Fresno County Democratic Central Committee

Learn more about the Valley's water issues at the 'Central Valley Water Forum' March 13

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:29:00 +0000

The Fresno County Democratic Central Committee invites area Democrats to learn more about the issues surrounding water and water usage 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.

According to its planners, 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 RevivetheSanJoaquin.com. To ensure your seat, download and complete the registration form as soon as possible.

Senator Dean Florez introduces legislation to end to unpredictable tuition spikes

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:08:00 +0000

An announcement from the office of Senator Dean Florez, D-Shafter:

Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, D-Shafter, who spoke out strongly against the recent 32% fee spike at UC campuses, this week introduced legislation to help stabilize student fees for future generations of California students.

With rates that can remain relatively stable for some time and then skyrocket, it is nearly impossible for parents and students to plan their saving and investments with any sense of confidence the end result will be enough to afford whatever the going rate is by the time they enroll. Even then, the next year may soar out of reach, abruptly ending a dream.

On Monday, Florez introduced Senate Bill 969 - The California College and University Fee Stabilization Act of 2010 -- to remove much of that uncertainty from planning for a college education.

Senate Bill 969 says that the fee you pay your first year of college is the fee you will pay until you graduate, much as degree graduation requirements are locked in based on what was in place in your year of admission. In addition, SB 969 states that the fee increase from one year's incoming class to the next can be no more than five percent, so parents can plan ahead for their children's younger siblings as well.

"It is of benefit to every one of us to ensure that the best and the brightest students in this state are not kept from reaching their potential by unreasonable and unexpected spikes in tuition rates," Senator Florez said. "If we are to build and maintain an economy befitting of this great state, we cannot make higher education an unattainable dream."

Senator Florez also included his personal thoughts about this legislation in a message to California Democrats:

As California looks to rebound from tough economic times and promote the type of solid growth that will lead to lasting stability, we cannot underestimate the value of educating the generation that will ultimately lead this charge for our state.

When students - some in their final year of school at a prestigious UC, already working two jobs to get through - were hit with an immediate 32% increase late last year, some had to move home, transfer or even drop out with tens of thousands already spent.

When students don't know from year to year if tuition will go up 4% or 40%, we are making higher education a gamble that many feel they cannot afford, adding to the instability that has already rocked our state and nation for quite some time. In reality, higher education is an investment in our future which we cannot afford to overlook.

In an effort to bring some stability to college funding, so students and parents can save, invest and plan with confidence for the future, I have this week introduced Senate Bill 969.

Senate Bill 969 would ensure that the fee you pay your first year of college is the fee you pay until you graduate, just as the graduation requirements in place your year of admission are those which will guide you to completion of your degree. In essence, we don't go changing the rules in the middle of the game.

Funding is certainly no less critical an issue and should be handled no differently.

In addition, my bill states that the fee increase from one year's incoming class to the next cannot exceed five percent, giving parents the ability to plan ahead for their children's younger siblings' actual educational expenses as well.

California's colleges and universities are always saying they want a stable source of funding from government. This measure gives them the same stability for future planning that it makes possible for California's students, who are surviving on much smaller margins than these giant institutions.

In short, we cannot let the potential in our best and brightest be snuffed out by unreasonable and unexpected spikes in tuition rates such as UC students faced this last year. I hope you will join me in keeping the dream of higher education in California an attainable reality by supporting SB 969.

Sincerely,

DEAN FLOREZ
Senate Majority Leader

Sen. Dean Florez issues statement about Maldonado vote

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:30:00 +0000

A press release from the office of Sen. Dean Florez:

Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez broke with many in his party today in voting against the confirmation of Senator Abel Maldonado for Lieutenant Governor. The motion passed in the Senate by a vote of 26-7.

In explaining his vote today, Florez issued the following statement:

"The question for me was whether I would have supported Senator Maldonado if he was on the ballot. I would not be able to vote for him if he was on the ballot, so in my mind it made no sense to support him now."

"I watched the confirmation hearings and I was surprised and disappointed to learn that Mr. Maldonado had admitted to a number of OSHA violations with respect to his farming operation, and I was disappointed that he wasn't prepared or didn't elaborate on the severity or nature of the violations. I think this really needed to be cleared up."

