Forty-Plus Ways to Get Politically Active

By Doug Porter

The Randian nightmare, also known as the Trump administration continues to unfold. A budget plan presented by the White House this week is a boon for billionaires and kick in the teeth for the rest of us.

It should be clear by now we’re in for a long struggle. There are ongoing activities, organizations to support, and organizing to be done. AND, we should try to have a little fun along the way! Take a walk, have a talk, read a book, and turn off the internet from time-to-time.

So what will you do? Check out this week’s Progressive Activist Calendar listings below. Following those listings are upcoming events of national importance, along with opportunities for organizational involvement.

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.

You can now subscribe to the weekly Progressive Activist Calendar. It’s free and we don’t share email addresses with anybody. Scroll down to the end of this column for the link.

March 17

San Diego Nurses’ Bus Trip

Friday, March 17, Mid-Day
Duncan Hunter’s Office – 11am
1611 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon
Darrell Issa’s Office – 1:30pm
1800 Thibodo Road, Vista
For More Information

Registered Nurses and other health care professionals from Sharp Healthcare, Kaiser San Diego, Balboa Naval Medical Center and other SoCal hospitals are taking a bus trip to deliver petitions to two SD area Congressman calling for them to protect patients, hospitals, and communities

Join the Impeach Light Brigade

Friday, March 17, 6:45pm
Mission Bay Park Visitor Information Center
2688 E Mission Bay Dr
For More Information

Join us this Friday as we launch the Impeach Light Brigade for motorists on I-5. We will meet at the Mission Bay Visitor Center parking lot and take the lights to the Clairemont overpass. Afterward, there will be pizza and beer.

Know Your Rights! – Teach-In w/ CAIR San Diego

Friday, March 17, 7pm
Imam Ali Islamic Center
10390 Mountain View Lane, Lakeside
For More Information

Many of us have not read the US Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. What rights do we have within America? What are our rights in the workplace? What about our political free speech and right to stand for justice? What happens if a state officer/public official violates your Constitutionally-guaranteed rights? What is the current state of immigration and naturalization?

It’s more than overdue for the American Muslim community here in San Diego to Know Their Rights! CAIR San Diego‘s attorney Susanne Arani will teach you all you need to know about what it truly means to be an American.

Program Schedule: 7PM – Congregational Prayer, 7:30PM – Qur’an recitation, 7:40PM – Speech by Susanne Arani, 8:20PM – Q&A ~8:35PM – Dinner

Spirit of the Barrio: Refugees and Asylum Seekers 

Friday, March 17, 11:30am
1809 National Ave (Barrio Logan)
For More Information

The first Spirit of the Barrio of 2017 will focus on the current global refugee crisis and its impact on the region. San Diego has historically taken in more refugees than any other county in California, with record-setting numbers in 2016. The concentrated influx creates new challenges for refugees, including competitive limited housing and cultural barriers in access to health care.

An engaging panel of experts will share their experience in helping families flee unthinkable circumstances, and discuss the process of asylum and struggles of assimilation. Members of our panel will also share their personal experiences of being a refugee and overcoming adversity through their incredible accomplishments.

Join the conversation as we address specific challenges refugees face once they arrive in San Diego and the intensive work being done to help them thrive in a new environment.

March 18

The March of Voices
San Diego Housing Crisis March

Saturday, March 18, 10am
San Diego Civic Center Concourse
202 C St.
Hosted by Voices of Our City Choir /  San Diego Housing Crisis March
For More Information

Join the “March of Voices” for a Safe Living Space for Every San Diegan!
March steps off at 10:30am, led by the San Diego Women’s Drum Circle!
11:15am begins the largest singalong in San Diego history in which we are calling ALL choirs, singers, activists and supporters to join our singing! Faultline Park, at J & 14th in East Village.
11:45am we will march back to City Hall, led by the Euphoria Brass Band!
At 12:30pm, Our peaceful demonstration will conclude with a press conference laying out our Coalition’s proposed solutions to address our city’s Housing Disaster.

