TThhee NNeeww DDeemmooccrraatt A Publication of the Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) November/December 2015
Mark Your Mark Your Calendar! Calendar! PDC Holiday Party Day: Saturday, December 12 State Time: 7-10 p.m. of the Place: Jim & Emy Thurber’s house CITIES 694 Benvenue in Los Altos Cost: $5 and kids are free! Everyone Mayor’s Panel bring something to share, appetizers and finger foods Sunday, November 15, 2015 better than desserts although 11:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m. some desserts are fine and nothing red to stain the carpet! Michael’s at Shoreline Restaurant 2960 N. Shoreline Blvd See page 5 for more information. Mountain View, CA 94043 Lunch Buffet Cost: $25 Members, $30 Non-members RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Please RSVP and PAY by Wednesday, November 11 .
Reservations and payment can be made online at www.peninsulademocrats.com/mayorspanel
To RSVP by US Mail, checks must be received by Wednesday, November 11 . The admission fee includes lunch. Make checks payable to PDC. Note: Mayor’s Panel. Mail to PDC, P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023 For questions, call Carol at (650) 941-8190. www.peninsulademocrats.com The New Democrat 2 November/December 2015
them know that you support increased gun control. Talk to your neighbors and friends about your concerns. Give a voice to these victims of gun violence. None of this is going to change overnight, but we bring sunlight to the issue by making it a point of discussion with our President’s loved ones. Nothing motivates someone quicker than making it personal - making it about how safe our children are in our Column neighborhoods, our homes, and our schools. The long list of tragedies serves to show us that nowhere is safe and no Nicole Fernandez community is immune to gun violence. The only real way to prevent it is to remove these weapons from our neighborhoods.
Dear Democrats, Santa Clara County Democratic Club It was with a and co-sponsor heavy heart that I Peninsula Democratic Coalition learned about the present tragedy that Carla Marinucci - occurred at Umpqua Community College POLITICO’s California Playbook reporter and former a few weeks ago in San Francisco Chronical senior political writer Roseburg, Oregon. on Innocent students “2016 Outlook—What Surprises Are Ahead?” went to a college Santa Clara County DemocraticN Clubovember 16, 2015 classroom that day to andH co-sponsorarry’s Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Ave., San Jose Peninsula Democratic Coalition learn, not knowing Dinner 6 PM, Meeting 7 PM that that would be present their last day on earth because an emotionally unstable young Marinucci has covered five presidential man decided to take out his frustrations on fellow students. elections and six gubernatorial elections in And with the losses of these lives, our nation will be outraged California. She has travelled to Mexico and (for a little while), and mourn (for a little while,) perhaps look for China with Governors Arnold answers (for a little while,) and – when nothing can be done at Schwarzenegger and Gray Davis, and has the moment to change things – attention will divert elsewhere, reported on state and national politics from and life will go on. We'll associate the word “Roseburg” with the caucuses and primaries around the country event that occurred a few weeks ago and reference it in the same since 1996. She was awarded a Lifetime sad, low tone that we use when we talk about other perfectly Achievement Award by the Society for Professional Journalists and has been consistently named one preventable acts of gun violence – Charleston,Virginia Tech, Carla Marinucci Columbine, Aurora, Sandy Hook, and too many others to name. of California’s top political reporters by professional POLITICO’sorg Californiaanizatio Playbookns and treporterhe Washington Post. She has appeared With this tragedy fresh in our minds, now is the time toand en formeract San Francisco Chronical senior political writer regularly as an analyst on KPIX, KQED, where she was a stronger gun laws at the federal level. According to the Center for on perennial panelist on “This Week in Northern California,” and Disease Control, over 30,000 American lives are taken2016 by g uOutlook—Whatn Surprises Are Ahead? violence each year. I am pleased that many of our presidential radio and television stations around the country, including candidates have voiced support for “sensible” gun control. NovemberCNN, MS N16,B C2015, Al Jazeera and major networks. Although the state of California has had significant success in Harry’sFor m Hofbrauore information, call Shirley Odou at 408-247-9513. 