February 2005 - announce

San Francisco Green Party Weekly
by ErikaSF＠aol.com 22 Feb '05

22 Feb '05

Hello Fellow Greens, In this update: 1. Opportunities with the Green Party of California and the Green Party of the United States 2. Stop Raising the MUNI Fare! 3. Organizers Needed for Aimee Allison Campaign 4. News 5. Calendar OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA AND THE GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES: The next Green Party of California (GPCA) State Plenary will be held in Los Angeles. It is currently scheduled to happen on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 2005. This could be YOUR opportunity to move your Green work to the state and national levels! All candidates must be registered California Greens. All terms are for two years. Job Descriptions for these openings can be found in the links below. State-Level Positions: (Submit bios by March 6) GPCA Coordinating Committee (CC) At-Large Representatives -- 2 seats Job Description: http://www.cagreens.org/cc/JobRegRep.htm GPCA Liaison to the Secretary of State -- 1 seat Job Description: http://www.cagreens.org/cc/JobLiaison.htm GPCA Treasurer -- 1 seat Job Description: http://www.cagreens.org/cc/JobTreas.htm If you are interested in the State-level positions above, please send a short (2-paragraphs or so) bio and share with us your Party experience and any other qualifications you have for the position you seek. All bios must be submitted no later than March 6. Please send your bio to the Plenary Planning Committee at agenda-team(a)cagreens.org. The Green Party of the United States (GPUS) is recruiting California Greens to participate in the party-building work to be done at the national level. We are recruiting Californians for Delegates and Alternates to the GPUS Coordinating Committee. The only requirements are that you're a registered California Green, willing and able to commit to the position, and can work well with others. National-Level Positions: (Submit bios by February 28) GPUS-CA Delegate - 2 positions (13 seats total) GPUS-CA Delegation Alternate - 2 or more positions (13 seats total) Job descriptions may be found on-line at http://www.cagreens.org/cc/JobDelegate.htm. All positions are for two-year terms. Because women and historically marginalized communities are underrepresented at the national level, we are strongly encouraging members of those groups to apply. A short 2-paragraph biography of your past party (or related) experience and why you're interested in the position is required for all applicants to be considered. One or two references are appreciated, especially for newer Greens. Local or state party experience is desired, but not required. Delegates and Alternate Delegates will be selected by the General Assembly at our next Plenary, currently scheduled for April 30th /May 1st in Los Angeles. The current delegation may choose to make recommendations to the General Assembly. Applicants need not be present at the Plenary to be chosen, but biographies must be submitted by February 28 in order to be reviewed by the current delegation and to be submitted as part of the Plenary Packet. If you are interested, please send your biography and statement to one or both of the GPUS-CA Delegation Co-Chairs: Stuart Bechman ... sbechman(a)sbcglobal.net ... 805-522-4524 (Phone/Fax) Nanette Pratini ... pratini(a)ucr.edu ... 951-686-5542 A reminder that proposals for the General Assembly are due by February 28. All proposals must be submitted through a Working Group or Standing Committee. Committee contact info can be found at http://www.cagreens.org/wg/. If you are not sure which Committee to send your proposal to, please contact your Regional Rep. Rep contact info can be found at http://www.cagreens.org/cc/. STOP RAISING THE MUNI FARE!: It’s not fare that working class people and low/no income families have to pay more money to ride MUNI. Join our event to demand that the Supervisors do not approve the fare hike. Wednesday, February 23rd 2 PM On the stairs of City Hall - 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place While city politicians pick the pockets of Muni riders, they give away hundreds of dollars in corporate welfare to downtown companies like the Bank of America, Chevron Texaco, Bechtel, PG&E and the Chronicle. Downtown corporate interests need MUNI to get employees and