Issue #3 , February 7, 2005
When Democrats Get Together, Good Things Happen
On January 29th, more than 80 dedicated Democrats spent a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Bacich Community Center determined to discover new ways to communicate and win elections. Under the auspices of the Democratic Central Committee of Marin, this retreat was organized by Dolly Verrue, Kathleen Russell, and Margot Biehle. Volunteers included Evelyn Woo and Arlyn Serber, who headed up the registration team; and Ina Tabibian, sign-maker.
John Alden, Chairman of the Marin Democratic Party, gave the welcome address and facilitated the program. Susan Kennedy (CPUC Commissioner, former Cabinet Secretary for Gray Davis, and former Executive Director of the California Abortion Rights Action League) delivered an insightful, insider’s assessment of how the Democrats came to lose the Governor’s office to Schwarzenegger and then the national elections last November.
The meeting broke up into smaller working sessions where participants were able to share ideas and come up with action items. Each attendee had the opportunity to join two different groups during the afternoon. At the end of the interest sessions, leaders of each group made reports on ideas, progress, and plans of action. 

Democratic Retreat Working Sessions
Red State, Red County, or Taking Back Red California, led by Mayme Hubert
Working for Change in the Democratic Party, led by John Alden
Media Reform, led by David Matheson
Candidate Development, led by Kathleen Russell and Margot Biehle
Voting Reform, led by Sherry Reson
Politics and Religion, led by Reverend Jim Burklo
Messaging, led by Gina Far
Positive Volunteer Experiences and Changing Decline to State Voters to Democrats, led by Paul Apffel
When Democrats Break Ranks, Bad Things Happen
Recently, certain Democrats at both the state and national levels have turned their backs on progressives and chosen to stand with the people whose stated purpose is a rollback of the reforms of the last 70 years. Six Senate Democrats voted to confirm Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General, in spite of his record. They are Landrieu of LA; Lieberman of CT; Nelson of FL; Nelson of NE; Salazar of CO; and Pryor of AR. We can write and tell them what we think of their position, especially since some of them seem to be fund raising outside their states. More than Democrats also voted to confirm Condolezza Rice as Secretary of State, including our own Dianne Feinstein. In addition to voting for Rice, Senator Feinstein was also pleased to introduce Ms. Rice to the Senate in glowing terms.
Please visit http://www.senate.gov/p agelayout/legislative/a_three_sections_with_teasers/votes.htm to find information on these votes and the addresses and phone numbers of Senators.
And last week, we were witness to another example of Democrats who simply will not band together, but instead put their own interests ahead of party solidarity. Kevin Shelley, an elected Democratic Secretary of State, has been drummed out of office with no support from his party. Instead, Democrats Fabian Nunez, Gloria Romero, and Don Perata (under attack himself) rushed to dissociate themselves from what they seemed to see as Shelly's sinking ship. Now, the Governor, who will push to redistrict California, gets his prize–ability to choose the key player in California elections–the Secretary of State.

THANK BARBARA BOXER
If you haven't already done so, email or call Senator Barbara Boxer to show your support for her courage in standing up with Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones and John Conyers to contest the Ohio presidential vote, for leading the questioning of Condolezza Rice, and for being one of 13 brave senators voting against Rice's confirmation. Barbara Boxer also provided leadership in the Gonzales hearings. Let's let her know how we feel. Reach her at http://boxer.senate.gov/ Or, call 1-888-501-7673 and join a grassroots group of grateful constituents who are spending $10.70 each to send her as many roses as possible on Valentine's Day.

Democratic Central Committee Meets
At the regular meeting of the Central Committee on Thursday, February 6th, several resolutions were passed
* Resolution to commend Senator Boxer for her courage in supporting Stephanie Tubbs Jones by voting not to ratify the Ohio results and for opposing Condoleezza Rice for Secretary of State was moved and approved. The committee also voted to urge the State Party to pass a resolution in support of Senator Boxer.
* Resolution in support of a Progressive Caucus at the State Convention was passed by a voice vote. At least ten percent of the County Central Committees must pass a resolution in favor of forming a caucus in order to establish a new Party caucus. Anyone who identifies as a progressive may join this caucus. It will be action-oriented to support progressive legislation.
* Resolution to endorse Howard Dean as chair of the DNC. It was moved and approved to waive the by-laws in order to consider this in a timely manner, and this resolution was passed by a voice vote.
* Resolution to support Novato's Measure A in the March election was moved and approved by voice vote.

Volunteer Opportunity
Lynne Wasley of the Novato Democratic Club is asking for volunteers to walk precincts every weekend until the election on March 8th in support of Measure A school bonds. Lynne said, “We need volunteers to walk precincts and we will only go to Democratic homes. The parcel tax lost last time by only 180 votes. Novato gets the lowest money per child of any school district in the county. Novato schools need this money to maintain a reasonable class size, a music program and to keep their libraries open.” For more information and to volunteer, please call Lynne at 898-2557 or email at ourhouse4@earthlink.net

