Posters from the DC March for Our Lives. Credit: Ted Eytan / Flickr
Once again, an ongoing protest has changed the political landscape. Court documents filed by the National Rifle Association reveal an increasingly desperate financial situation for one of the most powerful political institutions in the U.S.
Efforts by March for Our Lives, the national grassroots organization arising out of the mass shooting in Florida earlier in 2018, and others have captured the public’s attention. They have traveled to cities around the country to make their case for stricter gun laws. Their protests and marches and rallies have spawned similar efforts.
The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have given speeches and interviews, written op-eds, and gone toe-to-toe on national TV with pro-gun politicians and activists. This summer, they’ve visited more than 50 communities to register young people to vote and advocate for more gun-control policy, including universal background checks, digitizing Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives records, and bans on semi-automatic assault rifles and high-capacity magazines.
They have used social media to respond to snarky critics. Fox News bomb-thrower Tomi Lahren went down in flames with the help of their legion of social media followers. When far-right nut cases began vomiting nonsense about false-flag operations, claiming the survivors were actually “crisis actors,” the survivors stuffed the nutters’ words right back down their throats.
This strong, steady, and passionate effort is starting to pay off.
Since the February 14 school shooting occurred, more than 50 gun-control related laws have been passed across the United States, including in 14 states with Republican governors. (To be sure, there’s still pressure to expand “gun rights.”)
Pressure from New York State regulators in the wake of the Parkland, Florida massacre — including a letter asking financial institutions to heed “the voices of the passionate, courageous, and articulate young people who have experienced this recent horror first hand” — has led the National Rifle Association to plead in court that it will “be unable to exist… or pursue its advocacy mission.” They say the organization may be forced to shut down NRA TV or its print publications.
From Rolling Stone:
In the filing, the NRA reveals that its longtime insurer broke off negotiations this winter and “stated that it was unwilling to renew coverage at any price.” [Emphasis in original.] The NRA claims it “has encountered serious difficulties obtaining corporate insurance coverage to replace coverage withdrawn.” In addition, the NRA contends that “multiple banks” have now balked at doing business with it “based on concerns that any involvement with the NRA — even providing the organization with basic depository services — would expose them to regulatory reprisals.”
The NRA also says that without the insurance, it “cannot maintain” its physical premises or “convene off-site meetings and events.”
It’s likely the National Rifle Association is being hyperbolic with all these claims. After all, right-wingers love to portray themselves as the victims whenever they find themselves on the losing end of debates.
Still, the lesson here about persistence should be taken to heart. Congressman Darrell Issa gave up after weekly protests outside his offices. The future of politics in National City will be changed for the better, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the folks standing up for Earl McNeil. And elected Trumpistas everywhere are looking over their shoulders, fearing a Blue Wave made possible by thousands of organizing efforts.
There are less than 100 days until the General Election. Now–not later–is the time to stand up and be counted. Candidates and causes need your time, your energy, and your support. There are many opportunities to join the fray in this week’s Progressive Calendar.
During this election season, we’ll be featuring the ideas and aspirations of candidates for offices large and small throughout the county. So stay tuned, and get active in any way you can.
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.
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!
Walk District 1 for Consuelo (Weekly Canvass)
Saturday, August 4, 9:30am
Grove Park
745 North Ash (Escondido)
For More Information (RSVP)
The November General Election is less than 100 days away! Help us get Consuelo elected to City Council by knocking on doors in Disrict 1 and talking to voters. No experience necessary. We’ll train you!
Please RSVP so we can prepare a walk list for you. Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
August 5
Grannies Respond ~ Sister Action in San Diego
Sunday, August 5, 1pm thru August 6, 4pm
Various Locations Along the Border–See Below
For More Information
We are the grandparents, the moral authority of the nation. Return the children to their families. A Great Silent Grandmothers Gathering with intervals of Songs of Solidarity, a companion action to the caravan to McAllen, Texas.
On Sunday, the 5th, at 1:30, we will attend the binational ecumenical service at the border wall where it drops off into the Pacific. Deported Vets, a chapter of Veterans for Peace, will face us from the Mexican side. Please arrive early.
