By Doug Porter
The official fall campaigning season is upon us. Labor Day marks the beginning of the final drives to persuade voters that it’s in their self-interest to cast ballots.
It used to be the goal of election campaigns was to persuade people it was in the national/regional/local interest to vote a certain way, but now that we’ve endured three decades of denigration of the institutions of government, it’s all about me, me, me.
Ayn Rand would be proud.
This week I’ve written about campaigns for US Senate, House of Representatives, & California Legislature. Meanwhile, odds and ends have accumulated in the Starting Line inbox needing to be said.
So today’s the day. In a nutshell: Trump loves Putin, Sanchez is snarling, and Politifest is coming.
Presidential Races: Stuff You Might have Missed
Tinfoil Hats Fail Hearing Test: The latest Clinton conspiracy to make the rounds concerned a report from a rinky-dink outfit claiming the former Secretary of State wore an invisible earpiece during an NBC town hall Wednesday night. Fox News was right on it, along with Drudge, InfoWars, and the rest of the paranormal media™.
Wikileaks, which is now apparently firmly in the Trump camp, tweeted about a leaked email showing Clinton aide Huma Abiden asking about an earpiece.
Q. What do Wikileaks and Donald Trump have in common?
A. No filter.
Then a photograph emerged showing her actually wearing an earpiece.
OMG! It’s true! Hillary Clinton’s taking orders from the Illuminati!
Except that the email and the photo were both tied to an appearance by the then-Secretary of State before the United Nations in 2009. The ear bud in question was/is used by diplomats to hear simultaneous translations from different languages being spoken.
Another Round of Vodka, Comrades! The bro-fest between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin continues unabated.
After the Donald praised the Russian dictator at the (aforementioned) NBC Town Hall on National Security, the rest of his minions have chimed in, apparently thinking this is a good idea.
Running mate Indiana Gov. Mike Pence stood by Trump, telling CNN:
“I think it’s inarguable that Vladimir Putin has been a stronger leader in his country than Barack Obama has been in this country. And that’s going to change the day that Donald Trump becomes president.”
Corey Lewandowski, former campaign manager to (and still paid by) Donald Trump, now getting paid by CNN for analysis, jumped on the bandwagon.
From Politico:
“Vladimir Putin has had a stronger influence on his country than Barack Obama has had here. He’s been a stronger leader,” Lewandowski, now a CNN contributor, said on the network’s New Day program Friday morning.
Also calling Putin “a fighter” for his people, Lewandowski said Trump’s willingness to work with the Russian president presents an opportunity “to work with what would normally be an adversary.”
Meanwhile, Moscow’s Pravda is busy suggesting that Trump offers a “glimmer of hope” for the Russian government.
US Senate Contest
They Agree on Something- The two candidates to be US Senator from California, Assm. Loretta Sanchez and CA Atty General Kamala Harris have finally agreed on one debate.
Sponsored by KABC7, the debate will take place on October 5th (7pm) on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles in collaboration with the Pat Brown Institute and the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.
On The Attack– With a recent poll showing a scant 19% of voters favoring her candidacy, Sanchez has gone on the attack.
From the Orange County Register:
Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez on Thursday condemned the burial of millions of pounds of nuclear waste on a San Onofre beach bluff and faulted her opponent in the race for the U.S. Senate for not fighting the controversial project.
“Kamala Harris’ failure to lead on this issue makes her the wrong choice for California’s senator,” Sanchez said. “California needs a senator who doesn’t bury problems in the sand.”
Sanchez also said Harris, California’s attorney general, has dragged her feet on a state probe of the California Public Utilities Commission in connection with its decision to have ratepayers fund $3.3 billion in costs associated with the premature shutdown of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
The Trump Effect- The Mercury News has revived questions about Donald Trump’s donations to Atty General Kamala Harris in 2011 and 2013. The story was initially dismissed as part of Trump’s normal salting of the political field in California.
Trump has donated to several prominent Democrats over the years, including Gov. Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, but it turns out that he had extra incentive to fortify Harris’ war chest.
Several news outlets reported this week that Trump contributed $25,000 to a group supporting Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi in 2013 at the same time her office was considering joining a lawsuit against the now defunct Trump University by New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. According to the New York Times, Trump gave money to Schneiderman, then-Texas Attorney General Greg Abbot and Harris, whose office also was investigating the for-profit real estate academy for defrauding students.
Harris donated Trump’s money to charity. As for prosecuting Trump University, Harris won’t comment on “on-going matters,” said David Beltran a spokesman in her office.
San Diego Tidbits (More Coming Soon!)
Measures K & L Get Support- It’s looking like big bucks are lining up for and against two of the seventeen or so ballot measures on the November ballot for City of San Diego voters.
Measure K asks voters to amend the City Charter to require a candidate for city office to get a majority of votes in the November general election Measure L similarly amends the Charter to require that ballot measures be placed on the general election ballot rather than the primary.
The Independent Voter Project and Alliance San Diego co-authored the two measures and are sponsors of the campaign.
The Yes on K&L folks held a presser to showcase the coalition of groups supporting their effort. Led by outgoing Council President Sherri Lightner, the event included City Councilman Todd Gloria, Alan Allorrado, President, San Diego Fire Fighters, Scott Barnett, San Diego Taxpayers Advocate and Rev. J. Lee Hil, Jr.,Pastor, Christian Fellowship Congregational Church.
The opposition will likely include the Lincoln Club/Republican/Chamber of Commerce axis.
Liveliest Debate— Voice of San Diego has returned with a bigger and better version of Politifest for 2016. It’s one stop shopping for the wonkily-impaired voter; you know, people interested in those boring facts.
Yesterday, they announced the line up for a debate on Measure K. Trust me on this one, the outcome of the vote on this measure will profoundly influence San Diego politics for years to come.
For: Mickey Kasparian, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers and Steve Peace, former state senator
Against: Chris Cate, San Diego City Councilman, Ryan Clumpner, Republican political consultant
Keynote Speakers (morning and evening, respectively) are Reihan Salam, executive editor of National Review and (this is why I’m excited) DeRay Mckesson, one of the younger generation of civil rights leaders arising out of the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, and Black Lives Matter. For more info on this day, go here.
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Weekly Progressive Calendar: Upcoming in San Diego
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.
No Access Pipeline Rally
Friday September 9, until 3pm
San Diego Federal Court House
333 West Broadway
Info & Updates
Support for those that don’t have a voice ( mother earth and or kids ) we come as one heart one mind in good spirits. Rally in peace not hate. This demonstration is about the Native American-led protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline.
‘Chunky’ Film Project Fundraiser
Friday, September 9, 6pm
Border X Brewing
2181 Logan Ave (Barrio Logan)
Info & Updates
Paul Espinosa documentary on the Chicano Music Icon, Chunky. Come out and help raise funds to finish this epic film project.
This film is a labor of love about a San Diego Icon. Please come out and support this very important piece of History and honor a Great Man, Musician and humanitarian Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez.
We will have food, Great award winning beer, Live music, Art for sale (all proceeds to benifit the Film Project) and more. Find out how the film is coming and see clips from the film and find out what you can do to help promote this important project!
Fundraiser for Families of Victims of Violence
Friday, September 9, 6pm
St Phillips Episcopal Church
2660 Hardy Dr, Lemon Grove
Info & Updates
Please join families of victims whose lives were brutally taken to raise funds to unite other families of victims from Texas and Arizona. The proceeds will be used to host the families while they are here November, 20, 21st, 2016 for a Candle Light Vigil at the San Ysidro/Tijuana U.S. International Border. Thank you for your support. ♥
This is What Free Trade Looks Like
Sierra Club Film Night
Friday, September 9 6:30pm
8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101
More info: Jean Costa 619-463-0721 or ellenshively@sbcglobal.net
This documentary shows how so-called “free” trade operates, from the perspective of the Mexican experience with ten years of NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement. An update will be provided, as it has now been over 20 years since NAFTA was passed by Canada, Mexico and the United States. Free.
South Bay Pride Art & Music Festival
Saturday, September 10, Noon-’till
Bayside Park, Chula Vista
Info & Updates
Join us for a great PRIDE party on the beach! FREE! Bayside and just 10 minutes south on I5 from downtown San Diego. Live music at our Port of SD Stage emceed by Laura Jane as well as a DJ stage to keep you dancing! Great food, local artisans, exhibitors, beach activities along with drinks and cocktails throughout! Don’t miss this fantastic chance to celebrate diversity, equality and love for all!
Dan Navarro Concert
Saturday, September 10, 7:30
Grass Roots Oasis
3130 Moore St (Old Town)
Info & Updates (Admission)
The Grassroots Oasis is so pumped to have the storied singer-songwriter Dan Navarro coming to our stage in September! Dan performed at our original location in Sorrento Valley (Oasis House Concerts) several years ago, and it will be wonderful to have him on our new stage near Old Town.
Dan Navarro started his career as a songwriter, most often with Eric Lowen, for artists as diverse as Pat Benatar (the Grammy-nominated We Belong) , The Bangles, Jackson Browne, Keb Mo, Dave Edmunds, The Temptations, Dionne Warwick, Dutch superstar Marco Borsato, The Triplets, Austin outlaw legend Rusty Weir and many more…
Chicano Splendor
Saturday, September 10, 5pm
Chicana Art Gallery
2117 Logan Ave #1
Info & Updates
A Chicano cartoonist is invited by a recognized comics author to covert the Republican National Convention with other diverse cartoonists, in Cleveland. In this spoken word performance, Junco will cover the events during the RNC week in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as his discovery of the legacy of Joyce Brabner and Harvey Pekar, as well as other events during the summer of 2016. Don’t miss the life and times of Junco Canché!
Also featured the art of Jorge Mendoza, muralist extraordinaire, and Tijuana comic artist Urbano Mata.
A Century of Books by the Beach
Ocean Beach Library, 100th Anniversary Celebration!
Saturday, September 10, 7pm.
