We’re headed into a holiday week, and let’s face it, doing something positive locally in light of what’s happening elsewhere is a good idea. I promised Ironworker Johnny Swanson I’d support the diaper drive this year. So, ripped from the pages of Facebook, the pitch begins below…
“One in three American moms struggles to provide clean diapers for her children. Food stamps and WIC programs do not cover diapers and families are often forced to make tough decisions because they can’t afford to buy diapers.
Last year, the San Diego Building & Construction Trades Council, inspired by the leadership of Ironworkers Local 229 Organizer Johnny Swanson and Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher’s Annual Holiday Diaper Drive, decided to step up and see how many diapers we could collect from our members, contractors, allies, and friends, to support the families struggling in our communities. We collected over 75,000 diapers (!!!) and were able to kickstart the creation of the San Diego Diaper Bank, which is now housed in the San Diego Food Bank.
This year, we want to see if we can raise over 100,000 diapers, and we know that we will with your help. The Diaper Drive will run until December 17, 2017.
You can deliver packages of new diapers to:
National City Park Apartments
2323 D Avenue
San Diego, CA 91950
Checks for diaper donations (tax deductible) can be made out to “John Lyons Memorial Foundation.” Please write “Diaper Drive” in the memo of your check and mail it to:
John Lyons Memorial Foundation
3737 Camino Del Rio S. #202
San Diego, CA 92108
For those who prefer to donate online:
The SD Food Bank has a link for its Diaper Bank Program: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/DiaperBank
All donations will make their way to the SD Food Bank / Diaper Bank to purchase diapers in bulk at a discount.”
So, what are you waiting for?
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.
November 17
Join the Light Brigade Dump Darrell Issa
Friday, November 17, 6pm
San Diego Visitor Information Center
2688 East Mission Bay Drive
For More Information
Hosted by Our Revolution San Diego
Help us dump Darrell Issa! Will you join us?
We will meet at the Mission Bay Visitor’s Center, and walk the short distance to the Clairemont overpass. We will have lighted letters reading Dump Darrell Issa. We need volunteers to join us and have each of you hold one of these letters. Help us get our message across!
In 2016 we came within 1650 votes of unseating him. This time, let’s close the gap and oust him.
13th Film Screening & Discussion
Friday, November 17, 5pm
Center or Intercultural Relations
5500 Campanile Drive (SDSU)
For More Information
13th is an in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation’s history of racial injustice. Join the Social Justice Committee to discuss the prison industrial complex, police brutality, and how to support folks who have experienced these forms of violence and trauma.
In addition, we will hold a space to discuss the Dec. 2nd March for Jonathon Coronel. Jonathon Coronel was killed by Vista Police this past July. Police brutality is a systematic act of violence that continues to impact black and brown folks. Please stand in solidarity and join us for this discussion and march. We will be organizing a carpool for anyone who would like to join us. Hope you can join us on these two important dates.
November 18
“White People Doing Racial Justice” Support Group
Saturday, November 18, 1pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
4190 Front Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Room 323. Rev. Kathleen hosts a group that will focus on supporting and encouraging white people doing the work of racial justice, to remain steadfast in their efforts.
Anti-Border Wall Banner Making Party
Saturday, November 18, 1pm
4410 Glacier Avenue (Grantville)
For More Information
Hosted by ANSWER SanDiego and San Diego PSL
Please come out and lend a hand with some proactive banner making.
League of Women Voters Homelessness Meeting
Saturday, November 18, 1pm
Point Loma/Harvey Library
3701 Voltaire Street
The Public is Invited
The LWVSD Study Committee on Homelessness has been providing information on the homelessness issue in the last three newsletters.
Plan on attending the General Meeting to hear further information and ask questions. This is in preparation for consensus meetings to be held in February and the creation of a position for our League.
Not One Penny Rally
Saturday, November 18, 11am
Westfield Mall, North County
272 East Via Rancho Parkway
For More Information
Hosted by Flip CA 50th
In early November, Congressional Republicans released a bill that would give massive tax cuts to the rich and wealthy corporations. The cuts for the already-wealthy would come on the backs of seniors with fixed incomes and those who can least afford them. The last thing we need is for the tax code to be even more rigged in favor of millionaires, billionaires, and corporate insiders. Instead, we need to fight for a tax code that makes the economy work better for working families. Republicans’ desires to cut taxes for corporations will undermine our commitment to public education, job training, Medicare, and Medicaid, and make it impossible to invest in the middle class. The NYT calls this “Paul Ryan’s 2017 Tax Increase on Middle-Class Families.”
Our Congressman, Duncan Hunter is in favor of this bill which includes the elimination of state and local tax (SALT) deductions, which affect 1 in 3 Californians for an annual average deduction of $5,507. He says, “Why punish the rest of the nation when California is stupid?” This bill also cuts coverage for CA wildfires, but not hurricanes. Our representative does not represent us. Bring your signs and voices and let’s show him how we feel!
