SACRAMENTO FOR DEMOCRACY: 2008 - KICK INTO HIGH GEAR!

WHAT: SfD January Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, January 2, 2008 7:00–9:00pm
WHERE: Arden-Dimmick Library
891 Watt Av (Watt & Northop Ave)
map: http://tinyurl.com/2ly68v

You can RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=26520

PUT DOWN THE EGGNOG, SHAKE OFF THE TINSEL, AND BRING A FRIEND WITH YOU TO START OFF 2008 WITH A BANG!

The holidays are over and it’s time to look forward to 2008. This is sure to be an exciting, action-packed year, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get down to business!

The first open meeting of the Sacramento for Democracy Steering Committee was a huge success. Join us next Wednesday to see what we have planned for this VERY IMPORTANT year!

2008 FOCUS OVERVIEW: We have an election-filled year ahead of us, with 3 days of heading to the polls between February and November! What’s important to you this year, and what part will you play in putting this country back on the right path? We’ll discuss where we’re headed this year as a group and what our priorities will be.
Time: Wednesday, January 2, 2008 - 7:00pm PST

SFD’s OPEN Steering Committee Meeting

Hey there, fellow Progressives!

Just a reminder that Sacramento for Democracy's OPEN Steering Committee meeting will be on Thursday, Dec 20 at 6pm. There is an important change to note: originally scheduled to take place at the Denny's Restaurant at College Town Dr. and Hwy 50, it has been moved. The new location:

Denny's Restaurant
925 3rd St. (corner of 3rd and J St) Downtown Sacto
http://www.sacramentorestaurants.us/18495

Here’s a chance for our general membership and all interested Progressives to help us chart a course for 2008! What do you want to get after? What do you want to see SFD focus on? Here’s your chance to take a break, share good company, join an awesome team and help set an agenda.... we need you!

The focus will be on an agenda for 2008 as well as activities for the next couple of months. As an example, here are some ideas that have been tossed out there: More demos, Congressional lobbying team, creative events, etc. If you are interested and have definite ideas you'd like to see on the agenda, please email or call, and we will address it at the meeting.
Time: Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 6:00pm PST

PDA’s Endorsement Meeting for Bill Durston!!

Help us secure Progressive Democrats of America's national endorsement in Bill’s race against Dan Lungren in California’s 3rd Congressional District!

Consider it a Holiday Coffee Break from shopping and other things we will all be attending to during the holidays.

You’ll be helping the best candidate in the state and taking a breather with other folks who know that, when all the festivities are over, we’ll be working hard to send our good Doctor to the Hill!

Contact: Rich Hundrieser at: r.hundrieser AT comcast.net
or phone at: (916) 622 - 8683. Feel free to bring some snacks, cookies, etc... to eat with coffee and tea.

http://sacramentofordemocracy.org/?q=node/view/12584

Come on down and talk with Bill & Diane Durston

Saturday December 22nd
11am – 1pm / Arden-Dimmick Library / 891 Watt Ave.
Time: Saturday, December 22, 2007 - 11:00am PST

Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock…

It’s that time of year again…..for SFD’s December Potluck!

Please join us for mirth and merriment as we celebrate surviving another year of the insane world of politics!

The theme of our party is …. PARTY!

You can RSVP here:
http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=25853

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec 5 6:30 – 9:30pm
WHERE: Arden-Dimmick Library
891 Watt Av (Watt & Northop Ave)
map: http://tinyurl.com/2ly68v

Sure, we’ll do a quick recap of the latest drama and anything else your merry hearts may desire – after all, this is a time for enjoying each others’ company. YouTube, music and short videos for your entertainment, plus ---

RAFFLE prizes to truly match the generous spirit of the season! Steve Reed will be the MC for the most fun part of the evening. If you have any ideas or contributions you’d like to make, please give him a call or email at (916) 202-8577 / stevreed AT hotmail.com

Please bring something to share: food, drink, or anything else that will add to the festivities. Give Rich Hundrieser a call and let him know what you’d like to bring. He’ll be able to tell you if we already have 4 other people bringing the same thing! (916) 622-8683 / r.hundrieser AT comcast.net
Time: Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 6:30pm PST

You Spoke – We Listened!

We’ve responded to feedback we received regarding the movie we chose for our November meeting. Since most people have already seen "An Inconvenient Truth" (and Al Gore has not yet thrown his hat into the Presidential race), we’ve decided to show another film this month. A great film recently became available, and so we’re going to take this opportunity to bring you No End In Sight!

