By Doug Porter

Activism works, particularly when it is on many levels. Demonstrations, teach-ins, forums, phone and letter writing campaigns all have a cumulative effect. And while not every battle can be won –Trump will get most of his cabinet– they effectively shift public opinion and the tone of media coverage.

It took sixteen months for the Watergate scandal to convince 40% of Americans of the need to impeach President Nixon. Donald Trump made it in less than two weeks.

The CEO of Uber resigned from the White House economic advisory panel after 200,000 people deleted their accounts over a six day period. (And they screwed up during the airport protests)

Republican Congressional offices are getting swamped with constituent calls, leading some to claim paid shills are harassing them.

From the Huffington Post:

Rep. Dave Brat, (R-Va.) told Republican supporters on Monday he was upset with protesters. “The women are in my grill no matter where I go,” Brat complained.    

The Republican Congressional leadership has told its members to avoid holding in-person town hall meetings to avoid possibly generating embarrassing YouTube moments ala the original Obamacare backlash of the summer of ’09.

Congressman Darrell Issa held a phone-in town hall, but callers were carefully screened to avoid embarrassing questions.

From the Escondido Grapevine:

Issa’s 49th Congressional District constituents have begun circulating a petition for an in-person meeting that everybody can attend without pre-selection or having, as is usually the case, to fork over mega-sums of money to get his attention. We’ll have more about Issa’s rather infamous, and lengthy, history of play-for-play politics soon. Same with Hunter.

“Constituents in CA-49 are unable to schedule a meeting with Representative Issa to discuss topics that are important in the District,” said petitioner Amy Caterina of Del Mar. “Representative Issa has not held public, in-person downhill meetings. More troubling, on January 26, 2017, six female constituents were met by armed Orange County Deputies at Rep. Issa’s Dana Point office.

Washington Senator Patty Murray made a statement on the Senate floor saying she’s gotten 40,000 postcards and letters on the nomination of DeVos for Secretary of Education. (At this point–the vote is on Monday–the Vice President will have to cast the deciding vote. Keep em coming!)

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey’s office says constituent correspondence is up 900% year over year, with 80,000 pieces of snail mail on the Devos nomination alone.

Sen.Chuck Schumer’s communications director says 1.5 million phone calls daily are being received at Senate offices.

And it’s not just Republicans getting the calls. From a Wired article about technology on Capitol Hill:

In the ever-present turmoil wrought by the early days of the Trump administration, the volume of phone calls has been off the charts. “People don’t call Congress when they’re happy,” says Daniel Schuman, policy director at advocacy group Demand Progress. “They call when they’re unhappy. And right now they’re scared out of their minds.” People complain about not being able to reach their representatives, while government officials complain about not getting any work done thanks to incessantly ringing phones. One particularly distraught staffer of California Senator Dianne Feinstein was caught on video saying all the calls “broke my BlackBerry. And it’s close to breaking my desktop.”

So what can you do? There’s plenty of local activism to support. Check out this week’s listings.

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.

Events that are listed on Facebook as ‘private’ or sold out are not listed.  In cases where there are competing but similar events or campaigns of the progressive persuasion, I do my best to list everything.

National and Ongoing Events

(Local versions will be listed in the calendar below as the date nears.)

National Pride March: Drawing inspiration from the Women’s March on Washington, a gay activist in New York City has announced plans for the National Pride March, a “mass” LGBT protest at the nation’s capital on June 11. Join the march’s facebook page here.

Sign Up For SwingLeft: Control of the House in 2018 will be decided by a handful of Swing Districts, places where the last election was decided by a thin margin. Find your closest Swing District and join its team to learn about actionable opportunities to support progressives—and defeat Republicans—in that district, no matter where you live. Check out SwingLeft here.

March For Science: The March for Science is a celebration of our passion for science and a call to support and safeguard the scientific community. Recent policy changes have caused heightened worry among scientists, and the incredible and immediate outpouring of support has made clear that these concerns are also shared by hundreds of thousands of people around the world. The politicization of science, which has given policymakers permission to reject overwhelming evidence, is a critical and urgent matter. It is time for people who support scientific research and evidence-based policies to take a public stand and be counted. On April 22, 2017 hundreds of thousands of people will walk out of their lab coats and into the streets of Washington. Join them!

