Progressive Democrats Sonoma County

The Speakout for Good Jobs Now tour will feature stops in numerous cities across America giving Americans the chance to speak out about how the economy is affecting them. Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus will listen to what everyday Americans have to say and take that back to Washington with them as they continue to fight to reinvigorate the American Dream — the ability to put in a day’s hard work for good wages and benefits so we can provide our children with a better future.

UPDATE: http://www.pdamerica.org/events/view/save-the-date-speakout-for-good-jobs-now-277

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Don’t miss this important discussion on the national budget. The expert panel will address war funding and austerity, threats to retirement benefits, media disinformation, and attacks on workers’ rights. The panel includes Norman Solomon, author, columnist and media critic, Joshua Holland, senior editor at AlterNet who wrote “The 15 Biggest Lies about the Economy,” and Lisa Maldonado, Executive Director of the North Bay Labor Council, AFL- CIO. Co-sponsored by Progressive Democrats of Marin, Democracy For America-Marin, the Marin Peace and Justice Coalition, The Social Justice Center of Marin and The Peoples’ Budget.

For more information: Dan Monte, danmonte33@gmail.com or 707-393-1948.

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Sunday, May 1st, International Workers Day

As energy spreads across the country to support workers’ right to organize and have decent wages and healthy families, the May 1st Coalition of Sonoma County invites the public to come march and celebrate May Day in Santa Rosa, Sunday, May 1st. We call on the diverse sectors of our county to participate in support of all working people that produce the incredible wealth of Sonoma County and keep the economy of our country running. This is an opportunity for unions, environmentalists, churches, students and immigrants to come together and demonstrate solidarity as working men and women.

A rally at 665 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa (Dollar Tree parking lot near Dutton), will begin 1:00 pm, with speakers representing local unions, faith based community, social justice, immigrants rights and environmental organizations. The march will proceed through downtown Santa Rosa to Juilliard Park for a community family picnic with music and entertainment.

For more information, call 707-795-1044

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On Saturday, April 23, the Healdsburg High School Progressive Club will host their 9th Annual Earth Day Festival. 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Healdsburg Plaza

There will be live music, including Hoytus and One Love, The Tropes, Happy Accident, Aardvark Ruins, Attila Nagy, the HHS Jazz Band, and the HHS Ukulele Orchestra.

Speakers will include Norman Solomon, Project Censored, Veronica Jacobi, Davin Cardenas, Supervisor Mike McGuire, and Elliott Doss.

Art. Music. Speakers. 30 booths. Free.

Be sure to stop by the PDSonoma booth for a visit!

More Info at Healdsburg High School Progressive Club Facebook Page

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The Green New Deal for the North Bay is a civic initiative to transform Marin and Sonoma Counties into a more resilient region guided by principles of environmental sustainability, economic equity and social justice.

History shows us that the collective genius of communities is powerful and effective when harnessed by people working together.

Formed by a range of grassroots organizations and activists with a variety of environmental and economic concerns, the Commission on a Green New Deal for the North Bay held eight open forums in spring 2009 in eight cities throughout Sonoma and Marin counties.

During the current fall and winter hearings, experts present testimony on such issues as food, housing, water, energy, health care and social equity. In 2010, the Commission on a Green New Deal for the North Bay will communicate its findings — first in draft form and then as a final report — to the public, media outlets and government officials.

Seeking to bring about change through community participation and public policy, the Green New Deal report will also offer specific recommendations for North Bay residents, businesses, community groups, institutions and government entities.

MORE INFO

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We invite you to join us for what we hope to be the first in a series of exciting free community forums On-The-Media in the North Bay. The news, technology and information landscape is changing all around us – what does it take to be an informed citizen? Who can you trust? And how is it all important to any of us? Plan on spending the evening with us to have a discussion about these important topics and more. Bring your questions for panelist Q&A!

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December 1999 – 40,000 people marched in Seattle to protest the economic power of the
World Trade Organization

A forum to celebrate the 10th anniversary of these demonstrations. What has happened since then and what is next?