390 Saratoga Ave., San Jose implementing significant legislation to limit the number of guns Dinner 6 PM, Meeting 7 PM on our streets (including the trailblazing Gun VioleMarinuccince R hases coveredtrain ifiveng presidential elections and six gubernatorial elections in California. She has trav- Order law), we have not had the same success natelledion toa lMexicoly. and China with Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gray Davis, and has reported on state and national politics from caucuses and primaries around the country since 1996. She was awarded a Let's not allow this massacre to be another bulleLifetimet poi Achievementnt on a Awardlist by the Society for Professional Journalists and has been consistently named one of California’s top political reporters by professional organizations and the Washington Post. She has that chronicles acts of gun violence in our nation. Iappearedf you regularlyfeel a ass an analyst on KPIX, KQED, where she was a perennial panelist on “This Week in passionate about this issue as I do, do something aNorthernbout iCalifornia,”t. and radio and television stations around the country, including CNN, MSNBC, Al Jazeera and major networks. Educate yourself on this issue by visiting the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (smartgunlaws.org), and see with your owForn more information, call Shirley Odou at 408-247-9513. eyes the shocking statistics they show about the number of crimes involving guns each year, then find an activist organization working on this issue like the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Do you know who this Violence (bradycampaign.org), and see how you can get involved. elected offical is? Find the Hold your elected officials accountable – from city council up to answer inside on page 6. president. Call your Senators, Members of Congress, State Senators, Assembly Members, and every level in between and let The New Democrat 3 November/December 2015 Progressive Bills Signed! Martin’s By Zack Ross, PDC Board Member
EDITORIAL This was a great year for the State Government, as the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, a number of critical and progressive bills. I am going to lay out and briefly summarize A political cartoon, reprinted in The Week (October 23), five of the most important bills that were recently signed into law shows a woman horrified by television news of “Nine people by the Governor. shot dead in the city,” the second panel shows her relaxed and AB 1461- Motor Voter Law (Gonzalez) saying “just the usual” as the TV story continues with “in nine AB 1461 substantially changes for the better the voter separate incidents.” Therein lies one of the problems facing registration process in California. Now, when someone goes to proponents of sensible gun legislation. the DMV for a new driver’s license or to renew a driver’s license, From Wikipedia: they are automatically registered to vote. Whereas there was According to the Centers for Disease Control and always the option to “opt in” to voter registration when enrolling Prevention, in 2013, firearms (excluding BB and pellet with the DMV, now registration is the default, and people have guns) were used in 84,258 nonfatal injuries (26.65 per the option to instead “opt out.” Secretary of State Padilla 100,000 U.S. citizens) and 11,208 deaths by homicide sponsored this bill, and the hope is to decrease the number of (3.5 per 100,000), 21,175 by suicide with a firearm, 505 eligible-but-unregistered voters from over 6 million people, deaths due to accidental discharge of a firearm, and 281 mostly minorities. The over all goal of the bill is to both increase deaths due to firearms-use with “undetermined intent” registered voters and subsequently increase our dismal voter for a total of 33,169 deaths related to firearms turnout and civic participation at large. (excluding firearm deaths due to legal intervention). SB 350- Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act (De Leon) 1.3% of all deaths in the country were related to SB 350 is a critical piece of legislation to combat the excessive firearms. emissions of greenhouse gases and, more generally, the harmful In 2010, gun violence cost U.S. taxpayers effects of climate change. This bill mandates that fifty percent of approximately $516 million in direct hospital costs. energy come from renewable sources by 2030. While promoting renewable energy is clearly an important objective, and the bill The horrific mass shootings grab headlines, inspire speeches continues to establish California as the gold standard for from elected officials, and spur calls for gun legislation while they environmental protection regulation, the Act leaves something to represent a small part of the problem posed by guns in the be desired. Near the end of the legislative session, an extremely United States. significant portion of the bill, which mandated that California The political problem follows. Legislation is proposed; the gun decrease petroleum usage by fifty percent by 2030, was lobby argues that bill would not deter another mass murder; and removed. In conclusion, this is a fantastic bill, but more can and the issue is put off until the next mass killing. needs to be done. Laws are passed to allow guns on college campus under the AB-2X 15- Death with Dignity Bill (Eggman) mistaken theory that an armed student could protect classmates This bill, similar to the Motor Voter Bill, was modeled after against a lunatic. The counter argument should not attack that existing legislation in Oregon. As probably the most heavily faulty premise, but should point out that it is irrelevant to the publicized bill in this year’s legislative session, it likely requires issue. More guns on campuses will result in more one on one little explanation. The bill permits a doctor to prescribe lethal shootings; more guns on campus is a bad idea even if it would medicine to a terminally ill patient if he or she is found to be reduce the toll from a killer intent on finding random victims. mentally competent. The Right to Die Bill is close to the hearts of The NRA and the gun lobby pose another problem