There are forty-two events of interest to activists in San Diego over the next ten days. It’s safe to say the pace and intensity of progressive politics have not lessened as we enter into year two of Our Dear Leader.
I have a few observations to share before you get to the good stuff:
Superbowl Sunday is this weekend. I remember when it was something I looked forward to. About the best you can say for it is that it’s become an excuse to observe the talents of those who use images and sound to tear us away from reality long enough to ponder spending money on stuff we don’t need. FYI: Colin Kaepernick’s personal charitable donations have now soared to $1,215,000. He announced his commitment as a San Francisco 49er following a 2016 preseason game where he took a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. He has not wavered since, despite remaining a free agent for the entire 2017 NFL season.
The Nunes Memo was released, and if you live in a fact-based reality, it was a dud. Only a guilty man works this hard to undermine an investigation. President Trump’s shock troops and sycophants are planning to continue undermining the rule of law, regardless. Senator John McCain nailed it: “The latest attacks on the FBI and Department of Justice serve no American interests – no party’s, no president’s, only Putin’s… If we continue to undermine our own rule of law, we are doing Putin’s job for him.”
ICE, aka, Immigration and Customs Enforcement are rapidly becoming the secret police. ICE acting Director Thomas Homan took to Fox News to promise to arrest elected officials who fail to comply with his agency’s interpretations of the law. Businesses in Northern California are being targeted as a means of punishing the State government for not being cooperative enough. It’s important to remember in times like these that everything done by authorities in Nazi Germany was legal.
Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil scurried out of his little marmot hole this morning and saw his shadow. This omen indicates we’ve got six more weeks before Mueller hands down more indictments, right?
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 2
Picket Vargas for Endorsing A Republican District Attorney
Friday, February 2, Noon
Juan Vargas’ Office
333 F Street (Chula Vista)
For More Information
Hosted by Not Dumanis
In this political climate with the crisis in the Republican Party that is Trump, Vargas endorses outside his party? Republicans are being led by a racist. And the DA office is the top cop shop in San Diego. Do not let Democrats endorse Republican authority figures in San Diego County! Please join us in protest!
The History and Current Struggle of Chicano Park
Friday, February 2, 7pm
San Diego Justice Center
4410 Glacier DRive # 101
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego PSL and Party for Socialism and Liberation – PSL
Come and learn about the history of Chicano Park and the current struggle taking place. As we go into 2018 facing ongoing threats from racist, right wing fascists, learn what the community defends and protects under these threats.
We are also proud to announce this is the first in our ongoing commitment to provide public forums on Friday evenings. So stay connected with us and follow us on social media to see what we will be discussing next.
From Hurston to Solange: Black Women’s Art and Activism
Friday, February 2, 6:30pm
Pillars of the Community
6431 Imperial Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Pillars of the Community San Diego
Join professor Ebony Tyree for the first part in our Political Education Series on Women and Social Justice. “From Zora Neale Hurston to Solange: An Examination of Black Women’s Art/Lit as pathways to Equity, Empathy, and Activism.”
Turn Out 4 Edward Forman Black CopWatchers Matter
Friday, February 2, 8:15am-4:15pm
Superior Court Kearny Mesa Courthouse
8950 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by The Movement Productions San Diego and United Against Police Terror – San Diego
Edward Anthony Michael Glover a copwatcher with uaptsd.org and the founder of The Movement Productions San Diego was detained and cited on June 1, 2017. At the time of the detention, Mr. Forman was filming the police in a public place outside of his home located on the corner of Wightman and 43rd Street. The allegation listed on the citation is one of use of foul language/inappropriate conduct.
Filming the police is not a violation of California law. In fact, filming the police is a statutorily protected right in California. The officers who detained and cited Mr. Forman violated California statutes.
