It’s off to the races. The June Primary races, that is.
The deadline for candidates to file has passed, and now it’s time or the sorting process to begin. Over the past few months, various organizations have vetted candidates. Some have already made endorsements. (We’ll have a list of who likes who posted next week.) Others are still in the process.
There is already a major controversy in Democratic circles triggered by endorsements announced by Micky Kasparian’s rump labor organization, the Working Families Council. I will write more on this shortly.
Most importantly, it’s time for all of us who intend to vote and aren’t part of these year-round groups to begin paying attention. With each passing week, there are opportunities to learn about and get involved in campaigns. Many of them are listed in this column every Friday.
Five things to remember in this era of Trump:
- Friends don’t let friends vote Republican
- Democrats who don’t vote elect Republicans
- Vote like your life depends on it.
- Getting rid of Trumpism means ripping out this tree of ignorance by the roots
- Down ballot races are very, very important.
For those readers not familiar with the San Diego Free Press coverage in past elections, we’ll profile as many local contests as we can fit in over the next 6 weeks. About the time mail-in ballots are mailed out, we’ll post a Progressive Voter’s Guide, which will include basic information and links to candidate’s webs/social media pages, who’s been endorsed by whom, and, of course, our endorsements.
Articles we have published on local races thus far include:
- These County Elections Are The Ones to Watch in 2018
- San Diego’s 2018 District Attorney Election: The Issue is Justice for ALL
- District Attorney Candidate Geneviéve Jones-Wright Runs on a Reform Agenda for San Diego
- Matt Strabone’s Campaign for Assessor/Recorder/Clerk
- Help Wanted: A 21st Century San Diego County Sheriff
- Nathan Fletcher, Candidate for District 4 County Supervisor: Build a Coalition for Change
- Lori Saldaña, Candidate for District 4 County Supervisor: The Truth Will Set You Free
- Omar Passons, Candidate for District 4 County Supervisor: Policy Wonk With a Heart of Gold
- Will 2018 Be the Year of the Education War Inside the California Democratic Party?
- Why Should I Be a Democrat? Part One: The 2018 State Convention Comes to San Diego
- Why Should I Be A Democrat? – How the Party Works in California and San Diego
- Show Us the Money, Part 1: City & County Campaigns
- Show Us the Money, Part 2: Congressional Campaigns
- Marshall Tuck’s Dirty Secret: How Right-Wing Money Infiltrates Democratic Politics
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 16
The 50th Anniversary of the My Lai Massacre
The San Diego and Chicago Chapters of the Veterans For Peace, the San Diego Peace Resource Center, and the American Friends Service Committee invite you to the following events. These issues are as important today as they were 50 years ago! This exhibit, created and based in Chicago, honors the over 2 million Vietnamese killed in what we call the “Vietnam War” but which they refer to as the “American War”.
Friday, March 16: First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, Display open 2pm- 9pm
Speakers: 7:30 PM, Dennis Stout, Marjorie Cohn, Barry Ladendorf
Saturday, March 17: SD Peace Resource Center, 3850 Westgate Pl, SD 92105; Display open Noon-5pm
Speakers: 6:30 PM, Church of the Brethren, 3850 Westgate Pl., SD 92105, Fernando Suarez del Solar, Lori Saldaña, David Valladolid
Forward Fridays: Benefitting Progressive Causes
Friday, March 16, 10pm
Basic Bar/Pizza
410 10th Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Forward Fridays: Benefitting Progressive Causes
Forward Fridays is a monthly event aimed at making a difference every third Friday in downtown.
Proceeds from drink and food will be donated to a selected cause which we will rotate periodically. This month’s event, in commemoration of Women’s History Month, will benefit Planned Parenthood.
You will also have the opportunity to enter a FREE raffle to win a signed canvas print from local San Diego artist, EVGOLA. The artist will also be painting LIVE! Live interactive visuals from XAVIER VASQUEZ. Live DJ! NO COVER 21+
March 17
Campaign Office Launch Party
Saturday, March 17, 10am-3pm
8340 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard #202
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Geneviéve Jones-Wright for DA
Please join us this Saturday, March 17th, from 10am – 3pm for the official launch of our campaign office! We will joined by members of the Dave Myers for Sheriff team for a combined day of celebration and action. Come and see our new space, meet our amazing team, enjoy light refreshments, and hear from Geneviéve herself.
