IN THIS ISSUE
What MVCAN Did This Week
Upcoming Events
Weekly Action Items
Action Team Reports
MVCAN RALLIES TO PROTEST "TRUMPCARE" AT HUFFMAN TOWN HALL
30 MVCAN members assembled on Mar. 13, at the “free speech zone” outside the Veterans Memorial Auditorium an hour before Huffman’s sold out Save our Healthcare town hall. We ran a “while-u-wait” sign making operation out of the back of a Suburu. We chanted. We distributed 150 flyers introducing people to MVCAN. And we had a great time.
Thanks to MVCAN member Celeste Perry, our event was covered by KTVU TV, KGO TV, KPIX TV, KCBS Radio and KGO Radio. Dr. Elyse Foster, physician and leader of our Healthcare Team, and June Cooperman, former physician and member of our Leadership team, were the point people for media interviews. Celeste will be working with us to ensure that we are all media-savvy and fully prepared for the press at future events.
MVCAN PROTESTS SPO PARTNERS INVOLVEMENT IN DAPL
Led by the MVCAN Eco Warrior team, and partnering with 350.org and others, 24 MVCAN members participated in a "backyard" protest of about 80 people at SPO Partners in Mill Valley on Mar. 10. Read the IJ story.
MVCAN MAKES 2,000+ PHONE CALLS
42 MVCAN members participated in 3 successful phone banks to advocate for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). See Health Care Team Report, below, for more ACA phone bank opportunities. MVCAN members also made calls for a Kansas special election and called key Congresspeople, through the Electoral Team and the MVCAN Call & Coffee.
MVCAN MAILS 200+ POSTCARDS TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR THE IDES OF TRUMP
MVCAN ENDORSES KIMBERLY ELLIS FOR CA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR
MVCAN is jumping into local politics with its first endorsement and fundraiser in a critical race affecting the direction of the Democratic Party in California. Learn why MVCAN Leadership thinks Kimberly Ellis should be the next CA state Democratic Party chair, and how you can join in to make our fundraising event wildly successful: Read more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- MVCAN MONTHLY MEETING Sun., April 2, 4-6 pm, Tam Valley Community Center
- MVCAN EVENT: CALL & COFFEE Thurs. Mar 30, 9 am, Mill Valley. Note: New Date and Time. See bottom of email
- MVCAN ELECTORAL AND ACA PHONE BANKS Multiple dates. Please see Electoral and Health Care Team reports, below for details.
- TOWN HALL WITH CONGRESSMAN JARED HUFFMAN Sat., Mar 18, 10-11:30 am, College of Marin, Kentfield Campus. Congressman Huffman will answer audience questions on any topic and share his priorities for the district.
- SANCTUARY MOVEMENT BEFORE MARIN SUPERVISORS to urge support of SB 54. Tues., Mar. 21, 9 am, Marin Civic Center, San Rafael. MVCAN Civil Rights/Immigration team will spearhead.
- UNITED MARIN RISING TOWN HALL FORUM ON IMMIGRATION AND HEALTH CARE Weds., Mar. 29, 7-9 pm, Pickleweed Park, San Rafael. Co sponsored by MVCAN. See flyer.
- SONGS OF HOPE AND FREEDOM, ALIZA HAVA AND RITA GLASSMAN IN CONCERT with Alex Kelly, Cellist, Sat., Mar 18, 7 pm, Mill Valley. See bottom of email.
- BECOME A TRAINED IMMIGRANTS' RIGHTS ADVOCATE Train the Trainer meeting, sponsored by Canal Alliance, Sat., April 8, 9 am -12:30 pm, Dominican College, San Rafael. MVCAN Civil Rights/Immigration team will spearhead.
- SAVE THE DATE: MARCH FOR SCIENCE, Sat., Apr 22. MVCAN Communications team will spearhead poster making.
