SF Young Dems at Pride

Great Pic!

San Francisco Pride 2007

At today’s San Francisco Pride 2007, Assemblyman Mark Leno updated the crowd at Pride on AB 43, his bill to provide marriage equality in California.

We’ll have a lot more from tomorrow’s Pride Parade so stop back by.

Pride Parade on Sunday

Your humble editor has been lucky enough to experience marching with Assemblymember Leno during two previous Pride Parades. It is amazing, I lack the words to express how it feels. There is so much energy, so many smiles — it is nothing but adrenaline fueled fun. And it is for such an important issue to boot.

So join Assemblymember Leno this Sunday!

Flashback to 2002

From Beyond Chron:

On October 10, 2002, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Iraq War Resolution, giving George Bush carte blanche to invade the country based on “weapons of mass destruction.” But three days earlier, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution urging Congress to oppose such military action. Sponsored by then-Supervisor Mark Leno, San Francisco became the very first City government to go on record opposing the War.

Leno introduced the resolution on September 23, 2002.

Congrats Theresa

The San Francisco Chronicle has a nice front-page article new President of the San Francisco Police Commission Theresa Sparks.

Thanks San Francisco Young Democrats

Thank you for the early endorsement.

Kicking off my Senate Campaign

Today, at events in Marin and San Francisco, I’m announcing my candidacy for State Senate in 2008. I am running to offer voters a change and give voters a choice. The issues confronting us today are huge, from climate change to health care for all. We need new ideas, new leadership, and new approaches.

That’s why I want to reinvent the office of State Senate. I want to bring together communities of interest to work on solutions. To that end, this month I’m going to initiate and lead a series of online discussions, what I’m calling “Communities of Interest Policy” talks. These talks will bring together citizens from Sonoma, Marin, and San Francisco to exchange ideas for addressing a variety of important issues, including transportation, the environment, housing, education and health care, among others.

I also believe people deserve a responsive, respectful legislator. I believe strongly not only in what I do but the way I go about it. Collaboration, respect, inclusion have been the hallmarks of my personal life and political career. And during my announcement, I will outline a series of pledges to back this up. Bringing people together — not tearing them down, dividing them or belittling them — is the only way to accomplish lasting, meaningful results and change.

A few have asked me: Why are you running for State Senate? “It’s because you’re out of a job,” they say. “It’s because you have a grudge against your opponent.” Neither is true. Democracy is best served when voters have a choice. A contest of ideas, styles, and substance can only help, not hurt the process. It makes politicians more accountable for their actions and more apt to listen to voters. If I have anything to do about it, this campaign will not divide our community. Indeed, I believe we will only come out stronger. I’m going to run a positive campaign. I challenge my opponent to do so as well.

Kickoff Details

Three Events Scheduled for Marin County and San Francisco

WHEN: Friday, March 2

WHERE: #1: 10-10:30 a.m.

Hauke Park

15 Hamilton Drive at Kipling Avenue

Mill Valley

#2: Noon-12:40 p.m.

Yerba Buena Gardens Esplanade

Mission Street next to the Metreon

San Francisco

#3: 1-2 p.m.

New Asia Restaurant (Meet and Greet)

772 Pacific Avenue

San Francisco

WHAT: Hundreds of supporters join Assemblyman Leno at three events today as he announces his candidacy for State Senate, District 3, representing Marin County, the eastern half of San Francisco and southern Sonoma County.

WHY: Leno will discuss his plans for reinventing the office of State Senate that he says will encourage greater public participation and redefine how people look at problems and how we come up with solutions.

Kickoff Invitation