PACIFIC
PALISADES DEMOCRATIC CLUB Next Election June 8, 2010: CA Primary
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Welcome
to the Pacific Palisades Democrats
website! We are committed to advancing a progressive agenda through
grassroots lobbying of state and federal officials. Please feel free to
browse our site and join
our efforts for progressive change. Congratulations Genevieve
Cruise and
Gary Bettman Mike Stryer and Thanks to our previous guest speaker
Trent Lange, Meetings generally held the 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:45pm And visit us most Sundaysat the Palisades Farmer's Market -- find our table and come say hi...
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Visit our healthcare issues page for articles and links about California and U.S. reform efforts.
Board meeting info: click here,
see column at left
Scroll down for upcoming events
(below announcements)
(below announcements)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PPDC thanks our special guest, L.A. Times columnist Michael Hiltzik,
and everyone who attended our
ANNUAL MEETING
on Sunday, January 24
Michael Hiltzik
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael A. Hiltzik, who writes the twice-weekly "Golden State" column most Mondays and Thursdays, has been a staff member of the Los Angeles Times for more than 20 years. In that time he has worked as a financial and political writer, as a foreign correspondent serving in Africa and Russia, and as a technology and science writer and editor. He is the author of the book Dealers of Lightning: Xerox PARC and the Dawn of the Computer Age, published to widespread critical acclaim in 1999 by HarperCollins.
The
following slate of constitutional officers for 2010 was recommended by the Nominating Committee, voted on at the
Annual Meeting, and approved by acclamation. (The other members of the Board are appointed by
the President.) Congratulations to all below:
President Mike Stryer
1st Vice President Susan B. Haskell
2nd Vice President Dick Wulliger
3rd Vice President Adam Wolman
4th Vice President Gary Bettman
Treasurer Dick Wulliger
Asst. Treasurer Allison Arms
Recording Secretary Josie Tong
Corresponding Secretary Susan Holliday
5 Members at Large
Marge Zifferblatt
Bob Locker
Alice Clement
Julie Fasteau
Joan Vaupen
Nominated by the Committee
Steve Cron, Susan Haskell, Marianne Annis, Dick Wulliger Joe Halper
*******
TIME-SENSITIVE PPDC ALERT:
Thanks as well to everyone who responded to our call to action to support Martha Coakley's Senate bid with donations and phone calls. We may have lost the seat, but it was a closer race than it would have been without our participation.
We have to stay vigilant and active if we want to see action in Washington and Sacramento on the issues we care about.
There will be more to do on all fronts, from responding to the recent Supreme Court decision opening the floodgates to corporate election donations ... to pushing a new Democratic plan on healthcare reform in light on the loss of the Senate supermajority ... and beyond. Stay tuned.
*******
Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti.
Click here for a comprehensive and very helpful list of 40 organizations, vetted by the Huffington Post, providing aid.
*******
PPDC thanks
Congressman Henry Waxman
for speaking to the club and our 220+ guests January 3.
Read the Santa Monica Mirror coverage here,
Palisadian Post here.
**********
on Sunday, January 24
Michael Hiltzik
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael A. Hiltzik, who writes the twice-weekly "Golden State" column most Mondays and Thursdays, has been a staff member of the Los Angeles Times for more than 20 years. In that time he has worked as a financial and political writer, as a foreign correspondent serving in Africa and Russia, and as a technology and science writer and editor. He is the author of the book Dealers of Lightning: Xerox PARC and the Dawn of the Computer Age, published to widespread critical acclaim in 1999 by HarperCollins.
President Mike Stryer
1st Vice President Susan B. Haskell
2nd Vice President Dick Wulliger
3rd Vice President Adam Wolman
4th Vice President Gary Bettman
Treasurer Dick Wulliger
Asst. Treasurer Allison Arms
Recording Secretary Josie Tong
Corresponding Secretary Susan Holliday
5 Members at Large
Marge Zifferblatt
Bob Locker
Alice Clement
Julie Fasteau
Joan Vaupen
Nominated by the Committee
Steve Cron, Susan Haskell, Marianne Annis, Dick Wulliger Joe Halper
*******
TIME-SENSITIVE PPDC ALERT:
Thanks as well to everyone who responded to our call to action to support Martha Coakley's Senate bid with donations and phone calls. We may have lost the seat, but it was a closer race than it would have been without our participation.
We have to stay vigilant and active if we want to see action in Washington and Sacramento on the issues we care about.
