TThhee NNeeww DDeemmooccrraatt A Publication of the Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) September 2016
PDC Annual Picnic Wrap-Up Save the and Thank You Dates By PDC Board Member and 2016 Picnic Chair Cory Wolbach Debate-watch Parties at the DVC All the debate-watch parties will be at Democratic Volunteer Center (DVC) headquarters, 1970 El Camino Real, Mountain View. Presidential debates Monday, September 26 Sunday, October 9 Wednesday, October 19 Vice presidential debate Tuesday, October 4 The PDC Annual Picnic this year was another phenomenal success! In the afternoon on a perfect summer Saturday, August 20th, we gathered at Shoup Park in Los Altos to celebrate being Democrats, to reconnect with friends, and to inspire each other Dan Hoffman is a PDC Hero! as we head into an unusually important election locally and Dan Hoffman is a PDC hero! He offered a nationally. As always, the Picnic served several functions: Fun, matching grant of $1,000 to the PDC if we fundraising, and information. would donate $2,000 towards the new Democratic Volunteer Center in Mountain Fun View. The PDC Board met the challenge and The crowd of over 125 attendees included old and new PDC the new headquarters now has $3,000 to put members, families, community activists and leaders, former and towards rent, supplies, utilities and all those current elected officials, and candidates for office! A great time other expenses that having an office entails. was had by all. Lots of potluck and BBQ’d food was enjoyed, Dan just turned 90. He was honored by both the California along with beer, wine, and non-spirited drinks. State Senate and the California State Assembly for his “decades- Fundraising long service and commitment to justice, equality and fairness for The Picnic is always our biggest fundraiser of the year. This the people of Santa Clara County, the State of California and the year was no exception with over $11,000 raised in total! We United States”. brought in over $700 in tickets, over $2,000 from the silent Dan is a longtime member of the Santa Clara County auction, and over $8,500 from our sponsors. These funds build Democratic Club. He is a faithful attendee at Democratic State the PDC’s financial base, and enable our club to hold future Central Committee meetings. For years he has been the main events, support the Peninsula Young Democrats, support the organizer of the Freedom Train from San Jose to San Francisco Democratic Volunteer Center, and support Democratic celebrating Martin Luther King’s birthday and all King did to candidates and causes. further equality in our country. Dan has been a leader in most of Information the progressive causes in the Bay Area. Guest speaker Kimberly Ellis, Executive Director of Emerge CA Dan was born in upstate New York, spent most of his and also a candidate for California Democratic Party Chair, was a childhood in New York City, studied at Columbia (undergrad), huge draw and a wonderful speaker. She shared with us her Haverford College for an MA and Columbia Law School for his thoughtful views and inspiring vision for the future of the LLB. After clerking for a municipal court judge in New York City, Democratic Party in California. Be sure to read her own piece on Dan concluded that New York can be the loneliest place on page 5. (Continued on page 6) (Continued on page 12) The New Democrat 2 September 2016
Heartfelt Thanks President’s Column to All of Our Nicole Fernandez Picnic Sponsors! Dear Democrats, I am a firm believer that those who get involved can change Platinum Level: the world. Many of us have been involved in politics for a good • Jerry Hill , State Senator, SD-13 long time – and for many of you readers, your service to the • Arthur Keller , Candidate, Palo Alto City Council Democratic party outlives me and many other members of our • Carol & Ralph Kuiper club. I am proud to be a part of a club with such a respected • Jean Mordo , Los Altos City Councilmember history. • Gilbert Wong , Cupertino City Councilmember & It is important, however, to know how you fit in to the jigsaw Candidate, Foothill De Anza Community College Board puzzle that is the Democratic party. For many, their involvement with the party means holding elected office, calling on their progressive values to effect positive change through policy. For Gold Level: others, it is being involved in the background, supporting those • Marc Berman , Palo Alto City Councilmember & elected officials who want to enact the change that our local and Candidate, State AD-24 national government needs in order to thrive and provide care for • Anna Eshoo , Congresswoman, CD-18 those who most need it. • Vladimir Ivanovic , Los Altos School Board Member For me, it was exceptionally heartening to see both parts of • Bill & Danielle James , PDC Members our “jigsaw puzzle” out in masses at our annual summer picnic! • R. Michael Kasperzak , Mountain View City Councilmember • Gustav Larsson , Sunnyvale City Councilmember • Pam O’Leary , PDC Board Member • Diane & Joe Rolfe • Joe Simitian & Mary Hughes , Supervisor, Santa Clara County, District 5 • Charles Stone , Belmont City Councilmember • Vicki Veenker , Candidate, AD-24
Silver Level: • Rich Gordon , State Assemblymember, AD-24 • Lorri Holzberg • Doug Kim , Belmont City Councilmember • Liz Kniss , Palo Alto City Councilmember & Candidate for We had so many candidates and elected officials as sponsors and Reelection present at the picnic. Even more than that, we had so many • Amy Pearl Democratic supporters who hold these elected officials • Jim & Emy Thurber accountable to the values that we all have in common. It was a fun afternoon of networking, food, friends and fun. We had the opportunity to learn more about Kimberly Ellis (above left), a Bronze Level: visionary young leader who is running for the chair of the • Margaret Abe Koga , Candidate, Mountain View City California Democratic Party. I hope you'll read the wrap up of the Council picnic in the issue. • Patrick Ahrens , Candidate, Foothill-De Anza Community Thank you all, Democrats, for coming out and celebrating with College District Board us! The PDC is nothing without you, and we thank you for your • Jim Beall , State Senator, SD-15 service and devotion to our party. • Thida Cornes , Candidate, Mountain View City Council On to a successful November 2016! (Continued on page 14) The New Democrat 3 September 2016
