TThhee NNeeww DDeemmooccrraattTThhee NNeeww DDeemmooccrraattA Publication of the Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) September 2013

MMaarrkk YYoouurrCCaalleennddaarr!!

SSppeecciiaall DDeeaall ffoorr PPDDCC//PPYYDDMMeemmbbeerrss && FFrriieennddss!! MMaarriiee CCuurriiee ""TTEEDD TTaallkk"" tthhiissSSaattuurrddaayy,, MMoouunnttaaiinn VViieeww

Have we got adeal for PDCmembers, friendsand new members!Free and half-pricetickets for a specialtheatricalpresentation 8pmthis Saturday, 9/21,of “Manya: TheLiving History ofMarie Curie,” at theMountain ViewCenter for thePerforming Arts, witha special reception at 7pm. For these tickets, you must RSVP toAmy Pearl by this Thursday – see “How to get Tickets” belowfor details."Like a historic 'TED Talk' from 1915 Paris with Marie Curie --

living history theater at its very best!" The producers of "Manya: The Living History of Marie Curie"

have offered the PDC comps and half-price tickets to theSaturday performance. Marie Curie is best known for thediscovery of radioactivity, including the first successful cure forcancer, but few understand the obstacles she faced to enter thelaboratory. This one-woman play reveals Marie’s remarkablejourney from childhood political oppression through internationalprominence. Written and masterfully portrayed by Susan MarieFrontczak, Manya explores the tenacity of the human spirit andenduring allure of scientific discovery."… a very empathetic and poignant vision of the person, the

woman, and the scientist Madame Curie. Alone on the scene,with both humor and sharp observations, Frontczak createsMarie Curie’s universe.”

(Continued on page 3)

EESSHHOOOO SSTTAATTEEMMEENNTT OONNSSYYRRIIAASeptember 11, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18)released the followingstatement on the issue ofSyria:

“I welcome PresidentObama’s announcement andcommend him for pursuing theRussian diplomatic proposal todisarm and destroy Syria’sarsenal of chemical weapons.This diplomatic path holds outhope for the world that thesituation can be addressed in away that has always been oneof America’s great strengths—

leading with integrity to avert war.“Our most solemn responsibility as Members of Congress is to

use our best judgment to protect the national security of ournation. A decision to use military force therefore requires we beable to answer the following questions:

• Is this in the national security interests of the U.S.?• Will this action make us safer?• Will it make the Syrian people safer?• Does Syria pose an imminent threat to the United States?“There is no question that striking Syria is an act of war. It

would be preemptive, unilateral, and contrary to how the U.S.has conducted its foreign policy for decades.

“I am not naïve about the very real dangers our nation faces,but these dangers cannot be removed by military action alone. Infact, the distinguished Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,General Martin Dempsey, made this clear in his recent testimonyto Congress:

‘Militarily, I can state that we can achieve the goal ofdeterring and degrading. Take note that I didn’t say we canprevent.’

“What is more determinative is the power of our ideas, ratherthan the power of our military. There is a place for militaryaction, but Syria is not that place.

“When the U.S. strayed from its historical moorings, welearned painful and costly lessons that might alone does not getthe job done. Instead of diplomacy, containment and coalitions,our military interventions, invasions and surges have left countriesin turmoil and emboldened jihadists, making the world moredangerous. We must learn from the lessons of recent history, orwe will repeat the failures.

(Continued on page 4)

The New Democrat 2 September 2013

BBaacckk ttoo WWoorrkk!!

Welcome back from summer, PDC’ers! I hope everyone had ahappy, safe, and healthy summer. It was great to see so many ofyou at the August picnic. We had over 100 attendees and raisedover $3,500 from the auction. Thank you for your generosity.Many of our PDC activities (voter registration, ourlunches/speaker events, meetings) are self-supporting. But themoney raised will help fund other PDC activities, such as fundingthe Peninsula Young Democrats, and our donations to candidatesand causes. In the 2012 election season, the PDC was able tocontribute over $10,000 to candidates and causes, due to yourgenerosity.

If you weren’t able to attend the picnic, you missed a reallygood time! Our new board member, Judy Plaska, had some bigshoes to fill, and she did a great job. It is a really big job – thanksto her for such a well-run and productive event. We had a greatmix of the usual and the unusual suspects – many newermembers attended. As much as raising money, the best part ofour events is getting great like-minded people together to catchup with each other!

