Credit: Christos Doulkeridis / Flickr
Legislation co-sponsored by San Diego Congressman Rep. Scott Peters has drawn the ire of civil rights organizations and advocates for the disabled. On Thursday as the House of Representatives passed the ADA Education and Reform Act (HR 620) by a 225-to-192 vote, with 12 Democrats joining all but 19 Republicans.
Supporters of the bill claim it is a reasonable reform aimed at stopping bad actors from abusing the law for personal gain. Opponents claim it limits the power of the Americans with Disabilities Act and turns back the clock on disability rights.
At issue is a change in the language currently requiring ‘providing access’ to making ‘substantial progress.’ This may seem like small potatoes to some, but for those who are wheelchair bound and still seeing access problems three decades after the original ADA was enacted, it’s a big deal.
The motivation for the bill stems from reports of trial lawyers and firms across the country submitting dozens of lawsuits against businesses for not complying with the ADA. A 60 Minutes segment from earlier this year showed lawyers in California filing ADA complaints simply after noticing violations by driving by a business or going online via Google Earth.
But critics say that these issues can be addressed at the state level and through district courts.
“[Frivolous] ADA lawsuits…are not an ADA issue; they are a state and court problem,” disability rights lawyer Robyn Powell wrote in an op-ed for Rewire in May 2017. “Indeed, ethics rules bar attorneys from bringing frivolous lawsuits. Rather than go after people with disabilities, attention should be focused on stopping these few bad attorneys.”
Under the bill, those wishing to sue businesses in federal court over an ADA public-accommodations violation must first deliver a written notice to that business detailing the illegal barrier to access and then give that business 60 days to come up with a plan to address the complaints and an additional 60 days to take action.
The legislation garnered some bipartisan support, including from one of the most liberal members of the House.
Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), a lead co-sponsor of the bill, said in an interview that she has “witnessed too many rip-off artists in California that are in it for just making a buck.”
Rep. Scott Peters spoke on the floor prior to the vote, saying he’d met with disabled activists and introduced amendments he believed addressed their concerns.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is critical to protecting every American’s right to accessing public and private spaces. That’s why we must stop bad actors who are abusing this landmark civil rights law for their own personal financial gain and standing in the way of real improvements to access,” said Rep. Peters. “This bipartisan bill allows business owners to spend their money to fix problems and improve accessibility, rather than paying off lawyers to settle cookie-cutter lawsuits.”
Peters’s office issued a press release outlining three amendments included in the final version of the bill.
“The first amendment clarifies that the “cure” period is a maximum of 120 days, rather than 180 days. The second amendment clearly defines that a business can only claim “substantial progress” toward addressing a barrier to access when the business can prove it is unable to comply through no fault of its own. Finally, the third amendment allows the notice to business owners to be provided in plain language, without requiring specific citations which might prove challenging for non-lawyers.”
Disabled advocates were not impressed, and disrupted proceedings chanting “Hands off ADA” as they were removed by Capitol Police.
Senator Tammy Duckworth objected to provisions of the bill via Twitter:
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, via Twitter
Ever since I lost my legs when an RPG tore thru the cockpit of my Blackhawk I was flying over Iraq, getting around has been difficult—even w/the #ADA, I can’t always enter public spaces & have to spend a lot of time planning how to get frm 1 place to the next…
…Supporters of #HR620 don’t deny that they’re violating the law—they just resent being sued for “minor” #ADA infractions. But an incline that is “only” a few degrees too steep, or an entrance that is “only” a few inches high, can determine if I’m able to access an area w/out help…
….Being unable to independently enter a movie theater, store, hotel or restaurant is not only humiliating, it limits the freedom to pursue certain jobs, access necessary services & enjoy basic conveniences that most Americans don’t think twice about…
…I understand that not everyone thinks about these things because for most of my adult life I didn’t either. But the truth is that everyone is just one bad day away from needing accessible options the #ADA requires to help them get around…
…If you don’t live with a disability, you might not think of #ADA violations as significant at 1st glance, but I assure you they’re significant for those of us who do live with disabilities…
…That’s why I STRONGLY urge all of my colleagues in the House to recognize that #DisabilityRightsAreCivilRights by voting NO on #HR620
The ACLU was among dozens of organizations speaking out against the bill.