On Monday at 11, we will meet at the detention center at 7488 Calzada de la Fuentes to model and exert grandparents’ moral authority and sing Songs of Solidarity organized by Carol Clary. We will use Achiote Restaurant, 4419 Camino de la Plaza in San Ysidro as a gathering place and lunch stop before moving to the Pedwest Port of Entry located at the south end of the Mall, 1 Virginia Avenue where we will execute a variation of the morning’s actions.
We mean to be spontaneous gatherings. We carry no banners, shout no slogans, have minimal leadership and represent no organizations although we are hopeful some may join us. Identifying colors are white and yellow. Carol Clary is crafting yellow rebozos, a recognized sign of maternal nurturing. Do bring I.D, water and your personal plans for coping with heat and sun.
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!
Pat Barnes Memorial Light Brigade
Monday, August 6, 7pm
Carroll Canyon Overpass – Interstate 15
For More Information
Hosted by Overpass Light Brigade – San Diego
We will be remembering our friend, Pat Barnes, with a Light Brigade on the Overpass he was on most. Pat would spend many days on the Carroll Canyon Overpass alongside the Veterans for Peace, protesting against the Miramar War Show for selling War to kids.
Pat was loved by peace activists, Occupy protesters, and advocates for law enforcement accountability, not just for showing up, but for providing creative banners and printed materials that would help spread the word about the injustices that were happening in our community.
Please join us as we gather on August 6th to remember our friend with a Memorial Light Brigade. We will gather at 7pm to talk and mourn, and then we will turn the lights on at sunset. We expect to be wrapped up a little after 8:30.
August 7
North County Young Dems Launch
Tuesday, August 7, 6:30pm
5145 Avenida Encinitas (Carlsbad)
For More Information
Hosted by North County Young Democrats
We’ll be serving food and drinks, and you’ll get to hear from five amazing Young Democrats who are leading the Blue Wave. These speakers embody what it means when we say “young gets it done!”, and we couldn’t be more excited that they’ll be joining us. If you’re looking to have a fun time, network, learn from progressive fighters, or just find new friends and family – come spend the evening with us!
Special Guest: Sara Jacobs – Former CA-49 Congressional candidate, unapologetic feminist champion, policy wonk, and youth empowerment leader
Guest Speakers: Corinna Contreras – Corporate free community fighter and Vista City Council District 1 candidate, James Elia – Fearless progressive and unbought candidate for California’s 71st Assembly District, Priya Bhat-Patel – Selfless advocate for her community’s health and quality of life, Carlsbad City Council District 3 candidate, Ammar Campa-Najjar – The next Congressman from California! The man who’s taking on Duncan Hunter’s corruption and fighting for every family in District 50
Without Criminal Justice, There is Justice for No One.
Tuesday, August 7, 7pm
Sizzler
3755 Murphy Canyon Road
For More Information
Hosted by Progressive Democrats of America – CA
San Diego County is just the tip of the Iceberg
• If a society is judged by how it treats its criminals, the United States is quickly headed towards the bottom.
• What ever happened to “innocent until proven guilty?”
• How can our Criminal justice system justify cruelty towards expectant mothers
• How can our Criminal justice system justify separating immigrants and refugees from their children?
• Why can our criminal justice system racially profile and treat people who may not be white more harshly.
• How does “Prisons for Profit” exasperate the situation and why do we allow prisons for profit?
We will have a forum led by retired sheriff Commander, David Myers. Additionally, we’ve invited an incredible group of speakers all the way up to members of the California Congressional contingency.
On Family Separation
Tuesday, August 7, 7pm
Tiger! Tiger!
3025 El Cajon Boulevard
For More Information
We’ve all heard the heartbreaking tales of children being taken from their parents at the border.
At 10 years old, Esteban Aguilar lived through it.
Now 21 & a photographer, he documents the stories of people caught between two worlds.
Come, listen, learn. This is an open forum that encourages community participation. After the event, tulengua & BORDER ANGELS will be releasing a collaborative music video.
August 8
August General Meeting – YIMBY Dems
Wednesday, August 8, 6pm
Tiger! Tiger!
3025 El Cajon Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County
Who is ready for endorsements?? We are! Join us at 6pm for community and 6:30 to get down to business.
