Via Change.Org

The consequences of years of neglect are now giving America’s Finest City’s reputation a beating as San Diego’s homeless crisis continues to unfold.

The Hepatitis A epidemic, long predicted as a consequence of the city’s failure to recognize the necessity of public restroom facilities, has claimed 16 lives and over 400 hundred people have fallen ill with the disease.

The recent Union-Tribune search of public records found four grand jury reports since the start of the century calling out the risks posed by human waste on city streets and a shortage of toilets available as the city’s homeless population grew in size. With each grand jury report came another set of excuses, culminating in an effort to blame Gov. Brown.

Officials said efforts to build the costly facilities were hamstrung by the loss of downtown development-generated tax dollars once collected by the city’s redevelopment agency. That agency disappeared, alongside 400 others, under a 2012 state law that banished all of California’s former blight-fighting agencies.

The U-T in January reported that since the shutdown of the agency, some $68.6 million former redevelopment dollars had made their way into San Diego’s general fund. That’s enough to add and maintain 104 new restrooms under the city’s own top-end cost estimates — or roughly five times the number of public restrooms currently available downtown.

San Diego’s Convention business, long touted as a major economic driver, has been impacted as one upcoming exposition blamed the outbreak as a reason for canceling its event, and local officials have created internet and social media posts in response to questions from other groups.  

Drug users and the homeless are the culprits, according to authorities, and out of town visitors have nothing to fear. Except that one-third of those falling ill to the disease don’t fit into either category.

Should any of those visitors wander east, they’ll encounter block upon block of sidewalk tents, the home of last resort for the unhoused. So the City has been sending dozens (really!) of police cars to “sweep” the streets.

The homeless, whose numbers are growing daily, have nowhere to go except the next block, where they’ll again be harassed, ticketed and arrested when possible. This, of course, means the hepatitis epidemic has spread to the jail. Or maybe it started there.

In the past year, citations/arrests of unsheltered people by the SDPD (under Mayor Faulconer’s direction) in downtown San Diego increased by 68%.

Here’s a snip from CBS Evening News coverage, seen nationally on Wednesday:

“Stephen Zolezzi, president of San Diego’s Food and Beverage Association, which represents 1,200 businesses, believes the city should have been doing more long before this outbreak.

“‘Where were they two or three or four years ago,’ Zolezzi asked. ‘It’s great that they’re coming up with some solutions now, but they’re really closing the barn door after the horses already left.’

“On Tuesday, Los Angeles declared its own hepatitis outbreak.

“New cases in Santa Cruz County, in Northern California and even in Arizona have been traced back to the San Diego outbreak.”

Part of the City’s response to the crisis was the promise of three tents to act as temporary shelters. Local businessmen offered financing months ago, but the urgency of the situation only came after national news publications began reporting on the health crisis. And then the city government took the path of least resistance when it came to the placement of these tents.

Via the Union-Tribune:

Members of the [Barrio Logan] planning group repeatedly asked why the community wasn’t consulted in the run up to the decision to place temporary homeless shelters in their community.

“We’re demanding” answers, said Mark Steele, chair of the community planning group and owner of architecture company M. W. Steele Group. “Nobody’s talked to us about it. Nobody’s said what are your concerns? … Nothing.”

The office of Councilman David Alvarez, who represents the neighborhood, said he wasn’t consulted on the placement of the tents and only became aware of the decision when the mayor made his public announcement last week.

Faced with public outrage over not being consulted on the decision to place temporary homeless shelters in their neighborhood Faulconer’s office tried to blame District 8 City Councilman David Alvarez.

Apparently, this move was revenge for Alvarez’s failure to support special election for a hotel tax increase primarily for funding an expansion to the convention center. A promise of $10 million for homeless services bundled with the deal; the fine print told a different story.

A $66,000 cut for a staff position on the City Council’s Special Committee on the Homeless was an earlier act of retribution by the Mayor after losing his bid for a special election.

I don’t think the Mayor and his advisors get it yet. Given that his office has time to play political games with this situation, perhaps it’s time to start some serious advocacy for tents in some neighborhoods with enough clout to be heard at City Hall.

Maybe it’s time to start discussing tents for Ranchos Penasquitos, La Jolla, maybe even Kensington, somewhere up near Chamber CEO and former Mayor Jerry Sanders’ home.

