Progressive Activist Calendar March 24 – April 4, 2017

Duncan Hunter, on left, Darrel Issa and No. 45 – Photo credit: Times of San Diego

Editor’s Note: The following is Doug Porter’s weekly progressive calendar published originally at our sister website, the San Diego Free Press, every Friday. We wanted to get it reposted asap today, but we were unable to add events in Ocean Beach and Point Loma.

By Doug Porter

The Trump administration’s agenda continues to run into a buzz saw powered by public opinion. Defeating these horrible schemes is, however, going to take an ongoing effort. This is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ll win some, we’ll lose a few, and we need you to keep active.

So what will you do? Check out this week’s Progressive Activist Calendar listings below. Following those listings are upcoming events of national importance, along with opportunities for organizational involvement.

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. Clubs & organizations should note that I will be glad to list your meetings IF they are open to the public and there is a guest speaker/other educational activity.

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.

You can now subscribe to the weekly Progressive Activist Calendar. It’s free and we don’t share email addresses with anybody. Scroll down to the end of this column for the link.

March 24

Support Planned Parenthood Rally

Friday, March 24, 11:30am-1pm
Balboa Park
Corner of 6th Avenue and Laurel Street
For More Information

The U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to take up a vote to defund Planned Parenthood and repeal the ACA. Health care for millions — including the future of health care access at Planned Parenthood health centers — is at stake.

This is a big moment to make our voices heard, and we need to make it count. Join Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, and community partners for a rally in support of Planned Parenthood

Issa Speaking in Vista – “Save Our Economy from Trump” Protest

Friday, March 24, 5pm
Shadowridge Golf Club
1980 Gateway Drive, Vista
For More Information

Darrell Issa will be the keynote speaker at an Annual Meet the Leaders Dinner for the Vista Chamber of Commerce. We plan to protest outside or if you want to attend the dinner, the cost is $125/person. RSVP for the dinner here. Let’s make ourselves heard!

Women’s Film Festival

March 24, 2017 – March 26, 2017
THE LOT @Liberty Station
2620 Truxtun Rd
For More Information

This annual international film festival is hosted by the Women’s Museum of California in San Diego, and was created to celebrate women’s stories and experiences through film. Our goal is to select films that represent the diversity of women from around the world. WFFSD gives independent female filmmakers a platform and allows women focused issues to come alive on screen.

Raza Art Fundraiser

Friday, March 24, 6pm
Unión del Barrio
2078 Logan Ave (Barrio Logan)
For More Information

Our annual Prison Conferences are held to ensure that we continue to put focus on the ongoing cycle of lockdown of Raza women and men in the prison system. The theme to this year’s conference is “Resisting Mass Incarceration in the Trump Era”

Informational Hearing on Trumpcare Proposals

Friday, March 24, 2:30pm
Fowler Family Ballroom. Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center.
5500 Campanile Dr
For More Information

The Assembly and Senate are both planning to hold informational hearings on Trumpcare proposals and the impacts on California. Let’s show up and put the pressure on!

House Concert Shindig for Syrian Refugees!

Friday, March 24, 7pm
The OB Template
4916 Voltaire Street

For More InformationHello, cosmic critters! We have a wonderful show in store for all of you and it’s all going down for a great cause! Join us for an excellent evening of great fun, great vibes, amazing people and sweet tunes.

The musicians for the evening include Natula, Jesus Gonzalez, Many a Moon. $10 minimum donation. 100% goes to the international rescue committee which aids refugees & people whose lives are shattered by conflict & disaster.

March 25

NoDAPL Defund Banner Drop Event – San Diego

Saturday, March 25, 9am
Grantville Neighborhood Park
4601 Vandever Ave
For More Information

This movement is not over! We will continue to support our water protectors and Standing Rock by uniting. We will continue to protect our waters.

Come join us in this nationwide event that will take place in Los Angeles, San Diego, Coachella Valley/Palm Springs, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. Each organizer will go live on Facebook at the same time as we work in solidarity to drop our banners to show support.

