The latest victims of America’s gun madness are students at Santa Fe High School, about 30 miles outside of Houston, Texas. As I’m writing this, the death count is at ten, with more at local hospitals being treated for injuries.
The shooter, who is in custody, was found with an AR-15 style rifle, a pistol, a shotgun, and pipe bombs.
Today’s outrage raises the count to twenty-two school shooting events in 2018. Ten of these have happened since the February massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Today’s outrage happened just one week after NRA President (and felon) Oliver North called the Parkland kids terrorists, and two weeks after Donald Trump and Mike Pence were shilling at the NRA convention and inciting violence.
the number of school shootings that have happened since the year 2000 around the world:
ENGLAND: 0
GREECE: 1
NETHERLANDS: 1
SPAIN: 1
INDIA: 1
ARGENTINA: 1
RUSSIA: 1
CHINA: 3
MEXICO: 4
AUSTRALIA: 5
CANADA: 5
GERMANY: 5
SOUTH AFRICA: 5
USA: 213#Texas— Marc Hilberer (@MarcHilberer) May 18, 2018
Meanwhile, the stupidity just keeps on coming.
While the drama was unfolding, a flag-toting man wearing a Make America Great cap and a pistol by his side suddenly appeared outside the school. He was immediately stopped by police.
“This idiot is walking down the street with a pistol by his side,” one outraged man told the local affiliate. “I believe in the second amendment. But this is a crime scene… this is a slap in the face.”
Heidi and I are keeping all the students and faculty at Santa Fe High School in our prayers this morning, along with all first responders on the scene. Please be safe and heed warnings from local officials. https://t.co/5Un3Y4IA86
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) May 18, 2018
Thoughts and prayers, my ass.
And if this school shooting wasn’t bad enough, the Trump administration announced the latest assault on women this morning:
From NBC News:
The Trump administration moved forward with a proposal Friday that would effectively ban Planned Parenthood and similar organizations from providing abortion and related services under the same roof as operations funded by federal family-planning grants, according to an administration official.
The so-called Hyde amendment prohibits the use of competitive federal family-planning grant funds for abortion, but organizations like Planned Parenthood have traditionally used the federal money for other health services while using private money for abortions and related services — sometimes at the same facilities and with the same staff.
And in Congress, ‘dumb as a rock’ takes on new meaning, via The Hill
A Republican lawmaker on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee said Thursday that rocks from the White Cliffs of Dover and the California coastline, as well as silt from rivers tumbling into the ocean, are contributing to high sea levels globally.
Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) made the comment during a hearing on technology and the changing climate, which largely turned into a Q&A on the basics of climate research.
Climate scientist Philip Duffy testified before the panel, addressing lawmakers’ questions about climate change, according to E&E News. “The rate of global sea-level rise has accelerated and is now four times faster than it was 100 years ago,” Duffy told the panel.
Brooks said that erosion played a factor in that. “Every time you have that soil or rock or whatever it is that is deposited into the seas, that forces the sea levels to rise, because now you have less space in those oceans, because the bottom is moving up,” Brooks said at the hearing.
Don’t get mad, get even. There are opportunities galore listed below.
Walking, Talking, Voting, and Winning on June 5
Don’t know who to vote for? Here’s selection of voter guides you may find useful:
KPBS/Voter’s Edge
With the League of Women Voters; shows actual ballot choices for voter’s address
San Diego Indivisible Downtown
No endorsements, but lots of links to candidate info.
Here’s a selection of endorsement sheets:
San Diego Free Press/OB Rag 2018 Election Crib Sheet
California Democratic Party
San Diego Democratic Party
Democrats for Equality
Planned Parenthood (Southwest CA)
Register to Vote (thru May 21) https://registertovote.ca.gov/
Confirm your voter registration http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Voters.asp
When we vote, we win. Every time.
There will be no Progressive Activist Calendar on Friday, May 25 because I’m taking a long weekend off. So I’ve extended the shelf life of this week’s listings to the end of the month.
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.
May 18
No War on Iran! (Downtown)
Friday, May 18, 6pm
San Diego City College
1313 Park Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by ANSWER SanDiego
Come out and stand in opposition to US militarism.
No war! No Sanctions! No Assassinations!
Hands off Iran!
May 19
March to Vote – San Diego
Saturday, May 19, 10am
801 Front Street (Downtown)
For More Information
Hosted by Progress San Diego and March to Vote – San Diego
On May 19th, San Diego County voters will join together to collectively participate in the ultimate expression of our democracy…we will vote!