Speakers – Norman Solomon, Ted Nace, Richard Heinberg and Newman Strawbridge

Sponsored by The Peace & Justice Center & Alliance for Democracy of Sonoma County

Free Event. Donations gladly accepted to cover expenses.
Information 527-7191
Forum is scheduled to run until 5:00 p.m.

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GREEN NEW DEAL FORUM
Topic: Agriculture, Food & Water

‘The Green New Deal is a grassroots initiative to transform Marin and Sonoma Counties into a more resilient region, guided by principles of environmental sustainability, economic equity and social justice.

In the spring a series of hearings were held throughout both counties to discover the ideas found within the collective wisdom of the people. Now we are presenting a second set of programs to bring experts forward that know how to move these ideas into action.’

For More INFO:
voices@GreenNewDeal.info
www.GreenNewDeal.info
MARIN – 415.663.9672
SONOMA – 707.227.0046

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Join us for an informational meeting about the exciting campaign to build a new, democratic and member-driven union in California health care

Meet: Sal Rosselli, interim President, NUHW
Marie White, home care worker, NUHW, former Executive Board, UHW-W

Chaired by Norman Solomon

Cosponsored by Progressive Democrats Sonoma County and Labor Notes
Hosted by Nancy Dobbs, Norman Solomon, David Grabill, Peter Phillips, David Walls, Tony White, Cal Winslow, and Alice Chan. (partial list)

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Music by Peter Tracy and refreshments from 7:00 to 7:30
Talk by Norman Solomon at 7:30
(Freewill donation appreciated; no one turned away)

Norman Solomon was in Kabul for five days ending in early September 2009. He will be describing what he learned there as
well as making recommendations for how U.S. policy in Afghanistan should change.

Solomon is a nationally syndicated columnist on media and politics. He has been writing the weekly “Media Beat” column since 1992. A prolific writer, his books include Made Love, Got War: Close Encounters with America’s Warfare State (2007), War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death (2005) which was made into a documentary in 2007.

Solomon is the founder and executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy, a national consortium of policy researchers and analysts, and has appeared as a guest on many media outlets including the PBS “News Hour With Jim Lehrer,” CNN, MSNBC, C-SPAN, and public radio.

Sponsored by:
Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County
American Friends Service Committee
Progressive Democrats Sonoma County
EarthKeeping Ministry of Christ Church United Methodist

Information (707) 575-8902

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Renowned American environmentalist and writer Bill McKibben will speak about the first global-scale climate change movement, the 350.org campaign, as well as the significance of the number 350 and the upcoming International Day of Climate Action on October 24th.

This event is hosted by Sonoma Country Day School in partnership with the Climate Protection Campaign, Post Carbon Institute, Sierra Club Sonoma County, Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County, and the Network for Spiritual Progressives of Sonoma County and 34 other community organizations.

$10 in advance/ $15 at the door
A reception and book signing will follow the presentation.
Purchase tickets online at http://www.scdsevents.org

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Between now (mid-August) and October 4th Norman will be making a visit to Afghanistan and will be including his report on that in his talk on Sunday, October 4th at 12:30 pm.

Norman Solomon is the author of twelve books, including “War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death,” which was adapted into a documentary film. He is a nationally syndicated columnist on media and politics. A frequent guest on radio and television, he was featured in Bill Moyers’ PBS documentary “Buying the War.” Solomon, the founder and executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy, is co-chair of the Commission on a Green New Deal for the North Bay. He is a recipient of the George Orwell Award, which honors “distinguished contributions to honesty and clarity in public language.”

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Progressive Democrats Sonoma County is pleased to present The Single Payer Players in The Sound of Moolah, an original musical melodrama/puppet show about healthcare reform.

The lively puppet show, a take-off on The Sound of Music, invites audience participation. The characters include Dr. Maria, an idealistic young physician; the Von Trappeds, a family struggling with medical expenses; a shepherd with social anxiety disorder; a set of Siamese quintuplets; President Obama; insurance and drug company executives, and more. All of the songs from the original musical have new lyrics, and the words are in the program so the audience can sing along. The show is touring widely around California, and we are fortunate to be able to see it in Rohnert Park.