Our goal is to get people to take their money out of the banks that are funding the pipeline and to spread the message that the battle is not over.

Free Screening of “Knowledge is the Beginning”,
A Film by Paul Smaczny

Saturday, March 25, 1pm
Riford Library, 7555 Draper Avenue, La Jolla
For More Information

This film stars Daniel Barenboim with young Arab and Israeli musicians exploring peace and understanding through music. It is part of a two film series. The second film “The Ramallah Concert” will be shown on Sunday, April 9 and includes the live concert which is the culmination of the project depicted in the first documentary being shown on March 25^th. Both film events are sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace, San Diego Chapter.

Mujeres en Resistencia Show

Saturday, March 25, 6pm
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd (Balboa Park)
For More Information

Ten years ago, on International Womxn’s Day 2007, Mujeres en Resistencia emerged from a womxn of color space – a space of resistance. Through our zapateado rebelede we’ve fused traditional folklorico, hip hop, norteñas and other ritmos conscientes with Zapatismo to express our feminist of color vision toward liberation. As we reflect on the past 10 years, the support and encouragement of community has allowed us to exist as a collective today. Las mujeres rebeldes in our communities also continue to inspire us as they fight to dismantle patriarchy, imperialism, capitalism, heteronormativity, state violence, and racial injustice.

Join us in celebrating 10 years of zapateado rebelde and honoring all mujeres en resistencia. Our anniversary show will include performances by Mujeres en Resistencia and our special guests: Irene Castruita, BNS – Bailar Ngoma Sayaw, Quiquiriquí Coyotas cihuatl-ce, Jade Power Sotomayor, Diana Cervera

Be sure to attend the Rally aimed at the East County Republican on March 25.

Dirty Duncan Ethics Rally

Saturday, March 25, 11:30am
North County Fair Mall/Westfield North County
272 E Via Rancho Pkwy
Escondido
For More Information

Dirty Duncan needs to be held accountable for his ethics violations. We cannot let him pass with “…end of story.” NO!!! It’s Illegal, Unethical, and just plain WRONG!

Dirty Duncan thinks Indivisible 50 is a small fringe group. Please grab your favorite Dirty Duncan signs, banners, and American Flags and meet us in Escondido! We need you all!!!

Healthcare Town Hall

Saturday, March 25, 9:30am
UC San Diego Price Center (2nd Floor) in the West Ballroom
For More Information
Hosted by Assemblymember Todd Gloria

With all of the conversation on the state and national level surrounding the future of healthcare, I hope you will join me, State Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez, O.D. (Chairman of the Senate Health Committee), State Senator Toni G. Atkins, and Congresswoman Susan Davis for a special town hall on healthcare.

This is a tremendous opportunity to share with us your questions, priorities, and perspectives on healthcare. We want to hear from you, so I hope you will take part in this forum.

Parking will be available in the Gilman Parking Structure located at Gilman & Villa La Jolla Drive.

March 26

TWW North County’s “Meet the Candidate” Series
With Col. Doug Applegate

Sunday, March 26, 12:30pm
Harding Community Center
3096 Harding St., Carlsbad
RSVP Needed

Get a chance to meet Col. Doug Applegate and hear his positions on important issues! Ask questions and learn more about the candidate who gave Rep. Darrell Issa a run for his money! Col. Applegate has already announced his plans to run against Issa again in the mid-terms–join Together We Will North County and learn more about his campaign.

We are gratefully accepting donations at the door to help defray costs associated with hosting this event. Important!!!! Space is limited. Please RSVP for this event.

Healthcare is a Human Right March – San Diego

Sunday, March 26, 11am
County of San Diego Waterfront Park
Pacific Highway
For More Information

We come together under the banner of a simple truth: Health Care is a Human Right. As the repeal of the ACA transpires, we cannot afford to be paralyzed by fear and anger. That is too easy, and only benefits the opponents of healthcare. It’s time to go on the offense.

