Two incidents reported by Voice of San Diego over the past week highlight the unfinished work of making sure the ‘justice’ part of criminal justice becomes a reality in San Diego. This coming week offers opportunities for activists to weigh in issues concerning both the Sd Sheriffs Department and the San Diego Police Department.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department dropped a dime on a couple pulled over for a cracked windshield in Mission Bay, holding them until Border Patrol agents could detain them, despite a policy prohibiting deputies from stopping, detaining or questioning people for reasons related to immigration. A conveniently conjured up ‘ongoing felony criminal investigation’ (not mentioned in subsequent bail hearings) was all the deputies needed, apparently.
We also learned about a San Diego Police officer lying multiple times under oath thanks to body camera footage discovered by the city attorney’s office after a homeless man’s lawyer appealed his conviction. Sadly, after doing the right thing and filing a motion to throw out the conviction, they neglected to inform the SDPD about the officer’s perjury.
***
The inactions of the San Diego Sheriffs Department at the July 2nd Impeachment March outside the County Administration Building will be discussed during the upcoming Community Law Enforcement Review Board meeting on August 8th.
The Impeachment March SD planning group (and others) have been meeting on a weekly basis to review information compiled regarding the Sheriff Department’s response to the “Proud Boys'” aggressive behavior and attempts to incite violence at the march and rally.
I was there and wrote about it. I filed a complaint and have heard nothing. So it’s time to take this to the next level.
***
The SDPD continues to be able to get away with bad behavior, despite ongoing efforts to institute reform.
In 2016, Women Occupy San Diego proposed a ballot measure to the SD City Council to give the Citizens Review Board on Police Practices (CRB) independent investigators and legal counsel, with subpoena powers.
A watered down version (Measure G) appearing on the general election ballot changed the name from “Citizens” to Community Review Board, put the Board under the joint authority of the Mayor and City Council, and made CRB reviews of deaths at the SDPD’s hand or in custody mandatory. It passed by 82%, the highest of all the measures on the ballot.
From Facebook:
WOSD is continuing our advocacy for more changes to the City Charter to make the CRB more independent, as recently reported by the SD Union-Tribune:
“Just last week, as part of public comments during the board’s meeting, a member of Women Occupy San Diego said the group plans to lead an effort to make the board independent.
“’How in the world can the community have any trust in the process?’ she asked board members, alluding to the panel’s ties to the Police Department and City Attorney’s Office.”
WOSD will present an updated Ballot Measure incorporating lessons learned and current conditions at a meeting on August 9th. (See calendar below for details about Next Steps to Independent Civilian Oversight of SDPD)
***
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Next week’s Calendar, published on August 11, will be the last calendar this month because I’m going to Switzerland to pickup suitcases full of small bills from George Soros. We’ll be livin’ la vida loca in September, comrades. (Seriously, next week’s listings will be the last until September 1st, so get your events submitted by August 10.)
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. Club meetings will be listed IF there are speakers and they are open to the public.
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.
August 4
Nuclear Nightmare/Never Again!
Friday, August 4, 4pm
11th & A Streets (Downtown)
For More Information
Hosted by Ground Zero Players
As we approach the anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Donald Trump and North Korea antagonize each other with the threat of nuclear war. Just this week, North Korea launched another intercontinental ballistic missile. This one had the capacity to reach San Diego, which has already been listed as one of their major targets. Trump’s response with a “show of force” by flying two B-1 bomber over the Korean peninsula, warns the public of the real possibility of a nuclear incident.
Join us to raise awareness and say NO to nuclear war! Please wear black. Signs will be provided.
August 5
Flip the 49th Summer Canvass with Sea Change!
Saturday, August 5, 9:30am
200 Civic Center Drive (Vista)
Morris B. Vance Community Room
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Take Back the 49th
We warmly invite you to join our Rally and 49th District Precinct Walk with Sea Change volunteers. For this week’s walk we are honored to be in partnership with Sea Change volunteers from Rep. Karen Bass’ congressional district (CA-37).
Together our neighbors, our community, and our elected officials are working together to organize our neighbors and identify 75,000 voters that are ready to Flip the 49th!