- SAVE THE DATE: PEOPLE'S CLIMATE MOBILIZATION, Sat., Apr 29. MVCAN Eco Warrior team will spearhead our local action.
READY FOR ACTION!
ACTION 1: We need your immediate help to protect Californian immigrants who are facing detention and deportation. Contact CA State Senators and urge them to vote for two critically important bills scheduled for vote this coming Monday, March 20.
Why It’s So Important
Bill #1 - The Values Act (SB 54)
Prohibits California state and local law enforcement officers (including officers in schools and hospitals) from using local resources to investigate, interrogate, detain, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement.
Donald Trump’s Presidency poses a direct threat to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and many others. California State Senators must do all they can to aggressively disrupt Republicans’ plans and stand with our most vulnerable communities. The California Values Act (SB 54) is a bill critical to protecting immigrant communities in California. We must resist the deportation of valued immigrant members of our community and prevent the breaking apart of immigrant families.
Bill #2 -The Due Process for All Act (SB 6)
Creates a program supported by California state funds to provide access to qualified legal counsel to immigrants in deportation or removal proceedings.
Even people in this country illegally have constitutional rights, such as not being subjected to unreasonable searches and seizures, not answering questions and not signing any documents without speaking with an attorney.
In the current political climate (where recently a father was picked up and arrested while his daughter was still in the car outside a Los Angeles school) legal advice is desperately needed for those whose immigration status is precarious. Ranging from advice on resisting deportation orders to drafting legal documents protecting children if their parents are detained or deported, immigrants must be provided with legal counsel.
What to Do – Action Item 1
Contact California State Senators to support California bills SB54 and SB6.
Suggested Script:
I’m calling Senator______to urge a ‘yes’ vote for the passage of California bills SB 6 and SB 54, which protect immigrants’ rights. As a voter in California, I want the Senator to ensure that local law enforcement resources are not used to detain or arrest immigrants. I also feel strongly that immigrants must have access to due process and support for legal counsel.
California State Senators
Mike McGuire (D) CA - Our Marin senator is favoring these bills, but important to call to reinforce our support:
Sacramento Office: 916-651-4002
When calling Senator McGuire, be sure to mention that you are a constituent in his Marin district.
Senator Anthony Cannella (R)
Sacramento Office: 916-651-4012
Senator Kathleen Giani (D)
Sacramento Office: 916-651-4005
Senator Steve Glazer (D)
Sacramento Office: 916-651-4007
Senator Jerry Hill (D)
Sacramento Office: 916-651-4013
ACTION 2: Economic Action: Join 250,000+ protesters to demand that internet giant Amazon stop funding Breitbart News with their advertising dollars, and demand that they adopt a hate speech policy, as so many major tech companies already have.
Why It’s So Important
White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon is a white nationalist who is spreading hate and fear about immigrants and Muslims and breaking families apart. Bannon's views, policy positions and news outlet have no place in a diverse and tolerant society, and companies doing business with Bannon or Breitbart should be boycotted.
What to Do – Action Item 2
1. Send a quick email to Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon: jeff@amazon.com — Tell him to adopt a hate speech policy and to end his funding for Breitbart. If you are a Prime member, say so! They can’t afford to lose us all.
2. Share MoveOn's Boycott petition with three friends so they can join the effort.
ACTION 3: Contact Senator Diane Feinstein and urge her to vigorously oppose Neil Gorsuch’s nomination to the Supreme Court.
As ranking Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Feinstein will be intimately involved in the confirmation hearings for Neil Gorsuch, which start Monday, March 20. We are calling upon her to rigorously question and challenge Gorsuch’s qualifications for the Supreme Court.
Why It’s So Important
Gorsuch is known as an extreme right-wing judge, very much in the mold of Scalia. He has a record of making decisions that favor the rich and powerful at the expense of workers’ rights. Gorsuch will rule against environmental protections and women’s reproductive rights. His appointment to the Supreme Court would be completely against the best interests of the American people—not only now, but also for decades to come.
