The Official Publication of ACT

P. O. Box 40074, (626) 795-2798

Volume 45 Number 11 December, 2017 OOnn -- LLiinnee On - Line Published by Chuck Hains & Sally Beer

ACT Action on the Calif. Voter Participation Act Steering Committee Position on Changing Pasadena Local Elections to Conform to General Election Dates The Research Committee met on November 12 to consider what, if any, position we should recommend that ACT ask the City Council to take on Senate Bill 415, and the Attorney General’s opinion with respect to its application to Pasadena elections. The opinion was prepared at the request of Assem- blyman Chris Holden. The election date change is said to be necessary for the City to be in Compli- ance with the Voter Participation Act, which would eliminate off-year elections in order to increase voter participation. This bill, signed into law on September 1, 2015, provides that effec- tive January 1, 2018, a local political subdivision [which according to the Attorney General includes Charter cities such as Pasadena,] is prohibited from holding an election on a date other than on a statewide election date if it has previously resulted in voter turnout that was at least 25% lower than the average turnout within that political subdivision for the previous four statewide general elections. This bill authorizes a voter who resides in a political subdivision where a violation is alleged to file an action to enforce this prohibition and requires a court to implement specified remedies including a change of election dates. The Research Committee meeting was attended by Marguerite Cooper, Jon Fuhrman, Fred Register, Jeanette Mann, Marilee Marshall, George Van Alstine, Ed Washatka and Bruce Wright. Most members of the committee were less than enthusiastic - for various reasons - about moving our local elections. However, the majority agreed that a legal challenge would be extremely expensive for Pasadena and almost certainly futile. Further discussion ensued about whether or not to make a recommendation as to when and how the elections should be held. The options are complicated and we took no position at this time. The Research Committee voted 6-2 to recommend that ACT advise the City Council not to oppose the application of Senate Bill 415 or the Attorney General’s Opinion with re- spect to Pasadena elections. continued on page two Page two t The Phoenix December, 2017

Calif. Voter Participation Act, continued elected, but Council elections would be plural- ity-based. The City’s March odd-year primary The Steering Committee voted 22-2-2 to elections would move to coincide with the advise the City Council not to oppose the statewide March Primary election held in even application of Senate Bill 415 or the At- years. The odd-year City April General torney General’s Opinion with respect to election would move to coincide with statewide Pasadena elections. November General election held in even years. If you would like to have a say in this In this scenario, the Council would need to matter, do so before January 8, 2018, at determine if the City Council District elections which time the City Council will be consi- should consolidate with, and occur on state- dering the issue. wide Primary dates, or on statewide General As for the options: The first option would be a dates; and then current terms for the Mayor Primary and General election format for the and City Council would also be extended by as offices of Mayor and City Council, in which the many as 20 months to facilitate the one-time odd-year March Primary election lines up with transition to the statewide election cycle. the statewide even-year March Primary The Research Committee leaned toward re- election, and the City’s odd-year April General commending November elections, but decided election would be moved to line up with the not to make any recommendation at this time, statewide even-year November General elec- preferring to wait for further input from other tion. organizations, such as the League of Women In this option, all successful candidates must Voters. The Steering Committee agreed that receive a fifty percent plus one majority in we should wait for further input and review either the Primary election or the statewide possible options before the options ultimately November General election, and then current go to the voters next year. terms for the Mayor and City Council would Marilee Marshall, be extended by as many as 20 months in order Research Committee Chair to line up the statewide election cycle. In the second option, the City would decide to [\[\[\ have plurality voting for mayoral and City Progressive Discussion Group Council district elections — meaning that a successful candidate must simply receive the Progressive Discussion Group meets every highest number of votes, regardless of percent- first and third Friday of the month from 9-10 ages — and then, determine if Mayoral and a.m. in the back room of Dupar’s Restaurant, City Council district elections should consoli- 214 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena. Parking is avail- date with, and occur on statewide Primary able in the big lot behind the restaurant off election dates, or on statewide General elec- Shopper’s Lane. You can always count on a tion dates. As with the first option, current lively discussion of a current political topic at terms for the Mayor and City Council would a PDG meeting. be extended by as many as 20 months to line Come and join in. Everyone is welcome. Order up with the statewide election cycle. breakfast, coffee, etc., or not. (If you plan to In a third option, the primary and general order breakfast, organizers suggest you try to election format for Mayoral elections would arrive a bit early so the discussion start is not require a fifty percent plus one majority to be delayed.) For info msg [email protected]. Page Threetwo The Phoenix December, 2017