In California, there is currently a bill called the Healthy California Act to GUARANTEE HEALTHCARE for ALL in this great state. SB 562. We are taking our corporate politicians to task and pushing back against the false narratives of the pharmaceutical and insurance companies that exploit those who are ill.

Monthly Meeting – Now is the Time: Healthcare for Everybody

Sunday, March 26, 4pm
Point Loma Assembly
3035 Talbot Street
For More Information
Hosted by Point Loma Democratic Club

As Doug Case informed us at our February meeting, Senators Lara and Atkins have proposed a Senate Bill SB562 to “make findings and declarations with regard to the availability and affordability of health care coverage and would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish a comprehensive universal single-payer health care coverage program and a health care cost control system for the benefit of all residents of the state”.

At this month’s meeting Claire Pratt, Chair San Diego area committee for Healthy CA Single Payer, will guide us through the most recent discussions about health care and will screen the condensed (35 minute) version of the documentary NOW IS THE TIME: Healthcare for Everybody.

Muslim Ban: Islamophobia in Trump’s America (Town Hall)

Sunday, March 26, 2pm
Malcolm X Library
5148 Market St.
For More Information (By email)

The Noor Collective (formerly known as the Young Muslim Alliance of San Diego) is hosting a town hall to address misconceptions about Islam. All members of the public are welcome no matter what their views are, so long as they present their questions and views in a civil manner. The panelists are all American Muslims because the Noor Collective feels that it is important that Muslims speak for themselves rather than others speaking on their behalf.

March 27

Intensifying the Resistance- An Intensive Workshop!

Monday, March 27, 4:30pm
Peace Resource Center
3850 Westgate Pl.
For More Information
Hosted by Peace Resource Center of San Diego

Only 20 spots available! RSVP required. Reserve your space at info@prcsd.org.

What makes campaigns successful? Developing a plan of actions:
• Is nonviolence effective at creating change in an increasingly violent society?
• Practices and reasons that make campaigns effective. Tool belt of possible tactics and actions.
• Leave the workshop with several actions you plan to use in your campaign and know how to make it work.

So much of our work and issues intersect. This collaborative 4-hour workshop will look at what it takes to make change happen, and ways we can support each other’s work.

The Peace Resource Center is proud to bring two strong activists together to facilitate the workshop: Elliott Adams, Veterans For Peace, and Dr. Darwin Fishman, PRC Program Director.

March 28

Documentary Screening of I AM a Girl

Tuesday, March 28, 6pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church
4190 Front Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Hosted by First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego

I Am A Girl is a documentary that reveals what it means to grow up female in the 21st century. The documentary introduces girls from six countries—each on the brink of womanhood and dealing with the realities of what it means to grow up female in their world and culture.

Elliott Adams – Bystander Intervention Training

Tuesday, March 28, 6pm
San Diego Friends Center
3850 Westgate Pl.
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Veterans for Peace

As a community, how do we embrace and practice nonviolence in today’s political climate? The community is the solution, and San Diego Veterans For Peace is pleased to welcome long-time peace activist and nonviolence trainer, Elliott Adams, who will share his insight and skills in an evening of empowerment, as he gives us the tools we need to take responsibility for the safety of others, protecting our neighbors when bigotry and harassment collide. Co-sponsors include Activist San Diego and San Diego Peace Resource Center.

In Honor of Women’s Liberation

Tuesday, March 28, 6pm
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
5148 Market St.
For More Information
Hosted by Party for Socialism and Liberation

We will have powerful women speakers addressing issues in this country:
Erikka Thorpe – SDSU graduate student of Women’s Studies
Anabel Arauz – Union organizer who is standing up against the corruption and sexism within the labor movement.
Sophia Armen – UCSD Graduate student and organizer with SWANAA South West Asian and North Afrikan Alliance

Free Immigration Forum

Tuesday, March 28, @ 6pm
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre St
For more information call 619.263.3423 or email info@readynowsandiego.org.

