By Doug Porter
San Diego continues to be an activist powerhouse, with demonstrations, teach-ins and cultural events throughout the upcoming weeks. This past week’s actions in Coronado attracted national attention from the media and other activist organizations around the country.
In case you haven’t noticed, El Presidente is becoming a little more unhinged every day. I’m starting to think maybe the networks should just create a timeslot for his daily rants. Morning Meltdowns would be a good title, I think.
So what will you do? Check out this week’s Progressive 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 Calendar. It’s free and we don’t share email addresses with anybody. Scroll down to the end of this column for the link.
May 12
Happy Hour + Film (Amandla!)
Friday, May 12, 5pm
Peace Resource Center of San Diego
3850 Westgate Place
For More Information
In celebration of Mother’s Day, we will be showing Amandla!: A revolution in Four-Part Harmony, a documentary film that depicts the use of music in the fight for freedom for Africans in South Africa. This was a struggle against the injustices of the Apartheid system. *Amandla means POWER in Zulu and Xhosa.
Role of State Attorneys General and City Attorneys in Trump Era
Friday, May 12, Noon
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
655 West Broadway (San Diego)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by San Diego Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society
The Trump Administration’s “First 100 Days” have focused on many important constitutional issues including immigration, climate change, legalized marijuana, and border security. Governors, mayors, state legislators, city council members, and public advocates all have differing opinions on how to respond to the new policies.
James E. Tierney, the Director of StateAG.or Initiatives, an organization that furthers the efforts of the National State Attorneys General Program, will provide an overview of the role of State Attorney Generals nationwide followed by a discussion of the local roles of Mara Elliott, San DIego City Attorney, and David Loy, Legal Director of the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties.
This is a brown bag lunch. Beverages will be provided. Admission is free, but space is limited.
Human Trafficking Information Session
Friday, May 12, 6:30pm
Living Water Church of the Nazarene
403 13th Street (Enter from J Street)
For More Information
Jamie Gates, from PLNU’s Center for Justice and Reconciliation, will be presenting the very real issues around human trafficking in San Diego. PLNU has been the center of the local effort against human trafficking, and we hope that in addition to giving us a basic education on the local problem, his presentation will teach us how to recognize the signs of trafficking and what to do about it.
May 13
Fresh Cinema – Food, Film & Science Showcase
Saturday, May 13, 11am
Digital Gym Cinema
2921 El Cajon Boulevard (San Diego)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by Digital Gym Cinema and Media Arts Center San Diego
A fun-filled day of films, food, conversation, and wellness resources!
Fresh Cinema will showcase three food and science-related movies (FORKS OVER KNIVES, KING CORN & THE MARTIAN), followed by hosted panels with local science experts.
Plus, there’ll be FREE simple, cost-effective healthy eating food demonstrations by local chefs, live music by old time blues and fiddle duo Michael Thomas & Stewball and other fun activities!
Letter Carriers Food Drive
Saturday, May 13, 5pm
San Diego Food Bank
9850 Distribution Avenue
For More Information
300 Volunteers are needed to help unload and sort food.
Oceanside City Council District Public Hearing
Saturday, May 13, Noon- 2:00 pm
Joe Balderrama Recreation Center
709 San Diego St (Oceanside)
For More Information
On May 3, 2017, the Oceanside City Council adopted a resolution to begin the process to transition to district elections. Boundary lines for districts will be drawn and adopted in a public and transparent process. The City will hold four public hearings before the City Council and five community meetings over the next ninety days. It is anticipated that beginning November 6, 2018, City Council members will be elected “by district” instead of from across the city. This means that those who run for City Council will need to live in the district where they seek election. The Mayor’s seat will continue to be elected at-large and will not occur until the 2020 election.
Postcard-Writing Party
Saturday, May 13, 3pm
El Tapatio Restaurant
260 Palm Avenue (Imperial Beach)
For More Information
Hosted by My Tijuana River Reserve
Let your voices be heard! Join us for a community postcard-writing party hosted by Imperial Beach Councilmember Mark West and Dick Pilgrim from Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges. Tell Congress that the Tijuana River Estuary and 28 research reserves around the U.S. are worth saving! The time to push for NOAA funding is NOW! Please share!
