V4CF Action Blog

Next Meeting--Monday, January 9, 2012

2011-12-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 9 • 7 p.m.
V4CF monthly meeting at the UC Center, 550 E. Shaw. Speaker will be advocate for Single Payer healthcare extraordinaire, Rose Roach. If you have not heard and seen her excellent presentation on WHY AND HOW SINGLE PAYER IN CA, this is one meeting you will not want to miss! This is the vital bookend presentation to the Health Care Justice tour many enjoyed last month. Rose hails from Stockton with an important, well presented, articulate and passionate message on this subject.

Next Meeting--Monday, December 12, 2011

2011-11-29T23:39:00.000-08:00

Volunteers for Change-Fresno will hold its annual holiday potluck on Monday, December 12th. Bring a main dish, side dish, salad, or dessert and enjoy the company of V4CF members. Contact Connie Peterson at c.peterson8784@sbcglobal.net or Nancy Griesser at nancyg@mail.fresnostate.edu for location information.

Stop Hidden Influence of Big Money with AB 1148, the California DISCLOSE Act

2011-10-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

V4CF member Connie Peterson has become the Coordinator for the Fresno County Working Group to help pass AB 1148.

First Meeting:
Tuesday, October 25 from 6:30-8 PM

Round Table Pizza at 775 W. Herndon (NE corner at Willow).

Special Guest Trent Lange, President of California Clean Money Campaign will share the latest developments and help with local outreach plans for endorsements, petitions, and letting the public know about this important legislation.

AB 1148 must be out of the state Assembly by the end of January. It is vital to show a huge amount of grassroots support to get it through, and now is the time to build enough local support to make sure this happens.

For more information go to CAclean.org or email:

Fresno-info@CAclean.org.

Next Meeting--Mon., Oct. 10, 2011

2011-10-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

At our October 10 meeting, Michael D. Evans, Chair of the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee, will share the many positions open on boards and commissions that some of us may be interested in filling. We'll also enjoy a recap of the very successful progressive forum featuring Jim Hightower that V4CP co-sponsored on Oct. 1st and learn which "next steps" are being proposed. Remember to bring information and handouts about upcoming actions and opportunities to share during "Around the Table."

Join us at 7 pm at the University of California Center, 550 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno, across from Fashion Fair Shopping Center, next to the Men's Wearhouse.

As Jim Hightower suggests for a new bumper sticker: "Don't be a Bystander. Be a Stander-Upper!" See you at the Oct. meeting!

JIM HIGHTOWER TO SPEAK HERE ON SAT., OCT. 1ST

2011-09-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

Fiery, humorous, no-holds-barred, former Texas ag commissioner, syndicated columnist and national radio commentator, editor of the Hightower Lowdown newsletter, and author of seven books, including national best seller Thieves in High Places -- They've Stolen Our Country and It's Time to Take It Back Jim Hightower is coming to Fresno on Sat., October 1, 2011. Sponsored by Volunteers for Change-Fresno, the Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Committee of Fresno, the Community Alliance, the Central Valley Progressive Pac, Fresno Mental Health Services, and the Central Valley-Sierra Progressives, Hightower will be the keynote speaker for "Strengthening Our Voice-Bringing Valley Progressives Together" Saturday afternoon and will be the guest of honor at a dinner that evening.

"Strengthening Our Voice-Bringing Valley Progressives Together"
Saturday, October 1, 2011
1-4 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church
2672 E. Alluvial Ave., Fresno
Suggested donation $10.00

"Evening dinner with Jim Hightower"
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Arte Americas
1630 Van Ness Ave., Fresno
Cost: $50.00 per person

RSVP by submitting contact information and check made
payable to Fresno MHS to
Fresno MHS, P.O. Box 842, Fresno, CA 93712-0842
Questions? Contact Connie at 559-325-8941.

MAY 21ST COMMUNITY FOOD BANK DATE CANCELLED

2011-05-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Due to a lack of funding to buy food, The Community Food Bank has cancelled the Saturday Sort Day for May. More information regarding the June Saturday Sort Day will be made available soon.

Important V4CF Action Sat., April 16, 2011

2011-04-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

America is not broke--the problem is unregulated greed! 83 of America's 100 richest corporations, including Bank of America, pay NO income tax. Yet they use our common good--roads, railways, and airports to distribute their products; police and firemen to protect their facilities; schools to educate their workforce...etc.! If you are not okay with this, let your voice join with others to be heard on:

Saturday, April 16 10 am to noon
Bank of America, 590 E. Shaw,
across of Fashion Fair Shopping Center

The theme is "WE PAID OUR TAXES, WHAT ABOUT YOU?" Some signs will be provided but feel free to bring signs, too. Go to www.USuncut.org for more information on this true grassroots movement. This action is sponsored locally by Volunteers for Change-Fresno, http://v4cf.blogspot.com. For additional information, please contact Connie Peterson at (559) 325-8941.

Next Meeting--Monday, April 11, 2011

2011-03-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

The April Volunteers for Change-Fresno meeting will bring not one, but TWO changes.

First, we'll be meeting in a new location--the UC Center on E. Shaw, across from Fashion Fair Shopping Center. The address is 550 E Shaw Ave., Suite 100, Fresno, 93710--nearly midway between N. Fresno and N. 1st Sts, on the north side of E. Shaw. On site, follow the arrows to the meeting room.

Second, for this meeting only, we're changing the date to a Monday evening. So the meeting date will be Monday, April 11, 2011. Please mark your calendars now!

We're very fortunate to have Dr. Jeffrey Cummins, Fresno State political science professor, as our guest speaker. Using an outstanding power-point presentation, he'll explain the California budget process to us and engage us in lively discussion on how we can positively affect what's included in the next CA budget.

We hope to see you at this important meeting in our new location. New location, different night of the week--after all, aren't we all about change?!

Volunteer for Earth Day--Sat., April 9th

2011-03-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2011 8:00AM - 1:00PM

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in a day of serving our community and our environment. HandsOn Central California is sponsoring this Earth Day Celebration at the San Joaquin River Parkway and is looking for 185 volunteers. Projects will include: river cleanup, habitat enhancement, trail improvement & restoration. The event will kick off with a Pancake Breakfast at the River Parkway.

Here’s how to get involved:

1 Sign up with HandsOn through the link in the attached flyer. (They need to track numbers.)

2 Sign up with Wendy Negri, the V4CF coordinator, by emailing her at wnegri@att.net to let her know you are going to participate or if you have questions. We may arrange carpools.

3 Show up April 9^th at 8:00 at 11605 Old Friant Rd, Fresno 93730 for sign in, breakfast & job assignment.

4 Wear long pants, sturdy shoes & your V4CF t-shirt, can bring own gardening gloves if want but some will be provided. Tools will be provided.

5 Enjoy camaraderie & breakfast with your fellow earth stewards.

Next Meeting Tues., March 8

2011-02-26T01:15:00.000-08:00

Join us on Tues., March 8, to learn more about the California budget, threats to women's rights, and possible June ballot initiatives. We're also working on a forum that will bring Fresno County progressives together so our collective voices will be heard. Attend the meeting and help us plan for the future! Please see meeting details in box above.

MLK MARCH ON MONDAY JANUARY 17

2011-01-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

This coming Monday Volunteers for Change-Fresno members will once
again carry the V4CF banner in the march honoring Martin Luther
King, Jr. Members are encouraged to participate!

Date: Mon., Jan. 17,2011
Place: Gather for the parade at St. John’s Cathedral,
2814 Mariposa St. (at R St.)
Time: 9:15 am

Parade starts at 10 am, pauses at City Hall, and ends at
Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.

Depending on the weather, consider wearing V4CF t-shirts and
members are also encouraged to bring musical instruments (kazoos,
recorders, tambourines, drums, bells) to accompany marchers singing
"We Shall Overcome." Donations for the Community Food Bank
(non-perishable food or checks) are also encouraged.

JAN. 2011 GENERAL MEETING

2010-12-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

The first V4CF general meeting of the year will be held on Tues., Jan. 11 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fig Garden Library, located at 3071 W. Bullard, SW corner of W. Bullard and N. Marks.
Join us as we make plans for the new year!

V4CF Holiday Party

2010-12-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

Join us for a festive holiday get-together at the unique home of Fred Savala in the historic Tower District. Enjoy a wide array of finger foods, holiday beverages, and special music by Fred, while re-connecting with friends. In keeping with the season's spirit of giving, please bring unwrapped toys and gifts for foster children ages 0 to 17 who participate in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. Please also consider bringing a friend to share this holiday gathering.

Date: Tues., Dec. 21
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Place: Home of Fred Savala, 1234 N. Vagedes
From 41 south, exit McKinley, go right/west, after Arthur take left/south on Vagedes
Bring: Unwrapped toy/gift and a friend

RSVP: Wendy at wnegri@att.net or call 559-299-5052 by Dec. 20th

HANDS ON CENTRAL CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

2010-11-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

Hand On of Central California has several volunteer opportunities this holiday season. Please see the details regarding 2 upcoming events. You can register for these and future events at
http://www.handsoncentralcal.org/

Serving Fresno - Saturday, Nov. 20

Take a day to serve the community we live in. Volunteer opportunities include planting trees, sorting food, and serving the homeless.

TIME & LOCATION:
8am - 2pm at the Riverpark Shopping Center

8am - Volunteer registration & project selection

9am - Arrive at the project site

Hope for the Holidays - Sunday, Dec. 19

300 volunteers are needed to help distribute toys to homeless children and to celebrate the holidays.

TIME & LOCATION:
10am - 3pm - Fresno Convention Center, Valdez Hall

To donate toys to this events, please call Hands On Central California at 559-237-3101

COMMUNITY FOOD BANK - Holiday Meal Boxing & Giveaways

2010-11-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY MEAL BOXING

The Community Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help box 40,000 meals for the holiday season. Please see the following dates and times below and specify which shift is preferable.

DATES & TIMES:
Nov. 20: 7am - 10am, 10am - 1pm, 1pm - 4pm
Dec. 11: 7am - 10am, 10am - 1pm
Dec. 18: 7am - 10am, 10am - 1pm

HOLIDAY MEAL BOX GIVEAWAYS

On Monday, November 22 and Monday, December 20, the Community Food Bank needs 20 volunteers to help give the boxed holiday meals to their partner agencies. Two shifts are available: 7am - 11am / 10:30am - 2:30pm

Please contact Leslie Gacad at lgacad@communityfoodbank.net or (559) 237-3663 x 106 to sign up for the volunteer opportunities listed above.

REFLECT--REFOCUS--RE-ORGANIZE

2010-10-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday November 13th, 2010

Please join us for a spirited facilitated discussion of the future of Volunteers for Change Fresno.
This is your opportunity to participate in the movement of V4CF to the next more powerful level without the time constraint of our usual 2 hour meeting.

Saturday November 13th
10:00am to 3:00pm
Toledo's Restaurant 367 E. Shaw (SW corner Shaw & Fresno St)

$10 includes lunch (scholarships available upon request)

RSVP to Wendy Negri 299-5052 or wnegri@att.net

Community Garden Event Sunday 10/10/10

2010-09-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

Volunteers for Change, joined by the Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club, board of the Fresno Audubon Society, students and other community members will be cleaning up the community garden at McLane High School on 10/10/10 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. This action is in concert with the 350.org global work party on that date to call attention to climate change. We will be "Working so our Legislators will Get to Work" on clean energy policy, and also to confront California Prop 23.

Bring your garden tools, gloves, and a willing heart. find out more at 350.org and register to participate! Or email Connie Peterson at c.peterson8784@sbcglobal.net, for more information and/or to let me know you will attend.

General Meeting

2010-09-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Next V4CF general meeting

Tuesday October 5th
7:00 PM
Fig Garden Library 3071 W. Bullard
SW corner of W. Bullard & N. Marks

Urgent Need of 600 Volunteers September 11th

2010-09-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 11TH * NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE * FEED HOPE

Saturday September 11th the Community Food Bank and HandsOn Central California are putting on a massive one day food distribution to families in need in the Central Valley. They need 600 volunteers to work in 3 shifts.

Location: Southeast Corner of Maple & Butler (near the Mosqueda Center)

Volunteers for Change-Fresno has signed up to provide a minimum of 20 volunteers to be part of the 11:00am to 3:30pm shift.

To sign up and get more detail, please call Wendy at 299-5052 or email her at wnegri@att.net as soon as possible.

If you want to participate but cannot make this shift, the other shifts are 7:00am to 11:30pm or 3:00pm to 7:00pm.

This is a wonderful opportunity to help our community in a time of great need. Children 7 years or older who are accompanied by an adult 21 or older are also welcome to participate.

Hunger is an Everyday Disaster - Let's do our part to help. - BE THE CHANGE

SAVE THE DATE!