Thanks to everyone who obtained and/or donated things forthe auction. And thanks to everyone who helped with thelogistics on the day of the event. The new website/onlineregistration and taking payment by credit card helped a lot,thanks to Carole Kuiper and Dave Walter. I especially want tothank our high bidders/donors, Arthur, Carol and Ralph, Dianeand Joe, and Kavita and Raj (and your kids!) – you went aboveand beyond.

Many elected officials attended, including Palo Alto CityCouncil Member Pat Burt, PAUSD Member Heidi Emberling,Assemblyman Paul Fong, Palo Alto city Council Member Liz

Kniss, Mountain View City Council Member Margaret Abe Koga,PDC Board member and former Los Altos School Board MemberCarol Kuiper, former Assemblymember Sally Lieber, El CaminoHospital District Board member Julia Miller, Los Altos CityCouncil Member Jan Pepper, former Assemblyman Ira Ruskin,Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, and PDC Boardmember and former Los Altos Mayor Jim Thurber. And of courseState Senator Jerry Hill was our emcee – he was amazing.Seriously, wasn’t he like a professional auctioneer? He has abackup career, for sure. We are so grateful for his terrificparticipation!

Next year’s off-year election is so crucial that I am hoping togrow the PDC membership and raise twice as much money forthat election season. We must not see a repeat of the 2010election when the Tea Party roared in and helped theRepublicans take over the House of Representatives, resulting inthe most unproductive, obstructionist Congresses in history. Overthe next few months we’ll be looking at what the 2014 electionlooks like and what can we in the PDC do to hold the Senateand make progress in the House. Briefly, the good news in theSenate is that there are 52 Democrats, 46 Republicans and 2Independents. The bad news is that we have work twice as hardas the Republicans to hold onto what we have: of the 33 Senateseats up for election in 2014, 20 are held by Democrats, 13 byRepublicans. And of the 20 held by Democrats, 5 will be openseats due to retirements (Carl Levin MI, Jay Rockefeller WV, MaxBaucus MT, Tim Johnson SD, and Tom Harkin of IA); these arenot necessarily easy seats to defend. The Republicans have only 2Senators retiring.

In the House, The Republicans have a 33 seat majority. Withredistricting in California, our Congressional delegation is stronglyDemocratic, more accurately reflecting the state. Of California’s53 house seats, 38 are Democrats, 15 are Republican. If wecould flip some of these races in California, it could have anational impact. The PDC can develop and strengthen our localpolitical community and leaders and raise money and campaignfor candidates in California and other states.

Growing our local community starts with voter registration,which Board member Diane Rolfe has been diligently organizingall summer with her band of happy PDC members. This summerthey have registered 100 voters at area events, of which 72 havebeen Democrats and they are still going strong.

We have a little more than a year to work on this – let’s getstarted!

See page 5 for a list of donors to the Annual Picnic!

PPrreessiiddeenntt’’ssCCoolluummnnAmy Pearl

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3968 Middlefield RoadPalo Alto, CA 94303-4733

Bus: 650-494-1404

The New Democrat 3 September 2013

Assume all the points laid down by President Obama andSecretary Kerry are true: Syria’s use of chemical weapons againsttheir citizens is a heinous act that deserves to be punished;chemical weapons are condemned by most of the countries inthe world; and the United States made it clear that it would actunder these circumstances and, therefore, stands to losecredibility if there is no military response. Even if all of that istrue, a military strike against the Assad regime is a very bad idea.

If the United States attacks Syria, the United States becomesthe country flouting international law. This country does not haveany right to take the law into its own hands, ignore the UnitedNations and all other alliances, and inflict damage on anothersovereign state.

There is no obvious target for an attack, nor is it clear what astrike might hope to achieve. The administration insists that it hasno interest in forcing a regime change. They have explicitly saidthat they do not want to attack Syria’s store of chemical weaponsfor fear of releasing deadly fumes into the atmosphere. Theobjective is to punish Assad and to let him know there areconsequences for his use of chemical weapons.

The only possible benefit from the attack described by Obamawould be that Assad would give up on his chemical weapons andcontinue killing the opposition with the lethal weapons we seemto deem acceptable. That is not a very beneficial positive result.

On the other hand, the potential nasty results are legion.Assad could look at the punishment; think “that’s not so bad”and plan another chemical attack; Assad’s allies could decidethat they should provide more aid, more arms, and troops thuswidening the conflict significantly; or our attack could just furtherdestabilize the situation leading to more casualties and moredestruction.

