City Democratic Club of San Francisco

CLUB ENDORSEMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 2011 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

2011-09-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

On September 8, current members of the City Democratic Club met and ratified the following endorsements for the November 2011 municipal election. Endorsements are based on the agreement of 60 percent of the members voting. Thanks to all the participating members, and congratulations to all the endorsed candidates.

Offices

Mayor: Ed Lee

Sheriff: Chris Cunnie

District Attorney: No recommendation

Measures

Yes on Prop A - School Bonds

No on Prop B - Road Repaving and Street Safety Bonds

Yes on Prop C - Retirement and Health Care Benefits (City)

No on Prop D - Retirement Benefits (Petition)

Yes on Prop E - Amending Initiative Ordinances and Policy Declarations

Yes on Prop F - Campaign Consultant Disclosures

No on Prop G - Sales Tax

Yes on Prop H - School District Student Assignment System

DA Debate at June meeting, and announcing new officers

2011-05-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

Dear City Democratic Club Members,

I am pleased to announce the newly elected officer team leading the Club for 2011;

President - Jim Reilly

First Vice President - Yoyo Chan

Second Vice President - Mike Ho

Corresponding Secretary - Sarah Singer

Recording Secretary - Erik Cummins

Treasurer - Steve Laplante

Officers at Large - Heidi Machen & Clay Harrell

The Club thanks Susan Chan and George Dias for their excellent service as officers to the City Democratic Club during the past year.

Upcoming Meetings and Events:

On Wednesday, June 15, the City Democratic Club will be sponsoring a debate with the candidates currently running for District Attorney of San Francisco . It will be held at the LGBT Center at 1800 Market Street from 7 to 8:30 PM.The San Francisco Young Democrats and San Francisco's premier newspaper to the legal community, The Recorder, will co-sponsors the debate.

On Thursday, August 18 the Club will be meeting for our endorsement voting session at a location to be determined. This will include endorsement votes for Mayor, District Attorney, Sheriff and ballot measures. This year we will be instituting ranked choice voting for the Mayor's race only, as there are so many credible candidates. That is, our ballot will allow you select three candidates and rank them 1, 2, & 3 just as you can on Election Day. This is being done to increase our chance of reaching the necessary 60% threshold so that we can endorse a mayoral candidate.

In order to vote at the endorsements meeting on 8/18, you need to have been a paid member for at least 30 days. If you have not paid your $35 annual dues yet, please do so. You can pay in person at the 6/15 debate, or mail a check for City Democratic Club at 621 LaSalle Ave., San Francisco, 94124. If you have been a paid member in the past two years, you can also renew your membership and pay your 2011 dues at the endorsement meeting.

Please join us on Facebook where you can follow club news and RSVP to club events!

I look forward to seeing you at the next Club meeting The debate for SF District Attorney will be an exciting and potentially game changing event.

Best regards,

Jim Reilly

President of the City Democratic Club

November Election Club Endorsements

2010-10-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

November 2, 2010 Consolidated General Election

Final Club Recommendations

Statewide Office

Governor - Jerry Brown

Lieutenant Governor - Gavin Newsom

Attorney General - Kamala Harris

Secretary of State - Debra Bowen

Controller - John Chiang

Treasurer - Bill Lockyer

Insurance Commissioner - Dave Jones

Board of Equalization D1 - Betty Yee

U.S. Congress

Senate - Barbara Boxer

House D8 - Nancy Pelosi

House D12 - Jackie Speier

State Legislature

Senate D8 - Leland Yee

Assembly D12 - Fiona Ma

Assembly D13 - Tom Ammiano

Citywide Office

Assessor/Recorder - Phil Ting

Public Defender - Jeff Adachi

Superior Court Seat 15 - No recommendation

Board of Supervisors

D2 Janet Reilly

D4 Carmen Chu

D6 No recommendation

D8 No recommendation

D10 No recommendation

Board of Education

Margaret Brodkin

Emily Murase

Natasha Hoehn

Community College Board

Lawrence Wong

Anita Grier

State Measures

19 - Legalizes Marijuana Under California but Not Federal Law: SUPPORT

20 - Redistricting Congressional Districts: OPPOSE

21 - Vehicle Fee for Fund Parks & Wildlife: OPPOSE

22 - Prohibit State Taking Local Funds: NO POSITION

23 - Suspending Air Pollution Control Law (AB 32): OPPOSE

24 - Repeals Business Tax Cut Statute: NO POSITION

25 - Elim 2/3 Rule for Budget/ Not for Tax: SUPPORT

26 - Requiring Certain Business Fees Be Approved by 2/3 Votes: OPPOSE

27 - Eliminates Commission on Redistricting: OPPOSE

Local Measures

AA - Vehicle Registration Fee: SUPPORT

A - Earthquake Safety Retrofit Deferred Loans and Grants: SUPPORT

B - City Retirement and Health Plans: NO POSITION

C - Mayoral Appearance at Board Meetings: OPPOSE

D - Non-citizen Voting in School Board Elections: OPPOSE

E - Election Day Voter Registration: NO POSITION

F - Health Service Board Elections: SUPPORT

G - Transit Operator Wages: SUPPORT

H - Elected Officials on Party Committees: SUPPORT

I - Saturday Voting: SUPPORT

J - Hotel Tax Clarification / Temp. Increase: OPPOSE

K - Hotel Tax Clarification and Definitions: SUPPORT

L- Sitting or Lying on Sidewalks: SUPPORT

M - Community Policing and Foot Patrols: OPPOSE

N - Real Property Transfer Tax: SUPPORT

CityDem Bylaw Change

City Democratic Club bylaws have been updated to allow future communications to be done via electronic notice ONLY.

Members without e-mail access can be accommodated with extra notice.

Please keep us updated about your e-mail address!

DISTRICT 2 DEBATE & SEPTEMBER ENDORSEMENTS MEETING, 9/30/10

2010-09-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

District 2 Debate at Golden Gate Yacht Club at 6:30pm on September 30th
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What else can we say?
The headline says it all!

Our long-delayed District 2 debate WILL happen!
Courts have affirmed that incumbent Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier may not stand for re-election, so there will definitely be a new supervisor for Sea Cliff and Pacific Heights starting in January 2011.

Please join us at 6:30pm at the Golden Gate Yacht Club to get a first hand look at the candidates.

Endorsement Vote at 8pm September 30th
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Right after the D2 debate, paid members will vote our club's endorsements for the Fall election.

Members who have been current within the last two years can renew at the time of vote, so bring your checkbook!

The Issues & Endorsement Committee met with candidates and initiative proponents and opponents for several hours on August 22.