Bring your mail-in ballot for the June 5th election to the park on the corner of Front Street and West F Street. There we will gather for music, speeches, and celebration of our right for self-determination. Together we will march to the post office in Horton Plaza, where WE THE PEOPLE will cast our ballots by mail.
The upcoming vote is significant for all residents of San Diego County, as we will be electing our District Attorney, Sheriff, and County Clerk in the June election, in addition to deciding which candidates will proceed to the November general election for important City, County, State, and National races.
GOTV Postcards!
Saturday, May 19, Noon
Blind Lady Alehouse
3416 Adams Avenue
For More Information
Please join us for some fun with fantastic resistance activists! We will be writing GOTV postcards and encouraging progressive voters to support Matt Strabone for Assessor, Genevieve Wright-Jones for District Attorney, and Dave Myers for Sheriff. I’m told the candidates might even stop by! This is the most important primary election of my lifetime, please help us encourage others to raise their voice. The tree grows from the roots, and local elections are where we can make the most difference. Come have a beer or two and write some cards!!
Smile & Dial Week with Indi Squared!
Saturday, May 19 & Sunday, May 20
Various Times, Del Cerro, Bonsall
Locations Furnished with RSVP
Hosted by Indivisible San Diego
Why join our INDI2 phone bank? Through Indivisible’s electoral tools, we offer another way, outside the parties and campaigns, to Get Out The Vote – one that allows Indivisible to keep the data we collect. We are building a base to strengthen our grassroots capabilities beyond the 2018 elections, one that will elect more candidates at all levels of government who better represent our values. We are also building a strong alliance of trusted friends and activists who are committed to each other. Come check us out!
Civic Engagement: Walk for Justice
Saturday, May 19, 9am
Westview Park (Mira Mesa)
11278 Westview Parkway
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties
Let’s walk toward smart justice. Hit the streets with us for our second canvass for Smart Justice in San Diego County!
RSVP so we can secure you a spot. Snacks and lunch will be provided! We will do a training with folks at 9am to go over the plan for the day, and run through what we will be saying to voters at the door.
Gun Show Protest
Saturday, May 19, 10am
Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
For More Information
Event for Indivisible 49
This demonstration is an opportunity for all persons who have a strong message to send to the Fair Board: NO MORE GUN SHOWS.
JOIN US to convince the Board of Directors of the Fairgrounds (22nd Agricultural District) that the lives of our children and families are more important than the profits from gun shows which glorify guns and killing. Whether to rent out their facilities for gun shows, or not, is a policy decision to be made by the Board of Directors. This protest by San Diego County voters will show that their community does not want gun shows on state-owned property intended for family events.
NeverAgainCA will have ORANGE SHIRTS available and will accept donations for them. All orange attire is encouraged.
Hands Across the Sand – Mission Beach
Saturday, March 19, 11am
San Fernando Place & Oceanfront Walk
For More Information
Hosted by Oceana Southern California, Greenpeace San Diego, Sierra Club San Diego, SanDiego350, Surfrider Foundation, UNA USA San Diego
Join hands with your community to oppose offshore drilling! We will have community reps speaking to the public, live music, photo petitions, and spelling out no oil on the beach! Bring your friends and family to help us get our SD voice heard loud and proud!!
Hands Across the Sand, founded in 2010, grew into an international movement after the BP oil disaster in April of that year. People came together to join hands, forming symbolic barriers against spilled oil and to stand against the impacts of other forms of extreme energy.
Eight years later, there’s a rising tide of grassroots activism demanding that we end the expansion of offshore oil drilling. The coalition of organizations, activists, and citizens around the world bring the message of clean oceans to local and world leaders.
Voter Registration Rally
Saturday, May 19, 2pm
Oceanside Civic Center
For More Information
Hosted by North County San Diego Women In Solidarity
June 5th primary is right around the corner. Are you registered to vote? Make your voice heard at the polls. Register to vote here and learn how to host ballot parties. Come hear inspirational speakers and great music by Lee Coulter.
Rest In Power: A Candlelight Vigil
Saturday, May 19, 6pm
6401 Skyline Drive
For More Information
Hosted by Black Lives Matter: San Diego and San Diego Action United
Please join us a remember the people who have been killed at the hands of state-sanctioned violence.
When we say state-sanctioned violence we mean people who have been murdered by law enforcement or if their murder was a hate crime committed by non-law enforcement.
We encourage you to bring candles, bring pictures of loved ones or people you wish to honor, and bring energy to give to the families who carry the legacy of those who now Rest in Power.
