Deputy Richard Fischer on a ‘public relations’ call via @SDSheriff on Twitter
Predators, Perverts, and Racists– Oh, My!
A ninth woman has come forward with claims of sexual misconduct by San Diego County Sheriff Deputy Richard Fischer, according to the Union-Tribune. All the victims are alleging incidents involving unwelcome hugs, groping and, in some cases, implied threats. Although the complaints date back to 2016, the Deputy was not placed on formal leave until lawsuits were filed last month.
It’s not like this was a one-time thing for at least one of the women; I’d call it stalking:
“When he clicked the seat belt into place, he rubbed L.R.’s breasts up and down using the heel of his hand and the inner part of his arm,” one of the new lawsuits alleges. “Fischer said, ‘Oh I hope your husband doesn’t mind.’”
That complaint, filed Wednesday in San Diego Superior Court by a woman who did not want to be publicly identified as a victim of sexual assault, accuses Fischer of accosting her five other times before she was released with a misdemeanor ticket last year.
“L.R. continues to be scared of law enforcement officers, and every time she sees a SDSO vehicle she wonders if it is Fischer and is frightened that Fischer may retaliate against her,” the lawsuit states.
Let me use this occasion to remind everybody that Sheriff Bill Gore is up for re-election come June 5. And candidate Sheriff Commander Dave Myers is looking better all the time.
In case you missed it, here’s the alleged pedophile and Republican Senate candidate from Alabama, via The Grio:
Republican Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore apparently thinks slavery is what made America great.
During a rally in Florence, Alabama, in September, Moore was asked by an African-American man in the audience when he believed America was great, and this was his answer:
“I think it was great at the time when families were united. Even though we had slavery, they cared for one another. … Our families were strong, our country had a direction.”
Finally, since nobody on the left side of the aisle cared to organize a demonstration near the site where prototypes for the TrumpWall are standing, the Nativist Nutcases from the region have decided to have a celebration of ‘we’re not racism’ this weekend. Rep. Duncan Hunter will be the featured speaker, who will no doubt vape and huff and puff until the bad hombres sneaking over the border run away. There’s a prison nearby, should the 50th District congressman want to sneak a peek at what his future lodgings could look like.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security spent time and energy earlier this year warning of large-scale protests and violence, according to an intelligence alert described to The Wall Street Journal by two law-enforcement officials, so this has got to be a wet dream for the local law and order types, who have advised participants that carrying self-defense gear is perfectly acceptable.
There is a group organizing a counter-demonstration. I won’t be going. I get enough stupid from watching the news these days.
The holiday season is upon us, and many groups are taking a break. Next Friday’s (Dec 15) Activist Calendar will be the last one for 2017; I’ll resume on January 5, 2018.
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.
December 8
Join the Light Brigade to Dump Darell Issa
Cancelled due to fire emergencies in North County
Friday, December 8, 5pm
La Jolla Whole Foods Market
8825 Villa La Jolla Drive
For More Information
Hosted by Our Revolution San Diego
We will meet behind Whole Foods and walk the short distance to the Nobel 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!
After we hold the lights up for 1 hour, we will celebrate with beer and pizza. Bring your goodwill and outrage. Now if you can’t make it this Friday join us every 2 weeks as we take the message to every overpass up the 5 right into Orange County…We will not stop until Darrell is gone.
DACA NOW
Friday, December 8, 7pm
Camino De La Plaza (San Ysidro)
For More Information
Hosted by Dreams Without Borders/Suenos Sin Fronteras
Dreams Without Borders will begin a series of events at different high transit bridges throughout the San Diego County to advocate solidarity with DREAMers, AB540 Recipients, and the community at large that will benefit from an Immigration Reform.
December 9
Counter-Demonstrate the Racists at Otay Mesa
Saturday, December 9, 10am
Enrico Fermi Place
For More Information
Hosted by International Socialist Organization – San Diego
Racists are coming to demonstrate at the border. Let’s show them they aren’t welcome here!