5 Calls: If you only have time to make 5 calls this week, this new site provides the most important calls to make and even gives you a script for each call. This week’s calls are for DeVos, Gorsuch, Bannon, Reject Muslim Ban and Condemn GOP for Bypassing Rules Committee.Check out the great site here.

National People’s Climate March. The Sierra Club and other environmental organizations have announced demonstrations in Washington DC and other cities for April 29, the 99th day of the Trump administration. Sign up for up dates here.

Women’s March Huddles. Building off the success of the National Women’s March, the Sister March network is organizing Huddles in cities nationwide.  During the first 10 days of February, they are gathering together in small groups in neighborhoods all over the world to define next steps, and envision how to transform the energy at Women’s Marches into local and national action.  Look up local gatherings here

Local and Regional Events

Ban the Border Wall

Friday, February 3, 5pm
San Ysidro (US-Mexico Border Crossing)
For More Information

This is a Peaceful Protest in solidarity for both sides: USA-Mexico. Let our voices and message be heard. Bring candles, flashlights…anything to send a message of hope. We will be at the bridge over I5 on Camino De La Plaza so cars going by can see us.

Community Town Meeting
at Islamic Center of San Diego

Friday, February 3, 6:30pm
7050 Eckstrom Ave (Multi-purpose room)
Hosted by Forum on Religious Freedom
For More Information

The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic-Relations (CAIR San Diego), ACLU San Diego and Alliance San Diego will hold the first Forum on the newly-created coalition to stand up against bigotry and Islamophobia “Forum on Religious Freedom” to educate members of the community on what the (Muslim Ban) Executive Order means to their Family and Friends.

The objective of the Forum on Religious Freedom is to create a broad coalition and unite a group of organizations and individuals dedicated to challenging Islamophobia and the systematic attempt to marginalize the American Muslim community.

This effort is a direct result of the growing anti-Muslim atmosphere and the groundswell of support from organizations and fellow citizens in defense of the civil rights of American Muslims. At the Forum, CAIR San Diego will also share a list of community organizations that have already committed to joining this effort.

To the East Blackwards:
Afro-Arab-Asian Solidarity in the Age of Decolonization

Friday, February 3, 7pm
Pillars of the Community San Diego
6431 Imperial Ave
For More Information

In this political education class we will look at the third world solidarity between people of African descent and Asian people from during the anticolonial struggles of the 1950s and 1960s. We will then relate this to the real immediate political concerns around alliance and solidarity.

Rise Up Get Down
At the Casbah

Saturday, February 4, 7:30
Casbah San Diego
2510 Kettner Blvd
For More Information

It’s a revolution! It’s a dance party!

Rise Up, Get Down at the Casbah is a dance rally hosted by Raise Progress, an organization committed to advancing change, uplifting communities, and promoting hope.

Featured speakers include City Council Members, Chris Ward and Georgette Gomez; and United We Dream Advocacy Director, Greisa Martinez. Four DJs will spin a mix of tunes to get you on the dance floor: Records with Roger, Mr Mazee, DJ Claire, and Milky Wayne! Anthem Vegan will be onsite with grub for sale. All proceeds to support Raise Progress in furthering progressive policy and politics. Tickets are $25, and are for sale on the Casbah website

The People’s Issues
A Social Justice Teach-in

Saturday, February 4, 9am
Peace Resource Center of San Diego
3850 Westgate Pl
For More Information

Time to address the issues facing our communities in the post-election context. Time to get informed, get energized, and get activated.

Join us for Inauguration: Addressing the People’s Issues, a social justice teach-in. Poverty, Race, Immigration, Sustainability, Militarism, Spirituality, Sexuality and Gender. Sponsored by the PRC, AFSC, SURJ and community partners.

San Diego Indivisible Meetup

Saturday, February 4, 2pm
Quartyard
1102 Market Street
For More Information

San Diegans, inspired by “Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Resisting the Trump Agenda”, are standing up right here in America’s Finest City.

Meet your fellow San Diego Indivisible members over a beer and some corn hole at Quardyard. We want to learn what people want to do with this group and we’ll have some ways for you to sign up for future activities, get involved, and announce the date & location of our next meetup. Swing by anytime after 2pm.