be conducting ourselves with propriety. We Wonderings should be voting to support the common good and Wanderings rather than our own selfish interests. In our By Inman Moore present situation, we should be voting to im- peach Donald Trump. He fits all the criteria Sexual Surprise? for impeachment. I am writing this column on Sunday night, Incidentally, to my knowledge, Roy Moore and December 10, the deadline for publication in I are not related. Years ago (1963) I was one this December issue of the Phoenix. The Ala- of twenty-eight Mississippi Methodist Minis- bama special election for the office of Senator ters who issued a civil rights statement en- was held December 12. So when you read this titled “Born of Conviction.” It reverberated all column you will already have the election re- over America. One of my Mississippi cousins, sults. Unless you live on a deserted island you a segregationist, wrote and said, “Inman, you know who won. I hope it is Doug Jones. have forever besmirched the good name of Prior to the election, President Trump loudly “Moore.” Well, I am now off the hook. It is proclaimed his support for Roy Moore who is Roy Moore who has forever besmirched the well known as a sexual predator. Some people good name of “Moore”. And Roy, for your in- have expressed surprise at President Trump’s formation, I feel really bad about it. Could support of Moore, since a number of people in you please change your name, to “Smith, Congress have recently resigned due to sexual Brown, or Lewinsky?” misadventures. But why should we be sur- – Inman prised at his support of Moore, a known sexual [\[\[\ predator? After all Donald Trump is one of the biggest sexual offenders ever to hold public Help Wanted office. He has publicly admitted to “pussy grabbing.” He is now living with his third ACT (and ADC) wants someone wife. Frankly all of this is not a pretty to serve as Co-Recording Secretary, picture. taking minutes at some of our monthly meet- ings and becoming an officer of ACT and ADC. Incidentally, years ago, we Democrats did not come off smelling like a rose in dealing with Current Recording Secretary, Barbara Paul, Bill Clinton. For a full year he kept the nation needs a back-up person when she is out of in an uproar over his lying about his affair town or just can’t get to a meeting. The job with Monica Lewinsky. He should have been might be split with her at 6 meetings each per impeached. This would have allowed Al Gore, year – or – just when she is away (maybe 3 the vice-president, to become president and he meetings a year.) It’s negotiable. would, no doubt, have been elected in the next Please consider taking on this essential task. election which would have greatly changed the Contact a Nominating Committee member to course of history. say “yes”: Jeanette Mann at 626 797-0307 or It is high time that men and women seeking [email protected], or Linda Cen- public office conduct themselves above re- tell at [email protected] or 626 797-4966, or proach in the arenas of sex, money, and telling Sally Beer at 626 710-7710 (call or text), or the truth. And the monkey is actually on all of Jon Fuhrman at [email protected] or our backs. In the use of our ballot we should 626 864-5255. Page fourtwo The Phoenix December, 2017

ington Post not broken the story about Moore’s peculiar dating habits. Thankfully, a free and inquisitive press has saved our country from a Political truly odious candidate. Sen. ’ Political Communications Director, Lily Adams, posted the following comment: “Let this sink in – Notes Jefferson Beauregard Sessions’ Senate seat was taken by a civil rights lawyer who convict- bbyy Jon Jon Fuhrman Fuhrman ed Klansmen. Justice is sweet.” Amen to that!

Is this a one-off event, due to Moore’s especial- ly spectacular baggage, or does this presage something big for the 2018 midterms? There are a few particularly interesting points to note. First, looking at the aggregate turnout, Doug Jones got 92% of the vote that Hillary Clinton received in 2016. That is a stunningly high number. It reinforces the observations from earlier special elections and from the Virginia and New Jersey state elections that Democrats are pumped! That level of turnout is rare in mid-term elections, and virtually un- heard of in off-cycle special elections. If Demo- crats had had that turnout level in 2014, we’d Wednesday, December 13. have kept the Senate and several state houses. Now, we can exhale. It was a tough month, Turnout near that level in 2018 would turn a watching Alabama, wondering exactly how wave into a tsunami election. On the other low we can go. Would even Alabama be will- side, Moore received 49% of the votes that ing to send a pedophile to the President Trump received in 2016. That’s a Senate? huge difference, and only in a state as Republican as Alabama would the end result It was pretty close – distressingly close – but be as close as it was. In virtually any other Doug Jones ran a model race, focusing on state, that level of difference would wipe out kitchen table economic issues instead of cul- the GOP ticket from top to bottom. tural ones (although he didn’t shy away from a full-on commitment to reproductive rights), Granted, it is unrealistic to think that both complementing a dominant presence over the Democratic turnout will soar and GOP turn- air waves with a tremendous ground operation out will sink. But one doesn’t need anywhere focused on GOTV, and letting Judge Moore near as extreme a difference to endanger num- keep digging a deeper and deeper hole. Yet erous GOP incumbents – Senators, Congress- even with all that, Jones won by a relatively members and state legislators – in most other thin 1.4% margin – enough to avoid an auto- states where the party gap is not nearly as matic recount, but still relatively thin. I had pronounced as in Alabama. This difference rashly predicted that Jones would win in my does align with other indicators; a poll out to- October Political Notes, and the truth is I day showed a 15% gap in generic preference would likely have been wrong had the Wash- for Democratic versus Republican Congress- Page fivetwo The Phoenix December, 2017

