It’s time to make some noise. The fix is on. Republicans have stacked the deck in ways never seen before to enable the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court.
On August 26, in more than 100 cities across the country, people will be attending rallies and protests against a nominee with ultra-conservative legal views on a range of issues. He has repeatedly argued the Supreme Court should put the president above the law. Given that Donald Trump is at the center of a criminal investigation he should not be allowed to pick his own judge and jury.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has refused to ask for all documents relating to Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s tenure as White House staff secretary to President George W. Bush.
Why is this such a big deal? I’ll let conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin, who likely agrees more than she disagrees with the nominee, explain why:
While the issue of the documents from the George W. Bush administration is serious, it is merely a warm-up for what could be the main event: the demand for information as to how Kavanaugh got on the Federalist Society’s approved list, what interviews or questionnaires he filled out, records of any meetings with Federalist Society members and — here’s the big one — records of any financial contributions from the Federalist Society leaders to Trump, the Trump campaign and the Trump inauguration. Not to put too fine a point on things, but an anonymous $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration was facilitated by right-wing legal activists, including Federalist Society executive vice president Leonard Leo. Just what did the still-unknown donor(s) hope to influence?
The entire process of outsourcing the vetting process to a nontransparent third-party group is troubling. That group can ask questions that would be inappropriate for the White House to raise. That group can, with winks and nods, get assurances on issues of importance, ranging from guns to antitrust to abortion, without revealing the group’s funders. Imagine if the shoe were on the other foot. Let’s say a group funded by George Soros compiled a list of solid progressive judges, gave massive amounts of money to a Democratic president and got the president to restrict his selection to the names that Soros’s group had given its seal of approval to. Republicans would have a meltdown — and rightly so.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has stated that Kavanaugh’s hearings will occur prior to the November midterm elections. His hearings will start on September 4, and last for 3 to 4 days. That’s it. Supreme Court nominees need a simple majority to be confirmed, but opposing Senators can still filibuster a vote. At least one Democrat, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, says he’s prepared to filibuster the vote, which could allow 41 opposing Senators to sink the nomination — unless the GOP changes the filibuster rules, something they’ve refused to rule out.
Kavanaugh’s vote on the court would enable reactionary policies on reproductive freedom, health care, the environment, voting rights, workers’ rights, LGBTQ rights, and immigrant rights for generations.
Stopping Trump’s nominee from being confirmed is admittedly not going to be easy. Besides bankrupting the country for the benefit of billionaires and disabling the social security net, getting a rightwing court is one of the main reasons Republicans refuse to comment on the President’s childish behavior and often irrational actions. The first two reasons line their donors’ pockets; the third makes sure it stays that way.
See you August 26 at 10am at Waterfront Park on Pacific Highway. Click this link for more info.
Get your event listed in the SDFP Progressive Activist Calendar: 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 18
Cali-Fornication: A Day Party Celebrating the Birth of The Pill
Saturday, August 18, Noon
El Camino
2400 India Street
For More Information (Tickets/Admission)
Hosted by Bout it
Hello friends, we’re back & we’re throwing the summer party of your dreams. We bring you ultimate summertime nostalgia, mixed with a rad cause, and so much sunshiney fun. Beachwear encouraged. �
*DJS *DUNK TANK *ART SHOW *PHOTOBOOTH *DRINK SPECIALS *TAN LINES *AN AWESOME CAUSE *& MORE!
DJS-Qcocado, TealIdeal, Lu, & Rossi Rock
ARTISTS-Tess Armstrong Art, Sydney Cisco, Crash Boom Designs, Delaney Ink, Four Guns Down, Rottweiler, Arlene Ibarra & Lazaro Floral!
THE CAUSE- Did you know on August 18th, 1960 the first birth control pills were sold in U.S? A clear turning point in women’s rights and an obvious reason to celebrate. Along with our efforts, we are proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to our partners at Planned Parenthood!
Walk District 1 for Consuelo (Weekly Canvass)
Saturday, August 18, 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 District 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.