Given that the buck stops with the Mayor these days, it only seems appropriate for activist Martha Sullivan to have started a Change.Org petition calling on California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to launch a criminal investigation of Mayor Faulconer for his willful neglect of the health and safety of homeless San Diegans.

From the petition preamble:

Such a criminal investigation is appropriate given the prosecution of 5 state and local government officials in Michigan by a special prosecutor for involuntary manslaughter, in the deaths of 12 residents of Flint MI from its notoriously contaminated water.

Something’s got to give here. Press conferences (there have been many) and polite protests haven’t budged the local government. Bad press seems to have provoked a few actions. Perhaps State intervention will foster the political will for a comprehensive approach.

Activism counts. There are more than forty events over the next week in San Diego; something for every kind of activist–armchair to street fighter.

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 and Other Progressive 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 22

Listening Post in El Cajon

Friday, September 22, Noon-3pm
Downtown El Cajon
For More Information
Hosted by KPBS

A year has passed since the fatal police shooting of Alfred Olango in El Cajon. His death sparked protests and raised questions about race and policing. We want to hear from you. Meet KPBS at the corner of Main Street and Magnolia this Friday to share your thoughts on those community issues.

Darrell Issa, Be Courageous! Oppose Graham-Cassidy!

Friday, September 22, 3pm
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
345 Santa Fe Drive
For More Information
Hosted by SoCal Health Care Coalition

Senate Republicans are trying once again to repeal the ACA. The latest proposal from Senators Cassidy and Graham specifically targets California. Their proposal would strip $28 billion from our health care system — this is unacceptable! We are calling on Rep. Darrell Issa to oppose this cruel proposal that puts his district at risk, and will result in 85,900 of his most vulnerable constituents losing their healthcare.

Dolores Huerta Doc Film San Diego Premiere
+ Dolores – Q&A

Friday, September 22, 4:30pm
Landmark’s Ken Cinema
4061 Adams Avenue (Kensington)
For More Information (Tickets)

A special appearance in person by Ms. Dolores Huerta!

-Provocative documentary about Dolores Huerta, one of the most important yet least known activists in the fight for racial, class and gender equality in America.

-Director Peter Bratt’s provocative and energizing documentary reveals the raw, personal stakes involved in committing one’s life to the fight for justice and sets the record straight on one of the most effective and undervalued civil and labor rights leaders in modern U.S. history. Winner of Audience Awards for Best Documentary at the San Francisco, Seattle and Minneapolis Film Festivals.

Ifa Culture and Traditions in Cuba

Friday, September 22, 6:30pm
Pillars of the Community
6431 Imperial Avenue
For More Information

Come to hear Luis Miguel Babalow discuss his experiences growing up in Cuba and its connections to Ifa culture and traditions.

September 23

Save Our Health Care Phone & Text-Bank

Saturday, September 23, 10am-6pm
Address Furnished Upon RSVP (La Mesa)
For More Information
Hosted by Indivisible San Diego

Here in blue California, we’ll be calling into battleground states to help activate The Resistance to pressure targeted Republican Senators. We need 3 of them to vote with us to #SaveACA

If you’ve been angry, afraid, and wondering what to do to #KillTheBill and#SaveTheACA this is it.

🔹 Please bring your cell phone, charger, laptop, and/or tablet. If you have an extra to share, please bring that too.

🔹 When you respond that you are coming to help #Fight4OurHealthCare, you’ll be messaged with the La Mesa address of the event and asked about the shift(s) you’ll be taking.

🔹 There will be 3 shifts for making calls, 10:00am-1:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm, and 4:00pm-6:00pm.

🔹 If you can, please bring snacks and drinks to share with your fellow Resistors.

South Bay Sustainability Fair

Saturday, September 23, 11am
2000 East Division Street (National City)
For More Information
Hosted by Dickinson Farm

Save Green by Going Green! At Free Community Event. Come learn about energy efficiency, water conservation, alternative transportation, waste diversion, and healthy living.

Kids Activities – Healthy Lunch Options – LED Light Bulb Sale – Bike Giveaways – Live Music – Free Resources for Everybody

Neighbors In Action –
We’re United Resistance Training

Saturday, September 23, 1pm
Mangia Italiano on Third
248 Third Avenue (Chula Vista)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by San Diego County Democratic Party

Ready to join us to defeat Trump and the Republican agenda for destruction and division?

Attend our grassroots organizer training to learn strategies and techniques and to get tools to become an effective agent for change in your community!