Empty the Tanks at Sea World San Diego 2017
Saturday, May 13, 10am
Sea World San Diego
For More Information
The shows are still going on. In fact the new “Orca Encounter” is supposed to start this month. It is important that our message be seen and heard. #emptythetanks We will meet on the corner of Sea World Way and Sea World Drive.
May 15
Repeal and Replace Issa
TrumpCare is Unacceptable
Monday, May 15, Noon
1800 Thibodo Road (Vista)
For More Information
Our representative didn’t want to answer the Press about his terrible choice, so now it’s time to go to him ourselves for answers. It’s high noon, bring water and chairs. Make sure to keep your signs PG so that he can’t take that excuse to try to shut this down. Also, be sure to be very loud about any pre existing conditions, including sexual assault.
Tell SD City Council
What 2018 Budget Priorities Should Be!
Monday, May 15, 5pm
San Diego City Council
202 C Street, 12th Floor
For More Information (Women Occupy San Diego)
For More Information (Community Budget Alliance)
This is the only evening meeting for San Diegans to give input on the 2018 Fiscal Year (July ’17-June ’18) City Budget proposed by Mayor Faulconer. Meeting starts at 6p in City Council Chambers on the 12th Floor of City Hall — but arrive early to clear security, grab a seat and Sign Up to speak (or cede time to a designated Speaker)!
Here’s the Agenda: https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/05-15-17.pdf
Standing Up For Women Monthly Meeting
Single-Payer Health Care Presentation
Monday, May 15, 6:30pm
4089 Fairmount Avenue (City Heights)
For More Information
Please join SUFW and the Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County for a presentation on Single-Payer Health Care.
May 16
New Trial; Show Up for Robert Branch
Tuesday, May 16, 8am
San Diego Superior Court
220 West Broadway (Downtown)
For More Information
Hosted by The Movement Productions San Diego
and United Against Police Terror – San Diego
Robert Branch faces, ” reckless driving, resisting arrest and attempting to pepper spray an officer” charges following the altercation that happened in Del Cerro on May 4, 2015.
Prosecutors say Branch was, “speeding and driving erratically when he almost struck the detective’s car.” He was put in a chokehold for no reason while prosecutors claim he tried to “pepper spray a deputy.” Branch argued the detective, who has since retired from the department, used excessive force in the traffic stop.
The incident was VIDEOTAPED and shared with the media. He also filed an excessive force lawsuit against the county, which is on hold until the allegations against him are resolved. After several weeks of witness testimony and evidence, a San Diego judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to hold Branch on all charges. If convicted of all charges, Branch could face a maximum penalty of 5 years, 90 days.
Drinking Liberally San Diego, Second Gathering
Tuesday, May 16, 6pm
Tiger!Tiger!
3025 El Cajon Blvd (North Park)
For More Information
We are looking forward to discussion and organization on national as well as local politics and have planned to bring resources for making posters for our upcoming protests.
Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally provides left-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don’t need to be a policy expert and this isn’t a book club – just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustrations and hang out in an environment where it is not taboo to talk politics.
Drinking Liberally is a project of Living Liberally, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization which builds progressive communities through social networks and events.
Amy Goodman Speaks to San Diego
Tuesday, May 16, 7pm
St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
2728 Sixth Avenue
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by ACTIVIST SAN DIEGO
Democracy Now!’s National Tour: Covering the Movements Changing America. A Talk by Award-Winning Journalist Amy Goodman, introduced by her co-author, Democracy Now!’s Denis Moynihan.
The unprecedented resistance to President Donald Drumpf’s rise to power did not materialize overnight. Grassroots movements have been challenging the establishment for years, and are what Democracy Now! reports on every day in its global news hour, and in this book.