Esco City Hall Anti-Abed Rally
Wednesday, August 8, 5:30pm
Escondido City Hall
201 North Broadway
For More Information
Event for TOGETHER WE WILL: San Diego North County Inland
Do the residents want a new mayor in November???? YES! Bring your anti-Abed signs, be prepared to make noise and wave at passing cars. There’s shade under the palm trees, bring lawn chairs and/or picnic blankets. The drums will be there and people who want better for our city!
Marcha Por La Dignidad!
Wednesday, August 8, 5:30pm
Escondido City Hall
201 North Broadway
For More Information
Las Familias De Escondido Dicen Basta Ya AL Racismo! EL Alcalde Racista De Escondido Sam Abed Dice Que Nuestros Hijos Son Pandilleros Y Rateros.
Eso Es Una Mentira! Las Familias De Escondido Son Honradas Y Trabajadoras Y Merecemos Ser Respetados! Le Vamos A Dar AL Racista Alcalde Un “Cacerolazo”
Únete Con Nosotros Todos Los Miercoles De 5:30PM A 6:15PM Enfrente De La Alcaldía. A Los Latinos En Escondido Se Les Respeta!
Meet the Candidate: Coffee w/ Consuelo
Wednesday, August 8, 8am
Marte’s Donuts
1131 East Washington Avenue (Escondido)
For More Information
Hosted by Consuelo Martinez for Escondido City Council – District 1
Here’s your opportunity to meet the candidate for Escondido City Council – District 1. Consuelo Martinez wants to meet you! Join her for coffee in the district at Marte’s Donuts.
August 9
The Homeless Chorus Speaks-Film Night
Thursday, August 9, 7pm
The OB Green Center
4843 B Voltaire Street
For More Information
This 2018 film is a compelling documentary that creatively depicts a critical and timely social issue: people living without support and shelter. Using a unique community choir (Voices of Our City Choir,) as a vehicle to tell the stories of people suffering with homelessness, the film – like all of Susan Polis Schutz’s documentaries — effectively put s a human face on a crucial problem and makes it strikingly clear just how easily someone can end up living on the streets.” — Lauren Mills, Senior Manager, American Public Television Free of Charge :-)
August 10
The Generation Justice 1st Annual Youth Justice Summit
Friday, August 10, 9am
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
University of San Diego
5998 Acala Park
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Generation Justice
This Justice Summit is a newly conceived, yearly conference aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, tools, and tactics to pursue justice while also engaging law enforcement and public officials in restorative dialogue and relationship building in order to promote accountability, transparency, and peace.
Black August: Lecture, Art, and Open Mic
Friday, August 10, 5:30pm
The Brown Building
4133 Poplar Street
For More Information
Hosted by Committee Against Police Brutality San Diego
Join local artists, poets, and activists for an event that is part of a collaboration between The Brown Building and Pillars of the Community, in a month-long series of events commemorating Black August.
The theme chosen by the Black August Planning Committee for this year is Black August is Black Love. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about this movement and/or black liberation initiatives, prison reform, and intersections between black and queer movements to contribute to this show.
“Black August was created by incarcerated Black people in order to commemorate the struggle for Black liberation. Directly linked to the memory of George Jackson and Jonathan Jackson, the month of August is a crucial month for Black liberation. While February has become a moment to highlight inspirational and representational moments of Black History, Black August is directly devoted to the history of struggle and in honor of Black political prisoners being held captive as well as the martyrs we have lost.” -Mychal Odom
Sierra Club’s Film Night “The Garden”
Friday, August 10, 6:30pm
8304 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard #101
For More Information
This film depicts the history and fate of a huge community garden in one of the country’s most blighted neighborhoods, South Central Los Angeles. Created as a form of healing after the L.A. riots of 1992 by mostly immigrant farmers from Latin America, this urban farm was destroyed, and the land sold to a wealthy developer by the L.A. City Council in a closed-door session. The farmers organized and fought back, but to no avail. The Garden raises crucial and challenging questions for Americans about liberty, equality, and justice for the poorest and most vulnerable among us.
August 11
Walk District 1 for Consuelo (Weekly Canvass)
Saturday, August 11, 9:30am
Grove Park
745 North Ash (Escondido)
For More Information (RSVP)
The November General Election is less than 100 days away! Help us get Consuelo elected to City Council by knocking on doors in Disrict 1 and talking to voters. No experience necessary. We’ll train you!
