A blog on progressive news and politics on both the California and Nevada sides of Lake Tahoe which aims at helping to elect Democrats and Turn Tahoe Blue. The blog is written from Germany by a former German exchange student at George Whittell High School in Zephyr Cove, Nevada.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

ABBA Explaining Iraq

Gotta love Abba:



Don't forget that Doolittle, Ensign, and Heller own this Waterloo as well. They have continously voted for the Iraq war.

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Friday, June 29, 2007

New York Times Gets it Right on Tahoe Fire Victims

Unlike some local blogs, the New York Times actually gets it right on who the victims of the Angora Fire in South Lake Tahoe are. It's a sad state of affairs when a paper from the East Coast has to remind some people living at the foothills of the Sierras that many Tahoe residents have to work for a living and are doing so in hotels and casinos, in schools and police stations, in restaurants and shops. The arrogance of some non-Tahoe residents is just mind-boggling.

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Thursday, June 28, 2007

Donate to Charlie Brown & 15% Will Go to Tahoe Fire Victims

Last night I received a fundraising email from the Charlie Brown for Congress campaign stating that 15% of online donations will go to the Sacramento - Sierra Red Cross to help the victims of the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe (which is in California's 4th congressional district).

Now, for those of you who don't know it, Charlie Brown has done something similar before. At the end of the previous fundraising quarter in March he pledged to give 10% of contributions to local veteran aide groups. The donations were distributed to the Sacramento Stand Down, Nevada County Stand Down, and Sierra College Veterans Club in mid April.

This is in stark contrast to the actions of Congressman John Doolittle who's practise it was to give 15% of all contributions to his wife. Charlie in contrast is giving money to the community in his district.

Here's the fundraising email:

As you know, the upcoming June 30th FEC deadline is a very important benchmark for our campaign. But it pales in comparison to what's happening right now in Lake Tahoe, where thousands of our neighbors are facing a devastating wildfire.

That's why between now and the FEC deadline of midnight on June 30th, we will be donating 15% of all contributions made through our online ActBlue page to the Sacramento- Sierra Red Cross--to help area residents who have been affected by this horrible tragedy.

CLICK HERE to Contribute Now! (15% of your donation will help Tahoe Area Fire Victims).

CLICK HERE for a list of groups who are helping those displaced by the fire, and information about how you can help.

Together, we've shown that leadership is about much more than just affecting policy in Washington. It is also about mobilizing our collective strength to address real life problems here at home. In other words, leading by example.

A few months ago, our "no veteran left behind" campaign did much more than provide needed funds to area organizations helping veterans and families in need. It set an example that others have followed- both inside an outside of politics. Veterans and families in need across America, not just in our own community, have been the beneficiaries.

The events of this week demand that we lead by example once again.


Please be aware that it says that 15% of all contributions through Charlie's ActBlue page will go to the Tahoe fire victims. So, I'm not sure if this also applies to other ActBlue pages raising funds for Charlie. I'll ask the campaign and update once I've heard back from them.

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Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Tahoe Fire - How You Can Help

Unfortunately, the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe hasn't been extinguished, yet. Further evacuations were necessary. To get the latest on the fire, photos and video go to Tahoe Daily Tribune, OurTahoe.org, Reno Gazette-Journal or Sacramento Bee.

If you want to help, I'm sure you'll a way from the list from the Reno Gazette-Journal:

Housing Assistance

* Free Housing For Seniors - Sierra Place, 1111 West College Pkwy., Carson City (775) 841-4111
* Red Cross - South lake Tahoe Rec. Ctr., 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, (530) 542-6056
* United Way of Northern Nevada - (775) 322-8668


