the Metropolitan Democratic Club

Thank you for signing up for the official California Snoopy license plate. We’re excited to announce that we are halfway to the number of folks needed to make this a reality. We can’t wait to see Snoopy doing his signature happy dance on an official California license plate. As you know, we need owners of registered vehicles in California to stand up and let us know they want to see Snoopy on a California license plate. When the plate is produced, proceeds will go towards supporting museums in California communities, and you’ll get the chance to show off your devotion to your favorite beagle.

We’re now calling on YOU to spread the word and help us reach this goal. Don't be shy! Please tell your friends, family members, co-workers, and any other Snoopy lovers about this campaign. With your help, we can make the official California Snoopy license plate. Ask them to sign up TODAY at www.snoopyplate.com! Thanks for your help!

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Know any young progressives who would be inspired by a three-day conference on politics, journalism, and policy?

I'm sharing this invitation to the Campus Progress National Convention with you because:

• If you, like me, are no longer a "young" progressive, you can pass the invitation along.
• It shows—if there was any remaining doubt—that the progressive "kids" are all right.
• If you wish you could participate, you can still be a part of the action by donating here.

Thanks for your support!
Alan
Alan Rosenblatt
Associate Director for Online Advocacy
CAP Action Fund

My name is Michael Tracey and last year was my first time attending the Campus Progress National Conference.

I wasn't really sure what to expect beyond some speeches, panels, and (most importantly) free lunch. I figured I would have fun and meet new people, but I never anticipated that attending the conference would inspire me to enter the field of progressive journalism.

Then Bill Clinton—the conference keynote speaker—told me he supported same-sex marriage.

I recalled that he had recently said his position on same-sex marriage was "evolving," so as he was making his way down the rope line shaking hands and posing for pictures, I asked, "President Clinton, do you support equal marriage rights for all?"

The next day at the conference, editors from The Nation gave me the opportunity to write an article about the revelation. The story spread like wildfire and was even brought to the attention of Robert Gibbs, the Obama administration's press secretary, during the daily White House press briefing.

Inspired by what happened, I started my own newsmagazine—The Perspective—at The College of New Jersey last August. You might have seen me referenced on the "Rachel Maddow Show" or the Huffington Post for a controversial interview I conducted with Mike Huckabee in April—Google "Huckabee" and "puppies" for an amusing recap.

Here's the point: You won't regret attending the Campus Progress National Conference. You can apply here if you haven't done so already. You'll leave inspired, refreshed, motivated, and—with a little luck—ready to make some headlines of your own.

See you in July!
Michael
P.S. Got a conference story of your own? Share it in the comments of this post.

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This weekend, Organizing for America is holding voter registration events across California to make sure that all eligible voters will be able to cast ballots in the June primary.

We've got some big battles ahead in California and for our country -- Wall Street reform, immigration reform, and creating a clean-energy economy, to name a few. And it's crucial that we elect Democrats who will stand with the President and fight for the issues important to us. Registering voters is the first step.

Can you help register voters this weekend? Find an event near you.

No prior experience is necessary, and registering voters is fun, easy, and will make a big difference. Organizing for America volunteers will be on hand to provide all the materials and guidance you'll need to be successful.

And before turning out to register new voters, make sure you yourself are registered to vote (or that you've updated your registration if you've moved).

RSVP here:

http://ca.barackobama.com/CAVoterRegistration

Hope you can make it,

Kenya

Kenya Wheeler
California Deputy Field Director
Organizing for America

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BLQ-Pico Boulevard Business Improvement District (BLQ BID) invites you to attend community town hall meeting on Thursday, May 27th, from 6PM to 8PM. The BLQ BID covers Pico from the 110 FWY to Western and Normandie from Pico to Venice (around to Loyola HS). Check out their webpage for more information. http://www.lani.org/blq_bid.htm

We welcome all property/business owners and stakeholders along Pico Blvd and beyond to the meeting. City departments and community organizations will also be present to share information/resources on specific programs. Attached is the flyer with more information.

Norma E. Fernández
Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative
900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1128
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 627-1822 ext. 13
(213) 627-627-1821 fax
norma@lani.org
"Rebuilding Neighborhoods One Block At A Time"

____________________________________________________________________________

RM
Ricardo Mendoza
U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34)
Ricardo.Mendoza@mail.house.gov
Tel: (213) 628-9230
Fax: (213) 628-8578
Visit www.house.gov/roybal-allard to sign up for periodic email updates from the Congresswoman.