Welcoming San Diego Kickoff Summit: Integrating New Americans
Friday, February 2, 9am-4pm
San Diego Concourse
202 C Street
For More Information (Registration)
Hosted by Welcoming San Diego
Join fellow community members and leaders to craft San Diego’s strategic plan on immigrant and refugee integration! Throughout Spring, there will be a series of community forums to gather input from residents and thematic focus groups.
DACA NOW
Friday, February 2, 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.
CA Conversations: Leading the Way on HIV Decriminalization
Friday, February 2, 7pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information (RSVP</a
Hosted by Lambda Legal Los Angeles/Southern California
Moderated By: Melissa Goodman, Audrey Irmas Director, LGBTQ, Gender & Reproductive Justice Project, ACLU
Join us for an insider’s look at the recent groundbreaking changes to California’s HIV criminalization laws. Learn from bill co-sponsors how a broad coalition of groups navigated the legislative process and overcame right-wing opposition to modernize the law, encourage engagement in care, promote disclosure, and ultimately improve public health. This is a free event, however, RSVP is required
February 3
Chicano Park Auto Defensa
Saturday, February 3, 9am – Noon
Chicano Park
For More Information
If you haven’t already heard, the so-called Border Patriots are planning on visiting Chicano Park, hoping for two things: 1) To take down the flag of Aztlan flying in the park and 2) To get some face time on TV so they can claim to be martyrs as a justification for attacks on the community. Read my coverage of this provocation here.
Here is a message from everyone organizing and volunteering at the event: Chicano Park defense on Feb 3
“Everyone planning to go to Chicano Park, please listen to and follow the instructions of the Chicano Park Steering Park and the community self-defense organizations that will be providing security for our people on that day. Many who have fought for and protected our parque for decades have been strategizing and meeting to address this threat. While Ogden may claim to be peaceful, organizations like the Alt-Knights who have publicly said they plan to come that day have demonstrated that they are violent and attend such gatherings to perpetuate violence.
We need to be smart and act in a unified way, so please, if you plan on attending in support of CP, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE CPSC AND OUR COMMUNITY SELF-DEFENSE ORGS. The only way this will turn out bad for us is if individuals go rogue that day. I recommend checking in with the CPSC at the kiosko as soon as you arrive that day to get the latest information.
Unless you are part of the CPSC or security, do not engage with them AT ALL, you will only harm our parque and our people if you do. They will try to incite and instigate violence, it’s what they always do. Bring your families and friends and just enjoy another beautiful day in beautiful our parque with our musica, our speakers, our arte, and our comida. We will be there to celebrate our parque and our cultura.” also going with your own agenda to cause trouble is not just putting the people at risk but all the volunteers there to help and protect at risk.
San Diego Progressive Labor Summit 2018
Saturday, February 3, 8am – 5pm
DoubleTree by Hilton- Mission Valley
7450 Hazard Center Drive
For More Information (Tickets)
The Progressive Labor Summit is a one-day event, bringing together members of the San Diego Labor community with left-of-center activists and leaders to build stronger understanding, knowledge, skills, and partnerships in tackling the broader social challenges we are facing today. Within the context of the current political climate, it is more important than ever that we are able to build strong, authentic, non-transactional relationships that allow us to move forward together in solidarity, as we strive towards greater justice for the communities we serve and represent.
While many of us have collaborated and interacted tangentially – and are even members of both organized Labor and the Democratic Party – the new political landscape requires us to be more intentional and strategic than ever in order to create the changes we seek. This second annual summit will build on the work begun last year, to help us strengthen our foundation for that work.
Boxed Lunch provided. T-shirt provided (please designate desired size when selecting ticket.)
Hands Across the Sand: SD Voice Matters!
Saturday, February 3, 11am
Mission Beach at Belmont Park
For More Information (RSVP)
The Trump Administration’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has proposed drilling off nearly all U.S. coastline and has only scheduled one public hearing in Sacramento. They are neglecting the voice of San Diegans in the process.