Can’t make it on this date? Sign up here for email updates:http://eepurl.com/cz6g59

Progressive San Diego Arts Networking

Hosted by San Diego Arts for Bernie Sanders and Our Revolution
Saturday, February 4, 6pm
Thumbprint Gallery
920 Kline Street, La Jolla
For More Information

At the request of many in the arts community we are holding a networking event to unite San Diego progressive artists and creatives of all artistic mediums.

There is no specific agenda except to create dialog and brainstorm on what actions can and should be taken in order to further the progressive agenda. If you have a project or group working towards these goals and are looking to connect with the progressive arts community we invite you to attend.

Some beer and wine will be provided, but we can use some more. If you can help out with more beverages or snacks that would be appreciated!

10% of all sales of original art will also be donated to The Nature Conservancy. For those who don’t want to buy art but want to contribute to the cause we will be taking cash donations of any amount.

Southern California Youth Rally No DAPL

Sunday, February 5, 9am
Mission Beach, grassy area across from Belmont Park
Contact:  Blue Eagle Vigil 619-616-0690

All ages welcome.  Please bring your chairs, canopies, and your NoDAPL signs!  There will be a walk approx. 1 mile.  Open mic for singers so bring your gourds and drums.  Water Protectors are welcome to speak on the mic as well.

United for Progress Community Meeting
#Courageous Resistance

Sunday, February 5, 1:30pm
Mission Branch Library
3861 Mission Ave, Oceanside
For More Information

Join us for our next United for Progress community meeting in Oceanside.

Our Mission: We come together with others to affirm shared values of tolerance, social, economic justice, and desire to fight the Trump agenda. Our focus is to protect the most vulnerable in our society, work to make California the most progressive state in the nation, and aid in national efforts to resist the restrictive and oppressive policies of this presidential administration.

Cal State Against Hate

Tuesday, February 7, Noon
Hepner Hall (SDSU)
5500 Campanile Dr
Hosted by SDSU Muslim Student Association
For More Information

We call upon all students, faculty, and community members to come out in front of Hepner Hall to protest President Donald Trump and his cabinet’s policies against the Muslim community, the undocumented community, and all groups affected by the xenophobic and bigoted orders.

We invite people from all different walks of life to come stand out against all forms of hate. Signs and posters are encouraged.

This is a day of action for all CSU schools. We ask that student leaders from all CSU campuses mobilize and organize a demonstration on their respective CSU campus.

Let us use our constitutional rights to speak out against demagoguery!

Support National City Welcoming Cities Resolution

Tuesday, February 7, 6pm
National City Civic Center
1243 National City Blvd
For More Information

In a decision that took until midnight to make, the National City Council voted to strengthen their Welcoming City Resolution on Jan 17th.

WE NEED YOU to help show support of Council members Mona Rios, Alejandra Sotelo Solís, and Vice Mayor Albert Mendivil who voted yes. Thank them. Encourage them to stay strong. Unfortunately, this is far from over. We’ve heard anti immigrant groups and naysayers are planning to oppose the resolution at the next meeting on Feb 7th at 6pm (1243 National City Blvd, National City CA). Join us in showing support for ALL residents – it’s crucial that we turnout on Feb 7th, and as often as we have to until every city is a welcoming city.

Here’s the original call to action letter written by our partners at the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium @AllianceSD

Rise Together: Immigration Info Session

Tuesday, February 7, 6pm
Alliance San Diego office
(RSVP for address)
For More Information

Do you or someone you know have questions about the new changes in immigration policy? What do the new executive orders on immigration mean for the Asian American & Pacific Islander community? What rights do you have?

Please join us at our next immigration info session at the Alliance San Diego office. Receive important information and resources connecting you to legal service providers and private attorneys that may be able to help you with your case. Light refreshments and Tagalog interpretation will be provided.

Photo by Manuel Cavada

Vecinos Streaming Radio
Maria Garcia

Wednesday, February 8, 9am
WSRadio.com

SDFP contributor Maria Garcia will interview Dr. Max Branscomb on her weekly streaming radio show Vecinos.  Dr. Branscomb will be joined by journalism students from the from Southwestern College’s award-winning journalism program to discuss media at the college level.