Breakfast With Champions
Saturday, August 18, 8am
Applebees Bar & Grill
1216 Auto Parkway (Escondido)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by Escondido Democrats
Do not miss out on a great opportunity to have a delicious breakfast and speak to mayoral candidate Paul McNamara, District 1 candidate Consuelo Martinez, District 2 candidate Vanessa Valenzuela, 50th Congressional District candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar, 75th State Assembly candidate Alan Geraci, 38th State Senate candidate Jeff Griffith and more!
Tickets are $10 donation with half the proceeds going to EDC to help promote and support our local candidates.
Kick-Off Neighborhood Walk and Picnic!
Saturday, August 18, 9:30am
Pine Avenue Park
755 Chestnut Avenue (Carlsbad)
For More Information (Walk RSVP) (Picnic RSVP)
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Join us for our big Summer Kick-Off Walk and Picnic! Together we will talk to our neighbors about the critically important election this November. The general election is approaching quickly and it’s up to us to do all we can to Flip the 49th! After we knock on doors, we will celebrate with a picnic at Pines Park! Join us for music, food, drinks and good company! The picnic will begin at 2:30
No experience is needed for this event; we’ll provide a short training for newcomers, along with scripts and snacks. We hope to see you there!
Spirit of Sagon: Anti-Police Brutality in SD, Past & Present
Saturday, August 18, 2pm
6403 Imperial Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Committee Against Police Brutality San Diego
We are reintroducing the Committee Against Police Brutality, San Diego’s longest-running antipolice Brutality unit. Join us on August 18th as we discuss the urgency of radical and grassroots antipolice brutality campaigns in San Diego, nationally and globally.
Topics to be discussed:
—The History of Antipolice Brutality in San Diego from the 1960s through the 2000s.
(Mychal Odom will present research from the earliest through the Sagon Penn Defense Committee. Carl Muhammad, founding member of CAPB will tell the story from Penn on forward.)
—Local solidarity with the Move 9 and Mumia Abu Jamal
—How can we apply radical and grassroots tactics/strategies to anti-police brutality locally?
WTP Endorsement Mtg for SD City Council District 4
Saturday, August 18, 3:30pm
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
5148 Market Street
For More Information
Hosted by We The People – San Diego County
The meeting will start with a panel on the state of criminal justice reform efforts underway across San Diego County and a discussion of advocacy actions for members and allies. Panelists include Geneviéve Jones-Wright, Laila Aziz, Tasha Williamson, and Dave Myers. After the panel, there will be a vote to endorse in the San Diego City Council District 4 race. The candidates have been invited to present. This meeting is open to the public.
Help Re-Unite Families
Saturday, August 18, 4pm
Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
1600 Buena Vista Drive (Vista)
For More Information
Hosted by Amnesty Int’l North County San Diego 471
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL North County Chapter #471 & Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship are hosting a Fundraiser to benefit Casa Cornelia Law Center
-Local attorneys providing FREE LEGAL REPRESENTATION for #IMMIGRANT CHILDREN looking for a safe haven in the USA
Featuring a screening of the award-winning movie
‘The Visitor’
Followed by Speakers, Q&A, & Refreshments
Our Revolution North County San Diego August Meeting
Saturday, August 18, 2pm
Regal View Condominiums Recreation Room
700 Regal Road (Encinitas)
For More Information
At this August meeting, Our Revolution NCSD members will have the opportunity to cast a vote for candidate endorsement. Stay tuned! We also will have a presentation by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). Let’s save North County Mental Health resources!
On July 26, 2018, the Tri-City Hospital Board of Directors abruptly voted to close the Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Unit. This is a hospital unit which is critical to providing expert care to individuals.
Please join us for a presentation by Michael Bagby, President of National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) North Coastal San Diego and Diane Bagby, Director at Large. They will share information on this surprise decision by the Tri-City Board of Directors. We will find out what it means to our communities, and how we can get involved in addressing this decision.