Councilmember Georgette Gomez
Budget Town Hall
Saturday, May 19, 10:30am
Church of the Brethren
3850 Westgate Plaza
For More Information
Councilmember Gomez with San Diego’s Independent Budget Analyst Andrea Tevlin.
The City of San Diego is in the process of adopting its Fiscal Year 2018-2019 (FY19) Budget. The $3.8 billion budget allocates your tax dollars and we need your input!
The town hall will provide an opportunity for residents of District 9 to learn about the proposed budget and voice your thoughts on the priorities for District 9. Please join us!
Local Bands, Local Beer, Local Election
Saturday, May 19, 6pm
ChuckAlek Biergarten
3139 University Avenue #B (North Park)
For More Information
Three local bands – grampadrew, SONGS for PEOPLE, & Crooked – will be playing at the wonderful outdoor ChuckAlek Biergarten, raising funds for Get Out The Vote – San Diego!
Looking for a way to contribute? Many folks don’t realize that we’ve got important races that will be decided in the June 5th election, including DA & Sheriff. Come enjoy some beer, local music, & help us spread the word about the June 5th election! Family friendly! $10 contribution requested, but we won’t turn anyone away!
Walk with Nathan Fletcher!
Saturday, May 19, 9am
3737 Camino del Rio South (Mission Valley)
For More Information
The primary is around the corner! Help us reach voters door to door this Saturday! Get out the word about the Democratic Endorsed candidate for Board of Supervisors Nathan Fletcher.
PROP TALKS
Saturday, May 19, 2pm
North University Community Library
8820 Judicial Drive
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by League of Women Voters of San Diego
JUNE PRIMARY: You’ve got some questions? We’ve got some answers. Come hear our members discuss the ballot measures you will vote on in the June 5 Primary. We provide background information and a nonpartisan perspective.
May 20
Community Town Hall with Geneviéve Jones-Wright
Sunday, May 20, 5:30pm
Golden Hall – City Heights
4061 Fairmount Avenue
For More Information (RSVP)
San Diego, the time has come. The time for change has surely come. It is time for San Diegans to elect a DA that is right for all of us. It is time to invest in the people’s choice for DA. Join us in this townhall to meet and be informed about Genevieve Jones-Wright’s platform as she runs for the District Attorney office. This race will be decided by the June 5th primary election.
“I’m running for District Attorney to show the connection between criminal justice reform, the world we want to live in, and the role of the District Attorney. I know that prosecutors can and should be an instrument for needed reforms. They can be a bridge between communities of color and law enforcement in an effort to heal San Diego County’s divides.” -Genevieve Jones-Wright
Walk for True Representation
Sunday, May 20, 11am
Malcolm X Library
5148 Market Street
For More Information
Hosted by Monica Montgomery for City Council
The Primary Election is drawing near and we need all hands on deck! Join me at the Malcolm X library as we canvass District 4 and engage our neighbors. It’s so important that we work together to create the change at city hall we need and we’re walking door to door to do it. But we need your help to spread the word about this campaign far and wide, so please come out and help us make history!
John Mattes Explains How Russian Trolls Influenced US Elections
Sunday, May 20, 4pm
Point Loma Assembly
3035 Talbot Street
For More Information
Hosted by Point Loma Democratic Club
This month we welcome club member John Mattes to explain his investigations into Russian propagandists who created false social media accounts to influence the outcome of the U.S. Presidential election.
John is an investigative journalist who has won 5 Emmys, one Golden Mike award, one Edward R Murrow award and 10 press club awards for exposing fraud and corruption in government.
He holds an advanced degree in Communication Research from the University of Wisconsin and a law degree from the University of Miami. Before working for Fox, he served as a County Supervisor and city council member in Madison, Wisconsin and practiced law in Miami, Florida focusing on Public Policy Investigation.
May 21
Last Day to Register to Vote
Register to Vote https://registertovote.ca.gov/ Confirm your voter registration http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Voters.asp
Moms for Ammar Phone Banking
Monday, May 21, 4pm
350 South Magnolia Avenue (El Cajon)
For More Information
Event for San Diego Moms Demand Action
Join us as we phone bank for our Gun Sense candidate in the 50th, Ammar Campa-Najar. Help us, help him in getting out the vote for the June 5 Primary. There will be 2 shifts: 4-6pm and 6-8pm. Please take some time to help us turn East County blue and bring a friend! Make sure to bring your cell phone and charger! Please comment which shift you will be joining. WEAR YOUR RED SHIRT!
ASD Hosts Dr Fishman’s Second Book Signing Event!
