FEATURED IN THIS WEEK’S MVCAN BULLETIN:  

ALERT: On June 5th, because of California’s open primaries, we are at high risk of having Democratic congressional candidates completely shut out of the ballot for the November midterms! (Check featured items #3 and #4 below.)

1. MVCAN MONTHLY MEETING Sunday, June 3 - NEW TIME 5 pm - 6:30 pm, MV Community Center

2. MVCAN Analysis of Marin DA Race

3. MVCAN PHONE AND TEXT BANKING - For June 5 Primaries!

4. GET OUT THE VOTE FOR JUNE 5TH IN CD-10  - Multiple Dates!

5. GUN CONTROL MARCH ON THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE- Saturday, June 2

6. MVCAN ECO TEAM MEETING - Wednesday, June 6

NOTE:  The MVCAN News will be published on alternate weeks in summer, supplemented by occasional timely announcements. The next newsletter will feature photos from the Memorial Day Parade, reports from the MVCAN monthly meeting and the CA Primary Election, and news from the MVCAN Eco Warriors team.

1

MVCAN MONTHLY MEETING SUN. JUNE 3

NEW TIME! 5 pm - 6:30 pm, MV Community Center

MVCANers at the 2017 MVCAN-Do Revue. Photo: Martha Ture

Come to our MVCAN monthly meeting Sunday June 3. We are completing our critical “Get Out the Vote” cycle for the June 5 primaries and gearing up for the big push to flip the congress and support progressive candidates in the November midterms!

MVCAN Monthly Meeting
Sunday, June 3,  5:00 pm - 6:30 pm (NEW TIME)
Mill Valley Community Center

Two exciting guest speakers!

1. Donny Fowler, CEO at Tech4America and Co-Founder of Democracy Labs. Democracy Labs is a hub for technology and storytelling innovation that serves progressive campaigns and organizations at the national, state and local levels. Donny will speak about the latest thinking on campaign strategies.

2. Max Lubin, CEO of Rise California, a student advocacy organization with more than 10,000 members across California. Prior to founding Rise, Max served in the Obama Administration in the U.S. Department of Education, helped Mayor Bloomberg create Everytown for Gun Safety, and worked on local, state and national campaigns.

Learn about about activities and actions planned by MVCAN for the upcoming election season and get involved!

2

MVCAN'S ANALYSIS OF THE

MARIN DISTRICT ATTORNEY RACE

Why is the Marin DA’s Race Crucial?

Whoever wins the race will likely remain in office for many years or decades. Here in Marin (since there is no incumbent running for the office) we have an open-seat opportunity to choose a district attorney who will put in place just and forward-thinking policies and show leadership within the US criminal justice reform movement, not simply reflect the decades-long status quo here in Marin.

Across the country, grassroots activists have joined together to elect progressive district attorneys who have enormous power to further the cause of justice regarding mass incarceration, the obvious inequities of our current criminal justice system, and the protection of the immigrant population.  Let’s do the same!

MVCAN views Lori Frugoli as the candidate who is least compatible with MVCAN’s goals and values.

Although Lori Frugoli is a very experienced prosecutor, she has the least innovative, most traditional law enforcement orientation of the candidates. For instance, she has promoted her endorsement by the Marin County Sheriff Robert Doyle, whose close cooperation with ICE officials and opposition to the California “State Sanctuary” bill SB 54 have been reported this week in the SF Chronicle, “While SF jail snubs ICE, Marin County does the opposite.”  and in the Marin IJ, May 30,  “Marin Sheriff Resists State Bill to Curb ICE”.

In addition, Lori Frugoli is the only candidate accepting campaign donations from law enforcement.

The other two DA Candidates:

Both of these candidates, Anna Pletcher and AJ Brady, are committed to an integrated approach to law enforcement.  This approach includes recognizing the public health aspects of some criminal behavior as well as including diversion to social programs in cases of youth, mental illness or homelessness. Both candidates also support progressive solutions in combating the opioid crisis and strong protection of our immigrant communities.

DETAILS ON THE CANDIDATES

Anna Pletcher

Anna, 44, has a ton of vision and expertise for improving the DA's office. She is committed to prosecuting environmental polluters and to reforming the money bail system (a major cause of inequity in our current system). She plans to launch a Family Justice Center to replace a series of disconnected support services across a dozen locations.

