Posted in Climate, Congress, Economy, Human Rights, Politics, tagged 4ERA, California, Clinton, Congress, Democrats, TPA, TPP on June 14, 2015| 2 Comments »
Update: Here is a UTube of Clinton’s latest speech in Iowa today. She mentions TPP. See what you think she has done:
I’ll try to get the transcript of the speech when I can find it.
I would be really careful about any responses regarding the TPA, TPP, etc. Clinton is pro-trade. However, even presupposing Clinton was involved in negotiating the TPP under Obama, she most assuredly was out of those negotiations in the last two years. (more…)
Posted in Climate, Environment, Health and Food, Politics, tagged California, Drought, Fairfield, Sustainablity, Water Restrictions on June 3, 2015| 3 Comments »
Already I’m in trouble. It’s the first week of water restrictions in Fairfield, and my sprinklers aren’t cooperating. I had them timed to every third day, which worked out to two and one half times a week. However, the City of Fairfield has decided that we homeowners should operate our sprinklers either Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, depending on whether our home’s street address is odd or even numbered. This works out to three days a week, but leaves a watering gap for me with my address of Saturday and Sunday. We get a lot of wind this time of the year and it dries the plants out rapidly. So, by Monday, my front yard is pretty thirsty.
The problem is the sprinkler timers. (more…)
Posted in Communications, Humanism, Justice, LGBT, Politics, tagged 9th District Court, CA, California, DOMA, Gay marriage, Gov. Jerry Brown, Kamela Harris, Prop 8 on June 28, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Update: First gay couple prepares to be wed in Sacramento
[The first couple to show up at the Sacramento County Clerk’s office Friday were Sacramentans Nicola Simmersbach and Diana Luiz, who have been together seven years.
“I didn’t think this would happen today,” Simmersbach said. “This isn’t really what we planned on wearing but we’re here.”
“We’ve been fighting on the Capitol steps for this moment,” Luis said….
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/06/28/5532445/first-gay-couple-prepares-to-be.html#storylink=cpy
Offices will be open until 7:00 PM tonight and closed over the weekend. They are suggesting that anyone who wants to get married on Monday register online first to speed up the process. See HERE.
Update: At Governor Jerry Brown’s to urging to expedite the issue, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has lifted the ban on Gay Marriage in California.
With the earlier directive by Brown to all 58 Counties to start issuing licenses, the 25 day wait till the court ruled has been eliminated.
Marriages could start as early as today!
Posted in Feminism, Human Rights, LGBT, Politics, Supreme Court-SCOTUS, tagged CA, California, DOMA, Gov. Jerry Brown, Immigration Bill, Prop 8 on June 26, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Update: Gov. Jerry Brown just made it official:
Update: The SCOTUS decisions have effectively removed the obstacle of gay marriage in the immigration bill. No wonder John Boehner was so upset. As one of our friends said this morning ” there really are no words” for this historic event.
After the Affirmative action “horribliness” yesterday, SCOTUS did something right today!
This is Gay Pride Week in San Francisco and the city is really going to have something to celebrate.
[..The Supreme Court decision appears to pave the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California by leaving intact the initial district court ruling against Prop. 8. More legal maneuvering on that issue is likely, though, since some counties in the Golden State weren’t covered by that initial case, and may choose to ignore the ruling.
The DOMA decision is likely to have the most immediate impact, awarding all couples legally married in the states that permit same-sex marriage hundreds of employment, tax and other benefits that had been denied to them under federal law…]
Read more:
Posted in 51 Percent, Children, Feminist Majority, Health Care, Human Rights, Humanism, Justice, LGBT, Politics, tagged California, Judge Walker, Proposition 8, Same Sex Marriage on August 12, 2010| 4 Comments »
SacBee is reporting that Judge Walker has lifted the temporary stay on the Prop 8 ruling, paving the way for same sex marriages to resume as early as August 18th. Pending further legitimate action on the dark side, those souls who have already applied for their licenses could be married before the end of the month.