Monday, May 21, 6pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Street
For More Information
Hosted by ACTIVIST SAN DIEGO
Join us as Activist San Diego sponsors Dr. Fishman’s 2nd book signing event. Dr. Fishman is a Political Science, Criminologist, and Sociology Professor currently teaching at Mesa College. This is his second book publication and 1 of 10 publications. This book talks about the racial attacks on Obama. Please come out and support this event.
May 22
CRB Meeting & Press Conference on the Chokehold
Tuesday, May 22, 5pm
Balboa Park, Santa Fe Room
2144 Pan American Road
For More Information
Hosted by Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego and ACTIVIST SAN DIEGO
We are asking the Community Review Board on Police Practices to recommend an end to the Chokeholds used by San Diego Police Department.
Historically chokeholds have been used disproportionately against racial minorities and there have been more fatalities from its use on Black men. Darryl Gates, Former Los Angeles Police Department Chief offered this overtly racist explanation for chokeholds: “…blacks might be more likely to die from chokeholds because their arteries do not open as fast as they do in ‘normal people.’”
Modern Times Meet & Greet
Tuesday, May 22, 5:30pm
Modern Times Flavordome
3000 Upas Street
For More Information
Hosted by Omar Passons for Supervisor 2018
Come meet Omar Passons, Candidate for the County Board of Supervisors and learn about his campaign and why he is running! Omar has a long history in our community, having served on the boards of Voices for Children, United Way, and the San Diego Workforce Partnership and is a committed advocate for children.
Sips & Civility: June Ballot Propositions
Tuesday, May 22, 6pm
San Diego Downtown Library
330 Park Boulevard
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by League of Women Voters of San Diego and San Diego Central Library
Get ready to vote in the June Primary! Come learn about the ballot measures you’ll get to decide on in the June election. Knowledgeable League members will review each of the issues and answer your questions, always keeping it nonpartisan.
Free drinks and snacks will be provided, as well as opportunities to donate to the League and win great prizes. Must be 21+ with ID to enjoy beer and wine. Ticket holders will have guaranteed entry if arriving between 5:30pm – 6:00pm. After that, entry is first-come, first-served. Event is on the 9th floor – Shiley events suite.
Uptown Democratic Club
Tuesday, May 22, 6:30pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
We will have a speaker from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters to discuss the state propositions which appear on the ballot. Your questions are always welcome!
Herb Shore, President of DSA will also be joining us to speak a little about his organization. Herb will give us the low down on their candidate recommendations to assist in making your voting decisions.
May 23
South Bay Eco Justice on Tap!
Wednesday, May 23, 7pm
Groundswell Brewing Company
258 Third Avenue (Chula Vista)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by SanDiego350
The South Bay community will meet every 4th Wednesday to talk about how climate change has impacted the community, hear concerns, and to discuss ways to take action.
We Who Believe in Freedom:
LGBTQ People of Color’s History in SD
Wednesday, May 23, 7pm
Digital Gym Cinema
2921 El Cajon Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by UCSD Critical Gender Studies Program and Lambda Archives of San Diego
San Diego has a rich history of LGBTQ activism and organizing. How do we make sure this history represents the breadth and complexity of our community? In collaboration with the Lambda Archives of San Diego, UCSD Critical Gender Studies Program invite you to explore the sometimes-overlooked experiences and activism of LGBTQ people of color in San Diego.
Convivio Electoral
Wednesday, May 23, 5pm
Centro Universidad Popular
1234 North Santa Fe Avenue #100 (Vista)
RSVP
This is a non-partisan educational event with the purpose of fostering dialogue and sharing resources regarding candidates and propositions focused on North County. We want to disseminate as much educational information as possible to help new VOTERS and their families learn where to find educational materials and how to connect with local resources.
Bring your ballot as well as a healthy snack to share.
May 24
Daily Gun Violence Summit
Thursday, May 24, 6pm
New Greater Apostolic Faith Temple Church
138 28th Street
For More Information
Hosted by San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention
Please join us for the first in a series of Gun Violence Prevention summits/discussions that focus on the different types of gun violence- sponsored by San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention and our many coalition partners, including CAST, Brady Campaign, and Moms Demand Action.
This topic will focus on the daily gun violence that affects many communities in San Diego and across the country every single day. We will have a keynote speaker, a policy expert, and a panel of many voices from the community and what they face in their jobs/daily lives because of gun violence. This is an event that you do not want to miss!