Intro to Campaigns

Saturday, March 18, 1pm
IBEW Local 465
7444 Trade St.
Hosted by San Diego County Democratic Party
For More Information (RSVP)

This event is for anyone who’s considering running for office or managing a campaign, now or in the future. It will help you understand what’s involved in running and how to get off to strong and early start. A $10 fee per person is requested; refreshments will be provided.

Topics covered will include setting realistic expectations, laying the foundation for your campaign organization, and seeking the endorsement of the Democratic Party. (Note: The Party can only endorse registered Democrats.)

Even if you can’t attend this time, please use the RSVP page to indicate your interest in running so we can let you know when we repeat this training. This summer we’ll also be offering a series of comprehensive sessions on fundraising, communications, field organizing, and more.

Since November, we’ve heard from an extraordinary number of local Democrats who are interested in seeking public office. I hope you may be one of them! Our work to create a better county — and country — starts from the ground up.

Red Earth Rising, Fundraiser Herbal Garden Mural Chicano Park

Saturday, March 18, 5pm
Centro Cultural de La Raza
2004 Park Blvd (Balboa Park)
For More Information

“Red Earth Rising: Return to the Origin”‘s vibrant paintings, silkscreens, woodcuts and screening of murals, span 17 years of the artist’s work, ranging from Zapatista Autonomy Struggles, “The Matanza of 1932” Genocide experienced by the Pipil-Nawat-Lenca-Maya communities in El Salvador, displacement, diaspora, hemispheric interrelations, resilience, and origin stories. We are the continuation of our ancestors, and we are awake to the challenges brought upon us as caretakers of the earth, with the prophecies of the seven generations coming together in global solidarity, we come together to ignite and continue the fire within.

Standing Up for Women

Saturday, March 18, 10:30am
Logan Heights Branch Library
567 S. 28th Street
For More Information 

We will have a panel of congressional staff members, Jennifer Sosa, from Rep. Scott Peters’s office and Jessica Poole, from Rep. Susan Davis’s office, to discuss the legislative process. This panel will provide guidance on how to be most effective as we go forward. There will also be a Q&A session.

March is National Women’s History month! We will be honoring those before us by presenting a short segment: Standing Up for Women Presents: The Equal Rights Amendment. Fasten your seat belts while we turn back time to 1923 when the ERA was first introduced to Congress – and hang tight through the twists and turns of the 1970’s when – somehow – it was not ratified. Fast forward to now – and it is still not ratified! What a ride; going nowhere and not very fast! What is up with the ERA?

March 19

SURJ San Diego March Show Up

Sunday, March 19, 11am
Hillcrest Farmers Market
3960 Normal St
Hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice
For More Information

We will be speaking with shoppers at the Hillcrest farmers’ market about what SURJ does and how they can join us in the fight for racial justice. All you need to contribute is to know our shared values and be willing to talk about why racial justice matters enough to you to work and advocate for it. Wear a SURJ t-shirt if you have one, or borrow one if you don’t (we’ll have some to share). Please let us know if you can make it!

After we’re done, enjoy living in California by getting some of the amazing prepared food or fresh fruits, greens, and flowers the farmer’s market offers.

San Diego Peace Heroes Walk

Sunday, March 19, 1pm
Magee Park
258 Beech Ave., Carlsbad
For More Information (Registration)

North County Peace Heroes Walk is a family-friendly, educational event. This event will bring together diverse ages, races, and faith traditions to celebrate their role models of peace, with the goal of promoting peace literacy.

Pop Up Art Show for Planned Parenthood

Sunday, March 19, 3pm
Wine Steals
1953 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff
For More Information

Join us for an Art & Wine Auction to benefit Planned Parenthood. Artists from our local community have contributed some beautiful creations. Come mingle with us on the beautiful back patio at wine steals and meet artists and like minded people. Bring your wallet and bring your heart.

