Volume 9 Issue 11
November 2008
News ‘n’ Views OF, BY AND FOR MEMBERS OF THE HUBERT H. HUMPHREY DEMOCRATIC CLUB HHHDC November 2008 Meeting Monday, November 17 , 2008 Coco’s Restaurant 11510 South Street, Cerritos, CA (¼ mile east of the 605 freeway) Dinner (optional) at 6:00 p.m. - Meeting begins at 7:00 pm
Program: Endorsement of Mark Pulido for Cerritos City Council
Announcements I Newsletter submissions are due 10 days before the next scheduled club meeting. You may email them to mstabile@gmail.com.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Announcements .......................Page 1 More Announcements …………..Page 2
Congratulations to Democrat Steve Shanahan who won a seat on the La Palma City Council, giving the Council a Democratic majority.
Charlie Ara Article ………..…………Page 3 Tony Mendoza Statement ….….Page 4
The Hubert H. Humphrey Democratic Club now has its calendar of events available online: 1. Go to: http://hhhdemocrats.org/
Going Green……………………….…..Page 5 Internet Pipeline ………….……..….…Page 6
2. At the top of the page click “Community Calendar”
Notes from Joe’s Desk …………...Page 7
3. Once you are on the calendar page, go to the date of the event .
Tony Mendoza Article ……..……..Page 8
4. Click the event and you will get a pop-up window with all the details, such as date, time, location and description.
Call for Nominations ………..…….Page 9 Advertisements …………………….Page 10 Membership Form……….………..Page 12
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November 2008
News ‘n’ Views
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Announcements II HHHDC’s Luis Marquez Wins Big in Downey! Luis bested four opponents with nearly 53% of the vote in the city-wide 5th District Council race in Downey. Luis is a veteran Democratic activist and a senior deputy of our State Senator Alan Lowenthal. He lives in Downey with his wife Alma and two-year-old twins, Maya and Diego. Congratulations Luis! Other HHHDC members and friends winning big on Tuesday, November 4th were State Senator Alan Lowenthal, Assemblymember Tony Mendoza, and Congresswomen Linda Sanchez and Grace Napolitano.
Debbie Cook had a Great Run Debbie Cook, a grandmother and the Mayor of Huntington Beach, came up short in her challenge of Republican incumbent Dana Rohrabacher in the 46th Congressional District. She gave it a great run, earning 43.2% of the vote in this traditionally Republican stronghold. Several HHHDC members worked tirelessly for Debbie. She received the endorsement of our club and a $250 campaign contribution earlier this year. Congratulations President Elect Barack Obama and Vice President Elect Joe Biden! Change has come!
New Citizen Voter Registration Drive WHERE: Pomona Fairplex WHEN: November 21st, 2009 START TIME: 9:00 a.m.
5TH ANNUAL STATE OF THE DOWNTOWN: PLANTING SEEDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE WITH ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. Friday, November 21, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. Long Beach Westin Hotel in the East Village Arts District. 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA Tickets: $45.00 – Call (562) 436-4259 Contact: Steve Sheldon – 100 W. Broadway, Ste. 120 Information: http://dlba.org/SoTD.htm This year's theme, Planting Seeds of Environmental Change, will address the importance of environmental consciousness as we continue the planning and development of our urban center. Issues such as water conservation, ‘green’ building practices, natural energy resources and recycling programs will be among the topics discussed. Of particular focus will be the pollution of our beaches, the contamination of the Los Angeles River and the opportunities we have as a community to overcome these challenges.
November 2008
News ‘n’ Views
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Got an Ad? We’ve got the space! Check out details on Page 10. And check out our new, reduced ad rates! New advertisers are needed for the newsletter. If you are interested, or know of a person or business who would like to advertise in our publication, please contact President Nikki Noushkam, for details and instructions. As a no-cost bonus, all ads will also appear on the club’s new website.