The committee's recommendations are as follows:

County Supervisors
District 2 - (To be voted on 9/30/10 after the debate)
District 4 - Carmen Chiu - 12
District 6 - Debra Walker- 8 / Theresa Sparks -4
District 8 - Rebecca Prozan-8/ Scott Wiener-4
District 10- Lynette Sweet-7/ Steve Moss-3/ Chris Jackson-1

Community College Board
Anita Grier & Lawrence Wong
-received the committee's recommendation by unanimous consent

Board of Education
Margaret Brodkin, Emily Murase, & Natasha Hoehn
-received the committee's recommendation

Local Measures
Our club bylaws stipulate a 60% supermajority for a yes or no recommendation. Between 12 and 13 members were present for various votes taken throughout the day. Measures and candidates were not seen in sequential order.

AA - Vehicle Registration Fee: SUPPORT (11-2)
To increase the vehicle license fee by $10 for each motor vehicle registered in the city and county to fund transportation-related projects and programs that mitigate motor vehicle congestion and pollution in the county.

A - Earthquake Safety Retrofit Deferred Loans and Grants: SUPPORT (12-1)
$46 Million General Obligation Bond to provide deferred loans and/or grants to pay the costs of seismic retrofits to multi-story wood structures that are at significant risk of substantial damage and collapse during an earthquake.

B - City Retirement and Health Plans: SUPPORT (8-Yes 4-No 1-Abstained)
This measure's proponent is Public Defender Jeff Adachi. It would increase the amount city employees contribute to the pension plan. Supervisor David Chiu is the official opponent.

C - Mayoral Appearance at Board Meetings: OPPOSE (11-2)
This is the infamous "question-time" proposal that has been floated before to require the mayor to appear monthly before the board of supervisors for questioning akin to how the British prime minister appears before Parliament. Supervisor Chris Daly is the official proponent of this CHARTER AMENDMENT. Opponents say this measure would weaken the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.

D - Non-citizen Voting in School Board Elections: OPPOSE (11-2)
Would allow San Francisco residents 18 and older who are the parents, legal guardians or caregivers of children in the San Francisco Unified School District to vote in the elections for the Board of Education, regardless of whether such residents are United States citizens. Supervisor David Chiu is the official proponent of this CHARTER AMENDMENT, which, like measure C, was previously proposed at the Board of Supervisors but not enacted.

E - Election Day Voter Registration: NO RECOMMENDATION (7-6)
Would establish Election Day voter registration solely for municipal elections. The California Elections Code stipulates a deadline of 15 days before an election. In the 2008 election, the 5 states that allow Election Day registration had the highest turnout.

F - Health Service Board Elections: SUPPORT (10-3)
Amends the terms of two sitting directors on this board, on a one time basis, shortening one from 5 to 3 years and the other from 5 to 2 years, so that board terms will expire in pairs in the future. Proponents portray this as a good-government measure, but opponents say it unfairly penalizes the two sitting members with foreshortened terms for an insignificant improvement in governance by this obscure board.

G - Transit Operator Wages: SUPPORT (13-0)
Deletes the current provision in the CITY CHARTER that grants MUNI operators the second highest wages for transit operators and returns to collective bargaining like all other city employee unions.

H - Elected Officials on Party Committees: SUPPORT (9-Yes 3-No 1-Abstained)
Mayor Gavin Newsom is the official proponent arguing that it would "promote good government" to forbid elected officials from serving simultaneously on a political party central committee. This measure is a reaction to the recent trend (since 2008) of elected supervisors also running for seats on the DCCC. In this year's election some candidate ads have said they were paid for by both their supervisor and DCCC committees. In the June election, some democratic clubs (including ours) discussed whether they should or should not endorse such "dual candidates."

I - Saturday Voting: SUPPORT (8-5)
This initiative would create a pilot program in connection with the November 8, 2011 General Municipal Election whereby the Department of Elections would be required to open satellite locations for early voting at each of the approximately 400 polling places throughout the county, on the Saturday before the election.

J - Hotel Tax Clarification / Temp. Increase: OPPOSE (2-Yes 9-No 2-Abstained)
This measure would increase the hotel tax by 2 percentage points and eliminate the loophole by which major online travel agencies evade paying the hotel tax on their "commissions." Mayor Gavin Newsom and the downtown business community are opposed to this measure because they feel the increase will potentially drive tourists away. The mayor has proposed measure K (below) which contains a "poison pill" that kills measure J if K also passes.

K - Hotel Tax Clarification and Definitions: SUPPORT (12-Yes 0-No 1-Abstained)
This is the mayor's measure opposing measure J. It clarifies the "third-party tax" issue without raising the existing hotel tax of 14%. Both measures restate protections for SRO occupants, so they will remain exempt from the hotel tax.

L- Sitting or Lying on Sidewalks: SUPPORT (10-3)
This is the infamous "sit-lie" measure, officially proposed by the Mayor, but in reality the brainchild of residents and merchants in the Haight District. Proponents say it would give the police a needed tool to move miscreants along, while opponents decry it as "criminalization" of the poor.

M - Community Policing and Foot Patrols: OPPOSE (11-2)
Supervisor Mirkarimi is the official proponent of this measure which would formally require the police commission to establish a "Community Policing Policy" and, by the way, includes a poison pill that kills measure L. "Take that, 'Sit Lie!' "

N - Real Property Transfer Tax: SUPPORT (11-2)
Increases the transfer tax on properties valued between $5 Million and $10 Million to $10 for each $500 of value from $7.50, and adds a new bracket of $12.50 per $500 for properties above $10 Million. Does not affect the current rates for properties valued at less than $5 Million. This measure enjoys broad support: its proponents include supervisors Avalos, Campos, Chiu, Daly, Dufty, Mar, Maxwell and Mirkarimi. Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier is opposed.

California State Propositions*
19 - Legalizes Marijuana Under California but Not Federal Law: SUPPORT (10-3)
20 - Redistricting Congressional Districts: OPPOSE (1-Yes 11- No 1-Abstained)
21 - Vehicle Fee to Fund Parks & Wildlife: OPPOSE (2-Yes 10- No 1-Abstained)
22 - Prohibit State Taking Local Funds: NO REC (6-Yes 5- No 2-Abstained)
23 - Suspending Air Pollution Control Law (AB 32): OPPOSE (13-0)
24 - Repeals Business Tax Cut Statute: NO REC (7-Yes 2- No 4-Abstained)
25 - Elim 2/3 Rule for Budget/ Not for Tax: SUPPORT (12-Yes 0- No 1-Abstained)
26 - Requiring Certain Business Fees Be Approved by 2/3 Votes: OPPOSE (13-0)
27 - Eliminates Commission on Redistricting: OPPOSE (3-Yes 8- No 2-Abstained)

* Titles edited due to space constraints.

