The Affordable Care Act, known as “Obamacare,” will be fully enacted come January 1, 2014. But did you know that the new California Health Benefit Exchange (known as Covered California) will be open for enrollment in October?

Our extremely knowledgeable panel consisted of Bonnie Preston, MSPH, Outreach & Policy Specialist at the US Department of Health & Human Services, to discuss basics about the federal law and our state’s exchange; Patricia McGinnis, Executive Director of California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, on the effects of reform on seniors;  Sumi Sousa, Officer of Policy Development and Coverage Programs at San Francisco Health Plan, with a San Francisco perspective. The discussion, including extensive audience Q&A, was both detailed and far-ranging. Another illuminating evening at PHDC!

WHEN: Tuesday, May 7 at 7pm
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro St

With increased population growth, climate change, and the inevitable “big one,” securing San Francisco’s water supply will require creative and forward-looking plans. Attendees heard from experts about these and other water issues in our city and in the state, including: the dangers fracking in California; ways that San Francisco is slowly mitigating its practice of treating rainwater runoff as if it were wastewater; chemicals in drinking water in other parts of the state; taxing fertilizer to offset the contamination it causes. Conversation-starters Jennifer Clary of Clean Water Action, Ellen Levin of SF Public Utilities Commission, and Adam Scow of Food & Water Watch opened the program, followed by breakout groups and a final Q&A session. Earlier in the meeting, PHDC members updated the group on past topics, including the CA DISCLOSE Act, gun safety legislation, and saving City College.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 2 at 6:45pm (meeting at 7pm)
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro St

You may have heard about the recent occupation of the Administration Building by CCSF students, with four specific demands in response to sanctions imposed by the accreditation commission. Students, faculty, staff, trustees and alumni all want to keep City College of San Francisco open – but they don’t all agree on the best approach. Panel discussion with representatives from:

City College of SF Board of Trustees – Two members with differing perspectives: Rafael Mandelman and Steve Ngo.

Save CCSF – Coalition of faculty, students, staff, & community members: Professor Rodger Scott and student Inder Grewal

A civil discussion was held around the various takes on the situation, with questions from the audience.  After the panel discussion, Club members had a separate meeting and voted to endorse and attend the Save CCSF rally at City Hall on March 14th at 4pm. There’s our banner at the rally, above.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 5th, 6:45pm (program at 7pm sharp!)
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro St

What are the chances for a meaningful, effective response to the ever-increasing gun violence in this country? Three excellent speakers engaged the audience around this question. Robyn Thomas, Executive Director of Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, discussed current gun laws, the Second Amendment and the prospects for proposed legislation to pass. She emphasized showing elected officials that we are watching; till now the anti-gun control side has been much louder and stronger. Tell the President and other electeds what you think: Thank them for their efforts to reduce gun violence. Captain Robert O’Sullivan of the Bayview Police Station discussed what his officers see – and seize – on the ground. He urged those in attendance to mentor young people who need positive role models. Assistant District Attorney Mike Maffei talked about the San Francisco DA’s office’s handling of cases involving guns. The conversations lasted well after the meeting was adjourned.

2013 Club officers were elected by acclamation.

WHEN: Thursday, February 7th at 7pm
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro @ Southern Heights

The table discussions last month sharply revealed how important money in politics, in all its incarnations, remains for PHDC members and friends. On the January agenda: Action at the Chevron refinery January 19th to mark the third anniversary of Citizens United – see calendar listing. The  2013 California DISCLOSE Act, SB 52, authored by Senator Mark Leno (along with Senator Jerry Hill of San Mateo) – and what you can do to help get it passed this year (check out the local working group web site for action opportunities). Possibly the perfect antidote to money invested to increase profits for the few: time and energy invested by citizens for the good of the many – Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service – Saturday, Jan. 19th. There are plenty of events right in San Francisco. The Habitat for Humanity event discussed at the meeting is now filled.