While she is not a Marin DA insider, Anna has extensive experience as a federal prosecutor, including managing a staff of 25 attorneys and 10 support staff.  She has the requisite skill set to build the Marin DA team with fresh ideas.

She got her law degree at UC Berkeley and settled in Mill Valley with her 3 kids, and has been actively involved in local affairs–working for the Tam Valley PTA, the Marin Women’s Commission, Marin Coalition to End Human Trafficking, and as a Volunteer Judge on County Youth Court.

Anna’s Latina background informs her attention to the immigrant community and commitment to civil rights while her work on Women’s Commission speaks to her sensitivity to women’s issues

Anna Pletcher is the endorsee of the Marin County Democrats, and  the Sierra Club.

Web site: http://annapletcher.com/

AJ Brady

AJ, 39, has been part of the Marin DA’s office for his entire career. With over 13 years experience in multiple divisions of the department, AJ Brady knows the institution well from the inside.

From his website: ”With a commitment to reshaping justice in Marin County through innovative best practices, A.J. has spearheaded several progressive policy projects including the Chronic Alcoholics with Justice Involvement (CAJI) pilot, which provides housing in lieu of incarceration to chronic alcoholics in San Rafael, and the Restorative Justice Diversionary Program, one of the first of its kind in the United States to use restorative justice for adult defendants.”

He was raised in SF and Marin and now lives in Corte Madera with his family.  He is president of Reed USD (Tiburon) School Board and has been endorsed by many County school officials, many local labor unions, his peers at the Marin County Prosecutors Association, and 10 public defenders.

Web site: http://www.ajbrady.com/

Lori Frugoli

Lori, 61, is a long-term prosecutor at the Marin DA's office, and a life-long Marin resident.

She became interested in policing in high school, and worked as a police cadet, police officer and sheriff deputy while working her way through college and law school at local institutions.

She emphasizes being a registered Democrat, but clearly has the most conservative approach to the issues, and a strong alliance with local law enforcement. She has overwhelming support from law enforcement individuals and  organizations, including three former county DAs as well as the current Sheriff, Robert Doyle.

She is most likely to preserve the status quo and can be expected to enact incremental innovation.

Web site: https://www.lorifrugoli4da.com/

For further information about the candidates and their policy statements, email info@mvcan.org to see the extensive research compiled by MVCAN member Dan Krimm on the candidates’ bios and their stands on issues, compiled from public sources available to him.

Also read the ACLU survey of all DA candidates in the state by county. See how our 3 Marin candidates answered the questionnaire.

NEED MORE GUIDANCE ON THE COMPLEX CA PRIMARY BALLOT?

Read the Courage Campaign Compilation of endorsements by progressive groups on the state propositions

Read the Marin Democratic Party Endorsement of 5 local candidates

On June 5, let’s all vote in the DA race and promote 21st century change in our Marin judicial system!

3

URGENT NEED for PHONE and TEXT BANKING

AND CANVASSING

On June 5th we're at risk of losing 4 of our 7 most flippable CA Congressional Districts before the election even starts. Due to the nature of our unique primary system (non-partisan, top 2 winners advance regardless of party) combined with the plethora of Democratic candidates running in these four Districts, two Republicans could advance to the General Election. That would lock Democrats out of four of the most flippable districts in the U.S.–seats we need to get to the 24 seats to take back the House. This negative result is looking more and more like a genuine risk!

THE ONLY WAY TO COUNTER THIS RISK IS TO TURN OUT AS MANY DEMOCRATIC VOTERS AS WE CAN!

If you haven't gotten to work yet, please make THIS the week you join us to:
Vote Them Out!

Newcomers to phone/text banking are always welcome! Our experienced leaders are always on hand to help guide you through the process and if you're new to calling or texting voters, we'll teach you step-by-step.

We have many options for you to get to work to win these flippable districts.

MAKE CALLS TO CRUCIAL AT-RISK DISTRICTS:

CD- 10, 39, 48 & 49

These are the districts we are focusing on now through June 5–the four most vulnerable districts of our "flippable 7" CA Congressional Districts–the districts of Reps Denham, Royce, Rohrabacher and Issa.