Please refer to the California Secretary of State Voter Guide for exact details.

Please also remember to vote for the primary-winning Democrats in Statewide and Legislative races, even uncontested Local races.

Bylaws Change - Let's Go Green, People!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the September 30th meeting, we will also vote to amend our bylaws.

Presently, the club's bylaws state:

"Except for endorsements, election of officers, and amendment of these articles, written notice of a regular or special meeting may be dispensed with if telephonic and/or electronic notice is given to the general membership of said regular or special meeting at least five days before the date of said meeting."

The proposed amendment will allow all future club communications to be sent electronically, while continuing to accommodate members without email.

DISTRICT 2 SUPERVISOR DEBATE POSTPONED !!

2010-07-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

Due to significant developments in the District 2 Supervisor race, it was decided with SF Young Democrats to postpone the debate until the dust settles. We apologize for postponing with such late notice and will announce a new date as soon as possible.

More information on the endorsement process for this year's November election coming soon.

ELECTION SPECIAL NEWSLETTER MAY 2010

2010-05-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

ELECTION SPECIAL NEWSLETTER MAY 2010

City Democratic Club takes OFF the month of May - Rejoin us the last Thursday in June (June 24) when we host Political Analyst David Latterman. Details to come. AND, Don't forget to vote on June 8, or now for absentee ballot voters. To help you with that, here are the club's final endorsements.

Note that club bylaws require candidates and measures to reach 60% for endorsement and allow members to vote "No Endorsement" for all offices except central committee.

Statewide Candidates
Governor - Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown
Lt. Governor - Gavin Newsom
Attorney General - Kamala Harris
Secretary of State - Debra Bowen
Controller - John Chiang
Treasurer - Bill Lockyer
Insurance Commissioner - Dave Jones
Board of Equalization - District 1 - Betty Yee
U.S. Senate - Barbara Boxer
State Senate - District 8 - Leland Yee
State Assembly - District 12 - Fiona Ma
State Assembly - District 13 - Tom Ammiano
U.S. House - District 8 - Nancy Pelosi
U.S. House - District 12 Jackie Speier
Superintendent of Public Instruction - Gloria Romero

Statewide Measures
Proposition 13 Limits on Property Tax Assessment YES
Proposition 14 Elections - Open Primaries NO
Proposition 15 Public Financing YES
Proposition 16 Two-thirds Approval for Public Power NO
Proposition 17 Insurance Costs Based on Continuous Coverage NO

Local Measures
Measure A School Facilities Tax YES
Measure B Earthquake Bond YES
Measure C Film Commission Restructuring NO
Measure D Retirement Benefits Costs YES
Measure E Line Item - Police Security for Officials and Dignitaries NO
Measure F Renter's Economic Relief NO
Measure G Transbay Transit Center YES

Superior Court
Seat 6 - Linda Colfax
Seat 15 - No Recommendation*

* For Superior Court Seat 15, neither candidate met the 60% threshold., and the choice of "No Endorsement" also failed to reach 60%.

Democratic County Central Committee District 12
60% Endorsement Winners:
Mary Jung
Melanie Nutter

Remaining Top 12 Vote Getters (in order):
Ron Dudum
Tom Hsieh
Jane Morrison
Matt Tuchow
Arlo Smith
Alex Volberding
Milton Marks
Meagan Levitan
Bill Fazio
Hene Kelly

Democratic County Central Committee District 13
60% Endorsement Winners:
Carole Migden
Scott Wiener

Remaining Top 12 Vote Getters (in order):
Michael Goldstein
Debra Walker
David Chiu
Rafael Mandelman
Catherine Stefani
Melissa Ann A. Apuya
Leslie Rachel Katz
Joe Alioto Veronese
David Campos
Chuck Hornbrook

Election Calendar
May 24, 2010 Last day to register to vote
June 1, 2010 Last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by mail
June 8, 2010 Election Day

We would also like to announce and congratulate the new crew of City Democratic Club board members for 2010. (Bios coming soon)

President - Jim Reilly

Vice President - Susan Chan

2nd Vice President - Mike Ho

Treasurer - Steve LaPlante

Corresponding Secty - George Dias

Recording Secty - Erik Cummins

Officers at Large - Heidi Machen & Clay Harrell

May Meeting: Meet and Greet DCCC Candidates; Vote on June Endorsements; Elect Club Officers

2010-04-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

Meet and Greet DCCC Candidates; Vote on June Endorsements; Elect Club Officers on

April 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Cav Wine Bar

On, Saturday April 3, the Issues and Endorsements Committee comprised of Exec Committee members Heidi Machen, Clay Harrell, Mike Ho, Steve LaPlante, Erik Cummins and club members Jim Reilly, Susan Chan, George Dias, JoAnn Scordino, Mary Jung joined by John O’Riordan, and Kevin Malone, met to consider positions for the upcoming election. Some proponents presented and the group debated all issues. Recommendations and analysis for the full membership vote on April 29, follow:

Local Measures

A. School Facilities Tax: SUPPORT (10-0)

The property tax would extend for 20 years the otherwise expiring parcel tax. Pro: Money is used for critical seismic upgrading and other structural and emergency system strengthening for schools. Con: Continued property tax up to $32.20 a year in an already expensive city.

B. Earthquake Bond: SUPPORT (9-Yes, 1-No, 1-Abstained)

Allows City to borrow up to $412.3 million secured by property tax revenues for critical preventive strengthening of infrastructure including: the water supply system, fire and police stations. Pro: City relies on these facilities in the event of major disaster or earthquake. Con: Doesn’t go far enough because money could not be used for renovating the jail at the Hall of Justice.

C. Film Commission Restructuring OPPOSE (10-0)

Presently, the Mayor has full authority in appointing commissioners and Executive Director to the Commission. This measure would split that authority with Board of Supervisors, allowing the Board to appoint 5 of the 11 members and allow the Commission then to choose its own Executive Director. Pro: Further Democratizes executive and legislative powers. Con: Contrary to concept of a “strong Mayor” government; gives commissioners the power to appoint or remove a department head.

D. Retirement Benefits Costs: SUPPORT (10-0)

Makes changes to SF Employees Retirement System that changes final compensation formula and changes formula for contributions of certain employees from 7% to 9% toward pension. All savings go to retiree health care trust fund. Pro: Good government measure intended to bring our budget under control. Con: Employees hired after certain date will have smaller benefits packages than in the past.