2010-09-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

It's time to mark your calendar for the September General Meeting for Volunteers for Change-Fresno! For those who heard last month about plans for a Sept. picnic meeting, those plans have changed so we can better focus on the upcoming elections.

V4CF usually meets on the first or second Tues. of each month but due to scheduling conflicts,
please note that this month we'll be meeting on a Thursday.

NEW DATE: Thurs., Sept. 9, 2010
TIME: 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., SW corner W. Bullard and N. Marks

Join us for an energizing meeting as we hear from candidates or their representatives and begin discussing the 10 propositions on the ballot. Also, if his schedule continues to permit, Tom Bohigian, State Director for

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer will be in attendance.

V4CF Calendar

2010-08-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

V4CF Calendar:
September General Meeting

When: Thurs, September 9 at 7:00pm

Where: Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard
(SW corner of N. Marks and W. Bullard)

CARA to host anniversary party for Social Security Aug. 17

2010-08-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

From our member Nancy Griesser comes this:

The California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) and the Central Labor Council of Fresno and Madera Counties will host a celebration of America’s most successful social program -- Social Security, celebrating 75 years this month. The anniversary event is scheduled 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, in the U.S. Federal Courthouse Plaza, 2500 Tulare St., in Fresno.

The event's goal is to send a message to Senator Feinstein encouraging her to secure Social Security for future generations, and to ensure that attacks on this important family retirement program are not successful. To attend, RSVP to CARA at (559) 905-3521, toll-free at 877-233-6107, or via e-mail to C21generoza@aol.com.

Can you assist with voter registration Aug. 16?

2010-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

From our member Nancy Griesser comes this:

Mai Thao of SEIU-UHW called today with information about a non-partisan voter registration event that is coming to Fresno next Monday, Aug. 16. The focus is on registering Hispanic voters. A bus will be coming from San Diego to Sacramento and will stop enroute in Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and Fresno. The event will be held at the Fresno County Courthouse (corner of Tulare & M St.) at 5:00 pm.

Mai is hoping people who can help with voter registration will attend. There will be packets in Spanish for potential voters but Mai knows they will need some help understanding what's in the packet. While speaking Spanish would be helpful, others could be there in the important role of showing support.

Interested in helping? To volunteer, please contact MaiThao at (559) 259-1556.

Water-issues film 'American Southwest' to air on KNXT in early September

2010-08-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

A note from our Water Issues Team leader, Dr. Bob Merrill:

As I announced at the V4Change meeting, the movie 'The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?' will be shown on the KNXT Channel 49 at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept 2, and again at 10 a.m. Tuesday Sept. 7. This is the best movie I have seen regarding the water crisis in the United States. If you see no other movie about water issues, this is probably the one you should see.

The American Southwest is an arid to semiarid region whose population is rapidly growing and threatened by water demands that exceed the supply. Urban expansion and climate change pose a worsening future. The Colorado River is over-allocated and groundwater pumping in areas is destroying riparian habitat as stream flow is reduced or dries up. The history of the Southwest is one of conflict over water that has produced winners and losers and the situation is only going to get worse unless the conflicts between population, agriculture, and environmental needs are balanced. Solutions: Recognition of the problem and education, population, conservation, recycling, rainwater and floodwater harvesting. National water policy dealing with supply and contamination.

Special note to V4CFers: If you want a serious preparation for the film, here are significant items to look for or examine as they come up in the film. While the list is exhaustive, it should help you get more out of the time spent watching.

1. Colorado River: How little water reaches the ocean and its impact on life in Colorado delta.

2. Different users of Colorado River water and impact of less water on these users.

3. Magnitude of past droughts. Changes in river as temperature increases; invasive species, pollution, flash flooding, disease organisms in water, etc.

4. Is global climate change already here?

5. Population growth and how much of global water is available to humans and other life forms

6. Manifest Destiny and its role in water crisis.

7. Allocation of Colorado River water in wet years vs. dry years and impact of population growth

8. Is unlimited growth possible and what drives it? Sustainable economy?

9. Sacramento - San Joaquin River Delta: water transfers and levees, plus Endangered Species Act.

10. Geopolitical tensions: Agricultural users vs. Environment vs. urban growth (population).

11. Groundwater and population growth impacts in Palm Springs and Arizona.

12. Law of first use of water. Phoenix area and impact across rest of state. Impact of groundwater withdrawal on streams. Is water management designed to protect streams?

13. Impact of water use on Native American communities in southwest. Water use in dry land farming.

14. Federal vs. state and local government approaches to solving the problem. We have policies for contaminants but not for supply.

15. Solutions: conservation, land use policies, landscaping vs. agriculture, balance between urban People’s needs, industry, agriculture (farming), and environment. Recycling, capturing runoff, desalination (?) Lower personal usage. EDUCATION

Fall service projects the topic of Aug. 3 V4CF General Meeting

2010-07-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

The whys and wherefores of three planned Volunteers For Change-Fresno service projects will be the topic of our next General Meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, in the large community room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave. in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

At the meeting, members and guests will be invited and encouraged to commit to participating in one of three service projects, each intended to draw additional attention to a serious issue affecting our community. The projects will fall into the areas of combating hunger, homelessness, and air pollution leading to climate change, and each will take place between Sept. 15 and Election Day.

To make this work, we'll need the participation and commitment of every V4CF member. Expect the finest in 'pleasant persistence' from your fellow V4CFers in gaining that commitment. And stay tuned... we hope to see you Tuesday!

And now, some words of encouragement: A reaffirmation from President Obama

2010-07-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

From our friends at the Huffington Post:

President Barack Obama is urging liberal activists and bloggers to "keep up the fight" to bring change to Washington.

In a video played Saturday at the annual Netroots Nation convention, the president acknowledged that some in the party's left wing have been unhappy with the pace of change. Liberals have been disenchanted on issues from the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the failure to create a government-run insurance option in the health care overhaul.

The president says in the brief video that the combat mission in Iraq will end in August.

It's a tough election year for Democrats, but Obama warned about returning to Republican policies "that got us into the mess."

He says "change is hard," and he urged hundreds of activists and bloggers in the audience to "keep making your voices heard."

Obama urged the crowd to "consider what we've accomplished," then rolled a clip of Rachel Maddow laying out some of the administration's legislative victories.

Here, see for yourself. (If the viewscreen is not visible below, watch President Obama's statement on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so-Uuooz-Zo.):

From our member Ruth Afifi comes a great recap of these accomplishments, as seen on the Daily Kos website. A good list to be sure, but no reason to stop working for the Change we've demanded.

Sierra Club: 'Pick up the phones July 28 for clean-energy legislation'

2010-07-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

In the wake of Chip Ashley's 'Path to Clean Energy' presentation, Senator Harry Reid has announced -- unfortunately -- that none of the clean energy bills under Senate consideration will be brought to a vote this year. Not the CLEAR Act, not Kerry-Leiberman, not any of the bills Chip discussed at our last General Meeting.

After Sen. Reid's announcement, our friends at the Sierra Club made a call for those concerned to participate in a 'Day of Action' Wednesday, July 28, during which time people will be asked to call their Senators, 'express dismay at this decision and push for a vote.'

Want to participate? Pick up the phone sometime Wednesday, July 28, and let Senators Feinstein and Boxer know your thoughts. The numbers to call?

Senator Barbara Boxer: (202) 224-3553
Senator Dianne Feinstein: (202) 224-2501

Need talking points? Here you go:

Taking on the climate change challenge NOW will create more economic opportunities than risks for the U.S. economy--will require innovation and products that drive energy efficiency and create new markets. Right now, Germany is producing 86% of the gear boxes used in wind turbines. China has surpassed the US in the manufacture of solar panels.

Each year we delay action to control emissions increases the risk of unavoidable consequences that could necessitate even steeper reductions in the future, at potentially greater economic cost and social disruption

Shift the heat to the opposition: Help with voter registration July 17

2010-07-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Want to help with voter registration? From our member Linda Traynor comes the following invitation:

The weekend of July 17, Organizing For America and local volunteers are teaming together to connect with voters in Fresno as part of our Vote 2010 Day of Action.

From city streets and rural farms, to suburban parks and local strip malls, we’re doing everything possible to get folks to commit to vote in November’s elections. This commitment is as important as it is simple and could tip the balance in races across the country that could be close.

In 2008, millions of new voters registered and turned out to cast their ballots in the November election, and that was a key part of President Obama’s victory. Our Vote 2010 program is similarly designed to register new voters and get those who cast votes for the first time in 2008 back to the polls this fall.

This is a big challenge, but we have too much on the line to come up short. It’s our job to stand up for President Obama and his allies, to make sure his opponents don’t succeed.

To join us in Fresno’s ‘Vote 2010 Day of Action,’ send your name, e-mail address and telephone number to event organizer Linda Traynor at traynor27@gmail.com. Then sign up at the Vote 2010 Registration Page on the Organizing For America website.

A 'Path to Clean Energy' follow-up from Chip Ashley

2010-07-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

After giving a great presentation on the 'Path to Clean Energy' at our July 6 General Meeting, Chip Ashley (Energy, Global Warming, Air Quality and Population Committee Chair of the Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club) sent us a follow-up note, addressing a few of questions our group asked as our lively conversation burned up the 'meeting clock.' Here is Chip's note:

I want to thank everyone for participating, especially for asking such great questions. It was an inspiration to me--really made me think! So I'd like to share a few thoughts since I've had a chance to "sleep on it."

First, Paul's question about which of the climate bills to urge our Congressional reps to support: At this time, I think Waxman-Markey is best. Actually, in consideration of the astronomical problem of climate change, all of the bills are far too weak. However, I agree with what several people said: We have to get something passed as a starting point. So, that being the case, I think W-M is best, and these are my reasons:

Unlike Kerry-Lieberman, W-M contains no incentives for off-shore drilling and indeed is fairly hard on the oil industry in terms of regulation. Also, W-M is less encouraging to nuclear technology than K-L, and the nuclear technology it does promote--Thorium-fueled--is much safer than the conventional U-235, U-238 technology currently used in all U.S. nuclear facilities. (By the way, I should say here that neither I nor the Sierra Club believes nuclear generation is necessary. The electric utilities have been fear-mongering that we absolutely must have nuclear to replace coal and gas base-load generation; but the electrical engineers and physicists I have discussed the issue with believe we will soon be able to meet all our needs with renewables only, with no nuclear--particularly with the implementation of all the available energy efficiency we are not currently taking advantage of.)

W-M could be improved by bringing in some of the provisions in Cantwell-Collins regarding carbon shares trading. C-C restricts trading to the 7,000-8,000 actual companies regulated under the cap and trade part of the bill. I may be wrong, but I believe neither W-M nor K-L have such restrictions. Also, C-C may be better in terms of how the auction works. C-C is 100% of shares auctioned, with 75% of proceeds going back to consumers to offset higher energy costs. W-M would allocate about 50% of the shares free to industry at the start of the program, but the number of free shares would be reduced later. As Robert Stavins of Harvard's Belfer Institute has argued at the following link, it may be debatable whether free allocation or 100% auction is preferable:

http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/analysis/stavins/?tag=waxman-markey-legislation

On first look, 100% would seem preferable. However, when companies must compete for a limited number of carbon shares, the shares would soon achieve a value in the marketplace. Remember that each share permits the production of one ton of greenhouse gas (GHG--CO2 equivalent).

In answer to Bob Merrill's question about auctioning, in all three bills a committee would assess the value of carbon and establish a minimum bid in much the same way as an auctioneer starts bidding with a minimum bid. W-M and K-L both contain assessments of the relative value of shares to the coal, oil, and natural gas industries, in which coal receives an assessment in terms of amount of GHG produced per kilowatt hour of about $0.0004 per kilowatt hour (kWh), oil about $0.0003/kWh, and natural gas about $0.0002/kWh. Thus, to produce the same amount of power, it would be twice as expensive for coal to buy shares as for natural gas. Renewables, which produce no GHG (except in terms of back-up natural gas and maintenance vehicles, etc.) but cost more to build and maintain, would not have to buy shares and thus would be able to compete in the marketplace with cheaper coal, oil, and natural gas and would, if all goes according to plan, eventually replace the non-renewable GHG producers.

All three bills are much more than cap and trade bills, they contain many provisions to encourage energy efficiency, including inexpensive loans and other incentives. There are may provisions to fund research on vehicles, engines, and fuels. There are many provisions to encourage green jobs and to prepare the work force to fill those green jobs.

A couple of final points:

When discussing climate change at the office water cooler with a climate change denier, remember to remind him/her of the facts: Atmospheric GHG has increased 25% since 1958 when Keeling first started measuring it. GHG retains solar and other heat in the atmosphere. Increase atmospheric CO2 has also increased the acidity of the oceans by about 30%, which of course changes the marine ecosystem dramatically.