There will be more to do on all fronts, from responding to the recent Supreme Court decision opening the floodgates to corporate election donations ... to pushing a new Democratic plan on healthcare reform in light on the loss of the Senate supermajority ... and beyond. Stay tuned.
*******
Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti.
Click here for a comprehensive and very helpful list of 40 organizations, vetted by the Huffington Post, providing aid.
*******
PPDC thanks
Congressman Henry Waxman
for speaking to the club and our 220+ guests January 3.
Thanks as well to all who attended, and special thanks to everyone who renewed their club membership or signed up for the first time.
It's your support that allows us to bring you speakers and events throughout the year.
Couldn't do it without you.
It's your support that allows us to bring you speakers and events throughout the year.
Couldn't do it without you.
Read the Santa Monica Mirror coverage here,
Palisadian Post here.
**********
In memory of Bob Berke
Bob Berke, our friend, colleague, and leader, passed away Thanksgiving weekend following a very acute illness. All of us share both shock and deep sadness with this terrible loss. Our thoughts, love, and sympathy go out to Bob's family, as we remember an extraordinary person.
A very moving public memorial service for Bob was held at Kehillat Israel Synagogue on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 1pm.
As president of the PPDC, Bob led efforts to open a Democratic headquarters in 2008, which he proudly boasted made hundreds of thousands of calls on behalf of Barack Obama and the state initiatives--more than any other headquarters in Southern California; organized two bus trips to the crucial state of Nevada; and hosted events featuring Senator Barbara Boxer, Robert Scheer and Assemblywoman Julia Brownley. He was co-chair for our annual Anne Froehlich Awards Dinner for Political Courage, which began in 2006.
***
On many Sunday mornings, one could find Bob at the Farmer’s Market here in the Palisades--not shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, but promoting his treasured Palisades Democratic Club and the ideals of a more democratic, just society. From behind the Club’s small table situated on the sidewalk, Bob would leap out excitedly at an unsuspecting passerby: “How would you like to join us on a bus trip to Las Vegas to register 10,000 new voters? How about seeing Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson at our dinner honoring political courage? Here, I’ll hold your basket while you look at this information,” as he handed them a flyer on the next Club event.
His passion, sincerity, and deep commitment were both electric and contagious. Often, the passerby--after overcoming the initial shock--would take a thoughtful look, engage in conversation, sign up for an event, and then join the Club. At the end of the morning, Bob would count the number of new member envelopes and, with the look of a kid in a candy shop, proudly declare that we had 15 new members. Or he would see that 25 people had signed up to attend our next political forum. “A pretty good morning,” he would say with a big grin as he sipped on some organic pomegranate juice.
Such was the passionate and highly involved leadership of Bob, who served as President of the Palisades Democratic Club over the past three years following many years with the Club. Under Bob’s force of leadership and personality, the Club blossomed and thrived. Bob not only inspired so many to become closely involved both with the Club and with progressive issues, but he led a major transformation of the Club. During his tenure, the Club grew to one of the largest Clubs in the state and played an increasingly prominent role in local, state, and national politics.
Bob emphasized several key components in expanding the role of the Club. These components reflected his core values revolving around political courage, political education and respectful dialogue, and political activism. He was relentless in pursuing these on behalf of the Club.
***
And this is only a snapshot of what Bob did so brilliantly well. To read more:
Link to L.A. Times obituary
Link to Palisadian Post obituary
*******
Thanks for visiting the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club online.
The club recently endorsed the California Majority Campaign, an organizing effort to break California's legislative gridlock by eliminating the Two-Thirds Rule that requires a supermajority to pass a budget and makes good governance nearly impossible.
Sign up at the campaign website or donate here through ActBlue. You can read about the idea that helped launch the campaign on this page of The Huffington Post—a brainstorm by linguist/Democratic strategist George Lakoff.
*
* * * * * * * * *
The Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley
has honored outstanding local Democrats
including
PPDC's own Susan Haskell
Congratulations, Susan!
We're
also calling for passage of the California Fair Elections Act, a modest
clean-money financing proposal to make voluntary public financing
available to CA Secretary of State candidates in 2014 and 2018.
This would be a pilot program we hope would lead to fully funding
a clean-money system in California.
Read more and sign up at YesFairElections.org, and learn more still at CAClean.org.
**********Read more and sign up at YesFairElections.org, and learn more still at CAClean.org.
The Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley
has honored outstanding local Democrats
including
PPDC's own Susan Haskell
Congratulations, Susan!
* * * * * * * * * *
We're always working to bring you
improved content, topical and frequently updated, on the site.