The party will be followed by canvassing, so come show your support for this campaign by speaking with voters about the upcoming election and why Geneviéve is the (w)right choice for San Diego District Attorney. We hope you’ll join us to party hard, and volunteer harder.
Fayaz Nawabi for City Council Campaign Kickoff
Saturday, March 17, 2pm
9484 Black Mountain Road, Suite A/B
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Fayaz Nawabi for San Diego City Council District 6
Join the San Diego Community as we support Fayaz Nawabi for San Diego City Council District 6. You can hear his story by viewing his recent interview on the Voice of San Diego. His portion of the Podcast interview starts at 37:30.
Introducing Priya Bhat-Patel: Candidate – Carlsbad City Council District 3
Saturday, March 17, 2pm
Alga Norte Community Park
6565 Alicante Road
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Priya Bhat-Patel for Carlsbad City Council
Please join us as we officially announce that Priya Bhat-Patel is running for Carlsbad’s City Council for District 3. Her main goals are to work on community, health, and education.
This is your chance to get to know Priya and sign up to volunteer to help the campaign! Let’s make the community a priority by helping her get elected!
Walk and Knock Oceanside
Saturday, March 17, 10am
Joe Balderama Park
709 San Diego Street
For More Information (RSVP)
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.
Consuelo’s Campaign Kick-Off for Escondido City Council
Saturday, March 17, 1:30pm
Park Avenue Community Center – Oak Room
210 East Park Avenue (Escondido)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Consuelo Martinez for Escondido City Council
You are invited to join me as I officially kick-off my campaign for Escondido City Council, District One. Coffee and appetizers will be served. Speech at 2:15pm.
I’m excited for all my worlds to collide and meet each other. Family, friends, neighbors & more!
Make Art! Not Greenhouse Gases
Saturday, March 17, 11am-5pm
9318 Carmichael Drive (La Mesa)
For More Information (RSVP)
Join us at an Art Build to make spectacular visuals for climate action! Beginners and kids welcome!
We’ll make banners, posters, photo props, capes, and more! Arts will happen 11am-5pm – come for any part of it.
Materials provided and no special skills needed – all we need is you :)
March 18
Issue Panel: Healthcare
Sunday, March 18, 1:30pm
Balboa Park Club Building – Santa Fe Room
2144 Pan American Road West
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Indivisible Downtown
Open to the public; all ages welcome. Please park at the San Diego Automotive Museum lot. While parking spots are available, since Balboa Park gets crowded on Sundays, consider taking public transportation or leaving some extra time to find a parking spot.
NEW MEMBERS: Please feel free to arrive at 1:30 for a new member discussion to learn more about our group and how you can get involved. Our agenda and panel will begin at 2:00.
March for Our Lives Sign Making
Sunday, March 18, 2pm
1725 Deerfield Road (Encinitas)
For More Information
Hosted by The Wagon Circle
Students organizing a sign making and postcard writing party to prepare for a group to attend March for Our Lives SD, where the WC has signed on as a co sponsor. Learn more about our local actions supporting student led actions and bring the family.
Ice cream sundaes will be served
DSA San Diego New Member Orientation
Sunday, March 18, 3pm
United Here Local 30
2436 Market Street
For More Information
Hosted by Democratic Socialists of America – San Diego
Welcome to DSA-San Diego! Come join us at 3pm for New Member Orientation to learn about our organization, democratic socialism, and the work we do in the greater San Diego community. This orientation is for whether you are brand new or if you have been around for a while and want to get more involved in the chapter.
Meet members of our Steering Committee and sign up to get involved in our active Working Groups. If you like what you see after the orientation, please be sure to stay for the general meeting that goes on from 4-6pm.
March 18th Endorse-O-Rama!
Sunday, March 18, 10am
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Progressive Democratic Club
All our statewide endorsements, at one place and time: this Sunday, March 18th, at 10:00 AM at Elijah’s! Doors open at 9:30, and we will begin promptly at 10!