Also remember what Paul said about what George Lakoff says about framing your message. As I understand it Lakoff says you have to understand the frame through which your audience sees the world in order to frame your message in a way that will be most effective. The problem is that climate change deniers may not see the world in terms of facts--which sadly blows my fact-based argument out of the water. These folks often see the world in terms of authority and in terms of faith in either religion or personality. So I don't have a plan that will be effective on these irrational authority-based folks. I'll give it some thought. In the meantime, please do all you can to persuade the fact-based reality people to get to the polls and vote for reason-based candidates.

How do you persuade a person who believes the economy is more important than climate change--in other words, a Meg Whitman voter and Proposition 23 voter? I like to take them for a ride in my little spaceship. First, we go out to the Moon and look back at blue Earth and note that it might soon be turning brown due to our addiction to our reckless addiction to fossil fuels. Then we get back in the spaceship and go on out to Pluto and look back at Earth again and discuss what a tiny flyspeck it is in the immense cosmos and how unimportant the world economy is in the face of the inexorable physical and chemical laws that govern this vast infinitude. Finally, we discuss how we do not get to vote for these inexorable laws. Even our high and mighty political representatives do not get a vote. We don't get a vote, but nevertheless these laws determine our lives here on our still beautiful little planet, which Voltaire called a "tas de boue," or "little mud pile" in Micromegas. Climate change is one example of how these inexorable physical laws that we don't get to vote on govern our lives. We cannot tell the universe what to do, so we had better learn to live according to its laws. If we don't, we will become part of the sixth extinction on this planet, which got along fine without us Homo sapiens (Home stultans?) for about 4 billion years. It may be better off without us unless we learn to live less arrogantly and within our means.

If anyone wants to read the bills, they are available on the Thomas database at the Library of Congress at the following web site. You can search using the bill numbers: H.R. 2454 (W-M), S. 1733 (K-L), and S. 2877 (C-C). Be sure to click "bill number" in the window just below "Enter Search":

http://thomas.loc.gov/home/LegislativeData.php?&n=BSS&c=111

If you have any questions, please send them.

-- Chip Ashley
wattsvalleypreservation@gmail.com

From OFA: An update about healthcare reform

2010-07-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

From our member Linda Traynor comes this, an update from Organizing for America (OFA) on the status of the recently passed Affordable Care Act, that healthcare-reform bill for which we all burned up shoe leather and phone lines to ensure passage. According to OFA, implementation of the first phase represents a new opportunity to convince the skeptics. From OFA:

A new bill of rights for patients is starting to take effect, and the worst abuses of the insurance industry are coming to an end. As the President recently announced, the Patient's Bill of Rights will ban rescission of coverage, stop discrimination against children with pre-existing conditions, and place restrictions on annual limits.

This is an incredibly important first step for reform, and we need your help. We've put together an information sheet that breaks down exactly what the Patient's Bill of Rights does. To start spreading the word in your own community, print it out and pass it along to your friends, post in your local coffee shop and grocery store, or bring it along with you when going door-to-door.

For more information, visit the Organizing for America healthcare issue website at http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/benefitsofreform?source=issues.

Water Issues film series begins tonight, July 7

2010-07-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

At last night's Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting, V4CF Water Team leader Dr. Bob Merrill invited all members to learn more about the history of water issues by attending a six-part Water Film series, sponsored by the Valley Water Consortium and the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno.

The series begins with 'The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?,' a documentary about the Southwest's history of conflict over water, and how that situation will only get worse unless the conflicts between population, agriculture, and environmental needs are balanced. 'American Southwest' is scheduled 7 p.m. today, July 7, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial Ave. in Fresno.Admission to all films in the series is free.

The series continues until Aug. 11, with the following films:

July 14- Chinatown – The movie (Rated R)
July 21- Cadillac Desert – How LA stole the Owens River
July 28- A Land Between Rivers – (Fresno County)
Aug. 4- Tales of the San Joaquin and Cadillac Desert – Part 3 (The San Joaquin Valley)
Aug. 11- FLOW (Global Privatization of Water)

The film series "is meant to improve our understanding of water and its related issues and to provoke thoughtful conversation and discussion based on facts,' according to the event's sponsors. "To succeed at this goal, discussion leaders will try to focus the discussions and attempt to make certain that varying perspectives are heard."

For more information, call (559) 434-8046 or (559) 313-7674.

Numbers assigned to fall-ballot propositions

2010-07-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

From the Sacramento Bee’s ‘Capitol Alert’ column:

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen has announced the numbers assigned to those ten measures that have qualified for the November ballot. Here is the line up:

Proposition 18 – Water bond.
Proposition 19 – Legalize and tax marijuana.
Proposition 20 – Redistricting for Congress.
Proposition 21 – Vehicle license fee for parks.
Proposition 22 - Bans state from borrowing or redirecting local funds.
Proposition 23 – Suspends AB32.
Proposition 24 – Repeals corporate tax benefits.
Proposition 25 – Majority vote for passing a budget.
Proposition 26 – Two-thirds vote for approving fees.
Proposition 27 – Eliminates redistricting commission.

'Path to Clean Energy' to be the topic of V4CF general meeting July 6

2010-07-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

Guest speaker Chip Ashley will bring us up to speed on current efforts to bring forth clean energy legislation both nationally and locally at our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, in the large community room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

Also on our agenda:

Our usual bevy of possible community service projects, including those from the Community Food Bank and others;
Our plans for Crop Walk; and
A quick raffle, the prize being an amazingly fashionable and valued Volunteers For Change-Fresno T-shirt.

As always, our meeting will include some fun and some lively 'networking time.' All members and their guests are welcome to attend... and we hope to see you there!

July opportunities at Community Food Bank

2010-06-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

Essential Services Health Fair and Food Distribution

June 5, 2010

Madera, CA

The Community Food Bank is continuing its efforts to feed those in need of food throughout the summer months. We are looking for volunteers to join us in July for the next outreach event. V4CF hopes to show up with 10+ volunteers wearing our Volunteers For Change Fresno T-Shirts to distribute food.

If you are interested in volunteering for the July distribution, please see the details as follows:

Event: Essential Services Health Fair and Food Distribution

Date: July 17, 2010 (Saturday)

Time: 9am - 4pm
(Please note that the distribution hours are 10am - 2pm. Last month we were able to leave by 3pm.)

Location: Kerckhoff Park
15061 W. G St.
Kerman, CA 93630
http://www.cityofkerman.net/park_kerckhoffpark.html

Please contact Kris Arden at 978-1736 or kkarden@yahoo.com to sign up for this event.
Carpools can be arranged if needed.

V4CF's Dr. Bob Merrill: Small-government conservatives 'deluded' about solutions

2010-06-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

V4CF's own Dr. Bob Merrill hit another important nail on the head with a letter to the editor published Sunday, June 6, in the Fresno Bee. In his letter, Dr. Merrill states:

How will a smaller government aid Gulf Coast citizens whose marine environment and economic base has been destroyed, resulting in a lack of work for years to come? Believing in smaller government while population grows is akin to believing you'll win the lottery.

In the full text of this letter, he's calling you out, 'small-government' conservatives. And he's doing so most correctly. Given the problems we're facing, from the BP Oil Spill to global warming, if government-based actions are always so inappropriate, where exactly should the solutions for those problems come from? We're waiting...

Food for thought, folks. And kudos to Dr. Merrill on speaking out on the issue so powerfully!

Who we are, and what we're all about

2010-06-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

So... what is Volunteers For Change-Fresno? Who are we? And what are we all about? This 'get fired up' video from our Election Day Anniversary celebration should explain things.

Want to join us? You can join V4CF through this online form, or by sending us an an e-mail message. The cost is only time and passion; the payback is the Change you demand.

Community Food Bank Report & Upcoming Events

2010-05-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the members who came out to the Community Food Bank on May 15th.

That day we packed boxes that will be distributed on June 5th at the Essential Services Health Faire & Food Distribution. Volunteers for Change Fresno is signed up to work at that event, so it will be exciting to give out the boxes that we all packed together.

We need a big group of people to participate on at the Essential Services Health Fair & Food Distribution. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Kris Arden at kkarden@yahoo.com or 978-1736

Event Details:

Essential Services Health Faire & Food Distribution

9:00am - 4:00pm (Shifts may be available - TBA)

John W. Wells Youth Center
701 E. 5th St.
Madera, CA

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Kris Arden.

Primary election the topic of June V4CF meeting

2010-05-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

The June 8 primary election will be the primary topic (no pun intended) of our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, in the large community room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

At the meeting, members and guests will be invited to share their own views on the candidates running for various offices in the primary, the ballot propositions, and more. We'll also have brief presentations on GOTV efforts, Pride Day, and our usual bevy of volunteer opportunities.

Our usual fun and camaraderie will be included, of course, at no extra charge. We hope to see you there!

Several V4CF members to participate in 'Day of Action' May 22

2010-05-18T11:06:00.001-07:00

Now as you know, Volunteers For Change-Fresno is not in the business or endorsing specific candidates; instead, we tend to focus on specific issues and on volunteer activities.

Still, we'd have to be living under a rock to somehow miss that the California Primary Elections are just days away, scheduled Tuesday, June 8. And since we're indeed living but see no granite, shale or marble above our collective heads, we did want to pass along word about an activity in which several Volunteers For Change-Fresno members plan to participate.

The event? It's called 'Day of Action,' and it'll involve precinct walking and phone banking in support of three local candidates friendly to our positions on our core issues. Scheduled 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 22, 'Day of Action' will allow volunteers to hit the streets in support of:

Henry T. Perea, running for State Assembly District 31;
Cynthia Sterling, running for Board of Supervisors District 1; and
Oliver Baines, running for Fresno City Council District 3, who's spoken with V4CF on several occasions about both his candidacy and the annual Santa's Village event.

At the 'Day of Action,' each candidate is scheduled speak about the issues in their respective campaigns beginning at 11 a.m. An afternoon of phone banking and precinct walking for each of the candidates will follow, with a ‘Thank You Barbecue’ for participating volunteers scheduled at 3 p.m. To join in the Day of Action, RSVP by calling (559) 447-2578.

In the meantime, if there's a candidate's event for which you'd like to invite V4CF members' participation, send us the details at v4cfresno@yahoo.com.

Generation Green 2010 Report

2010-05-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

On April 24th, Erik Nodacker and Kris Arden participated in Generation Green 2010 sponsored by Hands On Central California. The event kick-off took place at 8:00am at Woodward Park.

Kris and Erik worked on a milk thistle removal project with the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust at the Jensen River Ranch. Despite the heat, prickly plants, and bugs, Kris and Erik enjoyed the event.

While working on the project, they noticed many large red beetles in the field. The project leader told them that the beetles were an endangered beetle called Elderberry Beetles. The plot of land we cleared has been set aside to help restore plant species native, such as the elderberry plant, to the San Joaquin River area.

After the event, Erik and Kris enjoyed eating a well-deserved frozen yogurt at the shopping center across the street from Woodward Park.

COMMUNITY FOOD BANK UPDATE!

2010-05-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for V4CF members to participate at upcoming Community Food Bank distributions.
Be sure to bring a friend and wear your V4CF T-Shirt!

UPCOMING COMMUNITY FOOD BANK EVENTS & DATES

Essential Services Health Faire & Food Distributions:
Date: Saturday, June 5th
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Madera, CA (Exact location TBA)

Community Volunteer Program:
Location: Community Food Bank (3403 E. Central Avenue, Fresno, CA 93725)
Dates & Times:
Saturday, May 15 8:00am - 10:30am
Saturday, June 19 10:30am - 1:00pm
Saturday, July 17 10:30am - 1:00pm

Please contact Kris Arden at kkarden@yahoo.com or 978-1736 to sign up for any of the dates listed above.

June ballot propositions the topic at next V4CF meeting May 4

2010-04-29T09:03:00.001-07:00

The five propositions on the June 8 ballot will be the topic of our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, in the large community room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

Guest speaker Don Larson will give us a breakdown on each of the June 8 propositions:

Property Tax: New Construction Exclusion: Seismic Retrofitting;
Elections: Open Primaries;
Political Reform Act of 1974: California Fair Elections Act of 2008;
New Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Local Public Electricity Providers. Initiative Constitutional Amendment; (referred to by many as the 'PG&E Revenue Enhancement Act' ;-)
Allows Auto Insurance Companies to Base Their Prices in Part on a Driver’s History of Insurance Coverage. Initiative Statute.

We'll also present information about coming volunteer opportunities in the Fresno area, with our usual fun and camaraderie included. We hope to see you there!

Help voters register: 'Adopt A Post Office'

2010-04-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

One of the ways potential voters can register is by picking up a voter-registration form at their local Post Office. But as our member Ruth Afifi reports, Post Offices do not always seem to have the forms available.