customers to their doorsteps. They should pick up the tab. United Families is a project to advocate for families living in SRO hotels; we are working with Transit Justice to organize our communities to stop the fare hike. We believe that it is possible to stop the fare hike because it has happened in the past; in 1999, the Bus Riders Union in Los Angeles organized a fare strike that beat a proposed fare hike and pressured the LA MTA to buy buses to reduce overcrowding. We can win, because if riders refuse to pay, the city will have to keep the buses running anyway. Working people, students, seniors and the disabled depend on Muni. Together, we can stop the fare hike. For more information, please contact: Hoi-Yee Cheung @ 415-984-1457 or Nancy Esteva @ 415-255-4733. Please attend the Municipal Transportation Agency hearing on Monday, February 28, at 2 PM in the Board of Supervisors chambers. The Board of Directors of the MTA will be voting on whether or not to raise Muni fares and cut service at this hearing. You can also contact the members of the Board of Directors, to voice your opposition to fare increases and service cuts, and your support for the Platform for Transit Justice, by e-mailing the Board of Directors through "Roberta Boomer" roberta_boomer(a)ci.sf.ca.us. She is the clerk. The chair of the MTA Board of Directors is Cleopatra Vaughns. ORGANIZERS NEEDED FOR AIMEE ALLISON CAMPAIGN: Green Party member Aimee Allison is running for the Oakland City Council. The campaign is seeking experienced volunteer coordinators, fundraisers, IT help, graphic designers, and event coordinators. If you can help, please contact Forrest Hill at forrest_hill(a)comcast.net. http://www.aimeeallison.net/ NEWS: Green Party activist and electoral reform expert Steven Hill wrote an op-ed for The New York Times, "Schwarzenegger vs. Gerrymander". http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/19/opinion/19hill.html Examiner MUNI Story Misses the Bus http://www.beyondchron.org/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=110&twindow=&mad=&sd… il=1512&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&re type=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname= Eileen Hansen Gets a Seat on the Ethics Commission http://www.sfbg.com/39/20/news_hansen.html See more news on the Green Party at our web site, http://www.sfgreenparty.org/. CALENDAR: Green Party endorsed and like minded events: TUESDAY, FEB. 22: What: Speak out against Military in our schools When: Tues, 2/22 7:00 pm Where: School Board 555 Franklin Ave. Description: People who oppose military recruitment in the schools are asked to attend and speak at this San Francisco Board of Education meeting, which begins at 7 PM. The board meeting will be held at 555 Franklin Street, 2nd floor. For more information, contact Bay Area United Against War at: giobon(a)sbcglobal.net. Call the Board of Education to get on the speakers list 415-241-6493. What: "Progressive Solutions to Drug Crimes in San Francisco," When: Tues, 2/22 7:00 pm Where: The Women's Building, 3543 18th St. Description: District Attorney Kamala Harris and Public Defender Jeff Adachi discuss "Progressive Solutions to Drug Crimes in San Francisco," focusing on effective and compassionate alternatives to prosecution and jail. Presented by the Harvey Milk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Democratic Club and moderated by club president Greg Shaw. WEDNESDAY, FEB 23: What: Town Hall meeting on Social Security Reform When: Weds, Feb 23, 10:00 am Where: SF Main Library, Civic Center Description: What: Protest Muni Fare Hikes When: Weds, Feb 23, 2:00 pm Where: City Hall steps1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place Description: While city politicians pick the pockets of Muni riders, they give away hundreds of dollars in corporate welfare to downtown companies like the Bank of America, Chevron Texaco, Bechtel, PG&E and the Chronicle. Downtown corporate interests need MUNI to get employees and customers to their doorsteps. They should pick up the tab. What: PUC Discussion When: Weds, 2/23, 6-8 pm Where: 1145 Market Street in the Hetch Hetchy Conference Room When: Wed, 2/23 Description: Please join the SF Public Utilities Commission in charting the course for San Francisco's future water supply. Attend the upcoming public workshop series: Expanding San Francisco's