Check back often to see what one of the largest and most
active Democratic clubs in California is up to: parties, speaker
forums, film screenings, etc.
And feel free to contact us about sitting in on one of our board meetings—generally the first Tuesday each month—if you'd like to get involved. We'd love to tell you more.
Upcoming and Recent Events:
[Either sponsored by PPDC or listed FYI]
Upcoming events:
Deputy District Attorney Marc Chomel
Hosts Fundraiser
for Winograd for Congress 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
11:00am - 1:00pm
Save the date: Sunday, February 7, 11 am - 1 pm
2925 Perkins lane, Redondo Beach, 90278
RSVP: rallymarc@roadrunner.com
**************
Valentine's Day Fundraiser
to Re-Elect
Our Secretary of State
DEBRA BOWEN
Sunday, February 14, 2010
9:30 - 11:30 AM
At the Venice home of Marjorie David and David Ewing
(Address provided with RSVP)
The Honorable Debra Bowen, longtime Venice homeowner and neighborhood activist,
former State Assembly member and State Senator, is running for
re-election as California's Secretary of State.
Let's show our appreciation on Valentine's Day for the dedication to our community and for outstanding leadership in California!
Debra stands for: Protection of our Privacy. Open Government. Clean Elections.
A Woman's Right to Choose.
Please join us in welcoming Debra! Continental breakfast will be served.
Suggested Donations to help Re-Elect Debra Bowan as California's Secretary of State
Big Kahuna: $1,000
Hanging Ten: $500
Cheater Five: $250
Head Dip: $100
Kawabunga, Dude!: $50
Personal credit card contributions may be made online through ActBlue:
www.actblue.com/page/breakfastwithdebra
Questions or to RSVP: Lindalucks@aol.com or call: (310) 450-2554
For contributions by check, or to fax credit card information, click here.
**************
Betty & Stanley Sheinbaum &
Gore Vidal & The Host Committee
Cindy Asner, Ed Asner, Ed Begley, Jodie Evans, Lila Garret, Mimi Kennedy, & Max Palevsky
Invite You to Support Marcy Winograd for Congress 2010
Thurs., Feb 18
6 - 8 pm
Sheinbaums' Home in Brentwood
RSVP: Marcy@WinogradforCongress.com to receive location & directions. 310-578-9687
Enjoy Special Tunes Performed by Larry Dilg & Tom English
Meet Gore Vidal & Marcy Winograd
&
Partake of Savory Delights from Back on Broadway
Enjoy a Live Auction
Suggested Donation
Bronze: $125
Silver: $250
Gold: $500
Platinum: $1,000
If you cannot attend this event but would like to contribute, please make a check payable to:
Winograd for Congress 2010
Mail it to Attn.: Peter Froelich, Winograd For Congress, Durkee & Associates, 1212 S. Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502
Marcy Winograd, a veteran public school teacher, is challenging Jane Harman in the 36th Congressional District (West LA to San Pedro). Winograd is a life-long peace activist who mobilized almost 38% of the vote in 2006, when she jumped into the primary race three months before the election. In her role as a founding member of the Progressive Caucus in the California Democratic Party, Winograd has put the Party on record calling for an end to the US wars and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. To prepare for the future, Winograd's platform calls for transitioning from a permanent war economy to a New Green Economy. To learn more about her campaign, visit: Winograd4Congress.com
**************
PPDC RECOMMENDS:
Recent events:
(A more comprehensive list of past L.A. Democratic and progressive 2009 events can be found here)
**************
PDLA MEETING SATURDAY, 1/16/10, 10am
Levantine Cultural Center, 5998 W. Pico Blvd., L.A.
It’s 2 blocks east of Crescent Heights (310-657-5511)
Bring new or gently used children's books for Winograd for Congress Campaign's Literacy Event.
PROGRESSIVE VALUES & ISSUES: What are they? How do we support them and get support for them?
BETRAYAL?: Woolsey's Baffling Endorsement of 'Blue Dog' Harman Riles Progressives
Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and board member of Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), has confounded progressives by joining forces to support notorious 'Blue Dog' Democratic Rep. Jane Harman in her upcoming primary against PDA-backed Marcy Winograd of the grassroots progressive organization.
Get entire article at: http://www.opednews.com/populum/link.php?id=104639
********
Join Marcy and Fellow Winograd Supporters for a rally
Jobs, Not Wars!
Venice Votes Winograd
Saturday, January 16, 2010, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Corner of Abbot Kinney & Westminster Ave.
We will make our presence known at this well-trafficked corner with positive messaging about our candidate.
