Congresscritter Duncan Hunter certainly looks and acts like a man in legal trouble. An ongoing Justice Department investigation into questionable campaign spending practices has been threatening to derail the East County Republican for over a year.
On Thursday, Rep. Hunter took to the floor to denounce the Justice Department, starting off with “…imagine living in a country where the federal government decides whether you’re jailed or set free based on your politics.”
He went on to support the now-dead bill to impeach Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, saying the DOJ is“corrupt, answers to no one and uses the law to corrupt countless others…” Maybe he was just in a hurry to join the gang for cocktails. Maybe not. It’s weird how all these Republicans are up in arms over the actions of an agency when they control all three branches of government.
It may be noteworthy that Hunter wasn’t among those Freedom Caucus members who introduced the impeachment measure. But it’s probably not, given their support for Rep. Jim Jordan, whose name is mentioned as an enabler in a college sexual harassment scandal, in his challenge to Rep. Kevin McCarthy to be House Speaker.
It took a political nano-second for Ammar Campa-Najjar, his Democratic challenger in the 50th Congressional District, to issue a press release, noting:
Today, Congressman Hunter stood on the House floor and tried to delegitimize the Department of Justice. Spoken like someone who is terrified about his own fate with justice.
Based on Hunter’s demeanor, and the contents of his latest campaign finance report, indicating a continuing pattern of lavish food and beverage spending, I’d say here’s a man without much of a future.
As Scott Lay said in the Nooner:
Politico wrote about this before and concerns of his Republican colleagues who don’t want to lose the seat and the SDUT has mapped out the typical hangouts, but his June 30 campaign finance report continues to show lots of food and beverage spending by Duncan Hunter at the Capitol Hill watering holes. There’s nothing illegal about this as long as there can be some tie to the campaign, which could be as simple as buying a round for lobbyists. Here’s the interesting ones on the latest report (04/01-06/30), all of which were after the Politico story:
- Bullfeathers (Washington, DC): $77.80 (04/18/18)
- Capitol Hill Club (Washington, DC): $601.28 (04/18/18)
- Pechanga Hotel and Casino (Temecula, CA): $49.08 (05/03/18)
- Sheerwater Restaurant (Coronado, CA): $604.00 (04/09/18)
- Sycuan Golf & Tennis Resort (El Cajon, CA): $37.00 (04/25/18)
The suspicious ones are the low-dollar ones, as they clearly aren’t for fundraising events. Capitol Hill Club is a noted private club watering hole for Republicans, and that could be tab payment including dues, which would replicate previous large expenditures there since he’s been in Congress.
Republicans have worried for months about the possibility of being left without a viable candidate should their man get indicted.
The 50th gave candidate Trump a 15 point margin in 2016 over Hillary Clinton, so the fact it’s rated “leans Republican” as opposed to “safe Republican” is cause for concern.
Following the money flowing into this contest also tells a story: Campa-Najjar raised $362,000 between April 1 and June 30, compared to $146,000 for Hunter.
In recent weeks the Democratic challenger has picked up endorsements from Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
I’m not making any predictions here just yet. But it sure would be fun if November’s Blue Wave somehow made it into the East County.
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.
July 28
Resistance Postcard Party!
Saturday, July 28, Noon
Blind Lady Ale House
3416 Adams Avenue
For More Information
Nunes and Arpaio and O’Connor, oh my! Please join us to write resistance postcards to voters in support of important upcoming races. These have been such fun and productive events. Share an afternoon of food and wine with fabulous resistance activists and help make a difference! There are 4 great postcard options to chose from:
We will be writing cards in support of Danny O’Connor for the Ohio CD12 special election. Let’s help the Dem grab this seat and keep it in November, let’s flip this seat blue! We will continue to support Democrat Andrew Janz in his bid to oust Devin Nunes in CA22. Help us unseat one of the most reviled congressmen of our generation. Kyrsten Sinema is the Democrat up against racist birther Joe Arpaio in Arizona. We can’t allow Arpaio, a national embarrassment, to gain a US Senate seat.
TRAITOR postcards will be supplied by Eleanor Musick and can be sent to anyone on the Hill. We will supply the list of Representatives, Senators, Cabinet members etc.
Humanizing Homeless Summer Potluck Breakfast
Saturday, July 28, 8am
Roucco Park Soccer
585 Harbor Lane
For More Information
Hosted by Humanizing Homeless
Hello Beautiful People of the World! Summa, Summa Time! It’s that time again where we can engage and build relationship with our wonderfully made Street friends!! They get so excited and happy when we are able to share and love upon them! They always ask us when are we coming back! Hehe they appreciate each and everyone of you! Let’s give them a time to remember and to cherish who they are!
