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Yes On 8 Lawyers Will Ask CA Supreme Court To Invalidate Same Sex Marriages That Have Already Taken Place

On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court agreed to hear three lawsuits filed on behalf of same sex marriage supporters who want Proposition 8 overturned.  One big question mark is what happens to the thousands of gay couples who had marriages performed from mid-June through November 3rd.  Lawyers from Yes on 8 campaign are petitioning the court to invalidate those marriages but so far those marriages have been honored.  The courts have also said no more weddings can be performed until they issue a decision.

CA Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Legal Challenges To Prop 8

The CA Supreme Court agreed to consider three lawsuits that ask for Proposition 8 to be nullified. Oral arguments could begin as early as March.  The court said that same sex marriages could not resume until it makes a ruling either way. 

Woolsey Pitches New Deal To Put America Back On Track

Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey has called for the creation of a New Deal-like proposal that would spend billions of dollars and hire millions of workers to fix America's decaying infrastructure.  Woolsey, speaking Tuesday at a forum hosted by the Institute for America's Future, said-

"What America needs, and needs as quickly as we can deliver it, is a commitment to funding our domestic priorities with a bold infusion of resources.  The most obvious domestic need is our crumbling infrastructure."

She also noted that investments could also be used to further develop the eco/green industry movement, which would also produce jobs.

According to the Institute for America's Future, spending on infrastructure has been halved in recent years and the resultant massive problems will require the staggering sum of $1.6 trillion over the next several years to fix.

Feature!- Anger And Hope At Anti Prop 8 Rally In San Rafael

"We will win!"

That was the rallying cry, and overall theme by Marin residents today at a gay marriage rights rally, on San Rafael City Hall steps.  It was part of a nationwide effort, Join The Impact, which called on gay rights advocates and supporters to rally against the passage of Proposition 8 in last week's election.

Click here to see the photo album and click below to see the rest of the story.

Prop 8 Fight Far From Over- Activists Hope To Place Same-Sex Marriage Back On The Ballot In Two Years

The battle over Prop 8 is far from over.  Several lawsuits have already been lodged against the Proposition in the California State Supreme Court and a decision is expected soon, maybe even as early as this week.  If the courts don't overturn the Proposition, then activists vow to place an anti-Prop 8 measure on the ballot in just two years.

Meanwhile protests have been carried out almost daily, in front of churches around the nation, especially Mormon temples.  Mormons were one of Prop 8's biggest financial supporters.  Leaders, politicians and even television hosts have spoken out about the passage of Prop 8, including this emotional plea from MSNBC's Keith Olbermann.  Gay activists have also done some heavy soul-searching about taking California support for same-sex unions, for granted.  They accuse the No on 8 leaders of being 'too soft' in their battle against the Yes on 8 supporters. 

Still, thousands of same-sex weddings were performed in California from mid-June to the election and most people feel those unions will remain legal.  As of now, only Connecticut and Massachusetts allow gay marriage. 

Update- Marin location confirmed- San Rafael City Hall, 1400- 5th Avenue

Activists are calling for a national day of protest this coming Saturday.  They are asking anyone against Prop 8 to show up at their City Hall steps for a peaceful protest beginning at 10:30am PT. 

Obama May Look To Bay Area To Fill Positions

A few names of Bay Area men and women have popped up as possibilities to fill Obama administration positions.  Check out this KRON4 video report.

Guv Calls For Cuts And Taxes To Fix The Budget Shortfall

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has just called a special legislative session to try and tackle the yawning budget shortfall of $11 billion dollars, and he wants to do it by cutting services and..gasp...by raising taxes!

Citing the Wall Street meltdown, Schwarzenegger says the cuts and taxes are necessary to "stop the bleeding."  Most of the spending cuts would be from education; both primary and secondary schools.  He is also asking that state employees take one unpaid day off each month, eliminate two state holidays and premium pay for working on a holiday.

He's also proposing raising the sales tax by 1 1/2 cents for three years, imposing an oil severance tax on each barrel of oil produced in California and increasing alcohol excise taxes.  And in order to increase employment, he'd like to accelerate infrastructure building and permit processes, including eliminating some environmental regulations in order to speed it up. 