This bill would also effectively change Title III’s requirements from providing access to making ‘substantial progress’ in removing barriers. Progress is not access. Changing the standard under the ADA from access to substantial progress would not only harm the civil rights of people with disabilities but would also increase litigation due to uncertainties about what constitutes ‘substantial progress.’
California enacted legislation in 2016 supported by both business groups and trial lawyers giving companies 15 days following an ADA complaint to resolve alleged violations if the violations fall under certain categories, including those related to signage.
The Senate has yet to take up a version of HR 620 in committee, and top Democrats are strongly opposed.
***
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.
February 16
Meet the Congressional Candidates for CA-50
Friday, February 16, 5pm
Pizza Pazza
28960 Lilac Road (Valley Center)
For More Information
Event for Indivisible Fallbrook
We have invited both Ammar Campa Najjar and Josh Butner, back to discuss their campaigns and their visions for the 50th and our country. So far Ammar has committed to come, and we are waiting to hear back from Josh’s campaign. There will be an opportunity for informal conversation from 5-6pm, followed by a relatively informal question and answer session/conversation from 6-7pm. So order your favorite slice up front and we will be on the patio! RSVP, Please on Facebook link above.
Our Dreams Live
Friday, February 16, 5pm
Bread and Salt
1955 Julian Avenue (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
We would like to invite family, friends, supporters, and allies to a night filled with fun, food & drinks (with donations), music and of course art. But Our Dreams Live is more than a benefit art show. It is a celebration of our communities and of our resiliency and adaptability in the face of continuous hardship. It is a celebration of our experiences as immigrants, DACA recipients, and Dreamers. We hope that you will join us as we fight for dignity, respect, and our rights as human beings.
Under the current political circumstances, it has never been more dire that we get our reality as a border town recognized. There is a constant fear and anxiety brought about by ICE and militarization of our borders. The fear of deportation. The lack of stability and living in a perpetual state of limbo can be and is emotionally, mentally and physically taxing. That is why we need our stories heard. Our narratives as the most vulnerable victims of increased border security need to be a part of the dialogue as legislators craft policy that directly impacts our lives. Proceeds from the show will go towards local advocacy for a Clean Dream Act as well as sending San Diego border Dreamers to D.C to have our voices heard and inserted into policy conversations. We need our realities to be acknowledged and our lives to be respected. Because it is not a piece a paper that gives us value; it is the dignity of our characters, the morality of our actions and our commitment to our communities and loved ones that give us value. We are the American Dream, and we will forever continue to fight for our dreams.
So please join us in celebrating and fundraising. Join us and be on the right side of history. We are looking forward to seeing you all there.
Bystander & Ally Intervention Training at MCC
Friday, February 16, 6pm
Muslim Community Center
14698 Via Fiesta
For More Information
Hosted by CAIR San Diego
Hello, Asalam. We at CAIR San Diego would like you to join us for our Bystander & Ally Intervention Training at MCC this Friday, February 16th at 6pm insha’Allah. This is a family-friendly training that is open to all ages and backgrounds.
Igbo Women & Their Cultural Resistance to Colonialism
Friday, February 16, 6:30pm
6443 Imperial Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Pillars of the Community San Diego
Join Africana Studies professor Dr. Alameen-Shavers for a historical analysis of Igbo women and their social/cultural resistance to colonialism.
February 17
Activist Defense Training
Saturday, February 17, 11am
Location furnished upon signup
For More Information (Sign Up)
Hosted by Community Defense Groups
This event is largely In response to very recent assaults initiated by rallying extremists, hate crimes against activists.
Dedicated to Heather Heyer and other past community activists.Training activists on situational, environmental awareness, street self-defense against bullying extremists, arrest prevention techniques, threat recognition, de-escalation techniques, Equipment will be provided. Plus, you will get to go home with self-defense tools, resources, and basic manual.** Queer and Disabled, Marginalized inclusive.
Oceanside Canvass with Flip the 49th and Soar 2/17
Saturday, February 17, 9am-1pm
4625 Lake Boulevard (Oceanside)
For More Information (RSVP)
We invite you to join Flip the 49th and the SOAR initiative Saturday, February 17 to talk to voters about the future of our country and protecting our open space resources for future generations.