The People United Will Never Be Defeated

Sunday, March 19, 1:30pm
Moonlight Beach
Encinitas
For More Information

A rally to celebrate unity and denounce hate. A march to join together and walk towards a great America. An America where freedom and equality reign, where being different is a not a crime punishible by deportation. An America where rights over your body, mind and soul are your own.

AD78 CADEM Delegates Town Hall

Sunday, March 19, 3:pm
Point Loma Assembly
3035 Talbot St
For More Information

We’re pleased to sponsor a Town Hall event for you to meet your Assembly District 78 delegates to the 2017 California Democrats State Convention. Come along and let your delegates know your thoughts on issues important to you.

Delegates will update us on their recent activities and address comments and questions. There will also be discussions on ways to get involved in local actions and activities.

March 20

Immigrant and Refugee Panel Discussion

Monday, March 20, Noon
Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
San Diego State University
For More Information
Hosted byWomen’s Resource Center at SDSU

Learn about how the current political climate is impacting immigrants and refugees in San Diego. Hear from local panelists from the following organizations: Nile Sisters, Southern California Immigration Project, Episcopal Refugee Network

Special SD City Council Mtg on Homelessness Solutions

Monday, March 20, Noon
Golden Hall
202 C Street
For More Information

San Diego City Council President Myrtle Cole has called a special meeting of the San Diego City Council to hear solutions to homelessness on Monday, March 20th at 1pm in Golden Hall (on the Civic Concourse adjacent to City Hall) — not 2pm as previously announced. Please plan to arrive by 12:30p to go through security screen and grab a seat.

The Voices of Our City Coalition will have an organized presentation on a variety of solutions to provide a safe haven for our homeless sisters, brothers, and families while working to end homelessness.

Candidate for the 49th Congressional District – Doug Applegate

Monday, March 20, 7pm
Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA
4089 Fairmount Ave
For More Information
Hosted by Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County

“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. In 2016, we lost the 49th by a slim margin of just 1,621 votes with over 310,000 cast.” – Doug Applegate’s website

On Monday March 20 at 7pm, meet Doug and discuss how we can work together to defeat Darrel Issa and take back the Hill.

NOW Fundraiser and Social

Monday, March 20, 6pm
Blind Lady Ale House,
3416 Adams Ave
For More Information

It’s a fundraiser! It’s a social! It’s an opportunity to resist! All while enjoying some good food and drink. 20% of all meatless food sales will benefit the San Diego Chapter of NOW. (National Organization for Women)

Every Monday in March you will find a San Diego NOW board member or three hanging out at Blind Lady Ale House eager to meet you! If you’re a NOW member, come meet other members and represent us to curious, potential members. If you’re involved with another progressive group in San Diego, come tell us about it.

1984 Staged Reading

Monday, March 20, 7pm
San Diego Central Library
330 Park Blvd
For More Information

“Who controls the past controls the future; who controls the present controls the past.” #AlternativeFacts.

New Fortune proudly presents a multi-media staged reading of George Orwell’s 1984 in collaboration with the SD Public Libraries. Discussion will follow, led by UCSD Professor of Literature, Stephen Potts, author of ‘Chasing Shadows’, stories of surveillance and transparency in our high-tech society. Admission: FREE TO THE PUBLIC! Recommended donation, $20. 

March 21

Resist Trump Tuesday

“Make your presence felt on your local elected officials not just once, but day after day, week in, week out. Make them feel that they could lose their individual seats if they do not heed you. They feel the pressure from lobbyists all the time…to succeed, you should be equally focused and persistent. And that requires above all: be motivated by hope, not outrage.”  David Frum

Senator Feinstein’s Office -Noon
880 Front Street
For More Information

Senator Harris’ Office – 1pm
600 B St.
For More Information

Congressman Issa’s Office – 10am
1800 Thibodo Road, Vista
For More Information

Congressman Hunter’s Offices
41000 Main St., Temecula – 10am
For More Information
1611 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon – 10am
For More Information

Women Occupy San Diego: Film Night

Tuesday, March 21, 7pm
Women’s Museum of California
2730 Historic Decatur Rd (Liberty Station)
For More Information
Hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ San Diego

The Women’s Museum of California hosts a monthly film series put on by Women Occupy San Diego. This month, there will be a showing and discussion of “Requiem for the American Dream,” a Noam Chomsky documentary. Free popcorn and drinks will be provided.