Proposition 55; Extends by twelve years the temporary Martin’s personal income tax increases enacted in 2012 on high income earnings. The state needs the money; in general, the people get a EDITORIAL good deal in terms of the goods and services provided by their tax dollars – health care, education, and roads being three examples of projects that could use more. Those with incomes over It has become tradition for this column to provide opinions on $250,000/year should be able to afford it. Vote yes on prop 55. the statewide ballot measures. The task is somewhat more daunting this year as 17 measures will be on the November, Proposition 56; Cigarette Tax to Fund Healthcare. Increases 2016, statewide ballot. A reminder: cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack. It sounds like a large increase in Opinions expressed in this column are those of the a regressive tax – but the California tobacco taxes are among the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the lowest in the country. Tobacco products result in very large PDC or of any other political organization. additional health care costs. On balance, it is a good idea. Vote yes on prop 56. Proposition 51; School Bonds. Funding for K-12 School and Community College Facilities. There are few, if any, investments Proposition 57; Criminal Sentences. This measure would allow that will pay a higher return than those made for education. earlier release from prison for some non-violent crimes. It also Certainly it would be possible – at least in theory – to spend too shifts the responsibility for determining whether a juvenile will be much and thus lower the return; it is also likely that some money tried as an adult from the prosecutor to the judge. Both sensible will be wasted in the process of building new facilities and changes in the right direction for our criminal justice system. Vote modernizing others. However, it is not conceivable that California yes on prop 57. is anywhere close to spending enough, much less too much on education; and there are safeguards to minimize any wasted Proposition 58; English language education. Proposition 227 spending. Vote yes on prop 51. passed in 1998 mandated the use of English in virtually all education. This measure was designed to repeal the sheltered Proposition 52; State Fees on Hospitals. Federal Medi-Cal English immersion requirement provision while requiring school Matching Funds. In 2009, a program was created whereby districts and county offices of education to provide English California hospitals began paying a fee to help the State obtain learners with a structured English immersion program. Ours is a available federal Medicaid funds, at no cost to California multilingual state; while it makes sense to encourage all students taxpayers. This measure seeks to ensure that the fee paid by to learn and speak English, it is counter-productive to insist that hospitals to the State for the purpose of maximizing the available they cannot get instruction in another language during the federal matching funds is used for the intended purpose by learning process. Vote yes on prop 58. requiring a two thirds vote of the legislature to modify the existing law. The State Constitution should not include provisions requiring Proposition 59; Campaign finance: voter instruction. An a two thirds vote to modify a specific state law; there should be a advisory vote instructing elected officials to work toward a US general provision requiring that money coming to the state for a Constitutional amendment that would reverse the Supreme Court particular purpose cannot be diverted to other endeavors. That, decision stating that corporations were entitled to the free speech clearly is not going to happen! This measure solves one small provisions of the First Amendment. The effect of the decision is piece of a far larger problem. Vote yes on prop 52. to allow unlimited political contributions by corporations. There are no “teeth” in this proposal – but there is no way to enforce Proposition 53; Revenue Bonds. Statewide Voter Approval. any decision by the voters of California on the “personhood” of a This measure would require statewide voter approval before any corporation. So this is as close as we can come. Corporations are revenue bonds can be issued or sold by the state if the bond not people; the decisions over corporate contributions are made amount exceeds $2 billion. It is a bad idea that would delay by managers and employees who get to use the investors’ money projects and force more measures on the statewide ballot. Vote to further their own political positions. Vote yes on prop 59. no on prop 53 . Proposition 60; Adult Films. Condoms. Health Requirements. Proposition 54; Public Legislative votes and Proceedings. Requires performers in adult films to use condoms during Requires the legislature to post the final copy of legislation on the filming of sexual intercourse. There could be lengthy debate on web 72 hours before a vote is taken on it; also requires audio & the merit of this proposal; should sensible people acting in these video transcript of legislative sessions to be posted on the films use condoms? Should that be a matter of good sense, internet. Legislatures, including California’s need more subject to current laws governing safety in the workplace, or transparency; interested constituents and legislators need time to should it be separately mandated by law? If mandated by law read and grasp the effect of a measure before it is voted on. An how, and by whom, could the law be enforced? What is beyond amendment to this proposal that would slow down the end-of- debate is the absurdity of putting this measure up for a vote. The session rush to pass measures would limit the number of pages recommendation here is to abstain from voting on this measure. that could be posted in any 24 hour period. Vote yes on prop Don’t vote on prop 60. 54. (Continued on page 4) The New Democrat 4 September 2016
costs of sending that ten cents off to the state, the store takes a Ballot Measures loss; it becomes, in essence another tax on doing business and (Continued from page 3) would result in raising prices on other items. It is not worthwhile. Vote no on prop 65.