We will rally together and have a panel of local leaders addressing the media, and an empty seat where BOEM representatives should be. We will take a picture linking arms on our beach to spell out “NO OIL”
This is your chance to have your voice heard on a national level that we will not welcome off-shore drilling on our coast!! The extraction and use of fossil fuels increases carbon emissions and jeopardizes both California’s clean energy goals, and the mandated enforceable Climate Action Plans of many jurisdictions. This is a survival issue for all life on the planet. Every resource we have should be dedicated to converting to clean energy.
Protest Zapf *and* Offshore Drilling!
Saturday, February 3, 11am
Mission Beach at Belmont Park
For More Information
Hosted by Bryan Pease for San Diego City Council 2018
When Republican Zapf shows up at media events pretending to be an environmentalist because it’s an election year, WE show up with signs that say “District 2 Needs Action on Environment, Not Empty Talk!”
This Saturday, Zapf will be speaking at a protest against offshore drilling, and we’ll be there too! Many groups will have their own signs and banners, and our presence will be no different. We will be there to join the protest against offshore drilling, AND to remind people that District 2 needs to fire our councilmember and hire an environmental attorney to clean up this mess!
Zapf has NO BUSINESS representing District 2! Voters were tricked last cycle by large sums of dark money spent sending misleading information to Democratic voters, who outnumber Republicans in the district. Party affiliation does not appear on the ballot in this race, and we need to let people know who Zapf really works for!
Fate Rumbled Album Release Soirée
Saturday, February 3, 8pm
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore Street
For More Information
Hosted by Grassroots Oasis
Looking for an antidote for Trumpitis in the wake of his fantastical 1st State of the Union address? You will find it with local music icon, Dave Howard, as he shares his new album, “Fate Rumbled” in an intimate Release Soirée.
Joining Dave this Saturday night will be fellow local music gem, Jimmie Lunsford, as our host, talking with Dave about the origins and craft of this concept album, and engaging us in the conversation.
And rounding out the stellar cast for this very special evening: Joey Harris in duet with Dave.
HappyPeriod San Diego Drive/Distribution
Saturday, February 3, Noon
WorldBeat Cultural Center
2100 Park Boulevard (Balboa Park)
For More Information
Hosted by We are #HappyPeriod San Diego
Menstrual Hygiene Kit assembly (On the Lawn at the World Beats Cultural Center)
Distribution (Island Ave area)
County Supervisor District 4 Candidates Forum
Saturday, February 3, 10am
1728 South 39th Street
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by NAN San Diego & Imperial Counties and NAN SD House of Justice at Ebenezer
Are you interested in knowing where candidates running for San Diego County Supervisor District 4 stand on Homelessness, Foster Care, the County Law enforcement review board backlog issues and pert teams?
Walk and Knock Vista/Oceanside
Saturday, February 3, 9:30am
Casita Elementary School
260 Cedar Road (Vista)
For More Information
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Join us as we talk to voters about issues that matter to all of us and the future of our country.
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Vista/Oceanside. 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.
February 4
Climate Mobilization Rally
Sunday, February 4, 1pm
San Diego Federal Building,
Front & Broadway
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Climate Mobilization Coalition
This event allows citizens to take to the streets to protest Fossil Fuels and demand a new U.S. energy system based on Wind, Water and Solar energy as researched and computer modeled by Engineering Professor Mark Jacobson and his colleagues at Stanford University
February 6
Bag Lunch & Movie – “The Story of the 2016 Sacred Peace Walk
Tuesday, February 6, Noon
Peace Resource Center of San Diego
3850 Westgate Place
For More Information
The PRC is proud to host a showing of this new documentary about the Nevada Desert Experience. “Holy Week” documents an annual peace walk through the Nevada desert. Each year an inter-faith group of anti-war activists spend a week walking, protesting and building community. The beauty and drama of the desert and the importance of the issues raised makes for a life-changing experience.