From past experience, we know that Diane Feinstein can be significantly influenced by our calls, emails, and postcards. For example, in explaining her previous rejection of Sessions for Attorney General, Feinstein’s spokesman on CNN cited a deluge of 40,000 calls as a deciding factor in her “No” vote. In a larger sense, “No” votes in confirmation hearings reduce the Republicans’ political capital, making it harder for them to push through future legislation in support of their extreme, right-wing agenda.
What to Do – Action Item 3
Contact Dianne Feinstein and ask her to oppose Gorsuch for the Supreme Court.
Suggested Script:
I’m calling Senator Feinstein______to urge her to vigorously investigate and challenge Neil Gorsuch’s qualifications to be on the Supreme Court. His legal views favor the rich and powerful at the expense of workers’ rights, environmental protections, and women’s reproductive rights. Gorsuch’s past record and extremist views prove that his appointment to the Court would do terrible damage to the interests of the American people for decades to come.
Tip for Contacting:
If you prefer emailing rather than calling Senator Feinstein, her office responds to every email: https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact
Dianne Feinstein (D) CA
DC Office---202-224-3841
SF---415-393-0707
LA--- 310-914-7300
San Diego--- 619-231-9712
Fresno--- 559-485-7430
email: https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact
One Post Street, Suite 2450
San Francisco, CA 94104
ACTION 4: Continued from week's WAG: Call your CA Members of Congress to demand they vote in opposition to any Republican health care bill that does not provide all of the benefits and coverage included under Obamacare.
ACTION TEAM REPORTS
Civil Rights/Immigration met on March 12, and were treated to compelling presentations by Sara Matson of the Canal Alliance and Khadija Hansia of the Islamic Center of Mill Valley. There are many volunteer opportunities at the Canal Alliance. Watch this space for future Islamic Center events. This team is also supporting an effort to collect equipped backpacks to be distributed to detainees released from the West County Detention Center in Richmond, CA. Read more. There will also be a vigil with other community organizations at the Detention Center Sun., April 2, 11:00 a.m. Contact Diane Goldman (dgold94941@aol.com) for more info. See also the Train the Trainer meeting Sat., April 8,, under "Upcoming Events", above. And, just in: On Tues., Mar. 21, the Sanctuary Movement will go before the Marin Board of Supervisors to urge support of SB 54. Come show your support! Marin Civic Center, 9 am.
Next team meeting Sun. Mar. 26, 4-6 pm Marin Horizon School, 305 Montford, Mill Valley. The team will continue our discussions about ongoing and future actions. All are welcome! Contact Diane Goldman (dgold94941@aol.com) for more info.
Communications met in a nice new venue (thanks Candy Bertoli, Pacific Union / Christie's International Real Estate!) They continue to move forward in collaboration with Art Works Downtown’s “Signs of Hope” exhibit, and plan to gather as many signs and stories as possible. They partnered with Marin United Rising’s Tamela Fish to create a video featuring ordinary people's heart-wrenching accounts of the ways the current administration’s cruel policies have negatively affected them. Dorothy O’Leary is putting together a Civics seminar, so those of us who haven’t seen Schoolhouse Rock in a while can remember how a bill becomes a law. They are designing a survey to help MVCAN Leadership and Teams connect more closely with members, and are planning a poster-making workshop for the Apr. 22 Science March. New team leader Ken says, "Thanks to everyone for their efforts and energy!"
Next team meeting Sat. Mar. 25, 9:30-10:30 am, Pacific Union Real Estate, 575 Redwood Hwy #150, Mill Valley. Contact Ken Pontac (kpontac@hotmail.com) for more info.
Dump Trump's 65 team members work on ways to remove Trump as soon as possible. They are currently focused 100% of Russia-gate, the Trump campaign's collusion with the Russians to hack our election and destroy our democracy. They are currently pushing MOCs to conduct an independent investigation and are building a coalition of progressive organizations to join in by pressuring their MOCs. They meet most Saturday mornings, rain or shine, to review events, adjust strategy and focus on practical actions for all team members.