Also: Discussion and vote on proposed changes to the Bylaws, plus the start of nominations for 2013 officers.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 8th at 7pm
WHERE: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro @ Southern Heights

The December meeting of Potrero Hill Democratic Club – co-sponsored by Noe Valley Democratic Club and San Francisco for Democracy – was about the (mostly gratifying) results of the election – especially the unanticipated gift of a Democratic super-majority in both of California’s state houses. Special guests included Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (left), who began the program by describing the situation and prospects for reform in Sacramento, and then took questions. Next, CA Democratic Party Region 4 Director and Calitics blogger Brian Leubitz and Helen Grieco, Common Cause Organizer for Northen California spoke briefly, then joined a series of small round-table discussions with attendees. The gathering concluded with brief reports from each table “host,” then Helen led a wrap-up discussion with Q&A. Conversations centered around what issues participants most wanted to see addressed by elected representatives, and ultimately how we, individually and as a club,  can best work to move forward in realizing our goals. It was one of our liveliest meetings, and quite well-attended.

Tuesday, December 4 at 7pm
Potrero Hill Neighborhood House
953 De Haro St @ Southern Heights

This is it, the final stretch. There are people who have registered to vote and who support President Obama and other important down-ticket candidates and issues. But we have to make sure they actually vote. That’s why these last days of phoning are so absolutely crucial. Our two closest Get-Out-The-Vote staging areas in SF are:

Democratic/OFA Headquarters
228 Market St at Noe

and

Westbay Conference Center
1290 Fillmore at Eddy

They are each open 9am to 9pm Sat-Mon, and 6am to 6pm on Election Day. Click on either one to sign up for a shift – or just drop in.

We met on the first Wednesday instead of the Tuesday, because that’s when the first Presidential Debate happened. We enjoyed food, drink, friends, neighbors, campaign speakers, strange debate performances and door prizes at the Connecticut Yankee that night.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 3, 6 – 8pm
WHERE: Connecticut Yankee, 100 Connecticut St @ 17th

Tuesday, Sept 4, 6:30 – 9pm: Ballot measure endorsement meeting. State and local ballot measures, speakers pro and con. Q&A of course. Check out the results of voting here. To be endorsed, a proposition or candidate must get 60% of votes cast.

Tuesday, Sept 11, 7 – 9pm: Candidate endorsement meeting. Candidates for Board of Education and  SF Community College Board of Trustees. Candidate questionnaires received from these folks may be viewed here. Candidates for BART Director for District 7 (includes Dogpatch) and District 9 (includes Potrero Hill) were also invited to speak. Here are the Club’s endorsements.

Both meetings took place at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro @ Southern Heights.

Our event August 11th was a great success, largely thanks to the generosity of our donors.  What a phenomenal neighborhood!

All States Best Foods
Aperto
ARCH Drafting Supplies Inc
Bell & Trunk Flowers
Jason Benlevi author
Dr. Ann Brinkley, DC
Senator John Burton and Supervisor Malia Cohen
Career Insiders
Chat’s
Chiotras Grocery
Christopher’s Books
Collage Gallery
Connecticut Yankee
Dig
Dogpatch Saloon
Joni Eisen Cake Portraits
Farley’s
Fei Tian Academy of the Arts
Fregosi & Company Paints
Ganim’s Market
Gilberths Rotisserie & Grill
Goat Hill Pizza
The Good Life Grocery
Grand Pu Pah Thai Restaurant & Bar
Hazel’s Kitchen
Just For You Café
Kate’s Closet
Allana Lee Katz jewelry
Peter Linenthal author & illustrator
Marcella’s Lasagneria & Cucina
Moshi Moshi Sushi & Grill
Pawtrero Bath House & Feed Co
Pera
Photography by Emily Payne
Plow
Post & Parcel, Inc
Potrero Chiropractors & Acupuncture
Quince Spa
The Ramp
Rickshaw Bagworks
Rocketfish
Skool Restaurant
Marlene Tran
Winnie S. Tsang
The Workshop Residence
Yield Wine Bar