Please park close to, but not adjacent to the Macaroni Grill, as those spaces are reserved for their customers. We are a peaceful, non-violent organization and do not tolerate disruptive behavior. We ask that all participants respect our policy.
So Cal Marxism Conference
Saturday, November 18, 11:30am
College-Rolando Library
6600 Montezuma Road
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by SoCal International Socialists
We need to build a left-wing resistance that doesn’t let the right go unopposed. We need to protest the reactionaries wherever they appear, and not go along with the liberal advice to ignore them and they will go away–because they won’t. We need to claim the right of free speech for ourselves to make our opposition heard.
But we need something else as well: a left that puts forward a political alternative to the right’s scapegoating and hate.
This is the case for joining the struggle for socialism today. The disasters of capitalism are as numerous and obvious as they have ever been–and so is the need to do something now to achieve a socialist future.
Conference Schedule:
11:30-12:00- Registration
12:00-1:30- Morbid Symptoms: How Do We Fight the Rise of the Far Right
1:45-3:15- Marxism, Class, and Oppression
3:30-5:00- The 100th Anniversary of the Russian Revolution
6:00- Dinner
North County Climate Change Alliance Meeting
Saturday, November 18, 1pm
City of Carlsbad Harding Community Center
3096 Harding St
For More Information
Networking Opportunity for groups and individuals concerned about Climate Change.
November 19
Break the Ban – Feeding the Homeless in El Cajon
Sunday, November 19. 2pm
Wells Park
1153 East Madison Avenue
For More Information
The city council of El Cajon has voted 5-0 to ban feeding the homeless in El Cajon. It is now against the law. Please join us in an act of defiance to this ban as we feed the homeless in Well’s Park. When a law is immoral, it must be rejected. Please share this event across your networks and invite all of your friends. This ban is a punitive measure under the guise of combatting the Hepatitis A outbreak. Hepatitis A is not spread by feeding the homeless, it is spread when there are no bathrooms or handwashing facilities for these people. Please join us in saying no. #breaktheban
Town Hall in City Heights
Sunday, November 19, 2pm
City Heights Library
3795 Fairmount Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ San Diego , Alafia Voices of the African Diaspora, Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego, ACTIVIST SAN DIEGO
Join us as we address issues that we are facing in our communities of color.
Dismantling White Supremacy Teach-In
Sunday, November 19, 1pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church
4190 Front Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Rev. Kathleen Owens will offer a Dismantling White Supremacy Teach-In. This will build on the Teach-In from May 7. All are welcome.
Southeast Talk with Michael Brunker (Jackie Robinsons YMCA ED)
Sunday, November 19, 1pm
Activist San Diego
4246 Wrightman Street (City Heights)
For More Information
Hosted by Alafia Voices of the African Diaspora
Michael Brunker shares his experiences in southeast San Diego and why the Jackie Robinsons YMCA’s new building is a asset for southeast San Diego’s.
“Tony” Free Documentary Screening
and Q&A w/ director and Tony
Sunday, November 19, 4:30pm
Normal Heights Methodist Church
4650 Mansfield Street
For More Information
4:30 – 5:00 Gather with Dark Horse Coffee Roasters coffee
5:00 – 6:00 Film screening
6:00 – 7:00 Q&A w/ director and Tony
We will be hosting a free screening of the local documentary, “Tony.” This documentary follows the life of Tony, a San Diego native who finds himself unemployed and ultimately living on the streets. Director Dennis Stein interviews politicians, agency leaders and homeless advocates in San Diego and other cities to learn what’s being done locally and nationally to address the problem.
It is our goal to have an open and constructive conversation about the issues that our community, city, and nation deal with currently, and what can be done long-term to solve them. We are inviting local leaders, organizations, and businesses to join in this event to get multiple perspectives on these issues.
Film: Open Bethlehem
Sunday, November 19, 1:30pm
Point Loma Library
3701 Voltaire Street
For More Information
Hosted by Jewish Voice for Peace – San Diego Chapter
This film shows the devastating effects of Israel’s wall and occupation of Bethlehem on its inhabitants and the tourism industry The filmmaker will propose a plan for you to help. Free admission.
DSA San Diego: November General
Sunday, November 19, 4pm
San Diego Friends Center
3850 Westgate Place
For More Information
Hosted by Democratic Socialists of America
As always, this meeting is open to new and current members, prospective members, and those seeking information about San Diego DSA.
We encourage all current members to attend, as we will hold our brainstorming session for our local’s 2018 actions, as well as the debut of your newly elected Steering Committee!
Our working groups will also provide some exciting updates with opportunities to join, and much more. This is an exciting time for democratic socialists, so please come join us!
November 20
San Diego Transgender Day of Remembrance
Monday, November 20, 6pm
San Diego LGBT Center
3909 Centre Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Join us as we remember those we lost due to anti-transgender hate and violence. Together we will mourn, honor & celebrate their authentic lives. All are welcome.