March 22

Know Your Rights!/Alamin ang iyong mga karapatan!

Wednesday, March 22, 6pm
St. Michaels Catholic Church
2643 Homedale St. (Paradise Hills)
For More Information
Hosted by Ready Now San Diego

Do you or someone you know have questions about the new changes in immigration policy? How does the new executive orders on immigration impact the Filipino and other Asian American & Pacific Islander communities? What rights do you have?

Please join us at our next immigration info session at St. Michael Catholic Church, Collier Room on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Receive important information and resources connecting you to legal service providers and private attorneys that may be able to help you with your case. Filipino interpretation and refreshments will be provided.

To confirm your attendance, please fill out the RSVP form.

Compassionate Activism Class

Wednesday, March 22, 6:30pm
2159 India St.
RSVP Required

Is it possible to be a compassionate activist? We think so.
In fact, it’s necessary. Humanity needs us to be beacons of compassion right now.

Because of recent events which are inspiring activism in our community, nation, and world, we’re offering a two-hour workshop on compassionate activism. We intend to create a safe space for us to support each other, to learn from each other, and to discuss methods for raising our voices with compassionate intentions. This workshop is a combination of meditations, journaling, group discussions, and lecture. Compassionate Activism will be co-faciliated by Sara Schairer, founder of the COMPASSION IT nonprofit, and Jennifer Gunsaullus, PhD, sociologist and sexuality speaker. There is a suggested $5 donation for the workshop. (Proceeds benefit the nonprofit COMPASSION IT.) Please also be on time, as latecomers will disrupt the start of the class.

People Over Profits SD Presents: 
Women and Jails in an Era of Reform

Wednesday, March 22, 6:30pm
Border X Brewing
2181 Logan Ave (Bario Logan)
For More Information

March is a month where we will be celebrating our queens and shedding a light on the injustices around women incarceration. Women are often overlooked in the criminal justice system and they represent the fastest growing population of incarcerated people in the United States. Trauma, sexual violence, and mental health issues are closely wrapped up with the increasing numbers. These include trauma, physical and behavioral health disorders, single-parenting, and poverty. We will be dissecting a report titled, “Overlooked: Women and Jails in an Era of Reform” that was published by the Vera Institute of Justice throughout the month of March. This week we will be covering pages 13-20 of the report.

March 23

SURJ SD Workshop: White Privilege & White Fragility

Thursday, March 23, 6:30pm
College-Rolando Branch Library
6600 Montezuma Rd.
For More Information

Confronting our white privilege involves dealing with a host of uncomfortable emotions. Often, we manage them poorly. We feel angry, frustrated, guilty, or afraid, and react defensively–yell, or deny what someone else is saying, or blame others, or leave the conversation altogether, in a display of white fragility.

How can we manage these emotions in conversations about race? Tonight’s workshop will focus on this subject. Come, bring a friend with you, and learn how to handle uncomfortable emotions and conversations with honesty and grace.

Progressives, Liberals, People of Color What is the Way Forward?

Thursday, March 23, 6:30pm
Mangia Italiano on Third
248 Third Ave, Chula Vista
For More Information

This is a community voices event. Folks will be invited to offer comments from a panel – Asian, Pacific Islander, African American, Christians, Muslim, Latino, Women, White, LGBT, Labor, Environment, Women’s Reproductive Choice/Rights, …..because we are fighting Federal government from so many angles, I do not know if anyone can really speak for everyone or if it is possible to be advocates in unity?????

She Was Warned

Thursday, March 23, 7pm
SDSU Exercises and Nutritional Services
(Nr Viejas Arena)
For More Information

Come celebrate San Diego women’s voices and experiences! Hear from a diverse group of San Diego women as they share their personal stories of existence and persistence. Learn how you can help support these women’s efforts to improve the status of women and girls across our country. Sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers Guild and the San Diego chapter of the National Organization of Women.