Please RSVP so we can prepare a walk list for you. Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Angelversary Vigil for Sergio Weick
Saturday, August 11, 2pm
Bronze Way (Vista)
For More Information
Hosted by Vista Families for Justice
We are approaching the two year ‘Angelversary’ of Sergio Weick’s murder by the Vista Sheriffs Department. To honor and remember Sergio we will be having a candlelight vigil at the very place he was executed; the end of Bronze Way in Vista on Saturday, August 11th at 2pm. We want to share with everyone in attendance who he was and not who the Vista Sheriffs Department and the media portrayed him to be. We appreciate the support of all who can make it.
Sergio lives in our hearts and actions. We will continue to fight against police brutality and to hold the Vista Sheriffs accountable for their crimes!
We will not forget Sergio Weick!
Paloma 4 IB Community Meet and Greet
Saturday, August 11, 10am
Teeple Park
1135 Calla Avenue (Imperial Beach)
For More Information
Hosted by Paloma4IBCouncil
In 2001, I saved up some money and bought a one-way ticket to San Diego and surfed IB for the first time. I was hooked! I knew I’d make IB my home.
After years of surfing here, I found out I’d been surfing polluted water, and have been fighting for clean water since. I do it because I believe that IB residents have a right to clean water and clean beaches.
Join us at Rose Teeple Park to discuss ways to improve our community while getting to know each other.
Lake San Marcos Democratic Club Endorsements
Saturday, August 11, 1pm
Discovery Elementary School
730 Applewilde Drive (San Marcos)
For More Information
As is our practice at this point in election years, our August program will feature several candidates for office, giving you the chance to not only hear what they have to say, but to also get your questions answered. Candidates scheduled to appear at our August 11th meeting include:
Randy Walton – Candidate for San Marcos City Council District 2, formerly a 12-year member of the San Marcos School Board
Stacy Carlson – incumbent candidate for San Marcos School Board (endorsed by SMEA)
Maria Nunéz – Candidate for San Marcos City Council District 1 (NPP, but progressive)
Alan Geraci – Candidate for Assembly District 75
Tasha Boerner-Horvath – Candidate for Assembly District 76
Ammar Campa-Najjar – Candidate for the 50th Congressional district
Mike Levin – Candidate for the 49th Congressional district
Jeff Griffith – Candidate for State Senate District 38
Lee Dulgeroff – Candidate for Palomar College Board (nominated by hospital employee union)
Norma Miyamoto – Candidate for Palomar College Board Candidate (NPP, nominated by hospital employee union)
Mark Evilsizer – Candidate for Palomar College Board (Incumbent running for re-election)
August 12
August Endorsement Meeting
Sunday, August 12, 10am
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
osted by San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action
We’ll re-consider endorsement in California State Assembly District 76, Cities of Carlsbad, Imperial Beach and National City Mayoral races as well as other races to be announced.
This meeting is free and open to the public. Only members in good standing are permitted to vote in club endorsements. According to club bylaws, a member in good standing “has attended at least one (1) prior club meeting or has paid dues 34 days prior to the meeting.” Only those members who meet those requirements will be eligible to vote at our endorsement meetings. Absolutely no proxy voting is allowed.
August Meeting of Labor Dems: Endorsements!
Sunday, August 12, 2pm
Olivewood Clubhouse
541 East 24th Street (National City)
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Labor Democratic Club
Our agenda will include several candidate endorsements! We hope to see you! RSVP via Facebook and invite friends!
Nate Fairman, Club President
Michelle Krug, Vice President
Mary Latibashvili, Treasurer
Sara Kent, Secretary
Temika M. Cook, Board Member
Manny Gonzalez, Board Member
Food Not Bombs Community Fundraiser
Sunday, August 12, 7pm
Che Cafe
1000 Scholars Drive South (UCSD)
For More Information
Hosted by Che Café Collective
Come support San Diego Food Not Bombs at an ALL AGES benefit show! $10 cover, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Food will be available! If you would like to table please contact Food Not Bombs San Diego
Performances by: War of Icaza, Igonoir & Snapghost, Saturdays on Saturn, Telerana, Revolutionary Guard, Tall Can. Doors at 6pm, music starts at 7!
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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Doug Porter
Latest posts by Doug Porter (see all)
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