2017 Sunshine, Window and Wall Awards
Tuesday, May 16, 6:30pm
57 Degrees
1735 Hancock Street
For More Information
Hosted by SPJ San Diego Pro Chapter
Please join the Society for Professional Journalists as we toast the best (and worst) in government transparency and accountability. This year’s awardees are:
* Sunshine Award: Brooke Binkowski, managing editor of the fact-checking website Snopes.com, for her work in sorting truth from fiction in this new era of “fake news” and “alternative facts.”
* Window Award: Lauren Mack, public information officer for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in San Diego, for her responsiveness to requests for information and efforts to assist journalists
* Wall Award: San Diego Unified School District, for withholding documents and dodging reporters’ questions on important issues. The district hit a new low in June, when a spokesman commented that if a reporter wasn’t careful, her body might wash up on shore. (But, ever the optimists, we’ll raise a glass in hopes this award will push the district to embrace civility and transparency.)
Homeless Advocates,
Mark Your Calendar
Tuesday, May 16, 2pm
San Diego City Council
202 West C Street (12th floor)
For More Information
The San Diego City Council is voting on forming the Select Committee on Homelessness. Item 330: PLEASE COME to show your support.
May 17
San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action
May Club Meeting
Wednesday, May 17, 6pm
Elijah’s Restaurant and Deli
7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information.
Our featured speaker will be David Lamfrom, who currently serves as director of California Desert and Wildlife Programs with the National Parks Conservation Association.
David’s presentation will give us some background about the struggle to protect these lands, and what’s at stake with Trump’s ordered “review” of 22 land-based and 5 marine national monuments established since 1996 under the Antiquities Act. Specifically, he will address us about the threat of undoing the Mojave Trails National Monument designation in order to push through the Cadiz Water Project, a widely criticized plan that would (supposedly) pump hundreds of billions of gallons of groundwater from beneath the Mojave desert to be piped over to the Metropolitan Water District in urban Orange County. Being that the Cadiz Plan is severely flawed, is a get-rich scheme for convicted financial criminal Kenneth Brackpool, and would damage sensitive ecosystems, it’s attracted Trump as a natural political ally.
Chelsea Manning Day!
Wednesday, May 17, 6pm
University Avenue and Normal Street
San Diego
For More Information
Hosted by Artful Activist San Diego and San Diego Protests
Chelsea is going to be released! Gather, rally, and celebrate at the Pride Flag.
On January 18th, President Obama, in one of his final acts as President, commuted Chelsea’s sentence, and now she is to be released. Chelsea Manning is the famous whistleblower who leaked a large batch of classified documents to Wikileaks, which includes the famous “Collateral Murder” video. Chelsea exposed US war crimes, and for that she got locked up in solitary confinement for nearly 7 years.
Let’s give Chelsea a hero’s welcome!
The Politics of Pot
Wednesday, May 17, 6pm
Nate’s Garden Grill
3120 Euclid Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Association of Cannabis Professionals
Carolyn Chase of EarthWorks; former assembly member and candidate for San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Nathan Fletcher; and Sheriff Commander and candidate for San Diego County Sheriff, David Myers will all speak on issues pertinent to our community.
Our monthly meetings are free for all members and $5 for the general public at the door. Your memberships and donations help sustain our Association and allow us to continue to advocate for better cannabis policy. Memberships will be available for purchase at the event!
May 18
City of Inmates: by Kelly Lytle Hernandez
Thursday, May 18, 6pm
The Village West
UCSD
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by UC San Diego Division of Arts & Humanities
This event will feature guest Kelly Lytle Hernández, associate professor of history at UCLA, and author of the book “City of Inmates: Conquest, Rebellion, and the Rise of Human Caging in Los Angeles, 1771–1965.” Hernández will lecture on the subject of the novel, explaining how the City of Angels became the capital city of the world’s leading incarcerator and unmasking how histories of native elimination, immigrant exclusion, and black disappearance drove the rise of incarceration in Los Angeles.