Next team meeting Sat Mar 25, 10-11am. Mill Valley Community Center Manzanita Room. Contact Bernard Catalinotto (bernardcatalinotto@gmail.com) (cell 301-717-1077) for more info.
The Eco Warriors saw an awesome turnout at the local Standing Rock Rally in Mill Valley and Marin IJ was there to cover it! Click here to read the article. This week, the Trump Administration has started a full scale assault on Climate Change progress so there is no time to waste! The Carbon Tax, Climate Advocacy, and Community Outreach committees got moving at the Mar. 14 meeting. Plans were made and roles were created. New team leader Lisa says, "We need all hands on deck. Join our Facebook page and attend our next meeting to get involved!"
Next team meeting Tues. Mar. 28, 7:00-8:30 pm, 450 Sycamore Ave, Mill Valley. Contact Lisa Ristorucci (lisaristorucci@gmail.com) for more info and Join the MVCAN Eco Warriors Facebook page!
Education heard a presentation at their Mar. 11 meeting, from Ben Grieff, campaign director for Evolve, a SF based community organizing group, on Tax Fairness, in regards to Prop. 13. Reforming Prop. 13 would result in about 9 billion dollars more in revenue to the state, a significant portion of which could go to public education. The team discussed the ACLU resistance training and the most effective ways to reach elected officials. Team members are attending the Labor Rising Against Trump: Emergency California Education Conference at U.C. Berkeley on Sat., April 15.
The Electoral team’s mission is to flip the house in 2018 and make state legislatures and governorships blue in 2017. The group is continuing phonebank training and calling. NO PHONE BANK THIS SATURDAY MARCH 18!! However, there will be a meeting to help organize a fund raiser for Kimberly Ellis, the dynamic contender for the head of the California Democratic Party! (see below) They have a super-motivated team gathering to bring new life to the Democratic Party!
NEXT PHONE BANKS: Call voters for Jon Ossoff -Georgia Special Election Congressional candidate, Stop TrumpCare and/or James Thompson-Kansas Special Election Congressional candidate
Mon. Mar. 20, 3-5 pm, 80 Liberty Ship Way, Suite 20, Sausalito
Sat. Mar. 25,, 10 am-12 pm, 80 Liberty Ship Way, Suite 20, Sausalito
Please bring your laptop ipad, tablet AND charged cellphone (and headset with mic if you have one.) You're welcome to bring snacks/drinks to share.
Please RSVP to Eileen Fisher (eyefish9@arksf.com) for more info and for directions to the meeting.
Next team meetings See phone banks above and Sat. Mar 18 9:00 am, Good Earth, Mill Valley, to organize the Kimberly Ellis fundraiser. Contact Eileen Fisher (eyefish9@arksf.com) for more info and directions.
Health Care Approximately 20 people attended the team's Mar. 12 meeting. Robin Van Vliet presented the analysis of the AHCA (aka “Trumpcare” , or TrumpDoesn’tCare), and Carol Korenbrot provided talking points to help the group phonebank: 24 million will lose their health insurance, 16 million in the first year. Health Care is continuing to host phonebanks focused on reaching constituents to have them call their senators to vote against this draconian bill, which has been opposed by many professional and patient organizations, including the powerful and traditionally conservative American Medical Association. If you belong to a professional organization or patient advocacy group that has not yet come out against this unAmerican Health Care Act, make calls and send emails to the leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Many of the members attended the MVCAN rally preceding the Jared Huffman’s Town Hall. Elyse Foster and June Cooperman were interviewed and a portion of Elyse’s interview aired on KTVU on Monday evening. Eileen Worthy became the group's Volunteer Coordinator, joining Deputy Team Leader, Woody Reynolds, Robin and Carol as research team and Sherry Reson as strategist. Health Care has many dedicated volunteers and welcomes others.
