Local Indivisible chapters have joined forces with democracy-loving cultural celebrities at this year’s Comic-Con as it stages its 48th annual exposition of comics and related popular artforms in San Diego.
A team of more than fifty people has been recruited to register voters for the 2018 midterm elections inside and outside the San Diego Convention Center. Indie comic book publisher Matteo Pizzolo of Black Mask Studios has partnered with Indivisible to reach guests from all across the country using an app that facilitates online registration.
Using the theme “Voting Is My Superpower”, volunteers in T-shirts and capes are conducting what observers believe is the first time an organized drive has taken place within Comic-Con. The drive is nonpartisan.
An off-site panel discussion at Comickaze in Liberty Station (no badges required) on Saturday afternoon will explore the local impact of immigration policy, and real-life resistance in San Diego. The indie publisher will join Kathy Stadler of Indivisible, David Trujillo of the ACLU, and Yusef Miller with the Council on American-Islamic Relations for the panel..
Pizzolo is the author of CALEXIT, a dystopian political tale of a California rebellion after a second-term Trump administration orders the immediate deportation of all immigrants in the United States. A new edition of the sold-out comic is being released at Comic-Con featuring San Diegans playing a key role in the storyline.
(Required notification for the ‘but what about crowd’: Neither CALEXIT nor Indivisible have any connection to the movement of the same name for California to secede from the union.)
On Sunday afternoon, actress Chase Masterson (Star Trek Deep Space 9, Yesterday Was a Lie, The Flash) and the United Nations Association of San Diego will host “A Real-Life SuperHero Rally”at the Embarcadero Marina Park North. Local progressive musicians The Rezisters will be joined by (as yet unnamed, but I’m told you’ll like them) “Pop Culture Stars” and social justice organizations. Admission is free.
There is more information on these and other events to be found in this week’s calendar of events (below).
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I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: registering to vote, supporting progressive down-ballot candidates, and actually showing up (or mailing in) to vote are three undeniably important things everybody needs to do in 2018. (Protests, letter-writing, and phone calls are important, too.)
Republicans in the House of Representatives on Thursday BLOCKED funding for voting security measures. It was a symbolic vote (we’re talking future funding) and they made their position clear.
Anybody who thinks Trumplicans are going to roll over for the midterm elections isn’t paying attention. Their political consultants are already busy, cooking up ways to keep the GOP base motivated (MS-13/ISIS/Gays are coming to take away your ‘freedom’) and keep moderate/liberal/progressive voters discouraged (Can we hold off on the Bernie vs Hillary replays until after November?).
Tom Burt, VP of security at Microsoft, says the company detected Russian phishing attacks on three candidates in the 2018 midterms “who would be interesting from an espionage perspective.” Wouldn’t reveal who they are. #AspenSecurity
— Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) July 19, 2018
Remarkable: DHS Sec Nielsen doubles down and says “I haven’t seen any evidence” Russian election interference was intended to help Trump, contradicting IC assessment #AspenSecurity
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) July 19, 2018
***
One important note: you may have heard about a terrific new law (Thank you Assm Lorena Gonzalez) signed by Gov. Jerry Brown this week paying the postage on mail-in ballots. This law does not take effect until 2019.
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.
A couple of favors, por favor. Facebook no longer allows us to advertise this calendar because it’s considered “political” content. (Well, duh. At least we’re not making stuff up.) So please “share” the Activist Calendar. Often. And gang, please feel free to copy this info for your newsletters. BUT it sure would be nice if you’d acknowledge where it came from. This thing is a lot of work to put together. Thanks.
Ongoing
San Diego #Hungry4Freedom Hunger Strike
Thru July 23
311 Athey Avenue (San Ysidro)
For More Information
We seek justice, we seek humanity, we seek to live in a world where institutions of hatred towards other human beings is not the norm. The strength of this hunger strike will not be determined by the amount of days the strikers last, but by the power of the people during those days. This is why we have one final plea to all those watching this, especially those in other cities and regions of the country, join this strike. Be in solidarity with not just us, but with the thousands of families suffering due to this system’s failure to provide justice. Let’s show the world that we, as humans, can not stand for such barbarism and cowardliness. Let’s fight for the world we want to see. #Hungry4Freedom
July 21
Comic-Con Panel on San Diego Resistance
ComicKaze (Liberty Station)
2750 Historic Decatur Road
For More Information
Hosted by Indivisible San Diego and ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties
Join Indivisible, ACLU, and CAIR for a fascinating discussion of The Resistance in San Diego in the era of Trump. The panel features author Matteo Pizzolo, the mastermind behind the radical comic book series CALEXIT that is inspired by real-life events.
Reviewers describe CALEXIT as “a brilliant piece of dystopian fiction” and “2017’s most dangerous comic”. It tells a provocative story of political rebellion after a fascist President Trump orders the deportation of all immigrants. California declares itself a Sanctuary State and refuses to cooperate with Homeland Security. California’s revolution splits the state between conservative red districts that favor the tyrant and a string of coastal sister cities battling against occupation by government troops.