The description on from bigots’ event page:
“Big Rally at the San Diego Border (Otay Mesa) in support of the new border wall and the U.S. Border Patrol. Rally sponsored by San Diegans for Secure Borders, Unite America First, Frontline America, San Diego Patriots, Latinos for Trump, Make America Great PAC, and other pro-border security groups.
Guest speakers confirmed so far:
– Congressman Duncan Hunter
– Tim Donnelly – Former Minuteman Leader and CA Assemblyman
– Chris Harris – Secretary of National Border Patrol Council,
Local 1613.
– Agnes Gibboney – Angel Mom in San Bernardino County. Her son
was murdered by a previously deported illegal alien.
– Leaders of strong Patriot groups in California.
EASY DIRECTIONS: 805 or 125 SOUTH to 905 EAST. 905 turns into CA-11 EAST. Turn RIGHT on Enrico Fermi Dr., then turn LEFT on Enrico Fermi PLACE (east) all the way to the end. Park on the side of the road. Rally will be in the big dirt lot on the south side of the road.
San Diego Scrooge (Three Ghosts and a Mayor)
Saturday, December 9, 1pm
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore Street
For More Information
San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance proudly presents a short Play called “Three Ghosts and a Mayor,” written & directed by Suzanne Morse, which is a satire about the San Diego Mayor and his current inaction regarding the Homeless crisis. It is loosely associated with the well-known tale, “Christmas Carol.”
The San Diego Mayor encounters 3 Ghosts that warn him of his ways, but will the Mayor wake up in time? Come and find out. Black humor.
This Event and Performance is being held as a fundraiser for the San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance.
Tony – The Movie (Homelessness in San Diego)
Saturday, December 9, 4pm
Trinity United Methodist Church
3030 Thorn Street
For More Information
Learn about the challenges of homelessness and how the region of San Diego can address the issue. Meet the Dennis Stein, the filmmaker, and the Tony Rodriguez, featured in the film, during a Q&A following the film.
August 2017 – Learn about how to solve homelessness in San Diego. – Film Synopsis – When Tony ends up homeless after losing his job as a waiter in San Diego, he is faced with the daily struggles of life on the streets. His search for housing begins, but then turns into a quest for solutions to homelessness, not just for himself, but for thousands people living on the streets across the county. The investigation takes him to the top levels of government locally, but also to regions across the country where progress is being made. What do communities do to significantly reduce homelessness? What is happening in San Diego? And does Tony find housing?
Home for the Holidays!
Saturday, December 9, 5pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Join us as we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures & traditions within the San Diego LGBT Community! Family friendly and free to all. Come to dance, learn something new, and meet your community!
Racism: A Root Cause for Social Inequities in our Food System
Saturday, December 9, 5:30pm
Educational Cultural Complex
4343 Oceanview Blvd
For More Information (Tickets/Admission)
Hosted by The People’s Produce Project – San Diego
Building alternative neighborhood-based food systems require a social commitment to racial equity and a fearless commitment to social justice. The intent of the PNV Food Justice Legacy Lecture Series is to convene opportunities for shared experiences and provide intellectual inspiration to communities most impacted by inequitable practices.
We have asked Dr. Maulana Karenga, an accomplished activist scholar, the creator of Kwanzaa, an African America cultural holiday, and published author, to deliver the keynote address on “Racism as a Root Cause for Inequities within the US Food System and Society as a Whole”.
Following the lecture, there will be a response panel and conversation with the audience. Confirmed panelists so far (11/13), Lianne Urada, PhD, MSW, LCSW, Assistant Professor, San Diego State University School of Social Work & University of California San Diego, Center on Gender Equity and Health, Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health, Department of Medicine. The program also includes dinner at 5:30pm and cultural performances.
Free All Political Prisoners Forum
Saturday, December 9, 4pm
The Brown Building
4133 Poplar Street
For More Information
Hosted by Workers World Party – San Diego
Ever wonder what people mean when they refer to someone as a ‘political prisoner’? Curious about who is currently in prison on political charges? Join us for discussion about multiple political prisoners, including Mumia-Abu Jamal, Leonard Peltier, and Russel ‘Maroon’ Shoatz. We will also be discussing local victims of police brutality like Sagon Penn and how their struggles are interrelated.