August 20
Endorsement Meeting, No On Soccer City, Dem Party Reorg, Emerge
Monday, August 20, 7pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County
At this month’s meeting we will consider endorsing in the following races:
– Nathan Fletcher, County Board of Supervisors District 4 – NathanFletcher.com
– Matt Brower for Superior Court Judge, Office 37 – MattBrower.com
As announced at our June meeting after the presentation by club member Joe LaCava, we will also consider taking a position on “No On Soccer City”. If you want to do more research before your vote a good start would be the website https://noonsoccercity.com/.Our main speaker for the evening, Steve Rivera, will guide us in understanding how the Democratic Party is structured on the County level, through to the State and National levels.
ASD Community Meeting “It Takes Roots”
Monday, August 20, 7pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Street
For More Information
Hosted by ACTIVIST SAN DIEGO
Join us on the third Monday in August as we share a meal together and organize for the San Francisco nationwide action that will be happening from the 8 – 14th of September 2018.
Buenvivir (or “well-being” / “living well”) is an age-old concept that became more globally popularized after the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth in April 2010. The Cochabamba People’s Agreement was adopted by 35,000 representatives of social movements, indigenous peoples and others as an alternative to the “Copenhagen Accord” reached by the UN in 2009.
As Bolivian President Evo Morales explained in 2010: “The peoples of the Andes believe in the concept of ‘living well’ instead of wanting to ‘live better’ by consuming more regardless of the cost to our neighbors and our environment. It is with these ancient teachings in mind that, exactly one year ago, the United Nations General Assembly accepted Bolivia’s proposal to celebrate International Mother Earth Day on April 22, which coincides with the final day of our conference. We now propose to go one step further and begin collectively drafting a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth. This will establish a legal framework for protecting our increasingly threatened natural environment and raising the global consciousness about Mother Earth, on which we all depend for life.”
August 21
Julian Indivisible Open Meeting
Tuesday, August 21, 2-4pm
Community United Church of Julian
2898 Highway 78/79
For More Information
Come to our meeting so we can come up with the best strategies to bring a victorious Ammar to the finish line. We’re counting on your help. Bring interested friends. All are needed!
Battle for the Supreme Court
Tuesday, August 21, 6pm
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
1155 Island Avenue Room 325
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society
President Trump has nominated Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. With this choice, the Supreme Court could be changed for decades to come. Civil-rights organizations have begun to speak out against Kavanaugh’s nomination, and the Senate’s Democratic leadership is laying plans to oppose his confirmation. Come join UC Irvine Professor Rick Hasen discusses the battle being waged for the future of the Supreme Court.
Professor Richard L. Hasen is Chancellor’s Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine. Hasen is a nationally recognized expert in election law and campaign finance regulation and is the co-author of a leading casebook on election law. He is the author of a recent book on Supreme Court Justice Scalia called “The Justice of Contradictions: Antonin Scalia and the Politics of Disruption.”
SanDiego350 Movie Night – Get Inspired!
Tuesday, August 21, 6:45pm
First Unitarian, Universalist Church of San Diego
4190 Front Street
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by SanDiego350
We will be watching, “The Human Element,” a film about the thoughtful exploration of our how own everyday lives are creating havoc within the delicate system that is our planet.
After the movie, we’ll be talking about ways to take action and the upcoming Rise for Climate mobilization on September 8th. You’ll get to hear about our planning for the march and how you can volunteer. And sign up here for a volunteer shift for the march – we need lots of help!
Also, join us right before the movie at 5:45pm for a special orientation before the movie to learn what we’re all about, what we do, and how you can get involved. Bring your friends!
August 22
Voter Registration at August Naturalization Ceremony: Morning
Wednesday, August 22, 10am
3rd Ave and B Street In Plaza near Civic Theatre
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego County Democratic Party
Come register voters with us at the August Citizens’ Naturalization Ceremony. We will be in the plaza in front of the civic center. We recommend taking the trolley to avoid paying for parking.
Marcha Por La Dignidad!
Wednesday, August 22, 5:30pm
Escondido City Hall
201 North Broadway
For More Information
Todos Los Miercoles 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”A Los Latinos En Escondido Se Les Respeta!