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Someone asked, "why a Democratic Party Local Convention in the Antelope Valley - that's a red district." Our answer: "We need to show the Republicans in this red district that we mean business and we, are Taking It All Back!"

It is very important that Democratic Clubs from all of the State that are available, pour into the Antelope Valley and support the Inspiring Values Democrats Club's efforts to launch the first ever Democratic Party Local Convention in the middle of a red district.

If you can not attend, make your presence known by placing an advertisement in our Program Directory / E-Magazine where you can congratulation political officials, candidates the Democratic Party Local Convention and promote your individual businesses and Democratic Clubs and Caucuses.

This is the time for local and state candidates to speak directly to the voters in Region 11. This is a time for organizations to speak out about the issues that are important that will appear on the June ballot. To network and to lift your voices to the sky in the Democratic Rally is the best opportunity to be heard as well.

Democrats, please come out and join us as we motivate, inspire and register voters to be prepared for the Local Elections in Lancaster and the June primary. Register on line today.

Attached, you will find a revised copy of the registration packet for the Democratic Party Local Convention. Please toss previous packets. As you review the new packet, you will find information regarding the benefits of Candidates and non Candidate participation as well as Democrats Club discounts for Program Directory and the E-Magazine advertisement, the Democratic Rally, reserving hospitality suites for candidate parties, and more.

You can process your fees on line and email us the ad or words you would like to include ad we will design it at no cost to you. The deadline is January 15th, but once the program book is full, we will have to close it out. Make sure your club, caucus, group of advocates and candidates are represented in the directory. Please send your payment this week.

You can get more details about candidate endorsements, the Democratic Party Local Convention and pay your fees on line at: www.iv-dc.org

Thank you for your interests and for supporting the candidates who are endorsed by the Inspiring Values Democrats Club. We look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Alvin Campbell, Chair
Democratic Party Local Convention
www.iv-dc.org
661-267-1088

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SPECIAL EVENT AT THE GETTY MUSEUM WITH THE LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT!

The Getty Center will be hosting a free special photo exhibit and event focusing on "The Worker" and presenting a photographic history of working people across cultures. More than 40 prints are drawn from the museum's special collection and reveal the shifting attitudes towards working people through the 19th and 20th century.

Special Photographic Exhibit on Working Families Throughout History at the Getty Museum Thursday, December 3

• 5pm Guided Tour by Chris Tilly, Director of the UCLA's Institute for Research on Labor and Employment
• A small reception following tour
• 7pm Richard Sennett of the London School of Economics and NYU Sociology Department will give a special talk about the exhibit http://www.richardsennett.com/site/SENN/Templates/Home.aspx?pageid=1

Note: If there is enough interest from a particular campus or site, a shuttle bus may be provided.

Please RSVP by November 25, 2009 if you and/or a group or class is planning on attending to jdelloro@dhli.org

John Delloro
Executive Director
Dolores Huerta Labor Institute, Los Angeles Community College District
"Educating and engaging students to understand their future as workers and professionals"

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Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa invites you to meet Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Nominee, on Thursday November 5, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at a Community Town Hall.

The Town Hall will take place at the El Sereno Senior Center located at 4818 Klamath Place, Los Angeles, CA 90032 map.

Doors open at 5:15 pm. Please forward the information to anyone who may be interested.

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Government Reform Coalition Submits Measures to Call California Constitutional Convention

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Repair California, a group of everyday Californians, reformers and advocacy groups, turned in ballot language to call the first Constitutional Convention in California in more than 130 years. Citing a broken system of governance, the measures would call a limited Constitutional Convention to reform four areas of the constitution: the budget process; the election and initiative process; restoring the balance of power between the state and local governments; and, creating new systems to improve government effectiveness. The Convention is specifically prohibited from proposing tax increases or from considering changes to social issues such as marriage, abortion, gambling, affirmative action, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, immigration, or the death penalty. Voters will decide on calling the Convention on the November 2010 ballot, the Convention would be held in 2011 and its proposed reforms would require voter approval in one of the three scheduled statewide elections in 2012.