Please bring your friends, energy, signs, clipboards and pens.
Once we have established a healthy presence, we'll dispatch volunteers to pass out fliers and lawn signs and gather petition signatures to get Marcy on the ballot.
Wear your Winograd t-shirts and buttons.
This is our opportunity to show the area's support for Winograd; Marcy's explicit request is that we create a positive rally -- no signs about the opposition.
HELP NEEDED to make several large banners Saturday morning in Mar Vista, 10:00. Please email Sheri Myers at blindhug@yahoo.com. If anyone has a telescoping tent pole or painter's poles to donate to the campaign, we could use that for the banners. If you have paints, rope, brushes & rolls gaffer's tape, bring `em!
ALSO SEEKING graphic artists for other large (more arty) banners, House Party invites, Bake Sale invites, etc.
We need many smaller signs that display the Progressive values and encourage people to vote on 6/8/10 for Marcy.
**********
The Unity-and-Diversity World Council (UDC) &
Interfaith Communities United for Justice & Peace (ICUJP)
Present
Peace Sunday
Building Bridges Across Our Differences
Sunday, January 17th
Refreshments & Exhibits: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Featured Program: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
At the
Islamic Center of Southern California
434 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles 90020
Interfaith Program Includes:
Jihad Turk
Religious Director, Islamic Center of Southern California
Dr. Grace Dyrness
Co-chair, ICUJP
Rev. Leland Stewart
Central Coordinator UDC
Blase and Theresa Bonpane
Office of the Americas
Edina Lekovic (Keynote)
Communications Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council
Stephen Rohde (Keynote)
Chair, ICUJP
With Musical Presentations from:
Mitra Rahbar
Crystal Davis
Stephen Longfellow Fiske
Suggested Donation $10
For more information or exhibits contact Unity-and-Diversity World Council
(310) 391-5735 or udcworld1@yahoo.com
www.udcworld.org
Honoring our rich diversity & the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
*******
Topanga Peace Alliance Monthly Film Night
Friday, January 8, 2010
Potluck 7:45pm, screening 8pm
TPA Film Night presents Life in Occupied Palestine
at Yoga Desa in Pinetree Circle
120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, 90290
Life in Occupied Palestine is an award-winning film by Anna Baltzer,
a Jewish-American woman who traveled through the West Bank interviewing Palestinians
living in what she regards as "Occupied Palestine."
The film provides an excellent introduction—in a down-to-earth, non-alienating way—to the nonviolent movement for freedom and equality in the Holy Land.
For additional information or to RSVP, contact Julie at 310-455-9389
2009 PPDC-hosted events:You Are Invited to a Special Fundraising Party Supporting
Marcy Winograd
For Congress
In Her Campaign to Unseat Jane Harman
www.winograd4congress.com
Saturday, January 23rd, 7:00 PM
at
Frank, Jane & Emily Dorrel's
3967 Shedd Terrace, Culver City 90232
Special Guests
Blase & Theresa Bonpane, Bree Walker, Mimi Kennedy, Arlene Inouye,
Jeff Norman, Maureen Cruise, Sandra & Ulis Williams
Music
KB Solomon, Dennis Davis, Andy Manoff & Larry Dilg
Hors d'oeuvres, Drinks & Desserts will be Served
$20 Donation for Marcy at the Door
(Or Whatever You Can Afford)
RSVP to Frank at:
310-838-8131 -- fdorrel@addictedtowar.com -- fdorrel@sbcglobal.net
*******
Women Making History 2010
Champions of Women's Rights
Honoring Lily Ledbetter
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Time TBA: Call or e-mail below
Help raise funds for the re-election of Senator Barbara Boxer
Regent Beverly Wilshire
9500 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Cost $250
Also seeking Table Hosts/Table Chairs -- those able to commit to bringing 9 other people or raising $2500. Hosts/Chairs will be invited to a special pre-reception with Senator Boxer
RSVP by January 15 to Diane Hart, 310-445-0099, nosmokeorg@earthlink.net
Marcy Winograd
For Congress
In Her Campaign to Unseat Jane Harman
www.winograd4congress.com
Saturday, January 23rd, 7:00 PM
at
Frank, Jane & Emily Dorrel's
3967 Shedd Terrace, Culver City 90232
Special Guests
Blase & Theresa Bonpane, Bree Walker, Mimi Kennedy, Arlene Inouye,
Jeff Norman, Maureen Cruise, Sandra & Ulis Williams
Music
KB Solomon, Dennis Davis, Andy Manoff & Larry Dilg
Hors d'oeuvres, Drinks & Desserts will be Served
$20 Donation for Marcy at the Door
(Or Whatever You Can Afford)
RSVP to Frank at:
310-838-8131 -- fdorrel@addictedtowar.com -- fdorrel@sbcglobal.net
*******
Women Making History 2010
Champions of Women's Rights
Honoring Lily Ledbetter
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Time TBA: Call or e-mail below
Help raise funds for the re-election of Senator Barbara Boxer
Regent Beverly Wilshire
9500 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Cost $250
Also seeking Table Hosts/Table Chairs -- those able to commit to bringing 9 other people or raising $2500. Hosts/Chairs will be invited to a special pre-reception with Senator Boxer
RSVP by January 15 to Diane Hart, 310-445-0099, nosmokeorg@earthlink.net
**************
PDLA MEETING SATURDAY, 1/16/10, 10am
Levantine Cultural Center, 5998 W. Pico Blvd., L.A.