Please RSVP Here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=24756

No End In Sight, winner of the 2007 Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize: Documentary, has received incredible reviews. Time Magazine has called the film "Without a doubt the most important film you are likely to see this year," and it is possibly the best reviewed film of the entire year, as you can see from the selection of critic quotes below.

Join us this Wednesday to see for yourself - This film makes a case against Bush’s Iraq policy, even by some of those who helped put those policies into place.

We’ll provide the popcorn and sodas (and coffee, tea and snacks); you provide opinions and discussion!

What: Sacramento For Democracy Nov. Meeting
When: Wednesday, Nov. 7th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: Arden Dimick Library
891 Watt Ave., Sacramento 95864
Corner of Watt & Northrop

Also on the agenda:

Time: Wednesday, November 7, 2007 - 8:00pm PST

THURSDAY OCTOBER 4TH
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Sierra 2 Center, Room 11
2791 24th Street
Sacramento 95818
RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=23788

BLUE DIAMOND COMMUNITY ACTION



PLEASE join us as we continue to work together as part of the larger Sacramento Community, to bring the message home to the Blue Diamond management that our brothers and sisters that work at Blue Diamond need to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect!! In an ongoing effort, we will have ILWU Union Leaders, along with long time Blue Diamond workers, at our monthly meeting to let everyone know how we can help by staying involved with the Blue Diamond Campaign.

We will then break into smaller working groups to discuss where SFD should concentrate our efforts in the coming months and into next summer, as the campaign season is upon us. There is a consensus that Healthcare and Warfare are two of the most prominent issues at hand. We will discuss ways in which to attack these issues effectively. Also, we have two important local congressional campaigns that we can coalesce around, and we will be working hard for Dr. Bill Durston in CD3 and Charlie Brown in CD4. Monthly updates on where these campaigns are, and where they are headed, will be highlighted.

There will be plenty of options for input and active participation...so PLEASE join us!!
RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=23788
Time: Thursday, October 4, 2007 - 8:00pm PST

Final Reminder and update about Thursday’s meeting. As you may know, we are thrilled that Bill Durston announced this week that he is going to run for Congress against Dan Lungren. He is going to try to attend our meeting on Thurs. after his shift in the ER. So come to our meeting tomorrow and thank him in person for stepping up and running for office!! You can even sign up to volunteer for his campaign!

Also, Sara Rogers from Sheila Kuehl's office will attend to give us an update on SB 840 and Margie Metzler will be there to discuss single-payer healthcare as well.

SACRAMENTO for DEMOCRACY
Presents

HEALTHCARE not WARFARE !

During the month of September there will be nationwide actions against the War, and to continue the demand for Single-Payer Universal Healthcare. From Washington DC to Los Angeles there will be protests in the street. It is time to stand up and make our voices be heard!! (http://www.troopsoutnow.org/encampmentupdate.html)

We will be showing a short California One Care video. Updates on Sheila Kuehl’s SB840 and Conyers’ HR 676 will be given and a short Q&A period will be accommodated during the update.

Please RSVP: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=22696

We will then discuss the many options and opportunities available to get involved on the issue of the Illegal War and Occupation of Iraq, so we can let the Bush Administration and Congress know about our strong opposition to the continued status quo in the Middle East.

FISA amendments got you down? Impeachment “Off the Table” got you down? Firing up the War Machine for an attack on Iran have you worried? A Congress taking marching orders from the President have you upset?

Come on Down to vent your frustrations and then be a part of a discussion with PDA's Out of Iraq organizing team to plan some action!!

Please RSVP: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=22696

What: SFD Monthly Meeting (1st Thursday this month)

Where: Sierra 2 Center
2791 24th Street
Room 11

When: Thursday September 6th : 7:00 – 9:00 pm
(our meeting has been moved to Thursday instead of Wednesday, so our members can take part in an event in honor of Debra Bowen http://sacramentofordemocracy.org/?q=node/view/8591)

Time: Thursday, September 6, 2007 - 8:00pm PST

Sacramento for Democracy presents
A Film & Discussion about Immigration and a 3rd Anniversary Party for the Progressive Democrats of America

What: SfD Monthly Meeting (August potluck)
When: Wednesday, August 1, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Where: Sierra 2 Center, Garden Room
2791 24th Street, Sacramento

Please RSVP here: http://dfalink.com/event.php?id=21984



This highly acclaimed documentary, Letters From The Other Side (http://www.sidestreetfilms.com/ ), was shown on PBS in 2006, as well as at the Slam Dance Film Festival (in the Wasatch Mountains), and at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin. Read what the critics said about the film at: http://www.sidestreetfilms.com/pressclips.htm . After the film local community leaders will be in attendance to add to our Immigration discussion. Please bring any articles or human stories that might add to the discussion.