“Californians deserve a better system of governance, and this one is a failure,” said Jim Wunderman, the President and CEO of the Bay Area Council and a member of Repair California. “California has become the laughing stock of the country, but the damage our state government is causing to our education system, prisons, water, budgeting, local governments and economy isn’t funny, it’s tragic. There has to be a better way, and as we look at 49 other states we realize that there can be a better way. Since the legislature is unable to act and our initiative system has been hijacked, the only way to reform our state is through a Constitutional Convention.”

The two measures would call a limited convention to consider changes only to the state’s governance system. In a first-of-its-kind approach, the proposed Convention would gather 240 everyday Californians – three per Assembly District – four delegates from federally recognized Indian tribes, and approximately 221 delegates appointed by local government leaders from cities, counties and school districts to consider reforms.

“We don’t fear the people, we celebrate them with this Convention,” said Antonio Gonzalez, President of the William C. Velasquez Institute. “We believe the people of California should be involved in any effort to improve the Golden State, especially determining our foundational values and system of governance. This Convention is set up to mix the values of everyday Californians with experts appointed by local government leaders to produce reforms our state needs and voters will approve.”

Bob Stern, President of the Center for Governmental Studies, noted, “Almost 100 years after Hiram Johnson, California’s ‘reform governor,’ and the ‘Progressives’ made sweeping changes to our state’s Constitution, California now has an opportunity to modernize it for the 21st Century. Although many important reform measures may be on the ballot, the proposals for a Constitutional Convention may be the most significant. If passed, they will make 2010 the ‘year of reform.’”

In a poll of 1000 registered California voters, conducted by EMC Research, with a margin of error of 3.1 percent, Californians appear ready to approve the two measures to call the Convention. After explaining basic details of the proposal, such as who could serve as delegates and what issues would or would not be considered, more than two-thirds of Californians (69 percent) would vote yes on “Proposition 1,” which would allow the voters of California to directly call a Convention. A similar supermajority of 71 percent would vote yes on “Proposition 2,” which would immediately call a limited Constitutional Convention to propose reforms to the state’s governance structure. Both measures only require a simple majority of 50 percent of voters to win on Election Day.

The measures are supported by 70 percent of registered Republicans, 71 percent of Democrats and 74 percent of decline to state voters. In age groups, support is highest among young 18-34 year-old voters with 73 percent reporting they would vote yes, but 71 percent of those 55 years-old or higher would also approve the measures. Turnout is often considered a key political factor for ballot measures, but the Constitutional Convention measures are strong with low propensity voters (71 percent) and with high propensity voters (70 percent). Support for the Constitutional Convention is particularly high with Latino voters (80 percent). The poll was conducted September 8-13, 2009.

“Our current California Constitution doesn’t just enshrine a broken governance system, its foundation was constructed with some shameful building blocks,” said James Fang, President of Asian Week Newspaper and Vice President of BART. “It included provisions that ‘No native of China’ would ever have the right to vote, and prohibited public bodies from employing Chinese. That past needs to be firmly behind us and I am very pleased that this Convention is set up to celebrate and embrace California’s diversity.”

To draft the ballot measures, and ensure they reflected the sentiments of the state, Repair California held a series of Town Halls often attended by hundreds of people at sites in Los Angeles, San Diego, Alameda, San Francisco, Irvine, Santa Monica, Fresno, the Sierra Nevadas, Silicon Valley and Orange County. The movement also heard from thousands of others through Web 2.0 technologies. Finally, Repair California consulted with experts, historians and lawyers, and other experienced leaders who often offered their assistance pro bono. “While perfect is not possible in any endeavor, we are very proud with what we have come up with,” said Wunderman. “Now it is time to let the people speak.”

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• Improve your campaign, messaging and communication skills
• Learn how to build and manage your organization or club
• Get the training needed to win in 2010 and beyond

Where: The Golden Eagle Building - 2nd Floor Ballroom
California State University Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles

No charge to attend the summit. Lunch will be provided. Donations to help
underwrite cost of the event and lunch are welcome - simply click here to contribute!

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Training, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Social Hour; 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Optional Dinner, at a cost of $25, featuring a participative discussion on an important policy issue. RSVP for dinner is required by November 2nd at 213-382-4111 or rsvp@lacdp.org.