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Oceanside to get to the polls in November to say NO to the anti-environmental Trump agenda- and that is when we expect the SOAR initiative will be decided. Together we can help make that happen by knocking on doors and talking to voters about the stakes of this election and giving voters the opportunity to sign the SOAR initiative and have a direct impact on their community.
This is basic grassroots democracy- neighbors talking to neighbors about issues they care about.
Neighbors in Action Canvassing: Carlsbad
Saturday, February 17, 10am
Flip the 49th Office
5145 Avenida Encinas, Suite I (Carlsbad)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Join us to talk to voters about issues that matter to all of us and the future of our country!
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Carlsbad. We just need 2000 more voters to get to the polls next year to say NO to the Trump agenda. YOU can help make that happen!
No experience needed! We provide training, scripts, walk lists, breakfast food & snacks. Wear walking shoes, hats (or sunscreen) and sunglasses, and get ready to take some direct action and talk to voters.
Transborder Voices With Marichuy and the CIG
Saturday, February 17, 10am
Friendship Park
For More Information
Hosted by Zapatista Compas Network
María de Jesús Patricio Martinez, known as “Marichuy”, the spokesperson of Mexico’s Indigenous Governing Council and the first Indigenous woman, aspiring candidate for the 2018 Presidential Elections will be present at the US/Mexico Border.
The Indigenous Governing Council has been traveling all over Mexico – through various Indigenous communities, cities, valleys and remote areas – to introduce another way of doing politics. They have been calling for visibility of the “Pueblos” or of all Indigenous communities to have a voice and a national platform to demand that the Mexican government and International community hear the voices of all those that have been resisting and to call on those communities being visited to organize themselves.
We call on everyone to stand in solidarity on this day of action by supporting the last stop of the Indigenous Governing Council caravan at the Tijuana/San Diego border.
Nominating Petition Signature Gathering
Saturday, February 17, 11am
Dog Beach (OB)
For More Information
Hosted by Bryan Pease for San Diego City Council 2018
Join us at OB Dog Beach this Saturday where we’ll have a tent, signs, and nominating petitions for folks to sign to get Bryan on the ballot. Every city council candidate has to collect at least 100 signatures to be on the ballot, and if we collect 1,000 it waives the filing fee.
We’ll also have walk packets if you want to help knock on doors of likely supportive voters to let them know environmental attorney Bryan Pease is running for San Diego City Council District 2.
February 18
Postcard Party
Sunday, February 18, 11:30am
Blind Lady Ale House
3416 Adams Avenue
For More Information
Event for Indivisible: San Diego Central
Please join us for some resistance fun at the Blind Lady. Help us grow the Blue Wave to save our democracy, November will be here before you know it! We will be sending postcards to voters in Illinois encouraging them to vote for Marie Newman, a True Blue Democrat. Postcards and writing supplies will be provided. Donations will be accepted for postage.
Socialism & National Liberation Forum
Sunday, February 18, 4pm
Unite Here Local 30
2436 Market Street
For More Information
Hosted by Workers World Party – San Diego
A Black History Month Event! Our featured speaker for the evening is Workers World Party Secretariat member and 2016 presidential candidate Monica Moorehead, giving a talk titled, “Socialism & the Black Liberation Struggle”. Moorehead edited “Marxism, Reparations & the Black Freedom Struggle.”
We will also feature speakers from Union del Barrio, and other speakers will be announced.
VCAP Monthly Meeting
Sunday, February 18, 3pm
Panera Bread
401 Vista Village Drive (Vista)
For More Information
Hosted by VCAP-Vista Climate Action Planners
Come hear how the first open community meeting went with the city of Vista and discuss what our next step is in insuring that Vista City Council adopts a better CAP that includes CCE (community choice energy)
February 19
Endorsements and Actions
Monday, February 19, 7pm
Elijah’s Restuarant
7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County
We have another great endorsement meeting:
Congress, 49th: Douglas Applegate, Sara Jacobs, Paul Kerr, Mike Levin, Christina Prejean
San Diego City Council 2: Jordan Beane, Jennifer H. Campbell MD, James Morrison, Bryan Pease
San Diego City Council 4: Myrtle Cole*, Monica Montgomery
San Diego City Council 8: Antonio Martinez, Vivian Moreno, Christian Ramirez, Zachary T. Lazarus
Community Meeting! End the Chokehold Policy in SD
Monday, February 19, 7pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by ACTIVIST SAN DIEGO
Join us this month as we organize resistance to the regressive politics of the Trump Administration.
