Credit: DonkeyHokey via Wikimedia Commons
We can no longer afford to ignore the County of San Diego in the struggle against the policies of the Trump administration.
San Diego’s Republican County Supervisors are proposing to join Attorney General Jeff Sessions lawsuit challenging our state’s stance against the administration’s racist policies. These actions will be considered in a closed session on April 17. The vote will likely be 3-2 in favor our using the County’s moral authority and our tax dollars in support of bigotry.
In addition to supporting the use of immigration enforcement as an instrument of terror, the Supes are proposing to consider supporting the administration’s quest to use the 2020 census to ask every American household to record which members of their family are US citizens.
The Trump administration’s immigration policies have become a litmus test for Republicans in California, and, unsurprisingly, they’re opting for the paths of white supremacy and marginalization. Orange County’s Supervisors voted unanimously to join Trump’s lawsuit against, its sheriffs are going to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the right-wing stampede is underway.
What we’re really talking about here is the expression of intent. The we’re-not-racists in the Washington DC are using immigration enforcement as a bludgeon to beat back the imagined hordes of people of color plotting the overthrow of white supremacy.
The process is supposed to be mean, to instill fear, to re-enforce the notion that some people are more equal than others. I can unequivocally guarantee that if Canadians who overstay their visa were being treated in the same manner, all hell would break loose. And if it were Russians, Congressman Devin Nunes would be leading the charge to save them.
*** I’ve repeated the above two paragraphs from yesterday’s column.
If this issue was about obedience to the to the law, these same people would be demanding prosecution for the trampling of the rule of law central to the functioning of the executive branch. The President’s son-in-law leaves a BILLION dollars worth of obligations off of the sworn declarations for working the White House and these same so-called patriots could care less. And that’s just the first example I thought of.
A majority of the San Diego County Supervisors are determined to join with these bigots, even though the census questions will likely reduce Federal funding for social safety net programs. They’re willing to cut their noses off to spite their faces, mostly because they don’t believe in those programs in the first place.
Three things need to happen over the next few weeks.
Email or call your County Supervisor to say we want them to protect SB-54, AB-405 & AB-103. Click on this link for a map of the districts to determine who your Supervisor is. Greg Cox and Ron Roberts, the two more moderate members of the board, are expected to vote against these proposals. Call them anyway just make sure they know which way the wind is blowing on the issue. Please be polite.
UPDATE: This phone number will route you to a Supervisor based on your zip code: 619-432-6700
- District 1. Supervisor Greg Cox. 619.531.5511 greg.cox@sdcounty.ca.gov.
- District 2. Supervisor Diane Jacob. 619.531.5522 diane.jacob@sdcounty.ca.gov.
- District 3. Supervisor Kristin Gaspar. 619.531.5533 kristin.gaspar@sdcounty.ca.gov.
- District 4. Supervisor Ron Roberts. 619.531.5544 ron.roberts@sdcounty.ca.gov.
- District 5. Supervisor Bill Horn. 619-531-5555 bill.horn@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Script: “I’m calling to insist Supervisor XXX protect SB-54, AB-405, and AB-103. We are proud to live in a Sanctuary State and have no intentions of following in Orange County’s footsteps! I expect you to vote against joining Trump’s lawsuit on sanctuary cities and I expect you to support Attorney General Becerra’s lawsuit regarding the proposed citizenship question on the 2020 Census.”
*** SB-54, which limits how local law enforcement and federal immigration official can interact
*** AB-405, which prohibits private employers from granting Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to worksites or documents without a judicial warrant
*** AB-103, which created a state inspection system for immigration detention facilities located in California
Get ready to protest. I’m not sure at this point on the details, but you can bet people are going to want to make some noise.
Throw the bums out. Supes Ron Roberts and Bill Horn are termed out this year. The Republican establishment has people set to keep the same old same old crap going into the future. There are Democrats running in these races. Support one with your time and money.
Another two seats (Cox & Jacob) are up for grabs in 2020. And three other key elected posts on the ballot on June 5 have progressive-minded candidates challenging reactionary dinosaurs.
DA candidate Geneviéve Jones-Wright is one of those candidates. So are Matt Strabone (County Assessor/Recorder) and Dave Myers (County Sheriff). These are all contests that will be settled on June 5th, Primary Day.
Also:
If you have not registered to vote, do so now. Everything you need to know, including how to register online is to be found on this page at the Women’s March San Diego site. Hopefully, someday they’ll do me the favor of listing this calendar in their Activist Resources.
A revolutionary way to learn about local politics: don’t miss the unique forum on the first Sunday in April, hosted by Flip the 49tth activists, listed below.
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.
March 30
The Women of Palestine and their Struggles Under Occupation
Friday, March 30, 6:30pm
Pillars of the Comunity
6431 Imperial Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Pillars of the Community San Diego
Join sister Arwah Alkhwaja to learn more about the women of Palestine and their struggles under occupation. This isn’t an event that you want to miss!