Roy Zimmerman’s “ReZist” at The GO!

Thursday, March 23, 7:30pm
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore St.
For More Information  (Tickets)

A very special Thursday night concert at The GO with the indefatigable singer-satirist Roy Zimmerman, 2/3’s of the way into the First 100 Days of the Trump Administration.

“ReZist” is ninety minutes of Roy Zimmerman’s hilarious, rhyme-intensive original songs.

La Mesa Conversations: Homelessness

Thursday, March 23, 5:30pm
Johnny B’s
8393 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa
For More Information/Tickets

Join La Mesa Conversations for a casual spring mixer. Informal topic: Homelessness in La Mesa
Guest speaker: Lois Knowlton EdD, La Mesa First United Methodist Church Homelessness and Affordable Housing Advocate
We encourage you to bring a few items that the La Mesa First United Methodist Church Community Outreach Team can use for their “Fresh Start Saturday” program, an opportunity for our homeless or near homeless neighbors to receive a free breakfast, take a shower, find some “new” (to them) clothes or shoes to wear, get a haircut, and take a bagged lunch to-go. Items the Fresh Start Saturday team can use include: non-perishable food items (think for bagged lunches, like Pop-tarts, crackers, cookies, candy bars), bottled water, and clothing items (shoes, belts, coats, new underwear, t-shirts and socks, clothes suitable for job interviews).

March 24

Issa Speaking in Vista – Let’s Rally!

Friday, March 24, 5pm
Shadowridge Golf Club
1980 Gateway Drive, Vista
For More Information

Darrell Issa will be the keynote speaker at an Annual Meet the Leaders Dinner for the Vista Chamber of Commerce. We plan to protest outside or if you want to attend the dinner, the cost is $125/person. RSVP for the dinner here. Let’s make ourselves heard!

Women’s Film Festival

March 24, 2017 – March 26, 2017
THE LOT @Liberty Station
2620 Truxtun Rd
For More Information

This annual international film festival is hosted by the Women’s Museum of California in San Diego, and was created to celebrate women’s stories and experiences through film. Our goal is to select films that represent the diversity of women from around the world. WFFSD gives independent female filmmakers a platform and allows women focused issues to come alive on screen.

Raza Art Fundraiser

Friday, March 24, 6pm
Unión del Barrio
2078 Logan Ave (Barrio Logan)
For More Information

Our annual Prison Conferences are held to ensure that we continue to put focus on the ongoing cycle of lockdown of Raza women and men in the prison system. The theme to this year’s conference is “Resisting Mass Incarceration in the Trump Era”

Informational Hearing on Trumpcare Proposals

Friday, March 24, 2:30pm
Fowler Family Ballroom. Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center.
5500 Campanile Dr
For More Information

The Assembly and Senate are both planning to hold informational hearings on Trumpcare proposals and the impacts on California. Let’s show up and put the pressure on!

March 25

This Event has been cancelled by the organizers

National Rally at the Border

Saturday, March 25, 3pm
Larsen Field
455 Sycamore Rd, San Ysidro
For More Information

Rally at the Border is a national televised grassroots movement (event) calling for people, regardless of party affiliation, race, religion, nationality, immigration status, gender, or sexual preference, to build a bridge of unity and break down walls of division. The first rally of its kind, Rally at the Border is galvanizing the people of two nations, Mexico and The United States of America, to come together in saying “We Are One”.

Free Screening of “Knowledge is the Beginning”,
A Film by Paul Smaczny

Saturday, March 25, 1pm
Riford Library, 7555 Draper Avenue, La Jolla
For More Information

This film stars Daniel Barenboim with young Arab and Israeli musicians exploring peace and understanding through music.  It is part of a two film series. The second film “The Ramallah Concert” will be shown on Sunday, April 9 and includes the live concert which is the culmination of the project depicted in the first documentary being shown on March 25^th.  Both film events are sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace, San Diego Chapter.

