By Doug Porter
Looking for some action? Check out the Weekly Progressive Calendar, published every Friday in this space, featuring Demonstrations, Rallies, Teach-ins, Meet Ups and other opportunities to get your activism on.
The ugly reality of the Trump era is coming more into focus every day as announcements about billionaires, generals, and bigots joining his cabinet are made.
Today, in addition to my usual list of upcoming progressive events in San Diego, I’m looking ahead to the activist actions being planned for the weekend of the inauguration. In addition to local events, there are already rallies, demonstrations, and marches planned for more than 60 cities worldwide.
The local events are still not quite focused, and I expect the lineup will change over the next month. The one that looks to be the biggest will be the Women’s March on January 21st. You can read about them all following next week’s events listed below.
Activism abounds in San Diego if you know where to look for it. I’ve been posting this progressive activism calendar on Fridays now for more than six months and every week I learn about new groups.
Get your event listed: I try to list the next 10 days or so of mostly non-commercial events I think our readers might find of interest. I source my material from social media listings and press releases. In cases where there are competing but similar events or campaigns of the progressive persuasion, I do my best to list everything.
Progressive Calendar for San Diego, End of December 2016
There will be no calendar published on December 23 and 30, as I will be on vacation. The weekly calendar will resume publication on January 6, 2017.
Hamilton Electors United Against Trump
Saturday, December 17, 3pm
County Administration Building
1600 Pacific Highway
For More Information
Answering the call of Bob Willis the Great (x’s 5) Grandson of Alexander Hamilton to gather at sundown for a respectful vigil on Saturday, December 17th. Our mission is to give courage and strength to our California Electors to act as “Free Agents” as demanded by the Constitution in order to unseat Donald Trump as the candidate for president.
The Founding Fathers designed the Electoral College to stop an unfit man from becoming president. Now is the time for Americans to put our differences aside, cross party lines, and unite in our shared goal of stopping Donald Trump.
Please wear PURPLE if you have it, (and bring purple candles and glowsticks) as a message of unity between Red States and Blue States. Take the Trolley to avoid parking concerns. Exit at County Center / Little Italy stop.
San Diego Stands with Standing Rock
Saturday, September 17, 3pm-11pm
The People’s Lot in Barrio Logan
1764 National Ave
For More Information
M.E.Ch.A. de San Diego City College is hosting a fundraiser December 17th 2016 at The People’s Lot in Barrio Logan to raise awareness and money for our brothers and sisters who are bravely defending our water in North Dakota.
The oil companies are trying to lay a pipeline that is more than likely to explode and leak into their water supply, as well as go through their sacred burial land. The peaceful water protectors have been met with a militarized style of policing which includes being shot at with rubber bullets, being attacked with dogs, being met being mace and tear gas. The Native Americans protecting their land need our help.
The fundraiser will be giving 100% of the proceeds gathered back to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe DAPL Donation Fund that will be used for legal, sanitary and emergency purposes. This fundraiser will be a way to inform the community of what is going on in North Dakota and the Pipeline that is threatening their drinking water. $5.00 Suggested Donation.
Sponsors: People over Profits-SD, Bob Hernandez, Barrio Network, Chulita Vinyl Club
Artists: QUE OSO, Kuttin Kandi, Tarolas De Hueso, 7th Generation, Salvajes
Spoken Word: Tùpac Amaru, Jesus Mendez
Border Angels Water Drop
Saturday, December 17, 8am-5pm
Sherman Heights Community Center
2260 Island Ave, San Diego
For More Information
Hosted by SDSU’s Latin American Studies Student Organization
With the help of volunteers like yourself, Border Angels leaves dozens of gallon jugs of water in the desert along high-traffic migrant paths. Why? Following 1994, when the US government implemented its most inhumane border enforcement policies ever, more than 11,000 sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, husbands and wives have died. Their main cause of death? Dehydration. Our water helps reduce the 500+ deaths
What to bring: 1 or 2 gallon plastic jugs of water to place in the desert, Backpack with the items listed below.
Plenty of water for yourself to drink, at least 2 liters/0.5 gallon.
Sports drink, or electrolyte powder or jellies for energy.
Snack eg. energy bars, sandwich, trail mix etc.
If you need a ride, bring $5 for your driver to help cover gas.
IMPORTANT: Bring your I.D./Drivers Licence, DACA volunteers must bring their work authorization card as we pass through a border checkpoint.
Jacobin Reading Group
Saturday, December 17, 2pm
Cafe Cabaret
3739 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA
For More Information
We will be discussing ‘A Blueprint for a New Party’, the reply ‘No Easy Solution’ and ‘What Did Bernie Do?’
Gun Buy-Back Event
Saturday, December 17, 7:30am – 1pm
BryCo Building and parking lot
5275 Market Street, San Diego
There will be a gun buy-back event Saturday. If you have a handgun or rifle or shotgun, it will fetch $100.00 at the event. If you have an assault weapon; that fetches $200.00. No questions asked and no arrests for possession.
Early birds near the head of the line will have the option for a high-quality skateboard rather than the cash, if they prefer. There aren’t very many skateboards.
Holiday Open House and Fundraiser
The Troubadour
Sunday, December 18, 5pm
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore St. (nr Old Town)
For More Information
Please join us for the party of the season! All ages welcome! Featuring an Open Mic and Fire Pit/Jam Circle. It’s a pot luck so please bring food and/or drink to share. The party is free but, since this is our annual fundraising effort, please donate, so that we can continue to bring you the latest news from the local music scene. Thank you for your support!
Now in our 16th year, the San Diego Troubadour continues to promote, encourage, and provide an alternative voice for the great local music that is generally overlooked by the mass media; namely the genres of alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, blues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass. The Troubadour aims to entertain, educate, and bring together players, writers, and lovers of these forms; to explore their foundations; and to expand the audience for these types of music.
Sambusa Sunday
Sunday, December 18, 1-4pm
Colina Del Sol Park
5319 Orange Avenue, San Diego
Hosted by: Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans
For More Information (RSVP Requested)
Join us for free sambusa, tea, and community.
This is a neighborhood gathering where we can stand together firmly and in solidarity in a time of great need. Come and stand with your fellow San Diego community members, enjoy free tea and sambusas and get to know one another. From one fellow human being to another, let us bond, hear each other’s stories and break the walls that divide us.
UTWSD 7 Year Anniversary
Sunday, December 18, 3-5pm
United Taxi Workers of San Diego
4265 Fairmount Ave # 180
San Diego (City Heights)
For More Information
On December 18th, 2009 – San Diego cab drivers went on STRIKE, and UTWSD was born…Come Celebrate and learn about UTWSD’s past and recent accomplishments, and the campaigns we are fighting now!
Human- A Homeless Outreach Day
Sunday, December 18, 10am-3pm
457 16th Street San Diego
For More Information
With the holidays fast approaching, it easy for us to get wrapped up in the daily hustle and bustle of our lives. We often take for granted that most of us have a safe, dry place to go home to, food on our tables and warm beds to sleep in. Unfortunately, that is not the case for many people here in San Diego. According to recent data, The East Village alone has approx.1,100 homeless people sleeping outside on the street. Many of whom have no food, no warm clothes, no shoes or the basic necessities that many of us take for granted.
In an effort to ease some of this suffering we are planning a Homeless Outreach day on Sunday, Dec. 18th in the East Village from 10am – 3pm. We will be serving food and be offering basic goods and services as well as giving out “Care Kits” to those in need. In order to make this a successful event, we need as much help as we can get. If you can, please donate any goods that might be useful.
We have set up a drop-off location to collect goods up until the day of the event. Although we prefer clothing and goods, we understand that many would prefer giving cash. Honestly, any little bit helps and 100% of everything received will be going to purchase clothing, food, and goods for those in need. If you can not spare anything, please consider volunteering your time. All are welcome and deeply appreciated.
Drop off location: El Comal – North Park, 3946 Illinois Street, San Diego, (619) 294-8292
Democratic Socialists of America
Meeting for New Members
Sunday, December 18, 4pm
San Diego Friends Center
3850 Westgate Pl, San Diego
For More Information
One consequence of the disastrous November election is that DSA is experiencing phenomenal growth. We have experienced a growth of about 35% in the past few months; to about 10,000 members. Our national organization has about 60 chapters, with new chapters and organizing committees emerging every week.
Here in San Diego we have about twenty-five new members, and an equal number of inquiries from prospective members this past month. There is good reason for this rapid growth: The progressive community now faces an existential challenge to everything we have worked for and accomplished; and, we must organize ourselves to preserve the economic and social gains of the past hundred years. We believe that the values of democracy and socialism represented by DSA are the right place from which to conduct this struggle.
This meeting will be a good place to find out about the activities and participation of our local DSA chapter; our work in the Bernie Sanders campaign; participation in local electoral activities; our work to defend those who are most threatened by the new xenophobia, nativism, misogyny; and our support for environmental and labor struggles.
#LoveCanWin
Trump Opposition March
Monday, December 19 -9am-6pm
Horton Plaza
For More Information
This is the big one. #Dec19th is the last day for electors to change their vote. Show up as early as you can, and wear yellow to protest from work. This is what the electoral college was made for – we just have to say this is the time to use it. #JoinUs. #WeCanWin. #WeAreTheMajority #StopTheVote
Solidarity Meeting
Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County
Monday, December 19, 6:30pm
4089 Fairmount Ave (City Heights)
For More Information
We close out the year with a meeting to discuss plans for 2017. Now, more than ever, we need to organize to support each other our principles and platforms. Only by acting together can we insure equality of opportunity, a level playing field, and fair and equal treatment for all.
Join us for an evening to strengthen and grow our commitment to each other, and against any negative forces we may encounter in the New Year.
Social Time; Members are encouraged to get together from 6:30pm before the meeting starts. Please bring whatever light drinks/snacks that you’d like to share.
Congressman Issa:
Don’t Take Away Our Health Care
Tuesday, December 20, 10am
Congressman Issa’s Office
1800 Thibodo Rd, Vista, CA
For More Information
With the change of administration, families who rely on the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) are at risk of losing life-saving health care coverage. In some cases, this is a matter life or death.
Congressman Issa is among the leaders who want to take away Affordable Health Care for working families, seniors, and disabled persons. We can’t go back to a time when Americans had to rely on emergency rooms for primary care or forgo treatment altogether.
All accounts are that the Congress will move quickly toward repealing the Affordable care Act soon after convening on January 3rd, 2016. The House, under Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, will likely pass a budget resolution, and then a budget reconciliation measure to repeal the main elements of “Obamacare” quickly, creating massive uncertainty for over 22 million people.
A coalition of our unions and community partners are working with health care advocates in California and across the country to fight back against this, understanding like many fights under President Trump it will be an uphill battle. In San Diego County, we also want to make sure we are shining the spotlight on Darrell Issa, who won his election by less than 2000 votes, so voters know where he stands.
Inaugural Demonstrations in January
UPDATED LISTINGS: the information we have as of January 18, 2017 for inaugural-related actions in San Diego is listed (click on this) here. There are now more than a dozen events in the works. Some of the info is out of date,
Some of the info below is out of date.
Disrupt J20 – San Diego
Friday, January 20, 9am
Location TBA San Diego
Hosted by: San Digo Anti-Fascist Task Force
For More Information
On January 20th, a fascist will be inaugurated as president. On January 20th, we RISE. Black, Latinx, Muslim, LGBTQ, Jewish, Women, Disabled – we will come together and show our strength, marching in solidarity with the Washington D.C. protesters. Let the world know we will not stand by quietly as a bigot takes power.
Protest Inauguration Day and Fight Trump
Friday, January 20, 10:30am
San Diego City College
1313 Park Blvd
For More Information
This is a call to mobilize against the bigot, Islamophobic, anti-immigrant, sexist, Trump and everything he stands for. On inauguration day the people of San Diego will unite and fight! We will send our message loud and clear to those at the top: We Reject the President Elect!
Daytime Rally: Speakout at City College at 10:30 am
March and Rally Federal Building 11:30 am
Evening Rally: Speakout at City College 6:00 pm
March and Rally Federal Building 7:00 pm
*** This event is being organized by the newly formed Left Coalition. We meet Mondays at 7:00 pm at the Grassroots Oasis. Join us!
Protest Trump on Inauguration Day
Friday, January 20, Noon
Park Boulevard and President’s Way Lawn (Balboa Park)
For More Information
Hosted by: ANSWER San Diego
As we approach the inauguration of Trump, we denounce all of the rhetoric he used to get to this point, but we do not have to accept it. Leading up to his inauguration we will continue to organize actions and protest and much more, keep an eye out for all that on our page. We will be having a large coalition meeting with all interested allies.
Consider taking January 20th (#J20) off work and joining us in the streets. We want to send a clear message to the Trump administration that we will not allow business as usual.
We will be gathering at 12 noon at the lawn area on Park Boulevard near the intersection of President’s Way. There is a large parking lot across the street. We will march to the downtown Federal Building at 880 Front Street where we will end our march with speakers defending immigrant rights, women’s rights, the environment, the muslim community, racial justice and the LGTBQ community.
San Diego Women’s March
Saturday, January 21, 10am
The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier
1000 N Harbor Dr, San Diego
For More Information
We, San Diego Women’s March, are peacefully marching in San Diego in solidarity with the Women’s March in DC. We are dedicated to a free and open society. Together we stand united in our respect for all people and we resist the marginalization of anyone. As a diverse, inclusive community of compassionate people, we seek to strengthen and continue our commitment to work for the protection of women’s rights. We stand firm in agreement that women’s rights are human rights.
***Our logistics team is working out the location, route and timing for the march. As soon as the details are confirmed, we will make an announcement!***
WE APPRECIATE YOU!!!! Thank you for your support! If you would like to donate funds to support our event you can do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/sandiegomarch
Solidarity March – North County
Saturday, January 21, 11am
Highway 78, Vista
For More Information
In solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington we will be organizing and marching in North San Diego on January 21, 2017. This march will be held in love and light of unity and inclusivity with a call to action.
We plan to begin around 11AM somewhere along the Highway 78.
This march is in solidarity with the Woman’s March being held across the nation. We would like to join all who want to move forward in the wake of the new administration to ensure respect and dignity for all. This is an inclusive march and all are welcome.
We like to extend an invitation to – Men and Women of all ages, all races and all orientations are welcome to join in the call for action. A call for action to ensure the rights of all. A call for action to hold the authorities accountable to ensure our freedom and liberties. A call for action to guarantee safety and security for all.
International & Nationwide #Resist Events
We are not alone. There are people around the globe who are fired up and ready to go. The best resource for this type of information is lovealwaystrumpshate.org.
On This Day: 1773 – Nearly 350 chests of tea were dumped into Boston Harbor off of British ships by Colonial patriots, disguised as Native Americans. The act was to protest taxation without representation and the monopoly the government granted to the East India Company. 1900– The National Civic Federation was formed by business and labor leaders, most prominently AFL president Sam Gompers, as a vehicle to resolve conflicts between management and labor. Not all unionists agreed with the alliance. The group turned increasingly conservative and labor withdrew after Gompers’ 1924 death. 1903 – Women ushers were employed for the first time at the Majestic Theatre in New York City.
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Linda says
Thank you so, so, so much for putting this together and updating Doug! This is exactly what our group and what I personally have been searching, searching, searching, for. You’ve made it easy! Rock on, activists!
Rita says
Want to add my thanks. I had no idea so much is going on around San Diego County. I will definitely attend the Women’s March.
omshree says
Dump trump, he will cause misery and sorry and is unfit temperamentally,us has to protect the constitution from places like Russia, he is pitting us with the friendly countries,he lacks stability he is a political gamble,no experience in public relations,he is a unique danger, founding fathers have put electoral college to stop people like him who is unfit and a total shame to us. Electoral college is to serve as a constitutional “FAILSAFE” to prevent unqualified candidates or those under the influence of foreign(Russia) powers or governments from becoming president. Putin cannot choose us president, it is American citizens who choose the President. If he is not dumped then Putin has caused failure to all Americans hacking our computers “Please Beware of this unfit individual” vote for “HILLARY CLINTON” SHE IS THE MOST ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL IN ALL OF USA” AT PRESENT. “GOD BLESS AND SAVE AMERICA” AND THE WORLD.
Rosemary says
Thanks for putting this together.
barry price says
Like others have mentioned I have been searching for this information. Thanks for helping me get involved.