Renegades Open House

Rich Skare Funeral Service information

Service for our dear friend Rich Skare (please pass along):

When: Sat, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m.

Chapel of the Oaks
Oak Hill Funeral Home
San Jose, California.

Ancient graphic art lol

Another late night

Lately I havnt been able to sleep well. Could it be the bed I'm
sleeping on (or the lack of) or is it the situations that I am put
through.
Right now Ive been so stressed over everything I don't know how to
properly manage it. I can defiantly take care of the little things and
fun things but taking control of myself has proven difficult.
Sometimes I wish there were people who can understand how I feel.
Majority of the time I feel alone and should conform to what people
tell me I should do.
Even tho I appreciate some opinions I can't listen to some as I know
it will lead mr the wrong direction and could hurt both parties more
than it is now.
Anyways, another late night for me as I can't fall asleep.
I will more likely fall asleep after a bottle of wine and a great
cartoon of beauty and the beast to keep me entertained for the 3rd
night.
Good night or should I say good morning to all as it is 3:23 in the morning.
Sent from my iPhone

Giant white squill

Finally I noticed that my giant bulb is coming alive now! I am excited
to see the leaves on this plant.

Torres

So I had a request yesterday from some good people that met at the bar
to make a shirt!

Fear the butt as they say!! Lol keep a look out

Sent from my iPhone

Giants Schedule

Lady Gaga pumpkin carving contest

http://yourviews.mercurynews.com/mycapture/photos/Image.aspx?ImageID=1002319&EventID=1087599&CategoryID=22252&CollectionID=0&Sort=
vote for my pumpkin!

Giant White Squill

I just ordered my first giant bulb!! I am excited about planting it
and growing it! :)
For more information visit the link below (and where the image came from)
https://www.easytogrowbulbs.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=676

Inspiration: Tony Ward

Folsom Street Fair 2010

Folsom Street Fair 2010

YOU MUST BE of Legal age to view the following material.

If you cant view slideshow click here

PW: sffolsom

NY Rochester 2010 renegades

ShakeIt

Gunner vs. Tundra

Playing Tug with Pacquia

Pacquia playing Knocking Pillows

Watch: Jon Stewart Mocks Prop 8 Ruling Reactions

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Californigaytion
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

Shake It

Judge strikes down ban on same-sex marriage

(08-04) 14:34 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge today struck down Proposition 8, the voter-passed November 2008 initiative that defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker found that the ban on same-sex marriage violated the constitutional due process and equal protection rights of a pair of couples - one lesbian and one gay - who sued.
The judge ordered an injunction against enforcement of Prop. 8 but issued a temporary stay until he decides whether to suspend his ruling while it is being appealed. The stay means that same-sex couples are still prohibited from marrying.
"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license," Walker wrote in a 136-page ruling.
He said the ballot measure "prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis."
The constitutional right to marry, Walker said, "protects an individual's choice of marital partner regardless of gender." He also said domestic partnerships in California, available to same-sex couples, are a "substitute and inferior institution" that lack the social meaning and cultural status of marriage.
Gov. Schwarzenegger issued a statement saying, "For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves."
Prop. 8's sponsors are planning an immediate appeal.
"In America, we should respect and uphold the right of a free people to make policy choices through the democratic process," said Brian Raum, an attorney for the Alliance Defense Fund who was part of the legal team defending Prop. 8.
Prop. 8 was approved by 52 percent of voters in November 2008. It amended the California Constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage, overturning a May 2008 state Supreme Court ruling that extended marital rights to gays and lesbians.
The state court upheld the initiative last May, but left in place the same-sex marriages performed in the state before Prop. 8 passed.
Walker presided over a nonjury trial in January, the first ever held in a federal court on the issue. The plaintiffs, two gay men from Burbank and two lesbians from Berkeley, testified that their hopes to be married were thwarted by the voters.
Walker's ruling is certain to be appealed to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. The case could reach the U.S. Supreme Court in 2011 or 2012.
A group that supports same-sex marriage is planning a march from the Castro district to City Hall, starting at 5 p.m., followed by a rally from 6:45 to 8 p.m.
Outside the U.S. District Court, dozens of people - most supporters of same-sex marriage - gathered long before ruling was announced. They carried American flags, played Bob Marley's "Get Up, Stand Up" and exchanged hugs.
A smaller group of supporters of Prop. 8 also stood outside the courthouse, carrying signs that read "Marriage = man and woman" and "Recriminalize sodomy."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/04/MNQS1EOR3D.DTL&tsp=1#ixzz0vg65I8bx