Proposition 61; State Prescription Drug Purchases. Pricing Proposition 66; Death Penalty. Changes procedures governing Standards. This measure would prohibit state agencies from state court appeals and petitions challenging death penalty paying more for a prescription drug than the lowest price paid for convictions and sentences. This proposition would override the same drug by the United States Department of Veterans prop 62 if both pass and this gets more votes. If you believe that: Affairs. It is unclear how much the state would save by this the death penalty deters crime; the death penalty is applied fairly measure or how it might be enforced. It is clear that drug prices across racial and economic divides; the death penalty is worth in general, as well as profits in the pharmaceutical industry, are the millions of dollars it costs the State of California; no errors are far too high. It is also clear that the pharmaceutical industry is made in the process leading to the sentence of death; and the going to spend millions in their attempt to defeat the measure. death penalty is a morally justifiable action for the state then vote There are no obvious reasons to oppose the measure aside from for prop 66. If you live in the real world and understand that an aversion to any rules that might limit the cost of drugs. Vote each of the assertions is false, then Vote no on prop 66. yes on prop 61. Proposition 67 Referendum on Single-Use Plastic Bags. The Proposition 62; Death Penalty. Repeals death penalty as legislature approved, and the governor signed, a law prohibiting maximum punishment for persons found guilty of murder and grocery and certain other retail stores from providing single-use replaces it with life imprisonment without possibility of bags but permits sale of recycled paper bags and reusable bags. parole. There are at least three compelling reasons to vote YES The law has been challenged by a referendum petition thus on this measure; The death penalty is morally wrong; the death placing the matter before the voters of California. A “yes” vote is penalty is extremely expensive; and the death penalty is applied a vote for the law prohibiting single-use plastic bags which is now unfairly. For all of those reasons – and many more. Vote yes on in effect; a “yes” vote maintains the current situation. A “no” prop 62! vote rescinds the law. Taking your own bags into the grocery store – or into other stores – takes a bit of getting used to; but it is Proposition 63; Firearms. Ammunition Sales. This measure is totally worthwhile. It may be a small step toward improving the an initiative championed by Gavin Newsom. The California environment and cutting down on waste; but it is a step in the legislature passed a series of bills regulating firearms and right direction. Vote yes on prop 67. ammunition; that effort was largely in response to Newsom’s ballot measure. It has been argued that Newsome is using this to In summary: further his own political career; that legislation is preferable 51 yes 52 yes 53 no 54 yes 55 yes 56 yes because it is more easily amended to fix problems that arise; and 57 yes 58 yes 59 yes 60 abstain 61 yes 62 yes that this duplicates the efforts of the recently passed legislation. 63 yes 64 yes 65 no 66 no 67 yes Without considering the merits of any of those arguments in detail: this is a chance to express an opinion on the need for a Votes cannot be weighted to reflection how strongly the voter significant decrease in the amount of lethal force easily available feels on an issue – but recommendations can. The bold print in to anyone in this country. Vote yes on prop 63! the summary highlights the more important votes.
Proposition 64; Marijuana Legalization. Marijuana, like alcohol, This is an unusual year for propositions when a “yes” vote is prescription drugs, and many other substances, has beneficial recommended on so many of the measures. effects for many people while being subject to abuse by others. The website The laws making marijuana illegal clearly are not working. A ballotpedia.org/California_2016_ballot_propositions has change in the law, both in California and at the Federal level is comprehensive information about the propositions, their sponsors, long overdue. Vote yes on prop 64! and the arguments pro and con. The California Secretary of State website has links to the exact wording of the measures. Proposition 65; Carry-Out Bags. Requires money collected by Martin Gorfinkel grocery and certain other retail stores through sale of carry- out bags be deposited into a special fund to support of environmental projects. It is true that the law banning single-use plastic bags was enacted to benefit the environment; and it is true that any revenue accruing to the stores as a result of selling carry-out bags does stay with the stores; and there might be an argument for insisting that the stores not realize undue profits from the situation. However, it would be grossly unfair to insist that the stores take a loss. Think of the ten cent charge for a paper bag; if the store bears the, probably minimal, wholesale cost of the bag along with the accounting and administrating The New Democrat 5 September 2016
serving in elected office and to break down the barriers that female candidates face, we must double down on our efforts to Kimberly Ellis Talking Points recruit, train, mentor and support women to run for office. I was in Bakersfield in Kern County Emerge California has been doing this for the past 14 years and also in Merced County and they and our statistics speak for themselves. 400 women trained, 50% don’t have the numbers that we do in have already run or been appointed and 70% of those who have terms of registered Democrats. run have won. 56% of our alumnae are women of color. In fact, it’s very hard to be an In January of next year I will be stepping down as the “out” Democrat in some of these executive director of emerge California to dedicate my full-time places. effort on my campaign to be the next year of the California We are incredibly lucky here in Democratic Party. the Bay Area that we live in a I am running for chair to bring a new voice a new energy and Democratic bastion and have a a new perspective to our party. plethora of strong Democratic I am running because the California Democratic Party needs a candidates and the infrastructure to leader who understands that our political leadership should support electing them but that’s not reflect the beautiful diversity that California has to offer. the case in many other parts of the I am running because I want to make sure that the new state. American majority – single women, people of color and Even though women are 52% of millennials are included in the leadership of our Party as well as the population, we are only 18% of being mentored and groomed to run for office so we can ensure Congress That puts us 99th in the world in terms of female that California’s next generation of political leadership truly representation at the federal level. The US is behind countries reflects California. like China, Afghanistan, Serbia and Indonesia. At this rate it will I want to thank Nicole and Pamela and Cory for reaching out take us more than 106 years to reach political parity. to me and inviting me to come meet you all and speak and I Even though most people think of California as a progressive look forward to celebrating many Democratic victories this “leader” state, today we rank 19th in the country in terms of November. women in elected office at the state level with 25% in our state legislature. Today California is one of only a handful of states that have seen declines in the number of women serving in elected office. A decade ago, California had more than 35% women in Congressman Eric Swalwell the legislature but currently we have fewer women running for and serving in elected office. Guest at Demcratic 21st This is why programs like Emerge California are so important. We do the critical work of recruiting and asking women to run for office and then train them with the knowledge and skills they Century Club need to win. Research shows that women have to be asked up to several By Emy Thurber times before they will consider running for office. Congressman Eric We are working to get more women elected not just for the Swalwell from the East Bay sake of gender parity but also because the research tells us that if spoke before the Democratic you want more progressive policy with respect to marriage 21st Century Club and equality, healthcare, childcare, equal access to education, addressed the chances of reproductive freedom, juvenile justice reform, or protecting the taking control of the House environment, the most efficient way to do it is by electing more of Representatives. He progressive Democratic women. believes there are several Impacting policy to create communities that are more fair, vulnerable Republicans in more equitable and more just is what Emerge California is all California and that we also about. need to make sure we don’t In order to truly address the very big issues and challenges lose any close seats such as facing California, our country and our world, leveling the political Ami Bera’s in Sacramento. playing field and getting more women elected is what we must He will organize “caravans” do. of cars and people to walk In my role as the executive director of the Emerge California some of these districts. This will happen in September and I've been fighting to level the political playing field for women for October and if you are interested in joining with like minded nearly a decade. people in what could be a fun filled as well as highly effective And my quest to level the play the political playing field for precinct walking effort, please keep in touch with the California's women is one of the main reasons why I am running Democratic Volunteer Center (see our website) or check the to be the next chair of the California Democratic Party in order PDC website to get details. You can also email me at to overcome the dismal numbers of women running for and [email protected] for the latest plans. The New Democrat 6 September 2016
bring up the climate issue. If the person is a Republican, ask if they think climate change is real and is affecting our planet now, PDC Climate and then link action on climate to whom they will vote for in November. Many people who preferred Bernie Sanders over Hillary or Team Report who don’t like or trust Hillary are saying they will vote for a minor-party candidate. In effect, that would be a vote for Trump. Those who can’t be bothered to vote are voting for Trump. In essence, those who care about having a livable world have only one choice—and that to vote for Hillary. We all should be thinking of a vote for Hillary as a vote for the global future—a vote for saving millions of lives here and around the world. Get out votes for a livable future—we have no time to waste.