In short, Obama issued a threat without completely figuringout how to carry it out. Rather than back down, Assad ignoredthe threat. Now Obama feels he needs to follow through. There

is a possible reprieve: Obama will seek Congressional approvalbefore launching the attack.

Some will ask “What about your promise to punish Assad?”and others may ask “How are you going to help the rebels?” Ouranswers should be that careful thought and consideration is morevaluable than an automatic follow through on a rash promise;and that it would be too easy to make a bad situation worse,jumping into the fight will not necessarily aid those whom wewish to help.

If you agree with these conclusions, contact your representativesin the House and the Senate. Let them know that you opposeunilateral military intervention in Syria by the United States!

• • • • •Contrast the threat of action in Syria with our policy toward

Egypt. A military coup replaced the elected president of Egypt.The coup-installed government is killing Egyptian citizens whooppose the government. The United States response is not tothreaten military action; it is not to condemn the coup; insteadwe continue to provide cash and arms to the Egyptian military!Where is the sense in that? Why are we not withholding allassistance to the government of Egypt until they either restore theelected president to his office or hold free and open elections?

• • • • •The common thread to these situation is that, when it comes

to taking action, the United States is not committed to elections,to democracy in other countries, or to freedom for citizens. It iscommitted to friends in office. The administration wants to seeAssad out of office, but it will not provide substantial assistance tothe Syrian rebels because some of those rebels are also opposedto United States intervention in the Middle East. It continues tosupport the Egyptian army because that army has been, andcontinues to be, our ally. If our policy is to be one of blind self-interest we should at least be overt about it!

Martin Gorfinkel

MMaarrttiinn’’ss

EEDDIITTOORRIIAALL

Photo: sullydish.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/syria-rubble.jpg

Join us for a special reception beforehand at 7pm with theproducer & director of the theatrical production. Afterward,we can retire to a local watering hole and talk about the playand socialize.How to Get Tickets

For non-PDC members who join the PDC, we have freetickets! PDC membership cost for an individual ranges from$15 to $35, see www.peninsulademocrats.com/join_pdc fordetails and to join.

For PDC members and for non-members who don't join,we have half-price tickets available! Full-price tickets are $48or $58; for half-price tickets you will rsvp to Amy (see below)and donate either $25.50 or $30.50 atsecure.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19478?ref=pdc_donations. You are, of course, welcome to make a larger donation(though it doesn't get you a better seat, just a better PDC!)

In either case, for free and half-price tickets, you must RSVPby Thursday, September 19 to Amy, amy@amypearl.com.Please include your name, how many you are, and a phonenumber and email address. This is a special opportunity - wehope you will join us!

CCuurriiee Continued from page 1)

• George Zimmerman was briefly taken intocustody over an alleged incident involving hisestranged wife and a gun. So congratulations to allthose who had September 9 in the pool.

• An Arkansas athletic department intern sustaineda leg injury when a when a T-shirt gun apparentlymalfunctioned during the Razorbacks’ season opener.The NRA immediately issued a statement “When t-shirt guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have t-shirtguns.”

• A British zoo has appointed one of their staff as a“birds and the bees” consultant, and is experimentingwith warning signs that say “ANIMAL BABY MAKINGZONE.” Why do I think in much of the U.S. thiswould cause more outrage than designating a zoo an“open carry” zone?

• All these GOP members of Congress who waxedso poetically about our need to avoid militaryintervention in the Mideast. Assume Jon Stewart at theat “The Daily Show” interns are working overtimetaking notes and saving video clips for future use.

• It may now be a non-issue if Assad acceptsturning over control of his weapons, but the GOP hasbeen saying that President Obama won’t be able toget any legislation passed in his second term if theHouse turns down his request to authorize a strike onSyria. Really? As opposed to all the legislation theywere going to pass if Syria never happened?

• One proposed Senate resolution on Syria wouldlimit military action to 90 days. Why didn’t we thinkof that for Iraq?

• Many are still buzzing over why John McCainwas playing online poker during the Senate hearing onSyria. Maybe because he couldn’t figure out “CandyCrush?”

• Prince Andrew was briefly stopped byBuckingham Palace police who didn’t recognize himon an evening walk through the gardens. Good thingthis was England and not the U.S., so the Princewasn’t accidentally shot.

• As Anthony Weiner’s car drove away after hisconcession speech, the candidate flipped the bird at areporter. Stay classy, Carlos Danger.

