Credit: Daily Kos
At an election rally in Indiana, this week supporters of the President were chanting “lock her up” as he went on stage, referring to his opponent in the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton. The pre-midterm event also including a suggestion from the stage that extending Trump’s presidency beyond two terms was a viable option.
Our environment is being fouled, the rule of law is being degraded, personal greed has replaced service to the nation, extremists and bigotry are venerated, and increasing oppression by race, gender, and class are the order of the day. And, oh yeah, how’s that $1.50 a week in increased income from ‘tax reform’ doing when it comes to escalating insurance premiums (Trumpcare) and soaring gas prices (backing out of the Iran deal)?
Think the gas tax was bad? Just wait until you see what instability in the Middle East does to prices at the pump.
Donald Trump’s name won’t be on the primary election ballot, but the names of his enablers will be. Elected officials in the Republican Party have reacted to the president in two ways: they’ve quit, or they’ve shut up. This rolling back the clock of social progress requires the help of lower-level officials everywhere. Don’t be like the Republicans. Don’t quit. Don’t shut up.
County Supervisor and wannabe Issa replacement Kristin Gaspar and Escondido Mayor Sam Abed are headed to the White House this week to figure out how they can help spread misery and despair. While you may not be voting with a ballot containing either of their names, you can contribute to making it more difficult for them to carry out their mission.
We’re quickly running out of chances to stop the Trumptrain. Superman isn’t going to save the day. Robert Mueller’s efforts will take years while the plunder continues. It’s up to us to at least slow things down until justice can take its course.
One hour out of your life–sixty minutes–to study and vote can make the difference. Two hours of phone banking or door knocking could make you a hero. Three updates to your social media mentioning the importance of voting might enable funding for homeless humans. Four reminders to fill in the ballot with your workmates/neighbors/friends/relatives will make you a better person. And five… well, you fill in the blanks.
There are two dozen chances listed below (and many others I didn’t catch) to engage in the process of Democracy. What we have is far from perfect; what’s on the horizon looks to be much worse.
Ballots have been mailed to voters who requested them.
It’s estimated that 75% of the votes cast in the June 5, 2018, primary election will be mailed in.
You know what you have to do. Now just do it. When we vote, we win. Every time.
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
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.
May 11
Budget Teach-In
Friday, May 11, 5:30pm
4305 University Avenue #640
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Climate Action Campaign and 8 others
Budget 101 covered the basics of our city budget. Budget 102 took a deeper dive and highlighted the importance of advocacy to ensure our diverse communities are prioritized in the budget.
Join us for our upcoming Budget Teach-In where we’ll review what’s on the mayor’s proposed budget and will prepare for the evening budget hearing.
Film – American Socialist: The Life and Times of Eugene Victor
May 11 – 16
Digital Gym
2921 El Cajon Boulevard
For More Information
The film is narrated by Amy Madigan and features Jeremy Kittel, Fred Benedetti, Jeff Pekarek, Walt Richarda and the Hausmann Quartet on the soundtrack. Elizabeth Schwartz (ex. prod. co-writer) and Yale Strom will attend many of the screenings for Q & A afterward.
2016 Documentary “Under the Gun”
Friday, May 11, 6:30pm
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito
1036 Solana Drive (Solana Beach)
For More Information
The San Diego County Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence hosts a look at America’s slow-to-change gun laws, which despite frequent mass shootings, have remained largely unaltered. This documentary features interviews with families of the victims of recent shootings, as well as NRA members and politicians involved in the fierce debate.
Things We Left Behind – Storytelling at PANA
Friday, May 11, 7pm
Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans
4089 Fairmont (City Heights)
For More Information
Hosted by Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA and Mingei International Museum
Join us for an inspiring evening of powerful spoken word and storytelling, as Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA and the Mingei International Museum team up to present “Things We Left Behind,” featuring writings that weave together the performers’ works and objects from the Museum’s permanent collection.
This is the third in a series of events from CREATIVE CITY HEIGHTS, a community initiative serving the City Heights neighborhood in partnership with Karen Organization of San Diego, The AjA Project, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA and Media Arts Center San Diego Event is FREE.
Sierra Club Film Night “Crying Earth Rise Up!”
Friday, May 11, 6:30pm
8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #101
For More Information
This film exposes the human costs of uranium mining and its impact on Great Plains drinking water and on the health of our Native American brothers and sisters who drink that water. A Lakota mother studying geology seeks the source of the water contamination that caused her daughter’s critical health problems. A Lakota grandmother fights the regional expansion of uranium mining.
