Rep Miller: "ObamaCare is already working"

Posted:  30 Sep 13

On Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 4:56 PM, Rep. George Miller <CA11GMima@mail.house.gov> wrote:

Dear Friend,

Did you see what the Contra Costa Times said about the Affordable Care Act this weekend in an editorial?

“In California, Obamacare is already working.”

As you have probably heard, there’s a new, simple online marketplace to shop for health insurance. In California, families who are uninsured or those who are self-insured and paying too much for their premiums can visit www.CoveredCa.com to compare familiar health plans side-by-side, see if they qualify for discounts, and purchase coverage that fits their budget and their lifestyle.

Open enrollment starts October 1^st, no matter if the federal government is open or closed.

This is just the latest in encouraging developments benefiting Californians. But don’t just take my word for it, the Times’ editorial that ran over the weekend -- side-by-side with an opinion piece I authored with State Senator DeSaulnier--declared,

“And so far, it's going better than expected...

“Today, thanks to Obamacare, more than 1 million formerly uninsured Californians have coverage, and 400,000 younger than 26 have protection through their parents' insurance. Californians can no longer be denied coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition. Medical costs are dropping and premium costs for the state health insurance exchange, while the 10th highest in the country, are significantly lower than anticipated...

“The nearly four out of five Californians who have health insurance through their employers or through Medicare will not be affected by the Affordable Care Act and do not have to do anything when sign-up begins Tuesday. But the 20 percent who were uninsured should sign up for it and they will see benefits that will, over time, lower health care costs and improve medical outcomes for all.”

Doesn’t sound like we should shut the government down over something as helpful to everyday Californians as this, does it?

To learn more about the Affordable Care Act and how it affects you, or to get covered, visit my website or go to www.CoveredCA.com today.

  Sincerely,

GEORGE MILLER
Member of Congress
GeorgeMiller.house.gov

   

 

"OBAMACARE" OPEN ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES (Starts: 10/1/13 /TUE)

Posted:  1 Oct 13

1.  Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to try to make it easier for fellow citizens to find answers to their questions about the new "Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)" -- and, indeed, to help them know more of the questions they should be asking.  

Specifically:

• The Health Insurance Marketplaces open October 1, allowing people to compare health plans, get questions answered, and enroll in plans for coverage that will begin in 2014.
• The websites, provided here, are portals into a wealth of easy, practical information to help simplify your personal investigations -- and will lead you as deeply into the matter as you're likely to need.

2.  Links You're Going to Like

2.1  VIDEO ~~ A BONUS FIND!  A PERFECT STARTING POINT! Health Reform Explained Video: "Health Reform Hits Main Street"  

Here is a great, animated video produced by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). 

• Less than 10 minutes long, this fine presentation takes us through a wonderful, clear, and vivid explanation of what this law is all about.
• It reveals enough of the why's, when's, how's, and wherefore's to deepen understanding.
• Instead of your trying to examine the thousands of puzzle pieces, one at a time, this gives you a "picture of the completed puzzle" -- just like viewing the box containing those pieces -- and a great place to start.  (Actually, we're still in the early stages of this profound new law, national experiments have to be conducted, and time will have to unroll more surprises -- before we'll fully know what the puzzle is to finally look like.)

2.2  AARP HEALTH LAW ANSWERS (http://healthlawanswers.aarp.org/) -- Learn how the health care law affects you and your families. Answer a few questions to receive a personally customized report. (You don't have to be an AARP member to use this service)


On the landing page, you will also see links to:

• FAQs
• Fact sheet
• Tools
• Health Law Facts and 
• Timelines.

2.3  COVERED CALIFORNIA (https://www.coveredca.com/)-- "Your destination for affordable health care" in California.


2.4   STATE BY STATE (HHS.gov/HealthCare) -- An excellent portal for access to pertinent information, throughout the nation.  ("Health reform is already making a difference.")  

Learn more about how the Affordable Care act is improving healthcare. Click on the map at this link to learn how the Affordable Care Act is helping people in your State."