SURJ SD: White People for Racial Justice 101
Saturday, July 28, 7:30am
Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans
4089 Fairmount Avenue (City Heights)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ San Diego
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.
7:30 am – Check-in and light breakfast
8:00 am – 1:00 pm – Workshop
July 29
The Coalition of the Labor Union Women
Film Festival “Norma Rae”
Sunday, July 29, 7:30pm
Olivewood Clubhouse
541 East 24th Street (National City)
For More Information (Tickets)
CLUW San Diego is proud to bring you a Summer Film Festival Screening to remember. From Norma Rae to Dolores Huerta it is only fitting that the Coalition of Labor Union Women honors the trailblazing women who came before us in the labor movement.
Justice 4 Raul Rivera- March & Rally
Sunday, July 29, 10am
Hollister Street and Tocayo
For More Information
Hosted by Justice 4 Raul Rivera
On Sunday, May 27th 2018 Raul Rivera was murdered by three San Diego police officers in the intersection of Hollister St and Tocayo Ave in Southbay San Diego. Hours prior to Raul Rivera being murdered, a community member called 911 to report him as a “jumper” when he was positioning himself at an overpass near Saturn Blvd. After Raul expressed that he was depressed to officers and they were able to talk him down, but instead of taking him in for psych evaluation, he was allowed to walk away without any of his family being notified. As the day progressed, his cry for help was met with extreme violence from San Diego Police. Raul was walking near the intersection on Hollister St and Tocayo Ave when he was approached by border patrol agents who then called SDPD.
According to witnesses and multiple videos that were caught on the scene there were close to 30 officers that surrounded the intersection. It took less than 15 minutes from the moment officers arrived on the scene for three officers, William Carter Torres, Michael Martinez and Samuel Rodriguez to murder Raul Rivera. Officers shot Raul over 20 times and continued to shoot him even after he had fallen to the ground and then handcuffed his unmoving body. It took about 15-20 minutes for paramedics to arrive. Upon arrival he was already deceased. He remained on the street dead and handcuffed for 12 hours until the next morning.
What happened to Raul Rivera is not an isolated act of violence but rather a systemic act of violence that overwhelming impacts people of color and other underrepresented communities. We will be demanding justice 4 Raul Rivera and all underrepresented communities impacted by police brutality and terror. Other families that have lost a loved one or have been terrorized by police will also speak at the rally.
Please join us in the fight against police brutality and terror!
Indivisible: SD Central – Monthly Meeting
Sunday, July 29, 3pm
California Tap Room
3812 Ray Street (North Park)
Event for Indivisible: San Diego Central
This meeting will be focused on the topic of family separations. We have two speakers coming to discuss this topic. Alice Alvarez will be sharing stories from her time volunteering in Texas as a medic and attorney. Marely Ramirez will discuss the local situation and detention centers in our border city. They will both share ways that you can take concrete action to help.
We will also present a variety of tools and resources for local and national activism focused on SCOTUS and November (our August meeting will focus on SCOTUS).
Donations will be accepted at the meeting for Al Otro Lado, a Tijuana nonprofit working to assist refugees in crisis on the other side of the border. If you can’t make the meeting you can still donate here.
What Should Become of San Diego Stadium?
Sunday, July 29, 4pm
Point Loma Assembly
3035 Talbot Street
For More Information
Hosted by Point Loma Democratic Club
This month we’re excited to feature a great panel of speakers on the upcoming ballot initiatives focused on the site of the current San Diego County Credit Union Stadium – AKA Qualcomm Stadium, Jack Murphy Stadium and originally San Diego Stadium.
Whatever the outcome this November there will be a major change to Mission Valley and San Diego.
Panelists
– Natalie Kessler, Southwest Strategies LLC, SDSU West
– Haley Peterson, Intesa, SDSU Mission Valley
– Joe LaCava, No on Soccer City
Each of our panelists will give a 10-minute presentation, followed by 5 minutes for questions on their segment. After all the presenters have been heard, there will be an additional 15 minutes for general questions from our members.
Solana Beach Office Launch
Sunday, July 29, Noon
740 Lomas Santa Fe Drive
For More Information
Hosted by Mike Levin for Congress
Join us as we open our new Solana Beach office!
This is a potluck style event so please bring food or a non-alcoholic drink if you can!
July 30
Safe Harbors Immigrant Shelter
Monday, July 30 – August 13
Christ Lutheran Pacific Beach
4761 Cass Street
For More Information
Hosted by Christ Lutheran Pacific Beach and Sojourn Grace Collective
Help us help immigrants and refugees. Christ Lutheran Church in partnership with Sojourn Grace Collective and Safe Harbors has agreed to sponsor a 2 week shelter for immigrants and refugees beginning on July 30th. We would love for you to get involved!
