San Diego Free Press

Grassroots News & Progressive Views

Readers Write: Spy vs. Spy

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By Tom Hunter

It seems to me that the progressive wing of humanity has lost its enthusiasm for heros.  President Obama is blamed for the obstruction of the federal government by the teabaggers and his inability to overcome the inertia of the federal government.

The most powerful people in Washington are not elected.  They are senior Washington bureaucrats that stay on in Washington no matter who gets elected.  These bureaucrats are closely entwined with the Pentagon and the Defence Contractor Empire.

So, it seems to me, anyone who brings to light knowledge of what these reptiles are up to would be found to be on the side of humanity.  Not so much.   [Read more…]

Dissin’ Hizzoner – Are We in for a Decade of Republicanism Delivered by Democrats in Name Only?

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He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone… John 8:7

By Bob Dorn

The Pharisees are circling. Their feasting on what are –still — unsubstantiated rumors reveals the same mob-thought and histeria of ancient history, before the rule of law.

We still haven’t heard descriptions, neither anonymous ones nor any from his public accusers, of what Filner has done. Of all the “multiple victims” (the words of a principal accuser who happens to be a lawyer encouraging people to use his services) not one has stepped forward into the light to explain when and where the mayor harassed her, or him. The words sexual abuse have not even appeared in the trash talk of the politicians and partisan lawyers.

There’s a sloppiness in this attack that beggars the imagination, as if the hatred and passion of those dancing around the bonfire has relieved them of their reason and awareness of what they’re saying.   [Read more…]

San Diego Pride Parade 2013: Freedom to Love and Marry

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By Doug Porter

This year’s San Diego Pride celebration was extra special for many of its participants.  After years of political organizing, lawsuits and personal angst, the door are open once again in California for same sex couples to celebrate their love through the institution of marriage, following rulings by the Supreme Court last month.

Nearly 200 individuals, community groups, churches and corporations participated in this year’s Pride Parade.  Celebrities Brad and George Takei, along with LaToya Jackson did the honors as Grand Marshals. The theme for 2013 was “Freedom to Love and Marry”.

Photos by Haley Joy Porter   [Read more…]

San Diego, Stand with Trayvon Martin – Rally in City Heights, Sunday July 14

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Today at 5:30, Rally for Trayvon Martin in City Heights

Highland Park, on Fairmount in between Wightman & Landis, between the library and swimming pool, across the street from Mid City Police Dept. Google Map Link

Last year, thousands across the U.S. rallied for Trayvon following his death, providing the public pressure needed to arrest Zimmerman. Tomorrow, thousands will again rally in response to the blatant victim blaming of this unarmed 17 year old boy. Join us, with signs, your stories, and your friends and family as we call for justice…

Following the rally will be a Candle Light Vigil at the Balboa Park Fountain at 7:30 held by She Is Soul and the San Diego NAACP. Google Map Link

See the Facebook Event   [Read more…]

Zimmerman Has Been Found Not Guilty. Now What?

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By Lauren Williams / MotherJones.com

After more than three weeks of testimony and nearly 17 hours of deliberation, the jury in the Trayvon Martin case has found George Zimmerman not guilty

Zimmerman shot and killed the 17-year-old after a scuffle in a gated condominium complex in Sanford, Fla., on February 26, 2012. The case became a racially charged national story almost immediately due to the circumstances of Martin’s death—a black, unarmed teen shot after being tailed by Zimmerman for merely looking suspicious—and the fact that Sanford police did not arrest Zimmerman until 46 days after the killing.   [Read more…]

Tío Emilio and the Secrets of the Ancestors: Chapter 8 — Danger

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“There are no accidents. We choose our life actions, and doing so, we choose the consequences too. If we choose not to die, we do not put ourselves in danger.” Tío Emilio

By Richard Juarez

AA-OOOOOO-GA … AA-OOOOOO-GA.

“Dang, I told him not to honk that horn!” Tony whispered. “My parents are gonna know that it’s Pablito’s dad’s car.” Tony peeked into the house and turned back to me.

“Good! My dad’s asleep on the couch and my mom’s on the phone.”

He opened the door quietly and stuck in his head. “Mom,” he whispered across the living room to his mother who was seated at the dining room table. “I’ll be back in a little while. Vincent an’ me are going out for a bit.” He didn’t want to wake his father and his whispering didn’t interrupt her telephone conversation. She was engrossed in her call and could hardly hear him. She looked up briefly, then just waved goodbye. I was surprised his mother was letting him go out. He had been grounded like me, but I guess they loosened up a little. My parents thought I was spending the evening with Tony at his house. I was just hoping Gracie and Alice didn’t talk to each other and figure out we were both gone.   [Read more…]

SDFP Journo Doug Porter Awarded 1st Prize for Prop Z Coverage

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Last night, July 11, the San Diego Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists held its annual journalism awards banquet at Bali Hai on Shelter Island. Loren Nancarrow, Fox 5 anchor and environmentalist received the Journalist of the Year award. Awards were then presented by Carol LeBeau, retired 10News anchor and Marty Levin, retired KNSD/Channel 39 anchor. The full spectrum of the media- newspaper, magazines, online, radio and television– was reflected in the awards.

