Category: California

At Town Council Meeting President of San Anselmo Chamber Shocks with White Only Remark

March 11, 2020

Last week I happened to tune into my local San Anselmo Town Council meeting, only to hear neighbors speak for and against the Town Council’s attempts to refuse to permit legal cannabis stores under Proposition 64, where Marin County voted to legalize marijuana. Last night, the Town Council sought to take extreme measures with a … More At Town Council Meeting President of San Anselmo Chamber Shocks with White Only Remark

Marin HHS recommending cancellation postponement of nonessential indoor gatherings

March 9, 2020

UPDATED March 16,2020: Marin County Health & Human Services On March 16, the public health officers of seven Bay Area jurisdictions, including Marin, issued a legal order directing residents to shelter at home for three weeks beginning March 17. The order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. Scientific evidence … More Marin HHS recommending cancellation postponement of nonessential indoor gatherings

Marin Confirms First In-County Case of COVID-19

March 9, 2020

Residents can slow disease spread with simple, everyday behaviors San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) is working with medical staff at a local hospital to treat a Marin resident diagnosed with COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. The individual diagnosed was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise ship that … More Marin Confirms First In-County Case of COVID-19

Coronavirus – Marin Proclaims Health Local Emergencies Increasing Eligibility

March 3, 2020

Proactive move increases eligibility for COVID-19 cost reimbursement The County of Marin is taking steps to proclaim a local health emergency and a local state of emergency to prepare for impacts associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that has raised concerns worldwide. San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services … More Coronavirus – Marin Proclaims Health Local Emergencies Increasing Eligibility

Coronavirus Patient from Travis Isolated at Marin Hospital

February 27, 2020

Marin assists in regional response to evacuees; No cases have been identified in Marin San Rafael, CA – Marin County Health and Human Services today confirmed the transfer of one patient with laboratory-confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from Travis Air Force Base in Solano County to a Marin County hospital. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control … More Coronavirus Patient from Travis Isolated at Marin Hospital

LGBTQI Leaders on Panel at Commonwealth Club: Picking the Democratic Presidential Candidate

February 19, 2020

With thanks to host Michelle Meow, famed Bay Area LGBTQI producer and TV show host, Commonwealth Club of San Francisco is platforming a discussion involving member of San Francisco’s LGBTQI community. This promises to be a robust discussion. Check it out.   Oh yes and I am on the panel too! My position may surprise … More LGBTQI Leaders on Panel at Commonwealth Club: Picking the Democratic Presidential Candidate

African HRC Urges Caution with Introduction by the US Senate Global ACT

December 11, 2019

While in general I am  pleased that we are covering some serious issues, make sure manner and implementation is not imposing – Melanie Nathan of African Human Rights Coalition  is urging caution on LGBTQI Global Rights – Melanie Nathan The Washington Blade Notes: “Three U.S. senators on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require the … More African HRC Urges Caution with Introduction by the US Senate Global ACT

Victims of Transphobic and Homophobic Attack Speak Out

September 16, 2019

Attorney Lisa Bloom, of the famed civil rights law firm, The Bloom Firm, has taken on the case of four members of the transgender and gay community who were attacked at Las Perlas, a Los Angeles venue. Bloom noted the courage of her clients as well as her pride in taking on the case. She … More Victims of Transphobic and Homophobic Attack Speak Out

CFI Hosts Educational and Community Screening in Marin of Award Winning Documentary UNSETTLED

September 4, 2019

Dear Friends, African Human Rights Coalition (African HRC) is proud to announce its partnership with California Film Institute (CFI) for the upcoming free community impact and educational screening of the award-winning feature documentary Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America, in Marin County, California. You are invited to the screening! Bay Area filmmaker Tom Shepard’s powerful new documentary tells the untold stories … More CFI Hosts Educational and Community Screening in Marin of Award Winning Documentary UNSETTLED

Join the Choral Protest in San Francisco to be led by CLOSE THE CAMPS CHOIR

September 4, 2019

“Last week, I awoke from a dream where I saw thousands of singers filling up a park, raising their voices against injustice. Now I am working to make that happen.  Please join Close the Camps Choir on Sunday September 15 at the Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco, from 3.00-5.00 PM and add your voice to our chorus!”  It literally … More Join the Choral Protest in San Francisco to be led by CLOSE THE CAMPS CHOIR

Trump HUD Rule Would Weaken Protections for Fair Housing Victims

August 19, 2019

Trump Administration Proposes Changes to HUD Rule that Would Weaken Protections for Fair Housing Victims and Foreshadows Wide-ranging Consequences  San Rafael, August 19, 2019 – The Trump administration seeks to gut one of the Act’s critical tools: the Disparate Impact rule. The Fair Housing Act prohibits both intentional discrimination as well as the application of … More Trump HUD Rule Would Weaken Protections for Fair Housing Victims

Planned Raids – Helping Immigrant Communities – What You Can Do

July 12, 2019

After postponing last month’s planned immigration sweep, the Trump Administration is now preparing to launch a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across major U.S. cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco. These raids, which are scheduled to commence on Sunday, will harm … More Planned Raids – Helping Immigrant Communities – What You Can Do

I am Named for Excellence in Blogging Award as NLGJA Announces 2019 Excellence in Journalism Award Recipients 

June 19, 2019

I am so honored to be named for the Excellence in Blogging Award: Melanie Nathan for “LGBT Refugee Peaceful Protest Turns Violent at UNHCR Compound in Kenya,” www.oblogdee.blog   and congratulations to all the award recipients with thanks for the important work. This is truly an honor, and most especially because it recognizes the subject matter which I … More I am Named for Excellence in Blogging Award as NLGJA Announces 2019 Excellence in Journalism Award Recipients 

Marin County steps up Fair Housing – Is it enough?