Hoffman (Continued from page 1)
earth — and moved himself and his family to the west coast. He eventually settled in Saratoga and had a thriving law practice until 2000 when he retired. The term “retired” is used advisedly. Dan will never retire from his passionate commitment to social justice. And his leadership qualities cannot be denied as at 90 he was recently elected President of Votes for Hillary are a matter the residents council at his retirement community! of life and death Mark your calendar: VOTE November 8, 2016! by Katherine Forrest
Many of us participate in GOTV—getting out the vote—in national election years. This year, we should all be getting out the vote for the Democratic presidential candidate—like her or not. It’s a matter of life and death for people all around the world. Why? As president, Hillary Clinton, backed by Democrats at every level, would almost certainly take positive actions on energy policy and the global climate crisis. A Republican president—Donald Trump or other—will undermine any effort to address climate change and the shift to sustainable energy sources. As Paul Krugman says, “In any case, this election is likely to be decisive for the climate, one way or another.” Because of the urgency of addressing the climate situation, we should start working on getting out the planet-saving votes now, Contact Kristen Lohnes Johnson, design & layout of well in advance of the election. Bring up the topic of the climate crisis in conversation. If a person you know or encounter says The New Democrat , at [email protected] they don’t like Hillary or they’re not going to bother to vote, for advertising rates. :HGQHVGD\6HSWHPEHU:HGQHVGDD\ 6HSWHHPEHU ZRPHQZZRPPHQQ SP SSP
6DQWD6DQWD&ODUD9DOOH\/DERU&HQWHUD&ODUD99DOOH\ /DERU &HHQWHU WUDWUDLQHGDQGDLQHHGDQG D G %R%RDUG5RRPDUG 5RRRP $OPDGHQ5G$OPDGHQ $OGQ5GG FRXFRXQWLQJXQWWLQJQJJ 6DQ6DQ-RVH&$ -RRVH &$ <\sI<\<\sI E^m\lu^mE^m\lu^m ..IEimQl[I\lIEimQl[I\l / 7R5693 7R 56693 KWWSV DFWP\QJSFRP)RUPV KWWSVV DFWP\QJSFRRP)RUPV )RU)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQFRQWDFW1D]QHHQ5\GKDQ)RVWHUDW PPRUH LQIRUUPDWLRQUPDWLRQ FRQWDFWW1D]QHH HQ 5\GKDQ)RVWHDQ )RVWHHU DW QD]#HPQD]#HPHUJHFDRUJ9LVLWRXUZHEVLWHDWZZZHPHUJHFDRUJPHUJHFDDRUJ 9LVVLW RXU ZZHEVLWH DDW ZZZHHPHUJHFDRUJ The New Democrat 8 September 2016 Stacey Abrams. The Democrats truly are the big tent, all-inclusive party, and it will be thrilling in the years to come to work to DNC Report expand the party and watch it grow — yes, even in the South! By Sergio Lopez The main speakers were all, of course, fantastic. Michelle Obama brought the house down and brought tears to everyone’s As I waited for the moment eyes with her declaration that “... I wake up every morning in a on the first day of the house that was built by slaves. And I watch my daughters, two Democratic National beautiful, intelligent, black young women playing with their dogs Convention when the gavel on the White House lawn. And because of Hillary Clinton, my would be struck, officially daughters and all our sons and daughters now take for granted signalling the start of the that a woman can be president of the United States.” The proceedings, I thought back to program did a fantastic job of making an affirmative, full-throated everything that had happened case for our values as Democrats, while also working to bring on to bring me to this point. Just board independents and moderate Republicans without in any seconds before, I had received way watering down or apologizing for those values. the news that my mother had I came away energized and excited to work hard to elect just passed her citizenship examination with a perfect score. Both Hillary Clinton as our next President, as well as working hard to my parents had come to this country in the hopes of a better life elect good Democrats all the way down the ticket. A special for their children — and now I was here in Philadelphia, about to thank you to everyone in the Peninsula community who watch history happen before my eyes, watching not from the supported me to help make this dream come true — this would sidelines but from the front row as a delegate to the DNC. not have been possible without your generous support. Though I —- am back at school, I will be working hard with you to elect Each morning, all the delegates got up bright and early for Democrats, and will be back in the Peninsula before you know it! breakfast with the entire California delegation. Coming into the ballroom every day was a delight because it meant seeing familiar faces from around the Bay Area and state — our region was well represented! At the breakfasts, we would first pick up our convention passes for the day. Then, we would sit down to eat and hear from guest speakers, including our congressional delegation, statewide elected officials, and national Democratic Party stars. Bernie Sanders spoke to the breakfast, urging his delegates and on the PDC Board supporters to unite behind Hillary Clinton and work to defeat Donald Trump. We would then travel to the Wells Fargo arena through Lucas Ramirez whatever means we could find — shuttle bus, subway, or taxi — and start to make our way through the many, many layers of Lucas Ramirez joined the security. Peninsula Democratic Coalition In between speeches, I caught up with a few friends from the board in 2014. He is an elected Clinton campaign, some of whom were responsible for planning delegate to the Democratic State and executing the logistics of the convention. I came away truly Central Committee, one of 14 impressed with the sheer scale and magnitude of the convention, elected members from the 24th and of the massive effort involved in pulling everything off Assembly District. He has been without a hitch. The attention to detail and investment in human very active in local Democratic resources, as well as the sheer hard work involved, are just a few clubs for several years, including of the reasons why our party will do well in November. serving on the Executive Board of What many people do not realize from following the the Peninsula Young Democrats conventions on TV, however, is just how long they go for! We and on the