Find out about our Community radio station, KNSJ 89.1 FM.
Join our campaign for racial justice and participate in the Racial Justice Coalition of SD. We seek to end the use of the ‘choke hold’ and other police tactics that have taken the lives of so many people, especially youth of color. Work for women’s equality and social justice with Activist San Diego as we participate in alliances with other organizations throughout the county, the state and nation.
February 20
Julian Indivisible Open Meeting
Tuesday, February 20, 2pm
Community United Methodist Church of Julian
2898 Highway 78/79
For More Information
As the June primary is only a few months away, our February meeting will have two important agenda items addressed: strategies for implementing a high school registration drive and our meet and greet event to present to greater Julian the Democratic candidates for both County Sheriff and District Attorney. Please plan to attend and bring interested friends.
Oceanside Police & Fire Commission Special Meeting!
Tuesday, February 20, 2pm
300 North Coast Highway
For More Information
Hosted by Oceanside for a Safer Community and A Soothing Seed
The Oceanside Police and Fire Commission will hold a SPECIAL MEETING to discuss the recent Medical Marijuana Ad Hoc Committee Draft Regulations.
Your ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION is REQUIRED!
Please JOIN US as we continue our push for REAL Safe Access to Medical Marijuana in Oceanside. If you wish to speak (and we hope you do), please prepare a 2 minute Speech about how Medical Marijuana has benefited YOU, a FRIEND or LOVED ONE and why the city should allow retail facilities and cultivation of a State LEGAL Crop.
City of Chula Vista Considering Marijuana Regulation
Tuesday, February 20, 5pm
Chula Vista City Hall
276 Fourth Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Cannabis Delivery Alliance
Chula Vista – San Diego County’s commercial center to the South is considering the comprehensive regulation of commercial marijuana businesses. This is the only opportunity in San Diego County currently available for independent delivery service operators to enter the Bureau of Cannabis Control supply chain. It is imperative all delivery operators show up in solidarity. Your presence evokes the social change we need. Even if you choose not to speak at the council meeting, your support encourages and strengthens our voice.
Talking Race & Inclusion at the Museum of Man
Tuesday, February 20, 5:30pm
San Diego Museum of Man
1350 El Prado (Balboa Park)
For More Information (Tickets/Donation)
Hosted by San Diego Emerging Museum Professionals
Join San Diego Emerging Museum Professionals for a night at the San Diego Museum of Man as we talk about the importance of equity and inclusion in our daily lives.
Sydney Garcia, Education Specialist: Race, Equity, and Social Justice, will facilitate this important discussion at the San Diego Museum of Man.
As we navigate through their Race: Are We So Different? exhibit, we will discover the science and history behind race, listen to and share our own personal experiences in a “brave space,” and develop skills to encourage further conversations about race, equity, and inclusion in and outside of our museums.
February 21
Voices of the Soul Staged Reading
Wednesday, February 21, 6pm
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
5148 Market Street
For More Information (RSVP)
As part of the OneBillionRising commemoration this month, and as part of the #MeToo Movement, I am putting on a Staged Reading of my Poetry and Monologues thru Heartfelt Voices United.
The readers will be a diverse group, including women of color and men. We are featuring Geneviéve L. Jones-Wright, Candidate for San Diego District Attorney. I will also have some special speakers and will have the audience participate in some healing exercises from my new Healing Workshop. Candidates and public officials have been invited to speak on why Violence against women is such an important issue, and to give ideas on eradicating this violence. However, there will be no political campaigning.
Come and join us to hear the words and voices. The event is free at the Malcolm X Library, but I am encouraging those who are moved to donate to the GoFundMe Account raising funds for my new healing workshop. No one will be turned away for lack of donating
Reverend Al Sharpton Speaks in San Diego
Wednesday, February 21, 6pm
Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
404 Euclid Street
For More Information (Tickets–$30–will go fast)
Hosted by NAN San Diego & Imperial Counties
The National Action Network San Diego & Reverend Shane Harris welcome NAN’s National President & Founder, as well the host of MSNBC’s PoliticsNaton, Reverend Al Sharpton, speaking at San Diego’s Revival of the Movement.