See:
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2010/08/judge-declines-to-issue-stay-o.html
Posted in 51 Percent, Children, Communications, Congress, Environment, Health Care, Human Rights, Humanism, Justice, Nature, Politics, women, tagged Border Security, CA, California, Carte Goodwin, Epidemic, Gray Panthers, Gulf OIl Spill, Immigration, indentured labor, National Ocean Council, Ocean Policy Task Force, Pertussis, Unemployment, Unfair child labor, Vaccine, Whooping Cough on July 19, 2010| Leave a Comment »
If you haven’t yet done so, The Gray Panthers urge you to SPREAD THE WORD to reinstate and extend unemployment insurance and contact you Senator TODAY:
In Unemployment Benefits Extension, a Logistical Headache for States
Overtaxed State Agencies Struggle to Keep Up
By ANNIE LOWREY 7/19/10 6:00 AM
[People seeking unemployment benefits wait in the lobby of an Employment Development Department office in California. (EPA/ZUMAPRESS.com)
On Tuesday, the Senate plans to vote on a federal extension of unemployment benefits, blocked by Senate Republicans for an unprecedented two months. The swearing-in of Carte Goodwin, the temporary replacement for the late Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), will give Democrats the crucial 60th vote to overcome a GOP filibuster and restore unemployment insurance to 2.5 million Americans….]
For more on Carte Goodwin try HERE and HERE.
The DOL has published a list of products we all want to think twice about purchasing. However, as you read the list you will see some of the difficulties in following through on this kind of a determination. Take cotton for example; Benin, Burkina Faso, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are on the no-no list. Where did your last tee shirt come from? Do we have anywhere near enough inspection? See the list HERE:
ILAB News Release: [07/19/2010]
Contact Name: Gloria Della Clarisse Young
Phone Number: (202) 693-8666 or x5051
Release Number: 10-0914-NATUS Labor Department publishes updated list of products made with forced or indentured child labor
[WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs today announced the publication of a final list of products that federal contractors must certify under Executive Order 13126 are not produced with forced or indentured child labor. The list will appear in the July 20 edition of the Federal Register….]
As an older adult, around age 55?, my father had Whooping Cough and let me tell you, it wasn’t fun. It is very hard to breath during the coughing attacks. He thought that he had been vaccinated as a child, leading us to believe that the vaccine had lost effectiveness. Check with your doctor about vaccines. Personally, if I were traveling to CA in the future, I’d check with my doctor about getting the vaccine as well.
Vaccine urged as whooping cough epidemic grows
By Bobby Caina Calvan
Published: Monday, Jul. 19, 2010 – 12:37 pm
Last Modified: Monday, Jul. 19, 2010 – 1:02 pm
[State health officials today urged more Californians to get vaccinated for whooping cough, as the disease grew to epidemic proportions…]
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/19/2900460/vaccine-urged-as-whooping-cough.html
Border security and Immigration reform are two separate issues. The former is used as a ploy to prevent the latter from happening. Ruben Navarrette shows how the two issues rotate around each other:
Politicians posture over U.S.-Mexico border
Ruben Navarrette Jr.
[“What do you mean I’m out of money?” says the bumper sticker. “I still have checks left!” In the immigration debate, some folks use the same logic to raise the issue of border security.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/29/EDAP1E6NQ5.DTL
You may remember that President Obama issued an Executive Order on May 22, 2010 directing the institution of a “ National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling”. The Commission released it’s final report today. I guess it will be my evening read:
Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force Announced
Posted by Phil Larson on July 19, 2010 at 02:23 PM EDT
Obama Administration officials today released the Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force, which would establish a National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Coasts, and Great Lakes (National Policy) and create a National Ocean Council (NOC) to strengthen ocean governance and coordination.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans
Posted in 51 Percent, Election, Feminism, Politics, voter reform, tagged California, District 19, House of Representatives, Radanovich on December 29, 2009| Leave a Comment »
For District 19 Fresno Area, Politico reports:
Radanovich retiring
[Rep. George Radanovich (R-Calif.) announced this afternoon that he won’t be seeking reelection and endorsed a Republican state legislator to succeed him in office….]
http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1209/Radanovich_retiring.html
Posted in Children, Health and Food, Health Care, Politics, tagged Arizona, California, Canada, Colorado, FDA, Kansas, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington on December 22, 2009| 2 Comments »
In the spirit of the holidays, The FDA has put out several alerts on hazelnuts, otherwise known to some of us as filberts. Seems a few batches have been infected with salmonella. So if you have nuts (not wingnuts) ready for your table, check out where you got them first. Check back HERE for any future notifications.
Kunze Farms Recalls Hazelnut Kernels because of Possible Health Risks
[..Hazelnut kernels were distributed to several different processors and wholesaler’s in the following areas: Dayton, OR; , Milton-Freewater, OR; Hauppauge, NY; Mesa, AZ; Cottonwood, AZ; Seattle, WA; Ogden, UT; San Antonio, TX.; and Parker, CO.