Chula Vista Democrats General Membership Meeting
Thursday, August 23, 6:30pm
Mangia Italiano on Third
248 Third Avenue (Chula Vista)
For More Information
Please note at our next meeting we will be endorsing in the following races- Chula Vista City Council Seat 2, Superior Court Judge Office 37, Southwestern College Seat 4 and Seat 5, South Bay Irrigation District seats 1 and 4. Please contact Jose Cerda for a club questionnaire at jofrce@gmail.com.
Already Endorsed for November 2018 Election
Hon. Juan Vargas, Congressional 51st.
Hon. Ben Hueso, 40th State Senate
Hon. Shirley Weber 79th Assembly
Hon. Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher, 80th Assembly
Hon. Mary Casillas Salas, Mayor
Mark Barlett- Chula Vista City Council, Seat 1
Hon. Nora Vargas, Southwestern College
Hon. Paula Hall, Sweetwater Union High School District
Hon. Frank Tarantino, Sweetwater Union High School District
Hon. Francisco Tamayo, Chula Vista Elementary
Hon. Eduardo Reyes, Chula Vista Elementary
Hon. Alma Sarmiento, National Schools
Hon. Ms. Bentancourt-Castañeda, National Schools
August 24
Eyewitness Cuba
Friday, August 24, 7:30pm
San Diego Justice Center
4410 Glacier Avenue #101
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego PSL
Hear from comrades who recently returned from a delegation to Cuba. Learn more about the actual day to day lives of Cuban people. Hear stories about agriculture, education, art, culture, politics, employment production, medicine and much more. Join us for this exciting presentation with beautiful imagery from the island nation!
CLUW SD Summer Film Festival-Salt of the Earth
Friday, August 24, 7:30pm
Olivewood Clubhouse
541 East 24th Street (National City)
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by San Diego CLUW Chapter
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.
August 25
Public Forum on the Health of the Pacific Ocean
Saturday, August 25, 11am
Encinitas Library
540 Cornish Drive
For More Information
Hosted by Oceana Southern California and Surfrider Foundation San Diego
With rampant ocean plastic pollution, sea level rise, and new offshore drilling proposed for the entire Pacific Coast are our elected officials doing all they can to protect the coast we love?
Come find out as we invite federal, state, and local elected officials and First Nations representatives to speak on a panel together about issues affecting the health of the Pacific Ocean, and you can ask them questions.
FREE food and drinks will be provided, and of course, this public forum is free to attend.
Invitees include:
• Congressman Darrell Issa / Candidate, Mike Levin, Candidate for U.S. Congress (CD 49) / Diane Harkey, Candidate for U.S. Congress (CD 49)
• State Senator Pat Bates (SD 36) / Candidate, Marggie Castellano (SD 36)
• Assembly Member Rocky Chavez (AD 76)
• Assembly Member Todd Gloria (AD 78) / Candidate, Maggie Campbell (AD 78)
• Assembly Member Brian Maienschein (AD 77) / Candidate, Sunday Gover (AD 77)
• Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Kristin Gaspar
• Candidate for County Supervisor (4th District) Jim Desmond (Mayor of San Marcos) / Candidate for County Supervisor (4th District) Michelle Gomez
• Mayor Dwight Worden of Del Mar
• Mayor David Zito of Solana Beach
• Mayor Catherine Blakespear of Encinitas
• Mayor Peter Weiss of Oceanside
• Deputy Mayor Chuck Lowery of Oceanside
The audience will have a chance to ask questions of the speakers regarding local, state, and federal action being undertaken to better ocean health and where they stand on these issues.
District 4 General Election Community Kick Off
Saturday, August 25, Noon
5235 Maple Street
For More Information
Hosted by Monica Montgomery for City Council
We didn’t win the primary by chance. It wasn’t some political fluke or accident. It was the result of thousands of hours of hard work by dedicated community members and organizing to channel decades of frustration into energy for change.
Please join us for a Community Kick Off for the General Election. We will be celebrating our win from the primary and channeling that energy toward victory in November.