Feed the Homeless Event
Saturday, August 5, 1:30pm
Muslim Community Center of 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 are helping individuals and families in their efforts towards self-sufficiency.
In partnering with other organization in San Diego, we can work towards providing a positive lasting change to the homeless population. All you need to do is show up at MCC. Anybody and everybody is welcome.
Get Out the Vote: New Voter Registration Training
Saturday, August 5, 4:30pm
Private Residence (Point Loma)
Address Emailed Upon Sign Up
For More Information
Event by San Diego Indivisible – Downtown Group
We will be running a New Voter Registration training session on Saturday, August 5th at 4:30 PM. One of our members will be hosting the event at their home in Point Loma and delivering the training. A representative from the Scott Peters for Congress office will also be in attendance to assist in the training. We expect the event to take about one hour. There will be a presentation, handouts and a sample voter registration form for you. We are looking to train between 15 and 20 people at this event and our goal is get enough members trained and ready so that we can start running our own events at targeted locations. Please RSVP soon, as space will be limited to the first 20 people that sign up.
Day Laborer Outreach
Saturday, August 5, 8am
Locations in San Diego, North County & Santa Anna
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by BORDER ANGELS
Volunteers go out to meet with Day Laborers at sites around San Diego, to distribute information regarding their rights, access to services (such as immigration advice, language courses etc) as well as distributing food, water and hygiene items.
PLEASE BRING:
– Food + Drink for yourself
– Food + Drink to distribute to day laborers (Bags of Fruit/Vegetables, Granola Bars, 12 Oz bottles of drink, pre made sandwiches etc)
-Any Other donations will be helpful but not required such as clothing and blankets (shirts/jackets/sweaters/pants/socks/underwear). Backpacks as well will be much appreciated.
Stand with Planned Parenthood
First Saturday [August]
Saturday, August 5, 8am-Noon
Planned Parenthood Offices
2017 First Avenue (Bankers Hill)
For More Information
Come join us for our monthly counter protest at Planned Parenthood. Clinic on 1st ave. Come anytime from 8am-12pm, however we are better in numbers together. We were outnumbered severely last time, so PLEASE come.
Justice For Victor Ortega BBQ Fundraiser
Saturday, August 5, Non-4pm
The People’s Lot
1764 National Avenue (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
Hosted by People over Profits-SD and 2 others
We will be selling plates for a $10 donation.. You will have a choice of 1 meat (carne asada, ribs, or gumbo) and 2 sides (potato salad, greens, or yams). Vegan Hotdogs will be available for those who do not eat meat. Dessert for $3 and Beverages for $1. There will also be a raffling off of a few prizes which will be from 2pm-3pm. Raffle tickets are $3 each.
Please come out and show your support and share this event. The wife of Victor Ortega, killed by Officer McCartney of the San Diego Police Dept on June 4th, 2012 is in need of our support in raising the money to continue fighting for justice for her husband. Earlier this year a jury sided with the officer finding him not guilty.. The judge then refused to waive the fees associated with the appeal process.. She was able to raise the money to file the appeal but now is in need of raising money to obtain legal representation to fight her case.
Hard Realities and Pragmatic Optimism
Saturday, August 5, 1pm
Escondido Public Library
239 South Kalmia (Escondido)
For More Information
Hosted by North County Climate Change Alliance
Join us for an eye-opening, inspiring, and nonpartisan afternoon with keynote speaker, environmental advocate, former photojournalist and wildlife guide, Eve Simmons. She’ll bring a blast of hard realities and pragmatic optimism. Sourcing the world’s top experts, Eve brings awareness, humor and hope to the climate challenges we face and explores the many solutions at hand.
Farm to Bay
Saturday, August 5, 4pm
Living Coast Discovery Center
1000 Gunpowder Point Drive (Chula Vista)
For More Information
Hosted by Living Coast Discovery Center
Join us for the 8th annual Farm to Bay fundraiser, a unique tasting event that supports coastal wildlife, education, and sustainability programs at the Living Coast.
This fundraiser is perfect for:
- Food Lovers – Enjoy tastes and sips from over 40 food and beverage partners!