-Do you have questions about possible upcoming changes in immigration law, including your rights?
-Do you want to know if you might qualify for additional immigration benefits?
-Do you want to make a confidential appointment with a lawyer?
If you said YES to any of the above, come to this FREE info session to get answers to your questions!
This forum is presented by: The San Diego LGBT Community Center; Casa Cornelia Law Center; Alliance San Diego; and Ready Now San Diego.

Resist Trump Tuesday

“Make your presence felt on your local elected officials not just once, but day after day, week in, week out. Make them feel that they could lose their individual seats if they do not heed you. They feel the pressure from lobbyists all the time…to succeed, you should be equally focused and persistent. And that requires above all: be motivated by hope, not outrage.” David Frum

Senator Feinstein’s Office -Noon
880 Front Street
For More Information

Senator Harris’ Office – 1pm
600 B St.
Congressman Issa’s Office – 10am
1800 Thibodo Road, Vista
Congressman Hunter’s Offices
41000 Main St., Temecula – 10am
1611 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon – 10am

March 29

Monthly Activist Hour

Wednesday, March 29, 7pm
The Gallery
1970 Columbia Street, Suite A
For More Information

Come join us for our monthly huddle! We will discuss current issues going on in the world and what actions we can take to make a difference. The goal of the huddles are to build a community of support. We will envision what it will takes to put our ideas into actions.

Words of Encouragement for Our Women Who Are Incarcerated

Wednesday, March 29, 6:30pm
Border X
2181 Logan Ave (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
Hosted by People over Profits-SD

Join us for our weekly #POPSD village meeting on Wednesday, March 29th at 6:30pm! March is a month where we have been celebrating our queens and shedding a light on the injustices around women’s incarceration. This week we will be completing the Vera Institute of Justice report (Women and Jails) and creating cards with positive words of encouragement, love, and affirmation that will be distributed to our women behind bars.

March 30

General Meeting with Ret. Col. Doug Applegate

Thursday, March 30, 7pm
IBEW Hall
4545 Viewridge Ave

March 31

April 1

Fire the Fool San Diego!

Saturday, April 1, Noon
Balboa Park Water Fountain
For More Information (Please read info if you want to perform)
Hosted by Ground Zero Players

Dancers! Witches! Drummers! Activists! Join us on April 1 at High Noon to place a curse on he who shall not be named! Fire the Fool will be a fun, cathartic event at Balboa Park on April Fool’s Day- Come and watch, come and put your own hex on the fake president, come and be a witch, come and drum or just come and have a great time!!!

This event is about purposefully standing up for the very values upon which our country was founded, which are protected by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We declare that political attacks on those values will be resolutely opposed. We will not surrender to tyranny, authoritarianism, xenophobia, or extreme nationalism. We WILL not tire. We WILL not fall in line. The same power we give, we can, and WILL take away.

 April 4

Defend Public Ed – SDUSD Board Meeting

Tuesday, April 4, 4pm
San Diego Unified School District
4100 Normal Street
For More Information
Hosted by Our Students Matter

The next action of the San Diego Education Association against layoffs will be the next San Diego Unified School District board meeting on Tuesday, April 4th. Be sure to save the date on your calendar, round up your fellow educators, parents, students, friends, and family and join in, as we stand together as one to call on the school board to rescind layoff notices!
Bring your signs! Wear red!

Stand Up Against Bullying

Tuesday, April 4, 6pm
San Diego Unified School District
4100 Normal Street
For More Information
Hosted by CAIR San Diego

CAIR San Diego needs as many community members and allies at this San Diego Unified School Board Meeting as possible. During the meeting, the Board members will discuss whether or not to adopt the recommendations CAIR San Diego and its allies have constructed to combat the Bullying of Muslim Students. We would like community members to bring their families and make public comments in favor of this much-needed initiative.

Chula Vista: We Support SB54 & Immigrant Families!