Join us in a conversation with director/filmaker James Séamus Knight and peace activist Brian Terrell who appears in the film about the Sacred Peace Walk, the nuclear weapons complex and drone warfare.
Feminist U: Feminism 101
Tuesday, February 6, 3:30pm
Women’s Resource Center at SDSU
5500 Campanile Drive
For More Information
Hosted by Women’s Resource Center at SDSU</a
What exactly is feminism and what does it mean to be intersectional? Join as we explore basic feminist concepts, build feminist community, and learn how to apply feminist values to our every day life. All welcome.
Food Not Bombs Welcome Meeting
Tuesday, February 6, 6:30pm
San Diego Justice Center
4410 Glacier Avenue #101
For More Information
Hosted by Food Not Bombs San Diego
Want to get more involved with San Diego Food Not Bombs? Come to our welcome meeting and get to know other volunteers and share your ideas. Whether you are brand new or have been helping for years, you are invited to join us in expanding our work
Topics:
– Intro to FNB philosophy & ways to get involved
– Discuss/Plan next monthly event in El Cajon, and potential new monthly event in Oceanside
– Q&A about starting a new weekly chapter
– Other actions & ideas from YOU
2017 Climate Action Plan Report Card Release
Tuesday, February 6, Noon
Park de La Cruz at Cherokee Point
3901 Landis Street (City Heights)
For More Information
Hosted by Climate Action Campaign and Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network)
Our Report Card offers a comprehensive assessment of the region’s climate planning and climate action efforts. This Report Card will highlight specific target areas including: clean energy, mode share, tree canopy coverage, zero waste, and social equity. And, for the first time, this year’s Report Card evaluates local government’s progress in implementing their Climate Action Plans.
Which cities are the leaders in climate action from 2017? Stay tuned to find out in our full analysis.
Building Our Future: ACLU Trainings for Change Makers
Tuesday, February 6, 6pm
A Virtual Event/Webinar
For More Information
Hosted by ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties
A series of trainings that cover skills that you can use for advocacy and activism. Our workshops and webinars will teach you new ways to support California legislation and other types of local ACLU organizing.
Free Legal Clinic: Name and Gender-Marker Changes
Tuesday, February 6, 6:30pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street
For More Information
Sponsored by: Pride Law at University of San Diego School of Law, Tom Homann LGBT Law Association & The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Meet with attorneys and law students who can provide assistance and guidance filling out the forms required to apply for a court order necessary to change your name and(or) gender marker on birth certificates and other official documents.
Appointment times: 6:30, 7:30 & 8:15pm Schedule appointments: TransClinic.SanDiego@gmail.com
February 7
Monthly Meeting: Stadium Measure & Candidates’ Night
Wednesday, February 7, 6:30pm
La Mesa Community Center
4975 Memorial Drive
For More Information
Hosted by La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club
Join the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club for our monthly meeting. In February, we’re discussing the stadium measure, with Roger Showley, San Diego Union-Tribune reporter, and Joe LaCava, community planner and activist. We’ll also feature a candidates’ forum with the Democrats running in 2018 elections.
February 8
Climate Change is Here Now! So, What Can I Do?
Thursday, February 8, 5:30pm
Vista Library
700 Eucalyptus Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by North County Climate Change Alliance
Join us for a presentation by Peter Meisen. He founded the Global Network Institute (GENI) in 1991 to conduct research and education on the interconnection of electric networks between nations with an emphasis on tapping abundant renewable energy resources around the world. This is the premier global strategy from the World Game simulation developed by visionary engineer Buckminster Fuller. The GENI initiative has earned the endorsements of 7 Nobel Peace Laureates, and newsman Walter Cronkite calling it “the best solution to peace and sustainable development he’s seen”.