- Animal Lovers – Experience animal encounters on a National Wildlife Refuge with views of San Diego Bay.
- Earth Lovers – Support sustainability with a Zero Waste event goal!
Get your tickets today through Facebook or at www.farmtobay.eventbrite.com
The DocumentMe Conference
Saturday, August 5, 9am
Sunday August 6, 3pm
Educational Cultural Complex
4343 Ocean View Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by Pillars of the Community San Diego
Pillars of the Community’s “Document Me” Conference is day of brainstorming and strategizing on how to fight this systematic injustice by the people closest to the pain.
It is our hope to get personal experts at the table so that we can have an authentic and robust discussion about all the tools it takes to fight the devastating impacts of gang documentation, gang injunctions, and gang conspiracy laws. Our panels and break-out discussion topics will include the implementation of new legislation such as AB 2298, the criminilization of culture and narrative, creating accountability for law enforcement, and the power of Black/Brown unity. It is a free event but there is limited space available so please register today!https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=36029267509
August 7
North County Latino Democrats Meeting
Monday, August 7, 6pm
210 East Park Avenue (Escondido)
For More Information
NCLD’s purpose is to empower the Latino community in North County via civic engagement, protection of our civil rights, grassroots organizing, voter registration, election of Latino candidates at all levels to ensure representative government, and supporting Latino elected officials and others who are committed to our Latino goals and communities.
August 8
Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board Meeting
Demand the San Diego Sheriffs Protect ALL Citizens
Tuesday, August 8, 5pm
San Diego County Administration Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 302/303
For More Information
Several members of the Impeachment March SD planning group (and others) have been meeting on a weekly basis to address the concerns regarding the Sheriff Department’s response to the “Proud Boys'” aggressive behavior and attempts to incite violence at our July 2nd event. We have compiled info and documentation from many of you who felt unsafe at the event, via our online survey. Our group will be strongly stating our collective concerns during the ‘Public Comment’ portion of the agenda
We invite you to show up at this meeting as a show of your support for our efforts to hold the Sheriff’s Department accountable for their seeming lack of action to protect us all at our event. The Public Comment portion of the meeting is item #8 on the Agenda. During our 5-minutes of public comment, we will also request to have this issue placed on the next CLERB meeting agenda (October) in order to further address the important issue of public safety at protest events.
Issa Resistance Rally
Tuesday, August 8, 10am
1800 Thibodo Road #310 (Vista)
Weekly gathering to hold Congressman Darrell Issa accountable to all his constituents. We are making a difference! Issa is feeling the heat. Let’s do this!
August 9
Next Steps to Independent Civilian Oversight of SDPD
Wednesday, August 9, 6:30pm
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore Street (Nr Old Town)
For More Information
Hosted by Community Review Board on Police Practices
Women Occupy San Diego is continuing our advocacy for more changes to the City Charter to make the CRB more independent, as recently reported by the SD Union-Tribune:
“Just last week, as part of public comments during the board’s meeting, a member of Women Occupy San Diego said the group plans to lead an effort to make the board independent.
“’How in the world can the community have any trust in the process?’ she asked board members, alluding to the panel’s ties to the Police Department and City Attorney’s Office.”
The Legal Team for WOSD’s CRB Reform Committee has updated our proposed Ballot Measure from last year to incorporate lessons learned and current conditions. During this meeting, we will present this draft Ballot Measure, answer questions, and lead a discussion on Next Steps to accomplish this in 2018. Light Refreshments will be offered. Lots of free street parking, just a few blocks west of the Trolley and bus hub at Old Town Transit Center.
Community Choice Energy – Santee
Wednesday, August 9, 7pm
City of Santee
10601 North Magnola Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Climate Action Campaign
Tired of SDG&E’s skyrocketing rates? Ask your city council to establish cleaner, lower cost competition Community Choice Energy (CCA). SDG&E/SEMPRA shills are already trying to stop it, so it won’t happen without you assertively asking your city council for cleaner power with lower rates through Community Choice Energy.