The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session, and copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Budget Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, May 18, 6pm
Hoover High School Auditorium
4474 El Cajon Blvd
For More Information
The City of San Diego faces an $81 million budget gap. Mayor Kevin Faulconer has proposed his Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) budget, which includes cut to some departments and services. Members of the public are encouraged to attend Councilmember Gómez’s Budget Town Hall and hear about the proposed budget and voice their priorities.
Councilmember Gómez said, “It is important for District 9 residents to attend and let me know what issues are important to them. This will be an opportunity to learn about the budget and share their priorities with me and the City’s Independent Budget Analyst, Andrea Tevlin.”
Is Food Just?
Food System Student Film Festival
Thursday, May 18, 5pm
High Tech High Forum
2150 Cushing Road (Liberty Station)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by Slow Food URBAN San Diego
High Tech High Media Arts 12th grade Environmental Science students showcase micro-documentary films that explore relationships with and interpretations of the San Diego food system. Each film, developed over the course of the spring semester in collaboration with local farmers/chefs/fishermen/organizations, seeks to address an essential question that tackles social and/or environmental inequities within the food system.
East County Democratic Club Meeting
Thursday, May 18, 6pm
Jimmy’s Restaurant of Santee
9635 Mission Gorge Road
For More Information
Featuring Ric Epps (Political Consultant, Political Strategist, International Affairs and Public Affairs Specialist, Professor), the topic of discussion will be the geopolitical ambitions of Russia, including information on why there was an attack on U.S. elections.
Love Not Hate:
An Artshow Fundraiser to Stop Hate Crimes
Thursday, May 18, 7pm
EVE Encinitas
575 South Coast Highway 101
For More Information
Hosted by Megaphone: giving voice to local artists
In response to efforts to exclude domestic white supremacist terrorist hate groups from scrutiny by the government’s counter-extremism unit, we are holding an art show fundraiser to attempt to curb the negative effects of these efforts.
15% of all art sales will be donated to Life After Hate, an organization working to combat right-wing extremist hate groups in America. We will also be collecting cash donations of any amount if you want to donate to the cause without purchasing art.
Election Reform Update!
Thursday, May 18, 7pm
Elijah’s Restaurant and Deli
7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by San Diegans for Election Reform
The California 2016 primary was an avoidable disaster, and that’s just one of several electoral issues that need improvement. The good news is that we have potential solutions – but we need YOU to be part of the process.
To bring everyone up to speed, Chad Peace, attorney for the Independent Voter Project and author of Measure K, will lead a discussion on current electoral issues and available reform options. So please join us for an informational session and a discussion on how we can work toward improving our electoral system.
May 19
Overpass Light Brigade
Investigate Trump Freeway Sign
Friday, May 19, 7pm
Westfield North County
272 East Via Rancho Parkway (Escondido)
For More Information
We are going to meet and hold up Overpass Light Brigade signs to say Investigate Trump over the I-15 fwy – we need sign holders. Thanks.
May 20
March Against Monsanto
Food Justice Rally
Saturday, May 20, Noon
1875 El Prado (Balboa Park)
For More Information
Since we have begun marching against Monsanto, a lot has changed. We have more organic food in the grocery stores and more companies voluntarily labeling their genetically modified products than ever before.
Yet, we still have a long way to go in correcting our food systems to be healthy for both us and our environment. Please join us for this event as we will be discussing direct positive actions that can be taken in the neighborhood to make a difference, passing out seeds, and connecting people with resources.
A Story of Resilience
Saturday, May 20, 5pm
Recital Hall, Balboa Park
For More Information
Join KARAMA, ADC San Diego, BDS San Diego, Jewish Voice for Peace-SD, Middle Eastern Rights Association, Palestinian Youth Movement-SD and PAWA-SD as they commemorate 69 years of Al Nakba with a dinner and program.