$6 all-day parking available in Lot 6. Please call 213-382-4111 to arrange for disabled-access or reduced-distance parking.

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Below is a statement from Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard about the damaging ramifications of the Vitter-Bennett amendment to the successful implementation of the 2010 Census.

“I find it very disappointing that some of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate would seek to use the Census to promote the politics of discrimination,” said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34). “The Vitter amendment would simply put up stumbling blocks to getting an accurate count. Full participation in the Census is essential to every community in this nation. I encourage my fellow lawmakers to reject the Vitter amendment and promote full Census participation in their states.”

For more information about this amendment, please visit http://www.naleo.org/pr/pr10-16-09.html

Helen Machado
Communications Director
U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34)
2330 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
ph (202) 225-1766
fax (202) 226-0350
Visit www.house.gov/roybal-allard to sign up for periodic e-mail updates from the congresswoman.

The multicultural 34th Congressional District includes: Bell; Bellflower; Bell Gardens; Boyle Heights; Commerce; Cudahy; Downey; Downtown Los Angeles; Huntington Park; Little Tokyo; Maywood; South Park; Vernon; Walnut Park; and portions of Chinatown, East Los Angeles, Florence, Pico Union, and Westlake.

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Thank you so much for serving the Party – we know your participation takes time away from your family, your work, your friends. We appreciate all you do….and look forward to working with you at the November Executive Board.

Of course, there is still a long list of appointment requests for all committees, and if for any reason you don’t feel able to serve, please do let us know. And, if you don’t plan to attend a meeting, please formally request to be excused from the Committee Chair so we are aware. Due to the large number of folks waiting in the wings, if you have three unexcused absences from your committee, you could be up for possible removal consideration. Of course, I don’t suspect this will be the case with any of our current members, but it’s a safeguard just in case.

I also wanted to make sure you are aware of our Charter Member status for the DEM 2010 program. Led by our Controller Hilary Crosby (who is working around the clock on this program), the Finance Committee and staff have put tireless hours into making this program a success! All charter members will receive a lapel pin to wear proudly whenever they like – especially at the upcoming Executive Board. We hope you will join us in becoming a member …. I’m a member too! Here’s the website: www.iDEM2010.com

And, if you are feeling particularly inspired – I urge you to send notes out to your networks to support the program. I just sent a note to 350 of my personal and professional contacts and I have my fingers crossed! Below is the text of my email – feel free to crib from it if you choose to send your own email out to your friends, family, and professional contacts who share our values as Democrats!

Thanks everyone and I look forward to seeing you soon!! (Eboard details can be found at: www.cadem.org)

_____________________________________________
From: Shawnda Westly
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 8:13 PM
To: Shawnda Westly
Subject: How much caffeine do you need???

This is a mass email and I apologize. But I need to get the word out! It’s time to give up 5 lattes a month.

California has reached a tipping point, and we can’t afford to rest. On issue after issue – the budget, protecting working families, education, offshore drilling, marriage equality and so many others – we need an energized California Democratic Party leading the charge.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK AT A REVITALIZED CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY. Join our DEM2010 program! GO TO WWW.iDEM2010.COM

What’s DEM2010? It’s simply your commitment to making a monthly contribution to the CDP, of whatever you can afford, so that together we’re all invested in strengthening our Party and our state. Join the CDP’s DEM2010 program and help keep our Party where it belongs – at the forefront of registering new voters, keeping our message strong and winning elections — all right here in California.

How much does a latte cost? 5 bucks? Can you give up 5 lattes and donate $25 bucks a month? For those of you who can do more …..do more!

You know how hard we have been working at the party these past 6 months. New statewide activist trainings, more online communications, successful voter registration programs, an anti-budget cuts campaign, and our work to hold Republicans accountable.

We all are in this business of politics and we watch money flow from pac to pac on a daily basis. But my request is more personal than that. Your individual commitment shows your personal investment in the values we all share and the work we are doing, together.

Also, we’ve designed a distinctive enamel lapel pin to recognize all DEM2010 charter members and we plan to give the pins out at the November eBoard meeting. If you can’t make it to San Diego, we’ll be happy to mail your pin to you. Wear it with pride -- you’re part of the solution.

Once again, the success of our programs – and victory in 2010 – depends on support from each one of us.