February Club Meeting with Special Guest Kevin de León
Wednesday, February 21, 6:30pm
San Diego Machinists Hall
5150 Kearny Mesa Road
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted By San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action
We’re honored to host the President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate, Kevin de León, who will discuss his environmental legacy, support for state parks, and outline his environmental agenda as a candidate for the United States Senate.
In addition to our special guest, we have a full agenda – including a presentation from George Courser of Sierra Club San Diego on the Safeguard Our San Diego Countryside initiative with a vote to follow, and club officer elections.
Our meetings are free and open to the public, but only club members are allowed to vote in officer elections. Check-in gets underway at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, and the meeting will come to order at 6:30. Become a member at the meeting or join on-line at sdenvirodems.com.
Meet n’ Greet with Col. Doug Applegate and Healthcare Discussion
Wednesday, February 21, 6pm
2251 Catalina Drive (Point Loma)
For More Information
Hosted by Women 4 Applegate
Come join Women 4 Applegate, Dr. Bill Honigman, and the Colonel himself for a screening of Fix It: Healthcare at the Tipping Point, followed by a discussion about the healthcare crisis facing our nation, solutions to that crisis, and its impact on the 49th.
San Diego API Democratic Mixer
Wednesday, February 21, 6pm
Common Theory Public House
4805 Convoy Street
For More Information
Hosted by AAPI Democratic Club San Diego
Please join us at our San Diego API Mixer! We will come together in an informal setting to meet fellow Democrats, enjoy no-host beverages and light appetizers. This will be an opportunity for us to share what San Diego API Democrats are doing, discuss the issues that matter to API Democrats, and talk about ways we can get involved this election year. Let’s kick off 2018 right as we prepare for the Gubernatorial Debate and the California Democratic Party State Convention both hosted in Sunny San Diego.
This event is being co-hosted by the AAPI Democratic Club San Diego, Filipino American Democratic Caucus of the California Democratic Party, and the California Young Democrats API Caucus.
Lunch & Learn: Dueling Identities – Black & Gay in San Diego
Wednesday, February 21, Noon
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street
For More Information (RSVP)
This presentation will take attendees through a conversation about the past and present conditions of Black LGBT San Diegans. We will also explore dealing with personal traumas that may be holding a person back from being their best selves.Next the group will discuss what it means to live a full and authentic life and how we get there. The conversation will conclude with an introduction to the San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition and other ways we might support each other as a community.Dwayne Crenshaw is the chief executive officer of RISE San Diego, which is committed to fostering urban leadership and civic engagement. He previously served as executive director of San Diego Pride and the Coalition of Neighborhood Councils, advancing issues of community development and social justice, and as director of community ownership at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation.
Lunch will be provided.
February 22
Guaranteed Healthcare Coffee Klatch
Thursday, February 22, 7pm
Eclipse Chocolate
2145 Fern Street (South Park)
For More Information
Hosted by Health Care for All San Diego Chapter
Our monthly coffee date brings together like-minded citizens to receive updates and ask questions about universal healthcare and SB 562, find volunteer opportunities that fit your skills and schedule, and brainstorm new ideas to get the word out. Whether you’re just learning about the bill or are a seasoned expert, everyone is welcome!
February 23
Launch Party – YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County
Friday, February 23, 8pm
Union Cowork East Village
704 J Street
For More Information
Hosted by YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County
HEADLINER: Our special guest will be *State Senator Scott Wiener* from San Francisco, a leading advocate for more and more affordable homes in California. DRINKS: We’ll have free drinks, and lots of fun with your fellow YIMBY Democrats!
CALIFORNIA: The Launch Party will coincide with the California Democratic Party Convention hosted this year in San Diego. We welcome YIMBYs from all around California to join us, and to learn about how to start your own YIMBY Democrats club in your community.
WHAT’s A YIMBY DEM? A YIMBY Democrat is a Democrat that believes we must take action to build more and more affordable homes! Join us to find out more and to get involved.