Remember to bring a dish for the potluck dinner with you. Any food related questions can be directed to Lynn at: bob644 AT earthlink DOT net. Drinks will be provided.

Please RSVP here: http://dfalink.com/event.php?id=21984

After our Immigration discussion, we will take time to celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of PDA! http://www.pdamerica.org/
Time: Wednesday, August 1, 2007 - 7:30pm PST

The first Wednesday of the month, our monthly SFD meeting, happens to fall on July 4th this year. We will be gathering for some merry making at a local bowling alley to relax and kick back as a group. Following up on the rather large gatherings we had in late spring i.e. the Norman Solomon & Cindy Sheehan town hall meeting, followed the next month by the Jeremy Scahill event, the Steering Committee has decided it is time to kick back and enjoy each other, and our families, in a more relaxed atmosphere.

We will gather at the Crestview Lanes (from 3pm to 6pm ):

Crestview Lanes
(916) 482-7660
4450 Manzanita Ave
Carmichael, CA 95608

Please RSVP here so we can reserve the correct number of lanes:
http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=21197

Price: $1.50 per hour between 3PM to 6PM plus $3.00 rental fee on bowling shoes
Time: Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - 4:00pm PST

ATTENTION! June SfD meeting start-time moved to 6:30pm!

Don't forget to RSVP: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=20494

And vote for your 3 favorite healthcare questions, submitted by SfD members (ends June 6th @ noon): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SacramentoForDemocracy/surveys?id=2513782

The voting database is based on the email addresses on our yahoogroups list. If you are not on our yahoogroups email list (all email subject lines begin with [Sac4Dem]) then send me an email (sac4democracy@hotmail.com) and I'll add your email address to the "registered" voter database.

We have a full agenda with a potluck, discussion, the showing of Kilowatt Ours, and the filming of our healthcare questions to the candidates. We'll be starting the potluck at 6:30 to make time for discussion of recent events, detailed below. Please be sure to come early so we'll have our plates filled and we're all ready to start promptly at 7:00.

If you haven't emailed Roanna Costa to tell her what you're bringing to the potluck, please take a moment to do so! Email her at roanna1@aim.com or call her at 916-730-9044.

Note from Karen Bernal, regarding recent events:

We will devote half of the general meeting to a discussion on the state of affairs regarding the following three topics; all of which are interrelated: the controversy that occurred at the CA Dem Convention in San Diego, the Great Dem Cave-In on the Iraq War vote, and Cindy Sheehan's departure from the public scene of the anti-war movement. For California progressive Dems, all three have added up to a terribly distasteful and jarring time. The pain and frustration is visceral. It is not an understatement to say that many of us are doing a lot of soul searching and thinking as to what the next steps should be. Clearly, there are very few venues where we can come together to commiserate and figure out what can be done. We want everyone to consider a Sacramento for Democracy meeting as one of the places they can go to find people of like minds and who are not afraid to have the kind of discussions that need to be had. This can only be healthy and as far as we're concerned, extremely necessary, if we are to keep our sanity. Please come and be a part of that important conversation!

Vote on Healthcare Questions:

Your healthcare questions have been submitted and you can now vote for your 3 favorite questions. As a reminder, we will be videotaping the top 3 questions at the meeting/potluck and then submitting them to DFA. They will then pick some questions from all of the nationwide submissions and send them to the presidential candidates. DFA will release a video with the questions and responses from the candidates. This is a great way to have our voices heard! Voting will end at noon on Wednesday, June 6th.

