By Doug Porter
Events in the coming week involving the LGBTQ communities are at the forefront of this calendar, with the local version of the Equality March for Unity and Pride, a mobilization to peacefully and clearly address concerns about the current political landscapes and how it is contributing to the persecution and discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals.
On June 15-17, a national convention of gay conversion proponents known as The Restored Hope Network will be held at City View Church in San Diego. Local activists are planning responses throughout the week at both the conference site and the Mission Valley Hilton, where delegates are staying.
What the Restored Hope Network does is rooted in the deeply harmful idea that LGBTQ people can and should be “cured.”The people behind this are scam artists and bullies who attempt to hide their homophobia in scripture.
The overall level of political activism continues to be high, and there are events throughout the county to educate, agitate, and organize in the coming weeks.
Resistance is about persistence and there remains a lot of work to be done.
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 and a few reading suggestions.
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.
June 9
The Revolutionists!
Friday, June 9, 8pm
Moxie Theater
6663 El Cajon Boulevard
For More Information
Join the Democratic Woman’s Club, Together We Will, and Indivisible for a fantastic night of theater, conversation, and a panel discussion on women revolutionaries throughout history featuring our very own Doreen Jeanette of San Diego State University. Tickets are $18 (half price!) with code resist6917
June 10
Rally for Community Choice and 100% Clean Energy!
Saturday, June 10, 11am
San Diego City Hall
202 C Street
For More Information
Hosted by SanDiego350
Join us to call on Mayor Faulconer and our City Council Members to #ActOnClimate by moving forward with Community Choice Energy in order to achieve 100% clean energy (including the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2035). Speakers include City Council Member Barbara Bry (District 1).
Together, we have an opportunity to drive our collective outrage into local action and show the world a unified national response to Trump’s dangerous decision to reject the Paris agreement.
March Against Islamophobia
Saturday, June 10, 11:30am
Oceanside Pier (Oceanside)
For More Information
This is a response the so-called national “march against sharia” event. The event in Oceanside that claims to be about sharia is nothing more than a racist and xenophobic manifestation. It deserves to be opposed and the people participating need to be shown that their way of thinking is not supported here in Oceanside.
We invite you to come out and show your support of the Muslim community and the right of all people to freely practice their religions without harassment and intimidation. You don’t have to be Muslim or even agree with any part of Islam to show your support of people’s right to worship as they see fit. This right is a cornerstone of American freedoms, and a human right regardless of nationality.
ACLU People Power Group
Saturday, June 10, 1pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church
4190 Front Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Room 323, Hillcrest. Monthly meeting for the ACLU Grassroots Activism Campaign. We’ll discuss next steps, share information, and establish our network of allies. Newcomers welcome. Due to limited seating, please RSVP.
19th Annual Conference On Prisoners & Colonialism
Saturday, June 10, 10am
Bread and Salt
1955 Julian Avenue (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
Chicano Mexicano Prison Project (CMPP) conference “Building Raza Resistance To Mass Incarceration In The Trump Era”. This year’s keynote speaker is Francisco Mendoza community activist and member of People Over Profits. Come and hear our companero’s incredible story and the inspirational words he will have for the struggle against private prisons and the Prison Industrial Complex.
Environmental Justice Water Symposium
Saturday, June 10, 10am
Caesar Chavez Continuing Education
1901 Main Street (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board is inviting members of local communities to a general “open mic listening session”, as a unique opportunity to voice concerns directly to the water board as well as hear reports and updates regarding bay water quality, drinking water quality, and creek restoration. The symposium will be held in Barrio Logan, where air and water quality are two of the most pressing environmental impact issues of the region. Please come and join the discussion, there will be a mid-day break for lunch and the possibility of an independent film presentation written and directed by indigenous youth.
Resistance Volunteers Meeting at Border X Brewing
Saturday, June 10, 6pm
Border X Brewing
2181 Logan Avenue (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
Join us for a casual meeting where we can share concerns and ideas to resist the current administration. We should all be concerned with what is coming out of Washington D.C. right now and we need to come together and share those concerns.
We must also look for ways to counteract and resist what is happening. Issues of concern: the Border Wall, the Muslim Ban, the Russian interference / investigation, the conflicts of interest issues, the unfair treatment of Native Americans and other minorities, there are lots of topics to discuss and hopefully everyone who is passionate about these topics can take an hour and stop by to meet others with the same passion.
