California Democratic Party Convention 2012

California Democratic Party Convention 2012
San Diego February 9-11

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Democratic Women to be Honored! Democratic Women Inspire Awards 2011



Ladies & Gentlemen
You are Invited!

The Democratic Women’s Club of Stanislaus
Presents
Democratic Women Inspire Awards 2011

Please join us in celebrating extraordinary Democratic women! Time
Sunday, October 30 · 11:30am - 2:00pm

Honorees
Dolores Huerta
Co-Founder United Farm Workers of America

Cathleen Galgiani
Assemblywoman District 17

Anna Caballero
Secretary of State and Consumer Services Agency

Phyllis J. Babcock
Community Activist

Addie Brinkley
President CWA District 9 Retirees Member Council

Lisa Mantarro Moore
Deputy Chief of Staff Congressman Cardoza

Mickey Peabody
Senior Senator California Senior Legislature

Speakers
Kimberly Ellis - Executive Director Emerge California

Dr. Jennifer Ong - Commission on the Status of Women
California Democratic Party Women's Caucus Liaison
Candidate for Assembly District 18

Galletto Ristorante
1101 J. Street
Modesto, CA

Tickets
$30.00 Per Person
$250.00 Reserved Table
Sponsor Opportunities Available

Purchase Tickets Online
https://secure.actblue.com/page/inspireawards

Make Checks Payable to:
Democratic Women’s Club
312 DeVega Ct
Modesto, CA 95354

Make your lunch selection and RSVP by October 20th (209) 523-4203
Your payment is your confirmation.
Limited seating! Tickets are not available at the door.
Questions? Email - Patty Hughes at: demwomensclub@gmail.com

Merced Democrat Cardoza to retire from House


WASHINGTON – Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, announced his retirement today, culminating a San Joaquin Valley political career that dates back to a college internship three decades ago.
Cardoza, 52, said he will step down at the end of 2012 rather than battle it out in a newly redrawn congressional district with his long-time friend and colleague, Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno.
"I love the people of the Central Valley, and thank them for the confidence they have placed in me," Cardoza said in a statement. "While I plan to retire from public service after this term in Congress, I will energetically continue my efforts to improve California as a private citizen."
But in voluntarily leaving a job he first won by unseating a former boss in 2002, Cardoza also is departing a Congress where he decries the loss of fellow moderates and the media focus on partisanship.
"The constant focus on ‘screamers’ and the ‘horse race’ of elections is smothering useful discourse and meaningful debate of public policy," Cardoza said.

Cardoza did not specify his career plans once he leaves the House of Representatives and its $174,000 annual salary. He and wife Kathleen, a physician, live in a new, 4,130-square-foot house on two acres in rural Maryland. They have three children, two of them adopted.
Cardoza's decision leaves Costa as the favorite to represent the newly redrawn 16th Congressional District, which spans Merced and Madera counties and part of Fresno County. Democrats enjoy a 48% to 33% voter registration advantage in the new district.
Cardoza's decision did not surprise his colleagues or other political professionals, who had been reading the tea leaves for months. Tellingly, Cardoza's fundraising slowed considerably since July, and newly filed statements show his campaign treasury currently has only $62,471 available.
By Michael Doyle / Bee Washington Bureau

Read more: http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/10/20/2583811/merced-democrat-cardoza-to-retire.html#ixzz1bKrG8aTK

Monday, October 17, 2011

Future Shock? "SWAT Officer Responds to Call" In Sixty Seconds this Video shows a Danger to Public Safety that could put Modesto Citizens at Risk!



VOTE no on Measures Q,R and S!



Modesto Police Officers Association

Right Wing Assemblywoman Involved in Sarah Palin Flap Helps Ed Lee with Anti-Leland Yee “Robo Calls” Stanislaus Assemblywoman uses her campaign funds to falsely attack Senator Yee