We are looking for progressive civic leaders to support and work with in your community. Join us, and together we can make a better, more equitable, community for all Americans.

People Over Profits-SD Presents Hood-Stock

Saturday, September 23, 1pm
1764 National Avenue (Barrio Logan)
For More Information

In honor of People Over Profits-SD’s 1 Year Anniversary, we invite you to spend a day celebrating with us at HOOD-STOCK! Whoop whoop! All year long POPSD community along with various comrades have worked hard to continuously share the agenda of the people who are being held captive as legal slaves in a system called prison and bringing light to corporate greed in all forms.

It is an everlasting fight but for one day we come together to celebrate and rejoice in each other’s love and solidarity. Please help us make his possible by attending.

FUN, MUSIC, Prizes, Food Vendors, Crafts Vendors, Community Art and much more!***$10 donation at the door (all donations will go toward the development of THE PEOPLE’S LOT, a space of liberation we are developing b the people for the people with no corporate money ties, SI SE PUEDE! )

Community Input for the Next San Diego Police Chief

Saturday, September 23, 1pm
Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
404 Euclid Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Mark Bartlett for City Council – District 1and James Elia For El Cajon City Council 2018

With police chief Shelley Zimmerman retiring in March 2018 the city of San Diego is hosting a public workshop for input of what the community is looking for in her successor. This is your opportunity to fight for what you want in the police department!!!

Libertad A Todos Los Presos Politicos De Mexico

Saturday, September 23, 4pm
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Avenue (Balboa Park)
For More Information
Hosted by Raices sin Fronteras

Free All Political Prisoners in Mexico: A Conversation with Nestora Salgado and Mario Luna

Our Revolution North County San Diego September General Meeting

Saturday, September 23, 1pm
Indian Joe Brewing
2123 Industrial Court (Vista)
For More Information

During our previous meeting, in August, the general membership of Our Revolution North County San Diego approved three measures. One of these was to recommend the larger Our Revolution, the national organization, endorse *Gayle McLaughlin for Lt. Governor*. We are fortunate that Lt. Governor candidate Gayle McLaughlin will join us at this September meeting to present her positions and successes as one of the most progressive leaders and elected officials in the nation.

*Col. Doug Applegate*, candidate for the Congressional District 49 seat, currently held by Darrell Issa, will present his positions. *Michelle Cassell Gomez*, candidate for State Assembly District 76 seat, currently held by Rocky Chavez, will present her positions, as well.

Film Screening – Harvest of Empire

Saturday, September 23, 1pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church San Diego
4190 Front Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information

Join us for a screening of the documentary “Harvest of Empire”. The documentary explores the direct connection between the immigration crisis we face today and the U.S. intervention in Latin America.

Celebrate Civility Day

Saturday, September 23, Noon-4pm
Chula Vista Bayfront
For More Information
Hosted by National Conflict Resolution Center – NCRC

Mark your calendars for a day of FUN in the sun with family, friends, and neighbors in South Bay San Diego!

ACTIVITIES ♦︎ Entertainment from local musicians and dancers  ♦︎ Displays from local artists ♦︎ Free food will be provided by our sponsors Panera Bread, Olive Garden, Marie Callender’s, Rubio’s and other local restaurants in South Bay San Diego  ♦︎ Chula Vista Police Department and Youth Soccer Game ♦︎ Potato Sack Race for attendees ♦︎ Community resources on conflict resolution ♦︎ Community dialogue on building a safer community ♦︎ Resource fair for residents to connect with South Bay civility-building organizations

SPECIAL GUESTS ♦︎ Chula Vista Mayor, Mary Salas ♦︎ Imperial Beach Councilmember Mark West ♦︎ San Ysidro School Board Member Antonio Martinez

September 24

Community Conversations: Share Your Voice

Sunday, September 24, 3-7pm
East African Community Center
4061 Fairmount Avenue (City Heights)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA

We are hosting a community dinner for youth in the City Heights area to come learn about the policies that help shape their lives. PANA is dedicated to promoting the full social & civic inclusion of all and we hope this community conversation will build power in our communities, and give visibility to policy fights. We will be hosting young adults from different high schools, colleges, and post graduate students to come discuss what impacts their lives the most, and how to address these issues in an organized and pragmatic manner. We will also be sharing current PANA campaigns, and how you can become involved, and stand for the rights of refugees at a local, state, and national level. Come eat dinner with us on September 24th, to discuss relevant issues, and how you can make an impact.

