A P4C member returns from DC fired-up & ready-to-go!

P4C member Linda Sandoval is back in town from her trip to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration. "How was your trip?! Are you ready to change the world?"

Here's Linda's response:

Totally an adventure! The most memorable part was meeting the many people from all parts of the country/world (Switzerland, Canada, etc) who came just for the inauguration! Cuban family from Miami, Trinidad -descent family driving from Florida, picking up a "Grand" Aunt in Georgia, 3 generation family driving through the night from Chicago, etc.

We were able to see the concert(HBO) on Sunday, did get to the Mall on Tuesday, all went well. Saw many personalities, including taking a picture with Al Franken, and even though it was very cold and lots of crowds, the people were extremely friendly and not one incident with 1.8 million people descending on D.C. Already planning on going again in 2013!

I am very inspired to "Be the Change", going to volunteer more, extend a hand more, etc. The experience was something I will never forget.

P4C gets first third-party mention in local newspaper

OK, so it's not totally third-party, because we were mentioned by one of our members, Bonnie Allen, in her letter to the editor in the Argus-Courier on Thu., Jan. 29th. But hey, I still think it counts as our first press mention.

Read our commentary on the inaugural bash at the Phoenix.

Inaugural bash at the Phoenix

The Petaluma Progressives and MoveOn put on a heckuva party Tuesday evening, one that had a wonderful spirit of community! It was open to all, with no admission fee. Donations to benefit the Phoenix Theatre were suggested, but not required. All age groups were in attendance. Lots of kids, young ones as well as ones of older high school-ages. Young twenty-something's, senior citizens, and everyone in between. And what an amazing array of potluck dishes were contributed! There was so much delicious food, it was difficult to decide what to put on your plate. The music was perfect, and appealed to all.

Thanks to all who put so much time and effort into putting this event together, and making sure it was a hit.

This party was a tremendous statement of community in support of the new administration of our 44th President, Barack Hussein Obama!

From Bonnie, one of the organizers for this all-community event:

... I must say, the event succeeded beyond our wildest imaginings. Many people put a lot of work into planning, publicity, logistics, and creating the tent, the donation bins and the wall decorations. Notable were Steve Dyer and Lorin Bell, Laurel Hill, SteveDella Maggiora, Dusty Resnek, Brian Mealins and Sueann and Chuck Sher. A half-dozen of us attended weekly planning meetings--on Sunday mornings, no less.

We also had donations from Jungle Vibes, Noah's Bagels and others. The Sofa Kings and Phoenix Jazz Workshop donated their services as well. Tom Gaffey of the Phoenix did the sound.

From Connie, another party-organizer:

Many, many people put this wonderful night together. [We were overwhelmed at how many] brought stuff to imbibe and chew.

Here's a link to some photos on Petaluma 360.

Would love to hear from those of you who attended. Any observations? Comments? Anecdotal stories from the evening to share? Leave them as comments, or e-mail them to Linda Sexauer.