E. Line Item Police Security for Officials and Dignitaries: OPPOSE (10 No, 1 Abstain)

Would require Police annual budget to project the amount that will be spent on protecting officials and dignitaries throughout the year. Pro: Consistent with budget transparency, promotes fiscal planning. Con: May reduce Police discretion in spending. Primary motive may be to embarrass current Mayor who took security detail with him to Montana and whose security detail follows him on campaign trail.

F. Renter’s Economic Relief: OPPOSE (7 No, 2 Yes, 1 Abstain)

Would allow tenants to submit hardship applications to Rent Board that could then defer rent increases for discretionary period. Pro: In these tough economic times, provides some support for those hardest hit. Con: Landlords are also in tough economic times. Administrative burden outweighs actual help.

G. Transbay Transit Center: SUPPORT (11-0)

This would make it City policy to locate the northern end of the L.A. high-speed rail line at the Transbay Transit Center rather than locations further from downtown. Pro: Promotes transit network and may attract greater ridership to transit based on convenience to destinations. Con: May cost more, but most funds derive from federal and state sources.

State Measures

13. Limits on Property Tax Assessment.: SUPPORT (12-0)

Construction to seismically retrofit buildings would not trigger reassessment of property. Pro: Allows building owners to do the right thing without risking more tax burden. Con: Limits one potential way to boost property tax revenues.

14. Elections. Open Primaries: OPPOSE (12-0)

Allows all voters to choose candidates in primaries regardless of party affiliation. Pro: Promotes greater participation in democracy. Con: Weakens the party infrastructure and allows for chances to sabotage opponents at the ballot box.

15. Public Financing: SUPPORT (10-1)

Repeals ban on public financing. Allows candidates who abide by certain rules such as collecting small donations from at least 7500 supporters and agreeing to spending limits to receive grants, which are derived from increases in lobbyist registrations fees. Pro: May promote greater range of candidates from variety of economic backgrounds using new stream of funding. Con: Lobbyists fees would increase across the board, including lobbyists at non-profits such as Sierra Club.

16. Two Thirds Approval for Public Power: OPPOSE (8 No, 3 Yes, 1 Abstain)

Requires local government to obtain 2/3 voter approval before providing electricity service to new customers using public funds or bonds. Pro: Puts a stop to the county-by-county fight PG&E must wage each year against public power. Promises to give citizens the influence in decision-making it otherwise wouldn’t have. Con: Corporate interests at its worst: This limits local government in unprecedented ways in making decisions about providing power to its citizens when it may someday make sense to do so. Also, any public power plans already require public input.

17. Insurance Costs Based on Continuous Coverage: OPPOSE (12-0)

Allows auto insurers to discount rates to drivers who have continuously maintained their insurance coverage and increase costs to those who haven’t. Pro: Promises to promote and reward continuous coverage. Con: Unfairly punishes people who don’t have cars from time to time at big benefit to insurers.

STATE CANDIDATES

Governor – Jerry Brown (11-0)

Lt. Governor – Gavin Newsom (7 Newsom, 1 Hahn, 2 Abstain)

Secretary of State – Debra Bowen (10-0)

Attorney General – Kamala Harris (10-0)

Controller - John Chiang (10-0)

Insurance Commissioner - Dave Jones (9 Jones, 2 De La Torre)

Senate District 8 - Leland Yee (by acclamation)

Assembly District 12 - Fiona Ma (by acclamation)

Assembly District 13 - Tom Ammiano (by acclamation)

Board of Equalization D1 – Betty Yee (by acclamation)

Sup. of Public Instruction – Gloria Romero (6 Romero, 1 Torlakson, 2 Abstain)

U.S. CANDIDATES

U.S. House of Representatives D12 – Jackie Speier

U.S. House of Representatives D 8 – Nancy Pelosi

LOCAL CANDIDATES

Judge Seat 15 NO RECOMMENDATION (5 Dean, 5 No Endorse)

City Democratic Club has traditionally supported incumbent judges. However, Judge Ulmer is not a Democrat and our bylaws do not allow us to support him.

Judge Seat 6 LINDA COLFAX (8 Colfax, 3 Dorfman, 1 Abstain)

Democratic Central Committee – D12 and D13

Please review candidates list for Democratic County Central Committee as City Democratic Club’s Issues and Endorsements Committee will not make recommendations. However, members in good standing will have a chance to vote on these candidates at our April 29 meeting, 5:30 p.m., at Cav Wine Bar. DCCC candidates are invited to attend this session in their honor – and to introduce themselves to members prior to voting commencing at 6:30.

DCCC - AD12
(vote for up to 12)

o John Avalos

o Michael Bornstein

o Michael A. Chan

o Andrew Clark

o Ronald Dudum

o Dan Dunnigan

o Bill Fazio

o Sandra Lee Fewer

o Chris Gembinski

o Elbert C. Hill

o Tom Hsieh

o Mary Jung

o Hene Kelly

o Mara S. Kopp

o Samuel Kwong

o Meagan Levitan

o Angelique Mahan

o Tualatai Mamoe

o Eric Mar

o Milton Marks

o Jake McGoldrick

o Jane Morrison

o Melanie Nutter

o Connie O'Connor

o Kelenia Olsen

o John Shanley

o Arlo Smith

o Mike Sullivan

o Matthew Tuchow

o Alex Volberding

o David Wong

o Larry Yee

o Jaynry Mak

DCCC - AD13

(vote for up to 12)

o Melissa Ann A. Apuya

o Keith Baraka

o David Campos

o David Chiu

o Ryan Clary

o Larry Cohen

o Paul T. Currier

o Michael Goldstein

o Robert Haaland

o Rick Hauptman

o Chuck Hornbrook

o Hope Johnson

o Joseph Julian

o Leslie Rachel Katz

o Calvin Louie

o Rafael Mandelman

o Kim-Shree Maufas

o Carole Midgen

o Owen P. O'Donnell

o Aaron Peskin

o Eric Quezada

o Linda Richardson

o Alix Rosenthal

o Stuart "Stu" Smith

o Catherine Stefani

o Tom Taylor

o Joe Alioto Veronese

o David Villa-Lobos

o Debra Walker

o Scott Wiener

City Democratic Club Officers Candidates Slate for 2010

President – Jim Reilly

Vice President – Susan Chan

2nd Vice President – Mike Ho

Treasurer – Steve LaPlante

Corresponding Secty – George Dias

Recording Secty – Erik Cummins

Officers at Large – Clay Harrell and Heidi Machen

February: 30th Anniversary Party!

