Credit: ACLU / Flickr
By Doug Porter / San Diego Free Press
Check out this week’s Progressive Calendar listings below. Following those listings are upcoming events of national importance, along with opportunities for organizational involvement.
This is likely to be a historic week for activism in San Diego. Black Women will march to build power and community on Saturday, March 10th, Anti-Trump Protests will span Monday & Tuesday, and students from five colleges, along with 29 elementary thru high schools will walk out for 17 minutes on Wednesday, March 14th to protest gun violence.
Plus! There are thirty-two other opportunities to educate, organize, demonstrate, and engage with progressives throughout the region. Whether it’s electoral politics, teach-ins, grass root community activism on neighborhood issues, there’s something to do.
You should know the County of San Diego is kinda freaking out about demonstrations near the border; learn about those restrictions here.
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.
Candidate Forum with Republican & Democratic Frontrunners
Friday, March 9, 6pm
Vista Civic Center
200 Civic Center Drive
For More Information
The Vista Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Candidate Forum for California’s 49th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. This is open to the public and no reservations are required.
What is the Women’s Community?
Friday, March 9, 7pm
Women’s Resources at The Center
3909 Centre Street
Hosted by Women’s Resources at The Center and San Diego LGBT Community Center
For More Information
“What is the ‘Women’s Community’? Voices of lesbian, bisexual, queer and heterosexual women”
Many women have a fantasy of a supportive community that welcomes us when we move to a new place, provides friendship and fun activities, and provides support when we need it – but the reality often falls far short of this. This talk will focus on what is meant by “community,” who is in our communities, and hear from Dr. Esther Rothblum of SDSU about her research on lesbian and bisexual women’s communities compared with those of their heterosexual sisters. Dr. Rothblum will also discuss some ways to find community.
Sierra Club Film Night “Requiem for the American Dream”
Friday, March 9, 6:30pm
8304 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard #101
For More Information
In this documentary interview, Noam Chomsky, professor of linguistics and longtime political analyst and activist, exposes with searing clarity the forces and policies behind the coordinated campaign to concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a select few. Called “one of the best entry points to the discussion of inequality” by the Hollywood Reporter and “a provocative x-ray of current American realities” by Roger Ebert, Chomsky’s film, provides penetrating insight into the demise of democracy and erosion of opportunity that are likely to be the lasting hallmarks of our time.
Women, Hip Hop, and Social Justice
Friday, March 9, 7pm
Pillars of the Community
6431 Imperial Avenue
For More Information
Come out and join DJ Kuttin Kandi for this informative discussion around Women, Hip Hop, and Social Justice.
March 10
March for Black Women San Diego
Saturday, March 10, 10am
Euclid & Logan
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by March for Black Women San Diego and Black Lives Matter: San Diego
We are strong, beautiful, and demand respect.
Black Women’s Blueprint, Trans Sistas of Color Project, Black Youth Project 100, and allied state anti-violence coalitions organized the March for Black Women (#M4BW) which took place September 30, 2017. In solidarity, Black women came together in San Diego for two Black Women’s Town Halls to build power and community.
Now we are ready to march for black women. We are strong, beautiful, and demand respect. Kids/Allies/
- 10:00 – 10:45 am – Rally @ Euclid & Logan, San Diego, CA 92113
- 11:45 – 12:45 pm– March @ from Euclid and Logan to Malcolm X Library
- 12:45pm-1:30pm– Closing Program Artists and Speakers @ Malcolm X Library 5148 Market St, San Diego, CA 92114
National City Mega Walk
Saturday, March 10, 9am
Kimball Park
East 12gth Street
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Labor-Council
Join us! As we pave the way for true leadership for our National City working families.
National City Slate: Alejandra Sotelo-Solis for Mayor * Jose Rodriguez for City Council * Mona Rios for City Council
Together they will fight for: Dignity & respect for working families * Affordable housing * Healthy and safe communities & much more!
ENDC Monthly Meeting
Saturday, March 10, 1:30pm
Encinitas Library
540 Cornish Drive
For More Information
Hosted by Encinitas & North Coast Democratic Club
Our next meeting will be a Discussion Forum between Assembly District 76 candidates, including Elizabeth Warren, Michelle Cassel-Gomez and Tasha Boerner Horvath, moderated by Thad Kousser, Professor in Political Science at UCSD.