ional candidates, a level that translates into a majority is simply amazing (although, consid- gain of 50 – 60 seats for Democrats. ering the alternative, I’d like to meet the 2% So this election clearly validates the continu- who actually voted for Roy Moore). ing observations that Democrats are energiz- Doug Jones will likely be sworn in early next ed, angry, motivated and determined to make year; Sen. McConnell is in no particular hurry a difference. to give up one more vote. So the Reps will Secondly, the Democratic grass-roots are will- have a chance to push through their tax cut ing to back candidates in a massive fashion. bill next week. The Conference Committee has In his last pre-election report, covering the apparently agreed upon a compromise bill, al- period from October 1 through Nov. 22, Jones though they are not yet revealing the details. reported raising just over $10 million (compar- There remains a strong chance that the whole ed to the $1.6 million he had raised prior to edifice may yet collapse. Sen. Collins is send- October 1). Of that, over $5.7 million was un- ing signals that she doesn’t believe Sen. Mc- itemized contributions from individuals – Connell will hold to the deal that won her vote contributions that cumulate un- last month. Other Senators are der $200. Thus, at a minimum, also grumbling about some of the over 28,000 people sent him rumored compromises, such as lowering the marginal rates for money, and that doesn’t include the $4.2 million in itemized con- the highest income taxpayers. tributions (over the $200 federal My guess is that, indeed, the disclosure limit). That’s a lot of Senate will fail to enact the bill, saving some House members interest in what was generally re- garded as a low probability race, from what would be a very tough vote. and another indicator of the de- – Jon Fuhrman gree to which Democrats nation- wide are aroused and committed. [\[\[\ In contrast, Judge Moore raised about $850K in itemized contributions, and another $850K in unitemzied contributions, PCC Ad Hoc Committee Report over that same period. It’s rare that a Demo- Concerns have been expressed publicly cratic candidate would have a 6-to-1 advant- about whether minority interests are being age in fundraising, but in most other states adequately addressed by the Pasadena Area one would not need nearly that large an ad- Community College (PCC) Board and Admin- vantage. In fact, in most states and Congress- istration. At its November Steering Commit- ional districts, simply having as much money tee, ACT appointed us to investigate this and as the GOP opponent is usually an excellent also to evaluate the implications of the State- result. mandated move of the PCC Board elections to One last tidbit that I found intriguing. The June of 2018. exit polls were slicing and dicing the elector- We reported the results of our committee work ate, but one finding stood out: among African- at ACT’s December Steering Committee meet- American women, 98% voted for Doug Jones. ing. By working closely with the Pasadena At his best, President Obama received 92 or NAACP, we began tracking recent administra- 93% of the African-American vote. A 98% tive leadership changes to ensure equity, and Page sixtwo The Phoenix December, 2017

this will be continued. We analyzed the poli- Corresponding Secretary: Monica Hubbard tics of Board decisions and how we may be and Beth Gertmenian (continuing) able to impact them on behalf of minority in- Computer: Web Site: Felicia Rusnak and terests. We came up with the following steps: Bruce Wright (continuing) ● Determine if the three incumbents up for Standing Committee Chairs and new reelection in June (Ross Selvidge, Berlinda members Brown and Anthony Fellow) intend to run Mailing: Ron Garber and Karen Breau again. Membership: Lynn Appel and Karen Breau ● See if any opposition candidates are plan- Program: Ron Garber and Susan Kane (Linda ning to announce, and then evaluate their Centell, Chair, continuing) strengths. Try to recruit good candidates Research: Marilee Marshall, Chair (continu- where there seems to be a need. ing) ● Communicate to all eventual candidates that minority interests are an important con- ADC cern of ACT and the community. Emphasize President: Bill Hacket this in ACT Research Committee interviews. Vice President: Tim Wendler A Search Committee for a new PCC President Treasurer: Ed Washatka has been appointed, and we will communicate Co Recording Secretary: Barbara Paul and with them our minority representation con- one vacancy. cerns. Corresponding Secretary: Monica Hubbard Susan Kane, Dolores Hickambottom, and Beth Gertmenian Jeanette Mann, Nominations are open until the January Gen- George Van Alstine, Chair eral Membership meeting when the officers [\[\[\ will be elected. (Nominations may be made from the floor at the meeting.) ACT/ADC Nominating Committee [\[\[\ An announcement calling for nominations January General Membership Meeting to serve as an Officer or standing committee Thursday, January 4, 7 p.m./7:30 p.m. Chair or member of ACT/ADC was placed in at the home of the November issue of the Phoenix. The Nom- Marilee Marshall and Bruce Wright inating Committee (Sally Beer, Linda Centell, 654 S. Madison Avenue, Pasadena Jon Fuhrman, Susan Kane and Jeanette Mann, Chair) met on November 14 and identi- Local resident, Hank Guerrero, who served fied potential candidates. Based on this meet- on L A County’s Civil Grand Jury, will be our ing and follow-up phone calls, the Committee guest speaker. He will tell us how a citizen is presented the following list of nominations at picked to participate, what social and justice the December General Membership meeting: issues were the focus of his jury, who reads the jury’s report, and what happens with the Co-chairs: Darla Dyson (Continuing: Ed jury’s recommendations. This will be a real Washatka and Joanne Wendler) learning experience for most of us! Treasurer: Ed Washatka The meeting agenda includes the election of Co Recording Secretary: One vacancy and officers. Socializing begins at 7 p.m.; the meet- Barbara Paul (continuing) ing follows at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Page seventwo The Phoenix December, 2017