Tacos, Beers & Democracy – Indivisible CA50 Endorsement Vote
Saturday, December 9, 4pm
Burning Beard Brewing
785 Vernon Way (El Cajon)
For More Information
Tacos! Beers! Democracy! What could be a better combination? And what could be a better way to spend some time with your Resistance family and take a break from the holiday frenzy?
Join us at Burning Beard Brewery in El Cajon to enjoy some craft beer, taco truck goodness, and to cast your vote for the candidate Indivisible CA50 will back in the race to replace Duncan Hunter, Jr.
Already cast your vote? Remain undecided? You still won’t want to miss out. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and hear from a representative from Indivisible National as well.
Fundraiser for Puerto Rico: MALA MALA Screening
Saturday, December 9, 4pm
Digital Gym Cinema
2921 El Cajon Boulevard (North Park)
For More Information (Tickets)
A fundraiser for the LGBTQIA+ community in Puerto Rico affected by the Hurricane María. Reception will start at 3pm MALA MALA, a documentary about the trans community in Puerto Rico will begin at 4pm. All proceeds with go towards hurricane relief.
December 10
Protest Sea World San Diego – Corky; 48 Years a Slave
Sunday, December 10, 10am
Sea World San Diego
For More Information
December 11 marks the day that Corky was captured in 1969 and taken from her family the A5 POD. She has been locked up as a slave for 48 years. She was 4 years old when she was brutally captured.
We will bring awareness to this day for Corky and all the other animals that are wrongfully enslaved at Sea World. We will have the Corky banner for this event.
Human Rights Day of Action 2017
Sunday, December 10, 3:30pm
San Diego County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway
For More Information
On Sunday, December 10, International Human Rights Day, the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, UNA-USA San Diego, Climate Action Campaign, CAIR San Diego, the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, Islamic Center of San Diego, Muslim American Society-San Diego, SDIRC, Unite Here Local 30, United Domestic Workers, IWJ San Diego County and countless others are calling for a large scale rally to demonstrate our commitment to fighting for the ideals that those before us inspired: fairness, equity, dignity, humanity, and welcome for all.
San Diego County is a multi-national , multicultural region with vibrant immigrant and refugee populations. With the erosion of public trust in government and increasingly uncivil public discourse, we call on local lawmakers to stand up for all San Diegans and to ensure the region’s newcomer, immigrant, and Muslim families are safe, valued and included members of our shared community. So that every San Diegan may feel safe, valued and included, our region must address the key sustainability issues of access to housing, transparent democracy, and constitutional rights to privacy and free practice of religion.
On December 10th, as we observe International Human Rights Day of Action, we will gather as a chorus of voices standing up against hateful rhetoric and discriminatory legislation. We call on our public elected representatives—and on each other—to take responsible action to welcome and protect the rights of our newcomer and immigrant families.
5th Annual Vigil in Remembrance of the Victims of Gun Violence
Sunday, December 10, 4:30pm
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito
1036 Solana Drive (Solana Beach)
For More Information
Special guest will be Sandy Anglican-Phillips, the co-founder of Jessie’s Message along with her husband Lonnie who founded this group to honor the memory of their daughter, Jessica Ghawi, a news reporter killed in the Aurora Theater on July 20, 2012.
Please join us again as we pay tribute to the effort of people who want to end gun violence and the memory of those we have lost.
Anti-Airbnb Rally/March for Families!
Sunday, December 10, Noon
Pacific Beach Middle School
4676 Ingram Street
For More Information
Hosted by Save San Diego Neighborhoods
Help save our neighborhoods and schools! Rally and march with us to oppose the conversion of homes to Airbnb short term rentals. Guest speakers: Lori Saldana, former California Assembly Re.; Dr. Michael McQuary, SD Board of Education Trustee; Jennifer Tandy, past SDUSD Mission Bay Cluster Chair; Brian Curry, past Chair of the PB Planning Group and Ronan Gray, SSDN.
