Dear ,

Hear arguments pro and con for some of the measures on the November 4th ballot, including a literal turf battle (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!); a sugary beverage tax; an anti-speculation tax; a fund for children and youth; and Prop 49, a statewide question about amending the Constitution to overturn Citizens United (here's the text). In short,  something for everyone. Each speaker will allow time for Q&A. Information about the local measures is here.  

To ask questions about the Union Ironworks/Pier 70 initiative before the August 5th meeting, you might want to stop by Triple Voodoo Brewery (2245 Third St) this Tuesday, July 29th between 6 and 7:30pm for a "Q&A Happy Hour" the campaign is hosting.   

 

WHEN: Tuesday, August 5, 7pm to 9pm
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro St @ Southern Heights

SEIU California officially opposes the DISCLOSE Act. They are specifically against the most important thing the DISCLOSE Act will do - mandate the clear and unambiguous disclosure, on political ads, of the top three funders of those ads. Why? What do they want to hide?  

 

This makes no sense. Californians overwhelmingly want to know who is really paying for political ads, and SEIU represents thousands of ordinary working people whose voices are being drowned out by the flood of dark money spent on elections by wealthy individuals and corporations.* Disclosure is an official part of the CA Democratic Party platform.  

 

SEIU is saying that funders continuing to hide behind fake committee names like "Californians for Happy Puppies" is just fine. SB 52 author Senator Mark Leno has been negotiating with the union for over a year, and to satisfy one of its demands he has amended the bill to cover ballot measure ads only, not candidate ads. He's given them other concessions too - but not disclosing the true funders of an ad just goes too far. Bravo to Senator Leno for standing strong on DISCLOSE, despite SEIU's woefully misguided opposition.

What can we do? Come to the Capitol for the Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing of SB 52 Wednesday, August 6 at 9:00am in Sacramento.   Click here for more info and to sign up to stand with Senator Leno in his fight for this crucial bill. Democracy demands an educated electorate. If SEIU successfully kills this bill, the Koch brothers, the oil companies and their ilk will continue, unabated and unmatched, their hidden spending to influence California elections. This would not seem to be a good thing for unions.

*According to an article on Republic Report ("Investigating how money corrupts democracy"),

Party time approaches! And what with all the new businesses moving into the area, plus the great ones that are already here, the auction should be more fun than ever. Find something delicious, cutting-edge trendy, incredibly affordable - or all of the above. There will be wonderful food from local merchants and PHDC cooks, and fabulous live jazz by local musicians. No-host bar, free admission.


WHEN: Saturday, August 23, 5pm to 8pm
WHERE: Dogpatch Saloon, 2496 Third St @ 22nd St

The first (could it be the only?) debate of the season drew a record crowd to the Neighborhood House to hear current Supervisor Malia Cohen (center, at table) and challengers Ed Donaldson, Marlene Tran, Tony Kelly, and Shawn Richard (left to right) share their ideas, expertise, and love for the neighborhoods of District 10 in an often intense debate - deftly managed by Marisa Lagos (at left), politics reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle. It was an amazing turnout with lots of energy and enthusiasm, and every candidate had important and insightful information on how Potrero Hill and District 10 can best be served by the city of San Francisco. We are grateful to everyone who participated.

After the debate, the club voted to endorse Tony Kelly for Supervisor.