You can vote here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SacramentoForDemocracy/surveys?id=2513782

What: Sacramento for Democracy June Meeting/Potluck
When: Wednesday, June 6th, 6:30pm
Where: Arden-Dimick Library
891 Watt Avenue, Sacramento, 95864
Time: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 - 7:30pm PST

Mary Brassell and Sacramento for Democracy present

An Evening With

JEREMY SCAHILL

Author of

BLACKWATER

THE RISE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL
MERCENARY ARMY

Thursday, May 3, 7:00 PM
United Methodist Church 2100 J St.
RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=19762

Jeremy Scahill, a Polk Award-winning investigative journalist returns to Sacramento. A frequent contributor to The Nation magazine and a correspondent for Democracy Now, Scahill has reported extensively from Iraq, the former Yugoslavia and Nigeria. He is currently a Puffin Foundation Writing Fellow at The Nation Institute. Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army is his first book.
Time: Thursday, May 3, 2007 - 9:00pm PST

We are now at our maximum RSVP level. We are going to try and create additional seating at the event. If you have not RSVP'd but would still like to come down, we will do our best to accommodate you. We cannot guarantee that you will get in, but we will try. We may also have additional room if someone that RSVP'd does not show up.

Thanks in advance for your understanding.

Sacramento for Democracy
And
Progressive Democrats of America

with 1240 Talk City KSAC, Capitol Area Progressive Democrats (CAP), & The Ruth Holbrook Community Forum
Present

Norman Solomon & Cindy Sheehan!

Wed. April 4, 7 pm
Coloma Center - 4623 T St.
Sacramento, CA
This event is free, but donations greatly
appreciated to cover costs of event.

To guarantee seating please RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=19077
Walk-ups will be seated first come, first served, if available.

Meeting the Historic Challenge:

War, Peace and the 2007 California Democratic Convention

As part of PDA’s “Mobilize the Progressive Vote” Tour, Norman & Cindy’s appearance will kick-off barnstorming of the state, leading up to the California Democratic Party Convention in San Diego, on April 27 - 29, and culminating in what is sure to be memorable events sponsored by PDA and others.

Author Norman Solomon ("War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death") will be a guest speaker at Sacramento for Democracy’s April meeting. Norman is a nationally syndicated columnist on media and politics, and a newly elected delegate to the State Democratic Party from the 6th Assembly District. He last spoke to us at the "Out Of Iraq Forum" that was held in Sacramento on January 7, 2006 (with Cindy Sheehan, Sean Penn, David Dionisi, Charlie Brown & Bill Durston).

And it’s like Homecoming when Cindy comes to town!

Cindy Sheehan is the mother of Spc. Casey Sheehan who was killed in Bush’s war of terror on 04/04/04. She is the co-founder and president of Gold Star Families for Peace and The Camp Casey Peace Institute. Author (“Peace Mom: A Mother's Journey Through Heartache to Activism”) and revered hell raiser for the Peace Movement, Cindy is also on the National Advisory Panel for PDA. We welcome our homegirl with love and pride!

To guarantee seating please RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=19077
Walk-ups will be seated first come, first served, if available.

SFD’s meeting will take place at the Coloma Center Auditorium 4623 T St. – (corner of 47th St. & T St. Map Here).

We'll also show a rough cut preview of the documentary film "War Made Easy" -- based on Norman Solomon’s book. The Los Angeles Times called the book "brutally persuasive" and "a must-read for those who would like greater context with their bitter morning coffee, or to arm themselves for the debates about Iraq that are still to come."

**Due to time constraints at this event, we will not be able to do our presentation on becoming Carbon Neutral. We will try to reschedule this at a later date. Sorry for any inconvenience.

We hope to see you there!
Time: Wednesday, April 4, 2007 - 9:00pm PST

Hello fellow SFDers!


The Crosses of Lafayette, CA

Our Wed. March 7th meeting will be at the Belle Cooledge Library (5600 Land Park Drive @ Fruitridge: map here & below), same time 7 - 9 pm.

Please RSVP Here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=18327

This month we'll discuss the Iraq Bills that are currently in Congress, watch some powerful anti-war videos, many made by citizens like yourselves and we'll decorate some purses to tell our representatives TO USE THE POWER OF THE PURSE to end this "war". We will also hear from some Latino students and their situation at Woodland Community College.

Our Agenda -
Time: Wednesday, March 7, 2007 - 8:00pm PST

January was a busy month and we have plenty to talk about at our February meeting.
(Note New Location this month: Deterding Park Clubhouse near Watt & Arden; map & directions here)

Please RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=16867


If you weren't lucky enough to be one of the 400+ people to see Ayad when he spoke at the UU Church last month, you're in luck!