To alleviate this problem, and to assist those who wish to register, Ruth is asking Volunteers For Change-Fresno members to 'Adopt A Post Office.'

For some time now, Ruth has been visiting her local Post Office to ensure two things: that her Post Office has an appropriate supply of voter-registration forms, and that they keep those forms in an easy-to-access location. Ruth has also taken responsibility for delivering new supplies of forms to her Post Office when they run out.

Her efforts have been immensely helpful to those wishing to register. But with dozens of Post Offices scattered throughout the Fresno metropolitan area, it's indeed a task for which no number of helping hands would be 'too many.'

Want to help? To 'Adopt A Post Office':

First check out the list of Post Offices on the USPS website.
Then, contact V4CF via e-mail at v4cfresno@yahoo.com with your name, your e-mail address, and the address of the Post Office you'd like to adopt.

V4CF will get that information to our member Ruth Afifi, who will assist you in making sure your adopted Post Office keeps an appropriate supply of forms. Questions? Contact us via e-mail.

Join V4CF at 'Earth Day' events April 24

2010-04-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

As announced at our general meeting April 6, Volunteers For Change-Fresno invites it members to participate in a pair of Earth Day events scheduled Saturday, April 24.

In the first event, 'Generation Green 2010,' participants will help with several environmental restoration projects near the Jensen River Ranch, helping to rid the area of invasive species and restore the area. To participate, meet at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 24, at Woodward Park in Fresno for the Generation Green kickoff event. Participants will leave from there with their 'restoration parties' and head to the Jensen River Ranch. For more information or to volunteer, contact Kris Arden at kkarden@yahoo.com or (559) 978-1736. Wear your boots and your 'Volunteers For Change-Fresno' t-shirts, and count on getting dirty.

The second event, 'Fresno Earth Day 2010,' will feature speakers, live music, kid's activities, workshops, demonstrations and more, all designed to help people learn more about environmental sustainability and environmental justice. Sponsored by Fresno Pacific University, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno and GreenFresno.org, the event is scheduled 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2672 E. Alluvial Ave. in Clovis. The event is open to the public, and admission is free.

What will healthcare reform mean for me?

2010-04-09T23:38:00.001-07:00

As announced at our general meeting April 6, several organizations have made available free, online calculators designed to show what impact the passage of healthcare reform will have.

The first, and one of the easiest to use, comes from the Washington Post. Visit their calculator at http://www.washingtonpost.com/healthcaretool, enter your information, and watch for its answer.

The website for the Henry T. Kaiser Family Foundation at http://www.kff.org offers a great recap of the provisions in the bill, as well as a timeline for implementation of various provisions. They also have an online healthcare calculator available, should you want to see their assessment of the legislation's impact.

Community Food Bank volunteer opportunities now include Saturdays

2010-04-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

V4CF is proud to announce several Saturday opportunities to work with the Community Food Bank.

Essential Services Health Faire & Food Distributions
We need 15 people 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 13, to distribute meal boxes and produce in Kerman. (More details to follow.)

Community Volunteer Program
Groups come and work together at the Community Food Bank packing meal boxes, bulk food, and bagging produce. The following opportunities remain available:

May 15, 8-10:30 a.m.
June 19, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 17, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

More dates to be posted in the future. If you are interested in participating on any of these dates, please contact Kris Arden at kkarden@yahoo.com or (559) 978-1736.

Community Alliance's Mike Rhodes to speak at next V4CF meeting April 6

2010-03-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Mike Rhodes, editor and publisher of Fresno's Community Alliance newspaper, will be the featured speaker at our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, in the large community room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

At our meeting, Mike plans to speak about the history of the Community Alliance, Fresno's premier progressive newspaper. Mike will also address the topic of homelessness in Fresno, with his emphasis placed on possible compassionate actions people can take in support of Fresno's homeless population.

Also on our agenda:

A wrap-up of the battle for healthcare reform;
An array of possible community service projects, including those from the Community Food Bank and others;
A variety of possible 'issues actions,' including ways to help build bridges across an increasingly deep political divide in our country; and
An opportunity to meet at least one candidate running for office.

As always, our meeting will include some fun and some lively 'networking time.' All members and their guests are welcome to attend... and we hope to see you there!

'Restore Democracy to California' petitions due by April 5

2010-03-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder: If you've been collecting petition signatures for the 'Restore Democracy to California act,' those signed petitions are due back in by Monday, April 5.

Please return petitions bearing the signatures to:

Gary Lasky
4677 N. Safford Ave.
Fresno, CA 93704

Time to hit the phones... to say 'thank you'

2010-03-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

From our member Connie Peterson comes this:

Suggestion: I think it is almost as important as all our efforts to move (Rep. Jim) Costa, to now encourage V4CF members to call his office and THANK HIM for his vote in support of Healthcare Reform.

Great idea, Connie! Here are those numbers to call:

Rep. Costa's Fresno office: (559) 495-1620
Rep. Costa's Washington, D.C. office: (202) 225-3341

Of interest: Fresno Bee chides Devin Nunes for his recent rhetoric

2010-03-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm... an interesting editorial from today's Fresno Bee:

EDITORIAL: Passion is productive, Nunes' rhetoric is not

Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, has been a passionate advocate of conservative causes, and his votes reflect the majority of his constituents in the 21st District. But as the Democratic-controlled Congress has been successful in pushing its agenda, the rhetoric from Nunes has become increasingly more strident.

In recent days, Nunes said the passage of the health-care bill will cause the "total destruction of the country," compared President Barack Obama with Iraq's Saddam Hussein and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and defended protesters who launched epithets at Democrats who supported the reform bill.

As an elected leader, Nunes should be setting an example of how to vigorously debate an issue he doesn't agree with. That's how our democracy is supposed to work. But Nunes' reckless rhetoric is a signal to his supporters that it's just fine to use inappropriate language on your opponents.

This kind of language has contributed to one of the most divisive political times in our history. One not only must disagree with his political opponents, but must also hate them.

For details, read the full editorial on the Bee's website at http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/03/23/1869515/passion-is-productive-nunes-rhetoric.html#ixzz0j7B0emQZ.

Scenes from Sunday's Peace and Justice Festival

2010-03-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Volunteers For Change-Fresno booth was indeed a busy place at this year's Peace and Justice Festival, held Sunday, March 21, at the Fresno Fairgrounds. More than a thousand people attended the Festival, and many of those attendees either stopped by the V4CF booth or met one of our representatives as they circulated, taking a moment to learn more about our group and to sign the 'Restore Democracy to California' petition.

Many thanks to Kris Arden, Nancy Griesser, Wendy Negri, Ruth Afifi, Erik Nodacker, Linda Traynor and all the others who helped to make the day a great success. Here's how it looked:

President Obama signs healthcare reform into law

2010-03-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

From MSNBC.com:

President Barack Obama capped a yearlong political drama Tuesday, signing into law a landmark health care reform bill that had been seen as impossible just two months ago.

The president said the law "will set into motion what a generation of Americans have fought for."

He said he was confident the Senate would make fixes to the legislation "swiftly."

Obama paid tribute to what he called the "historic leadership and uncommon courage" of the members of Congress who pushed ahead with the measure amid the often heated debate. He also hailed the new law, saying it helps lift a "decades-long drag" on the economy.

For details, read the full story on MSNBC.com at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35999823/ns/politics-health_care_reform/

So, what's in the healthcare reform bill?

2010-03-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

From our member Ruth Afifi comes this, a most succinct summary of what the healthcare reform bill is designed to do:

10 million of the most struggling Americans will be covered by Medicaid
We will provide subsidies to help working class Americans afford their insurance
Americans with preexisting conditions will immediately have access to insurance through a high risk pool
Insurers will be required to spend at least 85% of premiums on care
Reform will reduce the federal deficit by $1.3 trillion over the next twenty years
There will be tax credits this year to help small businesses give their employees health insurance
Health care reform will end denial of coverage because of preexisting conditions, first for children and later for all adults
We will prohibit lifetime caps on benefits
Insurance companies will be unable to drop you from your coverage because you get sick

Medicare will see multiple improvements:

We will immediately begin closing the Medicare donut hole
We will immediately remove copays for preventative care
We require Medicare Advantage plans to spend at least 85% of premiums on care
We extended the solvency of Medicare by many years

The summary comes from a larger article on the Daily Kos website written by Rep. Louise Slaughter. For more details, read the full article at http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/3/23/849607/-A-Transparent-Process-to-a-Great-Accomplishment

'This is what change looks like.'

2010-03-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov:

After a historic vote in the House to send healthcare reform to the President, he speaks to all Americans on the change they will finally see as they are given back control over their own health care.

If the viewscreen above is not visible, President Obama's remarks can be viewed at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/03/22/what-change-looks.

The House passes healthcare reform! But it's not quite over yet...

2010-03-21T21:31:00.001-07:00

Yes, the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Obama's healthcare-reform bill yesterday, by a vote of 219-210 and after more than a year of constant effort. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden applauded as the House announced the bill's passage.

But there is still much work to be done. CNN.com has a great outline of what comes next. It's not over yet. From CNN:

Washington (CNN) -- Now that the House has passed the Senate's health care reform bill and a package meant to reconcile differences between the House and Senate bills, the next step is for members of the Senate to sign off on those changes. That won't be as easy as it sounds.

Senate Republicans have indicated they will use any and all legislative tactics in order to slow -- even stop -- the reconciliation bill from passing.

For details, read the full story on CNN.com.

Costa, Cardoza announce they'll vote 'yea'

2010-03-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Looks like that rally and those phone calls did some good. Check this out... from the Fresno Bee:

WASHINGTON – Reps. Dennis Cardoza of Merced and Jim Costa of Fresno declared today that they will support a $940 billion health-care reform package, moving their fellow Democrats much closer to the finish line.

With the House scheduled to vote on the massive bill Sunday, Cardoza and Cardoza separately concluded the legislation would benefit San Joaquin Valley residents at a reasonable cost. Both praised specific health coverage reforms as well as projections that the bill would reduce the federal budget deficit.

The Final Push: Join us at a Rally for Healthcare Reform March 18, outside Rep. Costa's office

2010-03-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Volunteers For Change-Fresno -- along with HCAN, several unions and other allies in the Central Valley Healthcare Reform Coalition -- invites you to join us at a Rally For Healthcare Reform scheduled 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, March 18, outside the office of Rep. Jim Costa at 855 M Street in downtown Fresno.

This rally is part of a final push to pass President Obama's healthcare-reform vision before the Fall elections.

At last report, Rep. Jim Costa remains a holdout against reform despite overwhelming support among his constituents for those reforms. At the rally we'll make our voices heard, encouraging Rep. Costa to listen to his constituents and support his district's need for meaningful healthcare reform. And of course, we'll remind him (should he not follow his constituents' wishes) that we do indeed vote.

Bring signs to the Rally, or use those the Coalition will provide. Consider bringing quarters to pay for metered parking, or use mass transit to get there. But most important, make your voice heard.

This is it. Time to Be the Change!

Healthcare reform: It's time once again to hit the phones and encourage Rep. Costa. Repeatedly.

2010-03-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

From the Central Valley Healthcare Reform Coalition -- comprised of we at Volunteers For Change-Fresno, HCAN, several trade unions and other healthcare-reform supporters -- comes this Call to Action:

If you support meaningful healthcare reform, we need your help now.

Beginning now until his vote is cast, call Congressman Jim Costa to ask if he plans to vote YES on healthcare reform.

Voting YES on the House version of the Senate Health Reform Bill plus the Reconciliation Bill would mean more affordable coverage options, would end discrimination for preexisting conditions, and would bring greater accountability to the prevention of insurance industry abuses.

Rep. Costa's Fresno office: (559) 495-1620
Rep. Costa's Washington, D.C. office: (202) 225-3341

A YES vote is a vote for the American public! A NO vote is a vote for the insurance companies!

Okay, V4CF: We've done it before. Let's do it again. Let's smile and dial! And let's Be the Change!

'Restore Democracy to California' petition now available for signing right at home

2010-03-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

With Volunteers For Change-Fresno members working to gather signatures needed to get the California Democracy Act (a.k.a. the 'Lakoff Petition' or the 'Majority Rule' initiative) on the ballot this November, we thought we'd share this update from Californians For Democracy, the organization coordinating these efforts:

The California Democracy Act is a simple, 14-word initiative that would end the 2/3 rule that has left the state in the hands of a minority of legislators who have prevented the government from doing what it was created to do: protecting and empowering its residents:

"All legislative actions on revenue and budget must be determined by a majority vote."