Opening Reception – Weather on Steroids
Saturday, June 10, 10am
San Diego Central Library
330 Park Boulevard (East Village)
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Central Library
Artists and scientists merge their talents, creating a visual dialogue about climate change, the effect of variable weather on local communities, and Southern California’s vulnerability. The conversation draws on scientific expertise at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where investigators are researching humanity’s role in climate change and possibilities for a sustainable future. The artists have responded with subjective images of the planet’s upset balance and the impact of extreme weather. By illuminating the reality of climate change, Weather on Steroids aims to stimulate public dialogue about one of the most important issues of our time.
Sherman Heights Music Festival
Saturday, June 10, 3pm
Sherman Heights Community Center
2258 Island Avenue
For More Information
This event brings the San Diego community together for a Night of Art and Culture to benefit the Sherman Heights Community Center and its year-round programming & resources for the communities it serves. Performers include; B-Side Players, Posse Cafe, The Humble Chicanos, Butt Slime, Missie Page & the Rifftones
June 11
The Equality March: San Diego
Sunday, June 11, 10am
Sixth Avenue & Juniper Street (By Balboa Park)
For More Information
In conjunction with The Equality March for Unity and Pride planned in Washington, DC, and several other marches around the country.
Community members will gather at 10 am in Balboa Park at 6th Ave & Juniper St, will step off to march at 11 am, and end at the southwest end of the County Administration Building on Pacific Highway at 12 noon for a rally.
La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club
Candidate Forum
Sunday, June 11, 1pm
Bolt Brewery
8179 Center Street (La Mesa)
For More Information (RSVP Rqsted)
If you or someone you know has ever considered running for office, NOW is the time to step forward and get to work! The La Mesa – Foothills Democratic Club is recruiting candidates for the La Mesa City Council, Grossmont High School Board, La Mesa –Spring Valley School Board, the Grossmont Health Board, and the Helix Water Board.
Are you interested in running for a seat on the La Mesa City Council or one of these boards, but just not quite sure how or where to start? Join the LMFDC VP of Political Action, and other board members to learn more
San Diego Indivisible – Downtown
June Meeting: Focus on Immigration
Sunday, June 11, 1:30pm
Border X Brewing
2181 Logan Avenue (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
San Diego Indivisible Downtown (SDID) would love to see you at our fifth monthly meeting, at Border X Brewing in Barrio Logan. Mark Lane will talk about the work he does with immigration law and other assistance for immigrants/refugees in San Diego.
Especially if you are NEW to Indivisible, we invite you to come at 1:30 to share why you are interested, and find out more about our group, and socialize with our members. Our more formal part of the meeting will begin at 2:00! Note: We will be on Border X’s back patio, which is family friendly and open to all ages!
June 12
San Diego City Council Votes on Special Election!
Monday, June 12, Noon
San Diego City Hall, 12th Floor
202 West C Street
For More Information
Hosted by Build Better San Diego
The San Diego City Council will be meeting to vote on whether or not there is a Special Election this November for the Mayor’s TOT Ballot Measure and Soccer City. The Special Election will cost the City at least $5 Million, when the City is facing an $81 Million budget deficit. Also, last November, over 65% of the City’s voters voted to approve Measure L, to allow the most number of voters to help make decisions affecting our City. Join us in opposing the Special Election and advocating for policy and revenue ballot measures for 2018, that will help us address affordable housing and homelessness in a meaningful way! Together, we can start to create real progressive change!
Honor Them With Action
Monday, June 12, 6:30pm
300 North Coast Highway (Oceanside)
For More Information
Hosted by North County lgbtq Resource Center
On June 12, our community was rocked by the Pulse massacre that claimed the lives of 49 victims, the vast majority of whom were LGBTQ people of color. Shock and terror turned to grief and anger, and a deep resilience emerged from survivors and LGBTQI people and allies around the world.
#HonorThemwithAction is a Nation-wide campaign that marks the Pulse massacre. Raising awareness against any kind of hate and bigotry and to the work that needs to be done to uproot anti-LGBTQI bias and discrimination.
This event is peaceful and open to anyone. It is a memorial but we will be voicing our stands. We invite the North County communities of faith, the elected officials, the non-profit communities that work for social justice and human rights to show their solidarity and support.