for many, as it allows individuals the opportunity to die with the proponents of sensible legislation. A well-funded, single-issue dignity that each person deserves. group can exert undue influence on the political process. That SB 277- Vaccine Bill (Pan) group is willing to attack a candidate, or incumbent, who Where the Right to Die Bill may have been the most heavily opposes them on the single issue even if they agree on publicized, this bill was probably the most contentious. The everything else. It is difficult to oppose fanatics of that stripe. Vaccine Bill makes up-to-date on vaccinations a prerequisite to From a political standpoint it is difficult to oppose the fanatic - children attending school. A debunked theory of a link between there is a large potential downside and a small potential benefit. vaccinations and autism created a fear among some that led to The NRA strategy has worked so far; it will continue to work decreasing vaccination rates. As a result, devastating diseases unless and until the voting public makes it clear that the that we had previously cured were reemerging. The Vaccine Bill regulation of guns is a good thing and NRA support is a bad thing. was introduced to address this problem by removing the personal Martin Gorfinkel belief exemption. People are still able to get exemptions for medical reasons. 2014 Bill AB 2028 Vote By Mail Pilot Program (Mullin) RENEW YOUR PDC MEMBERSHIP! Okay, this is a cheap, unsolicited plug for my boss’ bill, but it is See page 4 for renewal form! (Continued on page 6) The New Democrat 4 November/December 2015
PENINSULA DEMOCRATIC COALITION ATTENTION: JOIN or RENEW your PDC membership now!
If you are joing the PDC, we welcome you ! If you are renewing your membership, we thank you for your continued participation and membership!! Enjoy the benefits of many fine PDC events and the monthly newsletter, The New Democrat . Your membership will last until December 31!
r NEW r RENEWAL r Individual Membership ($35 per year) r Household ($40 per year) r Students/Seniors ( $25 per year) If you get the PDC r I want a $10 DISCOUNT ON DUES IF I RECEIVE THE monthly newsletter via email! GO GREEN! MONTHLY NEWSLETTER VIA EMAIL Email (please print): ______r I/we also want to join the Peninsula Young Democrats (35 years or younger) (no additional cost but please provide birthdate(s) ______) r I/we would like to make an extra donation to support the work of the PDC , such as: • support local Democratic candidates and help fund the North County Democratic Headquarters • fund the Stanford Democrats (which, under University rules, is not allowed to charge its members dues) Enclosed is my additional contribution for: r $25 r $50 r $100 r $250 r $500 r $1,000 r Other: How did you hear about the PDC? ______Name (please print) ______Address ______City______State______Zip ______Business Phone ______Home Phone ______Email for PDC news/alerts: ______State law requires the following information if making a contribution of $100 or more: Occupation ______Employer ______Thank you for your generous support! Please make checks payable to Peninsula Democratic Coalition and mail to: P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023-0097 or join online at www.peninsulademocrats.com/join.htm 2016 Contributions are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions. The New Democrat 5 November/December 2015
Come to the PD C Annual Holiday Party
The Annual Holiday Party has been a local Please: In honor of California's place as the Democratic Club tradition for over thirty years. It is premier Blue State, and in consideration of a time when candidates and club members share the Thurbers' light-colored carpet, no red ideas, plans, and good food. This year we will talk beverages or red foods. No red wine, no beet of victories to come in 2016!! juice, no tomato or cranberry juice. And no The party will be held at the home of Jim & Emy strawberry shortcake! (Red clothing for the Thurber at 694 Benvenue in Los Altos. The date is holiday season is fine.) Saturday, December 12 . The time is 7-10 p.m. To get to the party find El Monte Road in You can call the Thurbers at (650) 948-8259 for Los Altos: more information. If you come from Foothill Expressway or Cuesta, The party is no host. We ask you to bring finger turn toward El Camino on El Monte. Benvenue will food, hors d'oeuvres, or a dessert to share. A $5 be the second right past Cuesta. contribution will be requested at the door to If you come from El Camino, Benvenue is the help the PDC cover the cost of the other second left past the four-way stop signs at refreshments served. Hawthorne. A holiday party tradition that antedates the PDC Continue along Benvenue past the stop sign at is the collection of non-perishable food and Clark. The street makes a U-Turn and you keep monetary contributions for the Los Altos-Mountain going. The party is on your right about halfway View Community Service. Bring canned or down the block past the bend. packaged food and/or a check made out to CSA. See you there!! The need for their service is greater than ever! The New Democrat 6 November/December 2015
renewable power, energy prices lower or at parity with PG&E’s, revenue retention for local energy projects, and jobs from investments in local renewable energy and efficiency. Both San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties are in the process of establishing CCE programs.