Food, Clothes and Toys

* Food Bank of Northern Nevada - (775) 331-3663
* Reno Rodeo Foundation - 6121 Lakeside Dr. (RE/MAX Bldg.), Reno - (775) 851-3505
* Squaw Valley - (530) 583-6985
* Spoiled Rotten Pets - 748 S. Meadows Pkwy., Suite A-3, Reno (775) 829-7886
* Red Cross - South Lake Tahoe Rec. Ctr., 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, (530) 542-6056
* Bio Green - 3785 Baker Lane, Suite 202, Reno (775) 329-7272
* Custom Aire Mechanical - 2205 Glendale Ave., Suite 143, Sparks (775) 331-3337
* South Lake Tahoe Jail - 1051 Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (530) 573-3030
* United Way of Northern Nevada - (775) 322-8668
* Together for Tahoe Wed June 27th, 6am-6pm, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa west parking lot, South Virginia & Peckham Lane. Cash, nonperishable food, seasonable clothing, blankets, pet food.
* Casino Fandango in Carson City is taking donations 775-885-7000
* Ice Box Kitchens is a drop off location for victims of the fire. They are looking for bottled water, personal hygiene items, and blankets. 775-829-1964
* Carson Valley Christian Center Drop off any supplies for the fire
1095 Stephanie way just south of Carson. Call: Laura Cotter 775-781-0633
* US Bearings & Drives in Sparks have set up donation boxes for the vitims of the Angora fire. They are asking for blankets and non-perishable food.
775-284-4737
* Oak Harbor Freight Lines Offering pick-up of donations for businesses only and will drive to South Lake Tahoe
8960 Terabyte Drive, Reno, NV Call: 775-851-9100
* Sierra Place Retirement is offering free accommodations to senior citizens affected by the Angora Fire.
775-841-5820


Pet Assistance

* Dr. Bree Montana (530) 414-0832 or (530) 546-7522
* Susan Paul (775) 720-3773
* Jeanine Chaney, DVM & Dave Haebler, DVM - (775) 884-4362
* Horse Pastures for victims in Carson Valley - (775)721-1574
* All Creatures Animal Hospital - Taking all animals, including horses, cats, dogs, snakes. Extra stalls available.
6474 Bonde Lane, Reno, NV Call: 775-851-3151
* Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique in South Meadows is taking donations for fire victims. They are asking for things like blankets, pillows, warm clothes, bottled water, diapers, baby formula, baby food, etc. They are also taking monetary donations Call: 775-829-7886
* Four Paws 530-542-2377 - Taking small pets for people with Pet Network
* Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care 530-577-2273 - Will take injured-wild animals
* Jenny Austin is donating her services by transporting large animals..like horses.
775-291-8677


Misc.

* Debra Manley, the facilitator for "Stuff Ministries" in Gardnerville, has enough on hand to help three families that lost their homes stock their kitchens and bathrooms with supplies.
775-782-1700 x253, dmanley@maxtonvalve.com
* South Lake Tahoe residents affected by the Angora Fire are welcome to bring any towable assets to Sierra-at-Tahoe Resorts for storage.
530-659-7453 x400
* Rockwood Tree Service - 775-832-0777, Beth Moxley
Her company will donate chippers and cutters to clean up the areas of devastation.

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Monday, June 25, 2007

Fire Blazing in South Lake Tahoe

When I heard the news this morning that western part of South Lake Tahoe near Fallen Leaf Lake was on fire it just broke my heart. While I lived in Stateline during my exchange year, I often visited and drove through that area. Eleven years ago my host family and I faced another fire, on the valley side of Kingsbury causing us to evacuate in case the fire should jump over the ridge. It was a very frightening scene I'll never forget. Thankfully, back then we were spared.

I've looked for more information on the internet about the Angora fire and so far the Reno Gazette-Journal has the best coverage by far. If you live nearby and want to help you can find out more here. Once information on ways to donate is available, I'll publish it here.

UPDATE:

The Sacramento Bee also has a special report with much more information. From the RGJ comes this on how you can help:

Together for Tahoe donation drive is scheduled for 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Atlantis Casino Resort's west parking lot, at the corner of South Virginia Street and Peckham Lane. Cash, nonperishable food, seasonal clothing, blankets, pet food and more will be collected. The organization is working through the Red Cross; bank account and tax-donation information will be announced later. Corporate and individual volunteers are needed. Call 224-7300 for more information.

A clothing drive for fire victims is sponsored by the West Shore Association in cooperation with Tahoe City PUD and the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce for fire victims. It is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Rideout School and 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Commons Beach. Bring clothing, blankets, towels, anything that someone might need who has just lost everything. Volunteers are needed at Rideout School on Saturday and Sunday and at Commons Beach to accept the items.