6PM Vigil March (Meeting Outside of The Center)
7PM Program at The Center.
ASD Monthly Community Meeting
Monday, November 20, 7pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Avenue (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Hosted by ACTIVIST SAN DIEGO
Activist San Diego is calling on San Diegans to come together this month to discuss the issues that affect our community. We’ll have guest speakers, community discussion and ways for you to become active in San Diego right now! Please come to this meeting if you want to be working with kindred folks on making San Diego a better home for all.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Monday, November 20, 7pm
Oceanside Public Library
330 North Coast Highway
For More Information
Hosted by Gender Advocacy Project
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
November 21
Weekly Issa Resistance Rally
Tuesday, November 21, 10am
1800 Thibodo Road (Vista)
America’s longest-running weekly protest. Bring signs and a smile.
Movie screening: The Honest Struggle
Tuesday, November 21, 7:30pm
Price Center (UCSD)
For More Information
Hosted by Muslim Student Association at UCSD – MSA UCSD and Black Student Union at UC San Diego
A special movie screening of The Honest Struggle, a documentary on the prison industrial complex. This will be followed by a Q&A panel with the director: Justin Mashouf, Film Lead: Sadiq Davis, and local community organizer: Khalid Alexander. Come for this extremely informative and beneficial experience, refreshments and DINNER will be provided (yay free food). Doors open at 7:30 sharp, please be punctual as time is limited.
watch the trailer here: www.honeststruggle.co come thru yall this is a one of a kind experience
November 23
Day Labor Thanksgiving Outreach
Thursday, November 23, 9:30am
2258 Island Avernue
For More Information
Hosted by BORDER ANGELS(RSVP)
Volunteers are encouraged to bring donations such as turkey sandwiches, desserts, fruits and other snacks.
Give Thanks: Free Thanksgiving Dinner in San Diego
Thursday, November 23, 11am-3pm
Cafe Gratitude
1980 Ketner Boulevard
For More Information
‘Tis the season of giving and, once again, we’re giving our community the chance to enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal! Gather your family and friends and stop by our San Diego location on Thanksgiving day for free drinks and plant-based bites. Forgo spending hours in the kitchen and opt to experience nourishment instead. Early arrival is strongly suggested. No reservations.
Donations optional. All proceeds with be donated to Ambulante, an org that’s working to rebuild hospitals, schools, and homes that have been severely affected by the recent earthquakes in Mexico.
You can help others experience nourishment on this day, as well. Join our team for the day and volunteer before, during, and after our meal. Deadline to sign up to be a volunteer is November 20th. Shifts are available from 9am – 5pm. To sign up, visit www.cafegratitude.com/
November 24
Fur Free Friday – San Diego
Friday, November 24, 11am
Fashion Valley Mall
For More Information
This is a march for the dead. PLEASE WEAR ALL BLACK.
We will meet downstairs outside of Bloomingdales, which happens to sell so many dead animals skin and fur. We will protest starting at Bloomingdales and march through the entire mall, to speak the truth for the millions of animals skinned alive for their body parts.
November 25
OB Rally Against Short Term Rentals
Saturday, November 25, Noon
Corner Abbott & Voltaire Streets
For More Information
Joins us as speakers talk about the impact of short-term rentals in our communities. We’ll take a short walk to point out some examples.
Me Too March
Saturday, November 25, 10am
San Diego Civic Center Plaza
1200 Third Avenue
For More Information
November 25th 2017 is designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in remembrance of the three Mirabal sisters who were brutally assassinated in 1960 for their political activism in the Dominican Republic. Join us as we come together in solidarity for all who have been assaulted: verbally, physically or sexually. The time has arrived to increase awareness to the depth of this problem, deepen our stand against it and come together to heal and move into celebrating with love the lives of all!
We have had more than enough – No More Abuse in Any Form!
Barrio Art Jammmm
Saturday, November 25, 5-11pm
La Bodega
2196 Logan Street
For More Information
Art show with 30 artists, 6 bands, including Trio Gadjo and Quinteto Caballero. $10 Donation
El Cajon Food Solidarity Event
Saturday, November 25, 5pm
Wells Park (El Cajon)
1153 East Madison Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Food Not Bombs San Diego
Food Not Bombs in conjunction with other community groups is holding an event in protest to recent ordinances passed in El Cajon against the public sharing of food.
Save the Date
Justice for Jonathan Coronel March and Rally
Saturday, December 2, 11am
200 Civic Center Drive (Vista)
Hear Our Vote | Anniversary Women’s March
Saturday, January 20, Noon
Waterfront Park, Embarcadero
San Diego Handmaids March
Sunday, January 21, 11am
Planned Parenthood
2017 First Ave
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.
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Sign Up for Indivisible. All the cool kids are doing it. (Really!)
Run For Something: Learn more about running for office
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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