Water Supply Options to help shape the development of SF Integrated Water Resources Plan. Learn about water supply options, find out about the challenges facing SF and what choices we have to meet future water demands, provide input during the plan development process. THURSDAY, FEB 24: What: "Beyond Organic: The Story of Polyface Farm" When: 2/24 6pm Where: North Gate Library, Hearst at Euclid Avenue in Berkeley Description: The Knight Program in Science and Environmental Journalism at UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism invites you to "Beyond Organic: The Story of Polyface Farm" a talk and slide tour with Joel Salatin. Salatin's farm in Virginia has been called one of the most sustainable farms in the country. Yet it is not "organic." Join Salatin, author of "Holy Cows and Hog Heaven," for a slide tour of his farm, where chickens, pigs, cattle, turkeys and rabbits are raised in a complex dance of symbiosis. FRIDAY, FEB 25: What: Art Show featuring artists from John Swett Elementary and board members Mark Sanchez, Sarah Lipson and Eric Mar When: 2/25 6:30-8:30 pm Where: SFUSD School Board Chambers, 555 Franklin Description: Join School Board Commissioners Mark Sanchez and Sarah Lipson as they hold an exhibition of the famous first grade artists of John Swett Elementary School. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the SFUSD School Board Chambers, 555 Fran klin SATURDAY, FEB 26: What: What's At Stake in Golden Gate Park When: Saturday 2/26, 11AM - 1PM Where: Park Branch Library 1833 Page Street, SF 94117 Description: This is a forum to review the CEQA Lawsuits. Presenters will discuss what is at stake in the court, what has already been lost, and what you can do to stop an environmental and financial disaster in the making. TAKE BACK THE PARK! Golden Gate Park belongs to the people! For more information, call Save Golden Gate Park at 415-621-3090. http://www.sfpix.com What: "ELECTION RIGGING 101 When: Saturday, 2/26 10 am 4 pm Where: 1st Congregational Church, located at 2501 Harrison Street in Oakland Description: A national teach-in on the 2004 Election. Find out what we must do to restore democracy. This even takes place from 10 AM 4 PM at the 1st Congregational Church, located at 2501 Harrison Street in Oakland. There is a $10 suggested donation; please bring lunch. For more information, visit http://www.democraticrenewal.us What: Anti-Recruitment Community Forum When: Saturday, Feb. 26 2pm-4pm Where: Audrey Lorde Room, Women's Building, 3543 18th St. between Valencia and Guerrero Description: Join teachers, students, anti-war activists, veterans, Ramon Leal from Iraq Veterans Against the War, Aimee Allison, Gulf War Conscientious Objector and candidate for Oakland City Council, Susan King from the San Francisco Green Party, and members of the Campus Anti-War Network as they discuss forming a coalition opposed to military recruitment in our schools. MONDAY, FEB 28: What: Speak out against Muni Fare hikes When: Mon, 2/28 2:00 pm Where: Board of Supervisors Chamber, City Hall Description: Last chance to speak up about Muni fare increases! Please attend this Municipal Transportation Agency hearing in the Board of Supervisors chambers. The Board of Directors of the MTA will be voting on whether or not to raise Muni fares and cut service at this hearing. TUESDAY, MAR 1: What: Housing and Land Use Working Group meeting When: 3/1 7:00 pm Where: SF Green party office Description: Monthly Housing and Land Use working group meeting. Agenda items include: reviewing the City's Housing Element; setting 2005 goals for the HLU working group; scheduling topics for the 2005 seminar series; working group guidelines; and any other agenda items you want added. WEDNESDAY, MAR 2: What: Political Pub Quiz When: 3/2 8-10pm Where: Dylan's Pub, 19th and Harrison Description: Join Supervisors Ross Mirkarimi & Chris Daly, School Board Members Mark Sanchez, Eric Mar and Sarah Lipson, activists Lisa Feldstein, Michael Goldstein and Calvin Welch, playwright Terry Baum and others. Categories include Famous San Franciscans, SF Landmarks, LGBT and Political Scandals. Free and winning team gets a better than cash value prize. Thanks to all of our members for your continued support! Warm Regards, Erika McDonald To have an item included in this newsletter, send email to erikasf(a)aol.com. No attachments please.