Community Conversations: Affordable Housing & Homelessness
Thursday, May 24, 6pm
Dove Library in Carlsbad
1775 Dove Lane
For More Information
Hosted by Cori Schumacher Carlsbad Councilmember, Candidate for Mayor
This forum will feature a discussion of opportunities for various branches of government (and NGOs) to collaboratively address issues of affordable housing and homelessness.
This unique forum includes participants across the spectrum of experience, education, and advocacy in these issues of critical importance in our communities.
Chula Vista Democratic Club
Phone Bank for Endorsed Candidates
Thursday, May 24, 6:30pm
Mangia Italiano on Third
248 Third Avenue (Chula Vista)
For More Information
We have endorsed- Dave Myers, Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher, Shirley Weber, Juan Vargas, Ben Hueso, Mary Casillas Salas, and Steve Castaneda for the June 2018 Primary. Come and support your candidates.
May 26
CYD Progressive Caucus Invasion for Ammar Campa Najjar (CA-50)
Saturday, May 26, 9am
Sunday, May 27, 11:30am
North County Democratic Headquarters
105 East Grand (Escondido)
For More Information
Hosted by Palomar College Democrats
Join CYD Progressive Caucus as we invade California’s 50th congressional district and walk for Ammar Campa Najjar.
Born in East San Diego County, Ammar is a Latino-Arab American, entrepreneur, former White House intern & Administration official, writer and activist. As Congressman, he’ll advance an aggressive jobs agenda and restore America’s basic bargain to the 50th: If you take responsibility, America will give you an opportunity. He is endorsed by California Young Democrats and the Calfornia Democratic Party.
We will be starting at 9 am on Saturday, May 26th for canvassing followed by an event that evening. We then will be canvassing that Sunday starting at 11:30 am.
May 27
Neighbors in Action Canvassing. 4S Ranch
Sunday, May 27, 9:30am
16118 4S Ranch Parkway
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Join us Sunday, May 27th 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 San Diego. We just need 2000 more voters to get to the polls this year for the jungle primary on June 5th, to flip the district BLUE! YOU can help make that happen!
May 28
All Bodies Of The Revolution Pageant
Monday, May, 28, 7pm
Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center
3925 Ohio Street
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by San Diego RedneckRevolt
San Diego Redneck Revolt is proud to present the All Bodies of the Revolution Pageant! The show takes the format of a traditional beauty pageant, but takes away the judging, literally, there are no judges! The pageant features contestants of all abilities, genders, ethnicities, ages, and sizes; as well as performances of dance and music by local artists. This show is a celebration of all bodies. 100% of the proceeds from this fundraising event will go toward San Diego Redneck Revolt’s Naloxone distribution program.
The United States is in the middle of perhaps the biggest public health crisis of the 21st century. Prescription opiate and illicit heroin use has reached epidemic proportions. In 2016 an average of 115 Americans died every single day of the year from overdosing on these drugs. All of these deaths were preventable. Every single one of these people could have been saved with the timely administration of Naloxone, which is the “cure” for overdosing. It reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone saves lives but it is not free. We believe it should be free so we are giving it away.
Please join us in this celebration of diversity while we fundraise to reduce harm in San Diego!
Save the Date
Call to Action if Trump Fires Mueller
March for Truth—an organization that is working with dozens of advocacy groups to organize rapid response protests has partnered with MoveOn.org, Public Citizen, Indivisible and many others to prepare emergency ‘Nobody is Above the Law‘ rallies that will happen directly following the firing of the special counsel should it occur. There are already events in 800+ cities and communities scheduled across the country—more than 300,000 people are prepared to take to the streets.
By firing Mueller or Rosenstein, the president would trigger a full-fledged constitutional crisis by asserting that he is above the law. The hours following the firing will determine whether he is proved right.
Local Rallies Starting Today at 5pm & Continuing Daily Thereafter
Bring Pots and Pans – Make Noise
Call to Action if Trump Fires Mueller
US District Court Southern District of California
330 West Broadway (Downtown)
Nobody is Above the Law Rally
Westfield North County Mall (Escondido)
Nobody is Above the Law Rally
Collier Park (Ramona)
Nobody is Above the Law Rally
Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall
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 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.
Get Out the Vote is a Political Action Committee already working to educate voters about all three of these candidates as part of the Vote for Justice Campaign. They’re looking for volunteers to help with phone banking.
The ACLU’s Smart Justice DA Campaign is part of nationwide effort to bring common sense reforms to our criminal justice system. They are looking for volunteers to help with phone banking and canvassing voters.
Register to Vote https://registertovote.ca.gov/
Confirm your voter registration http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Voters.asp
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.
H. Bradley Bang says
I guess Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) is trying to tell us to stop skipping stones into the water.