March 31
El Cajon Official Office Opening
Saturday, March 31, 10am
350 South Magnolia Avenue (El Cajon)
For More Information (RSVP)
We have a brand new campaign headquarters in El Cajon.
We will be starting at 10 am, you will have a chance to hear Ammar speak. Then, we will go walk precincts and make calls. Following the walk, we will be having a potluck. Please bring your favorite dish!
Duncan Hunter Ramona Tea’d National Security Briefing
Saturday, March 31, 11am
Ramona Mainstage
626 Main Street
For More Information
Hosted by Flip CA 50th
The Ramona Tea’d American Forum presents their March 2018 Free Seminar Event! A National Security Briefing with special guest speaker Duncan D. Hunter, 50th district congressman and member of the House Armed Services Committee. Doors open at 11:00am. Video presentation begins at 11:30am. Rumor has it Duncan’s picking up the after event bar tab. Location TBA to Real Patriots.
Sierra Club ICO Fundraiser
Saturday, March 31, 3pm
Border X Brewing
2181 Logan Avenue (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
Visit our Beer Garden Saturday, March 17th and get to know the Sierra Club Leaders and Volunteers. This is a great time to ask questions, get involved and participate in their raffles with donations by Burger Lounge, REI, Fleet Science Center, Adventure 16 and more to be announced.
*Border X will be contributing a percentage of beer sales during their visit to support the Sierra Clubs efforts to expose kids to San Diego’s finest Beaches, Parks, Mountains and more.
San Diego ICO (SDICO) is an outreach program of the Sierra Club dedicated to providing opportunities for low-income urban youth to experience the outdoors. SDICO’s outings have included camping, backpacking, day hikes, snorkeling and kayak trips. For these trips, SDICO provides the transportation, equipment, and trained adult volunteer staff. SDICO trips combine fun in the outdoors with education about the natural environment and the need to respect and preserve those places. All SDICO activities are provided at no cost to the children or agencies.
Book Talk: “Gaza, An Inquest Into Its Martyrdom”
Saturday, March 31, 2pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church
Bard Hall, 4190 Front Street, 92103
Join The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Research Institute (ADC-RI) and The Social Justice Group welcome Dr. Norman Finkelstein as he discusses his new book “Gaza, An Inquest into its Martyrdom”.
April 1
Flip the 49tth Speed Dating Politics Forum
Sunday, April 1, 4pm-5:30
Del Mar Fairgrounds-Wylande Center
For More Information
This is a unique opportunity for the eight Republicans and five Democrats now running for the 49th Congressional seat currently held by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista. Attendees will be sorted into seating by the first letter of their last name and given Bose™ noise-canceling headphones. Candidates will be seated on a revolving stage. As the platform rotates, the candidates will each have two minutes to give their spiel over a dedicated digital channel while facing each group.
Your host for the event will be San Diego Union-Tribune editorial board member Matt Hall, who, having served through four changes of ownership at the paper, certainly knows about dealing with rotating platforms. A straw poll will be conducted at the end of the event, sponsored by Circuit City Super-Sound Stores. Light refreshments will be served.
April 2
SDPDC East April Meeting: Gun Violence Awareness
Monday, April 2, 6pm
211 East Main Street (El Cajon)
For More Information
Hosted by East Chapter San Diego Progressive Democratic Club
Join the East Chapter of the San Diego Progressive Democratic Club for our April Meeting as we discuss how to support candidates in East County!
A representative from Mom’s Demand Action will be providing a brief on gun violence in America. Immediately following, San Diego County Sheriff candidate Dave Myers, and university adjunct Scott Shaffer will be hosting a question and answer forum regarding gun violence and effective policy.
We will also be highlighting our East County Candidates.
Community Conversation w/ San Diego Police Chief, David Nisleit
Monday, April 2, 6pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street
For More Information
Hosted by Councilmember Chris Ward and San Diego LGBT Community Center
Join us at The Center for a conversation with Councilmember Chris Ward and the San Diego Police Department’s new Chief David Nisleit. The public is invited to come hear from Chief Nisleit about his plans for the future of the department. The Chief and Councilmember Ward will also spend time taking questions from the community.
This event will be translated into Spanish and is wheelchair and ASL accessible.
April 5
Meet The Candidates Event
Thursday, April 5, 6pm
Julian Town Hall
2129 Main Street
For More Information
Event for Julian Indivisible
We will be hearing from:
Genevieve Jones-Wright for District Attorney
Dave Myers for Sheriff
Matt Brower for Superior Court Judge
James Elias for Dist 71 State Assembly seat
Climate Chat- California’s Clean Energy Future Threatened
Thursday, April 5, 6:30pm
First Unitarian Universalist congregation
4190 Front Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by SanDiego350
Tyson Siegele, electricity grid policy lead for SanDiego350, will present two possible scenarios for California’s energy future: local clean energy or multi-state mystery energy.