Ocean Beach Library
4801 Santa Monica Avenue
Farm Hangout and Potluck Picnic
With Slow Food and Suzie’s Farm
Sunday, September 11, 10am-2pm
Suzie’s Farm
2570 Sunset Ave (Nr the Border)
Info & Updates
Join Slow Food Urban SD for our 2nd Annual Potluck Picnic – we’ll be on Suzie’s Farm this time! Bring a picnic and hang out with Slow Food friends on the picaresque Suzie’s Farm. Yoga, farm tour and harvest totes are optional!
10-11AM: Yoga with Maria – suggested donation, BYOYM (bring your own yoga mat)
11AM – 2PM Potluck Picnic – bring a picnic lunch and/or something to share and hang out with us.
12:30-2PM: Farm Tour & Harvest
$25 Harvest Tote Package available for purchase – includes tour admission, SFUSD tote bag and the produce to fill up your entire bag! Plus some Slow Food snacks.
Debate: Is California’s $15 Minimum Wage Law a Good Idea?
Monday, September 12, 6pm
University of San Diego
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice
Info & Updates
As communities around the country continue to debate the issue during the 2016 election, the University of San Diego will host a debate on whether the $15 an hour minimum wage is a good idea.
The event takes place Monday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. in the university’s Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Theatre and is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.
Two nationally known economists, Mike Konczal, fellow at the Roosevelt Institute in New York City, and George Mason University Economics Professor Donald Boudreaux, will participate in the debate, sponsored by the University of San Diego Center for Ethics, Economics and Public Policy.
Snowden Advance Screening
Tuesday, September 13, 6pm
Museum of Photographic Arts
1349 El Prado
Info & Updates (No cellphones or cameras allowed)
Edward Snowden blew the whistle on the NSA’s mass spying programs, sparking the biggest debate about government surveillance in decades.
Now he’s the subject of a new film by Oliver Stone, “Snowden,” and you’re invited to a free, advance screening hosted by the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties on Tuesday, September 13. The epic story of his act of conscience and the aftermath of his disclosures makes for one of the most-discussed films of the year.
Join us for the screening, plus a panel to follow on the First Amendment, privacy rights, Government surveilance, and whistleblowers.
Moving Ahead on Police Accountability in San Diego
Tuesday, September 13, 6:30pm
Grass Roots Oasis
3130 Moore St (Old Town)
Info & Updates
Join us at our Allies community event
Where we will explore:
What we accomplished?
What else needs to be done? Discuss Community Relations Board ballot proposal and Brainstorm ideas from the community for a plan and next steps.
Holding the SDPD accountable will require our commitment for the long run. Please consider continued involvement and maybe even a leadership role in this effort. This is a point of unity within the black lives matter movement and we need to keep the pressure on to continue moving towards police reform in San Diego
Women of Substance Showcase
Friday, September 16, 7pm
Grass Roots Oasis
3130 Moore St (Old Town)
Info & Updates (Admission)
Women of Substance Radio presents their Showcase featuring San Diego’s Finest Women Singer-Songwriters: Randi Driscoll, Lisa Sanders, Sara Petite, M.E Law and Donna Larsen
$12.50 IN ADVANCE $15 at the Door
2nd Annual Conference on Labor & Community Solidarity
Saturday, September 17, 10am-4pm
San Diego State University
Storm Hall 101, 105
Storm Storm Hall West 011
Info & Updates (Registration Required, Sliding Scale Admission)
When We Fight, We Win! Speakers include Dennis Childs, author of Slaves of the State: Black Incarceration from the Chain Gang to the Penitentary, Gloria Gracida, La Alianza de San Quentin, Amy Muldoon (via Skpe), co-founder Verizon Strike Solidairy Committee, and David Bacon, author, The Right to Stay Home: How US Policy Drives Mexican Immigration.
Concert for Cannabis Justice
Music for Proposition 64
Sunday, September 18, 4pm
Grass Roots Oasis
3130 Moore St (Old Town)
Info & Updates (Admission)
Join amazing singer songwriters Jeff Berkley, Kiyoshi Shelton, Kimm Rogers, Reverend Stickman and Gaby Aparicio for a wonderful night of music and social justice!
The illogical war on cannabis has devastated lives, burdened our jail system and unjustly targeted African Americans and Latinos with its meaningless persecution of a medicinal plant. Proposition 64 will stop this prosecution in the state of California by legalizing cannabis for adult use and creating a legal market for adult use cannabis distribution.
Join us for a wonderful night of music, refreshments and good vibes in support of the cause. All proceeds will go directly to the Proposition 64 campaign.
On This Day: 1776 – The second Continental Congress officially made the term “United States”, replacing the previous term “United Colonies.” 1957 – The first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction was signed into law by President Eisenhower. 1973 – United Auto Workers President Leonard Woodcock was named in Pres. Richard Nixon’s “Enemy’s List,” a White House compilation of Americans Nixon regarded as major political opponents. Another dozen union presidents were added later. The existence of the list was revealed during Senate Watergate Committee hearings.
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