Following reports out of Washington broadcast by Fox News saying President Trump would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) on September 1, the White House has postponed taking any action.
UPDATE: The White House now says an announcement on DACA will be forthcoming on Tuesday, September 5. To understand why the date is significant, keep reading…
DACA, a policy instituted during the Obama administration, temporarily shields illegal immigrants brought to America as children. Polling indicates bipartisan support for the program, and voices across the political spectrum, from Warren Buffett to Rep. Paul Ryan have appealed to the president to reconsider any such move.
Molly Ball at the Atlantic reports Trump make have been backed into a corner by hardliners. Republican state attorneys general are threatening to add Dreamers to a likely-to-be-successful lawsuit making its way through the courts if the administration didn’t revoked the policy by September 5.
The ACLU, among many other observers, suspects that Trump’s own attorney general played a role in the conservative AGs’ scheme to box Trump in. The civil-rights group has filed a public-records request to see whether the Department of Justice coordinated with the state attorneys to create next week’s deadline. In a June interview on Fox News, Sessions, who was the leading voice for cracking down on illegal immigration when he was in the Senate, said he welcomed the states’ lawsuit: “I like it that our states and localities are holding the federal government to account, expecting us to do what is our responsibility to the state and locals, and that is to enforce the law.” If the suit does go forward, many expect Sessions’s DOJ would not defend DACA, but other groups would intervene to do so.
Most Republican lawmakers desperately do not want to deal with this issue given their already-packed fall legislative calendar. But if there is a bright side to this crisis for DACA proponents, it is that Congress might finally bring itself to provide what the activists have always sought: a permanent, legislative solution for the Dreamers.
Locally, activists have a plan should the President move to end the program. (See the calendar below for details)
Trump ending DACA isn’t about crime.
You have to have a spotless record to qualify.
It’s about basic, plain and simple racism.
— Mikel Jollett (@Mikel_Jollett) August 31, 2017
The fate of Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act, will be determined in the coming days.
SB 54 would prohibit police from detaining people on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and from sharing release dates and other information about suspects with federal immigration agents if that data is not publicly available.
There are reportedly a last minute set of amendments floating around that will have the effect of neutering the bill’s intent. And should the bill actually make it to the Governor’s desk and get signed, opponents led by the California State Sheriffs’ Association are ready with Plan B.
It should surprise nobody the Congressman Darrell Issa has a hand in this fallback plan, as explained in The Intercept:
Emails show that should the bill pass, law enforcement may ally with far-right forces to place a ballot initiative to roll back the protections. In February, [Sheriffs Association head William] Brown corresponded about such an initiative with Ted Hilton, an anti-immigration activist who has claimed in the past that giving unauthorized immigrants a legal path to citizenship would make the U.S. like a “Third World country.” Draft language of the ballot initiative would give ICE wide latitude in processing any undocumented individual arrested by local police.
“This is the best political climate to move forward on this type of measure with advocacy from the Trump administration,” Hilton said. His email was forwarded to Brown by an assistant, who confirmed over email that the two would hold an in-person meeting. Hilton also claimed that he had secured assurance from Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., that the campaign to push a ballot initiative forward could make use of the congressman’s voter lists.
So the struggle continues. Resist. Persist. Keep a song in your heart.
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. Club meetings will be listed IF there are speakers and they are open to the public.
Democratic Candidates: I will list all non-fundraising events open to the general public. A listing does not imply endorsement.
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.
September 1
Defend DACA Rallies
San Diego
Date TBD, 6pm
County Administration Building
1600 Pacific Highway
For More Information
ALSO
North San Diego County
North County Rally
Westfield Mall, Escondido
For More Information
We have all heard reports that the President is planning to announce the end of the DACA program. We have strong reason to believe that the announcement will be this week and could happen as early as today. While we don’t know the exact time or date the announcement will be made, we can prepare the community to show up on the day of by telling people where and when we will gather when the announcement is made.