B A R A C K O B A M A , 44 T H P R E S I D E N T Reflections by Father Charlie Ara Like many Americans, tears ran down my face at 8 PM on November 4th when the news outlets projected that Barack Obama would win the election. It was 45 years ago that I had joined 250,000 in the March on Washington. I was in the same line with Jackie Robinson walking arm in arm down Constitution Avenue from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. Our chant was WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY. I was fortunate to end up 100 feet in front of the podium where I heard Martin Luther King say 17 times I HAVE A DREAM. I was struck by Dr. King’s emotional prediction “I have a dream that someday my four little children will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Never, in my wildest dreams, would I have thought that 45 years later an inspiring young black man would be elected president of the United States of America. In one of my first sermons as a young priest, I began by asking “If you were a parent in Little Rock, Arkansas, what would you be telling your children?” It was the Sunday after Governor Faubus blocked the entrance way to a public school in Little Rock so that black children could not enter. After Mass, an angry parishioner yelled at me “you can’t tell me a nigger is a human being.” Those were the days when blacks had to sit at the back of the bus, had to eat in segregated restaurants, had to go to separate bathrooms, had to drink at separate drinking fountains and in many cases could not vote. For those of my generation and older, the flood of history swept over us on this November 4. The harsh reality of past segregation and racist laws had caused many of us to participate in movements to change our laws. We have, over forty five years, made a long journey. Many paid a great price, including Dr. King, who was taken from us in 1968 by a bullet of hatred. And so, it came to pass that on November 4, 2008, shortly after 8 p.m. Pacific time, the American Civil War ended, as a black man, Barack Obama, won enough electoral votes to become President of the United States.
November 2008
News ‘n’ Views
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Protocol for Meetings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Turn your cell phone off or place it on “vibrate”. During meeting please do not engage in side conversations. If ordering food, please do so before start of meeting. If you wish to speak, please raise your hand for recognition by the chair. Do not interrupt speakers. Please keep your remarks short and concise. Photographs should be taken only without interrupting the meeting.
STATEMENT BY ASSEMBLYMAN TONY MENDOZA "The Legislative Analyst Office's (LAO) report on the potential $28 billion-dollar deficit that could face California in 2010 is disturbing. It really sets into perspective the critical situation we now find ourselves in. In the coming weeks, the Legislature will face tough decisions that will challenge many Californians. In order to deal with a growing deficit, a rational approach must be taken to ensure that clear and reasonable measures are implemented to lift California out of its financial crisis. “As the Legislature convenes in a special session, I plan to address issues of importance to all Californians who find themselves struggling in today's economic climate. It would serve everyone well in state government to listen to and review all proposals and plans, whether from the LAO's office or otherwise, in order to determine the best and least harmful plan of action. “We must return our state to a level of economic activity that benefits businesses and individuals alike, without harming our academic institutions that provide our future workforce, or further affecting those currently facing financial setbacks."
November 2008
News ‘n’ Views
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Going Green with Norma and Alan
S ILVER L INING
TO
H.R.1424!
By Norma and Alan Williamson, HHHDC Members As part of the $700 billion dollar Wall Street bailout, the only good thing about the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, (H.R. 1424) is that it used renewable energy credits to “sweeten” its passage. Just as federal solar tax credits were about to sunset on December 31st, 2008, H.R. 1424 came to the rescue. After a two-year deadlock and eight failed attempts at passing renewable energy tax incentives, the House passed H.R. 1424, by a vote of 263 to 171 and that afternoon the President signed it. Now more than ever it is time to “go solar”. The 30% solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) will be extended for eight years (to 2016) and the $2,000 cap for residential solar electric installations has been lifted (note: the $2,000 cap has not been cancelled for solar hot water systems). According to an article by Susan Carpenter in the Los Angeles Times, (Sunday, November 1, 2008), “Through a combination of federal, state and city programs, many California residents are eligible to recoup as much as 75% of their solar installation costs, which average about $35,000 to $40,000”. State incentives include California’s SB1, the Million Solar Roof Initiative, which requires municipal utilities to offer their own rebate programs. Visit: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/ for more information. Unlike the current investment tax credit, H.R. 1424 allows businesses and public utilities to claim the 30% tax credit and install solar energy systems on properties in the United States. The new law also authorizes $800 million in renewable energy bonds as well as offering a tax credit for plug-in electric vehicles. H.R. 1424 is expected to cost $1.294 billion over ten years, which is partially funded by new changes in the tax code for the oil and gas industry. According to a study by the Solar Energy Industries Association, 440,000 green collar jobs will be generated as a result of H.R. 1424. For more information see the links below: www.solartoday.org (Nov/Dec 2008) http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=53755
November 2008
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INTERNET PIPELINE by Mike Stabile This month’s noteworthy internet site: Rough & Tumble – “A snapshot of California Public Policy and Politics”. The web address is: http://www.rtumble.com/. Each day has a plethora of summaries of articles (along with the links) from all major newspapers in California. If you have any pertinent sites that you’d like to pass on to members, please email the information to the Newsletter Editor at mstabile@gmail.com.