2.5.  FACT SHEETS (http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/factsheets/index.html) -- Click here to see specialized information on the government site.

3.  An Observation and a Thank You

We are privileged to be witnessing (and participating in) one of those special moments in the life of the nation -- where it re-engineers itself -- IN A VERY BIG WAY -- to meet the changing times -- and to prevail over them.  Life is going to get better for a whole lot more people.

Special thanks to my Facebook buddy, William Wetzel, for inspiring this bulletin and for giving my own investigation a great and helpful headstart. 



Hope this helps,
David Nelson


All Original Content © 2013 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

MORE MONEY! DOW COMMUNITY GRANTS -- East County -- Deadline: 9/27/13

Posted:  23 July 13

To:   Readers, Pittsburg City-Journal
Direct Source:  Nancy Parent, Mayor, City of Pittsburg

Purpose

To help publicize a funding opportunity, under the Dow Chemical Company's Community Grant Program.  Applications must be received by 4:00 pm, 27 September 2013.

Synopsis

The Community Advisory Panel (CAP) of Dow’s Pittsburg Operations has established a $25,000 (total) competitive Community Grant Program to fund sustainable community service projects in Eastern Contra Costa County (specifically Antioch, Bay Point and Pittsburg.)

Outline

This article contains:

1. July 22 letter from Dow Chemical, Pittsburg, to the Mayor and City Council, Pittsburg, via City Clerk
2. Community Grant Guidelines (embedded pdf)
3. Frequently Asked Questions (embedded pdf)
4. Application Form (embedded pdf)

Action Requested

Please help to call this information to the attention of those organizations which might be interested in applying.  It might be convenient to forward to them a link to this article.  They have 66 days from today.


Thank you,
David Nelson

===================================================================

1.

From: Wimble, Josh (J) [mailto:JWimble@dow.com]
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2013 1:22 PM
To: Alice Evenson
Subject: Dow Community Grants

Mayor Nancy Parent and the Pittsburg City Council,

Dow annually runs a community grant program that invests in sustainable service projects and charitable causes in our community. We value the opportunity to give back to Pittsburg and would appreciate your assistance in spreading the word to organizations that could benefit from our support.

I’ve attached the grant guidelines and application forms. Thank you for passing it on to those who could join us in improving our community!

Regards,

Josh Wimble
Communications Specialist
Public Affairs Development Program

The Dow Chemical Company
901 Loveridge Road, Pittsburg, CA  94565
phone: 925-432-5211  |  email: jwimble@dow.com

2.  Community Grant Guidelines 2013 by Decian1

3.  FAQ 2013 by Decian1

4.  Application Form 2013 by Decian1

FAIR! HEALTH COVERAGE INFORMATION 9/28/SAT/Bay Point (9:30 - 12pm)

Posted:  26 Sep 13

Please allow a few seconds for the flyer to load.

NEWSLETTER: Old Town Pittsburg -- Sep/Oct 2013

Posted:  26 Sep 13

On Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 4:13 PM, <havemyown@comcast.net> wrote:

SEPT / OCT 2013 oldtownpittsburgca.com We have some great things to share with you this month... only in Old Town Pittsburg! Art & Wine Stroll an evening of art, music & wine Wednesday, October 2, 6pm The newest event to hit Old Town is the Art & Wine Stroll. Did you like Crawling around Old Town this summer... then you'll love Strolling. Get your ticket, bring your friends, pick-up your souvenir wine glass, stroll Old Town visiting shops and restaurants while enjoying tastes of wine, art displays, and live music scattered throughout the district.  This 21 and over event was a enjoyed by everyone last time and promises to be another fun evening for groups of all sizes.  GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Information, including a list of participating businesses will be on our website shortly. But there will be at least 10 stops around Old Town for you to enjoy. Wednesday, October 2nd, 6:00pm - 8:00pm Event begins at the Old Town Plaza Concierge Booth. Bring your ticket, show your ID, and get your wristband and wine glass. Get your tickets today, $20 advance, at Railroad Book Depot, 690 Railroad Avenue, or online here. Get your tickets early, this event has limited availability and will probably sell out! Full Info                                          THE ODD COUPLE pittsburg community theatre PCT brings their first show to the newly restored California Theatre in Old Town. Don't miss this live theatre premier at our new performing arts gem. October 25, 26, 8pm October 26, 27, 2pm Get your tickets online, or at the California Theatre Box Office. CITY CENTER PHARMACY  Local, Independent Pharmacy The newest Old Town business is the long-awaited City Center Pharmacy. Located on the ground floor of the new Siena Court Senior Apartments, this local business wants you to help decide what they need to stock! They want to carry just what you need. Drop by and say HI to some of the friendliest folks in town and pick up something you need for home or the office! 760 Railroad Avenue Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 1pm Sun: Closed 925-267-9993 OLD TOWN EVENTS fall events are here The Summer events events are wrapping up and the Fall events are just around the corner! Look below for information on what's happening. Check our website for full details, but here's what's coming up: • Car Show "Last Blast", Thursday September 26 6pm • Wednesday, October 2, 6pm: Art & Wine Stroll • October 25, 26, 27: PCT presents The Odd Couple • Saturday,October 26, Special Halloween Farmer's Market, 9am             Old Town Events & Info oldtownpittsburgca.com Be sure to add the Old Town website to your bookmarks! Our "shop old town" website has been cleaned and polished and is now oldtownpittsburgca.com. With all the information you want and need about everything that's happening in Old Town, visit our new site often to stay up-to-date on everything happening in Old Town! The Old Town district newsletter is brought to you by these local merchants. Please visit them the next time you're in the area! Live local. Bank local. 695 Railroad Avenue Local beer. Tasty too. 300 Cumberland Street Local shop. Best bikes. 625 Railroad Avenue Local. Responsible. Quality. 695 Railroad Avenue Don't forget to share this newsletter with your family and friends. Help us spread the word about all the things to do in Old Town Pittsburg! Copyright © 2013 Old Town Pittsburg Business District Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to be kept up-to-date on events and happenings in Old Town Pittsburg, California. Our mailing address is: Old Town Pittsburg Business District Association 2120 Railroad Ave #103-119 Pittsburg, CA 94565 Add us to your address book

City of Pittsburg: 2013 Pittsburg Entertainment & Arts Hall of Fame Inductees

2013 Pittsburg Entertainment & Arts Hall of Fame Inductees

18 local artists to be honored

Date: 10/6/2013 2:00 PM

Cost: $10 - $30

Location: Pittsburg Creative Arts Building
Pittsburg, California

2013 PEAHOF INDUCTEES Norman Abercrombie Sr., Betty Brown, Rev. Isaiah & Geneva Brown, Joe Castro, Emilio Civita, Orrin Cross, Pete Escovedo, Clarence Fornwald, Gerald Glasper, Papa John Guerrero, Leola Jiles, Louis Jones, Chooch Lombardo, Ollie McClay, Dr. Ronald McDowell, Tommy Nunnelly, Alice Jean Wilton

Pittsburg artists to be honored Oct. 6

The all-volunteer nonprofit Pittsburg Entertainment & Arts Hall of Fame will honor 18 local artists at its first induction ceremony Sunday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. in the Creative Arts Building.

Among the honorees are eight graduates of Pittsburg High School and three Pittsburg Unified School District teachers.

Honorees were nominated by a blue-ribbon panel of Pittsburg artists and were voted on by dues-paying PEAHOF members.

The honorees are blues man and mentor Norman Abercrombie Sr., Pittsburg Community Theatre founder Betty Brown, gospel pioneers Rev. Isaiah and Geneva Brown, jazz pianist Joe Castro, Pittsburg Municipal Band director Emilio Civita, PHS band director Orrin Cross, percussionist Pete Escovedo, founder of the PHS band Clarence Fornwald, popular entertainer Gerald Glasper, musician and mentor Papa John Guerrero, Pittsburg's first lady of song Leola Jiles, blues man and mentor Louis Jones, eight-decade musician Chooch Lombardo, jazz man Ollie McClay, artist Dr. Ronald McDowell, blues singer Tommy Nunnelly, recording star and mentor Alice Jean Wilton.