Tuesday, April 4, 4:30pm
City Council Chambers of Chula Vista
For More Information
Hosted by Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE)

JOIN US: We will arrive at 4:30pm in front of Chula Vista City Hall (276 Fourth Ave, Chula Vista 91910) for a press conference, and join us at 5pm for the vote.

Early March, Councilwoman Pat Aguilar moved to put a vote on a RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SB54, the “California Values Act” on the agenda for Tuesday, April 4th at 5pm. The bill would, in essence, create a “Sanctuary State” where no state or local funding would be used to detain, process or fuel mass deportations and would ensure that public spaces such as California schools, hospitals, and courthouses remain safe and accessible to all Californians, regardless of immigration status. We believe this is a great first step to move both the city and the region in a more inclusive and just direction.

Lawyers Club Equal Pay Day Rally

Tuesday, April 4, 6pm
333W. Broadway, San Diego
For More Information
Hosted by Lawyers Club of San Diego

Join Lawyers Club as we mark Equal Pay Day with us and prominent San Diego community leaders and activists for an inspiring day. Equal Pay Day exists to draw attention to America’s persistent gender wage gap by marking they day in the year that women have to work to reach men’s pay in the previous year. In other words, women have to work until April 4, 2017 to reach the pay their male counterparts made in 2016.

In 2016, women earned 79 cents for every dollar a man earned. The wage gap is even starker for Latina and black women. The rally will be held in front of the James M. Cater & Judith N. Keep Federal Courthouse, 333 West Broadway, San Diego. Remember to wear RED!

National Events

Tax March (April 15)

At least 30 Tax Marches have been planned in solidarity around the country with several hundred thousand people expected. The Los Angeles event page shows 66,000 people who have expressed interest or attending. The New York march event page has nearly 40,000 interested or attending, and 37,000 people have said they are interested in the DC march, with over 7,000 clicking “attend”. San Diego Event Page

March For Science (April 22)

The March for Science is a celebration of our passion for science and a call to support and safeguard the scientific community. Recent policy changes have caused heightened worry among scientists, and the incredible and immediate outpouring of support has made clear that these concerns are also shared by hundreds of thousands of people around the world. The politicization of science, which has given policymakers permission to reject overwhelming evidence, is a critical and urgent matter. It is time for people who support scientific research and evidence-based policies to take a public stand and be counted. On April 22, 2017 hundreds of thousands of people will walk out of their lab coats and into the streets of Washington.

Interview with the San Diego organizers of March for Science

National People’s Climate March (April 29)

The Sierra Club and other environmental organizations have announced demonstrations in Washington DC and other cities for April 29, the 99th day of the Trump administration.

SanDiego350 is the lead organizer locally, with many partners including Sierra Club San Diego, Labor Council, Climate Action Campaign, Fight for $15, Greenpeace.

“The People’s Climate March will take place on Saturday, April 29th. Thousands of San Diegans will march in unity with the massive march in Washington, D.C. and sister marches across the country. Near the 100th day of this administration and facing the threat of a President who denies the reality of climate change, we will stand together and take action. We will march for our air, our water, and our land. We will march for clean energy jobs and climate justice. We will march for healthy communities and for the people we love. We will march for our freedom to live, survive and thrive. And we will be louder and stronger than ever before.”

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 SwingLeft: Control of the House in 2018 will be decided by a handful of Swing Districts, places where the last election was decided by a thin margin. Find your closest Swing District and join its team to learn about actionable opportunities to support progressives—and defeat Republicans—in that district, no matter where you live. Check out SwingLeft here.

Sign Up for Indivisible. Over 40 groups locally, 6000+ nationally. All the cool kids are doing it. (Really!)

Sign Up for The Town Hall Project An unfunded, crowdsourced, Facebook-based project that researches “every district and state for public events with Members of Congress,” and makes the info available via a Google spreadsheet in the hope that people will engage their representatives face to face.

San Diego Democratic Party Calendar Includes business meetings, chartered club meetings, voter registration events, election information, holidays, and other events of interest to Democrats.