“It was once said that the moral test of Government is how that Government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”
Hubert H. Humphrey
November 2008
News ‘n’ Views
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Notes from Joe’s Desk
OU UR R P LLA AC CE E IIN N H IIS ST TO OR RY Y Fellow Democrats, It has taken a day or so to catch up on sleep and reflect on the history we made as Democrats. Words cannot describe the elation I feel at this moment. I would be negligent to not thank you for the numerous hours each of you has dedicated to moving our country forward. The lack of sleep, voters registered, precincts walked, volunteers organized and phone banks coordinated were for not for nothing. Your efforts and sacrifices were essential to our success and a debt of gratitude is owed to you for doing your part to put America on the right track. We had great success in Region 15. All of our endorsed candidates for State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives won their respective elections with at least 60% of the vote. These results are a testament to their commitment to our community and your commitment to turning out the vote and being outstanding examples of what a Democrat should be. November 4th 2008 will be one of those moments in time where you remember where you were when we reached a significant point in our history as a civilization. While I would have treasured the opportunity to celebrate this historic election with you here at home, I am proud to have had an opportunity to spend this election volunteering in the election of Assembly Member elect Manuel Perez in the 80th Assembly District. Together with fellow Assembly staffers, our friends in labor and community organizers we were successful in bringing back the 80th. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with people of the 80th AD. These voters were looking for a strong Democratic voice in Sacramento and I am proud to say that they have one in Mr. Perez, as well as the voters in the 78th AD with Marty Block, in the 15th AD with Joan Buchanan. Our upcoming Executive Board Meeting for the California Democratic Party will be a great opportunity to meet with fellow Democrats from across the state and cherish the fruits of our collective labor to move our communities, our state and our country forward. The meeting is taking place next weekend November 14th 16th at the Anaheim Sheraton. In addition it will serve as an opportunity to become informed of what our future holds and be an active participant in the various caucus and committee meetings taking place. An agenda for the meeting is online at the CDP website at www.cadem.org. Very Respectfully, Joseph Legaspi California Democratic Party, Region 15 Director joseph.legaspi15@gmail.com
November 2008
News ‘n’ Views
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BACK TO SQUARE ONE: THE RETURN OF CALIFORNIA’S ECONOMIC CRISIS By Assemblyman Tony Mendoza Just a day after an historic national election, California’s governor called for a special session of the state’s legislature to deal with a new budget shortfall of $11.2 billion. The deficit facing California has increased since the budget was passed in September, growing from $3 billion to its current projection. The governor’s proposal to deal with the problem is a combination of tax increases and cuts. First on his list, raise the state’s sales tax by 1.5 percent. California already has the highest sales tax in the country. For the residents of Los Angles County this means paying 10.25% on things we purchase. The governor would also like to see a new $12 fee on vehicle registration, a five cent tax on alcoholic beverages served or purchased, and a $2 billion cut in spending on education. Each of these items and the others proposed by the governor merit discussion, especially when you consider that major reform is in need throughout many facets of the state’s budget process and programs. Take for example the state’s unemployment insurance fund. Without restructuring, the fund is in jeopardy of running out of money by January 2009 and could leave the state with a new deficit of $5 billion by the end of 2010. As the legislature convenes to work through these difficult decisions, one crucial question remains - a remnant that was never answered during the first budget debate: Has governor Schwarzenegger reached out to members of his own party to ensure that real discussions are ready to take place to solve these problems without delay or political stalemating? The Republican leadership issued a letter to the governor in mid-October opposing any discussions that include increases in taxes. That, of course, is when the state