• Spitzer and Weiner, both gone. Who knew thevoters of New York were less forgiving of moral lapsesthan those in South Carolina?

• Fox’s Dana Perino is “tired” of atheists trying toremove the phrase “under God” from the Pledge ofAllegiance. “If these people really don’t like it, theydon’t have to live here.” Right, because who inAmerica would argue against the words of theFounding Fathers… Oops, wait, never mind…..

• Anyone but me getting the sense that some inthe GOP hope this potential Syria diplomatic solutionfails?

• Just wondering, of all the members of Congresswho publicly responded to President Obama’s Syriaspeech, did any of them compose their response afterthe speech?

• Mitch McConnell gave a speech on the Senatefloor today opposing Obama’s potential air strikes,saying “There are just too many unanswered questionsabout our long-term strategy in Syria.” Shame hedidn’t have these scruples with Iraq.

The New Democrat 4 September 2013

Funnies by JaniceBy Janice Hough, PDC Member

“I believe a preemptive and unilateral strike against Syria iswrong.

“I believe it will make the world more dangerous, not safer.“I believe it will not reverse the tide on the ground in Syria.“I believe that using force for the sake of force is not in the

interest of our national security and will be counterproductive.“I believe, as do thousands of my constituents, that going to

war against Syria—regardless of how targeted or limited thestrikes—will implicate the U.S. in a civil war, cause possibleretaliations in the region destabilizing it even more, and add tothe ill will against our country.

“I will cast a ‘no’ vote to the President’s request forauthorization to strike Syria should it be taken up by the U.S.House of Representatives.”

EEsshhoooo (Continued from page 1)

The New Democrat 5 September 2013

Lunches with Legislators:• Anna Eshoo, Representative of Congress, 18th District• Jerry Hill (Master of Ceremonies), Senator, 13th District, CA• Rich Gordon, Assembly Member, 24th District, CA• Leland Yee, Senator, 8th District, CA• Kevin Mullin, Assembly Member, 22nd District, CA• Paul Fong, Assembly Member, 28th District, CA

Business & Individual Contributions:• Gourmet Dinner for 8 Menu & Preparation - Chef VinceStella

• McCall Idaho 7 Day Vacation - Mountain View CohousingCommunity

• Pompeii Restaurant in Los Altos• Ristorante Bella Vita in Los Altos• Chef Chu’s in Los Altos• Rick’s Café in Los Altos• Red Pepper Grill in Los Altos• Estrellita Restaurant in Los Altos• Hobee’s in Palo Alto• Starbuck’s in Los Altos• Linden Tree Children’s Books in Los Altos• Pear Theatre in Mountain View• Los Altos Stage Company• B Street and Vine Restaurant in San Mateo• Fish Market Restaurant in Palo Alto• Martins West Restaurant in Redwood City• Palo Alto Sol, Quinto Sol, Vive Sol in Palo Alto, RedwoodCity and Mountain View

• Beautiful Day Landscaping in Redwood City - CherylPerman

• Fine Wines, Capers & Loft Restaurant Gift Certificates &Obama Wraps - Arthur Keller

• Ice Cream Certificates - Sally Lieber• Giants Tickets - Janice Hough• Ikibana Flower Arrangement - Myra & Carl Orta• Mary McMahon - Children’s Games Organizer• Political Books and Campaign Buttons - Paul & Jean Garrett

24 Board Members Contributions & Support IncludingPYD members:

• Amy Pearl - Speaker, Restaurant Gift Certificate and PicnicLogistics Manager

• Kate Forrest - Idaho 7 Day Vacation & Registration, Cashier& Check Out Manager

• Diane & Joe Rolfe - Legislative Lunches, Beautiful DayLandscaping Consultation and

• Gourmet Dinner for 8 & Ice Cream Gift Certificates BidWinners

• Kavita Tanka - Isharya Necklace, Android Computer, GiantsTickets & Legislative Lunch.