Join us as we hear from surrogates, review endorsement questionnaires, debate, and ultimately vote on the following key statewide races:
– Governor
– Lt. Governor
– US Senate
– Attorney General
– Secretary of State
– Superintendent of Public Instruction
– State Controller
– State Treasurer
We will also be considering the endorsement recommendations for Carlsbad Mayor and State Senate District 38!
This is sure to be an exciting meeting, and your chance to make sure your voice is heard. The primaries are only three months away, so we don’t have any time to waste! Let’s get these endorsements done, and get to knocking on those doors!
East County Gun Violence Prevention Meet Up
Sunday, March 18, 11:30am
MacArthur Park
4975 Memorial Drive (La Mesa)
For More Information
Come join us as we create an East County division of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America! You will have an opportunity to learn about Moms Demand Action and the newly formed Gun Violence Prevention Coalition. We need a group of people (not just moms, of course!) that can help relay information, show up to city council meetings and school district boards, and ensure that we have gun sense candidates win local elections. This is how we make change!
We will meet in an enclosed playground so our kids can play while we talk. We will have snacks but feel free to bring something to share. See you soon!
Point Loma Democrats Meeting
Do Citizens Get Hurt More in Soccer or Football?
Sunday, March 18, 4pm
Point Loma Assembly
3035 Talbot Street
For More Information
Joe LaCava will present arguments in opposition to the SoccerCity Initiative scheduled for the City of San Diego November 2018 ballot. The citizen’s initiative proposes a sale/lease to private investors and redevelopment of city-owned land including the Qualcomm Stadium and the former Charger Training System.
March 19
Endorsements and Actions
Monday, March 19, 7pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County
We have another great endorsement meeting.
Assembly District 75: Alan Geraci
Chula Vista School Board Seat 5: Eduardo Reyes, Kate Bishop
Community College District E: David Alvarez, Sean Elo, Rafael Perez
San Diego City Council District 6: Tommy Hough, Fayez Nawabi, Matt Valenti, William Wilson
US Congressional District 52: Scott Peters
Assembly District 80: Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher
Southwestern Community College Board Seat 2: Nora Vargas
San Diego Unified District B: Kevin Beiser
San Diego Unified District C: Dr. Michael McQuary
ASD Community Meeting – Women’s Month
Monday, March 19. 7pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Street
For More Information
Hosted by Activist San Diego
Historically feminists have been the backbone of our society be it at home or in the workplace. Celebrating all our unsung sheros!
March 20
National City Mayor and City Council Need a Plan for ICE Raids
Tuesday, March 20, 5pm
1243 National City Boulevard
For More Information
Families are being torn apart and children left homeless by ICE, Border Patrol, and the Trump administration. We know we may not be able to stop every raid, but doing nothing is not an option. First with the help of the city we can put together a Immigration Rights Commission. This commission can help organize neighborhood watch groups with alert systems in place. Second we can have monthly town hall meetings where professionals in immigration can explain peoples rights, legal services available, other services available, what we can do as a community to take care of kids left behind all alone after a raid, help undocumented file the proper paperwork, etc.
Again doing nothing is not an option. Our community is under attack and we demand action NOW! Come to City Council to let your voice be heard!
Mona Rios and Alejandra Sotelo-Solis should be onboard as they lead the fight for a Welcoming City Resolution. Ron, Albert and Jerry are where we need to put the pressure, they have consistently said there’s nothing we can do and that “ some should be deported “.
Press Conference at 5pm * Council Meeting at 6pm * We can all speak at the very beginning under public comments.
Stop the Transitional Storage Facility
Tuesday, March 20, 1pm
San Diego City Council
202 West C Street
For More Information
Hosted by David Alvarez
People in Barrio Logan and Sherman Heights will protest the City Administration’s steamrolling of a facility for homeless people to store their belongings. No community input was sought, and they’re tired of their neighborhoods being used as a dumping ground for every project relating to homeless. The job of helping our homeless humans needs to be shared by every neighborhood, not just the ones that happen to be black and brown.
Sir! No Sir!
Women Occupy San Diego Movie Night
Tuesday, March 20, 6:30
Women’s Museum of California
2730 Historic Decatur Rd #103Please join Women Occupy San Diego at our monthly Movie Night (Third Tuesdays). This month, we reflect on the Vietnam horror and those who said “no” on the 50th Anniversary of the My Lai Massacre. What lessons have we forgotten from this misbegotten war?