NOH8 Campaign - BREAKING NEWS: JUDGE RULES PROP 8 UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Begin forwarded message:

From: info@noh8campaign.com
Date: August 4, 2010 14:06:36 PDT
Subject: NOH8 Campaign - BREAKING NEWS: JUDGE RULES PROP 8 UNCONSTITUTIONAL

After many long months, the landmark Prop 8 Trial has finally come to an end. The NOH8 Campaign has learned that Chief Judge Vaughn R Walker has formally released his ruling in Perry vs. Schwarzenegger, which challenged the constitutionality of Proposition 8. Numerous news sources have confirmed, including CNN, that Judge Walker has ruled Proposition 8 unconstitutional and in violation of the protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Chief Judge Vaughn R Walker's Ruling on the Federal Prop 8 Case via Website

Prop 8 Supporters are expected to file an appeal to the judge's ruling, which would bring the case to the US Supreme Court.

As most of you are already aware, the NOH8 Campaign was inspired by the passage of Proposition 8 back in November of 2008. Everyday supporters have taken a simple grassroots idea that began late one night after an emotional protest and propelled it into something much bigger than we ever imagined. The basic message of "no hate" speaks to so many people, and we've been fortunate enough to receive support from countries all over the world in our short time as an organization. Even though it was inspired by a terrible injustice, the positivity it has brought to our lives is undeniable.

Prop 8 transformed thousands of people into activists that may have never thought about getting involved before, and we were among them. There are so many ways to make your voice heard and to speak out for what you believe in, and we're honored to share our simple method of taking photos to make a difference. Prop 8 has done a lot of damage, but it has also succeeded in uniting the community like never before.

It's important to remember that no matt what the outcome of this trial could have been, every fight for equality brings us that much closer to making it a reality. Win or lose, bringing this issue to the courts and refusing to accept the loss of our rights quietly is progress. Harvey Milk famously fought for the chance to change his neighborhood and lost for many years in a row before his persistence paid off and he won the historic election that made him the first openly gay politician elected to office in the United States. Harvey Milk was one man. Imagine what we could accomplish if we focused all our efforts together.

Today's victory is just a small example of our potential. The community was returned the rights that were unfairly stripped away from them by Prop 8, and that is truly something to appreciate. Though we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for, it's important to remember that our work is far from over. The NOH8 Campaign will continue to spread its message of equality and anti-discrimination wherever it can, bringing NOH8 to as many states as we can in order to make a change – and we need your help. We're bringing NOH8 to Hawaii for example, planning to help register voters in an environment where civil unions were recently vetoed by the governor so that our supporters can make their voices heard in their local elections this fall.

What we as a community need to do now is what we did when Proposition 8 passed in the first place. We need to keep the issue alive and make ourselves known. We need to band together in a fundamental way that we haven't before. We need to continue to work together to advance our inevitable goal of full equality across the board no matter what.

Join TEAM NOH8 in continuing the fight and celebrating this historic victory TONIGHT @ 6PM in West Hollywood Park. Make sure to wear your white shirts and find a volunteer when you arrive for your NOH8 tattoo. Many of you marched with us at LA Pride, and we need your help tonight to represent everybody still fighting for their rights all over the world.

Thank all of you for your support, and we're looking forward to seeing you at the rally!

The NOH8 Campaign is an official tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Taking Flight

From the distant it's calling,
I hear it roaming,
Releasing the moment to fly,
To show each feather in glide,
But with these clipped wings,
Limitation sets it route,
Only a hop is admitted,
No distant to be seen,
Only the radius of what the chain allows,
A scar is formed,
Swollen and fearful of healing to nothing,
repeating again until released.

Sent from my iPhone

IMPORTANT: THE FUTURE OF BLUE DEVILS IS AT STAKE

From: <xxxxx@renegades.org>
Date: July 13, 2010 1:39:45 EDT
To: renegades 

Subject: [Renegades Alumni] IMPORTANT: THE FUTURE OF BLUE DEVILS IS AT STAKE.  READ ON
Reply-To: xxxxxxxxxxalumni@googlegroups.com

Attention Group:

The Blue Devils, who have been solid supporters of the Renegades since Day 1, are asking for our help. They really need our support in helping to fend off a private developer that is trying to set up a bingo game in the Concord area. Anyone that is anywhere close should plan to go to the Concord City Council meeting on Tuesday night to stand up for the Blue Devils. 

They have selflessly supported us through the years with free equipment and rehearsal sites, let's do the same!! Read through the following and do what you can to support the cause!