Join the group for upcoming ACA Phone Banks or
Make ACA Calls from Home using this information and script. Thank you OFA Marin for hosting these phone banks.
Friday March 17, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Elyse Foster’s Home, 22 Underhill Road, Mill Valley Directions: 101 S to East Blithedale exit towards Mill Valley Right onto Camino Alto Right onto Azalea. Go to end of Azalea and make a right on to Vasco. Vasco becomes Underhill. Please RSVP by using this link: https://my.ofa.us/page/event/detail/gsfmxs
Obamacare 7th Anniversary Celebration!
Thursday, March 23, 2017, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Celebrate the results that Obamacare produced, and then make calls to prevent its repeal.
Location: Jan O’Brien’s Home, 77 Granada Drive, Corte Madera
Directions: From the Paradise/Tamalpais Drive Exit of 101 North, Turn right at the Home Consignment store at San Clemente Dr, Slight left at Paradise Dr. Take the 2nd right, at the light onto El Camino Dr. Turn left at the stop sign, to stay on El Camino Dr. Take the 1st left onto Granada Dr. Destination will be on the right. Please RSVP by using this link: https://my.ofa.us/page/event/detail/gsfmxj
Next team meeting TBA. Contact Elyse Foster (fosterel22@gmail.com) for more info.
Women's Rights established a GoFundMe site to provide safe access to women's health care. They are writing postcards and planning to make calls to reps to reject defunding of PP and reject confirmation of Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court. The team will discuss the Kimberly Ellis fundraiser on April 18, and what NARAL is doing for AB 569 and beyond. Team leader Leigh Ann says, "We are looking to widen our efforts for Women's Rights, so bring your ideas!
Next team meeting Sat. Mar 18, 1 pm, Tam Valley Log Cabin, 60 Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley. Contact Leigh Ann Townsend (townsendleighann@gmail.com) for more info.
EVENT DETAILS
MARIN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY RAGIN' CAJUN SHRIMP BOIL, Sat. Mar 18, 5:30 pm, Marinwood Community Center, 775 Miller Creek Rd., San Rafael. Keynote Speaker: Mike McGuire, California State Senator for the 2nd District. Tickets $45 in advance, $50 at door. Contact barbaramatas272@gmail.com or pay through Act Blue.
SONGS OF HOPE AND FREEDOM, ALIZA HAVA AND RITA GLASSMAN IN CONCERT with Alex Kelly, Cellist, Sat., Mar 18, 7 pm, Homestead Valley Community Center, 305 Montford Ave., Mill Valley. This beautiful pair performed uplifting songs at our Mar 5 MVCAN meeting.
MVCAN EVENT - CALL & COFFEE THURS MAR 30, 9-10:30 am Come make calls together to key Congressional and other decision makers, on time-critical issues. No experience necessary, we will train you. Bring a laptop and cell phone. Please RSVP by Weds., Mar 29, if you can make it. Host: June Cooperman (juneellenc@aol.com) for exact address. RSVP 415-389-1306.
SIGNS OF HOPE ART AND ACTIVISM SHOW, Fri. Apr 14, Art Works, San Rafael. Contact Angelique Benicio btweenmargins@yahoo.com for more info and to contribute protest signs.
NEW TO MVCAN?
Visit MVCAN.org to learn about the organization, teams and strategies; read past MVCAN newsletters, and gain helpful Resistance tools.
Got a skill, talent and/or time? Contact Laura Boles, boles9552@gmail.com and let her know how you might be able to help our growing Resistance group.
Thank you for all you do!
– June, Bernard, Suz, Danny, Eileen and everyone at MVCAN
See MVCAN’s website
Top Protest Photos: David Donnenfield, Postcard Photo: Ken Pontac, Bottom Protest Photo: Eileen Fisher
