Pride at Work, the constituency group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers, praised the AFL-CIO for its decision to file suit against the Bush Administration’s new rules that would require employers to fire workers who are identified as having discrepancies in their Social Security records.

“No-match” letters, which the Social Security Administration (SSA) has long sent to employers, have often been used to harass and silence immigrant workers and break union organizing drives. The letters have also exposed many transgender workers, whose name and gender identity often do not match the data in their Social Security records, to “outing” and harassment and discrimination in their workplaces.

1. Allstate Foundation - Funding Program (national), P.O. Box 12055, 1819 Electric Rd. S.W. • Roanoke, VA 24018, allfound@allstate.com

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Award Amount: Not specified

Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations

Focus of Interest: The foundation supports local and national organizations. Funding aims to encourage research in one of the following three areas: safe and vital communities; economic empowerment; and tolerance, inclusion and diversity. Preference will be given to proposals that address issues such as, but not limited to: youth anti-violence, neighborhood revitalization, financial education, empowerment for victims of domestic violence, and the
teaching of tolerance.

More info: http://www.allstate.com/citizenship/foundation/funding-guidelines.aspx

At USF’s Fromm Hall last night, they advertised that Greg Mortenson, author of “Three Cups of Tea” would be speaking.

The room was overflowing with over 300 people. Mr. Mortenson, who lives in Bozeman, MT, wasn’t there. But one of his board members for the Central Asia Institute (the funding foundation for Mortenson’s work), Julia Bergman spoke instead.

But the crowds stayed and listened to an amazing tale.

The Harvey Milk Club overwhelmingly endorsed Tom Ammiano for Assembly District #13.

Ammiano who has close ties to the club, is running for the seat being vacanted by Mark Leno who is running for State Senate against Carol Migden, Joe Veronese and others.

The Harvey Milk Club LGBT Democratic Club voted to endorse Sheriff Mike Hennessey for his seventh term as Mayor and District Attorney Kamala who is running unopposed for re-election.

None of the interviewed candidates received 60% of the votes needed to get the endosement. Quintin Mecke and Gavin Newsom received the largest number of first choice votes. Others such as Josh Wolf, Lonnie Holmes and Ahimsa Sumchai received a number of first choice votes as well as a larger number of second and third rank votes.

Friday Aug 31st SF
Gender Pirates at El Rio SF!!

Gender Pirates is here again -
for all you: freaks, punks, queers, trannies,
genderqueers,
men, women, genderfuckers, multiples, femmes,
intersexies,
rockstars, shyboys, skaterz, strippers, activists,
workers,
artists, felons, and everyone else.
–all genders welcome!–

Emcee: fAe
Kali B. as Mr TuffStuff
Shawna Virago
Siouxsie Jackson
Afrodisiac
Annie Danger
and faux queen burlesque from
Charlie Darling
Where:
El Rio 3158 Mission at Precita in SF
Time: 8pm
Cover: $5 - $15

Eric Mar reports that Bill Sorro, longtime hero in the movement for justice, passed away early this morning. Words cannot describe how diminished our community is by his passing, but as Eric said, we should honor his fighting spirit by redoubling our efforts to fight displacement, to fight for affordable housing and for worker’s rights.
A leader in the International Hotel struggle, Bill was smart, passionate, fiercely radical, tough, but incredibly kind. He touched so many activists lives and was a role model and mentor to many. I am honored to have known him. Our love and respect from Leftinsf to Guilliana and his family.

SFUSD and United Educators of San Francisco (teachers’ union) have arrived at a tentative agreement in the contracts for the certificated (teacher) and classified (paraprofessional bargaining units, beginning the school year on a very positive note.

UESF reports that the agreement came after a seventeen hour, round-the-clock mediated bargaining session that started at 6pm on Friday. Ratification procedures are still being discussed for the union.

Dennis Kelly, president of UESF, said in a statement, “My personal gratitude to all those who supported the Bargaining Team and the team members themselves who demonstrated creativity, tenacity and endurance in seeing that these contracts were settled before the students crossed the threshold to begin the new school year. ”

The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association set up their annual “Welcome Back to School” booth at the corner of Webster and Haight. They provide treats for students such as Prudence who goes to Claire Lilienthal ES.

Karen, a senior at Mission also stopped by for some school supplies.

At John Muir ES, parents accompanied their children to find out the names of their teachers and peek into the classrooms that will be their children’s second home this year.

These friends are celebrating that they both will be in Ms. Hale’s classroom this year!

For SFUSD, it is the first day of a new and exciting school year!

Backpacks are ready. Outfits have been chosen and re-chosen. And everything is ready for an outstanding school year!

So good luck, students! (And parents!)

And those who are not parents, slow down and keep an eye out for darting children trying to get to school!

Remember-”It Takes A Village to Raise a Child.”