Orlando Strong: We Remember
Monday, June 12, 6:30pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Center Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Join us and community members for a brief vigil to remember, honor, and say the names of the 49 individuals whose lives were lost during the Pulse Orlando massacre one year ago.
We’ll gather in community in The Center’s parking lot at 6:30 pm. This brief memorial will include a reading of the names, remembering with photos and candlelight vigil.
June 13
Vista City Council 1st Amendment Rally
Tuesday, June 13, 5pm
200 Civic Center Drive (Vista)
For More Information
The local ACLU sent a letter to the city of Vista in regards to the permit requirements that have been imposed on the on going Trump Tuesdays outside Darrell Issa’s office on Thibido Dr.. However the city of Vista responds, we want them to know that we won’t allow our freedom of speech to be silenced. We will be staying on the sidewalk in front of the Civic Center.
Resist Trump Tuesday – Rally at Darrell Issa’s Office
Tuesday, June 13, 10am
1800 Thibodo Rad (Vista)
For More Information
Join Indivisible49 this Tuesday as we implore Rep. Issa to choose country over party! Wear red, white and blue and bring your flags!
This week’s rally will be extra interesting in light of revelations about TrumpCare by the Center for American Progress:
- 36,000 people in Issa’s district will lose health insurance.
- California stands to lose roughly $160 billion in Medicaid and CHIP funding
- If Rep. Issa’s income stays within the same range it was in during 2015, over the course of a decade, the AHCA would be worth at least $10 million in tax cuts to Rep. Issa.
HRC Connect: LGBTQ Law Enforcement Panel & Food Drive!
Tuesday, June 13, 7pm
The Ould Sod
3373 Adams Avenue
For More Information
Panel will begin promptly at 7pm and will go until 8pm including time for questions from the audience. Social hour will immediately follow. We ask guests to please bring a canned/non-perishable food item to contribute to our food drive!
Panelists include San Diego Police Department’s LGBT Police Liaisons Daniel Meyer & Christine Garcia, as well as San Diego County Sheriff Candidate Dave Myers.
June 14
Press Conference and Vigil in Opposition to Conversion Therapy
Wednesday, June 14, 5pm
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
2728 6th Avenue
For More Information
Join the LGBT Community, Faith Leaders, Behavioral Health practitioners, Labor, Conversion Therapy Survivors, and our California Elected Officials as we unite our voices in opposition to conversion therapy and this conference coming to America’s Finest City.
On June 15-17, the largest convention of gay conversion proponents The Restored Hope Network will be in San Diego. Gay conversion therapy, which attempts to turn LGBTQ adults and youth straight, is an abusive, traumatic and ineffective practice which is not supported by any mainstream psychological associations. It is rooted in the deeply harmful idea that LGBTQ people can and should be “cured”.
Board of Supervisors Public Budget Hearing
Wednesday, June 14, 5pm
County Administration Building
1600 Pacific Highway (Waterfront)
For More Information
Hosted by Invest in San Diego Families
This is our opportunity to address the Board of Supervisors and tell them how they should spend the annual budget, which is more than $5 billion. If you think the County should stop hoarding reserves and start investing in children, seniors and families, come to the hearing and tell the Supervisors. Please note that the hearing begins at 5:30 but we recommend that you arrive at 5 pm.
Spring Valley Lemon Grove Democratic Club
Wednesday, June 14, 6:30pm
Monte Vista Village
2211 Massachusetts Ave (Lemon Grove)
For More Information
Our speaker will be Jose Caballero, President of the San Diego Progressive Democratic Club. Jose will be talking about his club’s vision for building a stronger and more unified party at the local and state levels. Many of us also know Jose from his inspiring campaign for San Diego City Council, District 7, last year. Jose will also share his observations on the recent California Democratic Party Convention.
June 15
No Gay Conversion! KICK OFF Protest
Thursday, June 15, 6pm
Hilton San Diego Mission Valley
901 Camino del Rio South
For More Information
No Profit in LGBTQ+ Abuse! The largest annual convention promoting gay conversion therapy – a devastating and dehumanizing practice – is coming to Mission Valley. Convention goers will be checking into their hotel on Thursday night – and we’re going to be there when they get in!
Networking Night in City Heights
Thursday, June 15, 5pm
4305 University Ave. Suite 640
For More Information
Hosted by Mid-City Can
Join us for networking, updates, and the premiere screening of the film, “Appetite for Equity” showcasing the work of the Mid-City CAN Food Justice Momentum Team. Meet special guests end enjoy featured cuisine from the film.