North County Black History Month Celebration
Friday, February 23, 6pm
Second Missionary Baptist Church
5301 Mare Road (Oceanside)
Tickets / Info
The North County Black History Month Celebration is an event for the entire community. Join us to celebrate Black History through music, food, arts, and crafts. Celebrate with A Taste of Soul Buffet. Enjoy the menu of homemade soul food and desserts, everything from fried chicken and fish to peach cobbler and sweet potato pie.
Celebrate with song. The Civil Rights Movement taught the world the unifying power of communal singing. The Music of Black Protest is a lecture interspersed with song. Learn the history of music used as protest from the 1600s to modern times. Enjoy singing familiar tunes and learn a few more.
Celebrate with the Heritage Market. Enjoy the opportunity to purchase cultural and artistic items from local vendors.
February 24
San Diego: Working People’s Day of Action
Saturday, February 24, 3:30pm
Convention Center Park
East Harbor Drive & Park Boulevard
For More Information (RSVP)
Thousands of working people and our allies will stand up for our freedoms and demand an end to a system that’s rigged against us. We will rise up and fight.
Fight for the freedom to come together in strong unions.
Fight for equitable pay.
Fight for affordable health care.
Fight for quality schools.
Fight for vibrant communities.
Fight for a secure future for all of us.
When we join forces and stick together, we are unstoppable.
Single-Payer Teach-In
Saturday, February 24, 10am
Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
404 Euclid Street
For More Information
Hosted by Health Care for All San Diego Chapter
Approximate Schedule – drop in anytime, stay as long as you like!
10:00am – Welcome & Movie: Now is the Time!
10:50am – discussion, questions and answers in english11:30am – Welcome & Movie: Now is the Time!
12:05pm – discusión, preguntas y respuestas en españolFor small business owners, entrepreneurs, & the self-employed, the business case for guaranteed healthcare:
12:45pm – Movie: Fix It!
1:25pm – discussion, Q&A
Community Celebration: CenterLine Transit Stations & Bikeway
Saturday, February 24, 11am
Terra Alta Park & Orange Avenue (City Heights)
For More Information
Hosted by City Heights Community Development
When Mid City residents learned in the 1970s that Caltrans had plans to build a freeway through the middle of their community, residents began organizing for an alternative plan which lead to the successful inclusion of a freeway cap park (Teralta Park), bike/pedestrian bridges, transit plazas (City Heights and Blvd Transit Plazas), parallel bikeways (SR-15 Commuter Bikeway, Central Ave Bikeway), and adjacent parks (Park De La Cruz, Ward Canyon Park). The final pieces to complete the SR-15 corridor are the hard-fought CenterLine Stations Transit Stations at University Ave and El Cajon Blvd for the Rapid 235!
Advocacy works and the community resiliency that pulled off this multi-generational campaign has made us stronger! Join us for free food, family-friendly activities, entertainment, giveaways, and the projection of a short documentary film as we celebrate the grand opening of the CenterLine!
4th Annual Chicano Park Day Fundraiser
Saturday, February 24, 6pm
Chicano art Gallery
2117 Logan Avenue
Hosted by Chicano Art Gallery
Berniecrat Super Progressive Bash-A Celebration of Activism
Saturday, February 24, 7pm
Jolt’n Joe’s Gaslamp
379 Fourth Avenue
For More Information (Tickets)
Welcome to our Second Annual Berniecrat/
This event is sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congressman Ro Khanna and Assemblymember Rob Bonta, and Laura Oatman, progressives that are helping us fight for single payer health care, repealing Costa Hawkins and standing against a militaristic foreign policy.
The event will be at the Jolt’n Joe’s, a bar in the Gaslamp district very close to the convention center. We’ll mingle and enjoy appetizer-style food (menu to come), but there will be limited sitting for those who need to get off their seats.
A Townhall of Corporate-free Candidates: Overcoming Corporate $
Saturday, February 24, 11:30am
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Avenue (Hillcrest)
For More Information
What do Gayle McLaughlin, Lori Saldana, and Josh Jones have in common? They are rejecting corporate contributions in their campaigns for office, AND they will be joining a Town-hall panel.
Join the conversation and learn:
1) From Corporate-Free candidates for a wide array of offices (state-wide to city council) and parties (Greens, Democrats, “independents”) who describe why they are running Corporate-Free campaigns and what they have learned.