Indivisible: SD Central – August Meeting
Saturday, August 25, 3pm
Joybrewed Expresso
1295 University Avenue
For More Information
Please join us for our August monthly meeting This meeting will focus on SCOTUS action, as well as the November General Election. We are lining up some really cool speakers to come to talk. Details to come soon. Please join us!
Black August Commemoration 2018 – Black August is Black Love
Saturday, August 25, 2pm
Valencia Park/ Malcolm X Library
5148 Market Street
For More Information
Hosted by Black August Planning Committee – San Diego
The theme of this year’s commemoration will be “Black August is Black Love!” We will have poetry, song, dance, history, panel discussions, food and more. This event is for all ages.
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.
Black August is a moment to:
Honor and commemorate the lives and deaths of several fallen Freedom Fighters
To bring unity among Black/African/New African prisoners, and education and awareness
To educate our people about and honor the history and actions of continued resistance of Black/New Afrikan/Afrikan peoples
Abolish Ice, and Then What?
Saturday, August 25, 2pm
Tiger! Tiger!
3025 El Cajon Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by Democratic Autonomy Federation and San Diego PSL
This talk on the border, immigration policy, and their relation to racism, imperialism, and capital are co-hosted by DAF, PSL (SD), and the DSA SD Immigration Working Group
People Over Profits SD Presents Hood Stock 2018
Saturday, August 25, 1pm
1764 National Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by People over Profits-SD and The People’s Lot
All year long POP-SD community along with various comrades work hard to continuously share the agenda of the people who are being held captive as legal slaves in a system called prison and bringing light to corporate greed in all forms.
It is an everlasting fight but for one day we come together to celebrate and rejoice in each-others love and solidarity. Please help us make this possible by attending.
All of the proceeds made at HOOD-STOCK will go to the direct construction of THE PEOPLES LOT, a community multi-functional park for all to use.*****Live music, Food Vendors, Art, Raffles, Crafts Vendors, Aguas Frescas, Beer, Social Experiments, Massages, Community!
***Line-Up details to come**** ITS DOPE! ***$5 Suggested donation at the door
(AGAIN, all donations will go toward the development of THE PEOPLES LOT, a space of liberation we are developing for the people with no corporate money ties, SI SE PUEDE!)
August 26
UNITE for Justice – San Diego
Sunday August 26, 10am
Waterfront Park
1600 Pacific Highway
For More Information
Hosted by Unite for Justice – San Diego
People across the country are rising up to demand that their Senators stop Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination and protect our most fundamental rights. Everyone agrees: the balance of the Supreme Court is on the line with this lifetime appointment.
August 26th – In San Diego, CA and in states all across the country, the People’s Defense coalition, NARAL Pro-Choice America, MoveOn and more than 30 other organizations (and counting) are building a National Day of Action, “Unite for Justice”, to stop Brett Kavanaugh.
Join us for fellowship, music, speakers, protest, and MARCH! Stay with us for a SCOTUS costume contest and #BeLikeRuth celebration!
Indivisible Downtown August Social
Sunday, August 26, 1:30pm
Border X Brewing
2181 Logan Avenue
For More Information
It has been a while since Downtown had a chapter meeting. We’re having a social event on the 26th to check in with members and chat about plans leading up to November.
We’ll be in Border X again, which is kid and dog-friendly. Come and have a beer and/or a taco with us.
What are you excited or worried about leading up to the November elections? What candidates and issues are you working with or interested in learning more about?
13th Annual Suffrage Parade
Sunday, August 26, 4pm
Balboa Park
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Area Chapter of NOW
Celebrate Women’s Equality Day as we commemorate the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, August 26, 1920. Suffrage continues past the 19th Amendment as we move towards inspiring an intersectional future.
Dress up in white, wear your sashes and buttons as well as wave your Suffrage, ERA, Equal Pay, Me Too, and feminist movement signs to celebrate the journey of women’s rights from 1848 to today.
Meet in the lawn area across from the Organ Pavilion for the Suffrage Rally with reenactments of famous women’s rights activists, followed with the Suffrage Parade through the Prado and Organ Pavilion areas.
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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