Crying Earth Rise Up! Is an expose of the continuing tragedy of the oppression and mistreatment of the original inhabitants of this country and their courageous efforts to fight for the rights of both people and the earth. “Water is our first home. Water is our first medicine. Without water, there is no life.” – Debra White Plume (Oglala Lakota), Activist.
May 12
Last Days in Ocean Beach
Book Signing and Fundraiser
Saturday, May 12, 4pm
Torque Moto Cafe
3604 3oth Street
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by SanDiego350
Join us for a book signing featuring local author Jim Miller. Jim has donated a box of his new climate-related novels to benefit SD350. Join us and help raise funds as well as enjoy and support local business, Torque Moto Cafe!
Walk and Knock Solana Beach
Saturday, May 12, 9:30am
La Colonia Park
715 Valley Avenue (Solana Beach)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Join us Saturday, May 12th to talk to voters about issues that matter to all of us and the future of our country! This event will be co-sponsored by San Diego Indivisible Blue District Chapters!
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Solana Beach. 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!
Walk and Knock Oceanside
Saturday, May 12, 9:30am
Temple Heights Elementary
1550 Temple Heights Drive
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Join us Saturday, May 12th 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 Oceanside. 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!
I Believe That SHE Will Win! SDSU Students Canvass for Victory!
Saturday, May 12, 10am
8340 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard #202
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Geneviéve Jones-Wright for DA
Hit the trail with the SDSU Students and Team Jones-Wright to canvass for Justice and support Geneviéve as our next District Attorney.
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 County. If you have never canvassed before, don’t worry! We will provide training.
This event is free and kid-friendly. Hope to see you there. Bring a friend (or two)! Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.
SURJ (Showing up for Racial Justice)
White People for Racial Justice 101
Saturday, May 12, 8am
Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA
4089 Fairmont Avenue
For More Information
Join us for an interactive workshop where we will discuss the basics of white supremacy, privilege, and fragility. We will also go over practical tools for unlearning your own biases, identifying everyday racism and taking action to fight for racial equality. Breakfast will be provided.
James’ Birthday Canvass Event!
Saturday, May 12, 10am
Santee Lakes
9310 Fanita Parkway
For More Information
Hosted by James Elia For State Assembly in the 71st District
Friends it’s my birthday this May 12th!!! And all I want is for some of your time to help knock on doors and talk about Myself, Jeff Griffith, Dave Myers, etc.! We need canvassers! Please come out and help us flip these parts of the county desperate for change!
Walk with Me!
Saturday, May 12, 11am
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 on May 12th 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!
Eastlake Bonita Democrats Super Walk for District 2
Saturday, May 12, 11am
Memorial Park
373 Park Way(Chula Vista)
For More Information
Hosted by Patrick Macfarland for City Council District 2 and Eastlake-Bonita Democrats
Join us for the Eastlake Bonita Democrats sponsored super walk for our endorsed candidate for District 2, Patrick MacFarland. On Saturday we’ll be meeting at Memorial Park and knocking on doors throughout Chula Vista, reminding voters what’s at stake in the election on June 5.
You can help the candidate who we believe will give Chula Vista a fresh vision, leadership, and representation we deserve! If you can’t join us for the walk, please come to one of our phone banking events in Eastlake.
Get Out The Vote Smile and Dial
Saturday, May 12, 1pm
La Mesa
Address furnished with RSVP
For More Information
Hosted by Indivisible San Diego
Exciting news! Grassroots organizers from red and blue districts across our region are launching a new coalition called Independent Indivisible to pilot an electoral action program through the Indivisible Project’s “Indivisible 435.” Because we are INDEpendent INDIvisible, our nickname is INDI2 (say INdee Squared).
Independent Indivisible is working with our national organization to help flip Congress and reshape our state and local governments. With the primary nearly upon us, many people have asked, “What more we can do?” The Indivisible Project is now empowering the grassroots to do more through unprecedented access to voter contact tools, and we would love for you to join us.
Indivisible 435 is sharing these tools to support a CA50 Get Out The Vote (GOTV) campaign for the June 5 primary, for candidates up and down the ballot.
The Shooting of Jonathan Coronel! Alan & Ofelia Cabrera Speak!
Sunday, May 13, 1pm
KNSJ Radio
4246 Wightman Street (City Heights)
For More Information
Hosted by Alafia Voices of the African Diaspora
Alan and Ofelia Cabrera are immigrants and Activists in north county. They have used their graphic designing business to support the movement in selfless ways. Join us this Sunday as they share their story on the killing of Jonathan Coronel and how the DA’s office has done nothing to bring the officer that killed him to justice.