12th Annual Statewide Educator Conference
Saturday, March 10, 8am
San Diego City College – Saville Theater
1313 Park Boulevard
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Raza Educators San Diego
This conference is a call to our community to join us in our fight for an education that is relevant, meaningful and affirming of our identities; an education that posits students as transformative agents in their communities versus consumers of the colonialist narrative. This conference is an opportunity to build a coalition of educators, students, parents, workers, unions, community organizations and academics that want to make a collective stand!
Walk and Knock Solana Beach
Saturday, March 10, 10am
La Colonia Park
715 Valley Avenue (Solana Beach)
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Flip the 49th Neighbors in Action
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Solana Beach. We just need 2000 more voters to get to the polls next year to say NO to the President Trump Agenda. YOU can help make that happen!
No experience needed! We provide training, scripts, walk lists, breakfast food & snacks. Wear walking shoes, hats (or sunscreen) and sunglasses, and get ready to take some direct action and talk to voters.
Walk and Knock Oceanside
Saturday, March 10, 10am
Oceanside Firefighters
1800 Ord Way
For More Information (RSVP)
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Oceanside. We just need 2000 more voters to get to the polls next year to say NO to the President Trump Agenda. YOU can help make that happen!
No experience needed! We provide training, scripts, walk lists, breakfast food & snacks. Wear walking shoes, hats (or sunscreen) and sunglasses, and get ready to take some direct action and talk to voters.
March 11
Neighbors in Action Canvassing: Vista
Sunday, March 11, 10am
Vista Teachers Association
2141 Industrial Court
For More Information (RSVP)
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Vista. We just need 2000 more voters to get to the polls next year to say NO to the Trump agenda. YOU can help make that happen!
No experience needed! We provide training, scripts, walk lists, breakfast food & snacks. Wear walking shoes, hats (or sunscreen) and sunglasses, and get ready to take some direct action and talk to voters.
March 12
Rally and Press Conference
Monday, March 12, 11am
Chicano Park
Participants include Alliance San Diego, American Friends Service Committee, San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium, Southern Border Communities Coalition, Interfaith Justice Coalition, Unite Here Local 30, Union del Barrio, City Councilmember Georgette Gomez (D-9)
San Diego community members, faith leaders, and elected officials will unite to denounce President Trump’s border wall and his deportation force. This demonstration is in preparation for Trump’s visit to San Diego, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13. The purpose of his visit is to inspect the border wall prototypes located in the Otay Mesa area of San Diego.
Fuera Donald Trump
Monday, March 12, 5pm
Federal Courthouse Building
880 Front Street (Downtown)
For More Information
Hosted by Unión del Barrio
On June 16th, 2015, Donald Trump announced his candidacy and began his constant attack against the Mexicano community. He called us criminals and rapists that day and vowed to build his wall. Union del Barrio organized a united front against Trumpism when he made his last visit to San Diego in May of 2016. We will continue defending our community when this fascist President visits Indigenous Kumeyay land to decide what prototype to use along this imposed border that divides families and further alienates Mexicans on both sides of the border. We call on all honest forces to join us to resist and defend our community on March 12th 2018 at 5pm at the Federal Building in downtown San Diego.
The Rise of the Islamophobia Industry
Monday, March 12, 7pm
Islamic Center of San Diego
7050 Eckstrom Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by CAIR San Diego
Join us for an enlightening evening with Todd Green, Associate Professor of Religion at Luther College and nationally recognized expert on Islamophobia. Mr. Green regularly writes for The Huffington Post and has been interviewed by a variety of media outlets on Islamophobia, including CNN, NPR, Al Jazeera, France 24, and Reuters. His views on Islamophobia have been cited by organizations such as the Council on Foreign Relations, the Center for American Progress, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Mr. Green is the author of The Fear of Islam: An Introduction to Islamophobia in the West (Fortress Press, 2015). The book surveys the history of anti-Muslim prejudice in Europe and the United States and addresses the political and cultural factors contributing to the rise of Islamophobia in the post-9/11 era.
Mr. Green’s forthcoming book is Presumed Guilty: Why We Shouldn’t Ask Muslims to Condemn Terrorism (Fortress Press, 2018). This book argues that asking Muslims to condemn terrorist attacks carried out by organizations such as al-Qaeda or ISIS is a distraction that prevents majority populations in the US and Europe both from facing their own violent histories and from asking critical questions about how their countries’ national security initiatives and foreign policies contribute to a violent world order. The book proposes healthier ways for majority populations to engage Muslim communities other than through the prisms of violence and counter-terrorism. We look forward to seeing you all there insha’Allah.