2010-02-08T16:49:00.000-08:00

CITY DEMOCRATIC CLUB welcomes members and the public to join us at CAV Wine Bar and help celebrate our 30th Anniversary and raise money for Haiti relief.

When: Thursday, February 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. *Please note special time and location*

Where: CAV Wine Bar, 1666 Market Street, S.F.

Who: All are welcome but you are encouraged to help us raise money for relief for Haiti. Please feel free to bring others and share this invitation. We expect a few special guests to be stopping by and we will also be hearing from our treasurer Steve LaPlante who has just returned from the relief effort in Haiti.

What: We'll have great wine and food available from the mavens at CAV.

What to bring: Your "A" game and your checkbook!

RSVP today: citydemclub@aol.com

or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=293504104737&index=1

As the City Democratic Club turns 30, we have much to celebrate. We’ve hosted some amazing speakers and forums over the years and look forward to many more in the future. Our members and officers have included some of the brightest minds in local politics, including staff from every Mayoral administration since our founding. We’ve made pragmatic endorsements in every election since 1980 and have helped elect many of the City’s past and current leaders.

We hope you will help us celebrate this impressive milestone and take the opportunity to join or renew your membership. We’d also like to use this special event to help out with the ongoing relief efforts in Haiti. Accordingly, we are raising money for Doctors without Borders (DWB), and make the following offer:

The first 50 attendees who write a check of $50 or more directly to DWB will receive two complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a one-year City Democratic Club membership (a $35 value), and be able to claim the entire deduction on your 2009 taxes.

Alternately, simply join or renew your Club membership for $35, and still receive a complimentary glass of wine and snacks. (But seriously, Haiti still needs a lot more help!)

We are also pleased to announce that our Club’s Treasurer, Steve LaPlante, has returned from Haiti where he participated in on-the-ground relief efforts.

CAV Wine Bar is the perfect place for a celebration with great food, wine and atmosphere. Don’t miss this special occasion in one of the City’s finest establishments!

What are you waiting for? Please mark your calendars and RSVP today: citydemclub@aol.com

Want to get more involved with local politics and the City Democratic Club?

Renew or join for membership good through December 2010. To learn more about the Club and membership, please see website.

Consider running for a Board seat! We strongly encourage anyone interested in serving on the Board to contact us. Board nominations will be held in March of 2010. For inquiries and more info, please contact us at citydemclub@aol.com

See you Thursday, February 25th!

January Update

2010-01-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2010 marks the 30th Anniversary for the City Democratic Club, and it will be a big year for local politics as well.

As customary, City Democratic Club will take a break in January. But we are working on something fun for next month. So mark your calendars for the third Thursday, February 18, 2010. Look for further announcements soon.

If you missed the Annual Holiday Party last December, you can check out some photos below. A good time was definitely had by all.

Consider running for a Board seat! We strongly encourage anyone interested in serving on the Board to contact us. Board nominations will be held in Spring of 2010.

Dues are $35 for the year, and membership is open to all registered Democrats. Seniors/students are $15/year.

See you in February!

For more information contact citydemclub@aol.com

December Annual Holiday Party

2009-12-05T13:12:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays from the City Democratic Club

CITY DEMOCRATIC CLUB WELCOMES all current and future members and their friends to join us for our annual Holiday Party and Food Drive.

For more information or to rsvp, contact citydemclub@aol.com

When: Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 6:00 pm (Note earlier meeting time)

Where: Schroeder’s, 240 Front Street, between California and Sacramento. We'll gather up front by the bar.

Who: All are welcome but you are encouraged to bring a can of food to donate to the Food Bank. Please feel free to bring others and share this invite. A few special guests may stop by, but there's no formal program - just celebrating campaigns, elections and policy debates with citywide political junkies and those who love them.

Schroeder's has a full bar and dinner menu. We'll have a couple of Large Party Sausage Platters available to get things started.

With the November election behind us, we can look to the holidays and toast another year passing and a New Year coming. This past year, City Democratic Club hosted its usual eclectic selection of city figures; most notably Supervisor and Board President David Chiu, Senator Mark Leno, Public Defender Jeff Adachi, Supervisor David Campos, and City Assessor Phil Ting.

City Democratic Club member David Latterman appeared as well to present his spot-on analysis of the November elections and educated speculation on the 2010 races. Indeed, 2010 will be a busy political year and and highlight the importance of San Francisco's political clubs in the election process.

Want to get more involved with local politics and the City Democratic Club?

Come to the Holiday Party on December 17th.

Renew or join for membership good through December 2010. To learn more about the Club and membership, please see website.

Consider running for a Board seat! We strongly encourage anyone interested in serving on the Board to contact us. Board nominations will be held in Spring of 2010. For inquiries and more info, please contact us at citydemclub@aol.com

See you on the 17th!

November Meeting: SF Political Analyst David Latterman

2009-11-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

Not quite sure what just happened or whether we really had an election?? Join City Democratic Club in its traditional election wrap-up analysis with local analyst David Latterman. Get the inside scoop on what neighborhoods voted how and why and what election strategies seemed to work with the savvy and diverse S.F. voters. For more information, contact citydemclub@aol.com.

News from the City Democratic Club
CITY DEMOCRATIC CLUB WELCOMES Political Analyst David Latterman for analysis of the November election results.

When: Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Where: Schroeder’s, 240 Front Street, back room
Who: All are welcome
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR CITY DEMOCRATIC CLUB HOLIDAY PARTY ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 17, 2009, 7:30 P.M. AT SCHROEDER’S.
David, President of Fall Line Analytics, is one of the best-known political analysts in the San Francisco Bay Area. Using quantitative techniques honed in the scientific and public policy arenas, Latterman has used his unique skill set to become an expert on the political, campaigning, and public opinion process. Unlike many analysts that work from inside the political process, Latterman prefers to study the voters, and how their demographics and opinions shape an election.
Latterman moved from detailed, quantitative post-election analyses to pre-election research, which naturally led to polling. With the ability to use maps and clear visuals to display quantitative trends, Latterman and Fall Line Analytics have not only worked on all aspects of political campaigns, but also advertising campaigns, business development projects, and many organizational surveys.
Having worked in the private, public, and non-profit sectors, Latterman has developed a great deal of common-sense knowledge of how the business and political worlds operate. He has the ability to translate complex quantitative data into actionable, useful applications and advice for clients. Latterman sees the political and business worlds as similar, and the same analytical methodologies can be used to learn about both - whether voters or customers.
Latterman received a Masters of Public Policy from the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, as well as a Masters of Science in Geology from the UNC Chapel Hill. He graduated cum laude from Bowdoin College with dual Bachelors in Anthropology and Geology. Latterman’s work experience includes working as exploration petroleum geologist; a public policy think tank researcher; and a public-sector utility analyst.
See you this Thursday!