The current legislative session ends at the end of November and the Governor is hoping there is action taken before then.

Marin African-Americans Thrilled About Obama

Marin's African-American residents mirrored the joy felt by other blacks nationwide in Tuesday's historic election.  We ran into several first time voters (some of whom are pictured above) at the polling place in Marin City.  They were there to support the historic candidacy of Barack Obama. 

The Marin IJ visited the Martin Luther King, Jr Academy school on Wednesday and filed this very nice feature story.

Gay Rights Advocates Promise A Court Fight

Several same-sex couples along with San Francisco, Los Angeles and Santa Clara County filed three lawsuits Wednesday, in California Supreme Court seeking to strike Proposition 8.

On Tuesday, California voters passed Proposition 8, an initiative that would amend the State Constitution to ban gays from marrying in California.  The initiative would overturn a May ruling by the State Supreme Court that says same sex couples have a right to marry under California law.

The three lawsuits ask for an immediate stay to suspend the ruling with later plans on striking it down.  The suits contend that Prop 8 would 'subvert the fundamental principle of equal treatment' and is a Constitutional revision, rather than an amendment, and would require a two-thirds vote from each house in the Legislature before being submitted to a vote by Californians.

Suits were filed by the ACLU, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Lambda Legal and Education Defense Fund. 

Attorney General Jerry Brown is placed in a curious position.  As AG, his job is to defend California law and he must work to defend the Proposition, but he will also defend same-sex marriages that took place before Tuesday.

Gay rights advocates are not going to go down without a fight.  We at MoreMarin support them in fighting this mean-spirited and frankly, un-American proposition.

The Bloggers, Jon Stewart And Condoleezza Rice

The joyous reaction from bloggers like Mark Morford of SFGate and Chez Pazienza of Deus Ex Malcontent is predictable, but check out Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as she reacts to Obama's election.  And here are Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert with the announcement-

    

Those Other Ballot Races

Looks like the SMART train will actually roll down the tracks, and you won't be able to use plastic bags in retail outlets in Fairfax...here's a look at how the Props and Measures fared-

Election Day 2008 - A Marin County Look

If the Republicans are the Party of Joe the Plumber, and the Democrats are the Party of the Elite, then someone forgot to tell the Marin folks that. 

Marin Democrats celebrated the historic victory of Barack Obama while spilling out of a tiny, overcrowded storefront on 4th Street in downtown San Rafael, while the GOP tried their best to put a good face on the resounding defeat of John McCain at the Harbor Point Tennis and Swim Club in Strawberry.

Historic, Exciting, Momentous, Pivotal

What more needs to be said? 

Election Day 2008 - Novato Voters

Bruce Nadler, a Clerk at the Ignacio Hills Apartment polling place in Novato, was standing by the pool and ushering in a steady stream of voters.  We asked him how this election turnout compared with the last time-

"It's like night and day.  We've had quite a nice flow all day," Nadler said.  When asked if there were any long lines, "Just this morning, we had a long line, about 25 people waiting when we opened."

Michelle Boudreau is very excited-

"I felt a whole lot better this election- it's a better choice.  It hasn't been exciting for a long time.  And it's historic either way, even if the Republicans win with Sarah Palin as the Vice-President."

Lillian Liggans, a long-time Novato resident, has voted at this polling place for about 20 years. We asked if she was excited about the election-

"Yes!  I can't take another four years...I won't have enough money left!"

Lillian also felt strongly about voting for Measure Q, the SMART train Proposition.

"It's very important.  I look out my window and see that traffic every day, so I voted Yes on Q.  That Proposition was the most important to me."

Election Day 2008- San Rafael Voters

There was a bit of a lull at the Pickleweed Community Center in San Rafael, so we got a chance to speak with John Ortega, the Chief Inspector there.  He said voting was going well, with about about 350 people who had already voted so far.  Ortega went on to say that although there are 10,000 to 12,000 residents in the Canal District, only 1,600 are registered.

The Grassroots Leadership Network, a non-partisan group, was on hand to provide support and education for voters and to conduct exit polling for feedback to the County on how well the voting was going.  Grassroots is present at four polling places in the County.   