1) One way to help is by supplying groceries. Send a Vons gift card through the link following to Carrie@SojournGrace.com. For additional ways to help with food, feel free to email Carrie.
https://www.amazon.com/Safeway-E-mail-Delivery/dp/B01FYJMJHI
2) Another way to help is by purchasing the needed supplies to support the shelter (bedding etc.) – Please visit the following Amazon link and supplies will be sent directly to Christ Lutheran. http://a.co/dhTjCQZ
3) If you are looking for additional ways to volunteer or have a specific skill set you believe would be helpful, please email sarah@SojournGrace.com
RJC “I Can’t Breathe Campaign “!!
Monday, July 30, 11am
City Hall
202 West C Street
For More Information
Hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ San Diego
PRESS CONFERENCE – and delivery of petition with over 30,000 signatures, demanding the San Diego Police Department ban the use of the chokehold. RJC and the San Diego Community will put the Mayor and City Council on notice: The People Have Spoken! No Police Chokeholds!
11:00 AM – Press Conference – In front of the City Administration Building – Members of the Racial Justice Coalition Speak Out
12:00 Noon – Delivery of the Ban The Chokehold Petition, including 30,000+ signatures – to be delivered to Mayor’s Office by members of the RJC and community
2:00 PM – City Council Meeting – Community Speaks Out – Demanding a Complete Ban of the Chokehold during Public Comment on the Council Agenda and Delivery of Copies of the signed I Can’t Breathe! – Ban the Chokehold in San Diego Petition
While many large city law enforcement agencies have banned the use of the Chokehold by their officers, both in trainings and in the field, the San Diego Police Department continues to allow this deadly practice.
DNC Superdelegate Town Hall
Monday, July 30, 6:30pm
IBEW Local 569
4545 Viewridge Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego County Democratic Party
Since the 2016 presidential nomination process, the status of Superdelegates to the Democratic National Convention has been highly debated among Democrats and in the national media.
We are inviting Democratic voters and activists to learn more about this issue and then share their opinions in a town hall discussion featuring Jess Durfee, Chair of the DNC’s Western States Caucus, who is San Diego County’s only DNC member. Durfee will be heading to Chicago August 23-25 for a DNC meeting where members will vote on proposed changes to the DNC Superdelegate rules.
Join us for a short presentation will including the background of having Superdelegates, the Unity Reform Commission’s recommendations related to Superdelegates, and finally the proposed language being considered for the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
Libertad para Familias – Freedom for Families
Monday, July 30, 5pm
Fallbrook Town Center
Mission & Ammunition Roads
For More Information
Hosted by MAIZ
We are standing in opposition to the horrendous and inhumane policies of the current administration towards children and families who are seeking refuge and opportunity as all immigrants have done before, including Vital Reche – founder of “Fall Brook”.
According to Trump’s executive order, military bases along the southern border are being designated as detention camps to house tens of thousands of families, indefinitely.
Currently, Camp Pendleton is being considered as one of the sites with plans to hold up to 47,000 people. We can’t sugarcoat this, these are concentration camps.
We will take action as long as needed to denounce this crime against humanity. Join us! Bring your signs, chants and spirit of resistance.
August 1
Information Session #3
Tuesday, August 1, 10am
3295 Meade Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Safe Harbors
We have received an amazing response to help the immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers in our area. Come learn about the ways doors are opening for us to provide Safe Harbors in houses of worship and individual homes. If you attended earlier sessions, you are welcome to attend this session as well and keep up with the rapidly changing opportunities to welcome strangers.
Final Vote on Airbnb Restrictions: It Is Not Over
Wednesday, August 1, 1pm
City Hall
202 West C Street
For More Information
Hosted by Save San Diego Neighborhoods
Airbnb, HomeAway, and local illegal STVR operators are planning an all-out assault before and during the August 1st second hearing of the STVR regulations passed July 16th.
The “Are you angry” email shown below from Nancy Kramer, Owner of Nancy’s Vacation Rentals, calls for a “firestorm of anger” and highlights strategy sessions with Councilmember Scott Sherman and industry lobbyists.
To be clear, the ordinance passed on July 16 must pass again on August 1 at 1PM in the Council Chamber at 202 C Street, 12th floor before it is law. We won round 1 and need to finish the fight. Please plan to attend this critical hearing.
8th District Community Forum
Wednesday, August 1, 6pm
Logan Heights Library
567 South 28th Street
For More Information
Hosted by Unión del Barrio
Join UdB to discuss what we need in the 8th district! We will be inviting the candidates for our city council seat and provide a space for our community’s voice to be heard. ¡ÚNETE PUEBLO!