steering committee of would arrive around 2 pm to be able to grab seats, with the the Dean Democratic Club of gavel-in for the convention commencing around 3:30 or 4. Some Silicon Valley. He has volunteered for almost 30 ballot measure nights we would not leave the convention center until nearly campaigns and candidates for elected office since 2012. midnight, with all the time in between taken up by speakers from A lifelong resident of Mountain View, Lucas graduated from across the country. Santa Clara University with a B.A. in Music. He currently The pre-prime time program did a great job of demonstrating serves as chair of the Mountain View Human Relations the tremendous amount of talent present in our party, and Commission and as a member of the Santa Clara Valley showcasing the terrific bench of folks who are ready to become Transportation Authority Citizens Advisory Committee. His the next generation of statewide and national leadership in the favorite composers are Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, party. I was most excited to see the wealth of talent in places Prokofiev, and Gesualdo. across the South, such as Georgia State House Minority Leader The New Democrat 9 September 2016 Sunnyvale, Seat 6: Nancy Smith Measure A, Santa Clara County, Affordable Housing Bond: Yes Young Voices Measure B, Santa Clara County, Sales Tax for Transportation: Brought to you Yes by the Measure K, San Mateo County, Sales Tax Extension for Infrastruction/Affordable Housing: Yes Measure I, Belmont, Sales Tax: Yes Measure Q, San Mateo, Rent Stabilization & Tenant Protections: Yes PYD in Action! Measure R, Burlingame, Rent Stabilization & Tenant The Peninsula Young Democrats has been busier than ever Protections: Yes over the last few months! At our meeting in June, we were Measure T, Jefferson Elementary School District (Daly City, honored to have local Assemblymember and Speaker pro Broadmoor, Colma, Part of Pacifica), Parcel Tax for School Tempore Kevin Mullin join us for a conversation about his work Funding: Yes in the legislature, the issues that affect young people, and the Measure V, Mountain View, Rent Stabiliation & Tenant future of the Democratic party. He also discussed his efforts on Protections: Yes election reform, including California’s testing the waters of a vote Measure V, Daly City, Parcel Tax for Fire/Public Safety: Yes by mail ballot system. When more people are able to vote, we *Denotes an incumbent. have more fair elections, and Assemblymember Mullin has made us proud with his dedication to this issue in particular. In July, we joined the Democratic Volunteer Center to watch Hillary Clinton’s speech at the Democratic National Convention. We were excited and inspired by her passion and dedication to the issues that matter the most to us! At our August meeting, we conducted our endorsements for the November 8, 2016 elections. Many candidates showed up to seek our endorsement, and we thank everyone who attended. In the end, we endorsed in many races on the Peninsula, including statewide office, municipal elections, and local ballot initiatives. We are especially excited to support four club members who are seeking higher office: Adrian Fine for Palo Alto City Council, Lucas Ramirez and Chris Clark for Mountain View City Council, and Marc Berman for State Assembly District 24. All of them have extensive experience either serving on municipal committees and boards or holding elected office previously. "PYD celebrates Marc Berman, club member and candidate for Because young people are the future of our country and the Assembly District 24, on primary election night, in which he Democratic Party, we ask all our fellow Democrats to support and received more votes than any other candidate!" (if able) vote for these four highly-qualified, experienced leaders. Please see our full list of endorsements below: President of the United States: Hillary Clinton US Senate: Kamala Harris Congressional District 14: Jackie Speier* Congressional District 17: Mike Honda* Congressional District 18: Anna Eshoo* State Senate District 11: Scott Wiener State Senate District 13: Jerry Hill* State Assembly District 19: Phil Ting* State Assembly District 22: Kevin Mullin* State Assembly District 24: Marc Berman^ San Mateo County Supervisor, District 5: David Canepa San Mateo County Harbor District: Sabrina Brennan* Daly City Council (vote for 2): Juslyn Manalo Jefferson Union High School District (vote for 2): Andrew Lie*, Kalimah Salahuddin* Mountain View City Council (vote for 4): Margaret Abe-Koga, "Sunnyvale City Councilmember Larry Klein addresses the club Chris Clark*^, Thida Cornes, Lucas Ramirez^ membership at their August endorsements meeting." Palo Alto City Council (vote for 4): Adrian Fine^, Liz Kniss*, Don McDougall, Greg Tanaka Sunnyvale, Seat 4: Larry Klein* The New Democrat 10 September 2016 Ann forgot to add “How many times.” Funnies by Janice • Donald Trump had an August fundraiser on the Peninsula at an undisclosed location. Not for security, but because no one in By Janice Hough, PDC Member the Bay Area wanted to admit to attending? • NJ Governor Chris Christie fired staffer Bill Stepien over • The times they are a changin' This quote from five years Bridgegate, calling him “deceitful,” Now NBC reports Donald ago: "Dick Cheney said Sunday that if Hillary Clinton were in the Trump has hired Stepien as his national field director “with a White House, "perhaps she might have been easier for some of focus on voter turnout in the final months of the campaign.” us who are critics of the president to work with." Of course, What does this really translate to, closing a few bridges in some would say that if Cheney hadn't been in the White House, Democratic precincts? Obama would have had fewer problems to work with." • Give the devil his due. I can’t stand Julian Assange of • A 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Oklahoma this morning, Wikileaks. But he has a point “‘from the point of view of an also rattling Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Nebraska, and investigative journalist organization like WikiLeaks, the problem Iowa. Maybe God is