North SD County Women’s March Volunteers Meeting
Sunday, December 10, 2pm
1234 North Santa Fe Avenue (Vista)
For More Information
Hosted by North County San Diego Women In Solidarity
Come and find out how you too can help make our voices heard.
The organizing committee will be meeting with people interested in volunteering for our upcoming North County Women´s March 2018. Come and find out how you can be part of these efforts. We are in need of volunteers to help with a variety of tasks from now to January 20th, 2018.
December 11
SDPDC December Meeting
Monday, December 11, 6pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Progressive Democratic Club
Join the San Diego Progressive Democratic Club for our December meeting, where we will be approving and considering multiple endorsements for State Assembly, Congress, and others, and taking care of our last business for the year.
After two months of local area chapter meetings, each one has elected their new executive boards and made their recommendations for endorsement. Now it’s time to come back together as a full club and share what we’ve been working on! We may have suffered a crushing defeat with the tax bill, but that just further reinforces how critically important the work that lays ahead of us truly is.
December 12
Julian Indivisible Open Meeting
Tuesday, December 12, 2pm
Community United Church of Julian
2898 Highway 78/79
For More Information
Plan to attend and bring interested friends to join you!
Jane Elliott in San Diego – Brown Eyes or Blue Eyes?
Tuesday, December 12, 5:30pm
Moved to January 19 @ 7pm
Lemon Grove Community Church “The Lagoon”
3122 Main Street
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by NAN San Diego & Imperial Counties
The National Action Network is known for its action lead style and its aggressive approach to civil advocacy. Jane Elliot has and still continues to this fight on whole other level. Jane states that’s it’s about the ignorance of one people at the expense of another, and frankly, she doesn’t put up with it. With her robust style and surprise tactics Jane puts you into a world where you are placed in the very shoes of the person who is at the brunt of the most covert mistreatment in human history.
Jane Elliott, internationally known teacher, lecturer, diversity trainer, and recipient of the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education, exposes prejudice and bigotry for what it is, an irrational class system based upon purely arbitrary factors. And if you think this does not apply to you. . . you are in for a rude awakening.
In response to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. over thirty years ago, Jane Elliott devised the controversial and startling, “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” exercise. This, now famous, exercise labels participants as inferior or superior based solely upon the color of their eyes and exposes them to the experience of being a minority. Everyone who is exposed to Jane Elliott’s work, be it through a lecture, workshop, or video, is dramatically affected by it.
Weekly Issa Resistance Rally
Tuesday, December 12, 10am
1800 Thibodo Road (Vista)
Come join the longest weekly running resistance rally.
December 13
VA Nurses Call Attention to Veteran Care Concerns
Wednesday, December 13, Noon
VA San Diego Healthcare
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
For More Information
After a year spent attempting to get VA management to address the patient care concerns of VA nurses and veterans, it is time to take our concerns public. Over that time, the well-documented concerns of VA nurses have been minimized and ignored. A culture of favoritism is attempting to reestablish itself. Bullies are promoted. Nurses are silenced. Patient care concerns are ignored. As patient advocates, we cannot sit by while the patient care environment for our veterans becomes unhealthy. Nurses, veterans, and the community will stand together in front of the San Diego VA entrance and bring the nurses’ voices forward to the public. We appreciate all who can show up to express their solidarity with the VA nurses. Together we can fight for the changes our Veterans deserve!
50th Congressional District Candidate Forum
Wednesday, December 13, 6pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Claremont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action
Join us Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Elijah’s Restaurant, Delicatessen & Catering in Clairemont for the San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action December meeting, as we round out our year with a special forum of Democratic candidates challenging GOP incumbent Duncan D. Hunter in the race for California’s 50th Congressional District.
We’ll hear from candidates Josh Butner, Ammar Campa-Najjar and Pierre “Pete” Beauregard. The forum will be moderated by club president Tommy Hough. Also on the agenda is an endorsement vote for Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, the author of AB-805, in the 80th Assembly District (AD-80).
Our meetings are always free and open to the public, but only club members are permitted to submit questions for candidates. Questions will be submitted in writing only. Check-in time and social gathering begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and the meeting will come to order at 6:30.