was facing a $3 billion deficit. Knowing that Republicans had railroaded discussions and passage of our current budget just a few months back, the governor should have begun talks with them prior to announcing his November revise. Having everyone on the same page makes dialogue on the issues a bit easier and prepares everyone for the tough decisions that must be made. Perhaps, with this newly revised shortfall, the governor can convince others in his party to look at and discuss everything including strategic short-term taxes to carry us through. If the governor is able to do that, then we would be witness to two truly historic events in less than a month. CONTACT: Richard Garcia ( Richard.garcia@asm.ca.gov ) (562) 864-5600
November 2008
News ‘n’ Views
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Dear HHHDC members, It’s that time again! Time to nominate officers to serve as Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the club for 2009. According to our current Bylaws: ELECTIONS SECTION 1 At the November general meeting, or whenever there is a vacancy, a Nominating Committee of five members shall be nominated and elected from the floor. The Nominating Committee shall make a recommendation at the next consecutive general meeting. Nominations may also be received from the floor. A notice of election and a list of all nominees shall be mailed to the general membership in the next consecutive meeting notice, at which time the election shall be held. SECTION 2 Officers shall serve for one year, or until a successor has been installed, except for the President, who shall serve for two years and be elected in even-numbered years, and installed in January following the election. SECTION 3 No person shall be nominated as President of this organization who has not been a member for at least one year. No person shall be nominated for any other office or as a delegate who has not been a member for at least six months. SECTION 4 No person shall be eligible to vote in any election of this organization unless he or she has been a member in good standing for at least three months prior to the election. SECTION 5 Neither absentee or proxy voting shall be valid in the organization. The officer duties are: ARTICLE III - OFFICERS AND DUTIES SECTION 1 The officers of the organization, who shall be elected in accordance with the organization’s by-laws, shall be: A. President _ who shall preside over the meetings of the general membership and the Executive Board, represent the Club with other groups and organizations, be responsible for carrying out the official activities and purpose of the organization, and appoint chairs of temporary and ad hoc committees. (Editor’s note: This office will be open for nominations in 2010.) B. Vice-President _ who shall assist the President, preside in the President’s absence, and be responsible for all precinct organization and activity and be a member of all standing committees. C. Secretary _ who shall keep all minutes and records of the organization, and be responsible, with the President, for all correspondence of the organization. D. Treasurer _ who shall receive and disburse all organization funds, and provide periodic financial reports to the general membership. (Editor’s note: Basic experience in working with simple spreadsheets is desirable.) If you are interested in serving on the NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE then please notify the eboard via email, or at the November meeting when we introduce a motion at that meeting to appoint the committee. The next step will be to gather nominations for the three open offices of Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer at the January 2009 meeting. (Ed. Note: The election will occur at the February 2009 meeting.) It has been great working with you during this historic year for Democrats! Thank you! Marisela Cervantes Vice President, Hubert H. Humphrey Democratic Club
November 2008
2008 HHHDC OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS
President
Nikki Noushkam
562-712-4072
Vice-President
Marisela Cervantes
213-445-1152
Treasurer
Denise Stabile
Rec. Secretary
Mike Stabile
562-505-5807
Committees Maureen Allen
Newsletter Editor Mike Stabile
Our HHHDC Newsletter is available on your computer! Please send your email address to: Mike Stabile at
mstabile@gmail.com We also are prepared to accept advertisements for publication according to the following rates:
2008 Executive Board
Legislative Anal.
Page 10
News ‘n’ Views
562-746-7569 562-505-5807
Membership
Beverly Porter
Historian
Charlie Ara
562-865-4075
Parliamentarian
Marisela Cervantes
213-445-1152
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