DFA Meet Up
A standing-room-only crowd gathered in the Corte Madera Town Center's Community Room for an evening of political action. Organized by Cristine Dewey and Marjie Sturtevant, DFA–Marin Meet-Ups are becoming an important place to go to get meaningful information and find plans of action. Here are just two of the many valuable actions recommended at the meeting:
1.Election Reform Actions–Support VIVA 2005. Senator Ensign (R-NV) will introduce a bill to make Voter Verified Paper Ballots mandatory for Federal elections. For information, visit: www.ballotintegrity.org/action.html
2. Social Security Actions–Sign a petition to protect Social Security, host a house party, and write letters to the editor. Visit these Web sites: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/protectsocialsec urity, http://www.thereisnocrisis.com/ , and www.democrats.org/action
In addition to action items, and disucssion of Howard Dean's Eight Point Plan for the DNC, there was a presentation by Ralph Miller of Latinos for America. One of the high points of the program was Gina Farr's messaging segment, entitled "Our Progressive Vision." This was an exercise designed to aid participants in defining beliefs, values, and desired outcomes for the future. Small working groups shared ideas, and discussed options. Each group prepared a statement to read that expressed their collective feelings and ideas for a progressive future. There were so many great and inspiring visions to work toward. People went away feeling energized, and most agreed that it was an evening well spent.
Don't miss next month's DFA–Marin Meetup on Wednesday evening, March 2nd. Co-sponsored by the Ruth Group, this exciting Meet-Up will feature Dahr Jamail (http://www.dahrjamailiraq.com/) an independent journalist who's been reporting from Iraq for the past two years.

DFA–Marin is co-chaired by Carole Mills and Pat Kuntenaar.  For information, please visit the DFA–Marin website at http://www.dfamarin.org/

6th Assembly District Meets
More than 40 Democrats showed up for the 6th Assembly District meeting on Saturday. They voted to change the bylaws to read, "Article X: Biennial dues shall be $49. $24 is payable at the regular organizational meeting or whatever you can afford.  The Second annual installment is due 1 year later.  Committee membership is open to registered Democrats living in the District".

Janice Phelps was elected Secretary after proving she is a member of the Democratic Party.

The State Convention is up in the air as the Grand Hyatt Hotel is currently under strike. Alternate sites, if necessary, will be announced next week.  Mayme Hubert, Kathleen Hill and Sherry Reson will put together a training program for Delegates and volunteers.  19 people at the meeting indicated they plan to volunteer at the Convention; while 6 Delegates who were at Saturday's meeting plan to attend the Convention.

The 'Ruth Group' Resolution is now being called the 6th AD Resolution Against the War.  Delegates will introduce this Resolution at the State Convention.  David Harris is working with Charles McGlashon to determine how to link it to Marin County and have the Board of Supervisors endorse it.

6 breakout groups formed and discussed the following issues:  Progressive Action Caucus, facilitator Mayme Hubert; World Service Corps facilitated by Dwayne Hunt; Media Reform  facilitated by Jay Hubert; Boxer/Feinstein facilitated by David Harris; Health Care Alliance facilitated by Anna Thorne; Voter Reform facilitated by Sherry Reson, Take Back Red California facilitated by Dolly Verrue.  Reports from each group included:
  - Petition supporting the Progressive Caucus ;
  - Media Reform - Work for more public acccess when Comcast contract is up for renewal;
- Boxer/Feinstein - The committee is going to research Feinstein's entire voting record to see what her positions have been on various pieces of legislation before moving forward with any recommendations.
   -  Health Care: Follow and support Sheila Kuhl's bill for single payer and sign-up to be part of the Marin General Group to watch and pressure the Hospital Board not to bow to Sutter Health;
   - Electoral Reform: Group going to review web sites and draft paper for presentation and recommendations for voting reform.

An Evening with Roy Campanella II
Media Action Marin and Students for Social Responsibility
INVITE YOU TO AN EVENING WITH ROY CAMPANELLA II ,General Manager of KPFA
6:30 – 9:00pm
Sunday, February 13th, 2005
College of Marin
Student Services Building
Kentfield, CA
Reception followed by forum.
For more information, please call 415-454-5027 or e-mail mediaactionmarin@sbcglobal.net

WEAPONS OF MASS DECEPTION
Investigative journalist and filmmaker Danny Schechter has created a damning indictment of the media's conduct before the buildup to the invasion of Iraq and during the early weeks and months of occupation. "Weapons of Mass Deception" shows how the nation's mainstream media neglected to raise any questions about the dubious facts and evidence the Bush administration presented in order to make its case for going to war. Worse still, it tells how they abdicated their responsibility as government watchdogs by actively promoting the rationale for war as if they were the administration's personal propaganda machine.
Don't miss this illuminating and exciting film. SHOWING ONE NIGHT ONLY!
"Weapons of Mass Deception"
Lark Theater in Historic Downtown Larkspur.
Tickets are $20 and include a wine and hors d'oeuvre reception and a speaker afterward.
Wednesday, February 9th, doors open at 6:15pm for the reception and the film will begin at 7:00pm. 
Call Carole Mills (415) 246-5837 for more information.

Novato Democratic Club
SATURDAY, MARCH 5
Monthly meeting of Novato Democratic Club, 10:00-11:30 am, Hofbrau Restaurant, Nave Shopping Center. Come and meet fellow Novato Democrats to discuss and act on local concerns.
Marin Democrats E-Newsletter
Marin Democratic Central Committee, John Alden Chair
Ina Tabibian, Newsletter Editor, Richard Foldenauer IT Chair, Leon Kunstenaar Database
Contributors to this issue: Dolly Verrue, Dottie LeMieux (photography), Carol Nelson, Carole Mills, Sherry Healy, Cristine Dewey, and Mary Renaud

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