By Doug Porter
This is the week that was. It’s becoming obvious certain fright-wingers nerves are getting rattled, and locally the institutions enabling them are stepping up.
Questions about the Russia-Trump connection continue to fester. At a conference in St Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin compared Hillary Clinton and others who accuse Russia of conducting cyber attacks against the Democratic Party to anti-Semites who say “the Jews are to blame” for various problems.
In the 49th Congressional District, the City of Vista is attempting to impose restrictions on peaceful protests outside Rep. Darrell Issa’s office, and the ACLU is on the case.
From Union-Tribune coverage of the Vista protests outside Rep. Darrell Issa’s office:
“The First Amendment protects the right of speakers — not the government — to decide where and how to speak on a public sidewalk, unless the government meets the strict test for restricting speech in a public forum, which is not the case here,” [ACLU legal director Dvaid] Loy wrote in a letter addressed to the Vista city attorney.
Loy said the conditions the city placed on [protest organizer Ellen] Montanari’s permit illegally bans people from protesting on the sidewalk next to the district office on Thibodo Road (protesters, in response, moved farther away). Other requirements, including clauses that make Montanari personally financially responsible for the behavior of other people protesting and a prohibition against using amplified sound, are also unconstitutional, he said.
“In my opinion, nothing is more American than political protest,” Montanari said in a statement. “We’ve worked cooperatively with the city of Vista and law enforcement, but we will not back down from defending the First Amendment.”
In the 50th District, a billboard advising motorists that Rep. Duncan D. Hunter is under criminal investigation was rejected by Clear Channel Outdoor. The company objected to the design of the message, objecting to, among other things, use of Duncan’s [public domain] photograph and the phrase “under criminal investigation.”
Fortunately, Clear Channel–which rejected ads for judicial candidate Carla Keene in 2014–isn’t the only company with billboards in the East County. Lamar Advertising sold a location less than a mile away from the original Santee location — near Winter Gardens Boulevard overlooking state Route 67 on the Santee-Lakeside border.
The Times of San Diego interviewed Indivisible media coordinator Pam Hughes about why the particular design elements were important:
“Many people in 50 don’t realize that Duncan Hunter is the son and not the father,” Hughes said. “When he was growing up as a young man, his name was Duncan Duane Hunter, but … they called him Duane. People who went to school with him referred to him as Duane.”
For voters who weren’t aware that Hunter succeeded his father, Duncan Lee Hunter, in 2009, “that was why it was important to put his photo on, to show a younger man.”
Hughes, who lives outside the 50th District near the coast, noted the U-T having covered the Hunter spending story “pretty extensively.” But “not everybody reads the Union-Tribune, obviously.”
Thus the idea for “basic voter education — that this is not the father … and he’s under criminal investigation by the FBI.”
As expected, Trump dumped the Paris climate accords. Climate activists led by SanDiego350 staged a flash demonstration on Thursday evening in downtown San Diego.
Governors from California, New York, and Washington announced the formation of a U.S. Climate Alliance.
As noted in Politico, California Gov. Jerry Brown has by default become an international leader in the resistance to the administration’s climate policies:
“The absence of a real federal policy has created a vacuum, a hunger overseas for what are Americans doing on climate change. And into that hunger, Jerry Brown offers a menu,” said David Victor, professor of international relations at the University of California, San Diego, and author of the book “Global Warming Gridlock.” “He’s just kind of nominated himself. But I think that’s the nature of the business.”
‘The Climate Mayors’ — 88 U.S. mayors of cities including Chula Vista; Pittsburgh; Phoenix, Arizona; Dubuque, Iowa, but not San Diego — wrote a letter to the president promising they will “adopt, honor and uphold the commitments to the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement.”
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer issued a statement affirming a commitment to combatting climate change, but not mentioning President Trump by name.
Finally, the debate about the future of democracy now extends into the controversy surrounding the proposed SoccerCity development in Mission Valley.
Proponents have been pushing for inclusion of a measure authorizing the plan in a special election for November 2017. Opponents have pointed out the overwhelming public support for Measure L (passed last year) limiting these sorts of things to general elections.
