurber Guidelines Design/Layout: Kristen Lohnes Johnson Want to publicize an event of interest to members in the Email: [email protected] PDC/PYD Weekly Online Calendar? This calendar features Web site: www.peninsulademocrats.com PDC-sponsored and co-sponsored events, and other local items Opinions expressed in signed columns represent of interest to Democrats. The PDC does not publish direct views of the author and are not necessarily official appeals for money, and inclusion is at the discretion of the positions of the PDC. PDC. For advertising rates, email Kristen Johnson at Submit to Carol, [email protected] Questions: (650) [email protected] 941-8190. Deadline is Monday preceding Thursday The Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) is publication. Format: Please provide the following information: chartered by the Santa Clara County Democratic Day: Central Committee, and affiliated with the California Date: Democratic Council (CDC) Time: www.cdc-ca.org Title: The Peninsula Young Democrats (PYD) is a group within Sponsored by: the PDC for members under age 36; the PYD is Cost: affiliated with the California Young Democrats. RSVP and/or Contact Information: Brief (3-5 lines) description: