ML King Day Events, Inauguration Protests, Progressive Slates Vie for Democratic Party Power, and More…
By Doug Porter
There are now seven events being planned in response to the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as President. the All People’s Celebration with featured speaker Rev. Dr. William J. Barber as the keynote speaker along with a separately organized protest march will mark Martin Luther King Day, and Democrats throughout the State of California are participating in mini-elections for party leadership posts.
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, Mid January 2017
We Stand With Sandy Informational Picket
At the 80th District ADEM Elections
Saturday, January 7, 3-5pm
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
590 Park Way, Chula Vista
For More Information
Sandy Naranjo is running for one of seven female seats on the AD80 committee. She recently filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against UFCW Local 135 President Mickey Kasparian and the union after being unjustly fired. Retired co-worker Isabel Vasquez filed a sexual harassment claim against Mickey Kasparian alleging sexual misconduct over many years.
A call is being made to all progressive forces within and outside the Latinx community, to all forces within and outside labor, to stand with Sandy by attending this informational picket at the AD80 committee election this Saturday, January 7 from 3pm until 5:30pm at Machinists Hall in Chula Vista.
In addition, we are asking for people residing within the 80th Assembly District to vote for Sandy Naranjo. If you live within AD80, and are a member of the Democratic Party, you can vote in this election. If you are not a member of the party you can register onsite and vote. If you choose not to be a member we understand and would like you to come out anyway to show your support for this amazing activist.
GRAMMY Winning Guitarist & Arranger Laurence Juber
Saturday, January 7, 7:30 pm
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore Street
For More Information (Tickets)
Laurence is a solo performer, recording artist, composer and arranger. His playing fuses folk, jazz, blues, pop and classical styles, creating a multi-faceted performance that belies the use of only one instrument.
First internationally recognized as lead guitarist in Beatle Paul McCartney’s Wings, with whom he won a Grammy, Juber has since established himself as world-renowned guitar virtuoso and entertainer.
A music graduate of Londons Goldsmiths College, he was featured guitar soloist with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra before becoming established as a studio musician in the mid-1970s.
Juber, known to his fans as LJ, has released 24 solo albums which spotlight his unique touch and tone on acoustic guitar. His LJ Plays The Beatles was voted one of Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s all-time Top Ten albums.
Working Meeting for January 20th Protest
Sunday, January 8, 2-4pm
Border X Brewing
2181 Logan Ave (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
Artful Activist San Diego will be meeting to discuss how we will be using the Death Star for Jan 20th Protests in San Diego, we know Empire is coming.
If you would like to participate in street theater action and enjoy no Censoring of ideas come join us
Taking Back the Money Power
The Public Option in Banking
Sunday, January 8, 6:30 pm
Joyce Beers Community Center in
Hillcrest (between Aladdin’s and Panera.)
For More Information
Ellen Brown is the founder of the Public Banking Institute and the author of a dozen books and hundreds of articles. She developed her research skills as an attorney practicing civil litigation in Los Angeles. In the best-selling Web of Debt (2007, 2012), she turned those skills to an analysis of the Federal Reserve and “the money trust,” showing how this private cartel has usurped the power to create money from the people themselves and how we the people can get it back.
In The Public Bank Solution (2013) she traces the evolution of two banking models that have competed historically, public and private; and explores contemporary public banking systems globally. She has presented these ideas at scores of conferences in the US and abroad, including in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Iceland, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Croatia, Malaysia, Mexico and Venezuela.
This video records Brown speaking in Denver, Colorado on October 30, 2016. For more information, visit her website at publicbankinginstitute.org.
Following the video, Ian Mackenzie, San Diego County coordinator with the Public Banking Institute will be available during the Q&A period.
Stop Trump’s Climate Denier Cabinet
Monday, January 9, 5:30 pm
Edward J Schwartz Federal Building
880 Front Street (Downtown)
For More Information
On January 9th, we’ll join together with people in all 50 states to send a strong message to every US Senator: reject Donald Trump’s reckless climate-denying, pipeline-promoting cabinet nominees.
Here in San Diego we’ll call on our two U.S. Senators, Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris to stand strong on the climate and fight back against all four of these dangerous cabinet picks as part of the #DayAgainstDenial:
– Rex Tillerson, CEO of Exxon, for Secretary of State
– Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator
– Ex-Gov. Rick Perry for Secretary of Energy
– Rep. Ryan Zinke for Department of Interior
We’ll be joined by Councilmember Georgette Gomez, Imam Taha Hassane of the San Diego Islamic Center, Diane Takvorian, Executive Director of the Environmental Health Coalition, and other speakers – and present a skit.
The climate is changing, and anyone who denies it shouldn’t be in the White House cabinet. It’s up to the Senate to stop these nominations — and up to us to show up in person to tell our Senators to fight Trump’s Climate Denial Cabinet.
Mayor Faulconer’s Solutions to Homelessness
Thursday, January 12, 7:15 pm
Horton Park Plaza
900 4th Ave, San Diego
Hosted by Women Occupy
For More Information
After attending the Mayor’s 2017 State of the City address, we will gather nearby to discuss what he proposes as “solutions” to homelessness. “Stacie Spector, Faulconer’s senior adviser for housing solutions, later issued a statement saying that she’s ‘very appreciative of the community’s passion in support of the unsheltered.
“‘This is a growing concern that we share and city staff are working diligently every day to ensure services and beds are made available to homeless individuals,’ Spector said. ‘Mayor Faulconer has made addressing homelessness a top priority and plans to discuss solutions at next week’s State of the City address.'”
Film Night “Before the Flood”
Thursday, January 12, 7 pm
OB Green Store
4843 B Voltaire Street, Ocean Beach
For More Information
From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and Academy Award-winning actor, environmental activist and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio, Before the Flood presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet. The film follows DiCaprio as he travels to five continents and the Arctic speaking to scientists, world leaders, activists and local residents to gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue and investigate concrete solutions to the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. Free of charge.
King Day March
“Our Lives, Our Agenda”
Monday, January 16, 2 pm
Park Blvd and B Street (nr San Diego City College)
For More Information
Dr. Martin Luther King died fighting a poor people’s campaign fighting for the poor, jobless and our workers. He also died leaving racial injustice as a front and center topic for years to come. It’s time to take a stand for what Dr. King stood and died for and let our elected officials know that if they are not fighting for the people they are not working for us! We need to send a message to ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS in San Diego and beyond that they will be held accountable in the areas of workers rights, police reform and mass incarceration. If they are not fighting for the people, they should not work for the people! Join the movement! #KINGDAY2017#KINGMARCH
The 29th All Peoples Celebration
Monday, January 16, 10 am
Balboa Park Activity Center
2145 Park Blvd, San Diego
For More Information (Tickets)
Join us on Monday, January 16, 2017 to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 29th All Peoples Celebration. This annual community program is the preeminent event in San Diego County where more than 1,000 business leaders, elected officials, faith leaders, community organizers, artists, and students come together for an inspiring program and common goal of honoring the work and the sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We are thrilled to announce that Rev. Dr. William J. Barber will keynote the 29th All Peoples Celebration. Rev. Barber is a dynamic leader and electrifying speaker who is in the national spotlight for his work around civil rights with the North Carolina NAACP.
Democratic Party Elections Are This Weekend!
Ok, so you’re ready to take over the Democratic Party, right? If you are registered as a Democrat, there are local elections in every Assembly District this weekend.
Members of the Progressive Democrats of America and the Progressive Caucus of the CA Democratic Party have joined forces to run progressive slates for California Democratic Party delegate positions. Go here to see what these candidates agreed to as part of the vetting process.
Here’s a quick primer on what this is all about:
In California the Democratic Party is governed by the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC), consisting of about 3000 delegates.
Some delegates are appointed by elected officials and Democratic Party County Committees, while about 1/3 are elected every odd numbered year through elections divided by Assembly District.(7 women, 7 men, serving two year terms)
The responsibilities of an Assembly District Delegate include:
“As one of 3,000 delegates, you will be able to vote on candidate endorsements, help shape the platform of the California Democratic Party, approve the rules by which the CDP functions, vote on resolutions of concern to various communities and choose CDP representatives to the Democratic National Party.
You will also be eligible to serve on one or more California Democratic Party committees, appointed by the Chair.
You will be responsible for attending the annual statewide convention, one in Southern California and one in Northern California, and Regional meetings.”