I am grateful to you for all your support of the new administration, as well as your personal support, as I find my way through the maze of being the new Executive Director.

With heartfelt thanks,
Shawnda Westly
Executive Director
California Democratic Party

PS – Financial sustainability is one of the goals of the new administration, and you can help us get there. Please contribute, and pass my message along! GO TO WWW.iDEM2010.COM

Shawnda Westly
Executive Director
California Democratic Party
1401 21st Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 442-5707 office
(916) 442-5715 fax
www.cadem.org

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First Annual Job and Resource Fair

Please join us at the First Annual Southeast Job and Resource Fair being held in the City of Maywood. In addition to hearing from local prospective employers, attendees will receive resume writing tips, various resource materials to assist with job searches, and will have the opportunity to learn about available state resources. Our goal is to ensure that every attendee is introduced to available career opportunities that can help them get back to work.

Saturday, August 21, 2010
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Fishburn Ave. Elementary School
5701 Fishburn Avenue
Maywood, CA 90270-2899

RSVP

For more information call (213) 620-4646.
California Assembly Democratic Caucus
Website: http://www.asmdc.org/Speaker
Email: Speaker John A. Pérez

Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0046
Tel: (916) 319-2046
Fax: (916) 319-2146 District Office:
320 West 4th Street
Room 1050
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel: (213) 620-4646
Fax: (213) 620-6319

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Corporate Takeover

They just couldn't help themselves.

Yesterday, 40 Republican senators blocked the passage of legislation that would counteract the growing influence of corporations in the wake of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.

The DISCLOSE Act would have helped shed light on the hundreds of millions of dollars corporations and special interests plan to spend to influence our elections this fall -- and would have helped ordinary Americans to make their voices more clearly heard in campaigns across the country.

Republicans believe that killing the bill and strengthening corporate power gives them a tactical edge, allowing right-wing groups to raise more than ever to help their candidates win.

It's a stark reminder, both of what we're up against in November and the reason we all need to fight so hard to elect Democrats. Now more than ever, we need people like you on sidewalks and doorsteps, talking to your friends and neighbors about what meaningful reforms like these would mean in their lives -- and why it's so vital that they make their voices heard this fall.

Despite the fact that 80 percent of Americans disagreed with the Citizens United decision -- which eliminated limits on corporate spending in political campaigns -- obstructionist Republicans have sided with the special interests yet again. But that doesn't mean we can't hold them accountable for it.

Republicans believe the support of the big corporations and the special interests is all they need, but we have a different approach. We're building a new Democratic Party -- one driven by the opinions and support of Americans around the country and focused on grassroots organizing.

That's something Republicans just don't have: supporters like you.

The obstruction of bills like DISCLOSE affects every voter in the country -- and we're all in this together. We need your help on the ground now, helping to make the case to friends and neighbors about the importance of their vote in November's elections. Please sign up to volunteer today:

http://my.democrats.org/DISCLOSEVolunteer

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

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National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC) Presents:

Minority Youth Environmental Training Institute
2010 Information and Application

Dear Students, Educators, NHEC members, and Community Leaders:

For those who may not have seen our previous email, the National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC) is still accepting applications from students to participate in our upcoming 9th annual "Minority Youth Environmental Training Institute", to be held August 13--22, 2010 in beautiful Glorieta, New Mexico.

Like our NYC and CA regional Institutes, the national Institute in New Mexico is an intensive, residential, multi-day, science-based environmental education AND environmental career awareness program for talented teens, aged 16--19, selected competitively from all across the U.S. Note that students in both high school and college are eligible to apply.

Through a full scholarship NHEC will COVER ALL COSTS for accepted students, including round-trip airfare, housing, meals, books, science equipment, and more for the 10 day long Institute.

The NM Institute is being funded by a number of sponsors, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the National Park Trust. Like past Institutes, we use a variety of facilities as learning sites, including national parks, national forests, national laboratories, and more. Students will be housed at the Glorieta Conference Center and closely supervised by NHEC instructors and staff. The Institute is designed to help build the next generation of environmental leaders and professionals. Students learn about key environmental, energy, and natural resource topics, as well as the wide range of careers in the environmental, natural resource, and energy arena. Students also receive information about college majors and universities in these fields.