• Carol Kuiper - Los Altos Stage Company tickets, GiftCertificates Jamba Juice &

• Baskin Robbins, Obama Inauguration Shirts & LegislativeLunch Bid Winner & Check Out Manager

• Karen Fox - Pear Theatre Tickets and Silk Scarf Bid Winner• Nicole Fernandez - Restaurant Gift Certificates, Live AuctionManager & Restaurant Gift Certificates Bid Winner

• Mark Solomon - Restaurant Gift Certificates and FoodManager

• Kristen Johnson - Ohlone Art Camp, Silk Scarves andRestaurant Gift Certificate

• Emy & Jim Thurber - Picnic Logistics & Supplies, GiantsTickets & Restaurant Certificate

• Pam Salvatierra - Gourmet Dinner for 8• Dave Walter - 2008 Obama Poster Print, Web Master andOn-Line Cashier

• Karen Fox - MV Pear Theatre Tickets• Stephanie Grossman - Champagne• Sue Debowski - Wine• Andrea Eaton - Wine• Tony Singh - Food Manager• Cory Wolbach - Obama T-Shirts Bid Winner & LogisticsManager

• Lucas Ramirez - Logistics and Legislative Lunch Bid Winner• Jules Brouillet - Silent Auction Manager• Marc Berman - Donation• Judy Plaska - Coordinator, Android Computer Tablet, Wine& Flower Bid Winner

PDC Members Contributions:• Karen & John Lemes - Registration Managers• Steve Chessin - Ohlone Camp Bid Winner• Michael Adylott - Obama Poster Bid Winner• Ralph Kuiper - Dine Around Los Altos Bid Winner• Jan Pepper - Los Altos Stage Tickets• Steve Coughlin - Wine Bid Winner• John Cominskey - Isharya Necklace• Kate Zoglin - Landscaping Bid Winner• Arthur Keller - Legislative Lunches• Jim Powers - Auction Displays, Items and Check OutManager

TThhaannkk yyoouu ttoo tthhee ffoolllloowwiinngg lleeggiissllaattoorrss,, bbuussiinneesssseess aannddiinnddiivviidduuaallss wwhhoo ccoonnttrriibbuutteedd ttoo tthhee PPDDCC AAnnnnuuaall PPiiccnniicc!!

The New Democrat 6 September 2013

TThhee AAnnnnuuaall PPDDCC PPiiccnniicc wwaass aa ssmmaasshhiinngg ssuucccceessss!!

The New Democrat 7 September 2013

LLooffggrreenn && EEsshhoooo JJooiinnttSSttaatteemmeennttAugust 31, 2013

Joint Statement from Congresswomen Anna Eshoo and ZoeLofgren Regarding Congressional Debate and PotentialAuthorization of U.S. Military Action in Syria

We are pleased that President Obama will seek Congressionalauthorization before engaging in any military hostilities againstSyria.

That authorization is legally and constitutionally required – thePresident cannot legally act alone without the U.S. Congress. Thisconstruct is part of the genius of our nation’s democratic systemand our Constitutional checks and balances.

We welcome the opportunity to listen to the facts of thismatter in the most public forum. While a review of the evidence,both classified and unclassified, as to the use of chemical isimportant, we are already inclined to believe that these horrificweapons were used based on public and social media accounts.We believe that the question before the U.S. Congress is not “canthe Obama Administration prove that the Syrian governmentused chemical weapons?” Rather, the paramount question is, ifthat is true, “what is the best course for the United States to take,and why?”

Here are just a few of the questions that are at the heart ofwhat Congress must debate as we and our colleagues determinethe best course for the United States to take:

What role should the United States play in enforcinginternational treaties prohibiting the use of chemical weapons?

International treaties are frequently violated by various nations.What precedent does it set if the United States acts in this case?Will the U.S. be placed in a position where we must respondwhenever treaties are seriously violated? If not, why?

Civilian massacres have occurred in other countries withoutU.S. military intervention and are occurring today in Egypt, forexample. Would action in Syria set a precedent for action inother parts of the world? If not, why not?

Should the U.S. take action when international bodies,including the UN and NATO, have declined to do so?

Should the U.S. take action when the United Nations hasasked that we not do so?

Should the U.S. act when other nations decline to participatewith our country in taking such action, including Great Britain?Arab nations?

If action is taken by the United States what impact will it haveon the future behavior of the Assad regime? On what basis arewe concluding that Syria will change its behavior based on a U.S.attack on Syrian targets?

If the U.S. attack is limited in scope and time, what messagewill that give to Syria as well as other nations such as Iran? If theaction is protracted in scope and time, what are the potentialcosts in American lives and U.S. taxpayer dollars? For U.S.prestige in the world and in the Middle East?

How would U.S. military action against Syria make theAmerican people safer? The Syrian people? The people of Israel?

