Category: Uncategorized

Jan 6th meeting: reforming Prop 13, reining in Airbnb, & more

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Education, Housing, Uncategorized

PHDC started off 2015 with a couple of thought-provoking topics, both of which engendered very active audience participation. Dale Carlson on Airbnb legislation

Dale Carlson (left) of the Share Better SF coalition discussed a proposed ballot measure his coalition of affordable housing advocates and community organizations is creating. The intent is to continue to expose the impact of Airbnb and other illegal hotels, and to hold them accountable in San Francisco.

Since the initiative passed in 1978, Prop 13’s business-property loopholes have decimated California’s public education system. Now, Evolve – California has taken over the campaign to ensure that commercial property pays its fair share. Evolve organizer Emil Margolis described the campaign, which club members then voted to endorse.

Nominations for 2015 officers are open. The election will be held at the February 3rd meeting.

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan 6, 2015 at 7pm
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro St @ Southern Heights

Saturday, December 13th: Party Time

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Uncategorized

food with ribbonNot a political party,  just a fun, neighborhood afternoon party. Instead of our regular December meeting, PHDC is delighted again to be co-hosting the Potrero Boosters’ annual holiday party, open as always to all residents of Potrero Hill and Dogpatch. There is one catch: please bring a non-perishable food item, which we will donate to the San Francisco Food Bank.

Catch up with your neighbors – or meet new ones – over food and drink. There will be a hosted bar with beer and wine, locally sourced pizza, sides, and sweet treats. Since it is a brewery, only age 21+ please. See you there!

What:  Potrero Annual Holiday Party
When:  Saturday, December 13, 2:30 to 5:00pm
Where:  Triple Voodoo Brewery, 2245 Third Street (betw 19th and 20th)

 

 

Coming Thursday, November 20: What just happened?

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Uncategorized

Dr. Corey CookPHDC is happy to join Noe Valley Democratic Club* to present a recap of the November 4th election this Thursday by Dr. Corey Cook, Director of the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good at the University of San Francisco, where he teaches courses in American Politics. He is frequently quoted on NPR and CBS Channel 5, and in the SF Chronicle.

The speaker’s comments will begin at 7:30. There is much material to cover, so please arrive promptly at 7:15 pm to sign in and grab a snack. There will be 40-45 minutes reserved for Q&A.

*Also co-sponsored by San Francisco for Democracy and Progressive Democrats of America SF.

What:      Election recap with Dr. Corey Cook
When:     Thursday, November 20, 7:15pm
Where:    James Lick Middle School, 1220 Noe St – not St Phillips as originally publicized

 

Oct 7: City College; endorsed candidates & campaigns

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Education, Elections, Endorsements, Uncategorized

The meeting was mostly devoted to actively promoting PHDC-endorsed candidates and campaigns, like those of David Campos for Assembly, Tony Kelly for Supervisor, Daniel Flores for Judge, John Rizzo for Community College Board, and Shamann Walton for School Board. They, and reps of several Proposition campaigns, came to say a few words, distribute campaign swag and invite volunteers. We also signed people up to staff the PHDC table at the Potrero Hill Festival Oct 18th, and to walk precincts with our slate card/door hanger. Truly grassroots democracy.

In addition, AFT 2121 President Tim Killikelly (at left) gave an update on the effort to Save CCSF, asked audience members to take a survey, and submitted the CCSF Bill of Rights for Club endorsement (done).

WHEN: Tuesday, October 7 at 7pm
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro St @ Southern Hts  

Two Tuesday endorsement meetings in September

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Elections, Endorsements, Uncategorized

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Tuesday, Sept 2 ballot measure endorsement meeting were state and local ballot measure speakers pro and con, with Q&A of course. We covered local propositions A, B, D, J, & K and statewide propositions 1, 2, 45, 46, 47 and 48. Club endorsements for November are here.

The Tuesday, Sept 9 candidate endorsement meeting featured forums for candidates for Board of Education (photo above, with moderator Sara O’Neill at left) and  SF Community College Board of Trustees. Candidate questionnaires received from these folks may be viewed online here. The club revisited candidates for both SF Superior Court Judge and for CA Assembly District 17 – since the primary vote was a tie for both races. Now, months later, after getting to know the candidates better, members voted to endorse David Campos for Assembly and Daniel Flores for Judge.

At the end of each meeting, regular members in good standing voted, and ballots were tallied. To be endorsed, a proposition or candidate must get 60% of votes cast.

Both meetings took place at Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro St @ Southern Heights.

Saturday, August 23rd: 6th Annual Party & “Shop Local” Silent Auction

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Elected official, Fund-raising, Uncategorized

Auction invitationPotrero Hill Democratic Club members and friends had an evening of live jazz, food drinks and fun. Plus walls & tables full of cool stuff to bid from the fabulous merchants and artists of Potrero Hill and Dogpatch. And politicos galore: Senator Mark Leno, with an award for the Club; Supervisor David Campos and Supervisor David Chiu, both running for Assembly; Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi; judicial candidates Daniel Flores and Carol Kingsley; candidate for Supervisor Tony Kelly.

The music – by fantastic jazzmen Chuck Bennett on bass, Ray Scott on guitar, and Jim Zimmerman on drums – could be heard a lot better this year, not sure why. Dogpatch Saloon provided the no-host bar, and food was courtesy of local eateries and PHDC members. Admission was free.

Thank you to everyone who helped before, during and after this lovely event! Our incredible, super-generous list of donors is here.

WHEN: Saturday, August 23 at 5pm
WHERE: Dogpatch Saloon, 2496 Third St @ 22nd

Tuesday August 5th: An endorsement sampler – and more

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Elections, Endorsements, Environment, Health Care, Housing, Money in politics, Uncategorized


Prop H vs. Prop IArguments pro and con for a variety of measures on the November 4th ballot made for an engaging evening of mini-debates. There was a literal turf battle (at right, Mike Murphy & Donald Collins argue real vs. fake grass in the parks), the Pier 70 development height limit increase, an attempt to “balance” transportation priorities (oh, pity the poor cars!), the sugary beverage tax, a question about an amendment to overturn Citizens United, an anti-speculation tax, a fund for children and youth. In short, something for almost everyone.

Club members voted at the end of the evening. Results of the vote: PHDC endorsed YES on Props C (Children’s Fund), E (Sugary beverage tax), F (Pier 70), G (anti-speculation tax), H (natural grass in Golden Gate Park), and 49 (overturning Citizens United).

PHDC endorsed NO on Props I (artificial turf) and L (Transportation priorities policy). Endorsement requires 60% of votes cast.

The Club also voted to support the Eden Foods boycott (featuring another Hobby Lobby-esque owner suing to foist his own religious beliefs on employees).

WHEN: Tuesday August 5 at 7:00pm
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro St @ Southern Heights

Wednesday July 2: DEBATE!

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Elected official, Elections, Endorsements, Uncategorized

Candidates for District 10 Supervisor shared their ideas, expertise, and love for the neighborhoods of District 10 Wednesday at the Neighborhood House in an intense debate, ably guided by moderator Marisa Lagos of the SF Chronicle. All five official candidates held the standing-room-only audience rapt. Candidates, left to right: Ed Donaldson, Marlene Tran, incumbent Malia Cohen, Tony Kelly, and Shawn Richard. An amazing turnout with lots of energy and enthusiasm. Every candidate had important and insightful information on how Potrero Hill and District 10 can best be served by the city of San Francisco.

At the end of the evening, after first-choice votes were counted, Tony Kelly won the Club’s endorsement.