We will be making calls to these districts at all our phone banks. See below for details.

CALL TO SUPPORT DEMOCRATIC FRONT-RUNNER IN CD-10

JOSH HARDER

We're departing from our usual course of staying neutral in an out-of-district primary to support the Democratic frontrunner in CD-10, Josh Harder, so Democrats don't get locked out there.

Josh Harder is a strong candidate who is polling ahead of the pack of 5 Democrats. His progressive stance on issues includes Medicare For All; he has impressive community/labor endorsements and his background is strong.

Read more about Josh Harder here.

For a list of times and dates to call in support of Josh Harder, see our phone bank hours and locations below.

Our Regular MVCAN/DEM Action Phone Banks - GET OUT THE VOTE!

For our regular MVCAN phone banks, we will be calling California 48. We will also be calling Josh Harder for Congress CD-10 (except in San Rafael).  

Saturday, June 2, Phone Bank, 2:30-4:30 in Sausalito

Please click here to register and get more details/directions.

Sunday, June 3, Phone Bank, 1-3pm, in Ross

Please click here to register and get more details/directions.

Monday, June 4, Phone Bank, 4-6pm, in Corte Madera

Please click here to register and get more details/directions.

Tuesday, June 5, ELECTION DAY, Phone Bank, 10am - 8pm in San Rafael

We're helping out at this Election Day phone bank at Marin Democrats' Headquarters, in San Rafael, 1344 4th St. at D St.  

Additional Phone Banking Opportunities in San Rafael

Phone banking will be available at the San Rafael Marin Dems headquarters (1344 4th St. at D St.) on the following days from 10am-8pm:

- Sat. June 2

- Sun. June 3

- Mon. June 4

- Tues. June 5 (Election Day--with a Primary Party starting at the close of polls!)

For Marin Dems headquarters full schedule and details, please go to their calendar here.

For more information, please visit the MVCAN Electoral Team page or the MVCAN Phone/ Text Bank page.

30+ MVCAN phone/text bankers getting out the vote on May 26. Photo: June Cooperman.

We should all be aware the June 5 primary election is becoming very high-risk–Democratic congressional candidates are in danger of being shut out entirely from the November ballot in their districts!

This is the risk of the open primary system in California. With the top 2 vote-getters regardless of party going on to the general election, and 5 Democratic candidates vs. 2 Republican candidates in Congressional District 10, it is crucial that we guarantee a strong Democratic primary election turnout.

You can help by volunteering for canvassing OR OFFICE WORK in Tracy with the local Democratic party  (the Tracy GO Team) over the remaining time until June 5th.

No previous experience is needed - training will be provided.

Here are the days we need volunteers:

Saturday, June 2  

Sunday, June 3

Tuesday, June 5, Election Day

When you sign up below, you will have an opportunity to choose ANY day/ shift available.

Larry Litvak will be leading an MVCAN group to canvass in Tracy on Sat, June 2. If you wish to join his group, go to the Get Out the Vote Canvassing Sign-Up Form and choose the noon - 3 pm canvassing shift on June 2.

For more info on carpooling and trip details, contact  Larry Litvak, llitvak@aol.com.

If you have any questions or want guidance about canvassing in Tracy, contact Larry Litvak, llitvak@aol.com.

Sign up here to canvass:

Tracy Get Out the Vote Canvassing Sign-Up Form

Sign up here to help with office work:

Tracy Get Out the Vote Office Volunteer Sign-Up Form

For more details about these and other upcoming canvassing opportunities please visit the MVCAN Electoral Team page or the MVCAN Canvassing page.

5

MARCH WITH MVCAN IN THE GUN SAFETY MARCH

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE SAT. JUNE 2

Photo: SFGate

Join us for the second Annual Golden Gate Bridge Wear Orange March. Honor the lives of those affected by gun violence and help to elevate gun violence prevention efforts nationwide!

GUN SAFETY MARCH- MOMS DEMAND ACTION
Saturday, June 2- Official march itinerary:

- March start time at 11:30 am at the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Plaza.
- Gather at 12:30 pm at Marin Vista Point, then return march to SF side.