Begin forwarded message:

From: David Gibbs 

  THE FUTURE OF BLUE DEVILS IS AT STAKE. READ ON

Hi All,

I have an important request for all of the members, parents, alumni, supporters and fans of The Concord Blue Devils.

What you already know.
The Blue Devils have been serving youth in Concord and around the world for over 52 years. We directly service over 600 youth each year with our six programs. We indirectly service over 2 million youth around the world with a variety of efforts and initiatives ever year. 

How we're funded.
Bingo is our most important fundraiser that allows us to continue to service millions of young people in the foreseeable future. And while we're looking for ways to diversify financially, we're not there yet and still rely on bingo heavily.

Some fast facts:

• The State of California allows ONLY non-profits to run bingo for charitable purposes.
• Unfortunately Bingo is a declining industry for a variety of reasons.
• Bingo games in the area have disappeared and the industry has contracted.
• We currently operate at less than 50% of our capacity at our hall alone. 

Our funding is now in serious jeopardy. The future of Blue Devils is at stake.
The Blue Devil bingo game that we created and have nurtured for over 30 years in the City of Concord is in jeopardy because of a proposal before the city of Concord. 

Some fast facts:

• There is a plan to open a bingo game less than three miles from our location by a professional bingo operator from Virginia looking to expand his operation.
• This operator has partnered with a long-term land owner and real estate developer in Concord who owns a building that has been vacant for over three years (it's where Velocity Sports used to be on Willow Pass Rd.)

The net
Since Bingo is a shrinking business with a limited client base, we believe the newly proposed bingo hall will directly impact/divert our limited players from the Blue Devil bingo facility to the new seemingly for-profit business opportunity for these two entities.

Our position on this issue

• The Blue Devils have NEVER fought an opportunity for charities to run Bingo in Concord.
• In fact, we already support several charities in our facility, and will continue to work with any charity in Concord to help them start a bingo game if they so desire  (we have plenty of additional capacity to support these non-profit groups).
• We believe the proposed bingo hall is a for-profit business opportunity for two businessmen at the expense of a 52-year old, non-profit Concord institution. This is just not acceptable. 

What we need from you on Tuesday July 13
This Tuesday July 13 the Concord City Council will decide if the new bingo game will open just three miles from the Blue Devils venue, and whether they are willing to sacrifice a Concord institution for the benefit of a few businessmen. 

How can you help?

The opportunity to prevent this tragedy will occur next Tuesday evening.  We need EVERY person that is in the Concord area to show up in person wearing your favorite Blue Devil Shirt and hat at the meeting:

Tuesday -  July 13, 2010 - 6:30pm
Concord City Hall
1950 Parkside Drive
Concord, CA 94519
Please arrive by 6:00pm

In the meantime, here's what you can do
The City Council needs to hear from you. It's imperative that you write the City Council today to let them know how important the Blue Devils have been in your life or your child's life. Describe how our organization has changed the lives of all that we have touched, and why the Blue Devils have been a positive and influential partner to the City of Concord for over 52 years.  

Please state that you want a full and complete study by the City that fully investigates the effects of the new bingo parlor on various charities and the Blue Devils. The survival of the Blue Devils is at stake and we do not want the city to make a rash and uninformed decision. Please mention if you are a Concord resident.

How to send your message

1. Email

citycouncil@ci.concord.ca.us

2. Fax: (925) 798-0636

Please FAX and email your letter to all five council members. Please put "Attention" followed by the name of all 5 specific council members:

The Honorable Mayor Guy S. Bjerke
The Honorable Vice Mayor Helen M. Allen
The Honorable Council member Laura M. Hoffmeister
The Honorable Council member Mark A. Peterson
The Honorable Council member William D. Shinn

3. Call the City Council Office at  (925) 671-3158           

Call and leave a message of your support by calling the city

There is no going back after Tuesday

The Blue Devils have served the City of Concord though our youth programs, serving on city committees, performing at city events, partnering on city initiatives, and have demonstrated to be a model non-profit organization. This new bingo hall proposal is the most important issue threatening the survival of the Blue Devils in all our years. The very people deciding our fate are our own elected Concord Council members. If you care about the Blue Devils, the drum corps activity and the importance of the Blue Devils as a part of music education and young people in the city and around the world that we impact ------- then we need your HELP TODAY!!!!! If you care about the good of multiple charitable organizations that we support through our bingo facility, then please become involved.  There is no going back after next Tuesday. Please write and call today -- PLEASE SHOW UP NEXT TUESDAY!

Sincerely --  Thank you!

David Gibbs,
Executive Director, Blue Devils

492,650

SF Pride 2010