Doors open 1:30 p.m.

More Info Here

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NORMAN SOLOMON, featured speaker

Details TBA

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The Peace Crane Project presents its annual Hiroshima Nagasaki Remembrance Day in its mission to abolish nuclear weapons from the face of the planet. Even as we’ve held this event for nearly 30 years, the need for a nuclear-free world becomes ever more urgent as more nations seek to acquire these weapons of terror, capable of
mass-destruction and carnage.

This year, our program, introduced by Reverend Chris Bell will feature the noted activist Norman Solomon, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of such best-sellers as War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us To Death.

Also on the list of the distinctive program: Sonoma County Taiko Drummers; Japanese tea ceremony by Mario Uribe; shakuhachi flute music by Elliot Kallen; Children’s Choir; and film clips from
White Light Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by award-winning filmmaker Steven Okazaki.

HIROSHIMA NAGASAKI REMEMBRANCE
Building toward a nuclear free world

Reception: 2:30 pm | Program: 3:00 pm

Admission is Free.

Sponsors:
Japanese American Citizens League of Sonoma County
Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County
National Japanese American Historical Society,
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Santa Rosa

Peace Crane Project website: http://www.peacecraneproject.org/

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Democrats, Progressives, Family & Friends
Elected Officials & Potential Candidates Invited

Democratic Club of Southern Sonoma County
Big Backyard BBQ Bash

****Special Guests****

Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey

Senator Mark Leno, Assemblyman Jared Huffman

& Green New Deal Co-Chair Norman Solomon
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Co-Sponsored by
Sonoma County Young Democrats

Fabulous Food, 50/50 Raffle

Music by “Great Events DJ” Rich Steingruber

(Volunteers and Chefs: If you’d like to bring a favorite dish, beverage or help at the BBQ, please do)

Hosted by: Bill & Maggie Fishman

· From Petaluma take US-101 N then OLD REDWOOD HWY/PENNGROVE exit; Right on OLD REDWOOD HWY; Right on MAIN ST; Right on WOODWARD AVE; Bear Right on OAK ST;

Left on EAST ST; Home on your Right.

· From Santa Rosa take US-101 S then the GRAVENSTEIN HWY/COTATI exit; Turn Left on GRAVENSTEIN HWY; Bear Right on OLD REDWOOD HWY; Left on ADOBE RD; Turn Right on GROVE ST; Cross WOODWARD; Turn Right on EAST ST; Home on your Left

www.southsonomademocrats.org

RSVP – Call 707-795-3579 or e-mail raven@pon.net

Suggested Donation $10 * Club Membership $15 pp * $25 per couple

We also encourage you to bring food/supplies for COTS (Committee on the Shelterless)

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What We Know and What We Need to Do to Regain Marriage Equality in California

The California Supreme Court has ruled to uphold Prop 8. WE NEED YOU TO GET ENGAGED in the next stage of our marriage equality movement in California.

Join us at this community gathering to get the latest California polling results on local support for marriage equality, initiative options and where we can make a difference. Learn more about how our local community voted on Prop 8 and what we can do to regain marriage equality in California.

We will be creating the greatest grassroots movement this country has ever seen and we want you to be involved. This interactive gathering will provide you an opportunity to be informed on what we know now and then to share your ideas and get your questions answered.

So join us on July 1st and learn what you can do in our local marriage equality coalition and bring a friend!

For more information, go to www.getengagedtour.com or write to ca-sonoma@marriagequality.org.

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NORMAN SOLOMON – film and discussion
“War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death”

Nationally syndicated columnist Norman Solomon, discusses his book “War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death”.

Following his discussion we will show the film of the same title based on the book and narrated by Sean Penn, followed by a Q&A session conducted by Norman Solomon.

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Presented by Community Clean Water Institute

Continuing drought and probable flow reductions in the Russian River have left us in the middle of a “water crisis!”