The panel includes Indivisible leader Kathy Stadler, who will share how Trump has galvanized San Diegans to historic levels of progressive activism; ACLU Advocacy Director David Trujillo, who will share the robust legal and legislative strategies essential to resisting Trump; and Council on American-Islamic Relations community liaison Yusef Miller on the contributions to our resistance by Muslims, immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable San Diego populations. NOTE: “CALEXIT” comic has no connection to the real-life efforts to pressure California to secede from the union.
Hope and Freedom Dance-a-thon
Saturday, July 21, 9am
Centro Cultural de La Raza
2004 Park Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by International Network of Hearts and Centro Cultural de la Raza
An exciting dance-a-thon to raise funds for INH and Casa del Jardin, a safe house for child survivors of human trafficking. This event will include Zumba, U-jam, Latin Rhythm and other dance/fitness forms. The cost will be $10 per person. You can donate or pay your admission fee on EventBrite OR our GoFundMe campaign page
Flip the 49th: Swing Left Academy
Saturday, July 21, 8:30am
5145 Avenida Encinas, Suite I (Carlsbad)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Join us on Saturday, July 21st at 8:30am for a powerful livestream volunteer training session.
We will be joined online by volunteers throughout the country as we learn core organizing skills that will help us win back the House with legendary organizer and former MoveOn National Field Director Matt Ewing. You won’t want to miss it!
We will use our new skills to use with a follow up Get Out the Vote neighborhood walk on Sunday, July 22nd at 11am.
Protest HORSE Racing at DEL MAR
Saturday, July 21, 11:45am
Del Mar Turf Club
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
For More Information
Another cruel season of racing horses. This is the first protest after opening day. There will be protests every weekend.
Please make homemade signs. We will meet inside the parking lot at the entrance to the track
Summer Kickoff! Volunteer Training & Walk for Cori
Saturday, July 21, 10am
570 Laguna Drive Suite B (Carlsbad)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Cori Schumacher Carlsbad Councilmember, Candidate for Mayor
It’s TIME to start talking to Carlsbad voters! Everybody deserves to know that, for the first time in history, Carlsbad will have true choice for its leadership during the November election.
Wear sunscreen, a hat, comfy walking shoes (and a smile!) and bring a refillable water bottle.
If you want to help but you’re not comfortable walking, we can use your help tidying the new office or bringing some lunch snacks for our other volunteers. Email campaign@coriforcarlsbad.com if you’d like to pitch in another way
Unity Campaign Walk
Saturday, July 21, 10am
8340 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by Tommy Hough for San Diego City Council
When we are united, we cannot lose. And we need to come together now to take back our city. Join us at the gazebo in the Kearny Office Park at 8340 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., across from Societe Brewing Company by the San Diego County Democratic Party office.
We’ll pick up canvassing packets and fan out across San Diego City Council District 6 to knock on doors and chat with our neighbors, hear their concerns and issues, and talk about their choice and opportunity to upgrade their leadership in November.
Join us for our Unity Campaign Walk on Saturday, July 21, beginning at 10 a.m. Be sure to bring water and comfortable shoes, and we’ll provide some pre-canvassing snacks. We’ll arrange carpools and rides on-site to and from canvassing destinations.
July 22
Real Life SuperHero Rally
America: We Demand Justice!
Sunday, July 22, 3pm
Embarcadero Marina Park North
500 Ketner Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Chase Masterson and UNA USA San Diego Chapter THE WORLD IS WATCHING SAN DIEGO THIS WEEKEND. Be a SuperheroIRL! Join pop stars and social justice groups in standing up for human rights.
Music by THE RESIZTERS
“Captain America said, ‘The strength of this country isn’t in brick and steel. It’s in the hearts of those who have sworn to fight for its freedom.’ We stand as sisters and brothers with all who are victimized, marginalized and outcast. We affirm today that we are a country of immigrants, living on stolen land. We demand the right to equality, liberty, safety, justice and opportunity for all.” —Chase Masterson, Event Chair
“In a place where beings from all galaxies and universes are welcome, we rally to affirm that here in America we respect the dignity and worth of every human being, and all are welcome.” —Andrew Aydin, Rep John Lewis’ Policy Advisor, Co-Author, MARCH Trilogy & RUN
July 23
Rally to Stop RV Ticketing!
Monday, July 23, 9:30am
Mission Bay South Shores Boat Launch
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance
On Thursday, July 26th, there will be a hearing in the Federal Class Action Lawsuit filed on behalf of homeless and disabled people who live in their vehicles due to lack of housing. The hearing concerns Plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction which seeks a court order to stop the ticketing and impounding of vehicles during the time the litigation is pending. The ticketing being challenged is under two City ordinances: the ordinance prohibiting habitation in one’s vehicle and a second ordinance prohibiting all nighttime parking of RVs anywhere on City streets and lots from between 2:00 and 6:00 a.m.