October Meeting: SF Assessor Phil Ting

2009-10-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

Got questions about real estate in SF, your property tax, assessed property value, the City budget, or Split Rolls and Prop 13 reform? Get them answered in person from SF Assessor Phil Ting. Learn more about how to Close the Loophole. For more information, contact citydemclub@aol.com.

CITY DEMOCRATIC CLUB WELCOMES SF ASSESSOR-RECORDER PHIL TING

When: Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Where: Special Location for October: MARINES MEMORIAL HERITAGE ROOM, 609 SUTTER STREET, 10TH FLOOR

CITY DEMOCRATIC CLUB RETURNS FOR THE OCTOBER MEETING ONLY TO MARINES MEMORIAL THEATER, WHERE WE MET FOR MANY YEARS. NOTE THAT THE UPSTAIRS BAR WILL BE OPEN AND SOME OF US MAY WANDER UP TO THE 12^TH FLOOR BEFORE OR AFTER THE MEETING. (MAYBE EVEN DURING THE MEETING – JUST KIDDING, PHIL). STAY TUNED FOR NOVEMBER, WHEN THE CLUB HOSTS POLITICAL ANALYST DAVID LATTERMAN BACK AT SCHROEDER’S.

Who: All are welcome

As Assessor-Recorder of San Francisco, Phil Ting is a solutions-focused, innovative reformer whose efforts have enabled him to generate millions of dollars in new revenue for San Francisco. Ting was appointed and later elected in 2005, becoming the city’s highest-ranking Chinese-American official.

An avid champion for innovative and good government policies, Ting launched GoSolarSF (San Francisco’s first municipal solar energy incentive program); spearheaded efforts to help homeowners and tenants facing foreclosure; and introduced groundbreaking Real Estate Watchdog legislation aimed at capturing unreported changes of ownership. Ting also chairs the Advisory Board for ChinaSF - a partnership dedicated to encouraging Chinese companies to open San Francisco offices and create jobs.

Ting began his career as a real estate financial advisor, and prior to becoming Assessor-Recorder was Executive Director of the Asian Law Caucus. He is currently president of the Bay Area Assessors Association, serves on several boards, and is a graduate of UC Berkeley and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He lives in San Francisco's Sunset District with his wife and daughter.

Assessor-Recorder Ting will discuss his Close the Loophole Campaign, aimed at reforming Proposition 13 with a split roll proposal. His plan involves eliminating corporate tax loopholes while continuing to protect California homeowners.

Don’t forget to vote - S.F. Election Nov. 3 2009

Club Endorsements:

Candidates:

City Attorney: Dennis Herrera

Treasurer: Jose Cisneros

Local Measures:

Charter Amendments

PROP A: YES Two Year Budget Cycle:

The city budget process would become biennial. Other changes promote planning and responsible fiscal choices.

PROP B: YES Number of Supervisor’s Aides:

Removes Charter language limiting aides to two per office, but with no plan to increase number.

Ordinances

PROP C: YES Candlestick Park Naming Rights: Allows commercial naming on 49ers stadium with profits split between team and city.

PROP D: NO Mid-Market Sign District: Would create only exemption to city-wide advertising ban between 5^th and 7^th on Market Street.

PROP E: NO POSITION Advertising on City Property: Codifies previous policy stmt banning new ads on city property.

See you this Thursday!

September News: Endorsement Vote for November Election

2009-09-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

Please join City Democratic Club at our Endorsements session for the November election.

When: Thurs., Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Schroeder’s back room

Who: Dues-paid members

On August 20, 2009, the Issues and Endorsements Committee (Executive Committee members Heidi Machen, Clay Harrell, Mike Ho and joined by Erik Cummins (last hour of voting) and club members JoAnn Scordino and Darcy Brown) met to consider positions for the upcoming election. Proponents and opponents of all measures were invited to present. Recommendations and analysis for the full membership vote on September 17, 2009, follow:

Local Measures:

Charter Amendments

A. INSTITUTING A TWO YEAR BUDGET CYCLE: SUPPORT (5-0)

The city budget process would become a biennial instead of annual event. Also changes timing on labor contracts and, it allows Controller to propose financial policies to the Board. Pro: Forces more advance planning and city must consider costs of labor consistent with budget considerations rather than after the fact. Con: Labor will no longer have benefit of “hidden cost;” also, measure doesn’t go far enough because it allows Supervisors to designate “adjustable budget” departments which can modify their budget mid-cycle as needed.

B. NUMBER OF SUPERVISOR’S AIDES: OPPOSE (3 No, 2 Yes)

Presently, the City Charter limits Supervisors to 2 aides per each office. This measure strikes that restriction without details of any future structure. Pro: The Supervisors are overwhelmed in trying to keep up with constituent needs, especially in this electronic age. Also, language limiting number of staff has no place in the City’s Charter; and, Supervisors haven’t specifically proposed adding more staff. Con: Bad time in the economy to consider adding to the city’s workforce, especially considering recent layoffs.

Initiative Ordinances

C. CANDLESTICK PARK NAMING RTS: NO POSITION

(3 Yes, 1 No, 2 No position)

This measure will allow the Forty Niners to contract away the naming rights of the park, subject to city approval, with 50% of the revenue directed towards rehiring of recreation center directors. Pro: City needs the money; this is projected to earn $1.5 million yearly revenues. Naming rights, by themselves, are not terribly intrusive to everyday quality of life and subject to city approval. Con: Why does this measure keep coming back? Voters already opposed naming rights in 2004. Revenue projection is small when balanced against the harm of commercializing public assets.

D. CREATING MID-MARKET SIGN DISTRICT: OPPOSE (4 No, 1 Yes)

This measure would amend a 2002 ballot measure in which 79.1% of the voters banned new private property advertising, by allowing an exception for theater-type and roof top advertising signs on two blocks of Market Street between 5th and 7th Streets. Pro: Promises to revitalize the neighborhood and fund arts and youth organizations. Has broad support from endorsers. Con: It could give additional ammunition to litigants challenging the city-wide ban on new advertising passed in 2002. Windfall would hand over 60-80% of the profit to property owners and does not specifically identify where the remainder would go.

E. ADVERTISING ON CITY PROPERTY: NO POSITION (3 Yes, 3 No)

This measure codifies the previous voter policy mandate (62% voted yes) to ban new advertising on city property including all street furniture. Pro: Consistent with previous policy; caps visual pollution and commercialization on city assets. Con: Reduces future revenue stream for the city. And, presently, policymakers can still restrict size and overall appearance to address concerns.