individual Hispanic members of Congress – in- Democratic Candidates for the cluding Linda Sanchez (and her sister, former 39th District – Part 2 Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez), Grace As part of the national “Red to Blue” cam- Napolitano, , and Nan- paign, the Arroyo Democratic Club (ADC) has ette Barragan. Other endorsers include Dolor- adopted Republican Congressman es Huerta, long-time labor activist; Gabby for early retirement. This month we continue Giffords, gun-control advocate and former our review of the challengers to Royce. Congresswoman; the VOTE VETS PAC; and REMINDER: ADC will not be endorsing any Congressman Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, candidate in the primary election. whose Serve America PAC also supports can- didates who are Democrats and veterans. Sev- Here are profiles (in alphabetical order) for eral local educational leaders are supporting the three Democratic candidates who have Cisneros, including Martin Medrano, a former raised the most campaign funds thus far. The ACT/Judy Boggs Intern, who serves on the remaining candidates will be profiled next School Board of the Hacienda La Puente USD. month.

Cisneros has raised $729,979 thus far, and has $486,180 in cash on hand. Website: Gil Cisneros, 46, is a decorated veteran, an cisnerosforcongress.com education activist and a philanthropist. He is a graduate of George Washington University Andy Thorburn, 73, is a businessman and and has an MBA degree from Regis Univer- health insurance executive – and also a former sity. He and his wife, Jacki (an assignment class-room teacher and labor activist. Thor- editor at KNBC News) are the parents of twin burn is a graduate of Wilkes University in boys and long-time residents of Pico Rivera. Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Karen, have They are also famous for having won one of two children and live in Villa Park, which is the richest payouts in the history of the Cali- outside the 39th CD (residency is not required fornia Lottery in 2010: $266 million. Before for Congressmembers). that extraordinary event, Cisneros had been a shipping and manufacturing manager for Thorburn was teaching high-school English in Frito-Lay, as well as a supply officer with the New Jersey in 1970 when he got involved with U.S. Navy. In the years since, he has focused his local union (Amer. Federation of Teachers) on philanthropic activities aimed at improving and helped lead a strike for better wages. The educational opportunity for Hispanic young- strike was successful, but Thorburn was sen- sters. tenced to 30 days in jail for contempt of court. Cisneros is a former Republican who switched He cites this as a life-changing moment and parties in 2008 because he no longer support- has made it a central feature in his campaign. ed the ideological direction of the GOP. While Thorburn later left teaching for insurance and his platform lists a wide range of issues, his became tremendously successful. He founded special focus is on education – and especially and owns Global Benefits Group Inc., an inter- on resisting Trump administration initiatives national health insurance company. While in- that could weaken educational opportunity. terested in many issues, healthcare is key to He has never held elective office. Thorburn’s campaign, and he would like to see The BOLD PAC of the Congressional Hispanic the US move toward single payer healthcare. Caucus has endorsed Cisneros, and so have It was the election of Donald Trump that moti- Page eighttwo The Phoenix December, 2017 vated Thorburn to run for Congress. Although Though concerned with many issues, Tran’s previously registered as "decline to state,” special focus is on health care and women’s Thorburn changed to Democrat earlier this rights – and on resisting Trump administra- year. He says he has always voted for tion policies in both areas. She has never held Democrats. He has never held elective office. elective office.

Thorburn loaned himself $2-million to start Tran was a volunteer for Hillary Clinton for his campaign. He is endorsed by several President in 2016. She is endorsed by Emily’s unions, notably the California Nurses Associa- List. tion; the United Steelworkers; and the Inter- Tran has raised $609,280 thus far, and has national Union of Painters and Allied Trades. $493,691 in cash on hand. Website: He is also endorsed by actor and activist Ed doctran2018.com Begley Jr. and by former L.A. City Controller – Fred Register Rick Tuttle. Thorburn has raised $2,142,373 thus far, and [\[\[\ has $1,991,150 in cash on hand. Website: Letter to the Editor thorburnforcongress.com.

Today [Wednesday] I witnessed Congres- sional hearings with Assistant Attorney Gen- Dr. Mai Khanh Tran, 51, is a pediatrician eral Rod Rosenstein as the witness and the who has practiced in Orange County for more questioning by every single Republican was than 25 years. She is a graduate of Harvard hostile to Special Council Bob Mueller alleging and of the Dartmouth/Brown Medical School. bias. Over the last few weeks FOX News has Tran lives with her 5-year-old daughter in taken on a similar tone with what I am certain Fountain Valley, which is outside of the 39th is a pretext to discounting or even ignoring District; again, residency is not required for any report that comes out of the investigation members of Congress. for the purpose of denying the country a Tran has a long history of overcoming heavy Trump impeachment. While I don't know (and odds. She came to the U.S. at the age of 9, one they don't either) what the Special Council of many refugees fleeing Viet Nam after the does and it's impossible at this point to know if fall of Saigon. Her family was separated and it would warrant impeachment they are widely dispersed before reuniting in Oregon. setting things up to not vote for it no matter Tran worked as a farm laborer, excelled in what the investigation shows. school and used a combination of scholarships This is why it is important to hold all Congres- and janitorial work to pay her way through sional candidates, both parties, incumbent and college and med school. She is a two-time can- challengers, feet to the fire in regards to their cer survivor and also had to endure a long and position on impeachment. At this point it is difficult IVF procedure to give birth in her 40’s. not important that they should be able to answer the question with a yes or no but In addition to her work as a pediatrician, Tran rather that they have a thoughtful response to has participated in and led more than a hun- the question. At a later date a yes or no can dred medical missions abroad to provide post- be forced from each depending on what comes disaster relief, medical care to underserved out of the investigation. areas, and treatment for lepers in remote – Ron Garber parts of the world. Page ninetwo The Phoenix December, 2017