OB Green Center Film Night
“Merchants of Doubt”

Thursday, February 9, 7pm
4843 B Voltaire Street, Ocean Beach
For more information: 619-225-1083

“Merchants of Doubt” takes audiences on a satirically comedic, yet illuminating ride into the heart of conjuring American spin. Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the curtain on a secretive group of highly charismatic, silver- tongued pundits-for-hire who present themselves in the media as scientific authorities – yet have the contrary aim of spreading maximum confusion about well-studied public threats ranging from toxic chemicals to pharmaceuticals to climate change.  Free of Charge  :-)

Sierra Club Film Night
“The Best Democracy Money Can Buy”

Friday, February 10, 6:30pm
8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.  #101
More info:  Jean Costa 619-463-0721 or ellenshively@sbcglobal.net

Greg Palast and his associates expose the darkest plans of the uber-rich to steal America’s democracy.  Come learn the appalling details of voter suppression in the United States. Free.    

People Over Profits Presents
“They Call Us Monsters”

Friday, February 10. 7:30pm
Digital Gym Cinema
2921 El Cajon Blvd
For More Information

This film poses difficult questions about our juvenile justice system: What is our responsibility to our youth who are incarcerated? Do they have the ability to change when provided with quality rehabilitation? Do our youth deserve a second chance?  

Defend Planned Parenthood March

Saturday, February 11, 10am
1060 S. Coast Hwy, Encinitas
For More Information

Now more than ever, Planned Parenthood needs our help. Join us on February 11th to show our community the importance of reproductive choice and health care access! We will convene in the parking lot of the aforementioned address and march north towards Moonlight Beach. Bring your friends, family, and of course your peaceful protest signs!

Divest for Standing Rock Sidewalk Parade

Saturday, February 11, 12:15pm
Bank of America
655 West Broadway, Downtown
For More Information

San Diego Water Protectors presents the Divest for Standing Rock Sidewalk Parade featuring live performances in support of Divestment for Standing Rock and clean water. Bring good vibes, love, and noise makers. All ages welcome!

Our mission is to inspire, educate, and encourage the world to divest from the big banks and their unethical financial investments (NDAP and other fossil fuel projects). Money Speaks and we DO have a voice especially with our dollar! Let’s encourage our brothers and sisters to shift their financial investments into banks that have the people’s best interest in mind (Credit Unions, Green Banks, etc)

What a better way to ignite the world in a time where arts are being cut from our current government in America and create a new paradigm, a paradigm where we can come together as a community and shine through collaboration and expression.

Postcard Making Picnic

Sunday, February 12, 1pm
Balboa Park (Pepper Grove Park)
For More Information

National’s Women’s March effort begins with 10 actions in 100 days. First up… send a postcard to your representative. https://www.womensmarch.com/100?source=direct_link Let’s enjoy the afternoon making postcards, sharing stories, and finding ways to stand up together. Bring food or beverages to share! In addition to staying active, we hope this helps you make connections.

This is an informal gathering and limited. We’ll be on the grassy area (bring a picnic blanket) next to Pepper Grove Park at Balboa Park. It’s near a playgound so children can play while we share our cards and information. We can only provide a couple hundred postcards, please bring extras, stamps and a pen. We will help with finding your rep and addresses. We’ll alsl collect and mail them off for you!

Can’t make our picnic? Plan your own little party, picnic, or cocktail hour! Postcards are free downloads on the national site.

The Islam Effect: UCSD Islam Awareness Week 2017

February 13-17
UCSD
Hosted by:  Muslim Student Association at UCSD
For More Information

Assalamualikum! May Be Peace Be Upon You!

UCSD MSA invites you to join us for a week of increasing understanding about Islam and building support towards the Muslim community during trying political times.

Each day from 9am to 3pm on library walk we will have interactive activities and free Coffee and Donuts! Stop by!!

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.

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Doug Porter

Doug Porter was active in the early days of the alternative press in San Diego, contributing to the OB Liberator, the print version of the OB Rag, the San Diego Door, and the San Diego Street Journal. He went on to have a 35-year career in the Hospitality business and decided to go back into raising hell when he retired. He won numerous awards for his columns from the Society of Professional Journalists in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Doug is a cancer survivor (sans vocal chords) and lives in North Park.

Latest posts by Doug Porter (see all)

• Last Call. Last Column. - December 14, 2018
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• Mounting the Assault on Big Gay and Other Drivel From SDSU’s Minimum Wage Scrooge - December 12, 2018