LOCAL CANDIDATES:

S.F. City Attorney: Dennis Herrera Endorse 5-0; S.F.Treasurer: Jose Cisneros Endorse 5-0.

August News: Endorsement Committee Meets

2009-08-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

Attention: NO General Meeting in August ’09

Per usual, City Democratic Club Endorsements Committee will meet on August 20 to review candidates and ballot measures to recommend to the full membership for a general vote at the September meeting. Any member in good standing who would like to participate in the August review is welcome to join us: please contact any club officer for details and to RSVP. The City Democratic Club will not endorse any person for public office who is not a registered Democrat.

Stay tuned for the next General Meeting on September 17th (third thursday). The general membership will decide the club’s positions for Measures A – E and endorsements for City Attorney and Treasurer:

PREVIEW OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES AND MEASURES:

CITY ATTORNEY

Dennis Herrera

CITY TREASURER

Jose M. Cisneros

CHARTER AMENDMENTS

A Budget Process

B Board of Sups Aides

ORDINANCE

C Candlestick Park Naming Rights

D Mid-Market Special Sign District

E Advertisements on City Property

Only those who have been regular members for a period of at least 28 calendar days prior to the September meeting are qualified to vote. Those with lapsed memberships but who have been regular members in one of the two immediately proceeding years may renew membership at the endorsements meeting and will then be allowed voting privileges.

Regular membership dues are thirty-five dollars for the calendar year. Students and Seniors may pay discounted dues of fifteen dollars. All regular members of the club may address the membership and vote at club endorsement meetings.

If you have questions regarding your membership status, please email us at citydemclub@aol.com. Also be sure to check out our website at www.citydemocraticclub.org.

See you in September!

July Meeting: Supervisor David Campos

2009-07-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

Got questions about our Board of Supervisors, Budget, Police Commission, School District, Public Power, City Contracts, or Bernal Heights / Mission neighborhoods?

Get them answered in person from Supervisor David Campos, July 16th 2009 at Schroeder's, with the City Democratic Club.

For more information, citydemclub@aol.com.

Please Join the City Democratic Club in Welcoming

San Francisco District 9 Supervisor David Campos

When: Thursday, July 16, 2009, 7:30 pm

Where: 240 Front Street (the back room at Schroeder’s)

No host food and beverages available and highly recommended.

San Francisco Supervisor David Campos first arrived in the United States with his family at the age of 14. As an undocumented immigrant who spoke only Spanish, David grew up in the barrio of South Central Los Angeles. Despite these obstacles, he excelled in class, earned scholarships to college and law school, and has remained true to his roots as a progressive civil rights advocate and Democratic leader.

David represents District 9, the Mission, Bernal Heights and Portola neighborhoods.

David has served as General Counsel to the San Francisco Unified Schools District – a job that fits his ideology as a strong advocate for schools and as someone who found opportunity in his own life through education. He has worked to desegregate San Francisco schools, successfully investigated corruption, and brought open government to the School District.

Prior to serving on the Board of Supervisors, Campos was known as a progressive Police Commissioner and was also elected member of the San Francisco Democratic Central Committee. David has fought for public disciplinary hearings for police officers, more foot patrols, and protection for medical marijuana and immigrant rights.

A respected civil rights attorney who has worked closely with the City Attorney's office, David worked on San Francisco's landmark lawsuit against the gun industry and successfully defended the city's right to provide public power against PG&E.

Within his first several months on the Board of Supervisors, Campos has made a name for himself through his vigilant questioning of city contracts.

June News

2009-06-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

City Democratic Club Goes on Furlough in June – NO Meeting in June ‘09

(But, be sure to come back July 16, when we’ll host Supervisor David Campos.)

With the budget crisis forcing government workers into 37.5 hour weeks, some more distant townships merging with others to cut costs, and the economy still limping along, we thought we’d take the month off in solidarity! As Jeff Adachi informed the club in May, the Mayor has asked city department heads to cut costs by 25% across the board. This means either cutting staff or programs – and, in cases such as the public defender’s office, it could run afoul of the public’s constitutional rights.

With the “compromise budget” presented to California voters failing by a large margin – 65% No vote for most of the measures – the Governor and legislature will be seeking other ways to make Californians suffer in order to balance the budget. Of course, the public voted Yes by a margin of nearly 75% on one measure: disallowing raises for the legislature and Gov during budget deficits. For his part, the Gov is threatening to terminate state consumer and environmental agencies, close state parks, sell off landmarks, including San Quentin prison, and to cut state employees. One of the most innovative solutions proposed to raise revenue? Legalize marijuana. Well, it begs the question of a slippery slope slide into the next possible action: legalizing prostitution. . . And, did we forget about that inconvenient issue of federal preemption?

The trickle down effect of the state budget and the economy generally on SF’s city and county budget has resulted in similar threats, including reducing the city’s workforce by 1600 positions and doling out a portion in pink slips, most recently to parks maintenance and building inspections employees. In addition, the plumping of services to the most needy is set for deflation, including HIV and AIDS services, and services for the drug and alcohol addicted and for the mentally unstable.

As the city struggles to develop innovative strategies to raise money, the 49ers are finally giving up on their campaign to get the new stadium they were promised years ago and instead are seeking to relocate in Santa Clara. San Francisco leaders, in a scramble to raise revenues, will be increasing the cost of public transportation, are installing smart parking meters with high tariffs that will be vigorously enforced, and are considering selling naming rights to street cars as well as selling taxi medallions. Not yet on the table are proposals to charge for photos with the Mayor and using Muni tunnels for after hour “fun” (amusement park style) rides.

Well, good luck to us all and see you in July.

May Meeting: SF Public Defender Jeff Adachi

2009-05-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

City Democratic Club Welcomes SF Public Defender Jeff Adachi on May 21, 2009, 7:30 pm, 240 Front Street (the back room at Schroeder’s Restaurant)

Note: New Meeting Location. Due to SPUR's impending move, until further notice, City Democratic Club will be meeting at Schroeder’s Restaurant, conveniently having food and beverages on site for purchase by the hungry and thirsty club members.

As the only elected Public Defender in the state of California, and one of few elected public defenders in the United States, Jeff Adachi oversees more than 24,000 cases each year with 93 attorneys, 70 support staff, and a budget of $17 million. Budget cuts threatened for fiscal 09/10 would reduce this workforce by 1/3, forcing Adachi’s office to step away from an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 cases and jeopardizing the 6^th Amendment’s guarantee of right to counsel.