The product was packed in 25 lb cartons, under our product brand name of Kunze Farms, ‘Select Shelled Hazelnuts’ Dayton, Oregon with the code numbers 289091A or 299091A….]
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm194867.htm
Willamette Shelling Recalls Shelled Hazelnuts Because of Possible Health Risk
[…After product sampling, Salmonella was found on one production lot. To ensure consumer safety, Willamette Shelling has decided to recall all shelled hazelnuts processed at its facility from October 12th 2009 through November 25th 2009.
Hazelnuts subject to the recall were shelled at Willamette Shelling’s facility on behalf of hazelnut processors. Shelled Hazelnuts processed by Willamette Shelling were returned to Oregon processors and a Canadian processor, and were further distributed by those firms. Unshelled hazelnuts are not affected by this recall.
All products subject to recall were packed in 25 lbs. and 50 lbs. corrugated boxes with lot code numbers 296091A, 299091A, 300091A, VH3696BO, and 310091A. Those corrugated boxes bore the following brand names: Kunze Farms, Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts, Canadian Hazelnuts, and Firestone Farms…]
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm194806.htm
Willamette Shelling Recalls Shelled Hazelnuts Because of Possible Health Risk
[…Shelled Hazelnuts and Shelled Organic Hazelnuts were distributed in Oregon and California through wholesale distributors and direct delivery. Unshelled hazelnuts are not subject to this recall.
All products subject to recall were packed in 25 lbs. corrugated boxes bearing Willamette Filbert Growers or Meridian Organic Hazelnuts labeled with lot code numbers 289091A and 311091A…]
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm194810.htm
Whole Foods Market® Recalls Bulk Hazelnuts
[December 19, 2009 – AUSTIN, TX – Whole Foods Market is recalling organic raw hazelnuts (filberts) sold in bulk through its stores in California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington because the nuts were part of a batch that was contaminated with salmonella. The company is also recalling non-organic dry roasted hazelnuts (filberts) sold in bulk through its stores in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, and non-organic raw hazelnuts (filberts) sold in bulk through its stores in Oregon and Washington. These hazelnuts should not be consumed. No illnesses have been reported at this time….]
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm195060.htm
Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts Recalls Raw and Dry Roasted Hazelnut Kernels Because of Possible Health Risk
Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts brand raw hazelnut kernels and dry roasted hazelnut kernels subject to recall include:
• Raw hazelnut kernels packed in 25 pound corrugated boxes with lot code numbers 299091A and 296091A.
• Dry roasted hazelnut kernels packed in 25 pound corrugated boxes with lot code numbers 299091A and 296091A.
• 8 ounce, 2.5 pound, and 5 pound packages of raw hazelnut kernels in clear plastic packages, bearing no lot code. Shipped in corrugated boxes with lot code numbers 299091A and 296091A.
• 4 ounce, 8 ounce, 2.5 pound, and 5 pound packages of dry roasted, salt free, hazelnut kernels in clear plastic packages, bearing no lot code. Shipped in corrugated boxes with lot code numbers 299091A and 296091A.
These raw and dry roasted products were distributed in retail and wholesale stores, restaurants and bakeries in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Oklahoma and New Jersey. No illnesses have been reported to date.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm195017.htm
Harry and David Conducts Hazelnut Recall in Medford, Oregon because of Possible Risk to Health
[..The Harry & David Country Village store removed all the raw, shelled hazelnuts supplied by Evonuk from sale on December 17, 2009. This was done in response to a recall issued on December 17, 2009, by Willamette Sheller, Inc., the company that processed the hazelnuts for Evonuk.
The hazelnuts affected by this recall were sold as Filbert (hazelnut) kernels in bulk bin #10077 only at the Harry & David Country Village store, Medford, Oregon, prior to December 18, 2009…]
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm195026.htm
Burnt Ridge Orchards, Inc. Recalls Shelled Hazelnuts Because of Possible Health Risks
[..The shelled hazelnuts that are subject to recall were sold Nov. 17th to Dec. 13th at the Olympia Farmer’s Market in Olympia, WA. They were packed in 8 oz and 16 oz zip lock plastic bags. This recall does not apply to hazelnuts sold in the shell…]
Posted in 51 Percent, Children, Feminism, LGBT, Politics, women, tagged California, HIV/AIDS, Human Rights, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, International World AIDS Day, Lights for Rights, UN on December 1, 2009| 1 Comment »
December 1st, The World Aids Day, as an event, was conceived in 1988. While it is a stand-alone event, it is also part of the 16 days Campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Infection is often a component of violence done to women and children, and is a human rights issue. The UNAIDS Webpage, a portal to a wealth of information on HIV/AIDS, has the following announcement:
With “Universal Access and Human Rights” being the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day, the key slogans are:
* I am accepted.