August 10
SURJ Workshop Combating Sexism
Thursday, August 10, 6:30pm
College-Rolanda Library
6600 Montezuma Road
Hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice
Sometimes even when we’re doing work in one area of social justice, we can have blind spots about other issues. Just like we see racism playing out day-to-day, we often see sexism being carried over into racial justice work. Come hear guest speaker Bree Davis inform us on common pitfalls and how to avoid them, so that we can work toward our goal of equality for all. All are welcome, particularly first-timers. Parking is in the back, via Bowman Lane and Mohawk Street.
Students for Economic Justice Graduation
Thursday, August 10, 5:30pm
Olivewood Clubhouse
541 East 24th Street (National City)
For More Information (Tickets)
We hope you are able to join us at the Students for Economic Justice Graduation to celebrate the SEJ Fellows, the sites who mentored the fellows, and the SEJ community who support this summer fellowship. For the past six weeks, the SEJ Fellows have had the opportunity to learn and grow collectively into organizers committed to social justice. We are excited that SEJ serves as the space to cultivate organizers who want to change San Diego into a city that respects and honors the dignity of working families and communities of color.
This is a free event. Kids and families are welcome :) We will have food and beverages available!
August 12
Run 4 All Women
Saturday, August 12, 6am-5pm
Run Begins: Movin Shoes Running Center
897 S Coast Highway 101 #103 (Encinitas)
Walk Begins: Pepper Park
3299 Tidelands Avenue (National City)
Finish Line: Marina View Park
900 Marina Parkway (Chula Vista)
For More Information
Runners & Walkers Signup
Volunteers Signup
Come out on Saturday August 12th and join Run 4 All Women California for a day of activism and action, in support of Planned Parenthood! Choose a leg of our 40-mile coastal run from Encinitas to Chula Vista, or join the 4-mile walk to the finish. Don’t want to run or walk? Check out the course map, and come cheer us on! Friends, family, and allies can gather at the Chula Vista Marina View Park to greet runners and walkers as they finish their journey, and raise our voices together in solidarity.
Faces of the Housing Crisis
Saturday, August 12, 10am
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore Street
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance
Confronting the myths of the Housing and Homelessness Crisis by presenting the True Stories of Real People and growing a grassroots Housing Movement.
- Various Speakers affected by the Housing and Homeless Crisis
- “Voices of Our City Choir” will perform.
- An Open Mic, allowing those affected by the crisis to speak.
- ASL Interpreters will be available.
- Light Lunch offered. Secure Storage space for personal belongings.
49th District Candidate Forum:
Applegate, Levin and Kerr
Saturday, August 12, 10am
1234 N Santa Fe Avenue (Vista)
Tickets required
Hosted by Democratic Club of Vista
Meet the 3 Democrats; Doug Applegate, Paul Kerr and Mike Levin, who are going to put Issa out of a job. We will have a moderator from The League of Women Voters ask questions submitted by the community.
Encinitas & North Coast Democratic Club Meeting
Saturday, August 12, 12:30pm
Encinitas Library
540 Cornish Avenue
Speakers at our August 12 meeting.
**Deborah Cunningham-Skurnik (Director for District 18) will be speaking on “Club Delegates and Pre-Endorsing Conference”
**Tasha Boerner-Horvath (Encinitas District Council Member): Bill AB 805 (Transportation Agency Bill)
**Bill Kuhn will give an Overview on Neighborhood in Action Training to Flip Congressional District 49
**Candidate Elizabeth Warren (Assembly District 76) campaigning against Rocky Chavez in 2018
**Candidate Joe Masco (Incumbent and Candidate for Encinitas City Council) in 2018
**Club endorsement has been requested for bill AB 805, hence this invitation will serve as a notice for endorsement.
Chula Vista University!
Community Conversation with Councilman Steve Padilla
Saturday, August 12, 11am
Otay Ranch Public Library
2015 Birch Road (Chula Vista)
For More Information (RSVP)
Join me and Chula Vista City Manager, Gary Halbert, at The Hub at the Otay Ranch Library for a Q&A session on all things related to the University Park & Innovation District.