Already, Adachi has, himself, taken on extra work created by San Francisco’s launch of Community Justice Courts, beginning in March 2009. Mr. Adachi says that the Mayor’s office promised to add two more public defenders to handle these extra cases – but those attorneys never materialized. Community Courts typically target low-level nuisance or quality-of-life crimes and promise to impose meaningful sanctions on offenders, engage the community, and help offenders to address the problems at the root of their criminal behavior.

Mr. Adachi has been involved in community activism in the Bay Area since the late 70's. He was also featured in the 2002 PBS documentary film, Presumed Guilty, a nationally broadcast special about the San Francisco Public Defender’s office, its difficult cases and complex defense strategies. He has been featured as a legal commentator on Court TV, CBS, NBC and ABC, and frequently appears as a special guest to discuss legal cases and issues. In 2006, Mr. Adachi received the American Bar Association’s national award for outstanding public defender.

Mr. Adachi is also a documentary filmmaker whose film “The Slanted Screen” was released in 2006. The film garnered top awards at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival and the Berkeley Film Festival.

Mr. Adachi graduated from Hastings College of the Law in 1985 and attended undergraduate studies at U.C. Berkeley.

Your Vote Counts!!

Don’t forget to vote.

Special Election: May 19.

Californians will take the debate to the ballot on whether the “compromise budget” should pass.

This past Democratic Convention (Sacramento, April 24, 25, 26, held some fun debate on the issues, resulting in the California Democratic Party taking NO POSITION on 1A, 1D and 1E; while taking a YES position on the (less controversial) 1B, 1C, and 1F. As one elected official commented, “It’s probably good that the party took no position on those measures since they’re written in such a confusing way.” Members will have to do our own reading this time since the City Democratic Club did not endorse for this election. . .

CLUB OFFICER ELECTIONS

In yet another important election, City Democratic Club members will decide who will assume club leadership positions this year. Up for election, the following candidates have been nominated:

PRESIDENT: Heidi Machen

VICE PRESIDENT: Clay Harrell

2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Mike Ho

TREASURER: Steve LaPlante

RECORDING SECRETARY: Jessica Sennett

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: Erik Cummins

April Meeting: Sen Mark Leno on SB 810 & Single-Payer Health Care

2009-04-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

Please Join City Democratic Club, District 3 Democratic Club, Portrero Hill Democratic Club, Bernal Heights Democratic Club and Democracy Action in welcoming Senator Mark Leno. (please note special time and meeting place)

Sen. Leno will speak on SB 810, his legislation to create single-payer health care.

Date/Time: Thurs., Apr 23, 7 pm mingle; 7:30 speaker program
Location: Schroeder’s Restaurant, 240 Front St. at California St.

Elected to the Senate in 2008, Sen. Mark Leno represents the 3rd District, which includes Marin, and portions of San Francisco and Sonoma Counties. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served six years in the State Assembly and four and a half years on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

While in the Assembly, Leno fought for better schools and access to higher education, a cleaner and sustainable environment, improved transportation, renewable energy, safer streets and equal rights for all Californians. He introduced the first two marriage equality bills allowing LGBT couples to marry. More recently, he has introduced SB 810 that would create single-payer universal health care.

Gov. Schwarzenegger previously vetoed single-payer health care legislation, noting high costs to the state.

Leno hopes to pass his bill by August, taking health care out of the hands of insurance companies. Refuting critics, he said, "It is not socialized medicine. Your doctor doesn't change. Your hospital doesn't change. Your clinic doesn't change. The only thing that changes is who pays.”

PLEASE NOTE: City Democratic Club will resume voting for officers and for the (one word) bylaw amendment as noted in the March newsletter at our next regularly scheduled meeting on May 21, 2009.

Stay tuned for S.F. Public Defender Jeff Adachi, next month.

For March Meeting - Supervisor David Chiu

2009-03-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Board of Supervisors President DAVID CHIU is set to visit the City Democratic Club this month on Thursday, March 19. Watch this space for more info!!

Please join City Democratic Club in welcoming

* SF Board of Supervisors’ President Supervisor David Chiu
* Mar. 19, 2009
* 7:30 pm
* 312 Sutter, 5th Flr.

Board of Supervisors’ President Chiu was elected in November 2008 to represent San Francisco’s District 3, which includes North Beach, Chinatown, Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill, Polk Street, Nob Hill, Union Square, Financial District, and Northern Waterfront.

Before joining the Board, David was a founder and Chief Operating Officer of Grassroots Enterprise, an online communications technology company. Prior to Grassroots, he worked as a criminal prosecutor at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and as a civil rights attorney at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. In the mid-1990s, David served as Democratic Counsel to the U.S. Senate Constitution Subcommittee and as Senator Paul Simon’s aide to the Senate Budget Committee. The eldest child of immigrant parents, David Chiu grew up in Boston and received his undergraduate degree, law degree, and master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University.

David Chiu has lived in District 3 for over a dozen years, in the Russian Hill and Polk Street neighborhoods. Before taking office, David was a hands-on leader in San Francisco and in District 3, as a Small Business Commissioner, chair of Lower Polk Neighbors, board president of the Youth Leadership Institute, board chair of the Chinatown Community Development Center, judge-arbitrator for the Polk Street Community Court, and president of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area. David was previously elected to the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee and chaired California’s 13th Assembly Dist Democratic Committee.

The Attorney General and Same-Sex Marriage

2009-03-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

The biggest disappointment for many of us last year was Proposition 8, a ballot measure deliberately designed to discriminate against certain people based simply upon the nature of their consensual realtionships and sexual identity. Prop 8, which flies in the face of an earlier ruling by the California Supreme Court, passed by roughly the same slim margin that Prop 4, a measure that would have infringed on the reproductive privacy rights of young women, lost. That illustrates how the use of the initiative process as an arbiter over civil rights can become a capricious injustice. Most informed observers agree that the loss was due to the failure on the part of Prop 8’s political opponents to frame the issue as one of individual civil rights, in the face of rhetoric by proponents depicting it as a minority entitlement.

With the issue suffering defeat in the political arena, where it should never have been put in the first place, the battle now moves back to the Judiciary. As Americans, we are all guaranteed the freedoms of expression and association. As Californians, we also enjoy a basic right to privacy. All of these are exemplified in the institution of marriage, particularly where it intersects with the civil obligations of those who decide to start a family.

By framing the appeal against Prop 8 along these issues, AG Jerry Brown deserves our gratitude for a frank and honest move not only to protect established rights, but to also ensure that the oft-maligned and hyper-political initiative process is no longer used to infringe on individual rights guaranteed by law.