March 13
Deport Trump Brigade
Tuesday, March 13, 9am-2pm
Otay / Tijuana Border (I’ll update when more details are available)
For More Information
Hosted by Nuevo Movimento and San Diego Protests
Donald Trump is coming to inspect his anti-immigrant wall and will be escorted to the border prototypes in Otay Mesa. Trump supporters and fascists are expected to be there. Mass mobilize and show up in masses to show 45 he is not welcomed to our land. Show up to tell Trump yourself what you think of him. The more people the better chance we have to shut the man down and occupy border wall. #OccupyBorderWall
Court Support for Unsheltered San Diegans
Tuesday, March 13 12:45pm
San Diego Traffic Court
8950 Clairemont Mesa Drive, Department A.
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance
So-called “Quality of Life” charges criminalizing homelessness are heard at San Diego Traffic Court. Attorney Coleen Cusack will meet everyone outside the courtroom (Dept A). Please arrive before 1pm. There is a Security Check, including Metal Detector and X-ray Scan. You will need to remove belt to go through. NO weapons.
Let’s show the Court, and our fellow San Diegans caught in this Kafkaesque labyrinth, that we do NOT support the criminalization of homelessness!
March 13 at 1:00:
People v. Bolden (encroachment)
People v. Wilson (rubbish rummage)
City Hall Hearing for CCR Resolution
Tuesday, March 13, 2pm
San Diego City Hall
202 West C Street
For More Information
Event for San Diego Moms Demand Action
Please join us to encourage city council to pass a resolution in opposition of Concealed Carry Reciprocity. We need to fill city hall and show them that this is important to San Diego. Wear your red or blue shirts and join us!
Union-Wide Work to Rule Action and School Board Rally
Tuesday, March 13, 4:30pm
San Diego Unified School District
4100 Normal Street
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Education Association
After our union-wide Work to Rule action, we will gather for the School Board meeting as we demand that the District settle a fair contract that provides support for our students.
Together, let’s call on the District to do the right thing for our students and our educators!
Vote on Adoption of La Mesa’s Climate Action Plan!
Tuesday, March 13, 7pm
La Mesa City Hall
8130 Allison Avenue
For More Information
The La Mesa City Council will be considering adoption of our Climate Action Plan. We need residents to attend to testify why it is important for the City to address greenhouse gas emissions. You can find the draft of the plan and more information on La Mesa’s website:
http://
Ramona Community Presentation:
The Environment and Deregulation
Tuesday, March 13, 7pm
Ramona Community Library
1275 Main Street
For More Information
Sponsored by Indivisible Ramona: indivisibleramona.com
The public is invited to learn more about the impact of laws intended to protect the environment and the results of deregulation. What is the impact, good and bad?
Speakers:
• Tim Stamnitz holds an engineering degree in physics. He has studied environmental problems such as air pollution, greenhouse gases, the acidification of oceans, lakes, and rivers, and the impact of chemicals on habitats and ecosystems. He has a keen interest in alternative energy solutions, including solar, wind, and hydrogen fuel cells.
• Tommy Hough is running for City Council in CA District 6 in the 2018 election. He is well versed on environmental issues and the impact of deregulation nationwide and here at home.• Republican and Democratic Congressional Candidates for District 50.
SOVAC’s Winter Political Forum
Tuesday, March 13, 8pm
Price Center – UCSD
For More Information
Hosted by Student Organized Voter Access Committee (SOVAC)
In Partnership with: League of Women Voters of San Diego
The Student Organized Voter Access Committee’s Winter Political Forum will include representatives from the College Democrats at UCSD, the College Republicans at UCSD, and the Young Americans for Liberty. These groups will be discussing salient issues such as gun control, foreign affairs, legalization, abortion right, and much more!
March 14
Enough! National School Walkout
Wednesday, March 14, 10am
For More Information
Hosted by Women’s March and Women’s March Youth
Women’s March Youth EMPOWER is calling for students, teachers, school administrators, parents and allies to take part in a #NationalSchoolWalkout for 17 minutes at 10am across every time zone to protest Congress’ inaction to do more than tweet thoughts and prayers in response to the gun violence plaguing our schools and neighborhoods. We need action. Students and allies are organizing the national school walkout to demand Congress pass legislation to keep us safe from gun violence at our schools, on our streets and in our homes and places of worship.
