Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Helen Thomas - "I am a cynic with hope"






































Attended the Commonwealth Club Monday to hear the legendary journalist Helen Thomas (89 years old - 10 presidents). Her new book is "Listen Up, Mr. President - Everything you always wanted your president to know and do".

Phil Bronstein, Executive VP, San Francisco Chronicle asked questions, many from the audience - as always he was charming - but he was also respectful - after all this was Helen Thomas. She is so smart, not afraid to speak out, wise and she is a liberal:

"It is a great privilege to question the President of the United States".
Journalism as a job - "what other job can you have that let's you learn something everyday?".
"Obama controls the press more than Nixon".
"Press let us down on the war on Iraq"
"President Clinton was victimized by the right".
President Kennedy was her favorite.
George W. Bush was her least favorite.
"President Obama lacks courage - needs to be bolder - he needs to pass health insurance, work for peace, get out of wars"
"Reagan was the best at managing the news"
"No such thing as bi-partisan politics"
"No president is prepared to be President"
Respected President Ford - "he uplifted the White House"
Nancy Reagan had influence with President Reagan - example meeting with Gorbachev.
Pat Nixon was misunderstood, "she was a wonderful woman".
FDR and LBJ (domestically) best presidents.
Nixon told her just before he spoke to the nation to resign "pray for me".
"Hillary is tough, good, competent".
There was a glass ceiling - hierarchy - man's world.
Question - when were the worse times "now".
Question - would she run for President in 2012? "if elected, I will serve".

Helen Thomas is amazing - we should treasure her and use her as an example - stand up for what you believe - tell the truth.




*Workshop on How to Stop the IHSS Cuts
When: October 13, 2009 - Tuesday
2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Koret Auditorium - San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco
What: Consumer Rights for Community Living, in collaboration with Bay Area Legal Aid, is sponsoring trainings in October that will train volunteers to help consumers preserve essential services due to some of 8,000 San Franciscans who will lose some of their Home Supportive Services (IHSS) because of state budget cuts.
Information: crclsf.org

*San Francisco Public Utilities Commission - Special Meeting
When: October 13, 2009 - Tuesday
6 to 9 p.m.
Where: South East Community Center, Alex Pitcher Room, 1800 Oakdale Avenue, San Francisco
What: Discussing the adoption and possible implementation of a formal Environmental Justice framework that will likely include a mix of policies, practices, and projects.

*Community Planning
When: October 13, 2009 - Tuesday
6 p.m.
Where: African American Art and Culture Complex, Hall of Culture, 762 Fulton Street, San Francisco
What: Community meeting to tell the City and County of San Francisco how to spend $200 million in federal funds over the next five years.
Information: 415-701-5500

*Chester Hartman speaks on "The Right to Housing"
When: October 13, 2009 - Tuesday
6 p.m.
Where: I-Hotel 868 Kearny Street, San Francisco
What: Hear Chester Hartman speak on "The Right to Housing". Hartman is director of policy and research for the Poverty & Race Research Action Council in DC. He is the author of "City for Sale: The Transformation of San Francisco".
Sponsors: Housing Rights Committee of SF, St Peters Housing committee, Asian Law Caucus, Bay Area Legal Aid, SF Human Rights Commission, National Housing Law Project, Chinatown Community Development Center, Just Cause Oakland, Fair Housing Marin
Information: 577-1130

*Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club - "The People v. Leo Frank"
When: October 13, 2009 - Tuesday
6 p.m.
Where: San Francisco Jewish Community Center, 3200 California Street/Presidio, San Francisco
What: Free screening and discussion of "The People v. Leo Frank" The 1913 murder of 13 year old Mary Phagan in an Atlanta pencil factory and subsequent trial and lynching of her accused Jewish Killer, Leo Frank, brought anti-Semitism, class tension and racism to the forefront of the nation's attention. Filmmaker Jonathan Bernstein of the Anti-Defamation League, Rev. Bruce Bramlett of Silicon Valley Faces and Eva Paterson of Equal Justice Society will have discussion about what it means to be "the other"
Pre-registration required: call 415-292-1233. sfrwjdc@yahoo.com

*Litquake -One City One Book: Dough Dorst in conversation with Adam Johnson
When: October 13, 2009 - Tuesday
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco
What: Discussion between author Dough Dorst and Adam Johnson. Stage reading of an excerpt from "Alive in Necropolist". Book signing afterwards. Free
Information: 415-557-4277

*New Leaders Council - San Francisco Chapter
When: October 13, 2009 - Tuesday
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 111 Minna, 111 Minna Street, San Francisco
What: Join the NLC San Francisco Chapter to celebrate New Leaders Council and support progressive leadership. Mission is to train and support the next generation of progressive political entrepreneurs. You need to purchase a ticket to attend this event. $25. Tickets: bit.ly/NLCdaySF