Want to help? Californians for Democracy will now accept what they call 'single-signature petitions.' What this means is people interested in supporting this initiative can now print, sign and mail the petition from their own homes. Here's how:

Download the petition and print it. Do not shrink or enlarge it; print it only at 100%, single sided, on white, 8.5" x 11" paper only. Please be sure to follow the printing and mailing instructions carefully.

Sign the petition and mail it to the campaign. Mailing instructions are included on the petition document itself.

Why is this important? Because we believe the 2/3 rule is largely responsible for the deterioration of California—K-12 education, the state colleges and universities, the state parks, the social service net, the transportation infrastructure—the list of essential services that are not getting adequate funding goes on. California could raise money by taxing oil extraction (as they do in Texas and Alaska), taxing the super-rich (the state has more than its share) and other measures that would not burden most of us. But as few as 14 people in the State Senate can stop any of these progressive actions—and they do, over and over again.

Time is of the essence. After April 5, it will be too late to get on the November ballot and we will need to start all over again. And California just can't wait.

For more information, contact V4CF member Ruth Afifi via e-mail, or visit the California For Democracy website at http://californiansfordemocracy.com/.

Much to happen at our V4CF meeting March 9

2010-03-04T20:23:00.000-08:00

A lot is happening in the Fresno community, and with March finally upon us, it's time once again to gather our group and find our common direction.

In that spirit, we invite you to attend our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, in the large community room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

Our meeting agenda includes:

A wrap-up of last month's 'Taking Stock' conversation;
An array of possible community service projects, including those from the Community Food Bank and from Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life;
A variety of possible 'issues actions,' including actions in support of public education, the Peace and Justice Festival, and the California Majority petition campaign; and
An opportunity to meet at least one candidate running for Fresno City Council.

As always, we'll follow our meeting with some quality 'networking time.' All members and their guests are welcome to attend... and we hope to see you there!

V4CF's Dr. Bob Merrill discusses water issues on Valley Public Radio

2010-03-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

From our member Patience Milrod comes this:

(V4CF Water Team leader) Bob Merrill was on KVPR's Quality of Life program this morning, speaking quite knowledgeably and compellingly about water issues. If someone can send him a high five, I'd appreciate it--he did a great job!

From all of us at V4CF, a high-five to you, Dr. Bob! If anyone missed the show, you can hear it in its entirety as an MP3 file available on the KVPR website.

Healthcare reform: President Obama calls upon Congress to get it done

2010-03-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov, published March 3:

Today the President made it clear that he intends to move forward on reform to put Americans in control of their health care, and explained once again why:

Democrats and Republicans agree that this is a serious problem for America. And we agree that if we do nothing -– if we throw up our hands and walk away -– it’s a problem that will only grow worse.

The President also confronted the fact that there is a fundamental disagreement on how to deal with some core elements of the problem. Explaining that just as he has rejected one extreme of the spectrum that calls for an actual government takeover of health care, so too does he disagree with the other side:

On the other end of the spectrum, there are those, and this includes most Republicans in Congress, who believe the answer is to loosen regulations on the insurance industry -- whether it's state consumer protections or minimum standards for the kind of insurance they can sell. The argument is, is that that will somehow lower costs. I disagree with that approach. I'm concerned that this would only give the insurance industry even freer rein to raise premiums and deny care.

So I don't believe we should give government bureaucrats or insurance company bureaucrats more control over health care in America. I believe it's time to give the American people more control over their health care and their health insurance. I don't believe we can afford to leave life-and-death decisions about health care to the discretion of insurance company executives alone. I believe that doctors and nurses and physician assistants like the ones in this room should be free to decide what's best for their patients.

The President spoke at length about the merits of his proposal, from ending insurance company abuses, to the fact that it is paid for will reduce the deficit (concepts largely abandoned in recent years), to the fact that 30 million people will be covered and millions of middle class families will be able to afford the peace of mind of quality insurance for the first time.

He also called for an up or down vote in the next few weeks just as has been given to many health care bills before and to the Bush tax cuts, pledging that “from now until then, I will do everything in my power to make the case for reform.”

He closed with an explanation of what is motivating him:

So at stake right now is not just our ability to solve this problem, but our ability to solve any problem. The American people want to know if it's still possible for Washington to look out for their interests and their future. They are waiting for us to act. They are waiting for us to lead. And as long as I hold this office, I intend to provide that leadership. I do not know how this plays politically, but I know it's right. And so I ask Congress to finish its work, and I look forward to signing this reform into law.

For details, read the full article at Whitehouse.gov, or watch President Obama's remarks on video below. If the viewscreen below is not visible, the video is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/03/03/moving-forward-put-american-people-ahead-insurance-companies.

Save the Date: Next V4CF general meeting scheduled Tuesday, March 9

2010-02-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update: Our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting is scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, in the large meeting room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

Stay tuned for our agenda!

Volunteers needed to staff V4CF booth at 'Peace and Justice Festival' March 21

2010-02-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

Volunteers For Change-Fresno will indeed have a booth at PeaceFresno's 'Peace and Justice Festival,' scheduled 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at the Fresno Fairgrounds.

At our booth, we plan to tell visitors about V4CF's mission and vision, all while seeking to meet like-minded people who are open to working for the Change we seek. We'll also offer Festival visitors the chance to sign the 'Restore Democracy to California' petition.

To be an effective presence there, we need another five to ten volunteers to staff the booth during the Festival. We also need volunteers to help with booth set-up and teardown.

Want to help? Contact V4CF via e-mail at v4cfresno@yahoo.com. In your message, please specify whether you prefer to assist earlier or later in the day. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register now for the 'Central Valley Water Forum,' scheduled Saturday, March 13

2010-02-12T01:01:00.000-08:00

At our January meeting, Volunteers For Change-Fresno's Water Issues team leader Dr. Bob Merrill described some of the issues surrounding water here in the Central Valley.

With those issues so numerous and complex, Dr. Merrill encouraged V4CF members to learn more at the 'Central Valley Water Forum: Facts vs. Fictions,' an event scheduled 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Forum Hall in the Social Science Building of the Fresno City College campus.

With more than a dozen presenters, the Central Valley Water Forum promises a 'home-grown gathering that will provide residents a space to understand the issues and prepare for the tough decisions ahead that will define our Valley’s future.' Admission is free, box lunches will be available for $6, but prospective attendees must register to reserve their space.

Want to learn more? Full details including the schedule of presentations are available through the Community Alliance website and through our friends at RevivetheSanJoaquin.com. To ensure your seat, download and complete the registration form as soon as possible.

On behalf of V4CF, thanks again to Dr. Bob Merrill for keeping us informed about this set of issues!

V4CF members helping to circulate 'Restore Democracy to California' petition

2010-02-11T20:31:00.000-08:00

Volunteers For Change-Fresno members are helping to circulate a petition to restore democracy to the way the California legislature votes on the budget.

The California Democracy Act, which will be an initiative on the November ballot, states 'All legislative actions on revenue and budget must be determined by majority vote.' By changing two words in the State Constitution from the current "two thirds" vote requirement to a "majority," this reform will stop gridlock in the legislature, where for many years a small minority has held the majority hostage over the budget -- with disastrous consequences for the state. For more information, see http://www.californiansfordemocracy.com/

A statewide petition drive is seeking one million signatures by mid-April. If you would like to sign the petition, contact V4CF members Ruth Afifi or Nancy Griesser via e-mail. To help circulate the petition, please contact Gary Lasky via e-mail.

'Taking Stock' the topic of our next V4CF general meeting Tuesday, Feb. 9

2010-02-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

A 'Taking Stock' discussion will be the main topic at our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the large meeting room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

After more than a year of hard work on the part of our Volunteers, and in the wake of President Obama's recent 'State of the Union' address, it's time for V4CF to take stock of where we've been, to examine what's on our agenda, and to determine we go from here. Shall we reaffirm our priorities? What additional tasks should we take on this year? And how can we keep working on those goals not yet fully realized? With your help, all can be decided at our Tuesday meeting.

Can't make it? Drop us a line at v4cfresno@yahoo.com, and let us know what you think should be a V4CF priority this year. We hope to see you there Tuesday!

President Obama takes on the U.S. House GOP

2010-01-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

From our member Ruth Afifi comes this, a video recap of President Obama's conversation Jan. 29 with members of the U.S. House GOP at the annual Republican retreat. When was the last time we saw a President speak so honestly and openly -- let along attempt to achieve an actual exchange of ideas -- with the members of the opposition party?

In his book The Audacity of Hope, then Senator Obama stated one of his goals of changing the way Washington D.C. works. Honest and open conversations like this one may indeed be an important first step toward that goal. (Kudos to Ruth Afifi for passing along the link!)

Volunteers needed to assist with replantings at 'Be A Stick In the Mud Day' Feb. 6

2010-01-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

Interested in volunteering at the San Joaquin Valley River Parkway? Here's your chance. Join V4CF members at Be a Stick in the Mud Day, scheduled 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 6. During the event, volunteers will prepare and plant Willow and Cottonwood pole cuttings at the Jensen River Ranch and the Spano River Ranch.

Volunteers will meet at 8:45 a.m. Feb 6 at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies, 11605 Old Friant Road in Fresno. Participating? Plan to wear footwear and clothing that can get muddy and wet.

This event is part of the Conservation River Stewards program, run by the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. Events are held on a monthly basis; if V4CF members enjoy this event, we'll have the opportunity to participate in future events San Joaquin River Parkway events.

Those interested in volunteering need to fill out a volunteer form before coming, available at www.riverparkway.org/pdf/VolunteerServiceAgreement.pdf. For more information, contact Kris Arden at (559) 978-1736 or via e-mail at kkarden@yahoo.com.

Breaking: California Senate approves single-payer healthcare

2010-01-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

Just saw this one cross the news wire. Is it time to put some pressure on the Governor? From Yahoo News:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Senate has approved creating a government-run health care system, ignoring a veto pledge from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Supporters say it is time for state legislatures to lead as the Obama administration's national health care proposal falters in Congress.

Thursday's move in the nation's most populous state comes after Massachusetts voters changed the calculus in Congress by electing a Republican to the Senate who opposes the pending plan.

Democrats are the majority in both houses of the California Legislature. The 40-member state Senate passed the single-payer plan on 22-14, party-line vote, sending it to the Assembly.

The Republican governor says he will veto the bill if it reaches his desk, as he has on two similar bills in the past.

Here's the story on the wire.

President Obama defines priorities in State of the Union address

2010-01-28T10:47:00.001-08:00

President Obama clearly defined his vision and priorities for 2010 in his State of the Union Address, delivered yesterday, Jan. 27. Here, from our friends at Whitehouse.gov, is a recap of the those priorities:

The President called on the Senate to pass a financial reform package. “A strong, healthy financial market makes it possible for businesses to access credit and create new jobs. It channels the savings of families into investments that raise incomes. But that can only happen if we guard against the same recklessness that nearly brought down our entire economy.” Essential reforms include measures to protect consumers and investors from financial abuse; close loopholes, raise standards, and create accountability for supervision of major financial firms; restrict the size and scope of financial institutions to reign in excesses and protect taxpayers and address the ‘too big to fail’ problem; and establish comprehensive supervision of financial markets.
A vision for a clean energy economy. “…to create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, and more incentives.” We will build on the historic $80 billion investment made through the Recovery Act. The President’s vision includes investments in important technologies to diversity our energy sources and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, including: the renewal of our nation’s nuclear energy industry after a 30-year hiatus, cutting edge biofuel and clean coal technologies, and additional offshore oil and gas drilling. To fully transition to a clean energy economy and create millions of new American jobs, we must pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation to promote energy independence and address climate change.
The President will continue his push to invest in the skills and education of our people. “This year, we have broken through the stalemate between left and right by launching a national competition to improve our schools. And the idea here is simple: instead of rewarding failure, we only reward success... In this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential.” The Obama Administration supports a new vision for increasing student achievement, delivering opportunity, and supporting excellence in America’s public schools. The President’s 2011 budget supports a new framework for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that will foster innovation, reward excellence, and promote reform in our schools, as well as invests an additional $1.35 billion to continue the historic Race to the Top program to open it up to districts in order to spur innovation and additional progress. At the same time, the Administration is moving to consolidate ineffective policies and practices. The President’s Budget eliminates six programs and consolidates 38 others into 11 new programs that emphasize using competition to allocate funds, giving communities more choices around activities, and using rigorous evidence to fund what works.
The President is committed to making college affordable for all Americans. “(I)n this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a good job.” To increase college access and completion, the Administration will make student loans more affordable by limiting a borrower’s payments to 10 percent of his/her income and forgives remaining debt after 20 years – 10 years for public service works. We will also make permanent the American Opportunity Tax Credit. The President urges the Senate to pass the American Graduation Initiative, which invests more than $10 billion over the next decade in reforming our nation’s community colleges, promoting college completion, and moving toward the President’s goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. The President is also asking colleges and universities to do their share to make college affordable for all Americans cutting their own costs.
The President is making investments to ensure that the middle class benefits from this economic recovery. “(T)he price of college tuition is just one of the burdens facing the middle class. That's why last year I asked Vice President Biden to chair a task force on middle-class families.” The President has outlined immediate steps to reduce the strain on family budgets and help middle class families manage their child and elder care responsibilities, save for retirement and pay for college. He will double the child tax credit this year, make it easier to save for retirement with automatic IRAs for workers without access to existing retirement plans, provide larger tax credits to match retirement savings for millions of additional workers, and provide new safeguards to protect retirement savings.
Changing the way we do business. “To close that credibility gap we have to take action on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to end the outsized influence of lobbyists; to do our work openly; to give our people the government they deserve.” The President has called for additional new lobbyist reforms, including enhanced disclosure of lobbyist contacts, strict campaign contribution limits by lobbyists, and a single earmark database, so American taxpayers find out what earmarks are being requested, and where their money is going.
Countering Citizens United. “I don't think American elections should be bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities.” Last week’s Supreme Court Citizen’s United decision opens the floodgates to special interests and foreign countries and companies bankrolling national campaigns. The President called for bipartisan support for legislation that will remedy the Supreme Court’s unprecedented and troubling decision.
The President stands by military families. “Tonight, all of our men and women in uniform...have to know that they have our respect, our gratitude, our full support.” The President’s 2011 budget announces significant new investments, totaling more than $8 billion, and protections for our nation’s military families, including increased military pay and housing allowances, increased funding for family support programs, expanded availability of affordable, high-quality child care, the renovation or replacement of schools, and expanded and improved care for wounded, ill and injured service members.
The President is establishing a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force. “We're going to crack down on violations of equal pay laws -– so that women get equal pay for an equal day's work.” To make sure we uphold our nation’s core commitment to equality of opportunity, the Obama Administration is implementing an Equal Pay initiative to improve compliance, public education, and enforcement of equal pay laws. The Task Force will ensure that the agencies with responsibility for equal pay enforcement are coordinating efforts and limiting potential gaps in enforcement. The Administration also continues to support the Paycheck Fairness Act, and is increasing funding for the agencies enforcing equal pay laws and other key civil rights statutes.
Immigration reform. “And we should continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system - to secure our borders and enforce our laws, and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nation.” The President is pleased Congress is taking steps forward on immigration reform that includes effective border security measures with a path for legalization for those who are willing to pay taxes and abide by the law. He is committed to confronting this problem in practical, effective ways, using the current tools at our disposal while we work with Congress to enact comprehensive reform.

The President will fight to recover the money American taxpayers spent to bailout the banks. “To recover the rest, I've proposed a fee on the biggest banks. Now, I know Wall Street isn't keen on this idea. But if these firms can afford to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back the taxpayers who rescued them in their time of need.” The President has proposed the Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee, which will require the largest and most highly leveraged Wall Street firms to pay back taxpayers and provide a deterrent against excessive leverage for the largest firms. The conservative estimate for the cost of TARP in the budget is $117 billion, but the Treasury Department expects it to be much less and the fee will be in place for a minimum of ten years or however long it takes to recoup every last penny to the American taxpayer.

The President recognizes that Small Businesses will be key to our nation’s economic recovery. “I'm proposing that we take $30 billion of the money Wall Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small businesses the credit they need to stay afloat. I'm also proposing a new small business tax credit – one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages.” To get small businesses growing again, and growing our economy, the President has proposed a range of provisions that include tax incentives to spur investment; expanded access to capital and growth opportunities to create jobs; and increased support for entrepreneurship to foster innovation. He is proposing an employment tax credit for small businesses to encourage hiring, eliminating capital gains taxes on small business investments, extending enhanced small business expensing, and transferring $30 billion in resources from TARP to a new program to help community and smaller banks give small businesses the credit they need. The President and members of his Administration will announce additional details in the coming weeks.
The President reiterates his support for continued investment in our nation’s infrastructure. “Tomorrow, I'll visit Tampa, Florida, where workers will soon break ground on a new high-speed railroad funded by the Recovery Act. There are projects like that all across this country that will create jobs and help move our nation's goods, services, and information.” Through the Recovery Act, we made the largest investment in our nation’s infrastructure since President Eisenhower called for the creation of our national highway system over half a century ago. In his speech, the President announced funding to make a down-payment on a new nationwide high-speed rail system being built in-part with ARRA dollars.
Tax breaks to keep jobs at home. “(I)t’s time to finally slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas, and give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in the United States of America.” The President has called for an end for tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas to help fund tax cuts – like making the R & E credit permanent – that reward companies for investing and creating jobs in the United States.
The President also called on the Senate to pass a jobs bill that he can sign. “The House has passed a jobs bill…. As the first order of business this year, I urge the Senate to do the same, and I know they will. People are out of work. They are hurting. They need our help. And I want a jobs bill on my desk without delay.” The bold and difficult steps the President took to stabilize the financial system have reduced the cost of TARP by more than $200 billion, providing additional resources for job creation and for deficit reduction. In December, the President outlined a package of targeted measures to help further stimulate private sector hiring, including measures to facilitate small business growth, green jobs and infrastructure. The House has passed strong legislation - it is time for the Senate to do the same.
We must invest in American ingenuity and innovation. “We need to encourage American innovation.” The Obama Innovation Agenda will get us closer to the President’s long-term goal of increasing combined private and public R&D investment to three percent of GDP. The Obama 2011 budget will move us closer to restoring America to first in the world in college completion; and invest in the next generation of scientists so we will not lag behind countries like China in science and engineering graduates. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
We need to export more of our goods around the world. “We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million jobs in America.” To meet this goal, we’re launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports and expand their markets. Details will be announced in the coming weeks, but the NEI includes the creation of the President’s Export Promotion Cabinet and an enhancement of funding for key export promotion programs. We will work to shape a Doha trade agreement that opens markets and will continue to work with key allies like South Korea, Panama, and Colombia on trade agreements that provide real benefits to our workers. The President and members of his Administration will announce additional details in the coming week.
The President remains committed to helping Americans stay in their homes and help their homes retain their value. “… we’re working to lift the value of a family’s single largest investment – their home.” Last year, we took steps allowing millions of Americans to take out new loans and save an average of $1,500 per family on mortgage payments. This year, we will step up programs that encourage re-financing so that homeowners can move into more affordable and sustainable mortgages. In addition to the changes proposed last week to ensure sound risk management, the FHA is continuing to evaluate its mortgage insurance underwriting standards and its measures to help distressed and underwater borrowers through other FHA initiatives going forward. In order to ensure American families receive the same consideration American corporations do, the Obama Administration remains supportive of efforts to allow bankruptcy proceedings to renegotiate all debts, including home mortgages.
As Americans are getting their budgets in order, the President is getting the nation’s financial house in order. “Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don’t.” The President has announced the three year, non-security discretionary spending freeze, and also called for a bipartisan Fiscal Commissionto identify policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run. The President and members of his Administration will announce additional details in the coming weeks.
The President’s focus on national security includes rooting out terrorists where they hide. “Since the day I took office, we have renewed our focus on the terrorists who threaten our nation.” In the last year, hundreds of Al Qaeda’s fighters and affiliates have been captured or killed – far more than in 2008.
The President’s commitment to Non-Proliferation results. “Even as we prosecute two wars, we're also confronting perhaps the greatest danger to the American people - the threat of nuclear weapons.” The United States and Russia are completing negotiations on the farthest-reaching arms control treaty in nearly twenty years. He will also host a Nuclear Security Summit in April, which will bring forty-four nations together behind a clear goal: to secure all loose nuclear materials around the world in four years, so that they never fall into the hands of terrorists.
The President is launching a bioterror and pandemic threat initiative. “We are launching a new initiative that will give us the capacity to respond faster and more effectively to bioterrorism or an infectious disease - a plan that will counter threats at home and strengthen public health abroad.” The President called to action key U.S. Government leaders to re-design our medical countermeasure enterprise to protect Americans from bioterror or infectious health threats. We will pursue a business model that leverages market forces and reduces risk to attract pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry collaboration with the U.S. Government.
The President announced that he will work this year to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” “I will work with Congress and the military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.”

Miss the Address? Click the 'Play' button below to view it in its entirety. Or, if the viewscreen below is not visible, view the address at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/27/putting-washington-service-middle-class.

'Homelessness in Fresno' forum happening Thursday, Jan. 28

2010-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

After the excellent presentation at our last meeting by Greg Barfield, the City of Fresno's Homelessness Prevention Manager, we thought our members might be interested in learning more about the scope of the homelessness problem here in Fresno.

In that spirit, V4CF is passing along a note from the St. Paul Newman Center's Peace and Justice Ministry, which will host a 'Homelessness in Fresno Forum' 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at the St. Paul Newman Center, 1572 E Barstow Ave. in Fresno.

The Forum's scheduled events include:

6:30 p.m.: The films "Hotel Fresno" and "Homeless Dog," produced by Teresa Flores and Dixie Salazar;
6:45 p.m.: Discussion about the causes and the experience of homelessness with three members of Fresno's Homeless Community;
7:10 p.m.: A presentation at the Kincaid Center by Mike Rhodes, publisher of the Community Alliance newspaper;
7:25 p.m.: A presentation on the city's and county's 10-year plans to end homelessness here by Greg Barfield; and
7:50-8:45 p.m.: A Q-and-A session on the topic, with questions to be submitted in writing.

For more information, contact Bill Simon (559) 227-6565.

Volunteers needed for V4CF booth at 'Peace and Justice Festival' March 21

2010-01-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

Save the Date! Peace Fresno has announced the 'Peace and Justice Festival,' and as we did at last year's 'Rally in the Valley,' Volunteers For Change-Fresno plans to participate.

Want to help? V4CF needs volunteers to staff its booth at the event, scheduled noon-5 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at the Fresno Fairgrounds. At our booth, we plan to tell visitors about V4CF's mission and vision, all while seeking to meet like-minded people who are open to working for the Change we seek. We also need volunteers for booth set-up and teardown.

Fortunately -- especially for those who experienced sunshine, heat, rain, cold and hail all within the five-hour span of last year's event -- the 'Peace and Justice Festival' will be held indoors this year, at the Fairgrounds' Junior Exhibit Hall.

Want to volunteer? Contact V4CF via e-mail at v4cfresno@yahoo.com. In your message, please specify the times you can assist. We look forward to seeing you there!

Behold, the Obameter!

2010-01-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

It's been a rough week for progressives. The Massachusetts Senate race goes south, the Supreme Court shifts campaign-finance laws firmly in favor of continuing dollar-fueled oligarchy, Air America goes dark. So if you're like me, you may be looking for something to brighten your day, something that might remind you of our overall progress on the work we've undertaken before and after Election Day 2008.

So, courtesy of the St. Petersburg Times, comes 'The Obameter,' an online feature that's tracking President Obama's progress on his campaign promises.

So according to The Obameter, how's he doing? Very well, as it turns out. By their count, so far President Obama has kept 91 promises so far, with another 275 in the works. By any standard, that's a good count.

Want to see for yourself? Visit the Obameter at http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/. Or, look on the upper-right corner of this Action Blog... we've added it to this website as an automatic feed.

Scenes from today's MLK Day march

2010-01-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

More than a dozen V4CF members braved the (forecast) rain and wind to participate in Fresno's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, held Jan. 18 in downtown Fresno.

As V4CF marcher Nancy Griesser reported, "We had a great time at the parade! Several who signed up didn't attend but others did so we had a fine complement of V4CF members on board. And, luckily for us, the rain held off."

Here's how it looked, with photos courtesy of Kris Arden and Nancy Griesser. Thanks to all who participated!

Get out your marching shoes: V4CF to participate in MLK Day parade Jan. 18

2010-01-13T10:54:00.001-08:00

Want to show your support for equality? Join V4CF as we march in this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, scheduled Monday, Jan. 18, in downtown Fresno.

V4CF participants will have the opportunity to carry our 'Volunteers For Change-Fresno' banner and perhaps the 'CHANGE' sign shown on the Fresno Bee's front page after last year's event.

We plan to meet at 9:15 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, in front of St. John's Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa Ave. in downtown Fresno. While we will not have a more specific meeting place, participants should look for others wearing our new black-and-green 'Volunteers For Change' t-shirts. Please wear your own V4CF t-shirt and dress warmly.

Scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., the march will proceed from the Cathedral to the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, with a commemorative program honoring Dr. King's legacy to follow immediately at 10:45 a.m.

With the numbers of participants expected, carpooling or taking mass transit to downtown is indeed recommended. We hope to see you there!