Prolific SDFP writer and editorial board member Doug Porter received first place in the Daily Reporting and Writing category for his coverage of Prop Z. Freepers Annie Lane, Rich Kacmar, Anna Daniels, Andy Cohen, Doug and Doug’s daughter Haley waited expectantly to find out whether he had garnered a 1st, 2nd place or honorable mention. Doug was surprised at the 1st place award; the rest of us weren’t surprised at all.   [Read more…]

YALLA: Using Sports to Connect Refugee Children, Families, to New Home

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By Dave Rice

Dajon and Yousif, two participants in YALLA San Diego’s Peace Builders Soccer League, greet me as I’m walking back to the grass field behind Meridian Elementary School in Granite Hills, a neighborhood in the eastern part of El Cajon. I’m here with a handful of others to take a tour of the program, guided by Mark Kabban, the program’s founder and program director, who started YALLA as a way to reach out to San Diego’s extensive refugee youth population through soccer while also strengthening their chances of educational success.

Soccer is used as a hook to draw kids to the program, Kabban explains, though all participants in the Peace Builders recreational program as well as YALLA’s (Youth and Leaders Living Actively) competitive soccer clubs are also enrolled in the group’s tutoring and academic programs. The group serves as a “one stop shop,” providing tutoring as well as counseling services and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs to both children and their parents.

The program has been a big success in the refugee community, says Kabban as we walk through the three soccer pitches that have been coned off and hosting matches throughout the morning – as the midday sun beats down only one of the three set up farthest from the school buildings is being used by the oldest group of kids that are out today. 200 elementary age students, plus another 60 in high school currently participate in the program, but there is a long waiting list. YALLA provides one teacher and one athletic coach for each 20 students, but even with a lot of part-time and volunteer staff their budget can only fill so much of a need.   [Read more…]

Porkyland Catering Falls Flat

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By Michele Ebbert

This is specific to Porkyland’s catering, and not the restaurant itself. I contacted them via email asking whether their 4th of July special would be available throughout the month, since I was hosting a dinner party on the 9th. Two days later they got back to me & confirmed that it would be, so I sent another email asking whether they delivered. I never heard back from that email – not a good sign.

I called on July 5th and left a message – again, no response. I know I should’ve looked for another caterer, but I’d been in Australia for 6 weeks & was really craving carnitas……..! Called again on the 6th and talked to a man who assured me they do deliver and took my order……..but asked that I call back later that day to talk to the Catering Manager to confirm. I left a message for her but was more than a little nervous when her voice mail instructions say that she would try to return calls within 1 business day……..and now my dinner party was about 1 business day away!   [Read more…]

Sex in San Diego: Should You Give Your Partner Your Passwords?

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By Marjorie McAtee / Don’t Call Me Marge

Some time ago now, I was watching the Today Show one morning, because I am a glutton for punishment, and some blowhard came on and started lecturing us about how, in a good relationship, we should share our email, social media, cell phone and presumably online banking passwords with our partner because, “If you’re trustworthy, you have nothing to hide.”

Right, that’s what the NSA said. How about, if I’m so trustworthy, then you trust me.

A few minutes later, the same guy told America that we no longer need to wear socks with our closed-toed dress shoes, so that just goes to show you how well-thought-out his opinions are.   [Read more…]

NOT Quitting: Filner Apologizes, Says He’ll Seek Help

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If my behavior doesn’t change, I cannot succeed in leading our city.

By Doug Porter

After several days of drama following calls for his resignation from three prominent San Diegans, Mayor Bob Filner has responded via a DVD released to the local NBC affiliate.

SEE INSIDE FOR TEXT OF HIS STATEMENT   [Read more…]

More Questions than Answers Remain in Filner Harassment Allegations

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By Andy Cohen

Former City Councilwoman Donna Frye and attorneys Cory Briggs and Marco Gonzalez summoned the local media to discuss explosive allegations that came to light yesterday regarding sexual harassment claims against Mayor Bob Filner. All three have delivered letters to the mayor calling for his immediate resignation; Frye and Gonzalez for the harassment claims, and Briggs due to what he called a lack of “open, accountable, responsible government.”

It was the most anticipated press conference in San Diego perhaps in years, and perhaps the most bizarre, with the participants who summoned the local media refusing to directly answer questions with any detail. Members of the press who attended left more unsatisfied than when they arrived. No facts were offered, no supporting evidence, simply more allegations. Trust us, the hosts insisted. The accusations are true.

“We are putting our reputations on the line,” said Gonzalez, refusing to elaborate on how many women have come forward claiming harassment on the part of the mayor, or offering any specifics.   [Read more…]

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