sending a message to red states? with the Trump campaign is that it’s actually hard for us to • Hillary Clinton, after Donald Trump attacked Arizona GOP publish much more controversial material than what comes out senator Jeff Flake “”There’s going to be no one left in Washington of Donald Trump’s mouth every second day,” for Trump to work with who he hasn’t insulted.” • Harold Bornstein, Trump’s doctor, wrote a note last fall And the Donald is thinking “She thinks I have to work with declaring the Donald to be the “healthiest individual ever elected anyone?” to the presidency.” Today Bornstein said he wrote the note in five • Reuters reports that Donald Trump has not paid “at least 10 minutes. top staffers, consultants and advisers. Some like Paul Manafort Well, of course, because Trump has the bestest doctor ever, are no longer working for him. Maybe the Donald thinks it was the fastest and bestest. enough that they worked on the biggest, the best, the very bestest campaign in history • It took a last minute scramble to get Donald Trump on the ballot in Minnesota as the party hadn’t submitted the required • Vladimir Putin on the DNC hacking “I don’t know anything names of electors who officially cast the state’s votes. Even in his about it, and on a state level Russia has never done this, But “the SNL days, Al Franken couldn’t make this “stuff” up. important thing is the content that was given to the public.” Just guessing those words spoken by someone who has pretty • After a new ad was released with KKK images, a Trump good assurances they aren’t on the hackers list? spokesman said “Hillary Clinton and her campaign went to a disgusting new low today as they released a video tying the • Facebook just changed their relationship status with SpaceX Trump Campaign with horrific racial images.” to “it’s complicated." Right, but videos demonizing refugees and immigrants, those • Governor RIck Scott has issued a hurricane warning for are all just part of how we make America great again. Florida, saying that Hermine could be “life-threatening.” Surprised he didn’t add a warning to President Obama to stay • Donald Trump said tonight his great wall at the Mexican out of the state’s business. border will be 35-45 feet tall, it could be higher. The Great Wall of China, by the way, averages 26 feet tall. Wonder how much of • Donald Trump believes that American-born children of Trump’s wall height will be his name in neon? illegals should be deported. So what does that mean IF it turns out Melania skirted immigration law with her visa? • Trump tweet. “Hillary Clinton’s short speech is pandering to the worst instincts in our society. She should be ashamed of • All of this outrage that donors to the Clinton Foundation herself!” might have done it to get access to the Clintons. As opposed to big campaign donors who give money to candidates out of the Guess he didn’t have enough characters also to tweet “That’s goodness of their hearts? MY job.” • After visiting mexico Trump said “we discussed the wall, we • Rush Limbaugh’s latest Obama attack is over the USDA’s did not discuss who would pay for the wall.” Then Nieto said “I “Rural Pride” program. which wants to have a ‘day of made it clear that Mexico will not pay for the wall” Then Trump conversation about the struggles of gay and transgender gave a speech saying Mexico would pay for the wall. individuals in rural America.” “What they’re trying to do is Maybe this is all preparation for the Donald’s next reality show convince lesbians to become farmers. They are trying to bust up “Dancing with the Truth.” one of the last geographically conservative regions in the country.” • Ann Coulter, in her book “In Trump We Trust” said “Until the bleeding has stopped, there’s nothing Trump can do that Well, with Trump these days, guess Limbaugh really has to up won’t be forgiven. Except change his immigration policies.” The New Democrat 11 October 2009 his game to get attention. force” met with Hispanic leaders over the weekend and reportedly spoke of dealing “humanely” with undocumented • Donald Trump said Monday on Fox that he had met with a immigrants already in the country, especially families. Though “top” Chicago PD officer to discuss how “tough police tactics” today he said “I’m not flip-flopping. We want to come up with a could help with violence in the city. After a rebuttal from the really fair, but firm answer.” police department Trump admitted he had just talked to a regular officer. So what, we deport them but everyone gets an aisle seat with free in-flight meals? I’m sure this is somehow Hillary’s fault. • As Trump criticizes Hillary Clinton over the Anthony Weiner • So one of Hillary Clinton’s weaknesses is an occasional mess, have to wonder, how happy is the Donald now that they defensiveness that opens her up to charges of Nixonian paranoia. didn’t have cellphones with cameras when he himself was in his younger days? But okay, really, given Trump as an alternative, Nixon himself would be looking pretty good. • So Donald Trump attacks Hillary Clinton over national security because of Huma Abedin & Anthony Weiner: Clearly a • Donald Trump ranted today about the Hollywood rant from a man who has no idea women can keep secrets from celebrities supporting Hillary Clinton “in many cases celebrities their husbands. who aren’t very hot anymore.” As opposed to Kirstie Alley and Scott Baio? • So is there a world leader Donald Trump hasn’t insulted or accused of lying, besides Putin? • Three GOP legislators from Louisiana asked for and got federal disaster relief from President Obama . They all had voted • Donald Trump was off to Mexico before his speech on against funding after Hurricane Sandy. “I am shocked,” said immigration. And Hillary Clinton was on the same day tweeting nobody. about the mental health crisis in America. Coincidence? • So is this really just about the Donald demonstrating he has • So while Donald Trump was in Mexico did he try to teach business sense? A report in the Huffington Post says that after them to make taco bowls as good as the ones in Trump Tower? Trump started accepting donor funds, he increased this campaign rent from $35,458 