Assembly Bill AB 813 introduced by Chris Holden would establish a path to a multi-state regional grid authority, favoring large corporations and fossil fuels over of local communities and renewable energy.
What’s driving Assemblyman Holden’s proposal? What are the reasons for opposing it? What will be the likely effects on greenhouse gas emissions, California’s renewable standards, our economy, and the future of California’s electrical system?\
Bank and Beer with Team Jones-Wright
Thursday, April 5, 5-10pm
8340 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard # 202
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Geneviéve Jones-Wright for DA
Come show your support for this campaign by phonebanking and speaking with voters about the upcoming election and why Geneviéve is the (W)right choice for San Diego District Attorney. After phonebanking, we invite you to join the team for a beer across the street at Societe Brewing Company.
Phonebanking 5pm – 8pm * Post banking beers 8pm – 10pm
April 6
Budget 102: Our City Budget
Friday, April 6, 5:30pm
Mid-City CAN
4305 University Avenue #640
For More Information (RSVP)Hosted by Climate Action Campaign
Join us for Budget 102: Our City Budget to learn about where the money for our city budget comes from, who benefits and who loses in budget decisions, and how you can advocate for your community’s needs. This is the second part to the Community Budget Alliance’s Budget 101. But don’t worry, if you missed the first part, we’ll start off with a recap!
The event is free but we ask you to please RSVP. Food will be provided at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 6:00 p.m
Activist Defense Training
Friday, April 6 – 8
San Diego
RSVP for location
For More Information
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 a basic manual.** Queer and Disabled, Marginalized inclusive.
April 7
Saturday Phone Bank in North Park for Genevieve, Matt & Dave!
Saturday, April 7, 2pm
4015 Park Boulevard #215
For More Information
Hosted by Get Out The Vote – San Diego
Our phone-banking operation is up and running. Come make calls out of our North Park office or sign up to make calls from the comfort of your home! We are the #BlueWave that will flip San Diego County on June 5th!
We’ve got less than 80 days to raise awareness and generate turn-out for the June 5th election. Get Out The Vote – San Diego is making calls to spread the word about these important races:
> Genevieve Jones-Wright for District Attorney
> Matt Strabone for County Clerk
> Dave Myers for Sheriff
Time to be Involved! – Canvassing for James Elia for CA SA 71
Saturday, April 7, 10am-4pm
Wells Park
1153 East Madison Avenue (El Cajon)
For More Information
Event for Indivisible East County San Diego, District #50
Now’s the time for us to keep working hard for the candidates we support. The primaries are right around the corner, and there are state and county candidates that need our network to get elected.
This will be the first unofficial event by Indivisible East County San Diego District 50 in support of real progressive candidates.
James Elia For State Assembly in the 71st District needs our help canvassing. Come for part of it or come for all of it.
A basic script will be provided. We will only be knocking on doors of Democratic and left-leaning to moderate No Party Preference voters. This is a great opportunity for us to get more voters to the polls for progressive candidates. ·
April 8
CA 49th Candidate Debate Forum & Endorsement
Sunday, April 8, 3pm
City of Oceanside Public Library
330 North Coast Highway
For More Information RSVP
Hosted by Veterans Democratic Club of San Diego
The Veterans Democratic Club of San Diego County – and guest moderator, Christina Prejean – will be hosting a debate forum for the Candidates of the 49th Congressional District at the City of Oceanside Public Library. To conclude the event, the club will vote to endorse a candidate for the June Primary Election.
The event is free and club members will be given priority; however, seating is first-come-first-served and space limited so please RSVP
Save the Date
National Day of Action on April 20 to Protect Students Against Gun Violence
March For Science – April 14- San Diego, 2018
Climate Mobilization Rally in Ocean Beach – April 28th
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.
SUBSCRIBE! IT’S FREE!
Looking for some action? The Weekly Progressive Calendar is published every Friday in this space, featuring Demonstrations, Rallies, Teach-ins, Meet Ups and other opportunities to get your activism on.
You can now get the Weekly Progressive Calendar delivered to your inbox every Friday. And it’s Free! Subscribe and get an email every time a new article in this series is posted!
I read the Daily Fishwrap(s) so you don’t have to… Send your hate mail and ideas to DougPorter@SanDiegoFreePress.Org Check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Doug Porter
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thank you, Doug, good article, good info, as always, Netflix should do a feature on you as the voice of the people in a US cornerstone city, San Diego…pity about all the white supremist bigots, pity to lose our sanctuary city status…one of the things that saves us from just becoming a mafia casino drugged out tourist destination….
“Voice” might now be the right term, lol.
How about “prosthetic vocalizer?”