If a U.S. attack assists the rebels in overthrowing the Assadregime, who takes over in Syria? If the Assad regime falls, willfurther civil war ensue between competing rebel factions? Whatrole will Al Qaeda play?

The Syrian civil war is also a proxy war for other powers,including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and other non-state actorssuch as Hezbollah and Al Qaeda. What impact would U.S. actionhave on these other actors?

Will the unrest in Syria spread in the region if the U.S. acts? Ifthe U.S. does not act?

What impact would U.S. action have on our closest ally in theregion, Israel? Would a U.S. attack on Syria lead to retaliatoryattacks against Israel or others? What will the reaction of Israel bein that case? What U.S. action would then be required?

If our country decides that some action by the U.S. isrequired, what should that action be? Should further diplomaticefforts, as opposed to military action, be considered? Are therefeasible sanctions that could be put in place? Other actions?

If military action is proposed, what are the targets, the scopeand the cost? What is expected to be accomplished and how willthat serve the interests of the United States? Syria? The MiddleEast? The World?

What is our strategy for Syria (and for the Middle Eastgenerally) and how would military action support or damage thatstrategy?

If the Assad regime, or even the rebels, were to engage inactions that appear to violate international treaties including theuse of chemical weapons in the future what action would theU.S. take? What would be the consequences of further action orinaction in such a case in terms of spread of war, entanglementof the U.S. in the Syrian civil war, U.S. reputation around theworld, and the perception of American strength and resolve byIran and North Korea? To what extent is the U.S. “paintingourselves into a corner” by attacking Syria now? Will that force usto attack again in response to further violations? If not, why?

What impact would U.S. military action have on relationsbetween Russia and our country? What are the short and longterm implications for Russia and the U.S., including efforts tocontinue the reduction of nuclear arms by our two nations?

What are the possible adverse results of U.S. military action inSyria? What steps have been taken to address those potentialadverse impacts? What is the “end game?”

We hope the Congressional debate will be carried out at thehighest level, with the result that the United States acts, or doesnot act, after the most deliberative consideration. In that regard,we ask the President to make his case in the light of publicscrutiny, not by “classified” briefings that are kept from theAmerican people and which Members of Congress are prohibitedfrom discussing publicly. This debate will have its needed effectonly if it is fully transparent.

We pledge to our constituents and fellow Americans that wewill carefully weigh the facts and options that face the UnitedStates at this juncture. We look forward to debating and hearinganswers to these questions, and other relevant ones that mayemerge, as we examine the facts and further hear from ourconstituents on this very serious issue facing our country.

The New Democrat 8 September 2013

OOuurr AApppprreecciiaattiioonnThank you to Democrats of all ages for coming out to the

PDC Picnic as well as the voter registration events. We enjoyedinteracting with local elected officials and fellow activists, and itwas a great time for us as we showed our support for the cluband the party. We look forward to another year with the PDC.

Upcoming Event for the Peninsula Young DemocratsGeneral MeetingSeptember 26th 7-8pm

Cafe Borrone, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025Our members are gathering for the club's monthly General

Meeting to organize and provide announcements. Wewelcome new people to the group, so please join us if youwould like to visit. Club members will be voting onendorsements of local candidates at this event. The meetingwill be followed by another News & Views conversation. Bringa friend! Help us spread the word!

Find our agenda and event details at our Facebook group:www.facebook.com/groups/PeninsulaYoungDemocrats/

The New Democrat 9 September 2013

YYoouunngg VVooiicceessBrought to you

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Benefits of Fracking for Oil in California• Huge potential energy resource: at least 15 billion barrels

of oil recoverable from the Monterey Shale alone, over say40 years.

• CA currently produces about 200 million barrels/year(~540,000 barrels/day).

• If fracking could add, say 400 million barrels/year, thiswould add roughly $6B in tax revenues/year to CA (thesame as Prop 30, passed in November 2012). The USconsumes about 19 million barrels/day of oil now.

• Oil production would bring new business, jobs and taxrevenues to the state; increase US energy independence; ispopular with industry, many politicians.

Risks of Fracking for Oil in California• Drilling deep wells brings up much dirt and rocks to the

surface that must be removed.• Fracking for oil necessitates use of 10 times more fresh

water than it produces oil.• Fracking water is mixed with sand and toxic “proprietary”

(secret) chemicals, including known cancer-causingsubstances.

• When part of this water flows back before oil is extracted,it must be stored and disposed of carefully because it bringsback the chemicals, a lot of solid waste and, in some cases,radioactive substances. It cannot be used for agriculture ordrinking.