Students and staff have the right to teach and learn in an environment free from the worry of being gunned down in their classrooms or on their way home from school. Parents have the right to send their kids to school in the mornings and see them home alive at the end of the day.
We are not safe at school. We are not safe in our cities and towns. Congress must take meaningful action to keep us safe and pass federal gun reform legislation that addresses the public health crisis of gun violence. We want Congress to pay attention and take note: many of us will vote this November and many others will join in 2020. Join us in saying #ENOUGH!
University of San Diego
Walkout for Gun Violence Prevention
For More Information
University of California San Diego
Walkout for Gun Violence Prevention
For More Information
San Diego State University
Walkout for Gun Violence Prevention
For More Information
Enough: San Elijo Hills
Support Rally for Gun Violence Prevention
For More Information
Grossmont College
Support Rally for Gun Violence Prevention
Elementary, Middle & High School Events Walkout for Gun Violence Prevention
San Diego High School, Albert Einstein Academy Middle School, Coronado Middle School, High Tech High Village, Point Loma High School, Hilltop High School, Standley Middle School, Mar Vista High School, La Jolla High School, Bonita Vista High School, Montgomery High School, Southwest High School, Otay Ranch High School, Eastlake High School, San Ysidro High School, Torrey Pines High School, Cathedral Catholic High School, Westview High School, Mt. Carmel High School, Earl Warren Middle School, R. Rodger Rowe School, Ada Harris Elementary School, San Pasqual High School, San Marcos High School, Mission Hills High, Oceanside High School, Great Oak High School, San Clemente High School, Murrieta Mesa High School
The 50th Anniversary of the My Lai Massacre
The San Diego and Chicago Chapters of the Veterans For Peace, the San Diego Peace Resource Center, and the American Friends Service Committee invite you to the following events. These issues are as important today as they were 50 years ago! This exhibit, created and based in Chicago, honors the over 2 million Vietnamese killed in what we call the “Vietnam War” but which they refer to as the “American War”.
Wednesday, March 14: World Beat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, SD 92101; Display open 2pm – 9pm
Speakers Program: 7:30 PM, Dennis Stout, Barry Ladendor
Thursday, March 15: First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, 4190 Front St, SD 92103 Display open Noon – 6pm
Friday, March 16: First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, Display open 2pm- 9pm
Speakers: 7:30 PM, Dennis Stout, Marjorie Cohn, Barry Ladendorf
Saturday, March 17: SD Peace Resource Center, 3850 Westgate Pl, SD 92105; Display open Noon-5pm
Speakers: 6:30 PM, Church of the Brethren, 3850 Westgate Pl., SD 92105, Fernando Suarez del Solar, Lori Saldaña, David Valladolid
March General Meeting
Wednesday, March 14, 6pm
Imperial Steakhouse Restaurant
505 Kalmia Street (Bankers Hill)
For More Information
Hosted by YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County
Join us for our first General Meeting!
March 15
Happy Hour Meet and Greet: Jordan Beane for City Council!
Thursday, March 15, 5pm
The 3rd Corner
2265 Bacon Street (OB)
For More Information
Hosted by Jordan Beane for San Diego City Council and Point Loma Democratic Club
Join fellow District 2 residents, San Diegans and politicos for drinks with Jordan Beane, our club-endorsed candidate! Jordan has also been recently endorsed by the Pacific Beach Democratic Club, San Diego Service Employees Union 221, and Run for Something, a national organization focused on helping millennials get elected.
EHC Presents: District 8 Candidate Forum
Thursday, March 15, 5:30pm
Sherman Heights Community Center
2258 Island Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Environmental Health Coalition
Who will lead our communities to justice and prioritize the health and safety of our families?
EHC proudly hosts a public forum to ask Antonio Martinez, Vivian Moreno and Christian Ramirez about how they plan to address important issues in our communities.
The District 8 Candidates Forum will be moderated by Jose Cruz, the chief executive officer of Barrio Logan College Institute.
March 16
Forward Fridays: Benefitting Progressive Causes
Friday, March 16, 10pm
Basic Bar/Pizza
410 10th Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Forward Fridays: Benefitting Progressive Causes
Forward Fridays is a monthly event aimed at making a difference every third Friday in downtown.
Proceeds from drink and food will be donated to a selected cause which we will rotate periodically. This month’s event, in commemoration of Women’s History Month, will benefit Planned Parenthood.