Mujeres en Resistencia Show 

Saturday, March 25, 6pm
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd (Balboa Park)
For More Information

Ten years ago, on International Womxn’s Day 2007, Mujeres en Resistencia emerged from a womxn of color space – a space of resistance. Through our zapateado rebelede we’ve fused traditional folklorico, hip hop, norteñas and other ritmos conscientes with Zapatismo to express our feminist of color vision toward liberation. As we reflect on the past 10 years, the support and encouragement of community has allowed us to exist as a collective today. Las mujeres rebeldes in our communities also continue to inspire us as they fight to dismantle patriarchy, imperialism, capitalism, heteronormativity, state violence, and racial injustice.

Join us in celebrating 10 years of zapateado rebelde and honoring all mujeres en resistencia. Our anniversary show will include performances by Mujeres en Resistencia and our special guests: Irene Castruita, BNS – Bailar Ngoma Sayaw, Quiquiriquí Coyotas cihuatl-ce, Jade Power Sotomayor, Diana Cervera

Healthcare Town Hall

Saturday, March 25, 9:30am
UC San Diego Price Center (2nd Floor) in the West Ballroom
For More Information
Hosted by Assemblymember Todd Gloria

With all of the conversation on the state and national level surrounding the future of healthcare, I hope you will join me, State Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez, O.D. (Chairman of the Senate Health Committee), State Senator Toni G. Atkins, and Congresswoman Susan Davis for a special town hall on healthcare.

This is a tremendous opportunity to share with us your questions, priorities, and perspectives on healthcare. We want to hear from you, so I hope you will take part in this forum.

Parking will be available in the Gilman Parking Structure located at Gilman & Villa La Jolla Drive.

March 26

TWW North County’s “Meet the Candidate” Series
With Col. Doug Applegate

Sunday, March 26, 12:30pm
Harding Community Center
3096 Harding St., Carlsbad
RSVP Needed

Get a chance to meet Col. Doug Applegate and hear his positions on important issues! Ask questions and learn more about the candidate who gave Rep. Darrell Issa a run for his money! Col. Applegate has already announced his plans to run against Issa again in the mid-terms–join Together We Will North County and learn more about his campaign.

We are gratefully accepting donations at the door to help defray costs associated with hosting this event. Important!!!! Space is limited. Please RSVP for this event.

Healthcare is a Human Right March – San Diego

Sunday, March 26, 11am
County of San Diego Waterfront Park
Pacific Highway
For More Information

We come together under the banner of a simple truth: Health Care is a Human Right. As the repeal of the ACA transpires, we cannot afford to be paralyzed by fear and anger. That is too easy, and only benefits the opponents of healthcare. It’s time to go on the offense.

In California, there is currently a bill called the Healthy California Act to GUARANTEE HEALTHCARE for ALL in this great state. SB 562. We are taking our corporate politicians to task and pushing back against the false narratives of the pharmaceutical and insurance companies that exploit those who are ill.

March 28

Documentary Screening of I AM a Girl

Tuesday, March 28, 6pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church
4190 Front Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Hosted by First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego

I Am A Girl is a documentary that reveals what it means to grow up female in the 21st century. The documentary introduces girls from six countries—each on the brink of womanhood and dealing with the realities of what it means to grow up female in their world and culture.

Elliott Adams – Bystander Intervention Training

Tuesday, March 28, 6pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont St (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Veterans for Peace

As a community, how do we embrace and practice nonviolence in today’s political climate? The community is the solution, and San Diego Veterans For Peace is pleased to welcome long-time peace activist and nonviolence trainer, Elliott Adams, who will share his insight and skills in an evening of empowerment, as he gives us the tools we need to take responsibility for the safety of others, protecting our neighbors when bigotry and harassment collide. Co-sponsors include Activist San Diego and San Diego Peace Resource Center.

Free Immigration Forum

Wednesday, March 28, @ 6pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre St
For more information call 619.263.3423 or email info@readynowsandiego.org.