• The wastewater can pollute the environment and the watertable beneath. It is expensive to treat and is very often re-injected (lost forever) into so-called old neighboring“injection wells”. If an injection well is close to a seismicfault, an earthquake can be triggered.

• A typical fracking pad occupies 8 acres. Land is generallyseverely disrupted.

• The trucks that bring the water (hundreds of them) damagethe surrounding roads.

• Fracking increases global warming in several ways. Burningoil, like other fossil fuels, puts carbon dioxide in the air,exacerbating global warming. Methane, an even morepotent greenhouse gas, escapes from the earth into theatmosphere during the oil fracking process and continues toleak from fracked wells; it exacerbates global warming.

• High viscosity bituminous fracked oil requires extra energyto liquefy it. This means that processing the very thick, tar-like California oil to make it useable further exacerbatesglobal warming.

The New Democrat 10 September 2013

MONTHLY MEETINGSSanta Clara County Democratic Central Committeemeets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at 70 West Hedding, San Jose. Call 408/445-9500 for information.Anyone is welcome to attend.

The PDC Board of Directors meets at 77::3300 pp..mm.. on thesseeccoonndd WWEEDDNNEESSDDAAYY of each month at the Palo Alto UnitarianChurch, 505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, Fireside Room (inOctober), otherwise Room 8; all are welcome.

EVENTS: SEPTEMBER 2013Wednesday, September 18, 7-9 p.m.Assemblymember Rich Gordon to speak on “Focus onEducation and Education Funding”

Where: Palo Alto Unified School District Board Room, 25 Churchill Ave. Palo Alto

Sponsored by the Palo Alto League of Women VotersFree and open to the publicRSVP to lwvpaoffice@gmail.com or 903-0600

Wednesday, September 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Reception with California Insurance CommissionerDave Jones

Where: the home of Emy and Jim Thurber, 694 BenvenueAvenue, Los Altos

Host: $1,000• Sponsor: $500 • Patron: $250 • Guest: $100• PDC/PYD: $50.

RSVP Stefanie Roumeliotes at SGR Consulting, LLC at 415-402-0303 or rsvp@sgrconsultants.com

Please join Commissioner Jones for cocktails and conversation.Since elected, Dave has secured a number of critical victoriesincluding reform of California’s conservatorship laws ensuringprotection for seniors and dependent adults facing abuse;reduced medical malpractice rates; guided federal health carereform including requiring health insurers to cover children withpre-existing conditions. Insurance company sponsoredRepublican opponents have our activist Commissioner targetedfor the 2014 elections. Your help is needed to contribute toDave’s campaign fund and to spread the word about theimportance of re-electing David Jones, Insurance Commissioner.

Thursday, September 19, Doors open 6:30, Speaker at 7 p.m. “The Leveraged Buyout of America”

Where: First United Methodist Church, Patio Room, 625 Hamilton Street, Palo Alto.

Speaker: Marc Armstrong, Executive Director of the Public

Banking Institute. Giant bank holding companies aresystematically buying up or gaining control of the essentiallifelines of the economy. Hear about establishing local publicbanks. Questions: Jan Rubens jrbns@att.net

Friday, September 20, 2:15-4:15 p.m. Assemblymember Paul Fong hosts Small BusinessForum on how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will affectsmall businesses.

Where: Almaden Community Center, 6445 Almaden Ave.,San Jose. Seating is limited. Please RSVP:www.asmdc.org/members/a28/district-events/small-business-expo

This event focuses on the effect of the ACA on smallbusinesses. A similar event for individuals and families will beoffered October 17 in Campbell. Details coming.

Saturday, September 21, 9 a.m.-noon Senator Jerry Hill, the California Highway Patrol,Sunnyvale Deopartment of Public Safety and LucilePackard Children’s Hospital invite you: Free Car SeatSafety Check

Where: Sunnyvale Public Library Parking Lot, 665 West OliveAve, Sunnyvale

Learn about car seat safety laws, what you need to protectyour children in vehicles and whether your children’s car seatsare properly installed. Senator Hill and his staff also will be onhand to provide information on constituent services availablefrom his District Office. For more information call Senator Hill’sDistrict Office: 650-212-3313

Saturday, September 21, 9 a.m.-noon, Coastal Clean-up Day at Coyote Creek

Where: Faber Tract, East Palo AltoThe Bay and ocean need your help and Coastal Cleanup Day

2013 is the perfect opportunity to lend a hand. It’s high time thelow tides were trash free and bursting with healthy wildlife. Upand down our fair state fans of the coast are gathering theirsupplies and spirits to make the dream of a clean coast a realitytoday. The California clapper rail and steelhead trout can’t waitfor us to save the Bay!