SURJ SD Workshop: Class Matters
Thursday, February 8, 6:30pm
Rolando Public Library
6600 Montezuma Road
For More Information
Hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ San Diego
In this workshop, we’ll be looking at two shared values of SURJ related to the importance of addressing classism in racial justice work: “There Is Enough for All” and “Center Class.” We’ll examine the myth of wealth as a pie and common classist notions of working-class and poor white people. You can see these shared values here. In preparation for this workshop, please read this article.
Film Night “Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution”
Thursday, February 8, 7pm
Ocean Beach Green Center
4843 B Voltaire Street
For More Information
This 2015 documentary by Stanley Nelson, Jr. combines archival footage and interviews with surviving Panthers and FBI agents to tell the story of the revolutionary black organization, the Black Panther Party. As quoted by Jason Bailey from Flavorwire “It’s the kind of documentary that’s easy to view as distant history, except that so many of the issues the Panthers took up (police brutality, systemic poverty, health care, feeding children) are sadly, not history at all” Also another review from Kelly L Carter from Buzzfeed quotes “Excellent. Exceptional! The women’s voices are as vital and important as those of their male counterparts, something not often seen in documentaries about times of social change.” Free of Charge
Community Choice Rally for 100% Renewable Energy
Thursday, February 8, 11:45am
City Hall Civic Plaza
202 C Street
For More Information
Hosted by SanDiego350
Support Community Choice Energy (CCE) and 100% Renewable Energy for the City of San Diego! We are partnering with the San Diego Community Choice Alliance to rally at City Hall to show the Mayor and City Council that San Diegans from all walks and backgrounds support choice, competition and clean energy in the City of San Diego.
The rally will be lead by Business For Good San Diego, a nonprofit organization with a mission to unite small business owners to drive policy that improves our community. Following the rally there will be a presentation at the City of San Diego Environmental Committee Hearing on the developing the business plan for community choice energy.
February 9
Dialogue with Oscar López Rivera: Decolonize, Hurricanes & Solidarity
Friday, February 9, 6pm
Centro Cultural de La Raza
2004 Park Boulevard (Balboa Park)
For More Information
Hosted by Unión del Barrio
Unión del Barrio would like to invite the San Diego community to join us as we welcome Oscar Lopez River, the longest held political prisoner of US imperialism for his fight for Puerto Rican Independence and the struggle for Self-Determination. Oscar Lopez Rivera, who, in 1970’s, was a leader of the Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional Puertorriqueña, was imprisoned for over 35 years in US federal prison, for his struggle for Puerto Rican independence and sovereignty from US colonialism over the islands economy.
At the time of his release in 2016, he was greeted as a national hero by tens of thousands in Puerto Rico and in the diaspora communities in the US. Since then, he has been working tirelessly to overcome the impact of US colonialism in Puerto Rico. An example of the continued status of colony has been the inadequate response by the US government after the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in September 2017.
Now he is coming on his first visit to Southern California, to speak with Puerto Ricans and others about his homeland and to raise funds for the Oscar Lopez Rivera Foundation to support the rebuilding effort, the Independence and Self-determination of the Puerto Rican people.
Lesbian Caregivers Support Group
Featuring SDSU Professor Cayleff
Friday, February 9, 7pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street
For More Information
“Feeding the Hand that Bit You: Lesbian Daughters as Caretakers” and Caring for our Lesbian Friends
Are you or have you taken care of your parents? Was it a difficult experience given your past relationship with them? Did you invite them to live with you and your partner? Are you helping care for a lesbian friend? Cayleff, Prof. of Women’s Studies at SDSU will talk about research she conducted on this topic, her own experience with two 90+ year old parents, and her lesbian network.
Daughters/women are often expected to be caretakers of others; sometimes lesbians are thought not to have “families” like their hetero-siblings. Come, listen and share your experiences and suggestions for healthy coping.