Election Day 2008- Corte Madera and Tiburon Voters

At the Tiburon Town Hall polling location, Chief Inspector Dick Park said it was much busier than in 2004-

"Many voters have told me how excited they were to vote."

The Town Hall had 317 voters by 11:00 am.  Park told us that some voters who had voted here before show, showed up but they were not on the poll books.
Voter, Donna Amon said she had voted for Obama, but voted No on several of the Propositions because they cost too much.

Proposition 8 is one of the most controversial on this ballot and several Corte Madera voters were outside the Corte Madera Recreation Center polling place, with signs both for and against Prop 8. They weren't any bad feelings, however, as they told us they respected each others' opinions.  Faye Jorgensen, a Prop 8 supporter, had this to say-

"Traditional marriage is best for families and best for children." 

On the No side, was Annie Hershfield.  She is a lesbian and is married-

"Being a partner...being married here in Marin has been great.  I haven't felt persecuted."

Election Day 2008- Muir Beach & Marin City Voters

Muir Beach has the smallest precinct in the County with just 286 registered voters, but 45 had already showed up before 9:00 am to vote at the Muir Beach Community Center.  Inspector Kathy Sward told us she thinks they'll get a 90% turnout!

In Marin City we found several people who were voting for the very first time at the Marin Community Services District Gym.  The inspector there, Cynthia Warren, told us it was the busiest she had ever seen it.  Dudley Morgan of Marin City Fatherhood Program was on hand to give the first time voters support. 

Proposition 8 Looks To Go Down To The Wire

Call it the $70 million dollar Proposition.  That's what the Pro 8 and Anti 8 forces have spent either trying to cull support or garner defeat for the controversial Proposition.  And the amount of money spent is more than double the total spent in 24 other states where same-sex marriage appeared on the ballot.  Recent polling shows voters are about split down the middle on Prop 8. 

MoreMarin posted an editorial a few weeks back calling for a NO vote on 8.   As you go to the polls, we urge you to please vote NO on this unfair and mean-spirited Proposition that would deny rights to people.  It's downright un-American.  (photo courtesy of LA Times)

Election Night Events In Marin

Get ready, get set...and prepare to VOTE!  (That is if you aren't one of the thousands of early voters who have already done so!)  Don't forget to check out MoreMarin's Election 2008 before you go to the polls.  It's our handy guide to the Measures and Propositions. 

Tuesday night, if you're in the mood to party a bit and don't want to settle down in front of the TV by yourself for hours upon hours of election night returns, then get yourself down to one of several events happening here in the County-

"Soak The Vote"- 5:00pm until the Election is called.  A performance art piece inspired by the quote from George H.W. Bush when he described convicted Taliban foot soldier, John Walker Lindh as "some misguided Marin County hot-tubber."   The artist, Lizabeth Eva Rossof, will invite participants to wear hot-tub attire and bring their peacock feathers to Illimigarden in Mill Valley.  The event will be documented for a later film.  35 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley.  Cocktails, wine and cheese will be served. 

GOP Party - 6:00pm until ??- Unless there is a major shift in voting trends in the next 24 hours, the Republican Election Night Party locale is likely to be on the 'subdued' side come Tuesday night.  Nevertheless, they are holding a 'night of celebration' at the Harbor Point Tennis and Swim Club at 475 E. Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley.  No host bar and free appetizers. 

Dem Party - 8:00pm until the Election is called. Marin Democratic Headquarters in downtown San Rafael is certain to the place to party come Tuesday.   Streaming videos on a big screen TV, and light refreshments served.  Marin Democratic Headquarters, 1344 - 4th St, San Rafael.

MarinMaven website has a few other election night to-do's...check it out!

Election Day 2008- First Photos Of Voters in Mill Valley

Marin County voters were lined up today here at the Tamalpais Valley Community Center polling place in Mill Valley.  Jeff Fineman arrived at 6:30am and was first in line.  There were about 60 people lined up before the doors opened at 7:00am at this polling place, one of the busiest in the County with three precincts voting here.