SAN FRANCISCO – An ultra-conservative Assemblywoman who once bragged about her 0% rating from the Sierra Club and who was involved in the cover-up of Sarah Palin’s speaking fee at CSU Stanislaus is using her campaign funds to finance negative and false “robo calls” against Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco).
“San Franciscans have a right to know who is behind these negative attacks, and in this case it’s yet another Republican helping Ed Lee,” said Jim Stearns, Yee’s campaign manager. “It is almost unbelievable that a Republican involved in the Palin cover-up would be attacking Leland Yee on this issue, when he has one of the best records in California on transparency and open government.”
In the robo call, Assemblywoman Kristen Olsen (R-Modesto) falsely attacks Senator Yee for not releasing his office budget; however, Yee’s office budget has long been public and has been released on numerous occasions. In fact, Yee’s office budget currently has a surplus of over $65,000.
Olsen was the public relation’s director for California State University Stanislaus when the university failed to release the speaking contract of Sarah Palin last year, and lost a public records lawsuit filed by Californians Aware. Last week, while Yee was earning the Phil Burton Badge of Courage Award from the Sierra Club, Olsen bragged on twitter that she received a 0% rating from the environmental organization.
Yee has a long record of fighting for transparency in government. Yee has authored dozens of laws to protect whistleblowers, allow greater public access to government documents, ensure speech rights, and increase accountability of public officials.
For these and other efforts, he has received several awards, including the Beacon Award from the First Amendment Coalition, Freedom of Information Award from the California Newspaper Publishers Association, and Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. Californians Aware dubbed Yee “Senator Sunshine.”
“San Francisco’s gain would be a loss to the Legislature of its most consistent and effective champion of what we call public forum law—not just government transparency, but also whistleblower protection and the rights of professional and student journalists,” said Terry Francke, General Counsel of Californians Aware.
“Ralph M. Brown, Bill Bagley and Quentin Kopp achieved undeniable milestones of legislation favorable to open government, but none of them had such a comprehensive record of advancement for all the components relevant to CalAware’s stated mission: ‘Helping citizens, officials and journalists keep Californians aware of public issues, by supporting and defending open government, an inquiring press, and a citizenry free to exchange facts and opinions,’” said Francke.
Yee has released a detailed “Independent City Hall” plan designed to strengthen ethics laws and increase transparency, which can be read at LelandYee.com.

Yee is the only candidate who is endorsed by all of the following - San Francisco Teachers, California Nurses, SF Firefighters, Sierra Club, SF Labor Council, SEIU, AFSCME, and the SF Building and Construction Trades Council.
Yee immigrated to San Francisco at the age of 3. His father, a veteran, served in the US Army and the Merchant Marine, and his mother was a local seamstress. Yee graduated from the University of California – Berkeley, then earned a Ph.D. in Child Psychology, and later served in various mental health and school settings. He and his wife, Maxine, have raised four children who all attended San Francisco public schools. Yee has served in the State Legislature, Board of Supervisors and Board of Education.
###
Contact: Anthony Thomas (415) 829-7302 to volunteer or contribute to Leland Yee's campaign.
http://www.lelandyee.com/releases/right-wing-assemblywoman-involved-in-sarah-palin-flap-helps-ed-lee-with-ant/

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Jose Henandez for Congress Candidacy Announcement Transcript



"In the midst of economic and political turmoil, it is difficult to
imagine and embrace the fundamental values that we as Americans
believe in; the things that make our country the greatest nation on
earth. *Sadly, these tough times have made far too many middle class
families believe that the American Dream is far from reality.*

But I am writing to tell you that the American Dream does exist – "and
I am living proof of it's incredible promise."

The son of migrant-farm workers, I was able to rise from the fields of
California and touch the sky on the Space Shuttle Discovery as an
Astronaut, a lifelong goal I was able to achieve thanks to the promise
of the American Dream. *Now retired, I feel it is my obligation to
help others achieve the American Dream just like I did.*

*That's why today I am proud to officially launch my campaign for
United States Congress in California's 10th Congressional District.
Learn more about my campaign and watch our introduction video right
here:* [ http://joseforcongress.com/ ]

[ http://joseforcongress.com/ ]

I didn't achieve my dreams alone – in fact, I was lucky enough to have
the support of two loving parents and find the right government
program that would help me earn a college education: Upward Bound, a
Federal Trio program that prepares underprivileged kids for college.
*It was through that program I came to understand the important role
government has in fulfilling the American Dream for millions of
underprivileged kids.*

That's why I am running for Congress. I understand that we must start
fighting for middle class families and protect vitally important
programs like Upward Bound, Social Security and Medicare. I also
understand that Congress must start focusing on creating good jobs if
we're ever going to prove the American Dream stills exists.

But these days all we hear from Washington is how important it is to
cut these program so we can lower taxes for the wealthiest one
percent. That's the kind of unacceptable mentality that exists among
our elected leaders and it's just one of the many ways the American
Dream is under attack. *It's time we do something about that.*

*Sign-up to get involved in my campaign for U.S. Congress today and
watch our introduction video here:*


I know that if we work together, we can finally start creating jobs
and restore the American Dream for millions of middle class families
who deserve the same opportunities I had. *I hope that you will join
me in this journey.*

Thank you,

– Jose Hernandez"

Democrats Election 2012


Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @cvdemocrat

Monday, October 10, 2011

"Hawn vs. Hawn" - Mayoral Candidate, Modesto City Councilman, Fights His Own Words



In 90 Seconds of Video you will see what's at stake and who can lose on a Technical Knockout in "Hawn vs. Hawn"

Please click on this You Tube link to watch Modesto City Councilman Brad Hawn "Fight" his own words as he tells the Modesto City Council his reasons for putting Measures Q,R, S on the Nov. Ballot. And see how Hawn fails to disclose on the Official Ballot Statement, which he wrote, the $106 Million cost to taxpayers. Know before you Vote!
PAID FOR BY THE MODESTO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
##
The Modesto Police Officers Association is a non-profit organization that represents 198 sworn men and women of the Modesto Police Department. We have three main functions as a Police Association.