August 3
Run4Salmon Tour: Building Solidarity Between Our Communities
Friday, August 3, 6:30pm
Centro Cultural de La Raza
2004 Park Boulevard (Balboa Park)
For More Information (Admission)
Come out and get inspired by amazing musicians while learning more about struggles for water and indigenous cultural survival in Northern California and the San Diego area. There will also be food available and a silent auction featuring donated paintings from local artists.
Featuring Kumeyaay speakers, and music/spoken word from:
* Lyla June (Diné/Tsétsêhéstâhese)
* Desirae Harp (Mishewal Wappo/Diné):
In Northern California, indigenous nations are fighting massive infrastructure projects that threaten their waters, fish, and indigenous lifeways. Increased water diversions from the Sacramento River watershed to Southern California cities and farmland threaten to drive Chinook salmon and other at-risk species to extinction. The Run4Salmon is a 300-mile prayer journey led by the Winnemem Wintu Tribe that follows the migration route of salmon from the San Francisco Bay to the McCloud River.
Marxist Movie Night – The House on Coco Road (2016)
Friday, August 3, 7pm
San Diego Justice Center
4410 Glacier Avenue
For More Information (Admission)
Come out and watch a fascinating documentary about the Grenada Revolution, featuring interviews with luminary thinker Angela Davis.
Set amidst the Grenada Revolution, THE HOUSE ON COCO ROAD documents one family’s flight from racial tensions in 1980’s Oakland, California, only to find themselves settled directly in the path of a U.S. military invasion. First-hand accounts from activists Angela Davis, Fania Davis and Fannie Haughton weave together director Damani Baker’s family portrait of utopian dreams, resistance and civil unrest with a film score composed by music luminary Meshell Ndegeocello.
August 4
Office Grand Opening – August 4th! #CoriForMayor
Saturday, August 4, Noon
570 Laguna Drive #B
For More Information
Hosted by Cori Schumacher Carlsbad Councilmember, Candidate for Mayor
Join us as we celebrate the Carlsbad community and the grand opening of our new office at 570 Laguna Drive, Suite B, Carlsbad, CA 92008!
We’re still setting up shop, but already there is a great sense of anticipation, energy, and joy about all the great things that will take place in this space leading up to the November election.
Come join us as we engage with friends, share some delicious BBQ, and gear up for the months ahead!
August 6
August Meeting: Democratic Party 101
Monday, August 6, 6pm
Testo Pepesto Italian Restaurant
221 East Main Street (El Cajon)
For More Information
Hosted by East Chapter San Diego Progressive Democratic Club
Join us for our August meeting of the East Chapter of the San Diego Progressive Democratic Club.
We will be electing our new communications director and have a presentation on the structure of the Democratic Party on the state, national and local level by Steve Rivera!
Steve Rivera has been active in the Democratic Party as a political consultant, campaign manager, officer at both the local and state levels, and as a volunteer on numerous candidate and issue campaigns. Recently, he was the immediate past Co-Chair of the CDP Affirmative Action committee and the immediate past Regional Director for Region 20. Currently, he is a partner in Fourth Turning Consulting and the Acting Executive Director for Interfaith Worker Justice San Diego.
Border Angels Movie Night, Harvest of Empire
Monday, August 6, 5:30pm
Sherman Heights Community Center Ballroom
2258 Island Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by BORDER ANGELS
Recent debates over the legality and desirability of migrants and refugees flowing into the U.S. from Latin America have glossed over why precisely Latinos are driven to leave their homes and voyage to the U.S. in the first place. Harvest of Empire is a powerful, eye-opening documentary that elaborates upon the role U.S. interventions—military, political, and economic—have played in displacing millions of Latinos. Featured in the documentary, among many others, are:
—the U.S. colonization of Puerto Rico following the Spanish-American War of 1898 that continues to this day
—the CIA-backed, 1954 military coup that plunged Guatemala into forty years of U.S.-backed dictatorship, civil war, and mass genocide perpetrated by death squads trained on U.S. soil, in the School of the Americas
—the U.S.’s unprovoked, 1846 invasion of Mexico that resulted in the U.S. forcefully appropriating approximately half of Mexico’s landmass in the name of Manifest Destiny
So if you are interested in a revealing look at how the U.S. directly caused the conditions in Latin America that have led to mass Latino migration to the U.S., please join us on August 6!
Save the Date
September 8th Rise for Climate Action
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!)
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Nancy Finneran Witt says
Thank you so much for your thorough reporting, Doug. I will love to see Cong. Hunter get kicked out of office. He’s not very bright and loves taking other people’s money. His daddy got him started. Some of his constituents are not backing him but some will back him cuz of his repub. base. I say OUT, OUT, OUT, you phony Hunter.