Sierra Club Film Night “In Pursuit of Silence”
Friday, February 9, 6:30pm
8304 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard #101
For More Information
A meditative exploration of silence and the impact of noise on our lives, this film takes us on an immersive cinematic journey around the globe from a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto to the streets of Mumbai, the loudest city on the planet – and inspires us to both experience silence and celebrate the wonders of our world. “A remarkable documentary … thoughtful and restorative,” according to Kenneth Turan of the L.A. Times. Scott Tobias of NPR comments that this film is “pure cinema. As much a visual treat as an aural one.”
February 10
February Endorsement Meeting
Saturday, February 10, 10am
San Diego Machinists Hall
5150 Kearny Mesa Road
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action
We’ll begin member check-in at 9:30 a.m., and the meeting will come to order at 10:00.
We’ll consider endorsements in California State Assembly Districts 71 and 75, San Diego City Council Districts 4 and 6 (D-4 and D-6), City of Chula Vista Mayor, and Chula Vista City Council seats 1 and 2.
This meeting is free and open to the public. Only members in good standing are permitted to vote in club endorsements. According to club bylaws, a member in good standing “has attended at least one (1) prior club meeting or has paid dues 34 days prior to the meeting.” Only those members who meet those requirements will be eligible to vote at our endorsement meetings. Absolutely no proxy voting is allowed.
Escondido Democratic Club – February Meeting & Candidate Forum
Saturday, February 10, 10am
Escondido Senior Center
210 East Park Avenue
For More Information
For our meeting in February, the Escondido Democratic Club will host local candidates running for Mayor and City Council in districts 1 and 2! This is your opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and ask them questions. Bring your friends!
February Endorsement Meeting
Saturday, February 10, 10am
San Diego Machinists Hall
5150 Kearny Mesa Road
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action
We’ll consider endorsements in California State Assembly Districts 71 and 75, San Diego City Council Districts 4 and 6 (D-4 and D-6), City of Chula Vista Mayor, and Chula Vista City Council seats 1 and 2.
This meeting is free and open to the public. Only members in good standing are permitted to vote in club endorsements. According to club bylaws, a member in good standing “has attended at least one (1) prior club meeting or has paid dues 34 days prior to the meeting.” Only those members who meet those requirements will be eligible to vote at our endorsement meetings. Absolutely no proxy voting is allowed.
Neighbors in Action Canvassing. Vista/Oceanside
Saturday, February 10, 10am
Temple Heights Elementary
1550 Temple Heights Drive (Oceanside)
For More Information
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Oceanside. 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.
Neighbors in Action Canvassing: Solana Beach
Saturday, February 10, 10am
La Colonia Park
715 Valley Avenue (Solana Beach)
For More Information
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Solana Beach. 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 11
NCITF – Love Your Neighbor Valentine’s Day Fundraiser
Sunday, February 11, 3pm
Indian Joe Brewing
2123 Industrial Court (Vista)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by North County Immigration Task Force
Join the North County Immigration Task Force for an afternoon of entertainment, delicious food and drink.Buy a Valentine’s gift for your sweetheart at our silent auction! We’ll have deals on fine dining, massages, and gift baskets! Make a donation and make your honey — or yourself — happy! And for every beer you purchase, $1 goes to NCITF!
All funds raised go to the North County Immigration Task Force Emergency & Legal Fund! Suggested minimum donation per ticket is $20. We would be grateful if you would consider sponsoring the purchase of additional tickets.
NCITF will provide the food and entertainment — you’ll get to choose which beer to purchase!
VetDems February General Meeting
Sunday, February 11, 4pm
SEIU Local 221
4004 Kearny Mesa Road
For More Information
Hosted by Veterans Democratic Club of San Diego
Welcome to February Folks! The future is bright and the fun is just beginning – let’s keep the momentum going! We’re humbled to be in great company this month. Come talk veteran initiatives with our marquee speaker, State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzales Fletcher.
Also, meet and greet with Christina Prejean, CA 49 Congressional Candidate and fellow VetDem Wingman; Participate in voting for the next VetDem Executive Board. Be sure to arrive at 1600 to have refreshments during the social hour. We look forward to seeing you all there!