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San Francisco Green Party Weekly
by ErikaSF＠aol.com 15 Feb '05

15 Feb '05

Hello Fellow Greens, Don't forget the February General Meeting this Wednesday! In this update: Call for New County Council Members News Events CALL FOR NEW COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS The San Francisco Green Party County Council is seeking up to three additional members to finish the current term ending in March 2006. Obligations include, but are not limited to, an interest in and commitment to forwarding the agenda of the Green Party, attending a monthly meeting held the second Wednesday of every month and also attendance at the General Membership meetings held on the third Wednesday of every month. Work on various committees and occasional facilitation of both County Council and GM meetings is also required. In between meetings, participation in on-line discussions, consideration of proposals and voting by email is also often necessary. Interested parties are asked to send, via email, the answers to the following questions: Why do you want to be a member of the County Council? What additional specific contributions do you feel you can make to the County Council? Please describe your current involvement in the Green Party. Depending the number and quality of applications received, persons may be asked to attend an upcoming County Council meeting for additional questioning by current members. Positions are opened until filled at the discretion of the County Council. The General Membership has final approval of candidates recommended by the County Council. Please email responses to the above questions and your contact information to Maureen DeBoer at maureen_deboer(a)hotmail.com. This search committee consists of Maureen DeBoer, James Collins and Micheas Herman. NEWS: San Francisco Green Party Transportation Working Group Co-Chair Sue Vaughan was featured in the San Francisco Examiner as part of a protest against MUNI fare hikes. http://www.sfexaminer.com/articles/2005/02/14/news/20050214_ne04_muni.txt Green Party of California Applauds Bold Universal Health Care Plan http://www.sfgreenparty.org/news/newsitem-start.gem?idx=1297 Big business front group SFSOS is sending wasteful blast faxes to the Board of Supervisors. http://www.sfexaminer.com/articles/2005/02/14//news//20050214_ne07_faxes.txt "Paper, Plastic, and Cash" Check out previous media coverage of reducing the use of environmentally harmful plastic bags. http://www.sfusualsuspects.com/ SFCall.com has published some more articles from our own SFGP County Council member Kim Knox. http://www.sfcall.com/ Green Party member and recently re-elected school board member Mark Sanchez was quoted in a recent article about Superintendent Arlene Ackerman's latest tantrum. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/02/15/BAGU1BB0J81.DTL KGO-TV/ABC-7 Reporter Carolyn Tyler covered a new angle on the anniversary of gay marriages in San Francisco. Apparently, Mayor Newsom stated at a press conference last Thursday that some Greens have been calling his office and asking him to register Green. Many of us were puzzled by this, since Mayor Newsom does not share our values. San Francisco Green Party County Council member Dr. Paul Quick was quoted in the television news story, setting the record straight by saying there is absolutely no official effort by the Green Party to court Gavin Newsom. Green Party member Aimee Allison is running for the Oakland City Council. http://www.AimeeAllison.net Wal-Mart Gets Caught, and Gets Special Privileges http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/12/national/12wage.html?oref=login EVENTS: Tuesday, February 15 Please attend the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) hearing in Room 400 at 4 PM and/or the February 28 MTA hearing in Room 250 (Board of Supervisors chamber) at 2 PM to protest MUNI fare hikes and service cutbacks. Also contact directors of the MTA: Cleopatra Vaughns, Chair 401 Van Ness Avenue, #334 San Francisco, California 94102 e-mail: Roberta_Boomer(a)ci.sf.ca.us Wednesday, February 16 San Francisco Green Party General Meeting will be held at the San Francisco Green Party office, located at 1028 A Howard Street, between 6th and 7th Streets in San Francisco. Meeting will be held from 7:30 – 9:30 PM. The agenda is posted on the web site. http://www.sfgreenparty.org/events/events-itemfromhome.gem?idx=1203 Thursday, February 17 Please come to a farewell celebration honoring Lateefah Simon and the young women of The Center for Young Women's Development (CYWD). Lateefah Simon has been the Executive Director of the Center for Young Women’s Development