From everyone for your book donations and for 25th District sharing some holiday cheer with #TeamPor- State Senator tantino. Anthony I want to give a big shout out to my friend Portantino Toni Atkins who will be our next Senate Lead- Dear ACT Members, er. Toni has been a friend for over 20 years and I know she will be a dynamic and success- This weekend, Governor Brown made a very ful ProTem. Senator Atkins led the effort to bold and stark statement, the fires devastating bring an affordable housing funding source parts of California are the new normal. This into being through SB 2 and was a joint auth- came at a time when the POTUS is undermin- or of SB 562 on single payer health care. She ing and reversing decades of progressive cli- will carry on a strong and positive agenda that mate policy and world efforts to combat climate our current ProTem, Kevin DeLeon should change. A sad statement from a man with take pride in championing. She will be the stature to make it. I’m also writing this just first woman in California history to be elected before the Alabama Senate race in shock that Pro Tem and I will proudly cast my vote for people are voting for someone for the US Sen- her in January. ate that the same people wouldn’t allow to In family news, Sofia will be coming home babysit their children. Sacramento is also from New York for Christmas making me very grappling with changing a culture that needs happy and Bella’s JV Soccer team won a big to shift from one that protected the members soccer tournament against several Division 1 to one that protects the staff. We need to get schools from the South Bay. She even set up this right and I am pleased that the Senate is the game winning goal! From my family to going outside our institution for advice and for yours -- please have a blessed holiday and a investigative expertise to help us through this safe and Happy New Year! process. I will endeavor to keep you posted as – Anthony these important changes come to fruition. [\[\[\ I’m really enjoying chairing the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education and I’m looking forward to going to back to Sacramento in the Special Thanks to Our Patrons New Year. I will continue to work on educa- Dr. Janice Nelson & Doug Hayes tion funding priorities for our public-school students. Early indications are leading me to And really special thanks to Our believe our budget issues will be far more Benefactors exciting than back during the great recession Betty Sandford, Monrovia or even two years ago. In keeping with a tradition started when I was And Thanks to Members for Additional in the Assembly, our holiday book drive was a Contributions to ACT's Operating Accnt big success. I was very pleased by the Dr. Janice Nelson & Doug Hayes generosity of friends, neighbors and activists who came to my holiday open house in Glen- And Thanks to Members for Additional dale over the weekend. We collected several Contributions to ACT's Political Account hundred children’s books that we will donate to local public-school libraries. Thank you Dr. Janice Nelson & Doug Hayes Page tentwo The Phoenix December, 2017

ed this idea into a new law. I’m incredibly From proud to be a part of this victory and look

41st District forward to working with them support foster youth and former foster youth throughout the Assemblymember state. Chris Holden Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I had the opportunity to partner with local and state Dear ACT Friends, water utilities including East Pasadena Water to provide $1,500 in grocery store gift cards for As we near the end of 2017, I’m already families at Flintridge Center. The gift cards looking forward to what we can accomplish will benefit families who are currently in or together in 2018 to build upon our successes – graduated from Flintridge Center’s Appren- growing our economy, protecting our environ- ticeship Preparation Program. The program ment, strengthening our infrastructure and prepares and assists previously incarcerated supporting working families. The Interim and gang affiliated community members in Recess, between now and January, is a great qualifying for careers in the construction opportunity to provide me with your policy trades by providing them with information, ideas that could have a positive impact for the experience and skills necessary to be success- st state and the 41 Assembly District. ful. The giveaway was part of the California Some of the best legislative ideas and solu- Water Association’s Statewide “Operation tions come from community members like you. Gobble” Program – a joint philanthropic ven- Last year I introduced two bills that came di- ture between California’s investor-owned rectly from constituents. The first was Assem- water companies, local nonprofit organizations bly 279 that would have extended authority to and policymakers to distribute turkeys and the Department of Developmental Services donations to families during Thanksgiving. (DDS) and Regional Centers to adjust the One of the most significant events for Pasa- rates of developmental disability providers to dena took place in November when the Rose comply with legally binding local mandates Bowl unveiled the new statue of Jackie Robin- and minimum wage levels across the state. son. It was honor to speak again with Rachel The second, Assembly Bill 1567 that automa- Robinson and Vin Scully during the ceremony. tically notifies foster youth and former foster Jackie Robinson remains a true hero who con- youth of the services they qualify for upon ac- tinues to influence our lives by his actions and ceptance at a Calif. Community College or words both on and off the field, even 70 years Calif. State University, was signed into law. after he broke the color barrier in a major pro- It was Journey House of Pasadena that came fessional sport. to me early this year with this bill idea to im- It’s been an incredible year and a privilege to prove education outcomes for former foster represent you in Sacramento. I’m grateful for youth that ultimately became Assembly Bill your support and thank you for the work that 1567. Recently I had the opportunity to cele- you do. I hope you enjoy the holiday season brate our victory with Journey House and the and look forward to keeping in touch in the former foster youth you involved in success of New Year! the bill. It was their efforts organizing stake- holders and sharing their personal stories Sincerely, with legislators in Sacramento that transform- – Chris R. Holden Page eleventwo The Phoenix December, 2017