*San Francisco Progressives for Philippine Typhoon Relief
When: October 13, 2009 - Tuesday
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Poleng Lounge, 1751 Fulton Street, San Francisco
What: Fundraiser for victims of the recent Philippine typhoons.
Join School Board Member Jane Kim, Supervisors John Avalos, Chris Daly and Eric Mar.
Organization co-sponsors: BABAE- SF, BAYAN-USA, Bindlestiff Studio, SF Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, (SF CHRP), Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), League of Filipino Students - SFState, League of Youth Voters, Kasamahan (USF). Sliding scale donations $10. to $1,000
Information: info@gabusa.org Donation online: bayanusa.org
Information:

October 14, 2009 - Wednesday

*Health Care Rally
When: October 14, 2009 - Wednesday
11:30 a.m.
Where: Corner of Montgomery Street and One Post Street, San Francisco
What: Health care rally to support Senator Feinstein to let her know we support her and got her back heading into the final, crucial weeks.

*2009 Latino Heritage Month Celebration
When: October 14, 2009 - Wednesday
5 to 7 p.m.
Where: City Hall, Rotunda, San Francisco
What: Mayor Gavin Newsom and the Latino Heritage Month Committee, The Mexican Museum, CAMINOS Pathways, The Hispanic Medal of Honor Society, Voices for Justice the Bicentennial of Latino Journalism invite you to celebrate the 2009 Latino Heritage Month Celebration.
Honoring: Peter Rodriguez, San Francisco Artist & founder of the Mexican Museum, Sr. Petra Chavez, founder of Caminos Pathways, Latino Heritage Arts Award to Ester Hernandez, Artista, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
Latino Heritage Business Award - Dolores Reyes, owner of Los Jarritos Restaurant
Latino Heritage Community Award: Olga Talamante, Director of Chicana/Latina Foundation & Board of National Center for Lesbian Rights
Latino Heritage Education Award - Rosario Anaya, Director of Mission Language and Vocational School, AGUILAS el Ambiente Program
Latino Heritage Media Award - Juan Gonzales, Founder of El Tecolote Newspaper; Marcel Medina, Media Professional Board Chair of Latino Community Foundation.
Performances by Music National Service Fellos, Futuro Picane, Los Boleros
San Francisco Latino Heritage Committee: Rita Alviar, Rosario Anaya, Saul Anaya, Eli Aramburo, Erick Arguello, Juan Barajas, Gloria Bonilla, Miguel Bustos, Arturo Carrillo, Alejandro Castrillo, Anne Cervantes, Ana Maria Coral, Larry Del Carlo, Mario Diaz, Rauel Donoso, Lariza Dugan-Cuadra, Carolina Echeverria, Olivia Fe, Barbara Garcia, Estela Garcia, Nancy Gonzalez Madynski, Brandon Hernandez, Cristy Johnston, Rick Leal, John Marez, Eva Martinez, Tomasita Medal, Sonia Melara, Roberto Ordenana, Eleanor Palacios, Mario Paz, Alfredo Pedroza, Ana Perez, Lou Ramirez, Rona Renner, Nicole Rivera, Eva Royale, Sam Ruiz, Mitchell Salazar, Jim Salinas, Leo Sosa, Brenda Storey, Olga Talamente, Juan Alberto Tam, Nicky Trasvina, Laura Valdez, Richard Ventura, Nora Wagner, Caleb Zigas
RSVP: sf.latino.heritage@gmail.com or 415-554-6622

*SFWPC "Endorsement" Happy Hour
When: October 14, 2009 - Wednesday
6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Soluna Bar and Lounge, 272 McAllister, San Francisco
What: SFWPC members in good standing are invited to participate in the 2009 endorsement process regarding November 2009 ballot as well as early endorsements for Kamala Harris for California Attorney General and Betty Yee for the State Board of Equalization.

*Conversation with GLAAD
When: October 14, 2009 - Wednesday
6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Trigger, 2344 Market Street, San Francisco
What: Join GLAAD members and friends for cocktails and conversation with San Francisco's GLBT Historical Society as we honor the history of our community. GLBTHS collects, preserves, and interprets the history of GLBT people and communities that support them.