* I am safe.
* I am getting treatment.
* I am well.
* I am living my rights.
* Everyone deserves to live their rights.
* Right to Live.
* Right to Health.
* Access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support is a critical part of human rights.
Among a series of events, tonight in New York the following ceremony will be held:
UNAIDS – World AIDS Day – “Lights for Rights”
When: Tuesday, December 1 – 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. (EST)
Where: Washington Square Park, New York City (5th Avenue at Washington Square Park North)
A stage will be set up between the arch and the fountain.
[The lights on the Washington Square Park Memorial Arch in New York City will be turned off during the event to remember those lost to AIDS and to symbolize how HIV stigma drives people with HIV into the shadows. After a brief period of darkness, the lights will turned back on to emphasize need to shine the light on human rights for those living with HIV/AIDS around the globe. Floodlights on the Empire State Building, clearly visible through the arch, will also be turned off and turned back on at the same time….]
Almost 60 million people have been infected with HIV since the beginning of the epidemic and 25 million have died. While the trend line of new infections has started to turn, new infections worldwide still outstrip treatment. For every two people beginning treatment, five new cases of infection are ascertained.
As to children, 14 million children in Sub-Saharan Africa are now orphaned. Only 37% of infected children in low and middle-income countries are receiving treatment.
The UNAIDS knowledge center link HERE, is a wonderful overview of The UN’s program on HIV/AIDS.
Clicking on the UNAIDS link entitled AIDS Epidemic Update 2009, a report and fact sheet, as well as an outlook for 2010, that are very informative.
In addition, there is a page with “Fast facts about HIV”.
In California, a conference was held today on the budget cuts that are affecting the funding for AIDS programs, including California’s “AIDS Drug Assistance Program” (ADAP). Since these budget cuts will literally determine who lives and who does not, continuation of funding is critically important for at least 30,000 patients. At the same time concern over the rising cost of drugs is creating anger. Between 2000-2008 drug costs under this program raised 165%, yet only increased patient numbers by 49%. See the report below:
California’s Office of Aids (COA), responsible for coordinating state programs, service and Activities relating to HIV/AIDS,
has a webpage devoted to HIV/AIDS, HERE.
Although they state that they are in the process of converting their statistics to comply with CDC requirements, they do have some statistics through April. According to them, throughout the country, HIV was not counted with AIDS from the beginning of the epidemic. Those changes are being made now?!? In any event, a pdf download indicates that while confidential AIDS Case reporting by name began in 1983, reporting procedures have changed over time. Code name only reporting, for HIV, enjoyed a brief period from 2002-2006. HIV surveillance reporting began in 2005, and HIV name reporting in 2006.
AIDS in California is continuing to climb, with 153,901 cases reported. HIV cases appear to be flattening at 41,1555, or 36,412 depending on which reporting method was used. One is loath to make assumptions on this figure however, since, rather than an actual flattening is could reflect our current recession and reflect reduced medical resources available to individuals.
Judging by the COA’s maps, HIV/AIDS is still a disease of the cities, with urban counties, like Los Angeles highest, then San Diego and San Francisco, then Alameda and Sacramento reporting the highest numbers for the 2009 year through April. Again, however, this data might also reflect better facilities and reporting methods.
It is still primarily a disease of white and black men/adolescents, although the 13,230 women/adolescents who were reported probably find cold comfort in this. Of that figure 6,273 reported infection due to sex with men. 669 pediatric cases and 400 pediatric deaths were reported.
In light of our current economy, and without health reform, it seems clear many more will suffer. In Senate bill H.R. 3590, I found seven occurrences where the bill discusses HIV/AIDS. All but one of them refer to education and training. The other refers to research. So I am unclear at this point exactly where the money will come from that will actually help support state programs for drugs, or supplant them. Is HIV/AIDS one of those pre-existing conditions that will be folded into the entire program? The upcoming Senate debate will certainly be interesting in this regard.
Posted in Children, Feminism, just say no deal, Politics, PUMA PAC, The New Agenda, women, tagged California, District Judge, I Own My Vote, puma, The Denver Group, The New Agenda, US Attorney, US Marshall on December 30, 2008| Leave a Comment »
One kind of job opening. Do you know someone that should apply for one of California’s Federal Districts? I’m guessing we should soon expect this activity in all the states.
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Grab and Keel 