In addition to our Instructors, NHEC also has an overlay of "role models" -- working minority professionals from every environmental field -- who each year participate in the Institute as volunteers. A number of role models are present every day to inspire the students, help teach the curriculum, and share their environmental expertise, technical knowledge, and cultural heritage.

Click here for all materials necessary for students to apply to the Institute. Please read the "Fact Sheet" first, as it has key information about the program. Interested students should apply as soon as possible as the Institute is fast approaching.

We also ask that you forward this email on to those you think might be interested in this highly educational program, including qualified students, fellow educators, high schools, colleges, youth organizations, and more. We appreciate your help. Feel free to contact NHEC, especially our Programs Coordinator, Juan Rodriguez, atjrodriguez@nheec.org or myself, at rrivera@nheec.org if you have any questions. Thank you.

Roger Rivera
President, NHEC

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Five things to know about Carly Fiorina

Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina has argued her corporate background shows she has the experience to make important decisions for California -- even though she was fired when she failed to deliver as CEO for Hewlett-Packard. Given the state's tattered economy and 12.5-percent unemployment rate, Californians simply can't afford a far-right candidate with a record of sending jobs overseas.

We've put together five facts to demonstrate that point -- and it's important that every Californian sees them before making their decision this November.

Five facts about Carly Fiorina:

1) Named as one of Conde Nast Portfolio's "20 Worst American CEOs of All Time," she laid off more than 30,000 workers, shipped jobs to China, and was responsible for a 52-percent drop in HP's stock price. Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

2) Endorsed by Sarah Palin, Fiorina is against a woman's right to choose, wants to repeal health care reform, and supports the extremist Arizona immigration law. Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

3) She defended HP's practice of shipping jobs offshore by calling it "right-shoring," and said in a 2004 speech that "there is no job that is America's God-given right anymore." Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

4) She denies that climate change is a serious national issue, referring to it mockingly as "the weather." Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

5) She expects Californians to turn out for her on Election Day, but she hasn't turned out herself: Since 2000, she only voted in just eight out of 23 elections -- skipping the 2000 and 2004 Presidential primaries. Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

We need your help getting the word out. Will you share these facts about Carly Fiorina with five friends?

http://my.democrats.org/FiorinaFacts

Carly Fiorina has been spending millions of her own money to try and obscure her record. By spreading these facts far and wide, you can help make sure Californians know the truth.

Thanks,
Brad

Brad Woodhouse
Communications Director
Democratic National Committee

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LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2010, 9:00 AM) – Hundreds of people from the business, residential and non-profit communities of Los Angeles will gather at 8th Street and Irolo Street to conduct a Neighborhood Clean-Up. Two teams armed with brooms, trash bags, and graffiti removal supplies will leave from the southeast corner of 8th Street and Irolo Street (California Fun Zone building parking lot, across the street from Jon’s Market) at 9:00 AM led by the LAPD Olympic Station and community leaders. One team will head westbound down 8th Street towards Western Ave and the other will head eastbound towards Vermont Ave. The two teams will pick up all items of trash and eliminate all graffiti in sight. Both teams will then head back down on the other side of 8th Street and converge together again at 8th and Irolo.

This event is being organized by the LAPD Olympic Station, Senior Lead Officer James Chong, Unification of Disabled Latin Americans (UDLA), the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) and the Wilshire Center Business Improvement Corporation (WCBIC). The purpose of this event is to bring together all ethnic groups of Los Angeles to unite in one force to stand up against littler and graffiti. Assisted by the LAPD, participants will rid 8th Street of all blight and positively encourage on lookers to get involved along the way. This clean-up will bring out the best in Angelinos and represent what happens when people unite for a cause for the common good.

Once participants arrive back at 8th Street and Irolo Street there will be sense of fun and camaraderie as everyone will mix and mingle in the California Fun Zone building parking lot while they enjoy listing to a few words from our elected officials, community leaders and police officers. Refreshments will be served and everyone who participates will receive a goodie bag.

