Feb. 7th: Gun Control – finally they dare speak its name

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Gun control, Uncategorized

Gun Control meetingWhat are the chances for a meaningful, effective response to the ever-increasing gun violence in this country? Three excellent speakers engaged the audience around this question. Robyn Thomas, Executive Director of Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, discussed current gun laws, the Second Amendment and the prospects for proposed legislation to pass. She emphasized showing elected officials that we are watching; till now the anti-gun control side has been much louder and stronger. Tell the President and other electeds what you think: Thank them for their efforts to reduce gun violence. Captain Robert O’Sullivan of the Bayview Police Station discussed what his officers see – and seize – on the ground. He urged those in attendance to mentor young people who need positive role models. Assistant District Attorney Mike Maffei talked about the San Francisco DA’s office’s handling of cases involving guns. The conversations lasted well after the meeting was adjourned.

2013 Club officers were elected by acclamation.

WHEN: Thursday, February 7th at 7pm
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro @ Southern Heights

Tuesday, January 8th: Discussions lead to action

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Community service, Elections, Money in politics

The table discussions last month sharply revealed how important money in politics, in all its incarnations, remains for PHDC members and friends. On the January agenda: Action at the Chevron refinery January 19th to mark the third anniversary of Citizens United – see calendar listing. The  2013 California DISCLOSE Act, SB 52, authored by Senator Mark Leno (along with Senator Jerry Hill of San Mateo) – and what you can do to help get it passed this year (check out the local working group web site for action opportunities). Possibly the perfect antidote to money invested to increase profits for the few: time and energy invested by citizens for the good of the many – Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service – Saturday, Jan. 19th. There are plenty of events right in San Francisco. The Habitat for Humanity event discussed at the meeting is now filled.

Also: Discussion and vote on proposed changes to the Bylaws, plus the start of nominations for 2013 officers.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 8th at 7pm
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro @ Southern Heights

 

 

December 4th meeting: New possibilities in the aftermath of the election

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Elections, Uncategorized

Tom AmmianoThe December meeting of Potrero Hill Democratic Club – co-sponsored by Noe Valley Democratic Club and San Francisco for Democracy – was about the (mostly gratifying) results of the election – especially the unanticipated gift of a Democratic super-majority in both of California’s state houses. Special guests included Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (left), who began the program by describing the situation and prospects for reform in Sacramento, and then took questions. Next, CA Democratic Party Region 4 Director and Calitics blogger Brian Leubitz and Helen Grieco, Common Cause Organizer for Northen California spoke briefly, then joined a series of small round-table discussions with attendees. The gathering concluded with brief reports from each table “host,” then Helen led a wrap-up discussion with Q&A. Conversations centered around what issues participants most wanted to see addressed by elected representatives, and ultimately how we, individually and as a club,  can best work to move forward in realizing our goals. It was one of our liveliest meetings, and quite well-attended.

Tuesday, December 4 at 7pm
Potrero Hill Neighborhood House
953 De Haro St @ Southern Heights

Tuesday, Nov 6: Election Day. Nov 3-6: GOTV!

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Elections

This is it, the final stretch. There are people who have registered to vote and who support President Obama and other important down-ticket candidates and issues. But we have to make sure they actually vote. That’s why these last days of phoning are so absolutely crucial. Our two closest Get-Out-The-Vote staging areas in SF are:

Democratic/OFA Headquarters
228 Market St at Noe

and

Westbay Conference Center
1290 Fillmore at Eddy

They are each open 9am to 9pm Sat-Mon, and 6am to 6pm on Election Day. Click on either one to sign up for a shift – or just drop in.

Two endorsement meetings in September

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Elections, Endorsements, Uncategorized

Tuesday, Sept 4, 6:30 – 9pm: Ballot measure endorsement meeting. State and local ballot measures, speakers pro and con. Q&A of course. Check out the results of voting here. To be endorsed, a proposition or candidate must get 60% of votes cast.

Tuesday, Sept 11, 7 – 9pm: Candidate endorsement meeting. Candidates for Board of Education and  SF Community College Board of Trustees. Candidate questionnaires received from these folks may be viewed here. Candidates for BART Director for District 7 (includes Dogpatch) and District 9 (includes Potrero Hill) were also invited to speak. Here are the Club’s endorsements.

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

Thank you Party & “Shop Local” Auction donors!

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Uncategorized

Our event August 11th was a great success, largely thanks to the generosity of our donors.  What a phenomenal neighborhood!

All States Best Foods
Aperto
ARCH Drafting Supplies Inc
Bell & Trunk Flowers
Jason Benlevi author
Dr. Ann Brinkley, DC
Senator John Burton and Supervisor Malia Cohen
Career Insiders
Chat’s
Chiotras Grocery
Christopher’s Books
Collage Gallery
Connecticut Yankee
Dig
Dogpatch Saloon
Joni Eisen Cake Portraits
Farley’s
Fei Tian Academy of the Arts
Fregosi & Company Paints
Ganim’s Market
Gilberths Rotisserie & Grill
Goat Hill Pizza
The Good Life Grocery
Grand Pu Pah Thai Restaurant & Bar
Hazel’s Kitchen
Just For You Café
Kate’s Closet
Allana Lee Katz jewelry
Peter Linenthal author & illustrator
Marcella’s Lasagneria & Cucina
Moshi Moshi Sushi & Grill
Pawtrero Bath House & Feed Co
Pera
Photography by Emily Payne
Plow
Post & Parcel, Inc
Potrero Chiropractors & Acupuncture
Quince Spa
The Ramp
Rickshaw Bagworks
Rocketfish
Skool Restaurant
Marlene Tran
Winnie S. Tsang
The Workshop Residence
Yield Wine Bar

Coming August 11th: 4th Annual Party & “Shop Local” Silent Auction

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Uncategorized

You are invited to enjoy food, jazz and great deals! PHDC’s “Shop Local” Silent Auction is a party for the community that doubles as a fundraiser for the club. Great food from club members and local eateries; live jazz by fantastic musicians David Austin on piano, Chuck Bennett on bass, and Mark Rosengarden on drums; lots of tempting items for your bidding pleasure from the wonderful merchants and artists of Potrero Hill & Dogpatch. No-host bar. Admission is free, open to the public.

WHEN: Saturday, August 11th, 5pm  – 8pm
WHERE: Dogpatch Saloon, 2496 Third St at 22nd

 

August 7th meeting: various campaigns, & last-minute party planning

On By potrerohilldemocratsIn Elections, Environment, Fund-raising, Uncategorized

Final details for our August 11th party & auction. Preview of auction items. Organizing for America neighborhood team leader Kierith Jones and Obama convention delegate Arthur Murillo with news of several ways to get involved, now and in the future. Jon Golinger, Campaign Director for the No Wall on the Waterfront Campaign, against the 8 Washington development. Alec Bash with arguments in favor. The urgent situation of the California DISCLOSE Act, and a resolution concerning its status.

Update: The Club passed the DISCLOSE resolution, and also voted to sign on to the No Wall on the Waterfront campaign. We were inspired by Democratic Convention delegates Arthur Murillo and Rick Hauptman, and especially fired up by Obama team leader Kierith Jones, who absolutely nailed how and why we in California can and must help the effort in the battleground states. You don’t have to leave town or donate any money! Sign on to your neighborhood team by visiting the OFA Dashboard.

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