This feature-length documentary focuses on the efforts by troops in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to oppose the war effort by peaceful demonstration and subversion. It speaks mainly to veterans, but serves as a reminder of the power of saying “no”. It’s a ready reminder to civilians that soldiers may oppose war as stridently as any civilian, and at greater personal peril.
This event is free. Light Refreshments
March 21
Noche de Defensa y Resistencia
Wednesday, March 21, 6pm
2078 Logan Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Unión del Barrio
Unión del Barrio rechaza la amenaza fascista que representa la eliminación de DACA, y otros ataques a nuestro pueblo. Hacemos el llamado a nuestras comunidades mexicanas y latinoamericanas, migrantes, trabajadoras/
Community Forum on the Justice System and District Attorney
Wednesday, March 21, 6pm
Skyline Hills Library
7900 Paradise Valley Road
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Partners for Progress San Diego, San Diego Organizing Project,
and ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties
District attorneys (DAs) are more than just prosecutors. If someone is accused of committing a crime, it is not the police but the DA who has the power to decide whether to file criminal charges and how severe those charges are. A DA decides who goes straight to prison and who instead gets a second chance to rebuild their lives. Despite their power, most of us know little about our DAs and the impact they have on our lives and communities.
As an elected official and our region’s top law enforcement officer, DAs are powerful, accountable to voters and charged with serving all the people and communities they represent.
Hear from a panel of local and national experts in criminal justice. Learn more about the office of the DA, their role in shaping our criminal justice system and the ways our DAs can work to achieve justice for all communities. Seats are limited.
Free Film Screening Of Dolores
Wednesday, March 21, 6pm
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
5148 Market Street
For More Information
With intimate and unprecedented access Peter Bratt’s Dolores tells the story of Dolores Huerta, among the most important yet least known activists in American history. Co-founder of the first Farm Workers Union with Cesar Chavez she tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice becoming one of the most defiant feminists of the 20th century.
Free refreshments provided by Ellie’s Kitchen
March 22
Meet the Carlsbad Candidates!
Thursday, March 22, 5pm
Bagby Beer
601 South Coast Highway (Oceanside)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Democratic Club of Carlsbad Oceanside – Demcco
The Democratic Club of Carlsbad/Oceanside Proudly Presents its Quarterly Happy hour, Featuring Candidates for Carlsbad City Council
Cori Schumacher for Carlsbad Mayor * Mary Anne Viney for Carlsbad City Council District 1
***Priya Bhat-Patel for Carlsbad City Council District 3 is unable to attend and we hope to host her in the future***Come meet and have an informal, open dialogue with the candidates in a relaxed setting. Come early and stay late!
Endorsements Meeting-Chula Vista Democratic Club
Thursday, March 22, 6:30pm
Mangia Italiano on Third
248 Third Avenue (Chula Vista)
For More Information
We are endorsing candidates for June primary on the following races — Thursday, March 22, 2018-from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Chula Vista City Council, District 1
Chula Vista City Council, District 2
Superior Court Judge
We also have friendly incumbent considerations for Fall 2018
Chula Vista Elementary School District
Sweetwater Union High School District
Southwestern Community College District
Puerto Rico Rising Fundraiser
Thursday, March 22, 7pm
San Diego City College – Saville Theater
1313 Park Boulevard
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by 4th Annual Social Justice and Education Conference March 20th-22nd, 2018
The 4th Annual San Diego City College Social Justice and Education Conference closing performance Puerto Rico Rising is a fundraiser to support Puerto Rico through the Maria Fund. Performances by poet Denice Frohman, poet Shihan, Bomba Liberte, and other special guests.
March 24
March for Our Lives
Saturday, March 24, 10am
Waterfront Park / County Administration Building
1600 Pacific Highway
For More Information
Hosted by SWANAA-San Diego, Women’s March San Diego, San Diego Action United
Thoughts and prayers are not enough to honor the victims of gun violence. What we need now is action.
On March 24, 2018, students will rally in Washington D.C and in local communities across the country to demand action from our leaders. Join us as we support our students in the “March For Our Lives,” as we fight for an America that is free from gun violence. March For Our Lives is created by, inspired by, and led by students across the country who will no longer risk their lives waiting for someone else to take action to stop the epidemic of mass school shootings that has become all too familiar.