Adopt an Art Piece, Part 1: Ceramics

Sunday, September 24, 11am
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore Street
For More Information

Beginning Sunday, September 24th through Sunday November 12th, The GO will be offering a different segment of Martha Sullivan’s huge collection of fine art and collectibles, mostly inherited from her sister, Lee.

This will be a “Pay What You Can” series, with the primary goal to get this art and other things of beauty out of storage and into a home/business that appreciates them. And secondarily, support keeping The GO’s doors open for live music and other performance and progressive political action/organizing.

Concert Across America – San Diego

Sunday, September 24, 4pm
Unitarian Universal Fellowship of San Dieguito
1036 Solana Drive (Solana Beach)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by San Diego County Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

The San Diego concert, hosted by the San Diego Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and partnering with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito and San Diego Moms Demand Action, will be connected to all the concerts nationwide via social media and online at www.ConcertAcrossAmerica.org.The San Diego event will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito. There will be light refreshments, beer and wine, so come early and enjoy!

San Onofre – Move the Waste! –
Fundraiser / Celebration

Sunday, September 24, 4pm
Oceanside Pier Amphitheater
300 South the Strand (Oceanside)
For More Information
Hosted by Citizens Oversight Projects

The CA Coastal Commission (CCC) approved a permit to build a nuclear waste storage facility (ISFSI) only 100 ft from the fragile ocean, inches over the high-water mark, and near a 7.4 mag fault. Citizens’ Oversight filed a lawsuit and a comprehensive SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT was announced on Aug 28 that establishes a process to plan to MOVE THE WASTE to a safer place! Our fight is not over! WE MUST GET THIS WASTE TO MOVE AND NEVER BE STORED HERE ON THE COAST.

YOU ARE INVITED! > SPEAKERS (5pm) INCLUDE: Ray Lutz, Aguirre & Severson LLP rep. Candidates & public officials, more! > MUSIC (4pm): Tes Kempner & Friends: Musical Medicine for the Soul

Surfrider’s 26th Annual Paddle for Clean Water

Sunday, September 24, 9am-Noon
Ocean Beach Pier
5078 Niagara Avenue
For More Information

Grab your board and friends and come out to paddle around Ocean Beach Pier to show unity and bring awareness about the threats to clean water We’ll have live music, yoga, breakfast & coffee, speakers and more!  More info: 

September 25

Save ACA – National Die-In on Social Media

Monday, September 25, 10am-1:30pm
Virtual USA on Facebook & Twitter
For More Information

Please take a picture of yourself dying w/ tombstone or a sign.

Post it on your social media (FB & Twitter) at on Monday, September 25, with hashtags: #saveACAnow  #KilltheBill  #ACAsavesLives

If you do not have a Twitter account, please post your picture on our event page & our team will push it out on Twitter for you.

Back to Court!
(South Park vs Jack-in-the-Box)

Monday, September 25, 9am
San Diego Superior Court
330 West Broadway, Department 71
For More Information

We’ll be back in SD Superior Court on our original complaint against the city and Jack in the Box on September 25th. Our goal: a court order that the drive-thru window was improperly allowed and must be closed.

We are in a stronger position now than at any other point in the history of our fight, since the original judge’s decision was overturned unanimously by the appellate court and our case was ordered back to trial.

We need YOU to be there! (please arrive by 8:45 so that we can enter as a group) Help present a strong show of community support to the new presiding judge.

San Diego County LGBTQ Latinx Coalition

Monday, September 25, 6pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Latino Services @ The Center

Join queer, transgender, bisexual, lesbian, and gay Latinx community members, activists and leaders from across San Diego County as we work to enhance the capacity of our community’s ability to build a movement and mobilize. Together we can strengthen the educational, health, cultural, civic, political, and economic power of our LGBTQ Latinx community and the region. Please come prepared to share your vision for the future.

The Dying Declaration of Madge Oberholtzer
– Public Reading

Monday, September 25, 7:30pm
Scripps Ranch Theatre
9783 Avenue of Nations
For More Information
Hosted by Scripps Ranch Theatre

The Dying Declaration of Madge Oberholtzer – by Raegan Payne. Directed by Steve Smith

Cast: Kathi Copeland, Julia Cuppy, Amy Dell, Steve Froehlich, Maelyn Gandola, Julia Giolzetti, Jeffrey Jones, Evan Lucas, Robert May, Charles Maze, Julie Sachs

In 1925, at the height of the Ku Klux Klan’s power, a 29-year-old woman testifies against the Grand Dragon of the KKK. Based on a true story.