MLK Day celebrations will include 'Mountain of Food' collection and distribution

2010-01-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

In conjunction with Fresno's celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the Community Food Bank (CFB) invites V4CF members to participate in the 'Mountain of Food' collection and distribution.

Want to donate? Instead of bringing canned goods or nonperishables to the MLK celebrations, CFB asks that volunteers consider making a monetary donation. The food bank can achieve a greater distribution through its bulk food purchases than it can through donated food stocks.

To donate or for questions, contact Wendy Negri at (559) 299-5052. Wendy will collect any donations before and during the event, and will give them to the Community Food Bank representative.

Volunteers needed for two food distributions, scheduled in February in Firebaugh

2010-01-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

Join Volunteers for Change-Fresno as we work with the Community Food Bank to distribute food in Firebaugh. Volunteers are needed for two sessions:

Tuesday, Feb. 9- Coordinator: Wendy Negri (559-299-5052)
Tuesday, Feb. 23- Coordinator: Kris Arden (559-978-1736 or kkarden@yahoo.com)

Each session is scheduled 8 a.m.-2 p.m., or until the food to be distributed runs out.

The distributions will take place in Firebaugh's Maldonado Park, located at 1601 Thomas Conboy Road. The coordinator will provide more details & contact each person who signs up closer to the date of the event.

Did you know that you can get a free ticket to Disneyland for helping out with this opportunity? For more information, visit http://www.disneyparks.com.

Homelessness in Fresno, water to be the topics at next V4CF General Meeting Jan. 12

2010-01-02T12:40:00.001-08:00

Save the date, V4CFers! With the holiday season relegated to memory, it'll soon be time to get together again, to continue the work we began more than a year ago.

With that in mind, Volunteers For Change-Fresno invites all members and interested folk to attend our next General Meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, in the large meeting room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

The evening will include:

A presentation by Gregory Barfield, Homelessness Prevention Manager for the City of Fresno. Mr. Barfield will spend 15 minutes briefing us about what Fresno is currently doing for the homeless in our area, and will also address what is being planned for the future.

An update from V4CF Water Issue Team leader Bob Merrill, who will provide some information for the group about this important issue.

As always, it'll be 'the more, the merrier.' We hope to see you all Jan. 12!

Next up in healthcare reform: Resolving the differences

2009-12-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

So what's next in the fight for healthcare reform? The House and Senate need to resolve the differences between their two bills before a final version can be sent to President Obama for consideration. From the L. A. Times:

Reporting from Washington - As the Senate lumbers toward passage of its healthcare bill, Democrats are looking ahead to the potentially difficult process of reconciling its substantial differences with the more-liberal House version -- the last major obstacle before President Obama can sign landmark legislation into law.

The final Senate vote on the healthcare bill was set for 8 a.m. Thursday, Christmas Eve, as Republicans held the floor today to criticize the measure and delay its enactment. Democrats are hopeful that the momentum generated by the long-awaited Senate vote -- and the high political stakes involved in finishing the job -- will grease the wheels of negotiations with the House.

"Each side knows we cannot fail," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). "Each side knows they have to give."

But after lawmakers enjoy what is left of the holiday season in their home states, they will return to wide and deeply held differences between the House and Senate bills on federal funding for abortion and the liberals' dream of establishing a "public option" -- a government plan that would compete with private insurers -- to guarantee access to affordable insurance.

The full article is available on the L. A. Times website. Bottom line: Much work remains to be done, much dealmaking is likely to occur, but little of it is likely to happen this week. Stay tuned to the V4CF Action Blog... we'll keep you posted on developments.

From the AP Wire: 'Health care bill clears key Senate test'

2009-12-20T22:26:00.000-08:00

As reported this evening, moments after the U.S. Senate's late-night vote:

WASHINGTON – Landmark health care legislation backed by President Barack Obama passed its sternest Senate test in the pre-dawn hours early Monday, overcoming Republican delaying tactics on a 60-40 vote that all but assures its passage by Christmas.

"Let's make history," said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, shortly before the bill's supporters demonstrated their command of the Senate floor in an extraordinary holiday season showdown. The bill would extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans who now lack it, while banning insurance company practices such as denial of benefits on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.

The atmosphere was intensely partisan, but the outcome pre-ordained as senators cast their votes from their desks, a practice reserved for issues of particular importance. Administration officials who have worked intensely on the issue watched from the visitor's gallery despite the hour.

So, too, Vicki Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who championed health care across a Senate career that spanned more than 40 years.

The full story is available at Yahoo! News.

V4CF to co-sponsor day-long Candidate Training seminar Saturday, Jan. 9

2009-12-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

Volunteers For Change-Fresno, along with allies the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee, the CLC and the College Democrats, is co-sponsoring a day-long Candidate Training seminar, designed for candidates, potential candidates and campaign staff, scheduled 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at the CWA Hall, 4422 E. Ashlan Avenue, in Fresno. Want to get elected to public office? V4CF invites you to attend.

The Candidate Training seminar will focus on how to be an optimal candidate, and places participants in touch with experienced people who have 'been there and done that.' The training will address what it takes to be an effective candidate for public office, how to enlarge your circle of advisers, and how to find valuable resources that can help you to succeed. The cost to attend is $15 per person, with lunch provided.

Topics to be addressed at the training will include:

* Building your team
* Messaging
* Fundraising
* Presentation
* Public speaking
* Meeting voters
* Understanding labor
* Attitude and movitation
* Media, and more.

Presenters will include:

* Michael Rubio
* Henry T. Perea
* T.J. Cox
* Patsy Montgomery
* Randy Ghan
* Susan Good
* Debilyn Molineaux
* Chuck Riojas
* Mai Thao
* Warren Meyers
* Michael D. Evans

Interested? To register or for more information, contact Michael D. Evans via e-mail at evansm@usa.net. We hope to see you there!

Senate and House healthcare reform bills compared -- again

2009-12-20T17:37:00.001-08:00

Here's the latest comparison of the Senate's and the House's versions of healthcare reform legislation. After a year of ceaseless work, some from supporters and some not, the Senate's version may come for a vote as soon as tonight, with passage expected.

Associated Press recap of both bills.

Meanwhile, supporters of healthcare reform remain divided about the Senate version. Some (like Howard Dean) say 'kill it and start over,' while others (like the White House) say 'don't miss this opportunity to move things in a better direction.'

Should the Senate approve their bill, a conference committee between the House and Senate will remain necessary, to work out the many differences in the bills before they can go to President Obama's desk for signature or veto.

Stay tuned... it's not over yet.

Senate's efforts to compromise appear to be gutting healthcare reform vision

2009-12-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Well, it would appear at this hour that the U.S. Senate is managing to turn the hard-fought efforts of people across the country on healthcare reform into the proverbial ~~steaming pile of~~ ineffective overcompromise.

Between last week's announced Medicare buy-in compromise and the introduction of caps on benefits -- something that goes against the very core of the healthcare reform vision presented months ago by President Obama -- one wonders if this effort is indeed about to succumb to Death by the Thousand Cuts.

Here's a sampling of what's out there this morning. Click the links within to read the stories.

Howard Dean says he's no longer supportive of the Senate's version, recommends they 'start over.' (ABC News)

Senator Roland Burris says he won't vote for a bill that fails to include a public option. (New York Times)
And even if the Senate does pass something resembling healthcare reform, whatever they pass is likely to set off a fight between the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. (New York Times)

Stay tuned. While I'd normally say something like 'this could get messy,' it's clear the mess is already here. Let's see if they can clean it up.

UPDATE: From our member Paul Pierce comes this, a petition from CREDO Action that provides a quick way to tell the Senate to keep moving toward true healthcare reform:
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/prog_sens_po/?rc=fb_share1

President Obama, Howard Dean both supportive of the Senate healthcare compromise

2009-12-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Hopefully all parties will release more details of the apparent Senate compromise of healthcare reform soon. In the meantime, the following story comes from MSNBC:

After agreeing tentatively to jettison a key stated priority — a full-blown government-run insurance option — Senate Democrats woke up Wednesday to some positive signs for the fragile coalition backing President Barack Obama's healthcare bill.

A much-courted moderate — Connecticut independent Sen. Joe Lieberman — signaled he might be able to live with a compromise to offer private insurance plans under the auspices of the federal employee health program while also allowing middle-aged people to buy into Medicare. Liberal Democrats also spoke out in favor of the idea.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate and one-time Vermont Gov. Howard Dean said the Medicare option for people age 55 to 64 was "a positive step forward." Dean, a physician, has been one of the most vocal supporters of the idea that the government should get into the health insurance market. But as it became increasingly clear in recent weeks that a new government insurance plan did not command the necessary votes in the Senate, Dean contacted Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., to offer the Medicare expansion as a way forward.

"Using Medicare makes more sense than reinventing more bureaucracy," Dean said Wednesday on CBS' "The Early Show."

The full story is available at MSNBC.com.

What??!?

2009-12-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

The LA Times is reporting at this hour that "Democratic senators say they have a tentative deal to drop a government-run insurance option from healthcare legislation." The Times is including no details, but if the story is true.... hmmmmm. Here's the story as it appears on the LA Times website. More to follow when V4CF hears it.

UPDATE: Sen. Harry Reid says one thing, Sen. Russ Feingold says another. Here's the latest, from CNN.com.

Healthcare reform: What's in and what's out, according to MoveOn.org

2009-12-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

With so many 'moving parts,' it's been difficult to discern exactly how the U.S. House's version of the healthcare reform bill differs from the one in the Senate. But that said, MoveOn.org recently sent its members their breakdown of what each version includes, where the differences lie, and their group's thoughts about what in each bill needs to be fixed.

From MoveOn.org:

We decided to put together an overview of where we're at -- both good and bad -- and what we're all going to need to keep fighting for.

Neither of these bills is close to perfect. But we're entering the home stretch where we risk losing a lot of what's good in these bills and where we have a huge opportunity to strengthen the parts that need work.

Here's where we are: The House of Representatives passed their bill last month. The Senate is aiming to pass its version before Christmas. Overall, both pieces of legislation would do four major things:

Create a "Health Insurance Exchange." The bills create a one-stop marketplace where people can choose from various insurance plans, including the public option. The details aren't set yet, but initially the Exchange would likely be open to the self-employed, people without insurance at work, and small businesses. The key with the Exchange is that it brings "the bargaining power and scale that's generally accessible only to large employers" to individuals and with that, lower costs and better options.
Provide insurance to over 30 million more people. The House bill would expand coverage to 36 million people by 2019. The Senate bill extends coverage to 31 million.
Outlaw discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and gender. Insurance companies will have to stop denying coverage to people with "pre-existing conditions." And they won't be allowed to charge women more than men for the same coverage.
Eliminate coverage limits and price-gouging. The bills differ on some details, but in general would place limits on how much people have to pay for health care beyond their premiums. They both cap out-of-pocket costs and ban insurance companies from setting limits on how much health care they'll cover for a person each year.

Of course, the devil is in the details, and much in these bills still needs work. Here's what MoveOn.org believes still needs to be fixed:

Both bills leave millions uninsured. The House bill leaves 18 million without insurance in 2019; the Senate bill, 24 million. Neither comes close to the vision for universal coverage so many of us fought for for years. We'll all need to fight to continue to expand coverage in the bills this year, and in the years to come.
The Senate public option is weak, and conservatives are pushing to make it weaker. The public option is a core piece of reform that will create real accountability and competition for private insurance and that's why it's at the center of such a huge fight. While the House bill creates a national public option, the Senate lets states opt out, denying their residents access to it. Plus, conservatives are working to weaken it even more. We're all going to have to fight hard for the strongest version possible.
Many reforms don't start quickly enough. While some pieces of reform go into effect right away, the larger structural changes are not scheduled to go into effect until 2013 (House bill) or 2014 (Senate bill). This includes the Exchange, the public option, and subsidies -- the major ways coverage will be expanded.
Required insurance could still be too expensive for many. Both bills require virtually all Americans to have insurance. But the caps on how much we're expected to pay are way too high, and the subsidies are way too low. Many progressives are working to fix this, but it's going to be a significant fight.
Reproductive rights are severely restricted in the House bill. An egregious anti-choice amendment in the bill virtually prohibits anyone purchasing insurance in the Exchange from buying a plan that covers abortion even if paid for with their own money. We need to make sure the final bill doesn't include this rollback of reproductive rights.
The Senate bill could discriminate against lower income workers. The current Senate legislation retains a version of what's called the "free rider" provision, which essentially penalizes employers for hiring lower income workers. This provision needs to be fixed before the bill is finalized.

There's a lot going on in these bills, and we're all going to need to be vigilant to ensure the good pieces end up in the final bill, and the bad ones are fixed. It's going to be a rocky ride. But if we fight together, we'll come out stronger in the end.