Meeting Addresss: 3300 West 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005
If you have any questions or would like more information regarding this activity, please feel free to contact UDLA (213) 388-8352, CRA/LA (213) 977-1877 or WCBIC (213) 487-7003
Learn more at www.wilshirecenter.com

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SEIU Immigration Newsletter
June 28, 2010
In the Heartland, New Anti-Immigrant Law Passes

Fremont, Nebraska-another small meatpacking town whose immigrant population has swelled in recent decades-made headlines this week when it passed a controversial, anti-immigrant referendum. Even though the immigrants were recruited to move and work there, the vote means they may now be forbidden from renting housing there and it purports to ban businesses from hiring undocumented immigrants. Anyone failing to abide by either restriction will face harsh fines levied by the local government.

The passage of the Fremont, Nebraska comes in the wake of five other states - including South Carolina, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Michigan - seriously considering passing legislation similar to Arizona's SB1070. According to NDN, lawmakers have expressed similar sentiments in 17 other states.

Fremont's recent anti-immigrant law is just one more example of the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform. Until we pass federal solutions, states will continue to pass costly and reactionary laws that cause more harm than good. We need serious, workable solutions that go after abusive employers, restore the rule of law and move us forward together.

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Whitman Tries to Walk Back Immigrant Bashing with Spanish Language Ad Buys.

Although Meg Whitman managed to win the Republican Gubernatorial primary in California a few weeks ago, the road to the November general election will not be an easy one. After months of anti-immigrant rhetoric, it hasn't taken Whitman very long to start begging Latino voters for their support through targeted Spanish language ad buys in key markets. But, California Latinos aren't fooled, and they certainly haven't forgotten Whitman's previous statements, including, "Let me be very clear: I am 100 percent against amnesty, no exceptions."

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For Massachusetts' Immigrant Families, Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

Last month the Massachusetts Senate passed a provision that required the state's Attorney General to setup a hotline to report businesses hiring illegal immigrants. However, after sustained pressure from the Massachusetts SEIU State Council, SEIU Local 615 and other progressive organizations, in addition to a 17 days vigil led by immigrant students outside the statehouse, the measure was rolled back.

Of course, victory in Massachusetts did not come without a price. While progressive organizations were able to push back the anti-immigrant measure, they were not able to protect $56 million in healthcare funding for legal immigrants. The gap in the budget could potentially be filled with federal funding provided by the FMAP bill. However, with so many U.S. Senators vowing to vote against FMAP - including Senator Scott Brown - it's unlikely to pass.

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Article of the Week

This weeks Article of the Week focuses on the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

http://thehill.com/opinion/columnists/david-keene/104579-ice-not-earning-paycheck
ICE not earning paycheck
The Hill
By David Keene
June 21, 2010

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Subject: Regional Meeting

Good Evening Democrats,

I hope that you are all doing well and recovered from the primary election. I wanted to inform you of our next Regional Meeting. With the primary behind us it would be great to hear of the things that occurred in your communities as well as share with you information from the state party. I would like to thank 56th Assembly District Representative Nikki Noushkam for securing the location for our next meeting.

If you will be attending please reply to this email or give me a call so that proper arrangements for our meeting area can be made

The specifics of the meeting are below:
Thursday, July 1st 2010
7pm
91 Grille
Cerritos Sheraton
12725 Center Court Drive
Cerritos, California 90703

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Very Respectfully,
Joseph Legaspi
(562) 714-3733
ijoseph.legaspi15@gmail.com

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Immigration

Living Under the Trees

David Bacon is a documentary photographer and journalist. He is the author of "Illegal People: How Globalization Creates Migration and Criminalizes Immigrants."

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Subject: Relief for Guatemala JUNE 16th! Live Marimba, Food, DJ, and more.
RELIEF FOR GUATEMALA: SURVIVORS OF VOLCANO PACAYA and TROPICAL STORM AGATHA!
(PLEASE SEE FLYER IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH. Please FWD)

June 16th at UCLA LABOR CENTER.
675 S. Park View St.

6:00pm to 11:00pm
LIVE MARIMBA by
Guatemala India and
Mayavision
W/ Special Guest Saxophonist Venny Colop

RAFFLE, DJ, FOOD and Much MORE!
$8 dollar donation or more.

We are also gathering non-perishable foods and supplies. You will get a discount at the door if you bring canned food, etc. in good condition. We have a trailer going to areas most affected and we will personally deliver goods.

Please come by and show support or call Carlos Bautista, our representative at: 323-642-4867 if you would like to donate but can't make it.
--cynthia paredes
cparedes81@gmail.com

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