Cost is $20 and includes dinner and program. For reservations call Margie Kauble at 510-758-2637, or Denise Gianni, at 510-222-3789, or send questions or RSVP by e-mail.

The charity with the largest number of entries will receive, at minimum, $1,000. The more we raise, the more the charity will get. The deadline to to submit a name is Sunday, April 6, 2008. Only one entry per person please.

The fundraising event will be a SCRABBLE® Tournament+, on May 25, at the Lafayette Veterans Hall. To volunteer for this cause or have me speak at your meeting or event, send an email to Melinda_Gerber@yahoo.com.

Democratic Assembly candidate Joan Buchanan announced that she has received endorsements from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, the California Teachers Association, Alameda County School Superintendent Sheila Jordan, and County Superintendent of Schools Joe Ovick.

“Joan has made a huge difference for the schools of the San Ramon Valley. Her even-keeled, common sense approach helped turn around a struggling school district,” said O’Connell. “Joan will make a great leader for California.”

The Scott Kamena campaign announced that Assemblyman Paul Cook announced his endorsement of Kamena, declaring that “Kamena is a steadfast conservative with deep roots in the District.”

“Kamena has the kind of community background and involvement that make him the ideal candidate. “I am excited at the prospect of working with Scott Sacramento to bring about real solutions and real change. Kamena will be a breath of fresh air for Sacramento.”

Cook is known as a trusted Republican leader and a former Marine who has earned top ratings from conservative watchdog groups such as the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association and numerous law enforcement groups.

Meanwhile, the Guy Houston campaign for County Supervisor crows about yet another hi-profile endorsement. This time, the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement for Houston, and second major endorsement from incumbent Supervisor Mary Piepho’s, home community. Houston has also been endorsed by the local Discovery Bay paper, the Delta Sun Times.

Tim Mobley, president of the DB Chamber wrote,

“In your role as a California State Assemblyman, your attention and concern for our community has been admirable. You have set a fine example of how our community leaders can best communicate with their constituents, with your community meetings, monthly editorials, local representatives, and overall comprehensive outreach efforts….For your attention to Discovery Bay and the Delta region, you have our support in your 2008 run for Contra Costa County Supervisor.”

Meanwhile, the Guy Houston campaign for the Contra Costa County Supervisor seat (D-III), announced it finished 2007 with $187,189 in total contributions. Incumbent Contra Costa Supervisor, Mary Piepho, raised $15,073 in the last six months since Houston announced his run for Supervisor. Houston also has garnered key county endorsements from Treasurer Bill Polleck, Assessor Gus Kramer and Sheriff Warren Rupf.