The Battle Of The Redwood High School Newspapers

The Bark, the student newspaper of Redwood High School in Larkspur, has just been selected as a finalist in the prestigious National Scholastic Press Association's Pacemaker Award.  It's the second year The Bark has been picked as a finalist for the award which honors excellence in coverage, content, quality of writing and leadership.  This award has been called the "Pulitzer Prize" of student journalism.  Staff members will attend the awards conference in St. Louis next week.

Another paper, this one not sanctioned by the school, has popped up on a school computer and has resulted in its creator being suspended from the high school for a week.  Deadwood Barf, a parody of The Bark which skewers gays, women, environmentalists and Marin residents in general, was posted on a school computer which is against school policy.  Redwood senior, Cyrus Massoumi says he knew he would it was against school policy, but he did it anyway.  Now he is seeking the help of the ACLU claiming his first amendment rights have been violated.  However, the ACLU is unlikely to become involved in his case stating their involvement would only occur if he was suspended for his views expressed, not for suspension due to school policy.  This is not the first time Massoumi has been suspended; he's been suspended twice before, once for making an anti-homosexual remark to a fellow student and also for a racial slur against another student as a joke.

It's Almost Over

Quoted from anonymous Republican with close ties to White House officials-

"You have a combination of no legacy stuff, a horrible economic mess and the likelihood that Obama is going to win.  There is a real sadness there."

Welcome to the final days of the Bush White House.  It's been called a 'pity party' in some publications.  Tragic is more like it. Never has a President been so thoroughly disliked by Americans since approval rating polling began in the 1930s.

Iraq, Katrina, his dismissal of the impending global environmental crisis and finally the recent economic meltdown have all contributed to his dismal approval ratings, and will likely point the way to his legacy as one of the all-time worst Presidents in American history.

Bush was nearly absent from the campaign trail, unheard of for a sitting incumbent President during an election year.  But with a 25% approval rating, John McCain wanted to distance himself as much as he could from the 43rd President and Bush obliged.

On Tuesday, we will elect a new President.  On January 20, 2008 that President will be inaugurated.

It's almost over.     (Photo courtesy Getty Images)                           

Marin Republicans A (Sometimes Hidden) Minority

Lawn signs torn down, children whose parents have cars with McCain bumper stickers being taunted by their peers, GOP voter registration volunteers having garbage dumped on their table.

All those things have happened here in Marin, according to this revealing Marin IJ article details the double life many County Republicans live for fear of offending, or being offended by their liberal minded neighbors and friends.  Many of the GOP faithful find themselves hiding their political affiliation because of reprisal.  It appears that nasty campaign tactics have touched a nerve with voters who might be angry with how their candidate has been treated, or are simply fed up with Bush.

Election 2008- Measure Q

For election results go here.

It's the big Kahuna of local propositions.  It's the most talked about, discussed, argued and debated County proposition on the ballot.  It is the SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rapid Transit) Train ballot measure, or Measure Q.  Are you on-board, or do you think this train is going down the wrong track?

Election 2008- Measure G

For election results go here.

Measure G is almost exactly like Measure F.  It is a Measure that must be voted on every four years by Marinwood area residents to allow for expenditures on park and landscape maintenance services.  Measure G would authorize already collected tax monies for park and landscape maintenance, to actually be spent on those services.  It does not increase taxes.  It also allows for increase in spending, proportional to any increase in taxes collected with respect to park and landscape maintenance. 

There is no opposition to Measure G.

Resources-

MoreMarin 2008 Election Guide to Propositions & Measures

County Voter Guide for Measure G.

Election 2008- Measure F

For election results go here.

Measure F is an every-four-years type of proposition that authorizes the spending of already collected tax dollars on fire and emergency services for Marinwood community residences and businesses in San Rafael.  It would also authorize the spending on fire and emergency services to increase proportional to the amount of taxes actually collected for these services.

Measure F does not increase taxes.  There was no argument against Measure F submitted.

Resources-

MoreMarin 2008 Election Guide to Propositions & Measures

County Voter Guide for Measure F 

Election 2008- Measure E

For election results go here.

No one doubts that an earthquake or major disaster is inevitable.  It's really just a question of when.  With that in mind, Measure E would provide funds to build an earthquake-safe, energy efficient police-emergency disaster center to serve the so-called Twin Cities of Corte Madera and Larkspur.