*Reception for Michela Alioto-Pier for Insurance Commission 2010
When: October 14, 2009 - Wednesday
6 to 8 p.m.
Where: II Fornaio, 1265 Battery Street, San Francisco
What: Join Gerry and Jim Sangiacomo, Mary & Joe Toboni, Maggie and Brook Turner for a reception in support of Michela Alioto-Pier - candidate for California Insurance Commission.
$500. supporter - rsvp sarah@michela2010.com

*CA Constitutional Convention Panel
When: October 14 2009 - Wednesday
7 p.m.
Where: California State Building Auditorium, 455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco
What: Panel featuring representatives from leading organization putting forth initiatives calling for a California Constitutional Convention. Event is presented by San Francisco Young Democrats and Citizen Hope.
Moderator: Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Majority Whip, California State Assembly
Speakers:
Matt Regan, Director of Government Relations, Bay Area Council, Repair California
Robert Cruickshank, Public Policy Director, Courage Campaign
Dennis Qirin, Coalitions Director, California Forward
Blair Bobier, Deputy Director, Political Reform, New America Foundation

* Richmond Reform Democratic Club
When: October 14 2009 - Wednesday
7 p.m.
Where: Richmond District Police Station Community Room, 6th Avenue between Geary & Anza, San Francisco
What: Richmond Reform Democratic Club is a new organization. To be a member you need to be a registered Democrat and live, work or attend school full-time in the Richmond District or the adjacent neighborhoods of Seacliff and the Presidio. Dues $25. Seniors, and students $10. Goal of the meeting is to discuss RDDC Officer nominations.
Information: info@rrdcsf.org rrdcsf.org

*Litquake's Barbary Coast Award: An Evening Honoring Amy Tan
When: October 14, 2009 - Wednesday
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
What: Third annual Barbary Coast Award to Amy Tan. Special guests Rabih Alameddine, Sam Barry, mezzo-soprano Zheng Cao, Ben Fong-Torres, Kathi Kamen Goldmark, Andrew Sean Greer, Michael Krasny, Roger McGuinn, Elaine Petrocelli. Music by Los Train Wreck. $25. general, $75 includes post-event reception
Information: info@litquake.org cityboxoffice.com

October 15, 2009 - Thursday

*San Francisco Chamber of Commerce - Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Boardroom, 235 Montgomery Street, 12th Floor, SF
What: SUPES for lunch with Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi.
Information: register on line: events.sfchamber paleman@sfchamber.com

*Rise up for Higher Education
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Steps of City, San Francisco
What: Stop the cuts! 32% fee increase this year and classes are being cut, teachers are being laid off, students are graduating later. Come to the steps of City Hall to show your support for the public education system.
Information: sfsu.sqe@gmail.com

*Ricci v DeStefano - "How the Supreme Court Got it Wrong
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Where: BASF Conference Center, 301 Battery Street, Third Floor, San Francisco
What: Brown bag discussion on the implications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on the New Haven firefighters case. Panelists discuss the Supreme Court's 5 to 4 decision and the question of when an employer can/should disregard test results in order to promote diversity, or avoid disparate impact.
Moderator: James Finberg, Partner, Altshuler Berzon
Panelists:
Robert Demmons - former San Francisco Fire Chief
Eva Paterson - President- Equal Justice Society
William McNeill, Managing Attorney, The Legal Aid Society - Employment Law Center
Gary Siniscalo - Partner, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Sheldon Zedeck - Professor, University of California, Berkeley
Edwin Lee, City Administrator, City and County of San Francico, former attorney, Asian Law Caucus
Ryan Baytes, Yetter, Warden & Coleman LLP, Plaintiff's Counsel in Ricci v DeStefano
Sponsors: Bar Association of San Francisco, Lawyer' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Area, Equal Justice Society, The Legal Aid Society - Employment Law Center and American Constitution Society - Bay Area Chapter.
Information and Register on online: ricci.eventbrite.com

*Friends of Duboce Park
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
4 p.m.
Where: City Hall, Room 416, San Francisco
What: Presentation at the Recreation and Park Commission of the Youth Play Area (YPA_ next to the basketball court in Duboce Park.
Information: mark@dubocepark.com

*Demonstrate your support for Single Payer Healthcare at President Obama's Fundraising Dinner
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Gather at Union Square across from the St Francisco Hotel, 355 Powell, San Francisco
What: Let President Obama know that Californians want single payer healthcare.
Information: singlepayernow.net

*President Obama in San Francisco for fundraiser
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Westin St. Francis, 355 Powell Street, San Francisco
What: Join The Democratic National Committee and Organizing for America for a reception with President Barack Obama. $500. general admission
Information: meena@kamalaharris.org

*Drop NAFTA and CAFTA
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Union Square, Powell Street between Geary and Post, San Francisco
What: Demonstrate to show President Obama to drop NAFTA and CAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement and Central American Free Trade Agreement).
Information: nestorcispes@gmail.com