2) How corporate dominance has crippled progressive change in our economy, environment, health care, education, housing, transportation, and criminal justice system.
3) From Gayle McLaughlin, founder of the Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA) and candidate for Lt. Governor, on how the Corporate-Free Elections strategy has been wildly successful in not only winning elections but also in making huge progressive political change AFTER winning (e.g., implementing rent control, $15 minimum wage, effective police review, solar energy jobs, stronger emissions standards, taking back the City of Richmond CA from Chevron’s control, etc.)
PlantPure Nation Screening, Reception, Q&A
Saturday, February 24, 2pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Avenue (Hillcrest)
For More Information (Tickets)
PlantDiego, along with Activist San Diego, will be hosting a local event featuring a screening of the ground-breaking film, “PlantPure Nation” on February 24th, 2018 followed up with a Q & A panel. Also featured: a vegan reception and food prep/demonstration with favorite whole-food, plant-based recipes inspired by Marina and Tracy, founding leaders of PlantDiego!
The documentary film PlantPure Nation tells the story of three people on a quest to spread the message of one of the most important health breakthroughs of all time. After renowned nutritional scientist and bestselling author T. Colin Campbell gives a stirring speech on the floor of the Kentucky House of Representatives, his son, Nelson, and Kentucky State Representative Tom Riner work together to propose a pilot program documenting the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Once the legislation goes into Committee, agribusiness lobbyists kill the plan. Undeterred, Nelson decides to try his own pilot project in his hometown of Mebane, North Carolina.
Walk and Knock Encinitas/Carlsbad
Saturday, February 24, 10am
Ocean Knoll Elementary School
910 Melba Road (Encinitas)
RSVP/Info
Join us to talk to voters about issues that matter to all of us and the future of our country!
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Encinitas and Carlsbad. We just need 2000 more voters to get to the polls next year to say NO to the President Trump agenda. YOU can help make that happen!
No experience needed! We provide training, scripts, walk lists, breakfast food & snacks. Wear walking shoes, hats (or sunscreen) and sunglasses, and get ready to take some direct action and talk to voters.
February 25
Issue Panel: Gerrymandering and Money in Politics
Sunday, February 25, 1:30pm
Balboa Club Park Building – Santa Fe Room
2144 Pan American Road West
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Indivisible Downtown
The effect of gerrymandering and money in politics has shaken our democracy. But are there real solutions to these issues? How are people getting active today? San Diego Indivisible Downtown invites the public to attend a panel discussion featuring top experts in the field.
Confirmed Panelists: Lori Shellenberger
Former Director for ACLU of California’s Voting Rights Project, 2011 to 2017
https://www.panasd.org/
Chad Peace
Legal Strategist for Independent Voter Network
http://
Ed Chaplin
from Represent.us https://represent.us/
February 26
Sisters In the Struggle: Black Women Activists 1940s-present
Monday, February 26, 12:45pm
San Diego City College
1313 Park Boulevard
For More Information
This panel will be a presentation by African-American women activists and scholars and will discuss the trajectory of Black women activism in the U.S. from 1940s to the present. The discussion will focus on women in the Black radical left movement of the 1940s, the Black Panthers of the 1960s and the Black Lives Matter movement today. The presenters will offer their knowledge and personal experience to highlight the important contributions of Black women in activist movements throughout history.
Guest Speakers: UC San Diego Ethnic Studies Professor, Dayo F. Gore, will present on the history of black radicalism, feminism and the American Left, focusing on African-American women activists in the 1940s and 1950s who were part of social justice movements during the Cold War era and who advocated for Black women’s rights.
City College English Professor and former member Black Panther Party, Roberta Alexander, will discuss her experience as an activist in the movement and its relevance today.
Wilnisha Sutton is a community activist and vocalist in San Diego. Her presentation will focus on her work as an activist in the local African-American community and especially on her experience as a leading activist in the protests against the shooting of Alfred Olango.
Save the Date
Call to Action if Trump Fires Mueller
5pm the Day It Happens & Thereafter
US District Court Southern District of California
330 West Broadway (Downtown)
Examining the Death Penalty
An Intimate Evening With Sister Helen Prejean & Uriah Courtney
February 27, California Western Law School (RSVP)
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.
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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