School safety is not a political issue. There cannot be two sides to doing everything in our power to ensure the lives and futures of children who are at risk of dying when they should be learning, playing, and growing. The mission and focus of March For Our Lives is to demand that a comprehensive and effective bill be immediately brought before Congress to address these gun issues. No special interest group, no political agenda is more critical than timely passage of legislation to effectively address the gun violence issues that are rampant in our country.
Her Own Hero: The Origins of the Women’s Self-Defense Movement
Saturday, March 24, 4;30pm
The Women’s Museum
2730 Historic Decatur Road, Barracks 16
For More Information (Tickets)
Join author Wendy Rouse as she discusses her new book, Her Own Hero: The Origins of the Women’s Self-Defense Movement. The book describes the emergence of a women’s self-defense movement paralleling the women’s suffrage movement in the early 1900s.
In this #MeToo movement of the early twentieth century, first-wave feminists sought to raise awareness about the sexual harassment and violence that women faced on the street, at work, and in the home. Advocates of self-defense insisted that all women should learn boxing or jiu-jitsu not only to protect themselves physically but to empower themselves psychologically for the political battles that lay ahead.
Women expressed a newfound sense of empowerment through their physical training in self-defense that helped them resist harassment, assault, sexism, and disfranchisement. Self-defense figuratively and literally challenged the power structure that prevented women from exercising their full rights as citizens and human beings.
Meet & Greet with Michelle for Supervisor
Saturday, March 24, 5pm
Private Residence – see Link Below for Info
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by Michelle Gomez for SD County Supervisor, District 5
Michelle Gomez is a Southern California native and long time community advocate with a demonstrated track record of working to uplift our community. She currently serves on both the San Diego Commission on the Status of Women & Girls where she and her fellow Commissioners are leading the charge against human trafficking, childhood homelessness, and domestic violence. She also serves on the Oceanside Housing Commission making recommendations to the City Council on policies pertaining to programs for low and moderate-income housing and homelessness prevention.
Michelle’s vision for San Diego County includes Community Choice Energy which will cut carbon emissions while saving hard working rate payers money on their electric bills. Her comprehensive plan also includes the expansion of health and human services availablility, strengthening fire protections, and preserving open space while protecting private property rights.
North County residents (particularly those in the unincorporated areas) deserve a responsive Board of Supervisors who will honor our county’s General Plan to protect sensitive natural resources while ensuring sustainable growth near existing services and infrastructure.
Second Annual March for Clean Water
Saturday, March 24, Noon
Start: Portwood Pier Plaza – 10 Evergreen Ave (Imperial Beach)
End: Pizzeria Luigi – 717 Seacoast Drive (Imperial Beach)
For More Information
Hosted by Surfrider
Last year, we held a monumental march for the residents of the South Bay who were fed up and frustrated with the constant sewage spills that have plagued their beaches for way too long. Over 180 community members from Imperial Beach, Coronado, and the surrounding areas marched in unity to tell their elected officials “Enough is Enough!!!!”!
This year we plan to do it again! Marchers will gather at the IB Portwood Pier Plaza wearing blue and carrying clean water signs to march down the Pier and then down Seacoast Avenue, finishing up at the end of Palm Avenue to take some aerial shots between the jetties.
After the March, Surfrider will be hosting a volunteer appreciation party for the marchers (and beach cleaners from a Coastkeeper cleanup from earlier in the day).
March 25
Sailing for a Nuclear-Free World – A Party with a Purpose
Sunday, March 25, 3pm
Peace Resource Center
3850 Westgate Place
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by VFP Golden Rule Projec
Veterans For Peace and the Golden Rule Project invite you to a party to support the upcoming voyage to Hawaii and across the Pacific.
See the new documentary “Making Waves: The Rebirth of the Golden Rule.” Enjoy Refreshments, Wine & Beer Cash Bar, Games, and Prizes. Donations are requested, no one will be turned away.
Concert for Gun Violence Prevention
Sunday, March 25, 4pm
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
4190 Front Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Hosted by San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention
The UU Choirs of San Diego will perform Faure’s Requiem in D minor. A free-will offering will be taken with proceeds to benefit SD4GVP
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.
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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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