Help Flip the 39th CD Rep. & Senate Candidate

Arroyo Democratic Club members are work- Mike Eng host Annual Holiday ing with Swing Left and other groups to bring Party and Toy Drive about Republican Congressman Ed Royce’s Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA 27) and Sen- early retirement in the 39th CD. You can help ate Candidate Mike Eng for SD 22 indicated by joining other volunteers canvassing Demo- that they are appreciative of all those who cratic and independent 39th CD voters at up- joined them at their 9th Annual Holiday Party coming Swing Left events: and Toy Drive to celebrate the holiday spirit of Sunday, Dec. 17 1-4 p.m. in La Habra sharing by donating a toy to a child in need in Saturday, Dec. 23 1-4 p.m. in Brea the greater San Gabriel Valley Saturday, Dec. 30, 1 p.m. in Fullerton. Before the toys were distributed, the Dewey Sign up and get full details at swingleft.org/ Elementary Woodcraft Rangers Dance Team district/CA-39/calendar. You can also reach from the Garvey School District kicked off the the Swing Left calendar via ACT’s webpage, event with a holiday Jingle Bell hip hop ACTpasadena.org. Contact the host Steve routine. Timberman ([email protected]) Close to 200 guests attended and showed sup- with any questions. port to the cause. Big toy contributors were Volunteers will be provided with clipboards Charlie Woo of MegaToys and Jennifer Braw- and materials and comprehensive training be- ley of William Mark Company. Both they and fore heading out in pairs. Please bring a fully State elected officials were spotted at the charged smartphone and download the Mini- event: candidate for 2018 Governor of Califor- VAN Touch app, available for android and nia Treasurer John Chiang, Arcadia City iphone through the app store. (So we can re- Clerk Gene Glasco, Monterey Park Mayor Pro cord data automatically.) If you don’t have a Tem Stephen Lam, Monterey Park Council- smartphone you will be partnered with some- man Peter Chan, San Gabriel Councilman one who does have one. Don’t forget to wear Chin Ho Liao, Azusa Mayor Joseph Romero comfortable shoes and bring some water. Rocha, Altadena Councilwoman Dr. Sandra Thomas and Judy Matthews, La Puente You may contact ADC President Bill Hacket Councilman Dan Holloway, Pasadena City at [email protected] or 626 705-2180 College Trustee Linda Wah, Alhambra Unified to talk about ridesharing. Boardmember Bob Gin, and former San NOTE: Swing Left is a national grassroots Marino Mayor Eugene Sun. network that helps people take action in their The recipients of 2017 Annual Toy Drive were: closest Congressional Swing Districts to swing the House in the 2018 midterm elections and ● Arcadia Elks Lodge 2025 - critical part of put a check on the Trump agenda. the Arcadia community by helping the local community with a variety of programs such as [\[\[\ food drives and Veteran initiatives. Welcome New and Returning ACT ● Bright Future Scholars - Spearheaded by Member Altadena Councilwoman Dr. Sandra Thomas, this program provides a helping hand to at- Susan Dembowski, Pasadena risk youth who have maintained a strong GPA Page twelvetwo The Phoenix December, 2017 in school despite facing insurmountable odds. Healthcare Call to Action ● SteamCoders - This non-profit organiza- tion teaches underrepresented and underserv- Do you know people who utilize a Federal ed students and their families the fundamen- Qualified Health Center (FQHC)? If you know tals of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, me, then you know someone whose family has and Math, also known as STEAM. directly benefited from the Health Center net- work. My husband and I utilize ChapCare, ● Glendora Ministerial Association – Com- our local FQHC, for our son’s primary care. posed of a community of Churches in the City The services are great! of Glendora, this association provides a vari- Plus, ChapCare’s mission is to provide excell- ety of important services to families, including ent, comprehensive and innovative healthcare food banks and shelters. that is accessible to ALL residents of the San ● Chinese Parents for the Disabled (CPAD) - Gabriel Valley. This means ChapCare serves Open for over 20 years, CPAD provides educa- those most in need. For example, ten percent tional and recreational services for individuals of ChapCare’s patient population is homeless. with special needs to help achieve their full But now Health Center funding is under potential. CPAD also provides emotional sup- threat. Even though Health Centers enjoy bi- port and resources for assistance. partisan support, Congress failed to reauthor- ● Professional Child Development Associates - ize the Community Health Centers Fund. PCDA has been serving the San Gabriel Vall- Worse yet, Congress failed to reauthorize the ey for 20 years. Their work benefits children, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), teens and young adults with autism or other a program many ChapCare pediatric patients developmental challenges through innovative depend on. Without CHIP’s reauthorization, 9 therapies, services, and professional educa- million children will lose their health insur- tion. ance nationally. Additionally, without funding ● Sierra Madre Veterans of Foreign Wars for the Health Centers, 9 million patients Post 3208 - VFW Post 3208 gives assistance to nationally will lose access to the primary care all Veterans by helping them fill out applica- they need, including medical, dental, vision tions for benefits and providing resources on and behavioral health services. various Veteran related issues. Health Centers serve the areas of this country ● Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel where people need healthcare the most. CHIP Valley - The group has been a cornerstone of helps children who would otherwise fall the community since it opened its doors in through the cracks of the health insurance 1972. The Boys &Girls Club provides a safe system. Please contact your senators and con- and structured environment for young people gressional representatives today to advocate after school, during holidays and on summer on behalf of these programs. To avoid Health vacation. Centers reducing their services and children going without health insurance, a solution ● Pathfinders Ministry - This incredible min- must be found before the end of 2017. Please istry is an important part of the City of Azusa contact your senators and congressional rep- because it provides a number of community resentatives today! For an easy tool to take services throughout the year that families rely action, please go to hcadvocacy.org/takeaction. on. Last year they gave toys to over 1,600 California’s open enrollment period will last children in Azusa. Page thirteentwo The Phoenix December, 