It’s 2 blocks east of Crescent Heights (310-657-5511)
Bring new or gently used children's books for Winograd for Congress Campaign's Literacy Event.
PROGRESSIVE VALUES & ISSUES: What are they? How do we support them and get support for them?
BETRAYAL?: Woolsey's Baffling Endorsement of 'Blue Dog' Harman Riles Progressives
Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and board member of Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), has confounded progressives by joining forces to support notorious 'Blue Dog' Democratic Rep. Jane Harman in her upcoming primary against PDA-backed Marcy Winograd of the grassroots progressive organization.
Get entire article at: http://www.opednews.com/populum/link.php?id=104639
********
Join Marcy and Fellow Winograd Supporters for a rally
Jobs, Not Wars!
Venice Votes Winograd
Saturday, January 16, 2010, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Corner of Abbot Kinney & Westminster Ave.
We will make our presence known at this well-trafficked corner with positive messaging about our candidate.
Please bring your friends, energy, signs, clipboards and pens.
Once we have established a healthy presence, we'll dispatch volunteers to pass out fliers and lawn signs and gather petition signatures to get Marcy on the ballot.
Wear your Winograd t-shirts and buttons.
This is our opportunity to show the area's support for Winograd; Marcy's explicit request is that we create a positive rally -- no signs about the opposition.
HELP NEEDED to make several large banners Saturday morning in Mar Vista, 10:00. Please email Sheri Myers at blindhug@yahoo.com. If anyone has a telescoping tent pole or painter's poles to donate to the campaign, we could use that for the banners. If you have paints, rope, brushes & rolls gaffer's tape, bring `em!
ALSO SEEKING graphic artists for other large (more arty) banners, House Party invites, Bake Sale invites, etc.
We need many smaller signs that display the Progressive values and encourage people to vote on 6/8/10 for Marcy.
**********
The Unity-and-Diversity World Council (UDC) &
Interfaith Communities United for Justice & Peace (ICUJP)
Present
Peace Sunday
Building Bridges Across Our Differences
Sunday, January 17th
Refreshments & Exhibits: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Featured Program: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
At the
Islamic Center of Southern California
434 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles 90020
Interfaith Program Includes:
Jihad Turk
Religious Director, Islamic Center of Southern California
Dr. Grace Dyrness
Co-chair, ICUJP
Rev. Leland Stewart
Central Coordinator UDC
Blase and Theresa Bonpane
Office of the Americas
Edina Lekovic (Keynote)
Communications Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council
Stephen Rohde (Keynote)
Chair, ICUJP
With Musical Presentations from:
Mitra Rahbar
Crystal Davis
Stephen Longfellow Fiske
Suggested Donation $10
For more information or exhibits contact Unity-and-Diversity World Council
(310) 391-5735 or udcworld1@yahoo.com
www.udcworld.org
Honoring our rich diversity & the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
*******
Topanga Peace Alliance Monthly Film Night
Friday, January 8, 2010
Potluck 7:45pm, screening 8pm
TPA Film Night presents Life in Occupied Palestine
at Yoga Desa in Pinetree Circle
120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, 90290
Life in Occupied Palestine is an award-winning film by Anna Baltzer,
a Jewish-American woman who traveled through the West Bank interviewing Palestinians
living in what she regards as "Occupied Palestine."
The film provides an excellent introduction—in a down-to-earth, non-alienating way—to the nonviolent movement for freedom and equality in the Holy Land.
For additional information or to RSVP, contact Julie at 310-455-9389
"September's
State of the State" was a great success.
Read the news
report in the Palisadian Post for an excellent write-up.
Big thanks to everyone who attended.