June 16
Dance Against Abuse! – Drag It Out in the Open
Friday, June 16, 8pm
Hilton San Diego Mission Valley
901 Camino del Rio South
For More Information
Dance, celebrate, and resist with us as we protest the gay conversion therapy conference happening in our city. When “The Restored Hope Network” returns from their conference on Friday night, we’re going to have a raging queer dance party waiting for them.
Gay conversion therapy is an abusive and deadly practice that targets LGBTQ youth. This conference is our chance to send a clear message to the conversion industry that there will be #NoProfitInAbuse in San Diego!
This party is about LGBTQ pride, but it is also about protesting. So bring your most gender-bending style, your rainbow flags, your extravagant drag, your perfectly queer selves! But hold off on the alcohol – because this is a public protest, we ask that you help ensure your and others’ safety by leaving alcohol and drugs at home.
June 17
Faith Community Call To Love
Saturday, June 17, 8am
Phyllis Place/I805 (Exit 18)
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Coalition Against Gay Conversion
Join the San Diego Faith Community as we gather to demonstrate God’s full love and acceptance of his LGBTQ+ children. Our goals are to reclaim the faith narrative and to communicate that LGBTQ+ individuals are NOT broken, do NOT need healing, ARE purposely and wonderfully made and ARE loved and accepted just as they/we ARE.
Bring bodies so we meet a critical mass of love and acceptance directed at those who may be attending the conference because they think or have been told they are “broken” and to create a louder and stronger faith voice in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Community Coffee in South Park
Saturday, June 17, 9:30am
Eclipse Chocolate
2145 Fern Street (South Park)
For More Information
Hosted by Assemblymember Todd Gloria
Please join me for my next community coffee in South Park. The legislature has been hard at work reviewing the proposed state budget and passing bills from one house to another. That means I have A LOT to share with you.
Right before South Park kicks-off its Old House Fair, I hope you will stop in Eclipse Chocolate to hear the latest from Sacramento and provide me with your thoughts and feedback on legislative issues. You can RSVP by calling my office at (619) 645-3090.
2nd Annual Zero Waste Fair
Saturday, June 17, 10am
Ocean Knoll Farm
701 Bonita Drive (Encinitas)
For More Information (Register)
Continue your journey towards zero waste with the 2nd Annual Zero Waste Fair, sponsored by the City of Encinitas. Visit educational booths addressing topics such as bulk shopping, renewable energy, daily zero waste habits, and more! Stick around to hear from a panel of zero waste experts from 11am to 12pm. Hands-on activities will be available for all ages, including planting a pollinator garden on site at Ocean Knoll Farm.
Equal Women’s Education March
Saturday, June 17, 10am
Moonlight Beach (Encinitas)
For More Information
Recently, it has been announced that the current presidential administration has plans to completely eradicate Let Girls Learn. Although it has been denied by the White House, Trump has already begun to remove Michele’s healthy school lunch program; it may not be fully removed, but it is very likely to not remain the same, so it is up to us to educate the community about the importance of equipping girls to make life decisions and important contributions to society.
Now more than ever, we need to recognize the challenges that adolescent girls face in pursuing education. Join us on Saturday, June 17th, 2017 to show our community the importance of equal education access for women around the world! We will convene in Moonlight Beach, march down the Pacific Coast Hwy until K Street, and walk back to Moonlight on 3rd. Bring your friends, family, peaceful signs, and of course, your enthusiasm!
Women’s education should not be negotiable!
World Refugee Day Celebration 2017
Saturday, June 17, Noon
Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park
3700 Fairmount Avenue (City Heights)
For More Information
Join us to celebrate the diversity and strength that refugees bring to our local community at the 2017 San Diego World Refugee Day Celebration!
A fun, FREE family-friendly community event at the beautiful Wiengart Library Performance Annex in City Heights featuring:
– Cultural performances and booths
– Activities for Kids
– Crafts by local artisans
– Community Resources & Information
Support Underserved Vets with Pets
Saturday, June 17, 11am
Nate’s Dog Point Park
2500 Balboa Drive (West Side Balboa Park)
For More Information
A veterans best friend is often their pet that stands by their side 365. San Diego has the second highest homeless veteran population in America and often times a pet accompanies that underserved veteran. Due to financial constraints, veterans are unable to provide for themselves and their pets. Basic animals rights include food, water, shelter, healthcare, and basic necessities that are needed to allow a pet and veteran to live a long life filled with love and joy. Relieving the financial burden from a veteran in need will assist them and their pet tremendously! We will be accepting donations for dog & cat food, leashes, collars, bowls, pet toys, brushes & combs, pet carriers, and the list goes on! Bring your pet and let’s turn this into a great community solution oriented event.