San Diego Vigil – To Honor the Victims of Gun Violence
Wednesday, December 13, 7pm
St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
2728 Sixth Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego County Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
Come together to remember half a million Americans injured or killed by gun violence since the Sandy Hook shooting tragedy on December 14, 2012.
Waypoint Movie Night
Wednesday, December 13, 5:30pm
Waypoint Public
3794 30th Street (North Park)
For More Information
Hosted by Raise Progress
Waypoint Public is hosting a series of movie nights, with part of the proceeds going to Raise Progress. Raise Progress is a PAC that was formed by parents in North Park to support progressive political candidates in the 2018 midterms. On Dec 13, The Tree of Life will be shown in the back room of Waypoint for the kids. Parents can watch too, or have drinks in the front!
December 14
San Diego Tenant Union Membership Drive
Thursday, December 14, 6pm
Fair at 44
4350 El Cajon Boulevard
For More Information
San Diego Tenants Union would like to invite the public to our Tenants Union membership drive. Enrollment to the services and resources we are providing our members will be available. Come join us an hear the success stories some of our members have achieved.
Are you in school and are in need of community volunteer hours? We have volunteer hours to provide. You are not a tenant, but would like to learn how you can get involved to improve the quality of your community! Come join our community organizing movement. Do you have a busy schedule? And are interested in supporting our campaign for Rent Control? Stop by and make a donation!
If you are not familiar with rent control come and learn the truth about its pros and get transparency about the con’s circulating the web, media, and articles. Remember! Your vote is key in assuring quality in your community! Don’t be fooled by false propaganda, feel free to ask any questions.
SURJ SD Workshop: Talking about Race with Family and Friends
Thursday, December 14, 6:30pm
College-Rolando Public Library
6600 Montezuma Road
For More Information
Hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ San Diego
The holidays can be joyful and a challenging time. How can we use our time with family and friends this season to promote and agitate for racial justice? In this workshop, we’ll give you practical tools and do some role playing.
All are welcome, particularly first-timers. Parking is in the back, via Bowman Lane and Mohawk Street.
Encinitas Unity: Darrell Issa Street-Corner Protest
Thursday, December 14, 4pm
Encinitas Boulevard & El Camino Real
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
Film Night “Chasing Coral”
Thursday, December 14, 7pm
OB Green Center
4943 B Voltaire Street
For More Information
Coral reefs are the nursery for all life in the oceans, a remarkable ecosystem that sustains us. Yet with carbon emissions warming the seas, a phenomenon called “coral bleaching”-a sign of mass coral death-has been accelerating around the world, and the public has no idea of the scale or implication of the catastrophe silently raging underwater. Watching Jeff Orlowski’s 2017 is a remarkable experience, one that teeters between overwhelming the viewer with the scope of earth’s ruin and inspiring them to find ways to help. Free
December 18
Annual Activist Holiday Party Hosted by KNSJ & ASD
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Street
For More Information
Hosted by Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego and ACTIVIST SAN DIEGO
Join us this year as Activist San Diego and KNSJ celebrates our Annual Social Justice Holiday Party. There will be food ( Potluck), drinks, live music, and most of all like-minded Activists. Every year ASD and KNSJ host an Activist Holiday Party, a wonderful opportunity for cultural sharing, celebrating our past year and fabulous foods.
Save the Date
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.
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!)
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.
This is a rotten apple.
People will tell you it’s a healthy snack and it’s perfectly fine to eat.
It doesn’t change the fact it’s rotten to the core.
The G.O.P. Is Rotting. pic.twitter.com/kbYnN6DE3V
— Red T Raccoon (@RedTRaccoon) December 8, 2017
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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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I read the Daily Fishwrap(s) so you don’t have to… Send your hate mail and ideas to DougPorter@SanDiegoFreePress.Org Check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Doug Porter
Latest posts by Doug Porter (see all)
- 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
amazing summary, should I kill myself now, or others, “to be or not to be, that is the question”
ps: “whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them…” (Shakespeare,Hamlet) and he shook a spear or two in his time, and still today..