May 21
Rally Against Russian Corruption,
Show Us Your Taxes, Investigate
Sunday, May 21, Noon
Temecula Duck Pond
28250 Ynez Road (Temecula)
For More Information
Hosted by CA Districts 42 and 50 Events
This will be a Family Picnic and Protest and the theme will be Russia, Independent Commission and Taxes. We are going to be like a dog with a bone on this one. We are also making an Important Ask of our members, Please bring 2 people who are not members to this Rally. Also bring the kids, the dog, the llama, just show up and bring your own food and chairs and maybe some shade. We need all members who also belong to sister groups to put the word out and join us. So if the world is not blown to bits by the tweeting clown in the White House before May 21st, Please Join Us. Temecula Rise and Resist!
May 22
District 2 – San Diego County Budget Forum
Monday, May 22, 6pm
La Mesa First United Methodist Church
4690 Palm Avenue (La Mesa)
For More Information
Hosted by Invest in San Diego Families
Is the County of San Diego using its budget of $5.4 billion wisely? We need a budget that improves San Diego’s economy by investing in families and our community. Come join your neighbors to discuss what our community needs.
San Diego County has $1.9 BILLION in cash sitting_ in the bank, 3 TIMES more than financial experts recommend.
Open Flame: Stories from the Transgender Community
Monday, May 22, 7pm
Diversionary Theater
4545 Park Boulevard (University Heights)
For More Information (RSVP)
Inspired by our mainstage production of Ballast, this Open Flame event will focus on giving those who identify as members of the transgender community an opportunity to share their stories. Whether what you want to share involves your identity, transition, or your perspective on the world, we want to hear your story!
Open Flame is a free storytelling event presented as a part of Diversionary Theatre’s Open Monday series. It’s a chance for our community to gather around the proverbial campfire and spin stories inspired by a unique theme at each event. Come to listen or come ready to share a story of your own.
From the political to personal, all stories from the trans community are welcome. The only guidelines are that your story will be capped at six minutes and should have a beginning, a middle, and an end.
May 23
Black and Brown Building Unity Through Resistance
Tuesday, May 23, 5:30pm
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
5148 Market Street
For More Information
Hosted by Alliance San Diego
Join us on for a community forum in remembrance of Anastasio Hernadez-Rojas. During this forum, we’ll also discuss criminal justice issues and how they affect Black and Brown communities.
** Free childcare will be available (RSVP with Nora@alliancesd.org)
** Spanish/English interpreters will be available
Sips & Civility: Taking Meaningful Political Action
Tuesday, May 23, 6pm
San Diego Central Library
303 Park Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by League of Women Voters of San Diego
Join the League of Women Voters at the San Diego Central Library to meet like-minded individuals, learn how to get involved in meaningful grassroots political efforts, and discuss how we can encourage civility in local politics.
Our keynote speaker will be Joe McGovern, creator of the documentary The Other Side: A Liberal Democrat Explores Conservative America. Joe is a former teacher, vice principal, social worker, pro soccer player, and wilderness therapy guide who now makes his living acting and teaching in Los Angeles. Joe is a progressive liberal democrat who has always been interested in politics, but who recently grew tired of the extreme political partisanship in America today. He created The Other Side to see if he could find another way – a better way – to talk to those he disagrees with. Learn more at: http://theothersidedocumentary.com/ As always, beer, wine, and snacks will be provided.
Free 2-hour parking is available underneath the library with validation. Must be 21+ with a valid ID to enjoy beer and wine. Find us on the 9th floor; Shiley Events Suite.
Upcoming Big Demonstrations
June 11, The Equality March: San Diego
July 2, Impeachment March
Other Stuff to Do
Join the ACLU’s People Power: People Power is, at its core, a grassroots member-mobilization project. Through People Power, the ACLU will engage volunteers across the country to take action when Trump or his administration attempt to enact unconstitutional policies or trample on people’s constitutional rights. By mobilizing in defense of our civil liberties, volunteers will build local communities that affirm our American values of respect, equality, and solidarity.
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 80 groups locally, 6000+ nationally. All the cool kids are doing it. (Really!)
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! <<<<Click there!
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.
Doug Porter
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
how ’bout Tweets from the Twit, or TwitTweets :-)