in March to $169,758 in July. • Why does everyone care so much about what Donald Trump said tonight about immigration. No doubt he will • Trump had a big public rally tonight in Austin. A free big probably will deny saying it tomorrow. rally in Texas? That would be like Hillary taking time now for free rallies in California. • Trump on his meeting with Mexico’s President Nieto “We did discuss the wall. We didn’t discuss payment of the wall.” • Melania Trump’s lawyer says she is threatening to sue the Well, with all those corporate bankruptcies this is probably the UK Daily Mail , along with U.S. based Politico and at least eight way the Donald is used to doing business. other news outlets for defamation. Yeah, she may have been born in Slovenia, but she’s definitely become a Trump alright.. • Donald Trump “It’s our right as a sovereign nation to choose immigrants that we think are the likeliest to thrive and • Donald Trump tonight on immigration “”I had a great flourish and love us.” Spoken by a man who has chosen meeting with great people, great Hispanic leaders, and there immigrants for two of his three wives. could certainly be a softening because we’re not looking to hurt people. We want people — we have some great people in this • Business Insider reports that Marco Gutierrez, who founded country. We have some great, great people in this country but “Latinos for Trump” said there could be “taco trucks on every we’re going to follow the laws of this country and what people corner” if the Donald isn’t elected. don’t realize — we have very, very strong laws.” Taco trucks? Hmm…Gutierrez might have just given a lot of Even Sarah Palin is going “huh?” Americans reasons to vote for Hillary. • The Canadian Coast Guard said on Sunday they had to rescue about 1,500 Americans taking part in the “Port Huron Float Down” on the St. Clair River between Michigan and Ontario. This after a rain and wind storm sent them illegally into Canadian territory. “They were terrified of entering another country without documentation. No one carries their passport or any ID, and a lot were drinking alcohol,” Waiting for Justin Trudeau to propose Canada’s own wall. • Donald Trump. who’s called for a “special deportation The New Democrat 12 September 2016 Picnic (Continued from page 1) The picnic also was a great opportunity for members to meet and chat casually with candidates and elected officials about critical issues facing the Democratic Party and the region. Thank you! Rather than attempt to list everyone and risk forgetting someone, as this year’s picnic chair, please allow me to offer my gratitude to several groups. Thank you to everyone who attended! Thank you to everyone who donated an item to the silent auction! Thank you to everyone who sponsored the Picnic or contributed a silent auction item! And special appreciation is due to all the volunteers who helped out before, during, and after the picnic. Lots of people pitched in, and we made it happen without a hitch! We are stronger together! The New Democrat 13 September 2016 and Political Science at U.C. Berkeley and co-author of Mobilizing Inclusion: Transforming the Electorate through Get-Out-the-Vote Campaigns. Cost: $50 (30 years and under)-to $20,000. For more CALENDAR information: 408-795-3780 or [email protected] . Space limited. Register early. OF EVENTS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 3:30-5:15 p.m. CANDIDATES FORUM: Mountain View City Council. (Doors open 3:30 p.m. Reception 5:15-7 p.m.)Where: Charlie’s MONTHLY MEETINGS Café, Google Bldg. 40, 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy., Mountain View Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee 94043. Candidates will discuss their vision for Mountain View and meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at answer audience questions. Sponsored by Google and the LWV of the 70 West Hedding, San Jose. Call 408/445-9500 for information. Anll are Los Altos Mountain View Area. welcome to attend. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 7-8:30 p.m. CANDIDATES FORUM: Los Altos City Council. San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee Where: Los Altos City Hall Council Chambers, 1 N. San Antonio meets for their General Meeting on the third Thursday of every month at Road, Los Altos 94022. Candidates will state their goals and answer 7:30pm at the Transport Workers Union, Local 505 building located at audience questions. Moderated by the LWV of Los Altos Mountain View. 1521 Rollins Road in Burlingame." Co-sponsored with the Los Altos Library. FREE and OPEN to ALL. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 7-8:30 p.m. CANDIDATES FORUM: Palo Alto The PDC Board of Directors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second School Board. WEDNESDAY of each month at the Palo Alto Unitarian Church, 505 East Where: Palo Alto School District Board Room, 25 Churchill Ave., Palo Charleston Road, Palo Alto, Fireside Room; all are welcome. Alto, 94301. Candidates will present their goals and answer audience questions. Sponsored by the LWVs of Palo Alto and Los Altos Mountain View. FREE and OPEN to ALL. EVENTS: SEPTEMBER 2016 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 9-10 a.m. “Java with Jerry in Half Moon Bay”, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. State Senator Jerry Hill, SD-13. Emerge California’s 2017 Recruitment Salon. Where: Granola’s Coffee House, 116 N. Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Where: Santa Clara Valley Labor Center Board Room (next to Bay, 94019. Join Jerry for a cup of coffee and conversation. Bring your Carpenters’ Union) 2102 Almaden Road, San Jose, 95125. Calling all ideas, questions, concerns about legislative issues affecting the Democratic women who want to make a difference by running for community. No RSVP or appointment necessary. Coffee provided not at elective office. taxpayers’ expense. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. DEADLINE to RSVP to attend Mobilizing SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 5-7 p.m. Reception Celebrating 85th the New American Majority. Birthday of Former Secretary Norm Mineta & Honoring U.S. Sponsored by Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte. Guest Congressman Mike Honda, (CD-17). Speaker: Chancellor’s Professor, Education and Political Science at U.C. Where: The home of Rod Diridon, Sr., and Gloria Duffy, 870 Camino Berkeley and co-author of Mobilizing Inclusion: Transforming the Drive, Santa Clara 95050. $2,700, $1,000, $500, $250. RSVP: Amanda Electorate through Get-Out-the-Vote Campaigns. Cost: $50 (30 years Bailey, [email protected] or 770-851-3916. Checks and under)-$20,000. For more information: 408-795-3780 or payable to Mike Honda for Congress and mailed to Mike Honda for [email protected] . Congress, 2050 Gateway Place, Suite 100, PMB 218, San Jose, CA FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2:30-4 p.m. Engaging in National Service: 95110. Contribute online at https://act.myngp.com/Forms/- Peace Corps Opportunities. 5918432039206385920 Join Congresswoman Jackie Speier, 330 West 20th Ave., San Mateo, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 3-5 p.m. Pros and Cons of the Ballot 94403. Whether you are a recent graduate or retired, learn how the Measures. Peace Corps can use your skills and desire to do good. Peace Corps Where: Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Rd., Los Altos director Carrie Hessler-Radelet and a recent volunteer returnee will Hills 94022. Explanation of ballot measures and Q&A. Hosted by Beth speak and answer questions. Am and the LWV of Palo Alto. FREE and OPEN to ALL. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, Pros and Cons of Ballot Measures. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 7 p.m. Wine and Cheese with Marc Where: Fairbrae Swim and Racquet Club, 696 Sheraton Dr. Berman, Palo Altos City Councilmember and Candidate for AD-24 seat. Sunnyvale, 94087. Sponsored by LWV of Cupertino-Sunnyvale. FREE Where: Community Room, 1330 University Ave., Menlo Park. RSVP: and OPEN to ALL. Lorri [email protected] ALL ARE WELCOME. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, Check-in: 2:30 p.m., Program: 3 p.m., WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 7-8:30 p.m. CANDIDATES FORUM: Town of Reception: 4:30 p.m. Foreign Policy Challenges for the Next President. Los Altos Hills. Guest Speaker: Jeremy Weinstein, Professor of Political Science and Where: Town of Los Altos Hills Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Senior Fellow at the Stanford Freeman Spogli Institute for International Rd., Los Altos Hills 94022. Candidates will state their goals and answer Studies, former Deputy to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. audience questions. Sponsored/Moderated by LWV of Los Altos Where: Outdoor setting, 75 Tuscaloosa Ave., Atherton, 94027. Mountain View. FREE and OPEN to ALL. Cost: Council Members: $10; Non-Members: $15; Students: $5. Pre- THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 6:30-8 p.m. RENT CONTROL FORUM paid, advanced reservations required. Seating limited. Sponsored by the MEASURES V & W. Peninsula Chapter of the World Affairs Council. Where: Mountain View Senior Center, 266 Escuela Ave., Mountain MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 10-11:30 p.m. Brain Aneurysm Panel View 94040. Sponsored by the LWV of Los Altos Mountain View. The Disussion. League will explain the two ballot measures, followed by a Q&A. FREE Where: UCSF Mission Bay, Genentech Hall, Byers Auditorium, 600 and OPEN to ALL. 16th Street, San Francisco, 94158. Hosted by Congresswoman Jackie [PDC MEMBERS: Please email your local October Election/Issues Speier, CD-14. Events of interest to Democrats by Sunday eves to Carol Kuiper, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mobilizing the New American [email protected] .] Majority. Where: Downtown Palo Alto. Sponsored by Planned Parenthood Additional calendar listings are available on the Advocates Mar Monte. Guest Speaker: Chancellor’s Professor, Education PDC website as they become available. DEM The Peninsula Democratic Coalition LA O U C P.O. Box 97 S R N A Los Altos, CA 94023-0097 I T T T T N I I I I C C E E E E P P C O N September 2016 A LITI O Printed on 100% recycled paper. C The New Democrat Published monthly by The Peninsula Democratic Coalition DEM LA O U C S R N A I T T T T N I I I I C C E E E E P P C O N Sponsors A LITI O (Continued from page 4) P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023-0097 President: Nicole Fernandez • Ken Dauber , Palo Alto Unified School District Board Member Vice President: Judy Plaska • Adrian Fine , Candidate, Palo Alto City Council Editor: Emy Thurber • Neysa Fligor , Candidate Los Altos City Council Design/Layout: Kristen Lohnes Johnson • Davina Hurt , Belmont City Councilmember Email: [email protected] • Cameron Johnson , San Carlos City Councilmember Web site: www.peninsulademocrats.com • Larry Klein , Candidate, Sunnyvale City Council Opinions expressed in signed columns represent • Peter Landsberger , Candidate, Foothill DeAnza Community views of the author and are not necessarily official College District positions of the PDC. • Don McDougall , Candidate, Palo Alto City Council • Julia Miller , El Camino Hospital and Healthcare District, For advertising rates, email Kristen Johnson at Director [email protected] • Kevin Mullin , Assemblymember, AD-22 The Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) is • Claire Noonan , PDC Member chartered by the Santa Clara County Democratic • Jan Pepper , Los Altos City Councilmember & Candidate for Central Committee, and affiliated with the California Reelection Democratic Council (CDC) www.cdc-ca.org • Donna & Darwin Poulos , PDC Member The Peninsula Young Democrats (PYD) is a group within • Mary Prochnow , Los Altos City Councilmember the PDC for members under age 36; the PYD is • Lucas Ramirez , Candidate, Mountain View City Council affiliated with the California Young Democrats. • Greg Tanaka , Candidate, Palo Alto City Council • Emy & Jim Thurber • Camille Townsend , Palo Alto Unified Board of Education • Cory Wolbach , Palo Alto City Council Please note: Titles are for identifying purposes only. 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