Prostitution Proposition On SF Ballot

You may have heard about Prop K, the measure that- if passed, which isn't likely- would make San Francisco the first U.S. city to decriminalize prostitution. But even left-leaning Mayor Newsom, other politicians, business and community leaders don't think it's a good idea and would make SF a magnet for prostitution.  AP has a video report-

    

Early Voting Surge Seen By County

Absentee ballots, mail-in voting, early voting, whatever you call it, it's huge. 

The Marin County Registrar of Voters office say they've issued the highest ever number of absentee ballots- 93,205- in County history.

"We've already received 31,113 absentee ballots as of today.  In the last election I don't think we got that many back until Election Day," says Melvin Briones, the Assistant Registrar of Voters, "And we've still got a week to go."

Over half, 55%, of Marin voters are permanently registered as absentee voters, or vote-by-mail.  There are 155,000 registered voters in Marin. 

Briones also noted they are seeing many more walk-ins this election.  Walk-ins are those voters who aren't necessarily registered as absentee, but just want to get their votes in before Election Day.  The  County Registrar of Voters Office is open to early voters or walk-ins, 29 days before the election.

"We will have the County office open for voting this weekend.  We haven't done that in a lot of prior elections," said Briones.

And it's not just big here in Marin.  Last week we told you a huge increase in early voters here in the Bay Area.  Nationwide it's the same thing. 

Vote Early in person details-

**If you haven't requested an absentee ballot, but still wish to vote early in person you can do that up until Election Day.

**Location: County of Registrar of Voters Office, Marin County Civic Center, 3101 Civic Center Drive, Room 121

**Bring your Marin ballot.  They will check your name against the County roll. 

**Do not wear any campaign or political buttons, hats or clothing or you will not be allowed to vote there. 

**Weekday hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm

**Special weekend hours on Nov 1 and 2nd: 9:00am - 1:00pm

**Read our MoreMarin Election 2008 Guide before you go to the polls for a more educated vote on State Propositions and Local Measures on the ballot.

**Most importantly, DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

Election 2008- Measure D

For election results go here.

The Fairfax Town Clerk is currently an elected public official whose term is four years, and who must be a registered voter in Fairfax.  Measure D is a proposal sponsored by the Fairfax Town Council, to change the Town Clerk to an appointed position.

The Measure further states that as an appointed position, the Town Clerk would not need to be a registered voter or resident of Fairfax.  The Fairfax Town Manager would appoint the Town Clerk. 

There are no listed fiscal impacts from this measure, nor any pro or against arguments.

Resources-

MoreMarin 2008 Election Guide to Propositions & Measures

County Voter Guide for Measure D.

Election 2008- Measure C

For election results go here.

San Francisco was the first municipality to ban the use of plastic bags in supermarkets and pharmacies.  Several other cities decided to follow suit in order to eliminate the wasteful, toxic and animal-unfriendly bags from the environment.  But it wasn't that simple. 

Early Voting Seems To Be The Hot Thing This Election

It appears voters are turning out in record numbers, fully two weeks before the official Election on November 4th!  County election offices across the nation are reporting record early voter turnouts, including a five-fold increase here in Marin County.  Election Day itself is expected to shatter records for turnout, and perhaps sensing potentially long lines and waits, voters in the 31 states that allow early voting, are preferring to get it out of the way. 

If you want to vote early here is the info for Marin-

**8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
**9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2. 3501 Civic Center Dr., San Rafael.

Election 2008- County Measure B

For election results go here.

County Measure B is one of only two County sponsored measures on the November ballot.  Measure B seeks to consolidate two publicly elected positions within County government, the Auditor-Controller and the Treasurer-Tax Collector, into one appointed position- a Director of Finance, accountable to the Marin Board of Supervisors.

   

Election 2008- Measure A

For election results go here.

Schools are the backbone of the educational system.  Public schools in California have suffered increasing cuts to the school system.  Measure  A seeks to secure a special assessment for homeowners in Mill Valley, that would benefit Mill Valley schools.

Election 2008- State Proposition 12

For election results go here.