To find your assembly district number and representative, click here.
The State Democratic Party is responsible for the delegate elections. The activist wing of the local party can be found in Democratic Clubs, organized by area and interests.
(The San Diego County Democratic Party website and Facebook pages have absolutely no mention of the Assembly District delegate elections.)
The way these elections work is that candidates are available and sometimes make elevator pitches for a half hour before voting starts. After the time for casting ballots has elapsed, the votes are counted and results are announced, a process that can take an hour or so.
You must be a registered Democrat to vote in your district election. You do not have to stay for any longer than it takes to fill out a paper ballot.
Here’s a video explaining the process.
ADEM Elections: 71st District
Sunday, January 8, 1-3pm
El Cajon Library
201 East Douglas Avenue, El Cajon
Progressive Slate
Candidate Statements (All)
ADEM Elections: 75th District
Saturday, January 7, 1-3:30 pm
The Joslyn Senior Center
210 East Park Ave, Escondido
Progressive Slate
Female Candidate Statements
Male Candidate Statements
Executive Board Candidate Statements
ADEM Elections: 76th District
Saturday, January 7, 11:30am-2pm
Oceanside Public Library Community Rooms
330 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside
Progressive Slate
Female Candidate Statements
Male Candidate Statements
Executive Board Candidate Statements
ADEM Elections: 77th District
Sunday, January 8, 3-5pm
United Association
Local 230 Union Office
6313 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego
Progressive Slate
Female Candidate Statements
Male Candidate Statements
Executive Board Candidate Statements
ADEM Elections: 78th District
Sunday, January 8, 10am-Noon
American Federation of Musicians Local
1717 Morena Blvd., San Diego
Progressive Slate
Female Candidate Statements
Male Candidate Statements
Executive Board Candidate Statements
ADEM Elections: 79th District
Saturday, January 7, 10am-Noon
Tubman Chavez Community Center
415 Euclid Ave, San Diego
Progressive Slate
Female Candidate Statements
Male Candidate Statements
Executive Board Candidate Statements
ADEM Elections: 80th District
Saturday, January 7, 3-5pm
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
590 Park Way, Chula Vista
Progressive Slate
Candidate Statements (All)
Inaugural Demonstrations in January
San Diego United Against Hate
Friday, January 20, 5-9pm
Chicano Park (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
Join Union del Barrio and the greater San Diego community as we unite on Trump’s 1st day in office!! All communities must come together to send a clear message on DAY 1! Only through organized struggle can we win – and win, we will! Actions throughout the nation will send a clear message that we will resist! We will respond! WE ARE WATCHING! People Unite! We have nothing to lose but our chains!
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 Janurary 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
Civic Center Plaza
1200 Third Ave, San Diego
For More Information
The San Diego Women’s March are peacefully marching in San Diego in solidarity with the Women’s March in DC. This is in response to Trump’s election as president. The San Diego Women’s March are dedicated to a free and open society that stands united against marginalization of anyone and for the respect of all people. They also seek to strengthen and continue their commitment to work for the protection of women’s rights, as well as human rights.
The Women’s March will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 10 am-12 pm. It will start at the Civic Center Plaza (1200 Third Avenue) and march on Broadway to Harbor Dr. and end in front of the County Administration Building.
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
San Marcos City Hall
March to Palomar College @ Noon
Rally @ Palomar College 1pm
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.
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.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – This Land is Your Land (live)
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Doug Porter
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Doug, thanks for all you do for the progressive community in San Diego. We depend on you and the other staff at SDFP and the OB Rag.
One note about the ADEM elections this weekend – you don’t have to be a registered Dem to vote. We can register you there onsite and then you may vote.
I know that the parking situation for the 78th ADEM is going to be challenging. Please allow time as the voting window is very strict – from 10am to 12noon. You may vote and leave.
Crying time is over, folks. Please come out and support the Progressive Unity Slate in your Assembly District. These slates were hammered out between members of PDA, the Progressive Caucus, Our Revolution and local grassroots progressive Democratic Clubs.
We are up against well-funded ambitious insiders. Good policy people need to get through that gauntlet first. Please come support us with your vote. And bring along your family, neighbors and friends.
We are putting ourselves out there for you. Have our backs and we will have yours.
VOTE! while you still can.