Lack of water will greatly affect our drinking water supplies and endangered salmon such as Coho.

Come learn how to test stream flow at The First Saturday Cleanup on June 6th at the Pierson Street Bridge on Santa Rosa Creek at 10 am. So we can keep ourselves and local government aware of exactly how our watersheds are doing! This information will help guide our daily water use and will help agencies make informed decisions regarding water policy.

This training is part of First Saturday Cleanup (FSC), which is a great mentoring and stewardship program where youth of Chops Teen Center work with the community in cleaning up Santa Rosa Creek. The teens and supervising adults pick up trash, plant native vegetation, and remove graffiti. We will conclude the training and cleanup with a potluck lunch, so bring your favorite dish to share. For more info about FSC visit http://www.firstsaturdaycleanup.org/index.php

For a list of upcoming workshops and events go to http://www.ccwi.org/events.html

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“In a series of community forums, the Green New Deal seeks your ideas for integrating and promoting green jobs, economic rights, and environmental protections into our legislative and policy agendas.”

“Your voice is critical to influence our decision makers.”

MORE INFO HERE

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“In a series of community forums, the Green New Deal seeks your ideas for integrating and promoting green jobs, economic rights, and environmental protections into our legislative and policy agendas.”

“Your voice is critical to influence our decision makers.”

MORE INFO HERE

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“In a series of community forums, the Green New Deal seeks your ideas for integrating and promoting green jobs, economic rights, and environmental protections into our legislative and policy agendas.”

“Your voice is critical to influence our decision makers.”

MORE INFO HERE

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Assemblymember Jared Huffman will host a public meeting to discuss the proposed Dutra asphalt plant at Haystack Landing.

WE NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION!!

The event will feature a panel of proponents, followed by a panel of experts from regulatory agencies and a panel of people with other perspectives on the plant, according to Huffman

Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, State Senator Mark Leno, members of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and members of the Petaluma City Council are all likely to be in attendance.

“It is my job to look at the bigger implications for the district,” said Huffman, who chairs the state Assembly’s Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife and is a member of the Committee on Natural Resources. “I want to understand if existing laws are working in this case. The project has caused such concern and is happening in a very sensitive location that is a habitat for wildlife.”

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46819827735

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Friday, May 1st – Rally at Old Albertson’s lot, 665 Sebastopol Rd. (near Dutton) in Roseland, 3:00 pm. March to Court House Square begins at 4:30 pm.

The Committee for Immigrant Rights of Sonoma County (CIRSC) and a coalition of groups are organizing the May 1st march and rally in Santa Rosa to coincide with events across the Nation. The focus of the event will be centered on workers’ rights, as well as a call to put an end to workplace immigration raids across the country and collaboration of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with our County Sheriff locally.

In respect for those who do have to work on Friday, May 1st., this year’s Mayday march will begin at 4:30 pm. Gathering at 3:00 pm for a rally at the old Albertson’s parking lot on Sebastopol Road, near Dutton Ave., then march downtown to Court House Square.

For more information and updates on the event, please call 571-7559, leave a message and the call will be returned.

CIRSC, in coalition with other groups, have organized the past three May 1st marches in Sonoma County to raise awareness of workers’ and immigrant issues. Concerned people nationwide will be marching again in massive numbers to commemorate International Workers’ Day.

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Employee Free Choice Act
“The Change We Need”
Public Forum

10:00AM-12:00 PM

Panelists
Congresswoman Lynne Woolsey
State Senator Pat Wiggins
State Assemblyman Jared Huffman
Supervisor Shirlee Zane
Supervisor Effren Carillo
Santa Rosa Councilman Gary Wysocky
Moderator Michael Allen, President North Bay Labor Council

This can be the year that we take the path back
to the restoration of the middle class in America.
Join us in helping to build the momentum for this important legislation.

Sponsored by the Living Wage Coalition and North Bay Labor Council, with SEIU 1021 and Sonoma County Conservation Action.

Ben Boyce
Living Wage Coalition Director
(707) 478-9663

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