Alliance San Diego has –correctly– jumped into the fray:
For the SoccerCity investors, it’s all about holding a special election for special interests when the least amount of people vote. That much was clear when SoccerCity representative Nick Stone said during a Thursday afternoon press conference that the special election in 2017 should not be a debate about Measure L because “there is no need to enfranchise more people.”
Wrong.
When it comes to local ballot measures, the voters have spoken clearly and loudly. They want local measures to be decided in the November general elections when the most people vote. That’s why they voted overwhelmingly to pass Measure L.
Stone’s dismissive comments about the will of the voters come as a new San Diego Union-Tribune/10News poll of registered voters shows that 59 percent say they would rather wait until 2018 to decide on the SoccerCity project and a hotel tax proposal. That’s almost the same percentage of voters who passed Measure L, and reinforces what voters stated clearly in 2016: democracy functions best when the most voters participate.
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 2
Screening of Documentary ’13th’ with Rev. Meghan
Friday, June 2, 6:30pm
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito
1036 Solana Drive (Solana Beach)
For More Information (RSVP)
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.”
Please join Rev. Meghan in Palmer Library for a screening of this important documentary, followed by a discussion about the film.
SD Wear Orange Lighting Event
Friday, June 2, 6:30pm
San Diego Museum of Man
1350 El Prado (Balboa Park)
For More Information
Hosted by Moms Demand Action – CA
Please join us for some special speakers and a lighting ceremony as we turn the lights on the California Tower of the Balboa Park’s Museum of Man orange to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. Please be sure to wear orange and spread the word!
Tell Hunter Jr. We Want a Town Hall (Fundraiser Protest)
Friday, June 2, 5:15pm
Hooley’s Restaurant
5500 Grossmont Center (La Mesa)
For More Information
Come see two rarities – Duncan Hunter, Jr. out in public (at a fundraiser) and a 20-foot Trump Chicken.
This is a unique opportunity to tell Duncan Hunter, Jr that we want a town hall and to pose the question, is he too chicken to face us? And on top of that, to do it all with a 20-foot Trump chicken. It’s an opportunity for democracy and epic selfies.
June 3
March for Truth – San Diego
March for Truth – North County
Saturday, June 3, 11am
Mission Bay Park, just north of the Hilton Hotel.
For More Information – San Diego
Westfield North County Mall
For More Information – North County
Every day we learn more about the role Russian state-led hacking and information warfare played in the 2016 election, and there are crucial unanswered questions about the relationship between the Russian state and Donald Trump, his associates and his campaign. The legitimacy of the United States government hinges on the answers to these questions. If the President was elected even in part due to collusion with a foreign effort to interfere in our democratic process, then the will of the people has been subverted.
ISSA Town Hall
Saturday, June 3, 9am
San Juan Hills High School Theater
29211 Stallion Ridge (San Juan Capistrano)
I suspect there will be a few folks protesting, even if he did schedule it for the same date as the March for Truth. Look for the 30 foot tall chicken.
Moms Demand Action Orange Walk
Saturday, June 3, 9am
Tidelands Park (Coronado)
For More Information
Hosted by Moms Demand Action San Diego and San Diego Gun Violence Prevention Coalition
Please join us in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day for our Moms Demand Action Wear Orange event. This is a non-partisan, nationwide movement to honor the victims and survivors of gun violence in America. We will gather on the grass in Tidelands Park with a short rally, and then will walk along the San Diego Bay.
Stand With Planned Parenthood [June]
Saturday, June 3, 8am
Planned Parenthood Offices
2017 First Avenue (Banker’s Hill)
For More Information
Come out and support Planned Parenthood on the first Saturday of the month! Come out and bring your friends! We had great success so let’s continue and make it stronger!!
No Gay Conversion Convention! Community Meeting
Saturday, June 3, 4pm
The Pride Center at SDSU
5141 Campanile Drive
For More Information
The City View Church in San Diego will be the location of a “pray the gay away” Conversion Therapy conference produced by the faith-based Restored Hope Network (RHN) on June 16 & 17. Time to push back.
Join us this week as we continue to strategize. We will have speakers giving us more context about conversion therapy. Also there will be an overview of our action plan and offer ways folks can be involved!