This is a free public reading as part of New Works Studio at Scripps Ranch Theatre.

September 26

Shake up the Vote: Voter Registration Booth

Tuesday, September 26, 10am
Grossmont College
For More Information
Hosted by SDID Grossmont College

Voting is your RIGHT, use it! On Sep 26th, the San Diego Indivisible Club will be hosting a voter registration booth in partnership with the National Voter Registration Day organization. This event is to politically involve college students and aid them in registering to vote. The information page above is not only for the students themselves but also for organizers and groups who would like to be involved in student activism in East County or just want to help us out in shaking up the campus!

Food Waste Solution Summit III

Tuesday, September 26, Noon-7pm
Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
404 Euclid Avenue
For More Information (Tickets)

We believe in retiring the word “waste” when it comes to food because all resources are valuable. Join us in this year’s Summit to:

• Discuss promising solutions and high-impact opportunities
• Hear national trends and align San Diego’s actions
• Network and collaborate across sectors
• Strategize to advance policies and actions forward in San Diego
• Share resources and best practices to address food waste now

Show Your Support in Court
It’s Not a Crime to Be Homeless!

Tuesday, September 26, 1:30pm
333 West Broadway (Downtown)
For More Information

This is the first settlement conference in the ongoing class action, constitutional lawsuit against the City of San Diego for its criminalization of homelessness. The City is citing and arresting people who are homeless every time they set their belongings down on public property–in violation of the Constitution.

This is the first time the parties will appear before the judge to discuss possible settlement of the case. Come support the lawsuit by sitting in court before the settlement conference starts to show how many people care deeply about this issue and want to see it resolved!

Uptown Democratic Club

Tuesday, September 26, 6:30pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Avenue (Hillcrest)
For More Information

Come join us. Our guest will be Linda Nickerson, President of East County Democratic Club. She will fill us in on “Dirty Duncan’s Deeds” and the status of the criminal investigation. We have also invited all 5 Democratic Ca-50 candidates to join us and speak to our group!

Issa Resistance Rally

Tuesday, September 26, 10am
1800 Thibodo Road (Vista)
Just Be There!

We are making a difference! Issa is feeling the heat. Let’s do this!

September 27

Community Planning Group
Brown Bag Lunch

Wednesday, September 27, Noon
Circulate San Diego
1111 Sixth Avenue #402 (Downtown)
For More Information
Hosted by Circulate San Diego

Have you ever thought about joining your local community planning group? Do you have questions about how to get elected to a CPG? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you should attend our brown bag lunch event on September 27. At the event, Maya Rosas, advocacy manager at Circulate San Diego and Uptown Planners member, and Oscar Medina, project coordinator at Circulate and a member of the Golden Planning Group, will answer questions and provide insights from their own experiences about what it means to serve on a CPG. This is not like our other CPG trainings that consist of a moderated panel discussion. This gathering will be less formal and more of a casual conversation between attendees. Because the event will be hosted at our offices, space is limited, so RSVP today!

AAPI Democrats September Meeting

Wednesday, September 27, 6pm
SEIU Local 221
4004 Kearny Mesa Road
For More Information

At this meeting we will be holding a friendly incumbent endorsement for Rep. Scott Peters, holding a discussion about our 2018 election endorsement procedures, and hearing a presentation from the Save PQ Village coalition about the displacement of Asian American elders in Rancho Penasquitos.

September 28

San Diego’s Alliant International University Human Library

Thursday, September 28, 4pm
10455 Pomerado Road
For More Information

What’s your story? Alliant International University is looking for people to tell their stories as human “Books.” Human Books will help to challenge stereotypes through respectful conversation. Your book title would relate to your experience of adversity or social exclusion (e.g., Refugee, Abuse Survivor, Sikh, etc). Our goal is to help each other better understand others in our communities and to say “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Human Books will available to be “checked out” by small groups during the event. Faculty, staff, students and community members can sign up as a Book or a volunteer. Perhaps you’d like to nominate someone you know. Those interested in being a Book must be available Thursday September 28, 2017, between 4 and 7. If you are interested in being a Book visit https://goo.gl/g8fNw7

Community Forum – San Diego Police Chief Search

Thursday, September 28, 6pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information

The City of San Diego is conducting a nationwide search to hire a new Police Chief; Chief Shelley Zimmerman is retiring in March 2018. In an effort to gather critical community input about what citizens would like to see in their next Chief as they lead and transform the department, six community forums have been scheduled throughout San Diego. These forums are a key opportunity to have community concerns and ideas heard! All input received will be used throughout the recruitment and selection process, which will be managed by the City’s Chief Operating Officer Scott Chadwick, on behalf of Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer.

