by Contessa Abono
Victor “Cafe” Augus
Attendance was good at “A Presidential Debate That Matters” January 13, at Herbst Theater/Veterans Memorial Building, in San Francisco.
The Progressives were the first national Presidential Debate with former candidate Ralph Nader, Democrat-turned-Green Rep. Cynthia McKinney, university Hip-Hop professor Jared Ball, environmental engineer Kent Mesplay, actor/union organizer Jesse Johnson Jr. and Texas political organizer Kat Swift.
“Peace Mom” Cindy Sheehan co-moderated the debate with former President of the SF Board of Supervisors Matt Gonzalez.
Other co-hosts included San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, KPFA anchor Aimee Allison and Board of Education member Mark Sanchez.
“This is an opportunity for those opposed to the war, who support healthcare for all and want to address global warming to hear from the most progressive Presidential candidates in the U.S. today,” said John Morton of the Green Presidential Debate Committee.
For more information go to http://www.acgreens.org/debate.
Community holds fundraiser for local injured singer/timbalero musician
Victor “Cafe” August, a local singer/timbalero player, was seriously injured when a car, driven by an 82 year old woman, plowed through the front window of a deli in Fairfield.
Café pushed one customer out of the way and saved him from being hit but was hit himself and became pinned down by the car and debris.
He was taken to a medical center in Fairfield for treatment of an ankle injury as well as many scrapes and cuts.
Café has been around in the salsa scene for many years playing with many of the local bands.
Three salsa bands Orquesta Sensual, Orquesta Bakan, and Orquesta America will play his benefit show at Roccapluco Cafe. The Fundraiser will be held January 17.
The cost at the door will be $15, which will all go to Café to help him and his family while he is recovering. The doors will open at 8 p.m. with the bands starting at 10 p.m.
Chabot College Apprenticeship Program First Class Grads
Cindy Sheehan
Chabot College had its first class of students in a new apprenticeship program designed to train low voltage electricians who install and maintain fire, security and health (hospital) alarm systems graduate last December.
The apprenticeship program was created in response to AB 931, which requires certification for this industry. College staff has worked in tandem with Western Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (WBFAA) since 2001 to develop the program, which is a three-year, full-time commitment that combines weekly classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
The California Community College Chancellorʼs Office approved the program to work in partnership with Chabot College, and classes began in 2004.
The first graduating class of the Western Burglar and Fire Alarm Associationʼs Unilateral Training Committeeʼs Fire/Life Safety Apprenticeship Program was recognized at the California Alarm Association Winter Convention in San Francisco in December.
The WBFAA apprenticeship program is the first California statewide apprenticeship program to be offered.
Classes cost $20 per unit for California residents. Students may register online at www.chabotcollege.edu.
For registration information please call 510-723-6700. Chabot College is located at 25555 Hesperian Boulevard in Hayward.