*Central City Election Roundtable
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
5:30 p.m.
Where: 134 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco
What: Discussion of November ballot. District 6 candidates, including James Keys, Elihu Hernandez and Jim Meko will have three minutes to explain their positions on various propositions. David Addington, owner of the Warfield Theater properties will be advocating for his billboard proposal. There will be questions and answers and dessert and coffee.
Source: Jim Meko Supervisor District 6 email. d6meko@comcast.net

*Public meeting regarding design plan for the Munisubstation
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
6 to 8 p.m.
Where: West Bay Conference Center, 1290 Fillmore between Turk and Eddy, San Francisco
What: Supervisor Mirkarimi is working with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to design a plan for the revitalization of the Muni subsation on the corner of Fillmore and Turk. Hear a status update on the project, receive community input on potential uses for the property and plans for future community outreach.
Information: jon.yolles@sfgov.org

*Marvelous Marina: From Pond to Palaces to Phoenix by the Bay
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
7:30 p.m.
Where: Cowell Theater, Herbst Pavilion Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
What: Emcee:Tom Sinkovitz, anchor and newsman with NBC11 and a Marina resident
John Freeman - will cover the evolution of the Marina starting in the mid 1850's.
Former Art Agnos, will talk about his immediate actions after the earthquake
Lieutenan Frank Lucier, former San Francisco Fre Department will talk about his role in the formation of the Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) in the Marina after the earthquake.
Free.
Information: thebigrumble.org

*Sarah Vowell
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
7:30 p.m.
Where: Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco
What: Hear Sarah Vowell talk about her book "The Wordy Shipmates".
Information: booksmith.com

*City Democratic Club - SF Assessor Phil Ting
When: October 15, 2009 - Thursday
7:30 p.m.
Where: Marines Memorial Heritage Room, 609 Sutter Street, San Francisco
What: Hear SF Assessor Phil Ting discuss his Close the Loophole Campaign, aimed at reforming Prop 13 with a split roll proposal. His plan involves eliminating corporate tax loopholes while continuing to protect California homeowners.
City Democratic Club Endorsements:
City Attorney: Dennis Herrera
Treasurer: Jose Cisneros
Local Measures
Prop A - Yes - Two Year Budget cycle
Prop B - Yes - Number of supervisor's aides
Prop C - Yes - Candlestick Park naming rights
Prop D - No - Mid-market sign district
Prop E - No position - Advertising on city property.
Information: citydemclub@aol.com

October 16, 2009 - Friday

*Prop 8 and Marriage Equality
When: October 16, 2009 - Friday
Noon to 1 p.m.
Where: UCSF Parnassus Campus, HSW-301, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco
What: What's next for marriage equality? Open panel discussion on upcoming legal and political issues:
Therese Stewart, Chief Deputy City Attorney for City and County of San Francisco.
Scott Wiener, National Board of Directors Human Rights Campaign
Organized by UCSF's Equality Action Group, Center for Gender Equity.
Information: patrick.unemori@ucsf.edu

*Photography from the Fog
When: October 16, 2009 - Friday
5:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: City Hall, Room 284, San Francisco
What: Join Supervisor Eric Mar and the staff for a celebration of Richmond District photographers and photographs of people and places in the Richmond District. Snacks and drinks will be served.
Information: susan_e_vaughan@yahoo.com

*PODER - Outdoor movie night in the Excelsior
When: October 16, 2009 - Friday
6:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Corner of Mission Street and Ocean Avenue, San Francisco
What: Family movie night underneath the stars in the corazon of the Excelsior. Featuring Beverly Hills Chihuaha, plus a showcase of short videos made by neighborhood youth. Free hot chocolate, 50 cent popcorn and $1. churros. Excelsiors Got Talent finalist Tracy Sarmiento performing live.
PODER: Host

* James Keys Pre-Halloween Party Fund Raiser
When: October 16, 2009 - Friday
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: The Corner of 16th Street and Utah, 2007 16th Street, San Francisco
What: Pirate Party at II Pirata. Fundraiser for James Keys for San Francisco Supervisor District. Join James Keys and artist Laura Camos, featuring DJ Shinobi 009 (Zero Depth) at II Pirata. Come celebrate with "People's Choice" for Supervisor. Costumes are encouraged. Prizes to be awarded.
Information: james@jameskeysdistrict6.com

Information:

Plan C - November Election Slate:
Prop A - Budget Process - Yes
Prop B - Board of Supervisor Aides - No
Prop C - Candlestick Park Naming Rights - Yes
Prop D - Mid-Market Sign District - Yes
Prop E - Advertisements on City Property - No
City Attorney Dennis Herrera - Yes
City Treasurer Jose Cisneros - Yes
Information: plancsf.org

*New Items

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Important: Items change - please check before attending event for any changes.


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