A hat tip to V4CF member Nancy Griesser for sending this along.

Healthcare, Santa, Stupak and Afghanistan: 'So, what's happening lately?'

2009-12-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, all! Yes, it's been a while... and although we've not had occasion to send along our usual Calls to Action or updates on important issues, we of V4CF thought it would be a good time to send along a general update. So, with that in mind...

Next meeting: As announced at our recent Election Day Anniversary celebration, there will be no V4CF General Meeting scheduled in December. We'll plan to gather the group once again in early January... so please stay tuned for updates!

Healthcare Reform: The U.S. Senate's version of healthcare reform legislation is continuing to move slowly through the process. The bill does not appear to have stalled, but it doesn't appear to be the topic of action scheduled this week, either. Recent news reports state the Senate may work through the December holidays to move it forward.

As for V4CF's involvement in healthcare reform, at this point nothing has really been asked of V4CF with regard to helping reform pass the Senate. Whether this is because our Sens. Feinstein and Boxer have already stated their support for healthcare reform that includes a public option or because of other divisive issues like the Stupak Amendment remains to be seen. But, the Action Blog will keep you informed as to next steps, so again please stay tuned.

Santa's Village: Kris Arden reports our group has collected a good number of toys and other donations for the event, which begins next week. If you have any last-minute donations, please contact Kris at (559) 978-1736 or via e-mail at kkarden@yahoo.com, and she'll find a way to get 'em there.

Afghanistan, Copenhagen, Stupak, etc.: Wow, it's been a tough set of weeks for divisive issues, eh? Given that, and given the rumors we've heard about folks peeling off their Obama bumper stickers in the wake of some of these issues, we'd like to know where our members stand on these three. Got an opinion here? Please send your thoughts to V4CF via e-mail at v4cfresno@yahoo.com.

In the meantime, we're hoping that December is treating you well. Sound off, and keep Being the Change!

Santa's Village donations update

2009-11-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

Announcing the donation count for Santa's village:

57 toys and 10 articles of clothing

Donations for Santa's Village will be accepted through Dec. 9. Each night the volunteers will be fed, so additional donations of the following items are also being accepted:

Coffee, Sugar, and Creamer
Paper Plates
Napkins
Plastic Tablecloths, Utensils, and Cups
Desserts

To make a donation, please contact Kris Arden at kkarden@yahoo.com or 559-978-1736.

Next steps in the battle for healthcare reform

2009-11-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

So, in the wake of the U.S. House's narrow passage last week of healthcare-reform legislation, and after some obvious spin from the right wing announcing the House's bill would be 'dead on arrival' in the Senate, what's really next in the fight for healthcare reform?

According to a report on CNN, the next step is for the Senate to vote to begin debate. And there are indeed a few hurdles to be overcome before that 'vote to begin debate' can happen. The article states:

Democrats need 60 votes to pass the motion to start debate. While there are 60 members in the Democrats' coalition, Ben Nelson, a moderate Democrat from Nebraska -- says he hasn't decided which way he'll vote, and won't until he sees the actual bill.

In fact, no one has seen the Senate health care bill yet. Reid won't release the legislation until he knows the cost of the bill.

So, the Senate's consideration of healthcare reform remains on hold, for a few days anyway. Read CNN's full article, and stay tuned to the V4CF Action Blog for more information and next steps.

V4CF sends its thanks to all veterans today

2009-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

On this Veteran's Day, Volunteers For Change-Fresno sends its sincere and heartfelt thanks to all veterans.

And for those in harm's way tonight, especially for those in Iraq and Afghanistan, Volunteers For Change-Fresno wishes you a safe and speedy return home!

Healthcare reform passes House; Rep. Costa voted 'yea'!

2009-11-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, we've been encouraging (nay, pestering) our members to keep making those phone calls, to keep smiling and dialing in favor of healthcare reform with a public option. And lately, the main target of our calls has been Rep. Jim Costa, who remained uncommitted until literally the very last moment.

I'm happy to report that, according to the website for the Clerk of the US House of Representatives, Rep. Costa voted *yea* on HR 3962, the House's version of meaningful healthcare reform. So, it would appear that all of those phone calls, vigils, marches, signs, and persistence paid off, encouraging him to listen to his constituents, 41 percent of whom are medically uninsured.

So, (tomorrow, since we're all needing a well-deserved rest) let's call Rep. Costa's offices one more time, to thank him for his vote in favor of meaningful healthcare reform and in favor of HR 3962. Those numbers remain:

Jim Costa -District 20
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

Those thank-you calls are every bit as important as the calls we made to encourage his support of the measure. And perhaps even more so.

In the meantime, another big Thank You goes to you, who phone called, who smiled and dialed, who held signs, who stood in hundred-degree weather, who fought hard for this to pass. To you, on behalf of Volunteers For Change-Fresno, I give my most sincere thanks!

And of course, it's not over yet. Next up: Getting healthcare reform through the Senate.

We've won this one... let's keep Being the Change!

Healthcare reform passes the House

2009-11-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Moments ago, the U.S. House passed HR 3962, its version of the healthcare reform bill. The final tally was 220-215.

Now, on to the Senate!

Healthcare reform needs your calls today. This is it. Make or break. Do or die.

2009-11-06T22:17:00.000-08:00

If ever there were a Volunteers For Change 'All Hands On Deck' alert, this would be it.

The long-awaited day has apparently arrived. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on its version healthcare reform bill sometime Saturday, Nov. 7. And depending upon what time you're reading this, that's either tomorrow. or today.

The bill needs to pass, or it dies. This is the proverbial 'it.' This is for all the marbles. And this needs 218 'yes' votes in the House to pass.

Sadly and most disappointingly, Rep. Jim Costa is still officially withholding his support. Even though his website states "Clearly Congress must work together in a bipartisan effort to provide a health care system that ensures the every American receives proper medical attention at an affordable rate." Even though he also states on his website that he "will continue to strive to ensure that the needs of the people of the Valley are met." All while 41 percent of the people in his district remain uninsured.

He has a golden opportunity to do something positive for his constituents, but at last report he seems to have no interest in doing so.

To put it bluntly, we need to call his office enough times today to make his phones either melt or cry for mercy.

And we need everyone -- especially those V4CFers who are his constituents -- to make their voices heard.

Please, take a moment to call his office right now. Strongly encourage him to vote in favor of his constituents by voting in favor of the bill.

Those numbers?

Jim Costa -District 20
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

Rumor has it his Fresno office will be closed for the weekend. If that turns out to be the case, let's provide his Washington D.C. office with that deluge of calls. If not, let's dial 'em both until their lines smoke.

This is it. Make or break. Do or die. Let's get it done!

Community Food Bank Volunteer Opportunities During the Holiday Season

2009-11-04T01:45:00.000-08:00

The Community Food Bank needs volunteers to help box Holiday Meals that will be distributed to families throughout the Central Valley during this holiday season.

Fortunately, all of the dates fall on a Saturday! This means more Volunteers for Change Fresno members will be able to enjoy the opportunity to make an impact on our community during this holiday season.

Information regarding the dates announced at the general meeting on November 3rd has been revised.

Please contact Kris Arden (kkarden@yahoo.com or 978-1736) to volunteer or for more information regarding the opportunities listed below.

Holiday Meal Boxing Opportunities:
November 7 - CANCELED
November 14 - 1pm - 4pm
November 21 - SHIFT 1: 8am-12pm, SHIFT 2: 1pm-4pm
December 5 - SHIFT 1: 8am-12pm, SHIFT 2: 1pm-4pm
December 12 - SHIFT 1: 8am-12pm, SHIFT 2: 1pm-4pm
December 19 - SHIFT 1: 8am-12pm; SHIFT 2: 1pm-4pm

Location: Community Food Bank
3403 E. Central Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725

Hope to see you all there!

Santa's Village Donation Update & Thank You

2009-11-04T01:34:00.001-08:00

Hello fellow Volunteers for Change Fresno Members!

On November 3rd, we had a wonderful campaign reunion and toy drive for Santa's Village. Members donated a total of 38 toys and 7 articles of clothing at the meeting. Great job everyone! Let's try and boost those numbers by the time the event rolls around in December.

Donations of toys and clothing for schools age children will be accepted through November 15th (the deadline may be extended, so stay tuned). Please contact Kris Arden (kkarden@yahoo.com or 978-1736) if you would like to make a donation.

Thank you to all the members who brought toys and clothing to the meeting. As many of you know, these may be the only gifts the children who attend Santa's Village receive the entire holiday season. Thanks to your generosity, their holidays will be brighter.

U.S. House presents healthcare reform bill that includes a public option

2009-10-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Breaking news, as reported in the L.A. Times:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, unveiling the House's plan for a compromise on healthcare legislation today, said the bill would offer new insurance for tens of millions of Americans and lower costs for those who already have coverage.

The plan represents a compromise among various interests in the House, the speaker said. It also will lead to a planned House vote and position House leaders for negotiations with Senate leaders crafting their own plan.

Pelosi maintained that the House leadership's compromise would make healthcare more affordable for the middle class and more secure for seniors. The bill offers health insurance for an additional 36 million Americans, she said -- offering coverage for 96% of all citizens -- and its cost over 10 years, under $900 billion, would not increase the federal budget deficit.

The article states that a vote on the bill is expected to happen in the next two weeks. The full article is available on the L.A. Times website.

Make your feet -- and voices -- heard at March for Quality Healthcare Reform Nov. 4

2009-10-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Volunteers For Change-Fresno, along with a number of other community and labor groups, invite you to make your voices heard during the 'March for Quality Healthcare Reform,' scheduled 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, in downtown Fresno. Sponsored by the Central Valley Health Care Reform Coalition, the March is intended to demonstrate wide support for meaningful healthcare reform here in the Central Valley.

March participants will meet before 11:30 a.m. outside the offices of Sen. Diane Feinstein and Sen. Barbara Boxer, 2500 Tulare St. in downtown Fresno. Both Senators Feinstein and Boxer have declared their support both for healthcare reform and a public option, so our purpose there will be to thank them visibly for their support.

The March will then proceed to the office of Rep. Jim Costa at 855 M Street. With Rep. Costa still holding out on healthcare reform, our purpose there will be to demonstrate to Rep. Costa that there is wide support for both healthcare reform and the public option. Having a good turnout of marchers will be important, because we're planning to line both sides of the street at Rep. Costa's office.

Want to participate? Contact Nancy Griesser at (559) 325-1616 or via e-mail to nancyg@csufresno.edu. Lunch will be provided, but it recommended that marchers bring quarters to pay for the metered parking available. Six quarters will pay for two hours' parking.

The battle for healthcare reform is far from over. We've made great efforts, but we need to see this through to the finish line. Let's march!

V4CF members and friends invited to our 'Obama Campaign Reunion' event Nov. 3

2009-10-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

In lieu of a formal Volunteers For Change-Fresno meeting in November, we're inviting all of our members to join us during the evening of Nov. 3, for a celebration marking the one-year anniversary of President Obama's election.

With many of our members coming to Volunteers For Change as a direct result of their hard work on the Obama Campaign , the one-year anniversary of the election seems a good time to come together, to reconnect with those whom we worked alongside during the many hours of canvassing and phonebanking, to celebrate the anniversary and recount V4CF's successes in 2009.

Our 'Obama Campaign Reunion and Toy Drive' is scheduled 7-8:30 p.m Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the large community room of the Woodward Park Library, 944 East Perrin Avenue in northeast Fresno.

The evening's festivities will include a video and slideshow from last year's Fresno For Obama campaign. We'll have some appetizers and refreshments there, and we're asking attendees to bring some kind of 'finger food' to share.

Last but not least, at the Reunion we'll be collecting toys for this year's 'Santa's Village' event. To donate, please bring a new or slightly used toy to the Reunion. Volunteers For Change will donate those toys to the Southwest Policing District's 'Santas Village' event.

We hope to see you there!

Healthcare update: Public option in the House, Lieberman in the outhouse

2009-10-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

Just passing along a quick update on healthcare reform legislation. Yesterday, independent Senator Joseph Lieberman announced he would join a Republican filibuster to prevent a public option from being included in healthcare reform legislation. For details, see the full story on CNN.com.

That said, it appears the House of Representatives is ready to support one form of a public option in the legislation it will consider. For the details, see the full story on CNN.com.

It's not over yet. Stay tuned, and keep making those phone calls. Those numbers are:

Representatives:

Jim Costa -District 20
Local: (559) 495-1620
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3341

George Radanovich - District 19
Local: (559) 449-2490
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4540

Devin Nunes – District 21
Local: (559) 323-5235
Washington D.C.: (202) 225-2523

Senators:

Diane Feinstein
Local: (559) 485-7430
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3841

Barbara Boxer
Local: (559) 497-5109
Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-3553