The Original Get Down:
Young Lords and the Impossible Revolution
Friday, September 1, 6:30pm
Pillars of the Community San Diego
6431 Imperial Avenue
For More Information
Join us and UCSD’s Dr. Daniel Widener for a discussion of the history and legacy of Puerto Rican revolutionary politics in the United States and Puerto Rico. The discussion will focus on the Young Lords Party, a revolutionary organization formed by Puerto Rican youth in Chicago and New York.
Topics discussed will include a) the mass sterilization of Puerto Rican women under American colonialism; b) the relationship between Black American and Latino radicals in New York and Chicago; c)the cultural evolution of Black and Puerto Rican music from Boogaloo to Hip-Hop; d) the YLP’s pioneering attempts to confront sexism and homophobia; e) the historic links between Puerto Ricans and African Americans; f) political prisoners and g) the current economic and political situation of Puerto Rico.
Join the Light Brigade to Spell Out ‘Censure Trump’
Friday, September 1, 7:30pm
Mission Bay Visitor Center
For More Information
Hosted by Our Revolution San Diego
Join us as we light up the interstate with the word Censure Trump . We will meet at 7:30 at the Mission Bay visitor center and will walk up the Clairemont overpass to let travelers know it is time to Censure Trump. After we have the lights up for 1 hour we will celebrate with beer and pizza. Bring your goodwill and outrage.
September 2
Stand with Planned Parenthood First Saturday
Saturday, September 2, 8am
Planned Parenthood
2017 First Avenue (Banker’s Hill)
For More Information
Come join us for our monthly counter protest at Planned Parenthood. Clinic on 1st ave. Come anytime from 8am-11am, however, we are better in numbers together.
Feel free to bring signs, wear pink, and anything else that will help. Also, bringing your knowledge and educational facts can help because many of the protestors of the clinic believe stuff that is severely incorrect. We don’t encourage arguments, but simply having facts in your back pocket doesn’t hurt.
Before anyone asks: Yes, Planned Parenthood is aware that we will be there, and yes they are all for it. We have already contacted the directors. Thanks!
Day Laborer Outreach
Saturday, September 2, 8am
2258 Island Avenue (Grant Hill)
For More Information (RSVP Req)
Hosted by BORDER ANGELS
Volunteers will then 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
Day of Service, Labor and Community Unite
Saturday, September 2, 9am
6443 Imperial Avenue (Encanto)
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Labor-Council
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council is going back to the roots of the labor movement! In a time of resistance it’s extremely important for Labor and Community to work together to build strong concrete bridges of communication and fight in solidarity for all working families. One of the ways we are looking to re-engage in community is by bringing our labor of love into underserved and underrepresented neighborhoods, the same neighborhoods we know strong working families grow.
Join the Labor Council as we partner with Pillars of the Community, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those affected by the criminal justice system, to bring a Day of Service to the heart of Southeast San Diego. Union members, along with community members will come together to paint and clean up a community space dedicated to residents seeking a safe space to build, empower, and educate.
Bring your family and friends and be dressed ready to paint and clean up this amazing space for all community to enjoy! There will be free food and beverages provided for all those who come out to volunteer.
September 3
Resistance Day of Peace
Sunday, September 3, 2pm
Grape Day Park
321 N Broadway (Escondido)
For More Information
Speakers will range from gang members to college professors to create critical dialogue on how the conditions created by systemic oppression lead to gang involvement and gang violence. We will also discuss what we can do as a barrio to fight back structural oppression and empower/support each other in the process.
Due to the fact that this event is made by the community for the community we are open for any kinds of donations like volunteers, food, monetary aid, and anything else.
8th Annual Increase The Peace Stop The Violence Classic
Sunday, September 3, 9am
Lincoln High School
4777 Imperial Avenue
For More Information
San Diego Branch NAACP Event
A chance to bring young people together from all over to bear some great guest speakers, work on topics like bullying, gang violence, drugs, domestic violence and education. Then play basketball games together. All players will be asked to sign The anti bullying pledge and Ball Sober 365 pledge.
September 4
Strike and March on Labor Day. Declare: America Needs Unions!
Monday, September 4, 8:30am
San Diego City College
1313 Park Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Fight for 15 – Lucha por 15
This Labor Day, join #FightFor15 fast-food workers going on strike in over 300 cities along with community organizations and our neighbors to fight inequality and take to the streets to declare that America Needs Unions!