-Do you have questions about possible upcoming changes in immigration law, including your rights?
-Do you want to know if you might qualify for additional immigration benefits?
-Do you want to make a confidential appointment with a lawyer?
If you said YES to any of the above, come to this FREE info session to get answers to your questions!
This forum is presented by: The San Diego LGBT Community Center; Casa Cornelia Law Center; Alliance San Diego; and Ready Now San Diego.

Resist Trump Tuesday

“Make your presence felt on your local elected officials not just once, but day after day, week in, week out. Make them feel that they could lose their individual seats if they do not heed you. They feel the pressure from lobbyists all the time…to succeed, you should be equally focused and persistent. And that requires above all: be motivated by hope, not outrage.”  David Frum

Senator Feinstein’s Office -Noon
880 Front Street
For More Information

Senator Harris’ Office – 1pm
600 B St.
For More Information

Congressman Issa’s Office – 10am
1800 Thibodo Road, Vista
For More Information

Congressman Hunter’s Offices
41000 Main St., Temecula – 10am
For More Information
1611 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon – 10am
For More Information

National Events

Fire the Fool (April 1st)

On Saturday, April 1st 2017, we the people will unite at the National Mall in Washington D.C., and all over the world, to Fire the Fool. There is a San Diego event announced on their homepage, a few details are here.

This declaration rally imparts a satirical, symbolic, and powerful message of firing President Donald J. Trump.

Tax March (April 15)

At least 30 Tax Marches have been planned in solidarity around the country with several hundred thousand people expected. The Los Angeles event page shows 66,000 people who have expressed interest or attending. The New York march event page has nearly 40,000 interested or attending, and 37,000 people have said they are interested in the DC march, with over 7,000 clicking “attend”. San Diego Event Page

March For Science (April 22)

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.

Interview with the San Diego organizers of March for Science

National People’s Climate March (April 29)

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.

SanDiego350 is the lead organizer locally, with many partners including Sierra Club San Diego, Labor Council, Climate Action Campaign, Fight for $15, Greenpeace.

“The People’s Climate March will take place on Saturday, April 29th. Thousands of San Diegans will march in unity with the massive march in Washington, D.C. and sister marches across the country. Near the 100th day of this administration and facing the threat of a President who denies the reality of climate change, we will stand together and take action. We will march for our air, our water, and our land. We will march for clean energy jobs and climate justice. We will march for healthy communities and for the people we love. We will march for our freedom to live, survive and thrive. And we will be louder and stronger than ever before.”

Other Stuff to Do

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.

Sign Up for Indivisible. Over 40 groups locally, 6000+ nationally. All the cool kids are doing it. (Really!)

Sign Up for The Town Hall Project An unfunded, crowdsourced, Facebook-based project that researches “every district and state for public events with Members of Congress,” and makes the info available via a Google spreadsheet in the hope that people will engage their representatives face to face.

Sign Up for #ResistTrumpTuesdays A joint project of The Working Families Party, MoveOn, and People’s Action. Its goal is to turn large numbers of activists out every Tuesday to fight back against a different element of Trump’s agenda. Go here to find a local action .

San Diego Democratic Party Calendar Includes business meetings, chartered club meetings, voter registration events, election information, holidays, and other events of interest to Democrats.

SUBSCRIBE! IT’S FREE!

Looking for some action? The Weekly Progressive Calendar is published every Friday in this space, featuring Demonstrations, Rallies, Teach-ins, Meet Ups and other opportunities to get your activism on.

You can now get the Weekly Progressive Calendar delivered to your inbox every Friday. And it’s Free! Subscribe and get an email every time a new article in this series is posted!

I read the Daily Fishwrap(s) so you don’t have to… Send your hate mail and ideas to DougPorter@SanDiegoFreePress.Org     Check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

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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
• Which Presidential Candidate Will You Support in 2020? - December 13, 2018
• Mounting the Assault on Big Gay and Other Drivel From SDSU’s Minimum Wage Scrooge - December 12, 2018