Michael Closson is a climate activist currently working to establish community choice energy in Silicon Valley. Last year he co-authored a report for the Sierra Club: A Status Report on Climate Protection Activities in San Mateo and Santa Clara Bay Area Cities Start to Counties.
Combat Climate Change Bills (Continued from page 3) By Michael Closson very important and coming into effect this year, so it kind of fits the call of the question. This vote-by-mail pilot program operates Climate change is upon us and urgent action is required avoid in San Mateo County only for local and in-county elections. The its most devastating impacts. Given Congressional resistance to significance of this bill for San Mateo is obvious, as there has been addressing this awesome threat, it is imperative that state and historically low turnout in the county as-of-late. However, the local governments step up to the plate. importance of this bill will be felt across the full state. When other Fortunately, significant climate action is underway here in states like Oregon and Colorado passed universal vote by mail California. In 2006, our state government passed AB 32, the laws, California tried to do the same. However, the attempt failed California Global Warming Solutions Act. It mandates that the because there was no proof that, although successful in other state’s greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by states, this scheme worked in California. With the advent of the 2020 – a substantial 20% reduction from the 2006 emissions San Mateo pilot program (and a couple others), California can level. Even greater GHG emissions reductions are targeted for now establish the efficacy of vote by mail here, in our own ensuing years. counties, to eventually endorse universal vote-by-mail across the Cities in the Bay Area have jumped on the climate action whole state. This bill, like the Motor Voter Bill, is designed to bandwagon and it is very appropriate for them to do so. They are increase voter turnout and civic participation. ground zero for climate change impacts, activities in them I hope this brief breakdown of some of the most important bills generate about 50% of the state’s GHG emissions, and they are from this year’s session was enlightening. California is often on the natural laboratories for experimenting with climate solutions. forefront of promoting progressive values—from protecting the My colleague Julie Allingham and I found in a recent survey of environment, to promoting civic participation, to providing a 33 cities in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties that all of the voice to the voiceless. It is extremely encouraging to see that this cities have conducted baseline community-wide GHG emissions year was no exception to that trend. I am excited for upcoming inventories and 31 have developed climate action plans to years to see what this legislature and Governor can get done. reduce those emissions.
Common municipal actions undertaken by cities include
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treatment plants as an energy source. n
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To help the citizenry reduce its carbon footprint, many cities e
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pursue right now is shifting to “Community Choice Energy.” M
n a S n i s e i t i c 3 1 f o t r a p r o l l a s e s s a p m o c n e h c i h w , t c i r t s i
Already functioning well in Sonoma and Marin Counties, CCE d
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? I m a o h W ) e g a p k c a b ( r e w s n all interested residents and businesses. A The benefits of CCE are: local control of energy, more The New Democrat 7 November/December 2015
literature, hoping to push them over the edge and past the finish line. The folks we’ve helped out this election cycle include Ann Young Voices Schneider in Millbrae; Nirmala Bandrapalli in Burlingame; Brought to you Davina Hurt and Doug Kim in Belmont; and Shelly Masur, Ian by the Bain, and Alicia Aguirre in Redwood City. We endorsed numerous others, though, which can be found on the PYD webpage. As the Presidential election heats up, we’ve seen our club’s membership begin to grow. Young people are definitely becoming PYD Has Been Busy! increasingly intrigued by what’s happening at the federal level. However, many of our members are also concerned about local issues. One of the biggest concerns, of course, is the cost of housing. Too many young people are paying an arm and a leg to live on the Peninsula—where they can be close to work and live a more sustainable lifestyle. The struggles we face, however, pale in comparison to the displacement experienced by working class families. As Democrats, we value diverse communities and believe that a community is strongest when it’s inclusive. That’s why we’ve decided to give this particular issue more attention. Our club has formed an ad hoc Housing Resolution Committee, which is in the process of drafting a resolution. We hope this resolution will describe the strategies we want communities to pursue to address the housing crisis. The crisis is multifaceted and complex, so breaking it down won’t be an easy job. However, it’s an issue that’s too important to ignore. We hope that city leaders all across the Peninsula step up to address this issue in any way possible; and any elected official who does, know that you’ll have our club’s full support. Pictured left to right are Noveed Safipour, Burlingame city council candidate Nirmala Bandrapalli, Treasurer Andrew Heaton, Nicole Fernandez, and Political Director Matt Savage. Raging Grannies Rally Against Climate Change
Jules and Nicole were phone banking for Davina Hurt and Doug Kim in Belmont.
