John Steven Calder - Political Participation
Veterans Activist
100% Service Disabled Veteran - United States Air Force
Suffering a broken back in 1979, due to an accident on an KC-135A I was repairing, a drunken Sargent came into the hanger, turning power on the plane, and causing hydraulic fluid to wipe 3 mechanics off the wing, myself included. After a stay in the hospital, and 6 months of light duty, I was was Honorably Discharged in February 1980. The Veterans Administration failed to provide any health care or benefits til 2009, as my files were 'lost".
Upon being awarded VA benefits a 60% loss of hearing and a bad back, the VA in San Francisco offered to fix my back. The XLIF surgery went well, the stroke I suffered due to a medication foul up was not too well. Because of this , the VA took responsibility, awarded me 100% disability, and granted me Dental coverage. I went th the San Francisco Dental, clinic, had my teeth cleaned. The tech made a mistake with a needle, and ten days later my face exploded from a gum infection. I've been bleeding for 4 years now, with no responsibility by the San Francisco VA.
I am actively demanding accountability and responsibility for quality care, in multiple courts and agencies.
Media & Communications
Director of Mojo - Argonaut Newspaper and Web Site
The Argonaut was a literary journal based in San Francisco, California that ran from 1877 to 1956, founded and published originally by Frank M. Pixley. The name comes from the local term for gold prospectors, argonaut. The magazine was known for containing strong political Americanism combined with art and literature. Many 19th-century writers such as Ambrose Bierce, Yda Addis, and Gertrude Atherton appeared regularly in its pages. It was considered one of the most important publications in California, and it had a great deal of political influence.
The magazine was revived in 1991, by Warren Hinckle, and continues in both print and on-line formats.
Publisher - Hydraulic Press
Started a small publishing company, using
emerging desktop publishing systems, to enable local poets and writers to 'self
publish' using these technologies. Published 30 books and lost a lot of money!
Publisher - US RAG
Started a comedy magazine based upon the popularity
of local comedy clubs. Capitalizing on the infrastructure of Hydraulic Press.
Published eight issues and lost even more money!
Civic Participation
Juror - Civil Grand Jury - San Francisco Superior Court
I was nominated and I accepted the a position
on the San Francisco Superior Court Civil Grand Jury. This secret watchdog Grand
Jury investigates all San Francisco agencies and officers.
Web
site and Reports.
Worked with a variety of School Board and Supervisor Candidates for local elections. Focusing on Education issues, web site design and development and authoring policy statements.
Co-Host/Moderator and President - Asian American Political Coalition
I hosted local candidates every Friday for neighborhood Meet and Greets. We held over 72 events in 4 years.