Sustainability 101 Class
Saturday, June 3, 9am
City Farmers Nursery
3110 Euclid Ave
For More Information
Hosted by City Farmers Nursery
Whether you’re looking at reducing your environmental impact, or are moving towards a zero-waste, we’ll talk sustainability in the city, using your gardens and compost piles, and you’ll even get to tour the nursery to see our practices at work.
Community Concert with Vocal Activist Melanie DeMore
Saturday, June 3, 7pm
University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
3900 Cleveland Ave (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Women’s Chorus
Join SDWC for an inspiring concert performance with singer/songwriter and vocal activist Melanie DeMore. $10 suggested donation at the door.
June 4
Meet the Candidate Series with Mike Levin
Sunday, June 4, 12:30pm
Harding Community Center
3096 Harding St (Carlsbad)
Tickets
Together We Will North County is inviting you to be part of our Meet the Candidate series to hear Congressional Candidate Mike Levin share his campaign positions. He is one of two democratic candidates working to flip the 49th district. Join us to learn more about Mike!
Important!!!! Space is limited. Please RSVP. Suggested Donations of $5.00 to help pay for the venue. Once you RSVP, we will send you an email to submit questions you are interested in asking.
Feed the Homeless Event
Sunday, June 4, 1:30pm
Muslim Community Center Of Greater San Diego
14698 Via Fiesta
For More Information
We will prepare 150 sack lunches and drop them off at the Interfaith Community Services’ homeless shelter in Escondido. By delivering these lunches we will help support this cause in helping individuals and families in their efforts towards self-sufficiency. If you want to bring some of the food items, please sign up here.
San Diego Free Press
(Fifth Birthday!)
On June 4, 2012, the San Diego Free Press published its first edition. Look for stories all week long from contributors about progressive citizen journalism in America’s Finest Plantation City
June 5
Voices of Our City Choir Press Conference
Monday, June 5, 11:45am
San Diego Civic Center Plaza
1200 Third Avenue (Downtown)
For More Information
Hosted by Voices of Our City Choir
Please join our Press Conference this Monday (June 5th) at Noon, on the Civic Concourse by City Hall, about the Voices of Our City Choir’s upcoming Juneteenth Celebration and Benefit for its Choir Sanctuary (Housing) on Monday evening, June 19th, 2017.
The Choir, led by co-founders Steph Johnson and Nina Deering, will perform a few songs as a preview of this special night, and select Choir members will share what the Sanctuary has meant to them, as people experiencing homelessness.
The Choir will be joined by Darwin Fishman, Professor of Sociology at Point Loma Nazarene University, who also volunteers on the City of San Diego’s Community Review Board on Police Practices, to talk about:
- 1) Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, a holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, and more generally the emancipation of African-American slaves throughout the Confederate South; and
- 2) How here in San Diego, 21% of the homeless people counted this past January are Black/African-American, up from 19% last year. That’s over 3 times the City’s Black/African-American population (6%). As in Flint,MI, the decisions and actions of elected officials, their managers and staff (to replace 10k units of low income housing with luxury development since 2010) have had catastrophic consequences for poor people and a disproportionate impact on Black/African American people.
June 6
Sanctuary City Resolution to Protect Residents from ICE! National City
Tuesday, June 6, 4pm
City of National City Offices
1243 National City Boulevard
For More Information
We can no longer let ICE and the Trump Regime arrest innocent residents of National City. We have the chance as a city, community and local government to fight back against these horrible attacks that are separating families. The most recent attack against the Duarte Family is a clear example that we must set policy that prohibits our police and government from aiding ICE. Using our tax dollars against our residents is outrageous.
Arresting PEOPLE because they have or don’t have a piece of paper is disgusting. Stand with your neighbors and let’s tell Mayor Ron Morrison and council that we must take action NOW! Come Rally with the community between 4-6. Council meeting starts at 6. Pizza and water will be provided
Issa Resistance Rally
Tuesday, June 6, 10am
1800 Thibodo Road #310 (Vista)
For More Information
We are making a difference! Issa is feeling the heat. Let’s do this!