2017 longer than the national enrollment period!! Covered California’s fifth open enrollment After Hurricanes period began on November 1, 2017 and will HARVEY and IRMA end on January 31, 2018. By John Grula, reprinted from the ChapCare offers health insurance screening Pasadena Weekly with permission and enrollment services at three locations: Hurricane Harvey, followed closely by Hur- Lime Health Center - 513 E. Lime Avenue, ricane Irma, are among the worst extreme Suite 102, Monrovia, CA 91016, Monday and weather events our nation has ever experienc- Friday, from 8am – 5pm, (626) 486-9729. ed. The final death tolls are still being deter- mined. Del Mar Health Center – 3160 E. Del Mar Boulevard, Suite 100, Pasadena, CA 91107, Many thousands have been displaced, perhaps Tuesday from 8am – 5pm, (626) 486-9729. permanently. Some have lost everything. The governors of Texas and Florida have said it El Monte Enrollment Shop – 11635 Valley will take years to recover (N.Y. Times, 8/29/2017; Bvd, Suite D, El Monte, CA 91732, Monday – L.A. Times, 9/13/2017). Incredibly, it appears Friday from 10am – 7pm and Saturday 10am that Harvey and Irma may even eclipse – 2pm, (626) 486-9696. Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy as human To enroll in a health insurance plan, people disasters. need to bring the following: Folks, this is what global climate change looks ● Identification (Driver’s license, state ID, like. It's the new normal. In his recent movie, passport), "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power," for- ● Proof of California Residency (CA driver’s mer Vice President Al Gore discusses at some license/ID, utility bill), length the consequences of global warming. ● Proof of current income (recent paystubs, One is increasing amounts of water vapor in last year’s tax return, etc), the atmosphere and therefore increased chan- ● Proof of Legal Residency (Social Security ces of catastrophic flooding. This is exactly Card, Naturalization Certificate, what happened in Southeastern Texas during Employment Authorization Card, the Harvey event. Record setting rainfall (L.A. Residency Cards), Times, 8/30/2017) of biblical proportions. Once- in-a-thousand-years flooding (Pasadena Star- ● Know birthdates and home zip code. News, 8/29/2017). For more information on ChapCare and its See Al Gore's new movie if you possibly can. services please visit www.chapcare.org. As usual, he is brilliant, and elucidates other – Emily Stork threats posed by global warming. For examp- le, heat waves even worse than the ones we've [\[\[\ experienced this summer and fall in Southern More Paraprosdokians California. In a 7/29/2017 N.Y. Times article, "Hotter summers, once exceptional, become Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. the norm," this is described in graphic detail. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. Extremely hot summers, the kind that were rare in the 1950's, have in recent years become We never really grow up -- we only learn how common. Killer heat waves such as those to act in public. that have recently roasted Southern Europe Page fourteentwo The Phoenix December, 2017 and Pakistan (where temperatures have cially for people who work outdoors, like postal sometimes neared 130 degrees Fahrenheit) letter carriers, it can be life-threatening. The are part of this more general trend. article describes how a worker vomited and convulsed after mowing lawns in brutal heat. Of course, heat waves, along with Santa Ana Other workers covered him in ice and he winds, also increase the chances of catastro- eventually recovered, but it was a close call. It phic fires such as the ones we're seeing now in is people at the bottom of the ladder who Southern California. They are always a con- suffer most from global warming. cern throughout California. After Harvey and Irma, one can only hope that It is somewhat ironic that the high pressure climate-change deniers will finally wake-up. system that caused our late-August heat wave One would also hope that complacent officials also impeded Tropical Storm Harvey's ability like Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek (Pasadena to move inland and dissipate (Pasadena Star- Weekly, 7/13/17) will get a spine and join the News, 8/29/2017). We are more connected more than 350 mayors in the US who have than is generally realized. endorsed the Mayors coalition to support the Another Gore prediction is that global warm- Paris Climate Agreement. President Trump ing will also prolong and worsen droughts. Not has backed-out of this agreement, breaking good news for a parched California. Climate U.S. promises, isolating us from the rest of the change means some areas will get too much world, and endangering the entire planet. rain (like Houston), while others won't get In the aftermath of Harvey and Irma, climate enough (California and the American West). leadership has never been more needed. On 7/25/2017, the L.A. Times reported that re- John Grula, PhD, is affiliated with the searchers predict sea-level change from gla- Southern California Federation of Scientists. ciers melting in the heat of a warming planet risk flooding many coastal communities. The [\[\[\ flooding we've recently witnessed in Houston? Imagine this also happening in Miami, Boston, Another letter to the Editor and even San Diego County. Coastal L.A. While we're all basking in the glow of Doug County could also be affected. Jones victory over Roy Moore there is a mess- age to be learned from this contest. A month Global warming is a vicious circle. Warming prior to the Washington Post's expose about is now occurring most rapidly in polar areas Moore's sexual proclivities I was reading that such as the Alaskan tundra, where permafrost many Democratic operatives were urging the extending many feet underground is melting DNC and the DCCC to throw lots of money be- at an alarming rate. The problem is that huge hind Doug Jones and while I think Senator amounts of carbon are frozen within the perm- elect Jones will be an amazing representative afrost, and as it melts greenhouse gases like for Alabama I'm certain that if it hadn't been carbon dioxide and methane are released into for the Post's expose he wouldn't have come the atmosphere. This will only accelerate the close to winning no matter how much money heating of the planet (N.Y. Times, 8/24/2017). we would have thrown down that hole. If the The human toll a hotter planet takes can be money and effort afforded this windmill tilting devastating. An 8/4/17 N.Y Times article, "In fiasco had been used to solidify what had been sweltering South, climate change is a work- assumed to be safe states in the Mid West she place hazard," documents this in detail. Espe- would be President today.