Educational Workshop: Government 101
Monday, July 23, 5:30pm
Alga Norte Park
6565 Alicante Road (Carlsbad)
For More Information
Hosted by Priya Bhat-Patel for Carlsbad City Council
Please join Team Priya Interns as they present Government 101: School Board to Federal Government. They will chat about the roles of the various levels of government. We look forward to an interactive evening! Thanks to our stellar interns for putting this together!
July 24
Julian Indivisible Open Meeting
Tuesday, July 24, 2pm
Community United Methodist Church of Julian
2898 Highway 78/79
For More Information
Event for Julian Indivisible
Now that we have our mission papers to bring Ammar through in November and color District 50 Blue, we need you to get on board!! Come to our meeting so we can brainstorm & come up with our very best strategies to bring a victorious Ammar to the finish line. We’re counting on your help. Bring interested friends. All are needed! See the notes from our last meeting to see all our good ideas already in the works!
SDASA July Chapter Meeting
Tuesday, July 24, 6:30pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For For Information
Hosted by San Diego Americans for Safe Access
We are pleased to have as our guest speaker Alicia Morf from San Diego-based PharmLabs, a California premier cannabis testing facility! Adding a little fun, we will be playing a short trivia game to talk about the importance of laboratory testing. Come test your knowledge of California’s new regulations and learn why PharmLabs loves what they do!
Uptown Democratic Club Meeting
Soccer City – Yes or No?
Tuesday, July 24, 7pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
We will have a lively debate between leaders of Soccer City San Diego and No on SoccerCity.
Nick Stone is the Project Manager for SoccerCity San Diego, the initiative aiming to bring a state of the art multi-use stadium, a world class river park, and a Major League Soccer team to San Diego, all without a penny of taxpayer dollars. He has been involved with numerous other projects with FS Investors and is a graduate of Harvard and Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Joe LaCava is a Democratic Party activist and prominent advocate of community participation in the city’s planning process. He is the former chair of the San Diego Community Planners Committee, the umbrella organization to the city’s 42 community planning groups. He currently serves on the eBoards for the Democrats for Environmental Action and Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3). Joe is a member of several Democratic clubs, has been appointed to several city boards, and sits on several coalitions focusing on housing and transit. Joe is the spokesperson for the No on Soccer City Coalition.
July 25
Legislating For Our Lives: Police Accountability Legislation
Wednesday, July 25, 6pm
Cherokee Point Elementary
3735 38th Street (City Heights)
For More Information
Hosted by Employee Rights Center
We are hosting a community forum to discuss progressive CA bills currently under consideration by our state legislature. Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber will be in attendance to speak about her bill, AB 931, which will change the standard for when police can use lethal force in the state.
We hope you’ll attend this important event to learn more about the policing bills currently under consideration by our state legislature and how you can support the local movement for policing that is fair, transparent, accountable and community-centered.
July 26
Cannabis, Race, the Environment – Networking Night
Thursday, July 26, 5pm
City Heights Center
4305 University Avenue #640
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Climate Action Campaign
Join us at our second Networking Night for a dynamic discussion on the impact of cannabis on our community and what we can expect in the upcoming future.
The event is a great opportunity for residents, representatives of private and public organizations, faith communities, schools, and businesses to build relationships in the community. You will also get to learn about the various services, programs and initiatives available to residents in the community.
Panelists:
Nicole Capretz — Climate Action Campaign
Dallin Young — Association of Cannabis Professionals
Laila H. Aziz — Pillars of the Community
Alonzo Jeffrey Karahamuheto — San Diego Organizing Project
Moderator: Jesse Marx — Voice of San Diego
Picket Line B4 Court Hrg on RVTicketing-Impound
Thursday, July 26, Noon
Edward J Schwartz Federal Courthouse
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance
There will be a hearing in the Federal Class Action Lawsuit filed on behalf of homeless and disabled people who live in their vehicles due to lack of housing. The hearing concerns Plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction which seeks a court order to stop the ticketing and impounding of vehicles during the time the litigation is pending. The ticketing being challenged is under two City ordinances: the ordinance prohibiting habitation in one’s vehicle and a second ordinance prohibiting all nighttime parking of RVs anywhere on City streets and lots from between 2:00 and 6:00 a.m.
To show support for this Preliminary Injunction on ticketing and impoundment of vehicles, we are holding a Picket Line on Broadway, in front of the Courthouse (the “Red Fed”) — Signs Provided!
The Hearing is at 2pm, should head in by 1:30pm to clear security and secure seats. Courtroom 4A (4th floor) Judge Anthony J. Battaglia
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.
July 30
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.
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!)
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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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
Doug Porter
Latest posts by Doug Porter (see all)
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Have to commend you, Doug, for all of your time and letting us know what’s going on.