Young men and women sign up for military duty to help preserve and defend our way of life.  Because of the sacrifices veterans make on our behalf, Federal, State and local government have a variety of programs in place to help ease their education and housing needs.  One of those programs is Cal-Vet Home Loans. 

SF City Hall Extends Hours To Accomodate Last Minute Gay Marriage Crush

Gay couples are sprinting to City Hall to tie the knot in a mad dash to beat Election day on November 4th.  That's because Proposition 8, the initiative that would amend the California Constitution to prevent same sex marriage, is picking up steam.  A few months ago, everyone was fairly certain that Proposition 8 would have a hard time passing but now it looks like Prop 8 supporters may have the edge.  SF City Hall has extended hours as shown in this KRON4 video-

    

Election 2008- State Proposition 11

For election results go here.

Federal and state politicians, who represent people in certain districts in California, have the task of 'redistricting' every ten years.  After the census, lawmakers get together and redraw districts in order to make sure each district has about the same number of people as before.  The State legislature does this for all 80 seats in the State Assembly, the 40 seats in the State Senate and both the Senate and House seats in the U.S. Congress.

Proposition 11 would change the way redistricting is accomplished for the State lawmakers districts by Constitutional Amendment.

Deadline Is Today To Register To Vote

You have until 8p tonight to get down to the Civic Center elections office and register to vote!  The County is even going one step further to make  easy, quick and convenient, by operating drive through voter registration from 5p to 8p.  So even couch potatoes have no excuse to get off their duffs and register!  Do it for yourself, do it for your country, but just do it!

Election 2008- State Proposition 10

For election results go here.

Greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and dependency on foreign oil are three of the primary reasons Americans are starting to abandon petroleum fuel-based autos. Add to that the high cost of gas, and you've got plenty of reasons to want to switch to the new hybrids, electric and biofuel cars that fall under the umbrella of alternative energy fueled vehicles. 

Obama Ads Inside Of Video Games

In the 'what will they think of next category' comes this story.  The Obama campaign has placed ads actually in the video games themselves.  KRON4 shows us how high tech is influencing campaigning in 2008-

    

Election 2008- State Proposition 9

For election results go here.

In a perfect world, we'd have enough money to adequately fund the schools, infrastructure and the law enforcement and penal system.  But, it's not a perfect world, and fiscal issues are at the heart of Proposition 9, the Victim's Rights Initiative.

Joe Who?

If you watched Wednesday night's debate, you know that Joe Six-Pack has now morphed into Joe the Plumber.  Joe the Plumber is a real guy; Joe Wurzelbacher from Ohio.  At a recent campaign appearance there, Wurzelbacher told Senator Obama that Obama's tax plan would prevent him from buying a plumbing business. 

So now that we all know who Joe the Plumber is, can we return to the real issues like the economy, education, energy, the environment, health care...

MoreMarin Editorial- Proposition 8

Of all the Propositions on the November ballot, none has garnered as much publicity, controversy and raw emotion on both sides, as Prop 8.

Proposition 8 is the initiative that would seek to amend the California Constitution to prevent gay couples from getting married here in California.  As it stands now, same-sex marriage is legal after a California Supreme Court ruling last Spring.  Thousands of marriages have been performed since then.  As far as we know, there have been no adverse effects in allowing homosexuals to join heterosexuals in exercising their option to marry.

Marriage is a right.   We at MoreMarin fervently believe that rights should extend to all citizens, regardless of race, creed, gender or sexual orientation.  Marriage between gay couples does not demean or dilute marriage as some Prop 8 supporters have alleged.  In fact, it has strengthened the institution of marriage.  In allowing gays the right to become legally married spouses, we have enlarged and enriched the idea of family bonds.  Isn't that what the 'family values' groups are always shouting about?

As strongly as the Prop 8 people believe in the sanctity of marriage and how it needs to be protected, we feel equally strongly that Prop 8 needs to be defeated.   We used to have laws against mixed race marriages.  They were struck down.  Prop 8 backers argue that gays already have all the rights they need.  Saying gays already have all the rights they need is literally the latest version of "separate but equal".

We hope you join us in voting down this mean-spirited and discriminatory Proposition which would seek to remove rights from someone who could be your brother, sister, friend or neighbor.

Vote NO on Proposition 8.