Tickets are available on line with no service charge at www.pittsburgentertainmentandarts.org and at Railroad Book Depot and Pittsburg Historical Society Museum.

The Pittsburg Entertainment & Arts Hall of Fame seeks to recognize local musicians, performers, artists and writers, commemorating their achievements and impact upon the cultural life of Pittsburg in hopes of educating and inspiring the youth of Pittsburg to use and expand their creative abilities to enrich the community.

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SCIENCE RESOURCE: Scientific American -- Daily Digest for 9/23/13

Posted:  23 Sep 13

Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to raise awareness of an excellent resource, "Scientific American," from whom you may subscribe to receive newsletters containing information as shown below, from today's Daily Digest. (Sign up for free newsletters on the right, center, of most every page -- or purchase a subscription to the whole superlative thing)

This is a wonderful glimpse into how science is done (I know it's teaching me more) and some of what is being examined these days to expand understanding and improve the human condition.

Source:  Scientific American, Daily Digest, 9/23/13

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CITY-NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING!!! 9/28 and 10/1/TUE (Update:#4)

Update:  23 Sep 13

From: Leigha Schmidt, Planning Analyst, Planning Department, City of Pittsburg

Please join us for the upcoming Neighborhood Improvement Team meetings where we will be discussing City projects, neighborhood plans and local issues including the Old Town Park design. 

If you cannot make it to one of these meetings, we will be displaying and seeking feedback on the draft Old Town Park designs on the City’s website in early October. We will send you an email with the survey link as soon as it is available for view.

End of Message

Posted:  9 Sep 13

NOTE#1:  These are superb!  City Hall and The School District come to us with information and answers.  Talk with and hear our fine public administrators!!!!  Afterwards, if necessary, they tend to stay until all questions are addressed (WOW!) And, they follow-up -- if they say they're going to do something, they do their considerable best to do it!  Come to both meetings, if you can -- each meeting is a little (or a lot) different, depending on different questions asked or on breaking developments.

(As you can tell, I've come to prize this highly effective form of public outreach, immensely -- and to deeply admire the selflessness of our friends in public service, who obviously sacrifice even their scarce personal time to do such a great job for us -- continuously)

NOTE#2:  I know we're all busy doing whatever it is we do to keep society humming.  It may be you can't attend such things as much as you'd like.  To help you participate, you may ask your questions in the comment space below and I'll try to help get you an answer.  I will also try to publish "after-action reports," so you'll have an idea of what was discussed.  And, of course, you can always email City Hall directly, as indicated, below.

David Nelson  

Neighborhood Meeting

Date:9/28/2013 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location:Rancho Medanos Jr. High School
2301 Range Road ~ Multi-Purpose Room
California

Add to my Outlook Calendar

Neighborhood Meetings The City of Pittsburg’s Neighborhood Team is hosting two Neighborhood Meetings.  The City wants to bring City Hall to the neighborhoods to talk to you about City projects, neighborhood projects, and local issues.

Date:                                                       Location:                                                             Time: 
Saturday September 28th                 Rancho Medanos Jr. High School                     10:00 am -Noon
                                                   2301 Range Road ~ Multi-purpose Room        

Tuesday October 1st                       Pittsburg Library                                            6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
                                                   80 Power Avenue ~ Community Room 

Please join us to learn about these projects and to discuss your local issues.

To have a specific issue addressed at the meeting, please email the City prior to the meeting date at NeighborhoodTeam@ci.pittsburg.ca.us   

Check the City’s website at www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us at Neighborhood Improvement Team under City Manager’s Office or call 252-6975.

Check us out on Facebook at Pittsburg.CA Neighborhood Program

Add to my Outlook Calendar

REMEMBER, IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, SEND 'EM TO CITY HALL (see above) OR COMMENT, BELOW