Due to the sensitive nature of the restoration site, space islimited and RSVP is requested. You must fill out the onlineregistration form below to register yourself or a group of 10people or less. If you need more information about this or otherevents or if you would like to sign up a group larger than 10people please contact Natalie LaKeidan at (510) 463-6809 oremail bayevents@saveSFbay.org. No experience necessary.Gloves, tools and instruction provided. Staff is certified in CPRand Wilderness First Aid and all site projects have been plannedto ensure safety.

Thursday, September 26, 6 – 9 p.m. Fall for the Bay: Fall in love with the Bay all over againat a special event to benefit Save the Bay.

Where: The Golden Gate Club at the Presidio, San Francisco

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The New Democrat 11 September 2013

Cost: Individual tickets starting at $175. Order your tickets notlater than September 16. Silent auction •Delicious food & drink•Live Jazz •Signature cocktails •Stunning Bay views Forquestions or phone purchases, call 510-463-5683. HostCommittee: Sylvia McLaughlin, Honorary Co-Chair

Friday, September 27, 1-3 p.m.Senator Jerry Hill, Assemblymembers Rich Gordon andKevin Mullin host a Senior Scam Stopper Seminar.

Where: Veterans Memorial senior Center, 1455 MadisonAvenue, Redwood City. Learn how to protect yourself from fraudincluding identity theft, telephone scams and financial, insuranceand mail fraud. Seniors, their families and caregivers are welcometo attend this free seminar. RSVP: Senator Hill’s District Office,650-212-3313 or online atsenate.ca.gov/2958/seniorscamstopper.

Saturday, September 28 10 a.m.-noon Assemblyman Rich Gordon and former President of theState Board of Education Michael Kirst discuss thestate of K-12 education including the new LocalControl Funding Formula, the education budget,Common Core Standards (CCSS) and more.

Where: Palo Altos Unified School District Board Room, 25Churchill, Palo Alto. Free and open to the public. For moredetails and to RSVP go to Assemblyman Rich Gordon’s website orphone the District Office at 650-691-2121.

EVENTS: OCTOBER 2013Wednesday, October 2, 6:30 p.m. refreshments, 7 p.m. Dean Democratic Club Meeting: Speaker Staff AttorneyLaura Cutilletta, Law Center to Prevent Gun ViolenceWe Can Reduce Gun Deaths Locally

Where: Democratic Headquarters, 2901 Moorpark Ave #110,San Jose 95128 (just off 280 at Winchester exit—convenientparking. Bring snack to share.

Questions: Marcene at 650-961-7380For information about Sunnyvale’s Gun Safety Measure C in

the November election:sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/OfficeoftheCityManager/CityClerk/Elections.aspx or www.sv4sgm.org

Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.-noon Assemblyman Rich Gordon and State Senator Jerry Hillhost a forum of California’s New Health Care Options.

Learn about our coverage options under the Affordable CareAct and how to enroll in the new plans. Where: Mountain ViewCity Hall, Council Chambers, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View.Free and open to the public. For more details and to RSVP go toAssemblyman Rich Gordon’s website or phone the District Officeat 650-691-2121

For additional calendar listings, visitpeninsulademocrats.com.

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The September PDCluncheon presentedAssemblymember RichGordon who spoke tomembers of the PDCat Michael’sRestaurant. He spokeon “Major Issues forthe Democrats inSacramento This Year.”

Contact Kristen Lohnes Johnson, editor of The New Democrat,at graffikdezine@comcast.net for advertising rates.

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The Peninsula Democratic CoalitionP.O. Box 97Los Altos, CA 94023-0097

TThhee NNeeww DDeemmooccrraatt Published monthly by

The Peninsula Democratic Coalition

P.O. Box 97, Los Altos, CA 94023-0097 Tel: 650/949-1009 President: Amy Pearl

Vice President: Nicole FernandezEditor: Emy Thurber

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web site: www.peninsulademocrats.comOpinions expressed in signed columns representviews of the author and are not necessarily official

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For additional calendar listings, visitpeninsulademocrats.com