"Senator Maldonado voted against liability for farm operators when, under the circumstances we know now, he should clearly have recused himself. He has consistently voted against air quality for the Central Valley, against health care reform and against a modest raise to the minimum wage for all those who are struggling in this state."

"I was also surprised at how Senator Maldonado characterized his role in addressing the state budget, his efforts to hold up the state budget, how he allowed people -- many people in my district -- to suffer, took our state to the brink of financial collapse and then characterized his holding out as somehow a principled move."

"The fact that he can't get his own ideas through the legislature or convince enough people to support his ideas, opposes real reforms to move California forward, and then uses the budget to extract concessions for his vote for something he wants is a practice that I don't support, and I wouldn't support someone who does such things."

Bob Mulholland: Democrats needed to 'greet' Carly Fiorina during Clovis visit Feb. 11

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:57:00 +0000

Bob Mulholland, Campaign Advisor to the California Democratic Party, is seeking participants to help 'greet' Carly Fiorina, former chair of Hewlett-Packard and a Republican candidate for Senator, during her visit to Clovis tomorrow, Feb. 11. The message from Mr. Mulholland:

Since we're not going to be like Massachusetts' Democrats, local Democrats need to be at GOP events. Carly Fiorina is running in the GOP US Senate primary. She was the CEO of HP for 8 years and despite being fired she is a serious candidate because she is worth millions.

Can we get a few people outside this event by 11:40AM? On the closest public property with signs- white poster board: Fiorina Laid Off 28,000; Fiorina Was Fired; Fiorina Took a $21 million Severance Check.

For the greeting, Mr. Mulholland suggests the following talking points and messages:

Carly Fiorina as the CEO of HP laid off 28,000 people- mothers and fathers with mortgages. She then sent the jobs oversees to Communist China and bought 2 Gulfstream jets for her personal use.
Fiorina was fired as CEO at HP in 2005 for being mean and incompetent. During her 6 years as CEO, HPs stock dropped 44% in value. The very day Fiorina was fired, HPs stock went up 7% in value.
But as part of her contract, Fiorina demanded a $21 million severance package, boosting her total compensation to $108 million over the 6 years.

Want to participate? RSVP to Larry Johnson, Fresno County Democratic Central Committee Treasurer, via e-mail at tuftz@comcast.net. Then, plan to be in the parking lot of the CargoBay Corporate Office, 2565 Alluvial Ave., in Clovis by 11:40 a.m.

Volunteers needed for two 'deconsolidated' California Democratic Party standing committees

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:56:00 +0000

From our friends at the California Democratic Party comes this:

After a unanimous recommendation from the State Party Rules Committee regarding the Legislative Action and Equal Opportunity Committee, Chairman John Burton is deconsolidating the joint committee back into the original Legislation Committee and Affirmative Action Committee. While the joint committee has served its purpose in the past, it has been recommended that the State Party would be stronger with these committees each focusing on their own separate functions.

Chairman Burton is now soliciting for appointments to these two committees. Members of the State Central Committee are eligible to apply, and current Legislative Action and Equal Opportunity Committee members should reapply as well.

The Committees each meet during our Executive Board meetings and are responsible for doing much work between meetings. You will need to be able to attend these meetings and participate in the work of these Committees. If you wish to seek an appointment, you'll find the application at www.cadem.org/standingcommitteeapplication.

Precinct walk for Democratic candidates Perea and Rubio scheduled Feb. 6

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:49:00 +0000

Want to lend your support to two Democratic candidates? Join the Central Labor Council (CLC) this Saturday, Feb. 6, during a precinct walk for candidates Henry T. Perea, running for California Assembly District 31, and Michael Rubio, running for the California State Senate.

Volunteer walkers will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at 537 E. Harvard Ave. in Fresno (close to Clinton and Van Ness). A BBQ lunch will be provided for all walkers by the Fresno Fire Fighters.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Angie Vega at (559) 222-1766 or via e-mail at angie@henrytpereaforassembly.com.