You will also have the opportunity to enter a FREE raffle to win a signed canvas print from local San Diego artist, EVGOLA. The artist will also be painting LIVE! Live interactive visuals from XAVIER VASQUEZ. Live DJ! NO COVER 21+
March 17
Introducing Priya Bhat-Patel: Candidate – Carlsbad City Council District 3
Saturday, March 17, 2pm
Alga Norte Community Park
6565 Alicante Road
For More Information (RSVP)
Hosted by Priya Bhat-Patel for Carlsbad City Council
Please join us as we officially announce that Priya Bhat-Patel is running for Carlsbad’s City Council for District 3. Her main goals are to work on community, health, and education.
This is your chance to get to know Priya and sign up to volunteer to help the campaign! Let’s make the community a priority by helping her get elected!
Walk and Knock Oceanside
Saturday, March 17, 10am
Joe Balderama Park
709 San Diego Street
For More Information (RSVP)
Flipping the 49th depends on communities in Oceanside. We just need 2000 more voters to get to the polls next year to say NO to the President Trump Agenda. YOU can help make that happen!
No experience needed! We provide training, scripts, walk lists, breakfast food & snacks. Wear walking shoes, hats (or sunscreen) and sunglasses, and get ready to take some direct action and talk to voters.
March 18
Issue Panel: Healthcare
Sunday, March 18, 1:30pm
Balboa Park Club Building – Santa Fe Room
2144 Pan American Road West
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Indivisible Downtown
Open to the public; all ages welcome. Please park at the San Diego Automotive Museum lot. While parking spots are available, since Balboa Park gets crowded on Sundays, consider taking public transportation or leaving some extra time to find a parking spot.
NEW MEMBERS: Please feel free to arrive at 1:30 for a new member discussion to learn more about our group and how you can get involved. Our agenda and panel will begin at 2:00.
March for Our Lives Sign Making
Sunday, March 18, 2pm
1725 Deerfield Road (Encinitas)
For More Information
Hosted by The Wagon Circle
Students organizing a sign making and postcard writing party to prepare for a group to attend March for Our Lives SD, where the WC has signed on as a co sponsor. Learn more about our local actions supporting student led actions and bring the family.
Ice cream sundaes will be served
DSA San Diego New Member Orientation
Sunday, March 18, 3pm
United Here Local 30
2436 Market Street
For More Information
Hosted by Democratic Socialists of America – San Diego
Welcome to DSA-San Diego! Come join us at 3pm for New Member Orientation to learn about our organization, democratic socialism, and the work we do in the greater San Diego community. This orientation is for whether you are brand new or if you have been around for a while and want to get more involved in the chapter.
Meet members of our Steering Committee and sign up to get involved in our active Working Groups. If you like what you see after the orientation, please be sure to stay for the general meeting that goes on from 4-6pm.
Endorsements and Actions
Monday, March 19, 7pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County
We have another great endorsement meeting.
Assembly District 75: Alan Geraci
Chula Vista School Board Seat 5: Eduardo Reyes, Kate Bishop
Community College District E: David Alvarez, Sean Elo, Rafael Perez
San Diego City Council District 6: Tommy Hough, Fayez Nawabi, Matt Valenti, William Wilson
US Congressional District 52: Scott Peters
Assembly District 80: Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher
Southwestern Community College Board Seat 2: Nora Vargas
San Diego Unified District B: Kevin Beiser
San Diego Unified District C: Dr. Michael McQuary
ASD Community Meeting – Women’s Month
Monday, March 19. 7pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Street
For More Information
Hosted by Activist San Diego
Historically feminists have been the backbone of our society be it at home or in the workplace. Celebrating all our unsung sheros!
Save the Date
March for Our Lives involves March 24 protests in Washington DC and cities around the United States.
National Day of Action on April 20 to Protect Students Against Gun Violence
March For Science – April 14- San Diego, 2018
Climate Mobilization Rally in Ocean Beach – April 28th
Call to Action if Trump Fires Mueller
5pm the Day It Happens & Thereafter
US District Court Southern District of California
330 West Broadway (Downtown)
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. All the cool kids are doing it. (Really!)
Run For Something: Learn more about running for office
San Diego Democratic Party Calendar Includes business meetings, chartered club meetings, voter registration events, election information, holidays, and other events of interest to Democrats.
I’ll maintain and update a page about anti-Trump demonstrations here. Email me dougporter@sandiegofreepress.org or tag me on Facebook if you have information that needs to be added.
{ 0 comments… add one now }