Chula Vista Democratic Club
Endorsement Meeting County Sheriff and District Attorney

Thursday, September 28, 6:30pm
Mangia Italiano on Third
248 Third Avenue (Chula Vista)
For More Information

We will be interviewing and endorsing Democratic Candidates for District Attorney and Sheriff. Also reports from Southwestern College Trustee Tim Nader and Sweetwater Union High School District Trustee Paula Hall.

Torrey Pines Democratic Club:
Fellow Citizens, Ask What You Can Do For Your City?

Thursday, September 28, 7pm
La Colonia Community Center
715 Valley Avenue (Solana Beach)
For More Information

Our September meeting, “Fellow Citizens, Ask What You Can Do For Your City!”, we will present an awesome panel of women community leaders speak about their experience serving on city councils, school boards, fair boards & how we can get involved as local citizens.

Chasing Coral Film Screening

Thursday, September 28, 7pm
La Paloma Theater
471 South Coast Highway (Encinitas)
For More Information

Entry is free! Join Smartfin, Surfrider Foundation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Changing Tides Foundation for a film screening of Chasing Coral, hosted at the La Paloma Theater and sponsored by the Patagonia Cardiff store.

Chasing Coral documents the acute reality that coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. A team of divers, photographers and scientists set out on a thrilling ocean adventure to discover why and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world.

Stick around after the film for a discussion with a panel of coral reef and ocean health experts and for a chance to win awesome raffle prizes (with purchase of raffle tickets).

All proceeds from raffle ticket sales will benefit the Surfrider Foundation’s Smartfin program so we can distribute Smartfins, a surfboard fin with oceanographic sensors that collect data to inform researchers and communities about ocean health issues.

Autonomous/Connected Vehicles Forum

Thursday, September 28, 8am-3pm
San Diego Central Library
330 Park Boulevard
For More Information  (RSVP)
Hosted by Circulate San Diego

Circulate San Diego is organizing a one-day forum designed for elected officials, key decision makers, and senior municipal staff responsible for transportation and land use planning.

The forum will jump-start the critically-needed regional conversations required to advance policies to maximize the safety, transportation, and land use benefits from the coming adoption of autonomous and connected vehicles. The forum will lay out what we know now and possible alternative futures, and provide a venue for how we might prepare.

Encinitas Unity: Darrell Issa Street-Corner Protest

Thursday, September 28, 5pm
Encinitas Boulevard & El Camino Real (NE Corner)

Please join us every Thursday to protest Darrell Issa! He was the deciding vote in the house to approve the AHCA. He is a strong ally and backer of Trump. He is the richest representative in Congress and votes party over country again and again.

We have had enough of Darrell Issa and we will vote Issa out in the coming mid-term elections next year. Please come join us with your signs, friends, neighbors and family members.

This is a friendly non-violent protest exercising our first amendment rights. Parking is available in the shopping center next to the Chase Bank and Discount Tires

September 29

Dismantling Stigmas- Racism, Sexism, and Mental Health

Friday, September 29, 5:30
Islamic Center of San Diego
7050 Eckstrom Avenue
For More Information (RSVP)

Please join us for a FREE, powerful evening of discussion and dialogue on how we can dismantle stigmas of racism, sexism, and mental health within the Muslim community.

We will be joined by world-renowned Muslim Psychologist and Neuroscientist, Dr. Marwa Azab that will be speaking on mental health. We will also be joined by Brother Khalid Alexander of Pillars of the Community San Diego that will be speaking about racism as well as writer and educator, Sr. Marwa Abdalla who will be speaking on the topic of sexism.