American Socialist: The Life and Times of Eugene Victor Debs
Sunday, February 11, 11am
Edwards San Marcos 18
1180 West San Marcos Boulevard
For More Information (Tickets)
Presented by San Diego Center for Jewish Culture
San Diego’s Yale Strom (Artist in Residence in the Department of Jewish Studies, San Diego State University) dives deeply into the life of Eugene Debs, a five-time candidate for President of the United States representing the Socialist Party of America which he co-founded. He championed labor rights and stood against income inequality, becoming a de facto progenitor of Bernie Sanders. Narrated by Amy Madigan, the film overflows with captivating and compelling historical footage, imagery and documentation.
The film features a number of San Diego voice actors (Steve Gunderson, Sam Woodhouse, Nick Cagel, David Drexler, Eliza Jane Schneider, Debbie Davis, etc.) as well as an original soundtrack of American folk music performed by Fred Benedetti, Jeff Pekarek, Walt Richards, Elizabeth Schwartz, and special guest fiddler Jeremy Kittel.
Neighbors in Action Canvassing: Vista
Sunday, February 11, 10am
Vista Teachers Association
2141 Industrial Court
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! This event is co-hosted by Vista Sunday Crew. Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Vista. 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.
February 12
How to Join Your Community Planning Group
Monday, February 12, 4:30pm
Circulate San Diego
1111 6th Avenue, Ste 402
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Circulate San Diego and San Diego Leaders 2020
Is your voice being represented in your CPG? Community Planning Group members help shape the future of their communities. Hear from CPG members about their experience and how you can get elected to your CPG!
Maya Rosas, advocacy manager at Circulate San Diego and former Uptown Planners member, and Eduardo Velasquez, research manager at San Diego Regional EDC, Circulate San Diego Board Member, and North Park Planning Committee member, 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 consisting 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!
Democracy in Planning Report Release Party
Monday, February 12, 5:30pm
Circulate San Diego
1111 6th Avenue, Ste 402
For More Information
We’re releasing a report titled Democracy in Planning: Enhancing democratic participation in San Diego’s Community Planning Groups, and we’re throwing a party to celebrate. Join us on the rooftop of our office building for a fun afternoon of good conversations, good people, and good beer!
About the Report: Public participation is a cornerstone of city planning and a pillar of democracy. Everyone should have a voice in how decisions are made, especially in local government.
Unfortunately, not all voices have equal access to participate in community planning groups (CPGs). The structure of CPGs has allowed certain voices to become amplified, while excluding others. Barriers undermine the purpose of CPGs to collect diverse and representative public input and to advance democratic participation.
1 Billion Rising Solidarity for Homeless Women and Girls!
Monday, February 12, Noon
Fault Line Park
1429 Island Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance
One Billion Rising is the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human history. The campaign, launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. On 14 February 2013, people across the world came together to express their outrage, strike, dance, and RISE in defiance of the injustices women suffer, demanding an end at last to violence against women.
OBR 2018 continues to sustain the theme of “Solidarity Against the Exploitation of Women” as neo-liberal policies and rapacious capitalism have become the engine of most governments, bringing profound consequences for the long-suffering working class and marginalized sectors. In San Diego, the highest number of reported Sexual Assaults is in East Village, Ground Zero for our Housing Disaster and increase in Homelessness. This is no coincidence — homeless women and girls are highly vulnerable.
JOIN US to stand in Solidarity with our Homeless sisters and call attention to: Why women are homeless (escaping domestic violence, poverty, low wages, disability- some of which may be related to DV); the lack of safety in the MegaTent Shelters for women; the criminalization of homelessness; the lack of investment in affordable housing; and how the affordable housing/homelessness disaster and the criminalization of homelessness impacts and endangers women and makes them more vulnerable to male violence. E.g., impounding their RVs and vehicles so they no longer have a safe place to stay.
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)
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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