May 7, 2019

San Rafael, CA – With encouragement from the federal government, the County of Marin has entered into a new agreement designed to improve local fair housing choice and result in more affordable housing options for its most financially strapped residents. At its hearing of May 7, the Marin County Board of Supervisors voted to enter … More Marin County steps up Fair Housing – Is it enough?

“Love & Pride” a New Musical in San Francisco – Link to Discount Tickets

March 17, 2019

Theater on the Cusp presents “Love & Pride” – a new musical that turns the conversation on gender, sex, and sexuality on its head – Support Queer Theatre- See discount code below! San Francisco, CA  – Theater on the Cusp presents Love & Pride at the EXIT Theatre for an 8-show run. This will be the 4th production in … More “Love & Pride” a New Musical in San Francisco – Link to Discount Tickets

Navigating Spousal and Child Support Court Orders by Federal Workers in Trump Shutdown

January 21, 2019

When insidious politics and reality collide – there is no escaping the serious impact – and the things we could never have imagined having to prepare for! What happens to child support orders in a Government shutdown? An especially pertinent question because there is no precedent for a Federal shutdown that has gone on this … More Navigating Spousal and Child Support Court Orders by Federal Workers in Trump Shutdown

Marin District Attorney’s Office Awarded DUI Prosecution Grant

January 3, 2019

San Rafael, CA – Those suspected of and arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Marin County can expect to face highly trained, specialized prosecutors, thanks to a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety(OTS). Funding from the grant will aid the District Attorney’s Office in handling cases throughout each step of the … More Marin District Attorney’s Office Awarded DUI Prosecution Grant

Marin County Wins Settlement in Consumer Protection Case

January 3, 2019

District Attorney’s Office pursues accuracy in retail packaging San Rafael, CA — Marin County District Attorney Edward S. Berberian, along with two other California district attorneys, announced that Marin County Superior Court Judge Roy O. Chernus has ordered Bausch & Lomb Incorporated to pay $135,000 as part of a settlement of a civil consumer protection … More Marin County Wins Settlement in Consumer Protection Case

Marin County Successful in Environmental Protection Case

January 3, 2019

Property Demolitions and Renovations Were Performed Throughout California Without Fully Complying with Asbestos-related Laws San Rafael, CA — Marin County District Attorney Edward S. Berberian, along with nine other California District Attorneys, announced today that Monterey County Superior Court Judge Marla O. Anderson has ordered the Chicago-based Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc., and their related companies … More Marin County Successful in Environmental Protection Case

What Marin County Learned About Local Election Results

December 12, 2018

Canvass of votes is ratified by Board of Supervisors San Rafael, CA – Following the Marin County Board of Supervisors’ ratification of the local November 6 Statewide General Election results, there are a few statistics about voter tendencies that stand out. The Board accepted the canvass of votes offered by Register of Voters Lynda Roberts … More What Marin County Learned About Local Election Results

Passionate Residents call on Marin BOS for County Sanctuary at TRUTH Forum

December 7, 2018

The Truth Act, signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in September 2016, requires local governing bodies in which local law enforcement has provided ICE access to an individual to hold a community forum to receive and consider public comment. Last night the Marin County Board of Supervisors held such a forum at the Civic … More Passionate Residents call on Marin BOS for County Sanctuary at TRUTH Forum

Marin County Tax Relief for Domestic Partners

December 6, 2018

Law change for locally registered domestic partners With a recent change in California tax laws, qualifying locally registered domestic partners who transferred ownership of property between themselves may be eligible for some property tax relief. The benefit is not automatic and a claim form must be timely filed with the Marin County Assessor’s Office. State … More Marin County Tax Relief for Domestic Partners

Marin County and Homeward Bound Partner on Shelter Needs

November 19, 2018

Support for people experiencing homelessness to increase existing capacity San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) and the Novato-based nonprofit Homeward Bound of Marin have established emergency shelter surge capacity to supplement 190 year-round shelter beds during severe weather events.  In the case of a severe weather event, the … More Marin County and Homeward Bound Partner on Shelter Needs

Marin Fair Housing Discrimination Case Settled

November 16, 2018

Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California and Client Settle National Origin Discrimination Complaint San Rafael, CA – Late last month, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California (FHANC) and one of its clients settled a complaint alleging discrimination based upon national origin that had been filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing against Continuum … More Marin Fair Housing Discrimination Case Settled

Flavored Tobacco and Vaping Products Banned in Marin

November 6, 2018

San Rafael, CA – Starting January 1, 2020, specialty tobacco stores in unincorporated Marin County will be prohibited from selling flavored tobacco products, including vaping liquids and menthol cigarettes. For all other retailers and individuals, the ban goes into effect July 1, 2019. With support from its Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff, … More Flavored Tobacco and Vaping Products Banned in Marin

Powerful International LGBTQ Love Story Regional Premiere at NCTC, San Francisco

October 24, 2018

The NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER – presents a moving and timely international LGBTQI love story, Cardboard Piano by Hansol Jung, – A powerful tale of redemption   San Francisco, CA (September 12, 2018) – In October, New Conservatory Theatre Center is pleased to present the regional premiere of Cardboard Piano by Whiting Award-winning playwright, Hansol Jung, … More Powerful International LGBTQ Love Story Regional Premiere at NCTC, San Francisco

Local Marin Leaders Mobilizing Against Cruel Immigration Changes

October 10, 2018

Homeland Security proposal would penalize those receiving public benefits Marin County, CA – Local community leaders are mobilizing in response to a new proposal from the Trump Administration that would penalize certain immigrants seeking to change their legal status if they receive public benefits or are deemed likely to become a “public charge” in the … More Local Marin Leaders Mobilizing Against Cruel Immigration Changes