President Obama affirms priorities in State of the Union address

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:35:00 +0000

President Obama delivered his first State of the Union address yesterday, Jan. 27. Here, from our friends at Whitehouse.gov, is a recap of the address:

In his address, the President laid out an agenda attempting to attack one problem from every conceivable angle: the terrible squeeze felt by America’s middle class. Fundamentally, that means prying government away from special interests and dedicating it to measures that put Americans to work and lay the foundation for a stronger economy for our country – lowering health care and tuition costs, spurring creation of the next generation of clean energy jobs. It also means putting a cop on the beat on Wall Street, so major banks can no longer take advantage of families and taxpayers.

This was the vision that shaped the President's address, but this is not just a matter of rhetoric. The President made clear that there is tremendously busy agenda ahead for his second year – the policies and proposals below are just examples of the plans the President laid out in his address to put government to work for the middle class.

Miss it? The address in its entirely below. (If the viewscreen is not visible, the video is available at the Whitehouse.gov website.

Show your support for equality at Fresno's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations Jan. 18

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:21:00 +0000

The Fresno County Democratic Central Committee invites you to show your support for equality by participating in this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, scheduled Monday, Jan. 18, in downtown Fresno.

The day's events will begin at 10 a.m. with a march from St. John's Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa Ave. to the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium. A commemorative program honoring Dr. King's legacy will follow immediately at 10:45 a.m. inside Veteran's Memorial Auditorium.

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

Volunteers needed for voter canvassing on January 16

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:18:00 +0000

Interesting in helping the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee turn Fresno County 'blue'? With the numbers gap between registered Democrats and Republicans in the county down to a few hundred, it's time to kick it in on the home stretch, to see if we can turn the county before February.

Toward that goal, the FCDCC needs volunteers to help with voter-registration canvassing this month. To help, consider volunteering for our next canvassing event, scheduled 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Volunteers will meet at the CalVoter office, 1304 E. Olive Ave. in the Tower District and can stay for the entire event or for just a couple of hours. During the event, we'll be verifying the list of registered voters, with the intent of meeting people who wish to register and declare.

Want to participate? Contact James Williams via e-mail at jamesdean19662000@yahoo.com. We hope to see you there!

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

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:29:00 +0000

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.

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

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:49:00 +0000

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.

Join us Dec. 12 as we 'Phonebank for the Party'

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:06:00 +0000

The Fresno County Democratic Central Committee's Campaign Services team invites you to join us in a 'Phonebanking for the Party' session, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Cal Voter office, 1304 E Olive Ave. in Fresno's Tower District.

In this phonebanking session, callers will be trying to get in touch with volunteers and others on the Fresno County Democratic Party's phone list. Our goal is to re-engage people -- some of whom may not have been contacted in quite a while -- with the FCDCC and its local Democratic Clubs, as well as to encourage people to volunteer for upcoming activities.

To participate, contact James Williams via e-mail at jamesdean19662000@yahoo.com. Scripts and mutual support will be provided. Bring your cell phones, chargers, enthusiasm, and spare weekend minutes!

FCDCC to host Candidate Training Jan. 9

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:12:00 +0000

Want to get elected? The Fresno County Democratic Central Committee, along with the CLC and the College Democrats, invite you to attend 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.

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!

Battle for healthcare reform moves into Senate

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:03:00 +0000

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 for more information and possible next steps.

To all veterans: Thank You, from the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:21:00 +0000

Today, Nov. 11, is indeed Veteran's Day. And on this day, the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee extends its sincere thanks to all veterans, in recognition of their sacrifices.

For those in harm's way today, especially those in Iraq and Afghanistan, the FCDCC wishes you a safe and speedy return home!

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

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:01:00 +0000

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.

Sen. Reid now backing inclusion of a public option

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:53:00 +0000

From CNN and other news sources:

The contentious debate over health care took a new twist Monday as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced his decision to craft legislation including a public insurance option allowing states to opt out.

Reid, a Nevada Democrat, has been melding legislation from the more conservative Senate Finance Committee and the more liberal Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. The Health Committee included a form of the public option in its bill; the Finance Committee did not.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has insisted that the House of Representatives will pass a health care reform bill including a public option.

President Obama is "pleased that the Senate has decided to include a public option for health coverage," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a written statement.

The full article is available at CNN.com.

