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Newsletter
 February 4, 2009
Tell Us Your Inauguration Story!
This land is your land - again. And we'd like to hear your story.
Send us an email and tell us how you experienced the inauguration: what it means to you, anything that strikes you as important about this new start. We may publish your thoughts on our website. Just click here to send an email to mystory@
montereycountydemocrats.org.

We experienced it as a peaceful revolution, a giant sigh of relief that was celebrated by millions on the mall in Washington, but also in front of TVs at home, around computer screens in offices here in the US and around the world. 

Our country's choice of President Obama signaled to the world that we really were ready for change and he signaled, as he had so many times during the campaign, that this was not about him, but instead about the future of us all.

We share with you images photos from Washington DC and from around the world on our blog.
And for those who like to look back at how we got here, the Inauguration edition of the New York Times Book Review features a number of books about this remarkable campaign and election.  You can find them here.
You Can Help Fix the Economy

Join the Monterey County Democrats at the Centers for Change to discuss the Economic Recovery Plan on Sunday, February 8th in Monterey and in Salinas.  Bring your ideas and your questions!  We will discuss them, document them, and pass them on the the Obama Administration.

You can submit a question about how the plan will impact your community before the meeting. Governor Tim Kaine will record a video for meeting attendees that will outline the plan and answer as many of your questions as possible.


Monterey
WHAT: Economic Recovery House Meeting
WHEN: Sunday, February 8th from 4-6 pm
WHERE: Monterey Peninsula Center For Change, 60 Bonifacio Plaza in Downtown Monterey

Salinas
WHAT: Economic Recovery House Meeting
WHEN: Sunday, February 8th from 1-3 pm
WHERE: Salinas Valley Center For Change, 931 East Market St, Salinas.

P.S. Can't make it out to attend the Economic Recovery discussion? You can still be part of the important conversation about how to fix our economy by visiting the White House website and Speaker Pelosi's website to learn more about the Economic Recovery Act.
Weekly Presidential Address Now in YouTube Format on our Blog



President Obama is changing the way we connect to our government.  The Weekly Radio Address is now on YouTube and you can view it by going to our Blog.
Center for Change health care discussion Center for Change Health Care Reform Discussions  Heard In Washington and Bearing Fruits Here at Home
The recommendations from the House Meeting on Healthcare Reform that Monterey County Democrats organized in December at the Center for Change apparently were heard all the way in Washington.  The Center for Change meeting was one of more than 8000 meetings organized to provide input to the Obama transition team's healthcare reform plans. 

A couple of weeks after our meeting, our lead organizer, Wendy Root-Askew got a call from an aide working on the Healthcare Reform team of the Obama administration. He had read through the report with our recommendations that we had submitted and asked her detailed follow-up questions.  He said that he has read the reports from and spoken to hundreds of other groups and the common thread had been the challenge for consumers in navigating the system.

Future events related to HealthCare Discussion:
At the Center for Change, Monterey Peninsula, 60 Bonifacio Plaza, Monterey
Supervisor Jane Parker Opens Up Agenda Review
Every Sunday evening prior to a Board of Supervisors Meeting, Supervisor Jane Parker hosts an agenda review meeting where she  answers questions, and talks with residents about their thoughts and priorities. The agenda reviews are held at Mountain Mike's Pizza, 266 Reservation Rd # D at 5pm.

The next agenda reviews will be held February 8th, and February 22nd. (Please note that there will NOT be an Agenda Review the third Sunday in February since there is no BOS meeting due to Presidents Day holiday.)

For more information contact Supervisor Parker's Coastal Office at 2616 1st Street, Marina CA 93933. Phone: 831.883.7570; Email: jane.parker@co.monterey.ca.us; Website: http://www.janeparker.org/
Assemblymember Anna Caballero Assemblymember Anna Caballero Discusses Housing Related Parks Program
Assemblywoman Anna Caballero will discusses AB 2494, the Housing Related Parks Program at this event organized by Landwatch:

Friday, February 20, 2009, 5 - 6pm
Montrio Bistro, upstairs banquet room
414 Calle Principal, Monterey
A cash bar will be available.
Please RSVP to Amy White - (831) 422-9384 or 648-8880

AB 2494, the Housing Related Parks Program: This legislation, sponsored by Assemblywoman Caballero and signed into law in October of 2008, is an innovative program that creates incentives and rewards for local governments to build affordable housing in conjunction with city parks.
Democratic Club News
In this new column, Democratic Clubs of Monterey County will give you an update on their activities and of upcoming events.