The Peninsula Young Democrats have been a busy bunch lately! Back in late August, we endorsed candidates running for office in San Mateo County. And for the candidates in contentious races, we’ve been doing our best to help out. Over Kate Forrest (left), PDC Board Member, is part of the Raging the last few weeks, PYD has scheduled 5 different Days of Action Grannies who care about the environment. She participated with to help get the candidates who resonate with us elected into Climate Change 350.org SV Rally recently in Mountain View. office. We’ve knocked on doors, made calls, and distributed The New Democrat 8 November/December 2015
absorbed from the atmosphere; and the amount of carbon dioxide taken from the air by plants. Urban features associated with high energy use and high PDC Climate impact on global warming include: • Single-family houses, widely spread out, with much land used for roads and sidewalks; Team Report • Businesses and industrial areas far from where most people live; • Most people using motor vehicles to get to work, shop, etc.; • Not much insulation in houses and buildings, so reliance on furnaces and air conditioners; • Dark roofs on houses and buildings, and dark asphalt on streets (dark surfaces absorb light and heat in the daytime, then radiate it out during the night, thus creating urban heat islands https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_heat_island ); • Coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas as energy sources for heating, cooling, and electricity. Urban features associated with lower energy use and lower or even beneficial effect on climate: • Dense housing, with many condominiums and apartment buildings; • Many trees and “pocket parks” in the urban areas—trees store carbon, as well as providing shade and beauty; • Shopping areas and businesses within reasonable walking or CITIES and CLIMATE CHANGE bicycling distance of where people live; It’s clear that humanity will have to take action to try to slow • Mass transit (buses, trains, light rail) and shared vehicles and reverse global warming, and that there’s no time to waste. (cars or bicycles); However, each of us taking individual and household actions will • Well-insulated and properly designed buildings, to keep not be enough. Group action is needed to change the complex them warm in winter and cool in summer; fossil fuel-dependent systems in which we have grown up and • Reflective roofs on houses and other buildings, and light- now live. colored buildings; It’s being recognized that city-level decisions can have major • Solar panels on buildings and on “shades” over parking lots; impact on how people live, how much energy they use, and the • Use of Community Choice Energy (CCE, see sources of that energy. We are in a position to influence those http://www.localcleanenergy.org/policy- decisions. platform/community-choice ), which is being considered in Cities and towns are the smallest collective political entities in both San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. which most of us live. Mayors and city council members are What good can city climate actions have for local residents? particularly aware of the impacts of the changing climate on their Energy efficiency measures save taxpayers money and save local population, including the poor and disadvantaged, not only innocent people from respiratory and other diseases. the wealthy. These include health, safety, droughts and floods, Mayors also have economic incentives to act, because people and extreme weather events and storms. These city leaders are want to live in cities with clean air and where people want to also likely to be responsive to local citizens’ demands for action. live, businesses want to invest. Can city-level actions make a difference globally? Urban In addition to having health, fiscal and economic incentives to centers are now home to about half of the global population. act, mayors have the ability to do take climate-positive actions. According to the World Bank, “Cities and the people who live in Cities often manage their transportation networks and building them account for more than 80 percent of the world’s total stocks, which tend to be the two most important drivers of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, more than 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Research has shown that by investing the overall annual global costs of adaptation to climate change in climate-smart buildings, transportation and waste are estimated to be borne by urban areas.” Those adaptation management, cities could reduce C02 emissions by 8 gigatons a costs are expected to be $80 billion to $100 billion per year. year — about 25 percent of the world’s annual total — while Well managed, well designed, dense cities will be essential if saving an estimated $17 trillion by midcentury. we are to meet the greenhouse gas emission targets (http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-10-08/all- Some of the city level conditions that can affect climate climate-change-is-local ) change and energy use are the amount of energy used for The upcoming PDC luncheon on Sunday, November 15, will transportation; energy used for heating and cooling of public feature four local mayors as speakers. Will they talk about buildings, business structures, and residences; design and location climate change as one of their top concerns? Ask them! of buildings; the energy sources used; the amount of heat Katherine Forrest The New Democrat 9 November/December 2015