Concerned constituents make more than 300,000 phone calls Oct. 20 supporting healthcare reform

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:23:00 +0000

From our friends at Organizing For America:

As you know, we set a big phone-call goal: 100,000 calls to Congress placed or committed to in a single day by OFA supporters and allied organizations. By 2:30 p.m., you had crushed it. So, we gulped and said let's go for 200,000, not knowing what would happen. But the calls just kept pouring in -- keeping phones ringing off the hook in congressional offices in D.C. and your representatives' district offices around the country.

Then, OFA supporters gathered in more than 1,000 living rooms and community centers from Macon, Georgia to Missoula, Montana. You called hundreds of thousands of key voters in your community and got them to agree to call Congress and speak out for reform, too. President Obama joined in at a call party in New York -- and he had some amazing words of support for the folks like you who make this movement possible.

President Obama added his support to the effort as well, saying:

I want to recognize the folks in this room -- and folks watching online -- who are helping us to do exactly that. And I want to thank all the Organizing for America volunteers for making calls, knocking on doors, and keeping up the fight. You know why this is so important. ... We are nearing the finish line -- and with your help, we're going to cross it

President Obama's weekly address: Taking on the insurance companies down the stretch

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:20:00 +0000

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov:

In his weekly address, and as the health insurance reform debate enters into its final stages in Congress, President Obama denounces the desperate and deceptive last-ditch efforts of the health insurance companies to derail it.

If the viewscreen below is not visible, President Obama's weekly address can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqXgp5mWU00.

Volunteers needed for 'Code Blue II' voter registration drive this weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Remember our 'Code Blue' voter-registration drive back in August? It was so successful that we're doing it again!

We continue to drive towards a Democratic majority, our goal being to achieve one before year's end. Join us as we speed the process along and catch the Republican party asleep during the Code Blue II voter-registration drive, scheduled 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Oct. 17-19, here in Fresno.

Volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Large Park in Fresno. 'Code Blue II' is scheduled on both days of the weekend, and will finish with the naturalization of new citizens on Monday, Oct. 19.

Please sign up for one or both days by visiting the Code Blue II event page at BarackObama.com. We hope to see you there!

Sen. Feinstein declares her support for public option in healthcare reform

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:53:00 +0000

Sen. Diane Feinstein, until recently officially undecided on the issue, declared her support yesterday for a public option in healthcare reform. Here's the announcement, from her official website:

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, along with 29 Democratic Senate colleagues, has signed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging the inclusion of a public option in any health reform legislation that will be considered on the Senate floor. An additional 14 Senators at least have expressed support for the public option through a resolution, letter, or by voting for a strong public option during committee markups.

The Senators’ letter states that “absent a competitive and continuous public insurance option – health reform legislation will not produce nationwide access and ongoing cost containment.”

It continues: “The number one goal of health reform must be to look out for the best interests of the American people – patients and taxpayers alike – not the profit margins of insurance companies.”

The full text of the announcement is available on Sen. Feinstein's official website. In the meantime, let's call her offices to thank her for her support. Those numbers remain:

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

President Obama's weekly address: New progress and momentum in healthcare reform

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:00:00 +0000

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov:

In his weekly address, President Obama goes through the leading conservative and Republican figures who have come out one after another urging passage of health insurance reform. After a summer of intense debate, cooler heads begin to prevail to make progress for the American people.

If the viewscreen below is not visible, President Obama's weekly address can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS5T-Nkti7o

Viewpoint: MSNBC's Rachel Maddow talks about President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize recognition

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

While this is certainly not an official Democratic Party communication, Rachel Maddow's analysis may go a long way toward rebutting the Limbaughs and Becks of the world on the issue of President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize. Enjoy!

If the viewscreen below is not visible, Rachel Maddow's analysis is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMJuEOaF84o.

President Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Wow! From the news wires:

President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, citing his outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.

President Obama's efforts to promote a "global response to global challenges" cemented their decision.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/09/world/main5373311.shtml

California Democratic Party's regional 'platform hearing' scheduled Oct. 10

noreply@blogger.com (Savage) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:22:00 +0000

Want to have an impact upon the California Democratic Party's issue platform? Want to make your voice heard on the issues most important to Democrats? Consider attending the California Democratic Party's 'Platform Hearing ' and Meeting for Region 8, scheduled 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Yosemite Falls Restaurant, 4278 West Ashlan in Fresno.

For more information about the meeting, contact the Fresno County Democratic Central Commitee at here at contact@fcdcc.org.