MVCAN Meetup for March:

MVCAN members will meet at 11 am at the Starbucks at Gateway Shopping Center in Marin City to form carpools. The current plan is to start at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. We will walk the bridge starting from the north end to meet the other marchers coming from the south.

Golden Gate Transit:

If you would like take public transport, public buses are available from Marin City to stops near both the north and south ends of the GG Bridge.

For more complete and detailed  information on public transit to the bridge march, see Public Transportation Options.

For more info, contact MVCAN’s Peter Graumann at petergraumann@yahoo.com

Guidelines for the March

• Marchers will be walking on the bridge sidewalks (not the roadway).

• Walk in single fine line with no more than 2 people side by side and stay to the right.

• No banners, flags, large signs or props (including signs on sticks)

• Hand held signs can not be larger than 3’ x 2’

WEAR ORANGE!

Wear Orange was inspired by friends of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old Chicago high school student killed by gunfire, who decided to honor her life by wearing orange – the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others.

6

JOIN US AT OUR NEXT MVCAN ECO TEAM MEETING

WEDS. JUNE 6

MVCAN's Eco Warriors lobbying MV City Council for Marin Clean Energy last year. Photo: Suz Lipman.

Come join us at our next ECO Team meeting! In the spirit of collaborating with other groups who are working in our community towards common progressive goals, we will be featuring guest speakers Lisa Bennett, with Indivisible Sausalito, and Sue Saunders, with Indivisible Marin.

Among other issues, we will be discussing possible projects we can work on together in the coming months. One focus will be talking about how to get environmentally responsible politicians elected and how to get eco-friendly legislation passed.

MVCAN ECO TEAM MEETING
Wednesday, June 6  - 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Southern Marin Water Treatment Plan
450 Sycamore (across from the Mill Valley Middle School).

Please RSVP if you can join us by emailing Marilyn Price at  mprice@the-acorn.com

We would love to have many people at this meeting to meet and collaborate with our Indivisible friends–we welcome your input and your help!

JOIN AN ACTION TEAM

WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED in a specific issue? Much of MVCAN's work is done in one of our 10 awesome action teams. Click the team name to read their latest news and find their next meeting.

Civil Rights/Immigration battles for justice and fair treatment of women, immigrants, working people and followers of all faiths.

Communications works on strategy, branding, messaging and program development for MVCAN. They are looking for bright ideas and people who want to make them happen.

Dump Trump 's 25 active team members work on ways to remove Trump from power, with special focus on Russia collusion. This topic is hot!

Eco Warriors are engaged in change at the local, state and national levels, to impact the CA carbon tax, climate change, and community outreach and action.

The Economic Action team runs AIRLIFT, our first national project. AIRLIFT funnels money to grassroots groups in winnable 2018 districts. These are seriously vetted groups that work all year round in their communities–they get tangible results without blowing through millions of dollars. Read about it in the Huffington Post .

Electoral is focused on the 2018 Midterm Elections, when all 435 seats in the House plus 33 Senate seats are up for grabs. We intend to grab as many as possible. The Electoral team works to elect Democratic candidates for federal and state level elections using phone/text banks and travel to targeted districts to talk with voters through phone calls, texts, door-to-door canvassing, voter registration, and campaign volunteering.

The Events team creates special events to engage our friends and neighbors to take political action with MVCAN.

Health Care is forging ahead after their successful fight over the repeal/replace of ACA.

Tech supports MVCAN through technology.

Women's Rights fundraises and canvasses for NARAL and Planned Parenthood; supports women in public office(s); and engages in local, state and federal legislation for women's protection and rights.

NEW TO MVCAN?

Visit MVCAN.org to learn about the organization and strategies, join a team, read past MVCAN newsletters, and gain helpful Resistance tools.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER YOUR SKILLS OR TALENTS?

Numerous positions and jobs are available – one-time or ongoing.  Contact Debra Newton, our Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@mvcan.org.

Thank you for all you do!
– June, Bernard, Suz, Danny, Eileen, Rebecca, and everyone at MVCAN

MVCAN News brought to you by June, Annie and Suz