June 7
The Nazis Next Door: How America Became a Safe Haven for Hitler
Wednesday, June 7, 4:30pm
Price Center (UCSD)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by UCSD Geisel Library
In his highly-acclaimed book, The Nazis Next Door, Eric Lichtblau tells the shocking and shameful story of how America became a safe haven for Hitler’s men. Lichtblau will discuss how it was possible for thousands of Nazis—from concentration camp guards to high-level officers in the Third Reich—to move to the U.S. after WWII, and quietly settle into new lives as Americans. Some of them gained entry as self-styled refugees, while others enjoyed the help and protection of the CIA, the FBI, and the military, who put them to work as spies, intelligence assets, and leading scientists and engineers.
Lichtblau’s book draws from once-secret government records and interviews, telling the full story of the Nazi scientists brought to America, and the German spies and con men who followed them and lived for decades as Americans.
Equality Sign Making Party
Wednesday, June 7, 7pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre St (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Hey San Diego! Join Impulse San Diego and The Center for a sign making party for The Equality San Diego March. Come create your sign here. We will provide all the supplies you need to make your sign stand out, sparkle, and shine. Just bring yourself, your friends, ideas and angst. The Center will be providing refreshments.
June 8
Nuclear Waste from San Onofre.
Where do we go from here?
Thursday, June 9, 5:30pm
Vista Library
700 Eucalyptus Ave
For More Information
Hosted by North County Climate Change Alliance
The CA Coastal Commission approved a permit to build a nuclear waste storage facility at San Onofre only 100 ft from the fragile ocean, inches over the high-water mark, and near a 7.4 mag fault. This location puts the coastline at risk of radioactive contamination.
Citizens’ Oversight filed a lawsuit and now we are in settlement negotiations. Ray will describe this situation and status of the lawsuit. Despite the serious nature of this talk, attendees report it is quite humorous. Don’t miss it!
Accountability, Transparency &
Local Control at Charter Schools
Thursday, June 9, 6pm
Sherman Heights Community Center
2258 Island Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by The Center on Policy Initiatives
Join us for a special presentation by political economist Gordon Lafer, PhD, on his new report “Spending Blind: The Failure of Policy Planning in California’s Charter School Facility Funding“
Followed by a panel discussion with public education stakeholders.
Defeating Darrell Issa
Thursday, June 8, 6:30pm
Rancho Santa Fe Democratic Club
1505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive
For More Information
Come meet, hear, and question recently elected San Diego Democratic County Chair Jessica Hayes and former chair and three-time Congressional candidate Francine Busby.
Also say Thanks and Goodbye to former Supervisor Dave Roberts, who is moving back to Connecticut.
Environment and Energy Community Meeting
Thursday, June 6, 6:30pm
Bonita/Sunnyside Library
4375 Bonita Road (Bonita)
Presented by South Bay Community Action Network &
Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club
Carolina Rodrequez-Adjunta from Climate Action Campaign will talk about Community Choice Energy, how you can select electricity from renewable sources, and why cities should vote to adopt this plan.
Carl Yaekel will introduce you to Citizens Choice Lobby, a national organization based in San Diego, promoting carbon decrease utilizing carbon tax exchange.
Join us for this informative presentation and lively discussion
Smart Cities Forum (Chula Vista)
Thursday, June 8, 8:30am
Chula Vista City Hall
276 4th Ave
For More Information
Did you know the San Diego region is leading the nation as a Smart City?
Find out how the region is using technology to benefit your business and better your quality of life at the Smart Cities Forum. Leaders in the industry will discuss the latest advancements and the future of our Smart City.
Due to limited seating, please RSVP to South County EDC by calling (619) 424-5143 or via email at SCEDC@SouthCountyEDC.com
Standing Up for Racial Justice
SD Workshop: Combating Our Own Racial Bias
Thursday, June 8, 6:30pm
College-Rolando Public Library
6600 Montezuma Avenue
For More Information
Join us to discuss how implicit racial bias affects our attitudes and behaviors, and how you can use this knowledge to change your own attitudes and actions.
All are welcome, particularly first-timers. Parking is in the back, via Mohawk Street (you can cut through the Ralph’s parking lot if you are coming down Montezuma Rd)
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
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”.
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.
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, The Equality March: San Diego is being organized for Sunday, June 11, 2017.
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!
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!
June 14
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.
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.
Sign Up for Indivisible. Over 60 groups locally, 8000+ 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!
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)
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I love you–thanks for all this great resistance information!
THANK YOU for sharing such valuable Resistance information . Together We Will continue to bring back some sanity to our government .