1. We are honored to have Ayad Al Qazzaz, Professor of Sociology, CSUS and Instructor in Middle East Society and Culture, speak to us. We're sure he'll have plenty to say about the recent executions in Iraq, the sectarian violence that is tearing apart Iraq, the impending war with Iran, the current lies being propagated by the media and what the US really has in store for Bagdad. Ayad brings a perspective from the Arabic press that we do not see in the US.

Understanding Iraqi Society: the impact of the war and occupation - who benefits, who loses and the cost.


2. The big Anti-War Marches on D.C. & S.F. were held the weekend of Jan. 27th. We will have first-hand reports and pictures from our members and other area progressives that were fortunate enough to attend.

3. If we have time we will celebrate our victories and discuss the Assembly District elections that took place on Jan 13-14th.
A. How did the progressives fair throughout the state?
B. Coalition building on a local level
C. What did we learn?

Don't forget to RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=16867

See you there!!
Time: Wednesday, February 7, 2007 - 8:00pm PST

Happy Almost New Year!

Just a quick reminder that SFD's Monthly Meeting will be upon us this Wednesday, January 3rd from 7 - 9pm (**note new location, Denny's near Sac State for this month only - Map below).

Please RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=16697

We'll go over the latest from our national affiliates, DFA and PDA, and all the latest news. More emails will follow in the next couple of days, but for now, DFA says:

"The start of the New Year is the time to make personal commitments for the upcoming year. Yours might be as simple as writing one letter to the editor per month, or as ambitious as running for local office. You could commit to
Time: Wednesday, January 3, 2007 - 7:59pm PST

Time: Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - 7:59pm PST

We're Almost There!

But before we get there, we're going to be huddling at our next Monthly Meeting -- yeah, it's already that time! Seems like we just had our last one -- I guess time flies when you don't get to watch it go by.....



Due to the all out phone banking going on at SEIU - UHW, we will not have our regularly scheduled meeting there. The majority of campaigns have kept to a Monday - Thursday phone banking schedule followed by weekend canvassing and more phonebanking. Fridays are the only day of half-rest for everyone. In order not to add to the burden of our union friends, we have decided NOT to hold our November meeting at the SEIU Hall on F St and instead, meet at The Coffee Garden on Friday, Nov 3rd at 7pm. The Coffee Garden is located at 2904 Franklin Blvd. (at 4th Ave. in Curtis Park) http://midtowngrid.com/CoffeeGarden/coffeeGarden.shtml or http://www.myspace.com/coffeegarden

RSVP HERE: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=14199
Time: Friday, November 3, 2006 - 6:59pm PST

NEW DATE AND TIME THIS MONTH

We are going to have our meeting on FRIDAY, October 6th this month as SEIU members will be phone banking on our regular night.

RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=12571

It will still be held at SEIU-UHW (1911 F St), but it will be from 5:30 - 8:00 pm on Friday. We will hear updates from our local candidates' campaigns and we will have a FREE screening of The Ground Truth with an introduction by Mary Brassell from Media Edge. There will be popcorn, snacks and sodas provided during the movie.


Time: Friday, October 6, 2006 - 7:29pm PST

It is time for Sacramento for Democracy’s next Monthly Meeting. This meeting will once again be held at the SEIU-UHW Hall on 1911 F Street (between 19th & 20th St), from 7 - 9 PM.

RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=11030

Update 09/05 midnight: Cathlyn just informed me Sasha Abramsky will be unable to attend our meeting. She hopes to get someone to speak about Prop 85 and the Arena deal.

We will also talk about Debra Bowen house parties and a possible high-volume email list if anyone is interested in moderating it.
Time: Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 8:59pm PST

Hi all:

We will have our Communications Team meeting at 7:00 pm on Monday, Aug 28th at Hoppy Brewery (6300 Folsom Blvd.). They have free wi-fi access, so if you want to bring a laptop please feel free to do so. The meeting should last until about 8:30. At tonight's meeting we will discuss ways that can be used to improve SFD's inter- and intra-communications.

EVERYONE is welcome to attend!! This meeting is open to anyone that wants to help us move SFD forward!

Please RSVP here:
http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=11610

We will need several dedicated volunteers to help out with all aspects of our goals and we welcome your ideas and suggestions. Do you want to help out with the website, but have no website experience? No problem, we can show you how. It’s really pretty easy.

Would you like to ...?
Time: Monday, August 28, 2006 - 8:59pm PST