August 13
Resistance Recharge & Birthday Beach Party
Sunday, August 13, 2pm
Mission Bay Park
2688 East Mission Bay Drive
For More Information
You can leave your bullhorns & signs at home this time lolol. Let’s make it a potluck, so bring something delicious to share, towels, bathing suits, umbrellas and if you have lawn or beach games bring them too. Leonard, our dependable rock, will bring long tables & gazebo cover.
Bring your children, family & like minded friends to party on beautiful mission bay beach with us ! Let’s take a break & recharge together . We sure deserve it!
August 14
SD Progressive Democratic Club August Meeting
Monday, August 14, 6pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Come to our August meeting, where will be discussing and voting on several endorsements, including SB 562, the District 4 Board of Supervisors, and the People’s Platform!
IF TRUMP FIRES MUELLER
Activists with MoveOn, Public Citizen, and Indivisible San Diego (among others) are laying the groundwork for local responses to actions the President may take along these lines.
Via Facebook:
We will be in a constitutional crisis for real and will have to be ready to make some noise! The protest happens immediately if and when Trump fires Mueller.
We will gather with pots and pans to bang, and food, water and chairs to stay for a few hours. We will also present a letter to our members of Congress, urging them to pass legislation designating a special prosecutor that Trump can’t fire.
In downtown San Diego, the site of protests is currently the US District Court Building at 333 West Broadway–5 to 8pm daily. (More info)
In Escondido, the site of protests is slated to be near the Westfield North County Mall, 272 East Via Rancho Parkway–5 to 8pm daily. (More info)
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. 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.
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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.
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Doug Porter
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the shooting in university city pool party in july, where chief zimmerman quickly came out to proclaim that there was “zero evidence” that it was race-related (white man with gun targets mostly black and mexican party-goers and kills black woman who had three children)… now this morning a 48-year-old black man is shot to death while being evicted from his home in bankers hill/park west.
sdpd is a horribly racist police department.
Whether or not the whole SDPD is racist, you failed mentioned the circumstances that led to the shooting. I don’t believe you yourself truly believe the shooting was racially motivated so much as you just want to make an angry post for it’s own sake.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Deputy-Involved-Shooting-San-Diego-Second-Avenue–438544133.html
I DON’T think so Chris. SDPD, along with police and sheriff forces around our nation are unequivocally guilty of using excessive force disproportionately against people of color and minorities. Get real Chris. All you have to do is read the REAL statistics. Look them up.
I’m fully aware of the statistics Vahn. Did you even read the link posted? Those statistics are completely irrelevant to what happened here unless you have more info that what’s been reported.
Come on, Chris, you choose to believe the police version of the event. No one in the story you cited is quoted other than police.
Bob, considering it was the two police officers and the person they fatally shot, we don’t have much else to go by do we? Unless there is new evidence that comes out later what else is there to go by?
No one disputes the amount of racially motivated fatal police shootings that have been happening, but that doesn’t mean every time a non-white is shot that it was racially motivated. I’m sure you and everyone else know this. I get a bit agitated at the quick condemnation every time something like this happens. Maybe it’s due to the fact that I in my lifetime I’ve had two family friends who were LE killed in the line of duty. I’m not a huge cop fan but don’t mean I think all of them are bad. Assuming the evictee was brandishing a fake weapon, I can understand why the two officers weren’t taking any chances. I’m sure myself; you and everyone else with a pulse would have likely done the same thing if in that predicament. I’ll admit it’s strange why the guy would pull such a stunt (brandishing a fake weapon). I would definitely like to learn more as the story unfolds but sadly, local media will probably just move on we’ll never know for sure.
Chris, you choose to rely on police quotes only. You tell someone in this chain “you just want to make an angry post for it’s own sake.” You tell me, “you and everyone else with a pulse would have likely done the same thing” as the cops who shot the guy being evicted. Having a pulse is a pretty low standard for making life and death decisions, isn’t it? What do you know about this story you’re not sharing with us?
We could go in circles with this so I just wont bother other any further other than to say I stand by my statements about the angry post and what people would do in that situation (Sometimes the bar IS low). I believe the words of the officers involved (until some new evidence shows up) and others don’t. I could ask the same question what others know.
Last words are almost always pretty boring, I think.