immerse myself in politics: coming out as gay. As with many people who grapple with questions about their sexual orientation, it was a process that took time and involved a lot of internal tumultuous conflicts. I did not fully accept being gay and come out until I was 21 in early 2010—right around the time Congress was debating Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. The rhetoric and talking points from the far-right social conservatives felt like a knife in the gut. It made me upset. It made me angry. Their on the PDC Board tactics inspired me to speak out, and I began getting more involved in politics. After graduating, I traveled to North Carolina, where I helped Noveed Safipour organize grassroots fundraising efforts for different progressive- minded non-profits, including the American Civil Liberties Union. I later would help out with marriage equality campaigns in various states, including working on the campaign to win marriage equality in New Jersey. The work was challenging, stressful, and, to be blunt, not always financially viable. So I eventually moved back to the Bay Area, where I now work as a technical writer. I still maintain a passion for the many issues I care about—and many of them are personal for me, too! I am half Iranian- American, one quarter Mexican-American, one quarter Scottish- American (and, as I like to add, 100% American J), so our policies in the Middle East and immigration reform are two other issues I care quite deeply about. I’m very proud of President Obama’s recent deal with Iran and am quite confident that if it remains in place, it will mean great things for America, Iran, and the world. Other pet political issues of mine include housing, fighting Climate Change, and comprehensive sex education. When I’m not engaging in political activism, I’m often running, biking, reading, or working on fiction writing or essays—I studied For a long time, when it came to politics, I was a typical creative writing in college, and I haven’t given it up since. For Millennial. As recently as high school (only 8 years ago for me), now, though, I’m mostly enjoying life wherever it takes me and like many people in my generation, I had a liberal mindset. I trying to do as much good as I can. And I’m glad that my political resented the Republican Party and their eagerness for war, their mobilization has helped me realize the ways in which both conservative social viewpoint, and their cronyism with the myself and others can make a difference. wealthiest of Americans. However, I was also very disenchanted with politics in general. I didn’t believe I had a voice. I saw problems, but I didn’t see ways that I could make a difference. Politics, to me, felt like a big waste of time, and I didn’t see the value in taking action. Obviously, my perspective on politics has changed slightly. I now spend many of my evenings attending political events and engaging in activism, regarding issues at the local, state, and federal level. I’m also now serving as President of the Peninsula Young Democrats. What changed? My path to political activism was gradual, but ultimately, I became more and more involved in politics because for me, politics became personal. After graduating from Saratoga Do you have something brilliant to say about the political High School in the South Bay, I attended college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where I started paying closer attention landscape today? Does something really get your goat to current events. After President Obama’s election in 2008, I and you want to share it with everyone? The next became increasingly disturbed by Congressional Republicans’ year will be filled with lots to talk about so send us your obstructionist tactics, especially in regards to the Affordable Care Act. I could not understand why anyone would object to making stories! Submissions subject to review and acceptance by the healthcare more attainable. As my parents were unemployed at Editorial Board. the time and paying costly health insurance premiums, the issue Send with subject line “PDC editorial” to resonated with me especially. [email protected] . Something much more personal, however, caused me to The New Democrat 10 November/December 2015
