2008 election
In this Issue - From the Editor
The election of Barack Obama represents a turning point in the role of race in United States politics. It proves conclusively that the United States electorate has moved past simple prejudice based on the color of a person’s skin. And it demonstrates that there is a majority coalition in favor of progressive change. This is a milestone, and it offers an outstanding opportunity to advance a new national agenda.
Unfortunately, the election in itself does very little to challenge the economic and social system that inflicts racism on vast segments of the people in this country. To make change, our movements will need to maintain consistent grassroots pressure on the new leadership. But we also need to deepen our understanding of how racial inequality is maintained. Furthermore, we need a solid theory of how and where we can redistribute opportunity so that communities of color and low-income people can gain their fair share of benefits and remedy past wrongs.
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Yes on the Measure VV Event
Dateline:
10/15/2008Source:
KPFA
Over 50 students, parents, bus riders, and people
representing community and faith organizations gathered at the busiest bus hub
in 
y to bus riders.
If passed by voters in November, Measure VV will fill the gap in AC Transit’s operating budget – preventing service hikes and major budget cuts. If Measure VV doesn’t pass, then the consequences could be devastating to AC Transit’s over 200,000 daily riders- many of whom have no other transportation option and include youth, seniors, working people, and people with disabilities.
Listen to KPFA Wendall Harper's report on the event click Here or listen to KCBS' Bob Melrose click Here
Statements Stricken from AC Transit Challenger’s Ballot Statement
Dateline:
09/04/2008Source:
Berkley Daily Planet An Alameda County Superior Court Judge has taken the first vote in the 2008 local general election, ruling that certain portions of AC Transit At Large Board challenger Joyce Roy’s submitted ballot statement were either false or misleading, and ordering them removed.
Judge Frank Roesch’s ruling last week was in response to a lawsuit filed by Alameda County resident William Rowen. Rowen was represented by Oakland attorney David Stein, while Roy represented herself.
Roy, a retired Oakland architect and public transportation advocate, is challenging AC Transit Board President Chris Peeples for Peeples’ At-Large board seat.
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East Bay local agencies ask voters for money
Dateline:
08/21/2008Source:
Contra Costa Times East Bay voters face a double-edged ballot on Nov 4.
At the same time they pay more at the pump and the grocery store, cash-strapped local public agencies are asking for money, too.
Of the 58 local ballot measures on Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano County ballots, a third propose new or extended taxes totalling more than $750 million.
Nearly half the measures raise funds for schools either through bonds repaid with property taxes or parcel taxes.
The largest is a $500 million parks bond for the East Bay Regional Park District. A handful of cities seek cash to pay for new police officers, street repairs and library services.
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Senate Improves, Approves High Speed Rail Bill
Dateline:
08/09/2008Source:
California Chronicle Yee amendment helps protect main line of bullet train from SF to LA.
SACRAMENTO – The California Senate on Thursday approved Assembly Bill 3034 to rewrite the $10 billion bond measure set to go before the voters in November to build the state´s high speed rail system. AB 3034 improves the business plan and provides greater public oversight of the high speed rail construction. At the request of Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), the bill also includes a critical amendment supported by most high speed rail advocates and environmentalists to protect the main line of the bullet train from San Francisco to Los Angeles and Anaheim.
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