Salinas Valley Democratic Club
Congratulations to the newly elected officers:
Ed Weinstein, E.A. - President
Teri Vasconcellos - Vice President
Brad Barbeau - Treasurer

Pot Luck - General Membership Meeting - Fun - Fellowship
Sunday, February  22nd 12:30 pm
@ Salinas Center for Change - Teamsters Hall
931 East Market Street - Salinas, CA
Run-up to 3-3-09 Election
Speakers - Issue Forums - Community - Everyone Welcome
 
Peace Picnic
Saturday May  16th  Noon
Exact time and location to be determined
This event will promote Peace
In the Family, Community and the World

Carmel Area Democratic Womens Luncheon Club
Pink Collar Politics - Electing Women in California - Bettina Duval
Thursday, February 19th, Social hour starts at 11:30 am, followed by lunch at noon.
Poseidon Room of La Playa Hotel in Carmel.
Lunch is $28 per person.
The Carmel Area Democratic Women's Luncheon Club will host Bettina Duval, founder of the California List, who will speak about the status of women in government and business, specifically what is happening in California.
Reservations can be made by sending payment to CADWLC, Box 223003, Carmel, 93922.
Reservations must be received by February 16th.
PEP - Progressives Eating Pancakes
What a great idea! 2nd Thursday of each month. First meeting is Feb 12 at 7:30 am at the Black Bear Diner on North Fremont, Monterey.

For Democrats and Progressives who want to be involved, but are not always available for evening meetings. Great for business networking, too. For more information contact Rodney Smith at rodney.smith@aigretirement.com.
Centers for Change Wish List
Here are some of the high-priority items on our Centers' Wishlist:
  • - Utility Shelving for storage room (see sample to the right)
  • - Flat panel computer screens
  • - 2-Line phone system with cordless handsets.
  • - Wireless microphone for PA system
  • - Mid-sized speakers for PA system
Send an e-mail to Vinz.Koller@montereycountydemocrats.org with contact information and specifications if you are able to donate any of these to the Center for Change.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Centers for Change are always looking for volunteer helpers.

Our next volunteer orientation: 
Saturday, February 7, 10am
Center for Change, Monterey Peninsula at 60 Bonifacio Plaza.

Click to sign up for the volunteer orientation.

Here are some volunteer positions we are actively recruiting for right now:
  • Webmaster and web content editor
  • HQ Computer Supporter
  • HQ Telecommunications Support
  • E-Newsletter Editor, Reporter and Photographer, Graphic Artist
  • Film Night Coordinator
  • HQ Custodian
  • HQ Handyperson
  • HQ Recycling/ Waste Manager
Complete a volunteer application or send us an e-mail at volunteers@montereycountydemocrats.org if you would like more information.
Volunteer at the California Democratic Party Convention
If you would like to be one of the 800 volunteers who help at the CDP convention (April 24-26 in Sacramento), you can now register here: www.cadem.org/volunteer09

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the volunteer form by March 20, 2009 for best availability. If you have any questions, please contact Christopher Guerrero, Volunteer Director at (916) 442-5707 or email volunteer09@cadem.org.
camp obama Camp Obama - Campaign Skills Training Day
Co-sponsored by the California Democratic Party, Organize for America, the Monterey and Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committees.

Saturday, March 28, 2009
Morning Sessions: 8:30 am to noon
Lunch: Noon
Program: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Afternoon Sessions: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Social: 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Location: Monterey County Sheriff Posse Grounds
395 Old Natividad Road, Salinas, CA

This one day Camp Obama is geared to any activist who wants to create change. Work with  experts, role play with neighbors, and learn the skills to change your country and your community.

The Camp Obama includes instruction on:
· Planning high impact events like phone banks and walking door-to-door
· Developing relationships with local groups
· Finding and keeping new volunteers
· Targeting specific voters, groups and communities to build support
· Delivering messages that resonate on print and in person

For more information contact CDP Regional Director Shawn Bagley at 831-262-0367 or bagleys@redshift.com.
There is a suggested donation of $30.00. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. Make checks payable to MCDCC and mail to Shawn Bagley, 17562 Hillcrest Drive, Salinas, CA 93908. Online registration is coming soon.