Suggested Donations: $1,000, $500, $250, $100 RSVP at http://www.yesfairelections.org/pete or call Nancy CALENDAR Neff at (650) 858-2436. PDC Co-Sponsored Event Sunday, Nov 15, 2-3:30 p.m. OF EVENTS Divesting Fossil Fuels from Your Portfolio: A Forum for Individual Investors. MONTHLY MEETINGS Where: First Presbyterian of Palo Alto, 1140 Cowper St., Palo Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee Alto 94301 meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Monday, Nov 16, 8:30 a.m. Conference; Noon 70 West Hedding, San Jose. Call 408/445-9500 for information. Luncheon Celebrating 10 years of Emerge America’s Impact with CA Anll are welcome to attend. Attorney General Kamala Harris, Candidate for US Senate and MA Attorney General Maura Healey. The PDC Board of Directors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Where: Grand Hyatt San Francisco, CA 345 Stockton St, San WEDNESDAY of each month at the Palo Alto Unitarian Church, Francisco 94108 505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, Fireside Room,; all are Sponsorships $25,000-$1,000; Supporter $500; Luncheon $250 RSVP: https://emerge.ngpvanhost.com/content/ambition- welcome. action-celebrating-10-years-emerge-americas-impact EVENTS: NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 Tuesday, Nov 17, 6-8:30 p.m. Community Dialogue: Shall Silicon Valley Communities Have Greener Thursday, Nov 12, 6-8 p.m. Energy Choices? Reception Honoring Congressman Mike Honda, CD-17, with special Where: Community Room, Sunnyvale Community Center, guest John L. Burton, Chair of the CA Democratic Party and former 550 Remington Dr. Sunnyvale Congressman Sponsored by Community Choice Energy Partnership (CCE). Where: Home of Frank H. Jernigan and Andrew M. Faulk, Space is limited. Registration M.D., Millennium Tower, Downtown San Francisco (Address “fill-in-the-blank.” Funnies by Janice • U.S. authorities this week found a U.S.-Mexico border tunnel stretching the length of 8 football fields long, from Tijuana to San By Janice Hough, PDC Member Diego, with lighting, electricity and a rail system. Sounds like these are the kind of folks Trump might want to build that wall. • The number of confirmed Shigella infections has risen to So much for all those who think Donald Trump has never faced 141 in an outbreak traced to a San Jose, CA restaurant. So waiting real adversity – “It’s not been easy for me. I started off in for N.C. senator Thom Tillis to reiterate his Feb. 2015 comments Brooklyn, my father gave me a small loan of $1 million. ” of how obligatory hand-washing rules are an example of • Mike Tyson is now saying that Trump “should be president government overreach. of the United States.” Makes sense, the Donald can be the official • Maine voters this fall have “Question 1”, a citizen initiative candidate of those who’ve been hit on the head too many times. to strengthen the state’s Clean Election Act . It requires more • Fox News’ Jeanine Pirro, slamming Hillary Clinton, “I donor transparency, and would allow candidates that are being watched as the hearing devolved from a search for the truth to heavily outspent by their opponents to re-qualify for additional theater, political theater.” Uh, doesn’t political theater describe the public financing by collecting more small-dollar contributions. whole GOP Benghazi witch hunt in the first place? Governor Paul LePage says “that’s like giving my wife my • Governor Greg Abbott wants to make “sanctuary cities” checkbook. I’m telling you, it’s giving your wife your checkbook.” illegal in Texas. Can someone really make Abbott’s head explode Wow., that’s misogynistic enough you wonder if LePage is and propose a Texas law that would require checking someone’s hoping to be a GOP running mate. immigration status when they try to buy a gun? • President Obama compared Republicans to Grumpy Cat. • The LA Times reports that a survey found 39% of L.A. Prompting calls for an apology…. from Grumpy Cat. millennials ‘chronically stressed’ about money. Presumably the • While most agree Hillary Clinton is smart, some of the other 61% are living with their parents. buzzwords used against her are “Machiavellian,” • Chris Christie was kicked out of an Amtrak “quiet car” in “ambitious,””ruthless,” “duplicitous,” etc. Just thinking, what if October.. I am sure that has nothing to with what might be a the Dems ran a woman who was just considered smart, sweet, number of unexpected New Jersey rail bridge closures this fall. kind and understanding? Then the GOP would say she was naive • Former Majority Leader Tom DeLay said that if President and by no means tough enough to lead in a tough world of Barack Obama issues an executive order to require background cunning male leader checks on some gun sales, the House should consider • In Israel, a cafe owner is offering 50% off to Jewish and Arab impeachment proceedings. Is Delay nuts? Of course the House customers who eat at the same table. If this catches on maybe should not impeach Obama over such an action – now, another some brave restaurant owner in the U.S could do the same for Congressional committee to investigate Hillary over her potential Democrats and Republicans. involvement, sure, why not? • You know, between investigating Benghazi and Hillary’s • Joe Biden said tonight he didn’t run for President simply emails, not to mention trying to repeal Obamacare and defund because at this point he “couldn’t win.” Uh, that hasn’t stopped Planned Parenthood, it shouldn’t be surprising that the GOP- most of the GOP field. ledCongress can’t get anything done – they don’t have time for • Ben Carson said today he is against abortion in all cases, and anything else. cited “the many stories of people who have led very useful lives • As the Republicans continue to go after Hillary for the who were the result of rape or incest.” Of course, this is the same deaths in Benghazi have to wonder, would they be