for the past 8 years — since she was 19 years old. Under her leadership, CYWD has developed one of the first peer-run education, employment, and community reintegration programs for system-involved young women. Event is being held from 6 – 9 PM at the West Bay Conference Center, located at 1290 Fillmore Street in San Francisco. A $25 donation is suggested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information about the event and to become a sponsor please contact Eleanor Palacios at 415-252-7239 or email, eleanor.palacios(a)sbcglobal.net. Visit the website at http://www.CYWD.org. Friday, February 18 There is a critical hearing on the case of Sheila DeToy, a 17-year-old girl who was shot to death in 1998 by Gregory Breslin, a San Francisco Police Officer. If the cops get their way, the Superior Court will dismiss the cast against Breslin. The Office of Citizen Complaints found that Officer Gregory Breslin is responsible for Sheila's death. The OCC also sustained complaints against the other officers involved in the killing. In 2003, the San Francisco Police Commission decided they wanted to file charges against the officers, but the Police Officers Association is trying to get Breslin off on a technicality. The hearing is scheduled for 9:30 AM in Superior Court at the Civic Center Courthouse, located at 400 McAllister Street, Dept. 301. CASE # CPF04-504029 For more information call Bay Area Police Watch at 510-428-3939. Friday, February 18 Join us at the kick-off party for Green Party member Aimee Allison, who is running for Oakland City Council! Party starts at 5:30 PM and takes place at 531 Valle Vista Avenue in Oakland, near the Grand Lake Theater. For a map and more details go to http://www.AimeeAllison.net. Tuesday, February 22 People who oppose military recruitment in the schools are asked to attend and speak at this San Francisco Board of Education meeting, which begins at 7 PM. The board meeting will be held at 555 Franklin Street, 2nd floor. For more information, contact Bay Area United Against War at: giobon(a)sbcglobal.net. Wednesday, February 23 Please join the SF Public Utilities Commission in charting the course for San Francisco's future water supply. Attend the upcoming public workshop series: Expanding San Francisco's Water Supply Options to help shape the development of SF Integrated Water Resources Plan. Learn about water supply options, find out about the challenges facing SF and what choices we have to meet future water demands, provide input during the plan development process. Workshop #1 will be on Wednesday, February 23rd from 6 – 8 PM at 1145 Market Street in the Hetch Hetchy Conference Room (1st Floor). For more information, contact Karen Hurst at khurst(a)sfwater.org or 415-551-4637 or Suzanne Gautier at sgautier(a)sfwater.org or 415-554-3204. http://www.sfwater.org Thanks to all of our members for your continued support! Warm Regards, Erika McDonald To have an item included in this newsletter, send email to erikasf(a)aol.com. No attachments please.

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San Francisco Green Party Weekly
by ErikaSF＠aol.com 09 Feb '05

09 Feb '05

Hello Fellow Greens, Thanks to everyone who made the effort and braved the cold weather to stand with the families of victims of homicide in Visitacion Valley last Friday night. The event was a candlelight vigil and anti-violence rally to honor the memories of the nearly 100 young people who have died by gun violence in SF's streets since January 2004. The families of the slain men and women were there, joined by concerned community members and elected officials. In this update: 1. Action Item: Support Supervisor Mirkarimi's efforts on plastic bags and SUVs 2. News 3. Events 4. Call for Green Cabinet members ACTION ITEM: SUPPORT SUPERVISOR MIRKARIMI'S EFFORTS ON PLASTIC BAGS AND SUVs! Green Party member and District 5 Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi is looking into some local measures involving the use of plastic bags and SUVs. Mirkarimi has called for a study of the number of SUVs in San Francisco, and the added costs they create for taxpayers. The issues are increased road damage, pollution and noise levels. The Board of Supervisors has already voted for a study on the costs to San Francisco of waste caused by plastic bags. We need a campaign of calls, emails, and letters-to-the-editor to rally support behind these important issues!! For facts and information about these efforts, please visit http://sfgreenparty.org/events/events-itemfromhome.gem?idx=1202. You may also contact Charles Kalish at chkalish(a)ix.netcom.com for more details on these efforts. NEWS: Jason West, Green Party Mayor of New Paltz, New York, is again in trouble with the law for the heinous crime of marrying same sex couples. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gays3feb03,1,3446158.s… http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/12/politics/main628760.shtml http://www.gpus.org/press/pr_2005_02_03.html Mirkarimi Hits the Ground Running http://www.beyondchron.org/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=110&twindow=&mad=&sd… Ross was also named Chairman of LAFCo (Local Agency Formation Commission), which could signal a renewal of efforts to bring public power to San Francisco. Plastic Bag Tax: Full Speed Ahead http://www.beyondchron.org/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=110&twindow=&mad=&sd… Surprise! Newsom supports MUNI fare hike. http://www.beyondchron.org/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=110&twindow=&mad=&sd… This is despite a coalition that is opposing the MUNI fare hike. Many Greens have been helping the effort to oppose the fare increase. http://www.beyondchron.org/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=110&twindow=&mad=&sd… California Nurses Association (CNA) has made a television commercial that takes aim at the Governor Schwarzenegger, who shamelessly referred to public health nurses as "special interests" in a speech he made recently. The commercial has begun airing. Yes, it's true, Arnold apparently believes caretakers are money grubbers, while billionaire CEOs are just ordinary citizens with altruistic goals. Then again, what do we expect from a Governor who takes gobs of money from Wal Mart? Watch the commercial produced on behalf of CNA at http://www.arnoldwatch.org/. Secretary of State Kevin Shelley resigns from his post, effective March 1. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/02/05/shelley05.TMP Remember fair trade when buying your Valentine's Day goodies! These web sites can help. http://www.childsafechocolate.com http://www.organicbouquet.com http://store.gxonlinestore.org/index.html EVENTS: Wednesday, February 9 SFGP County Council meeting will take place from 7:30 – 9:30 PM at the Green Party office, located at 1028 A Howard Street, between 6th and 7th Streets in San Francisco. Meeting will be held from 7:30 – 9:30 PM. Agenda inclues reviewing working groups, setting the agenda for the next General Meeting, and other topics. Wednesday, February 16 San Francisco Green Party General Meeting will be held at the San Francisco Green Party office, located at 1028 A Howard Street, between 6th and 7th Streets in San Francisco. Meeting will be held from 7:30 – 9:30 PM. The agenda is to be announced. Thursday, February 17 Please come to a farewell celebration honoring Lateefah Simon and the young women of The Center for Young Women's Development (CYWD). Lateefah Simon has been the Executive Director of the Center for Young Women’s Development for the past 8 years — since she was 19 years old. Under her leadership, CYWD has developed one of the first peer-run education, employment, and community reintegration programs for system-involved young women. Event is being held from 6 – 9 PM at the West Bay Conference Center, located at 1290 Fillmore Street in San Francisco. A $25 donation is suggested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information about the event and to become a sponsor please contact Eleanor Palacios at 415-252-7239 or email, eleanor.palacios(a)sbcglobal.net. Visit the website at http://www.CYWD.org. Tuesday, February 22 People who oppose military recruitment in the schools are asked to attend and speak at this San Francisco Board of Education meeting, which begins at 7 PM. The board meeting will be held at 555 Franklin Street, 2nd floor. For more information, contact Bay Area United Against War at: giobon(a)sbcglobal.net. CALL FOR GREEN CABINET MEMBERS: Green Party activist Glenn Hopkins is looking for nominations for informed civic leaders to serve on a Green Cabinet, to function like the Shadow Cabinets of The British Commonwealth, i.e., critiquing the moves of the majority party in power. This Green Cabinet would promote substantive problem-solving in all the cabinet areas and help develop policies that Green locals can then refer to in their campaigns, both civic and political. Please submit nominations to Glenn at Mootney123(a)aol.com, and be sure to provide an email contact for the nominee. For more information, visit http://www.GreenCabinet.org. Thanks to all of our members for your continued support! Warm Regards, Erika McDonald To have an item included in this newsletter, send email to erikasf(a)aol.com. No attachments please.

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