Cyber Security Computer Class at The Center

Saturday, September 29, 10am
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by 50 and Better Together and San Diego LGBT Community Center

Please join us on Friday, September 29th inside of the David Bohnett Cyber Center, for a presentation that will appeal to even the novice of technology. This cybersecurity presentation seeks to bring more awareness to the kind of security we need in our personal lives as we dip our feet deeper and deeper into the cyber world. As it goes without saying, the internet is perhaps as useful as it is dangerous to us. Join us as we glean from the resources available that help keep your cyber properties safe and secure.

September 30

Walk with District Three at AIDS Walk 2017

Sunday, September 30, 7:30am
Hillcrest Flagpole
University Avenue & Normal Streets
For More Information  (Sign Up)

As the City Councilmember for District Three, my staff and I are proud to be participating in this year’s AIDS Walk & Run San Diego.

This is an opportunity to be visible in our support for those living with HIV and AIDS while raising much needed funds for critical support services in our community.

We’ve made it our goal to sign as many people up as we can. Join us and make our team the biggest and best this year! Together we can #BeTheGeneration

Movement School for Revolutionaries – San Diego

Sunday, September 30, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information

The Movement School for Revolutionaries is a day-long workshop for revolutionaries in radical & progressive movements who recognize the imperative to restructure society to meet human needs and address the dire social, economic, and ecological challenges facing our world.

Understand the larger social & historical context of our current political moment. Collaborate with fellow radicals & progressives across party lines.  Build a united front of the Left to fight back against neoliberalism & neofascism. Develop strategies for engaging elections and prepare to take & exercise state power.

Workshop: What Can We Do about Climate Change?

Sunday, September 30, 2:30pm
3850 Westgate Place
For More Information
Hosted by Peace Resource Center of San Diego

Climate change is impacting us now via extreme weather events like Hurricane Harvey, sea level rise, and the greater risk of California wildfires. These events cause loss of life and property and result in personal trauma. They reduce the monies that could have been spent on health, education, and welfare. Probably one of your friends or family has been significantly impacted.

Since climate change is a society-wide problem, how can we as individuals and organizations respond to climate change in ways that make a difference? Join us at the Peace Resource Center for an interactive workshop on this topic. We’ll touch on the ethics of climate change from perspectives of faith, explore the ecological values that unite persons with or without faith, and network and strategize on solutions we can put into action. All are welcome!! Snacks will be provided.

Neighbors In Action – We’re United Resistance Training

Sunday, September 30, 10am-1pm
Sherman Heights Community Center
2258 Island Avenue
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by San Diego County Democratic Party

Ready to join us to defeat Trump and the Republican agenda for destruction and division?

Attend our grassroots organizer training to learn strategies and techniques and to get tools to become an effective agent for change in your community!

We are looking for progressive civic leaders to support and work within your community. Join us, and together we can make a better, more equitable, community for all Americans.

Shade Tree Brigade Kickoff

Saturday, September 30, 10am
The OB Green Center
4843 B Voltaire Street
For More Information

Join us and Save Peninsula Trees if you want to help green Ocean Beach and contribute to the cities goal of meeting our Climate Action Plan.  We will gather at the Ocean Beach Green Center for coffee and bagels and a short briefing, and then go out into our neighborhood to preselected  areas for planting potential ( You may choose your own neighborhood in Ocean Beach if you prefer) You will be given information and materials to share with  our neighbors the good news that they can get free trees and free plantings just by agreeing to water them until they are established. 

Other Stuff to Do

Sign the Petition Investigate Mayor Faulconer for Criminal Negligence in Hepatitis A Outbreak The San Diego City government, led by Mayor Faulconer, has been told for three years that more public restrooms are needed downtown. But the Mayor has consistently cried poor mouth — despite spending $2.1 million on an unplanned EIR for an upgraded Qualcomm Football Stadium during this time.

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!

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.

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Doug Porter

Doug Porter was active in the early days of the alternative press in San Diego, contributing to the OB Liberator, the print version of the OB Rag, the San Diego Door, and the San Diego Street Journal. He went on to have a 35-year career in the Hospitality business and decided to go back into raising hell when he retired. He won numerous awards for his columns from the Society of Professional Journalists in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Doug is a cancer survivor (sans vocal chords) and lives in North Park.

Latest posts by Doug Porter (see all)

• Last Call. Last Column. - December 14, 2018
• Which Presidential Candidate Will You Support in 2020? - December 13, 2018
• Mounting the Assault on Big Gay and Other Drivel From SDSU’s Minimum Wage Scrooge - December 12, 2018