The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is providing foster homes to pets of families displaced by the Angora Fire. If you can provide foster care for a dog, cat or other type of animal, or can make a donation of food, supplies or money, call 530-587-5948 or e-mail info@hstt.org.


UPDATE 2:

From the comments: more info, photos and links at OurTahoe.org

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Tuesday, June 19, 2007

"Maybe We Need a Waitress in Congress"


The race between Republican Congressman Jon Porter and Democrat Tessa Hafen in NV-03 (the suburbs of Las Vegas) has been one of the closest in the country with 48.46% for Porter and 46.57% for Hafen and Porter winning by less than 4,000 votes. Therefore, it's not surprising that Democrats, both in DC and in Nevada, are looking for another serious challenger to Porter after Hafen, a former aide to Sen. Reid, declined to run again. Last week, another potential contender, 2006 gubernatorial nominee and State Sen. Min. Leader Dina Titus, took herself out of the running leaving the field with one announced candidate and two others seriously considering.

Thus far only
Andrew Martin has announced his intention to run. He's an accountant making his first run for elected office and would be Nevada's first openly gay member of Congress. He's fairly unknown, though, and I'm not sure if he'd be able to raise the funds necessary for a successful run. Another potential candidate is Larry Lehrner, a nephrologist, a former Republican who does not even live in the district but is nontheless taken very seriously because he's married to Shelley Berkley, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley that is. A married couple representing two districts of one state in Congress, I don't think we've had that before and I'm not sure we'd want that.

So, maybe it's time for a waitress in Congress.

There has been speculation that
Maggie Carlton, a state senator since 1999 is interested in running and this past weekend she confirmed this:
"My husband and I have been talking about it for a while," she said. "We might try it. I don't think it's too far fetched."

Carlton, a waitress at the Treasure Island resort, said she wants to talk it over with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and her supporters at home before she makes a decision.

"He's my congressman, and I don't like some of the things he's done," she said of Porter. "Maybe we need a waitress in Congress, not an insurance guy."

Yup, you read that right, a waitress. Nevada's legislature is only in session for four months every other year, meaning legislators have to keep their job after being elected and work to make a living. Wonder how Maggie Carlton does it? So did NPR a year ago. You can listen to their profile of Maggie Carlton here.

Maggie Carlton represents the working people of Las Vegas and Nevada in the State Senate. One co-worker says:

We got somebody speaking for us on a higher level. [...] She'll bring up the questions that other senators probably wouldn't bring up because they don't know about nine-to-five working people. [...] If Maggie wouldn't be doing it who would do it?

So, you could argue she's too valuable in the State Senate and should stay put. However, term limits were introduced in Nevada which means she cannot stand for re-election in 2010. Having her speak for the nine-to-five people in Congress might not be such a bad idea.

How could she win? We know the district is competitive, Porter is vulnerable. She'd have one distinctive advantage: the Culinary Union Local 226 - the most powerful union in Nevada, so powerful that the Culinary's endorsement might swing the presidential contest in the Nevada Caucus next year. Maggie Carlton is not only a member of the Culinary Union and a Culinary Local No. 226 Shop Steward, she says she was actually encouraged to run for the State Senate by the Culinary:
They wanted someone who clocked in for a living and who understood: running to PTA meetings, trying to do the girl scout thing, getting kids to school on time, all those types of things.

Maggie Carlton has been doing her day-job for 30 years now, maybe it's time she put down that 40 pound tray not just for 120 days every other year but permanently and take her experience to Washington.

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Monday, June 11, 2007

Charlie Brown Added to Blue Majority Fundraising Page

I just read on MyDD that Charlie Brown has been added to the Blue Majority fundraising page. This is a significant development. In the last election cycle Charlie Brown wasn't on this page which raised thousands of dollars for Democratic candidates. This should not only raise additional funds for Charlie but also raise national awareness for his campaign as the blogs who make up Blue Majority - Daily Kos, MyDD, and the Swing State Project - will surely increase their coverage of Charlie Brown's campaign against John Doolittle. This is another sign of confidence in Charlie's campaign and a very good sign for his chances against Doolittle.

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