Unions are still the best way to fix economic and political systems rigged to benefit big corporations. Service sector jobs are the fastest growing jobs in the country, but they’re often low paying without benefits. In order to win fair pay, fair schedules, paid family leave, healthcare, and gender and racial equality we must win a union. And not just in the U.S. At the same time, McDonald’s workers in the U.K. will be striking for the first time ever!
The Strike actions will begin promptly at 9:00 am. The Strike actions will be followed by a march of community and labor actions in downtown San Diego.
September 5
Weekly Issa Resistance Rally
Tuesday, September 5, 10am
Outside Congressman Issa’s Vista Office
1800 Thibodo Road
Just Do It!
We are making a difference! Issa is feeling the heat. Let’s do this!
September 6
Southeast Community Briefing
Wednesday, September 6, 6pm
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
5148 Market Street
For More Information (Registration)
Hosted by ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties
Join us to learn how to defend immigrants’ rights; ensure police transparency and accountability; and build people power to advocate for equity, civil rights, and justice. Register today to attend the upcoming Southeast San Diego Community Briefing to hear about how together, we can impact local, state, and national policy.
Community Choice Energy – Santee
Wednesday, September 6, 7pm
City of Santee
10601 North Magnolia 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.
September 7
Tom Steyer Talks Climate
Thursday, September 7, 6pm
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
2728 Sixth Avenue (Enter on Fifth Avenue side)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by SanDiego350
Tom Steyer will join us to talk about current issues in climate change politics and NextGen Climate’s work to prevent climate disaster, promote prosperity, and protect the rights of every American.
There will be an extensive Q&A during which Tom will discuss the climate movement, the politics of climate, and how Californians can take effective action. Suggested Donation: $10 (no one will be turned away for lack of funds).
San Diego Council Member Barbara Bry (District 1) will also talk about implementing a Community Choice Energy program in San Diego in order to meet our goal of 100% clean energy, and how San Diegans can help make it happen. San Diego Council Member Chris Ward (District 3) will introduce Tom Steyer.
Dark Money’s Grip on Progressive Politics
Thursday, September 7, 6:30pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Progressive Alliance
The San Diego Progressive Alliance is excited to host Mike Thaller at our next big membership meeting. Mike Thaller is the former Progressive Caucus Chair for the CA Democratic Party and he is also part of the Bernie Sanders inspired wave of grassroots revolt within the party. Mike nearly won an election for state party Controller in May. During his campaign he traveled the state talking about the insidious nature of “Dark Money” that is holding the reins of the party. Mike will share his perspective on how we can combat big money in progressive politics.
This meeting will also be a big one for the SDPA because we will be considering our first endorsement! On Aug 24th the SDPA membership moved to call for a vote on an endorsement for Gayle McLaughlin for Lt. Governor. Gayle has a special relationship with the SDPA, and its is fitting that we would consider her without delay. Gayle McLaughlin is a founding mother of the Richmond Progressive Alliance, and has served the last 11 years as an inspiring progressive there. She is also making a priority of building Progressive Alliances in over 100 cities during her campaign. According to our Bylaws, we will need to make quorum in order to validate the decision, so please come to this special meeting of the San Diego Progressive Alliance!
Vets Say No to the Miramar Air Show
Thursday, September 7, 3:30pm
Carroll Canyon Road overpass along the I-15
For More Information
Chapter members and friends of the San Diego Veterans For Peace will be “bannering” a against the continuation of the annual September Miramar Air Show, and to encourage the general public to stay home.
The San Diego Veterans For Peace, with veteran members of all five services, is opposed to these “war shows” and is asking the public to stay home and to provide more wholesome entertainment to their children and families than the Miramar Air Show provides.
San Diego Moms Demand Action Happy Hour
Thursday, September 7, 5pm
Eclipse Chocolate
2145 Fern Street (South Park)
(RSVP)
We are having a SD Moms Demand Action informational no-host Happy Hour. This get-together is the perfect opportunity to meet the volunteer members of our San Diego group and learn more about what we are doing to take action against gun violence in our community and across the nation. Please mark your calendar, invite a friend or two and plan to join us! As always, you don’t have to be a mom to attend. All concerned members of the community are welcome! Hope to see you there!