Page fifteentwo The Phoenix December, 2017

The lesson; We need to better ascertain what is possible and what is not in order to husband our resources both financial and labor. Unless Calendar there is an extraordinary circumstance like the Moore revelations we should not be wast- January 4 General Membership Meeting ing resources on statewide elections in states Thursday at the home of Marilee Marshall that are as solidly Republican as California is 7 p.m. and Bruce Wright, 654 S. Madi- currently solidly Democratic. This does not son Ave., Pasadena. Guest mean we don't try to extend our outreach to speaker is Hank Guerrero on LA local elections in those states as Democrats Co’s Civil Grand Jury. Election always do well in urban areas and because of officers. Socializing at 7 p.m.; Trump is President we can make inroads into meeting at 7:30 p.m. the suburbs. Bottom line Presidential elec- January 5 Progressive Discussion Group tions and Senate contests will be won and lost Friday at Dupar’s Restaurant, 214 S. in Purple States not solidly Red or Blue ones. 9-10 a.m. Lake Ave., Pasadena. Msg Dale – Ron Garber Gronemeier for more info at [email protected]. ËËËËËËËË Also Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 and 16. Upcoming Meetings January 8 UDH Steering Meeting at the February or March – Mark Gonzalez, new Monday Garripoli/Gallogly home, 859 N. L A County Democratic Party Chair and form- 7 p.m. Avenue 67, . er Judy Boggs intern will be our guest speaker. ËËËËËËËË ËËËËËËËË January Phoenix Deadline Where Have You Been Recently? The deadline for the January Phoenix will Whether you have been near or far, please be Sunday evening, January 7. Please send send a high-resolution photo (of you) to Chuck your items for The Phoenix to Editor Chuck at [email protected] for The Phoenix. Hains or Sally Beer at [email protected] on or before the deadline. We will prep The Phoenix for mailing on Thursday, January 11, 7 p.m., location to be decided.

P. O. Box 40074 Pasadena, California 91114-7074

Page sixteentwo The Phoenix December, 2017

2018 Membership Renewal Time RENEW With the New Year it’s time to renew your ACT and ADC membership. Please use the form below or renew online at TODAY www.ACTpasadena.org. Or you can wait to receive your membership renewal letter. If you have any questions about your membership please contact Executive Director Jon Fuhrman at [email protected]. Thank you to everyone who has already renewed. Your generous response is heartwarming! I'd like to join both groups for one low price! (Checks payable to ACT/ADC) $40 Single $70 Single Sustaining $25 Each additional member per household $90 Double Sustaining $15 Student or limited income $150 Patron $275 Benefactor I'd like to join ACT (Checks payable to ACT) $35 Single $60 Single Sustaining $20 Each additional member per household $85 Double Sustaining $15 Student or limited income $125 Patron $20 Gift Membership (NEW!) $275 Benefactor I'd like to join the Arroyo Democratic Club (Checks payable to ADC) $35 Single $60 Single Sustaining $20 Each additional member per household $85 Double Sustaining $15 Student or limited income $125 Patron $275 Benefactor Extra Contribution $ ______Political Account (for endorsed candidates and issues) $ ______Operating Account (for organizational costs) $ ______Total enclosed

Name Home Phone

Address Office Phone

City ZIP

Email address Mail to ACT, P. O. Box 40074, Pasadena, CA 91114-7074 Information provided will be available to other members and endorsed candidates upon request.