June 18
Chicano Unification/Corky Gonzales Birthday Celebration
Sunday, June 18, 1pm
Chicano Park (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales became one of the central leaders in the Chicano movement and a strong proponent of Chicano nationalism. He organized and supported high school walkouts, demonstrations against police brutality, and legal cases. He also organized the Annual Chicano Youth Liberation Conference, an ambitious effort to create greater unity among Chicano youth.
June 18 marks his 89th birthday. We want every conscious Chicanx to join our celebration of Corky’s life and legacy. In the era of Trump we should be united as never before. We gotta stand for defiance and resistance like Rodolfo Gonzales did. We gotta bring back the ideology of the Chicano movement in order to save ourselves.
June 19
Rally: No Special Election for Special Interests!
(Free Food+Swag)
Monday, June 19, 11:30am
Ace Parking Lot #28
(Near 3rd & B, Downtown)
For More Information
Hosted by Public Land, Public Vote
A rally to ask our Councilmembers to honor the will of the 300,000+ voters who passed Measure L and keep “Soccer”City on the 2018 ballot. After lunch, we will head over to the hearing (202 C Street).
The event will feature San Diego’s favorite food trucks, t-shirts and promotional materials to wear at the City Council hearing.
Susan Davis Town Hall
Monday, June 19, 6pm
Montezuma Hall at San Diego State University
(Within the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union)
No RSVP Needed
I understand how concerned all of you are by the challenges facing our country, and so I look forward to another opportunity to hear from you. It is my pleasure to hold another town hall meeting as we have been doing over the years.
Voices of Our City Choir – Juneteenth Celebration
Monday, June 19, 6pm
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore Street
Tickets
Come support the Voices of Our City Choir’s Sanctuary (Housing)! Performance & Poetry by The Voices of Our City Choir w/ Co-Founder Steph Johnson & her Trio. Original Art, Collectibles & Jewelry Sale.
June 20
Film Screening – Warehoused
Tuesday, June 20, 7pm
LandMark Hillcrest Cinemas
3965 5th Avenue
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by International Rescue Committee in San Diego
Every year, unique perspectives from around the world come to San Diego for the IRC’s International Documentary Film Series. From the frontlines of conflict to rebuilding life in a new country, these films take an honest look at the reality of the refugee experience. Each screening is followed by a Q&A discussion with an expert on the film’s subject area.
The second film in the 2017 series is the feature-length documentary Warehoused. The film highlights the plight of long-term refugees over the course of history, culminating in today’s refugee crisis. The term ‘warehoused’ refers to asylum seekers, trapped in border camps for five years or more, without the right to work, generate income, move freely or choose their place of residence.
Warehoused sheds light on the seemingly insurmountable challenges facing refugees across the globe through an intimate glimpse into daily life at Dadaab, Kenya — the world’s largest refugee camp. We see the camp’s inner workings through the refugees’ personal stories, most notably Liban and his perseverance to provide for and reunite with his family.
Upcoming Big Demonstration
Impeachment March San Diego
July 2, 11am
County Building
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.
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Doug Porter
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I was under the impression we had outlawed “gay-conversion therapy” here in CA. WTF? It is a fraud, there is nothing therapeutic about it and the youngsters that have had to endure were harmed psychologically. When you teach a human that the feelings they are experiencing are evil, what are they supposed to do? Stop feeling isn’t an option. How did these folks get a venue to do harm to kids/
“How did these (purple meanies) get a venue to do harm to kids?” The answer is, we’ve become a falsely righteous and religious country.
Whoa, fellas. this is a conference of people (biologically, anyway) who do, or are involved with, the practice of “conversion therapy”. no matter what we think of the actual practice, they can still gather together in America. Even the CIA is allowed to have a convention.
Don’t kid yourself into thinking that it’s better to defend people who want to do harm to others than it is to defend the people whom they’re harming.