September 8
500 Years
A Story of Mounting Resistance Played Out in Guatemala
Friday, September 8, 11am & 3:35pm
(Other dates & times thru September 14)
2921 El Cajon Boulevard (North Park)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by Digital Gym Cinema
From a historic genocide trial to the overthrow of a president, 500 Years tells a sweeping story of mounting resistance played out in Guatemala’s recent history, through the actions and perspectives of the majority indigenous Mayan population, who now stand poised to reimagine their society. This is the third installment of the Resistance saga, following When The Mountains Tremble (1983) and Granito: How to Nail a Dictator (2011).
The story of growing resistance in Guatemala’s recent history is examined through the standpoint and actions of the indigenous Mayan population.
September 9
Political Boot Camp
Saturday, September 9, 8am
California Western school of Law
225 Cedar Street (Downtown)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by Lawyers Club of San Diego and Run Women Run
Political Boot Camp will provide nuts-and-bolts information for those thinking about running for office, serving as campaign staff, or getting involved in politics and being an advocate for the issues they care about.
Separate candidate and advocacy tracks will provide excellent opportunities to learn new skills and network with elected officials, candidates, consultants, and others who are actively involved in advocating for reproductive justice, equality, and electing women to office.
Dock to Dish: Farm to Fork Week Kick Off Event
Saturday, September 9, 9:30am
Tuna Harbor Dockside Market
598 West Harbor Drive
For More Information
Hosted by Farm to Fork San Diego and Slow Food URBAN San Diego
Join Slow Food Urban San Diego and Tuna Harbor Dockside Market as we kick off San Diego Farm to Fork Week!
10:30AM- Cooking Demo with Chef Cindy
11:30AM- Fish Breakdown with a local fisherman
Invisible and Resistance Art Exhibition
(Artist Reception)
Saturday, September 9, 6pm
Iron Fist Brewing
1986 National Avenue
For More Information
Invisible y Resistencia (Invisible and Resistance) an Art Exhibition is part of a Bi-National Theater and Arts Festival that will take place from September 7th through September 17th, 2017.
Dan Navarro Returns to The GO!
Saturday, September 9, 7:30pm
Grass Roots Oasis
3130 Moore Street
For More Information (Tickets)
The Grassroots Oasis is so pumped to have the storied singer-songwriter Dan Navarro returning to our stage this September! Dan performed at our original location in Sorrento Valley (Oasis House Concerts) several years ago, and he graced our new stage near Old Town a year ago.
Dan Navarro started his career as a songwriter, most often with Eric Lowen, for artists as diverse as Pat Benatar (the Grammy-nominated We Belong) , The Bangles, Jackson Browne, Keb Mo, Dave Edmunds, The Temptations, Dionne Warwick, Dutch superstar Marco Borsato, The Triplets, Austin outlaw legend Rusty Weir and many more…
September 10
Picnic w/ Progressives!
Sunday, September 10, 1pm
Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park
Soledad Road
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Progressive Democratic Club and San Diego Democrats for Equality
Join us Picnic w/ Progressives!
Feed the Homeless Event
Sunday, September 10, 1:15pm
Muslim Community Center
14698 Via Fiesta (Black Mountain Ranch)
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.
September 11
Community Supporting SEIU And County Workers
Monday, September 11, 6pm
County Administration Building
1600 Pacific Highway
For More Information
As a community, we must ban together with our labor force. Our county employees are important and we value them. Ahead of their strike we as a community need to put pressure to the board of supervisors to deal fairly with our county employees. We are with you, SEIU!!!
Reproductive Justice and the Politics of Women’s Health
Monday, September 11, 6:15pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairmont Mesa Boulvard
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by Scott Peters and San Diego County Democratic Party
On September 11, a National Day of Service, Nora Vargas will be leading a discussion on the status of reproductive rights and the best ways activists can have an impact at the local, state, and federal level. No cost to attend. Please RSVP and share this event with your respective clubs and groups.
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.
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 Here<<<<<<
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.