giving her a bit Dr. Carson who is against welfare because he thinks it says ‘You more of a break if after the attack she had gotten Obama to can’t take care of yourself and I’m going to give you food stamps, invade Grenada? a housing subsidy and free health care….” So, basically Carson is • Benghazi committee chair Trey Gowdy when asked what telling poor girls and women who are victims of rape and incest new information they got from their 11 hour questioning of that they are screwed twice over. Hillary Clinton “In terms her testimony, I don’t know if she • As Jeb’s campaign basically seems to be circling the train, testified that differently today than she’s previously testified.” maybe it’s time to rewrite conventional wisdom on the Bushes – Well, that’s certainly enough reason to convene another special George H.W. actually looks to be the “smart one.” committee. • Mitt Romney to the Boston Globe this week. “Without • Donald Trump retweeted a tweet saying “Ben Carson is now Romneycare, I don’t think we would have Obamacare.” You leading in the polls in Iowa Too much Monsanto in the corn know Obamacare is working when Mitt is back to taking credit. creates issues in the brain?” And of course Iowans were furious. • Matt Drudge is now commenting on Hillary Clinton’s Now Trump tweeted “the young intern who accidentally did a occasional coughs during the 11-hour Benghazi hearings, saying Retweet apologizes.” Would that be the Donald’s excuse as that and her slow speaking, “obviously induced by meds.” were President if he insults one of our allies? signs of serious health issues. Well, hell then, let’s have a • A study published in Current Biology found the louder the Congressional committee created to see if Hillary is being honest howler monkey, the smaller his testicles. Does this really need a about her health. punchline? • First Jim Webb, now it’s bye bye Lincoln Chafee. Say what • Joe Biden says he is not running for President, saying there is you want about Democrats, but at least they know when to give not enough time to mount an effective campaign. And about a up on hopeless Presidential campaigns. Yes, I’m talking about you (Continued on back page) 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 November/December 2015 A LITI O Printed on 100% recycled paper. C Funnies (Continued from page 11) dozen GOP candidates are saying “What’s an effective campaign?” • Texas Monthly wrote this week about a phrase they use in Norway to describe a situation as “totally crazy” – “Helt Texas.” (The literal translation, “quite Texas.”) Apparently not many Norwegians have been to Florida? • Now that Paul Ryan is making time with his family a requirement for his being Speaker maybe he can use his clout to get the “Family Medical and Insurance Leave” act out of purgatory in the House Ways and Means Committee where it has been languishing this year. Wonder if he knows the chair of the committee? ((Ryan IS the chair of the committee.) DEM LA O Am trying to imagine what the GOP would do if Hillary U C S R Clinton said one non-negotiable thing if she becomes President N A I T T T T N I I I would be making some time every week for her granddaughter. I C C E E E E P Bristol Palin has apparently come to a child support P agreement with her first baby daddy Levi Johnston. Which is C O N probably a good thing, as guessing Bristol won’t be getting that A LITI O $250,000 plus a year any more as a spokeswoman for abstinence. Jim Webb and Lincoln Chafee drops out of the Presidential race in mid October. Thereby shocking millions of The New Democrat Americans who didn’t yet realize they were in it. Published monthly by • Yesterday a Liberal Prime Minister was elected in Canada. The Peninsula Democratic Coalition By the end of the week the Blue Jays were out of the postseason. Waiting for Canadian Conservatives to take a page P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023-0097 from their U.S. counterparts and blame Trudeau. • Political consultant Mike Murphy, who leads a pro-Jeb President: Nicole Fernandez Bush super PAC, dismissed Donald Trump by saying “I don’t Vice President: Judy Plaska think you can be a front-runner if you’re totally unelectable.” Editor: Emy Thurber So is that what happened to Jeb? Design/Layout: Kristen Lohnes Johnson • Beside demanding unity, Paul Ryan wants to make sure Email: [email protected] that leading the House GOP will still allow him to spend time Web site: www.peninsulademocrats.com for his wife and three children: “I cannot and will not give up Opinions expressed in signed columns represent my family time.” And of course if Ryan becomes speaker one of views of the author and are not necessarily official his top priorities will be a Family Leave Act…. positions of the PDC. For advertising rates, email Kristen Johnson at [email protected] The Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) is chartered by the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee, and affiliated with the California Democratic Council (CDC) www.cdc-ca.org Join the Peninsula Democratic The Peninsula Young Democrats (PYD) is a group within the PDC for members under age 36; the PYD is Coalition on Facebook! affiliated with the California Young Democrats.