May 14
Community Forum with DA Candidates
Monday, May 14, 6pm
City of Hope International Church
4999 Holly Drive
For More Information
Hosted by Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) and San Diego Organizing Project
Get to know district attorney candidates Summer Stephan and Geneviéve Jones-Wright.
When someone is accused of a crime, the district attorney (DA) decides whether they will go to prison or get a second chance to rebuild their life. Despite the DA’s power, most of us don’t realize the impact she can have on our lives and communities.
Will you join us to hear from our DA candidates on this critical issue?
Evening Budget Hearing
Monday, May 14, 6pm
City Hall
202 West C Street
For More Information
Hosted by Climate Action Campaign
The City Council will be holding their only evening budget hearing to give community members like you an opportunity to participate in the budget process. This will be residents’ best opportunity to speak before the City Council to advocate for your neighborhood’s needs before the budget is finalized.
Join other San Diegans as we advocate for projects and programs that matter to our neighborhoods
Make sure you’re well-informed about the FY19 proposed budget and prepare your testimonial prior to the Evening Budget Hearing by attending our Budget Teach-In on May 11
Real Justice Phonebank for Geneviéve Jones-Wright (Tuesdays!)
Tuesday, May 15, 6pm
SEIU Local 221
4004 Kearny Mesa Road
For More Information
Hosted by Shaun King and Real Justice
Come out and help us contact voters to let them know about the upcoming June 5th election and our huge opportunity to advance criminal justice reform by electing Geneviéve Jones-Wright!
No experience needed! The only thing you need to bring is a cell phone. Training and scripts will be provided. Every Tuesday until the election!
May 16
May Meeting feat. World-renowned Climate Expert Dr. Ramanathan
Wednesday, May 16, 6pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information (RSVP)
Dr. Ramanathan is a Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric and Climate Sciences at UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He discovered the greenhouse effect of halocarbons, particularly CFCs, in 1975. Along with R. Madden, he predicted in 1980 that global warming would be detected by 2000. In 1985, he led the first international NASA/WMO/UNEP assessment on the climate effects of non-CO2 greenhouse gases. Dr. Ramanathan is the recipient of the Tyler, Volvo, Rossby, and Zayed prizes, as well as the United Nations’ most prestigious prize for environmental work, the Champions of Earth for Science and Innovation.
In 2014, Dr. Ramanathan co-organized and participated in the Vatican’s conference titled “Sustainable Humanity, Sustainable Nature: Our Responsibility”, and continues to serve in Pope Francis’ Council for the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. In Sacramento, Dr. Ramanathan has acted as a science advisor to California Governor Jerry Brown. Ramanathan’s research and input were key components of SB 1383, signed into law in 2016, which established the nation’s toughest restrictions on destructive short-lived “super pollutants” including black carbon, fluorinated gases and methane.
He has been at the forefront of global efforts to confront and mitigate anthropogenic climate change and avert the looming human and ecological catastrophe. Please join us for a sobering discussion of the science and geopolitics of climate change, and an exploration of what we as San Diegans can do to help preserve and restore our global climate.
May 17
Chula Vista Candidate Forum
Thursday, May 17, 6pm
Chula Vista Presbyterian Church
940 Hilltop Drive
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by South Bay Community Change Project
Join us for the Chula Vista City Council District 2 Candidate Forum. Theme is Public Safety. Event begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.
From Hiroshima to Syria to Iran?
Thursday, May 17, 6pm
3850 Westage Place
For More Information
Hosted by Peace Resource Center of San Diego
Is war inevitable? Or necessary? Is endless war benefiting us? Does US “exceptionalism” require endless war? Or is war a lie? An evening where we connect the dots ….”Hiroshima…Syria…a
6-7 pm Opening Reception and Exhibit: Hiroshima The Next Day, Jeff Gordon, the curator of the exhibit, will discuss the exhibit and answer questions. Light refreshments and drinks served. 7-8:30 pm Guided Discussion: War Is A Lie
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.
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!
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
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.
Doug Porter
Latest posts by Doug Porter (see all)
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I spoke to a Trump supporter today, a guy who works hard in his own business of small repairs for the home. When he brought up the subject of Trump, I said I did not support this President. And his first question was, “Don’t you watch Fox News?” I said sometime I do, but didn’t he watch MSNBC? “They’re all lies,” he said. “Wait until you see all the money Trump brings in for all of us. Then you’ll see.” I told the guy he was a way better man than the President. And he said, “Gee, that’s compliment, because the President is so great.” Funny thing is, I don’t ever recall supporting a candidate or proposition without being willing to hear information that went against my opinion. Sometimes that has caused me to change my opinion. But that is not the case with many Trump supporters. I agree with you, Mr. Porter. We must continue to do every good thing we can.