To protect the rights of our members and provide them with the best possible legal representation.
To negotiate for adequate benefits and competitive wages.
To support our community through donations to local programs and worthwhile charities.
www.modestopoa.com

Gov. Jerry Brown OKs Online Voter Registration in California

Californians will be able to register to vote online for 2012 elections under legislation signed into law today by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Senate Bill 397, by Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, allows to state to begin registering voters online ahead of the completion of a new statewide voter registration database.

In the meantime, election officials and the Department of Motor Vehicles will work together to match registration information submitted online with DMV records containing an electronic copy of a voter's signature.

Supporters had argued that the bill would make it easier for Californians to register to vote, increasing voter participation.

"In the 21st century, especially here in California, it is long overdue to have online voter registration," Yee said in a statement. "SB 397 will not only help protect the integrity of the vote, but will allow many more individuals the opportunity to register and participate in our democracy."

The Democratic governor also vetoed several measures affecting elections and the initiative process, including:

• Senate Bill 205, a bill by Democratic Sen. Lou Correa, to prohibit paying canvassers to register voters on a per-registration basis. "Efforts to register voters should be encouraged, not criminalized," Brown wrote in a veto message.

• Senate Bill 199, also by Correa, which would have allowed voters to submit their vote-by-mail ballots at any polling location in the state, instead of one within their county. Brown cited concerns that the change would "add complexity to the voting and election process without commensurate benefit."

• Senate Bill 334, which would have required the top five contributors for and against an initiative to be printed in the statewide voter pamphlet. He rejected because it would only include contributions received at the time the guide is set for publication. "I am concerned that this outdated information could mislead voters about the true supporters and opponents of a ballot measure," Brown wrote in his veto of Democratic Sen. Mark DeSaulnier's measure.

• Assembly Bill 65, by Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gatto, which would have mandated disclaimers in the ballot pamphlet about restrictions on the use of any revenues generated by an initiative. "I am sympathetic to the author's concerns that voters should understand more clearly the consequences of initiatives that dedicate revenue to a specific purpose," he wrote. "But the disclaimer mandated by this bill won't provide voters greater clarity."



Read more: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/10/jerry-brown-signs-bill-for-online-voter-registration-in-california.html#ixzz1aQZSqyBo

Press Release: Jose Hernandez to Announce Candidacy for Congress Jose Hernandez - Former NASA Astronaut Announces Campaign to Restore the American Dream


**MEDIA ADVISORY**
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: AJ@joseforcongress.com
October 9, 2011 (415) 652-0042
Jose Hernandez to Announce Candidacy for Congress
Former NASA Astronaut Announces Campaign to Restore the American Dream
Tracy,
CA

Valley Native and retired NASA Astronaut,Jose Hernandez will formally announce his candidacy
for the 10th Congressional District.
What:Campaign Announcement

Tuesday, October 11,
11:00 AM

Modesto Centre Plaza
1000 L Street
Modesto,CA 95354
Participants:
Jose Hernandez and local community leaders.
##
About Jose Hernandez:
Born in French Camp, California, Jose spent his childhood with his family as migrant farm workers. With his family’s encouragement he went onto the University of the Pacific in Stockton
to study electrical engineering. After completing graduate school Jose worked at the Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory where he helped develop the first full-­field digital mammography imagingsystem. Jose then went onto to work for NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston where in 2004 he was accepted into the astronaut training program. In 2009,Jose flew on STS-­128the Space Shuttle Discovery’s mission to the International Space Station as a Mission Specialist.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Democratic Women Inspire Awards 2011

Democratic Women Inspire Awards 2011 is honoring: Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder United Farm Workers of America; Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani; Anna Caballero - Secretary of State and Consumer Services Agency; Phyllis J. Babcock - Community Activist; Addie Brinkley - President CWA District 9 Retirees Member Council; Lisa Mantarro Moore - Deputy Chief of Staff Congressman Cardoza; Mickey Peabody - Senior Senator California Senior Legislature.

October 30, 2011
11:30a - 2:00p

Galletto Ristorante
1101 J. Street
Modesto, CA 95354

Tickets
$30.00 Per Person
$250.00 Reserved Table
Sponsor Opportunities Available

Make Checks Payable to:
Democratic Women’s Club
312 DeVega Ct
Modesto, CA 95354
Order Tickets Online https://secure.actblue.com/page/inspireawards

Make your lunch selection and RSVP by October 20th
Your payment is your confirmation.
Limited seating! Tickets are not available at the door.