"Education either... is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity, or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world."

-- Paulo Freire

Activist San Diego contacts: Martin (619-226-1116), Tanja (858-459-4650), Activist Update: ASDUpdate@activistsandiego.org

WANT TO ADD TO THE ACTIVIST UPDATE? Email ASDUpdate@activistsandiego.org
Please submit your event listings at least 1 week prior to the event.

Activist San Diego Monthly Meeting Second Monday of the month, 7pm At the Activist House 4246 Wightman St. City Heights 619-528-8383. Everyone welcome Please join us

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DONATED CARS HELP MOVE ACTIVISM FORWARD! Please donate your car and other items. As a bonus you get progressive satisfaction and a healthy tax deduction! Call us at 619-528-8383

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Or, we can also accept donations mailed to: Activist San Diego 4246 Wightman St San Diego, CA 92105-2618

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Feb. 12, 2008--San Diego students, teachers, parents and others protested today at the city school board meeting. They asked the school board to have a full hearing on their proposal to: 1. ban JROTC weapons training, 2. stop the involuntary placement of students in military science classes, and 3. require that students and parents be told that military science is not a college-prep course and does not count toward college admissions.

-- See more pictures at projectyano.org

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US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Tuesday defended the use of harsh physical interrogation techniques, saying in an interview with Law in Action on BBC Radio 4 that they may be justified to deter an immediate threat. Scalia argued that "so-called torture" may not necessarily be prohibited by the US constitution, as he said the Eighth Amendment bar against "cruel and unusual punishment" was only intended to apply to criminal punishments...

-- Scalia says 'so-called torture' may not be unconstitutional 2 Feb 2008

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2PM: Film: A UNION MAN: Life and Work of Julius Margolin - Julius Margolin in Person! Spend an Afternoon at the Park! Sculpture Garden Theatre - San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park. Julius Margolin, at 91, is a living legend in the New York City Labor movement. He’s been active since the 1930s in the CIO, the National Maritime Union and Local 52 of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, which he has represented in the Central Labor Council for 34 years. George Mann will sing a selection of labor & folk classics & answer questions after the film. More Info

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SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego Presents: Mission Against Terror - The Story of the Cuban Five. A documentary on 45-year history of terrorism against Cuba, and tells the story of the five men known as "the Five" whose mission was to help put an end to that terror. There's no better film to introduce audiences to the case of the Five than Mission Against Terror. Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center, San Diego 92103 - Wheelchair Accessible - Free/ Donations accepted - Post screening discussion. More Info

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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego Monthly Film Series Presents - The Invisible Mexicans Of Deer Canyon. Joyce Beers Community Center, 1090 Vermont St, 1/12 block north of University Ave, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center, San Diego. wheelchair accessible (please park in Ralph underground parking lot). donations gratefully accepted. Special Guest Producer/ Director: Juan Carlos Frey. “The Invisible Mexicans of Deer Canyon” is an intimate, spare film, shot almost entirely within the canyon, dramatizing the sense of isolation, the increasing squalor and the contrast between its aridity and the surrounding abundance. More Info

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 7PM: Jared and Susan Diamond at Revelle Forum. UCLA Professor Jared Diamond is author of the bestsellers Guns, Germs, and Steel, exploring how Europeans and Asians conquered the globe, and Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, exposing the role of environmental decline in the fall of civilizations. Susan Diamond's popular mystery novel What Goes Around tells the story of a woman murdered by three influential men, and how her closest friends wreak exquisite vengeance on each man. The novel's focus on revenge is just one of the parallels with Jared Diamond's celebrated writings on tribal societies. Note location: Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Dr., La Jolla. Please arrive early. Advance registration strongly advised. Registration fee is $35, please refer to section ID 063530. More Info

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 6PM: Capitalism in Crisis--Recession in 2008? (ISO Public Meeting). City Heights Recreation Center • 4380 Landis Street (Two Blocks South of University on Fairmount Avenue) Meeting is in English with Spanish Translation Available. More Info

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 8PM: The University of San Diego's Chapter of STAND, A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition presents the film "God Grew Tired of Us," the story of three lost boys from the Sudan. After the film, guest speakers include; human rights activist, John Prendergast, Professor in the political science department at USD, Dr. J Michael Williams, and Director of the Southern Sudanese Community Center, Dep Tuany. Where: Joan B Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice at the University of San Diego. Admission is Free. More Info

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2PM: Film: A UNION MAN: Life and Work of Julius Margolin - Julius Margolin in Person! Spend an Afternoon at the Park! Sculpture Garden Theatre - San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park. Julius Margolin, at 91, is a living legend in the New York City Labor movement. He’s been active since the 1930s in the CIO, the National Maritime Union and Local 52 of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, which he has represented in the Central Labor Council for 34 years. George Mann will sing a selection of labor & folk classics & answer questions after the film. More Info

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2PM: Celebration of Hope and Healing 2008. Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS) hosts a special event, titled Celebration of Hope and Healing, in support of torture survivors in San Diego County at Joan B. Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice located on the University of San Diego Campus. More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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“ENOUGH” PEACE AND IMPEACHMENT VIGILS ~ EVERY WEEK UNTIL THE IRAQ WAR ENDS. More Info

EVERY SUNDAY 3PM: Free Vegan Food at the North Park Community Park with San Diego Food Not Bombs. The North Park Community Park is located at the intersection of Oregon and Polk in North Park. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 7PM: Human Sex Trafficking Event at UCSD. A teach-in to raise awareness on the problem of human sex trafficking both here and abroad. Featuring Panel that will include Professor Susan Tiefenbrun from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, others TBA. Also featuring a screening of documentary clips, silent art auction, and raffle of items donated by local businesses. A light refreshment will also be served. Where: The Great Hall in Eleanor Roosevelt College on UCSD. Cost: Free! Parking is also free on Fridays after 4:30 PM. More Info

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MONDAY, MARCH 3, 5PM: Fundraiser for Tierra Miguel Foundation. Where: The Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CA. Tierra Miguel Foundation and The Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens presents: PITCH IN - A benefit evening to support locally grown & 100% organic produce. More Info

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SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego Presents: Mission Against Terror - The Story of the Cuban Five. A documentary on 45-year history of terrorism against Cuba, and tells the story of the five men known as "the Five" whose mission was to help put an end to that terror. There's no better film to introduce audiences to the case of the Five than Mission Against Terror. Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center, San Diego 92103 - Wheelchair Accessible - Free/ Donations accepted - Post screening discussion. More Info

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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego Monthly Film Series Presents - The Invisible Mexicans Of Deer Canyon. Joyce Beers Community Center, 1090 Vermont St, 1/12 block north of University Ave, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center, San Diego. wheelchair accessible (please park in Ralph underground parking lot). donations gratefully accepted. Special Guest Producer/ Director: Juan Carlos Frey. “The Invisible Mexicans of Deer Canyon” is an intimate, spare film, shot almost entirely within the canyon, dramatizing the sense of isolation, the increasing squalor and the contrast between its aridity and the surrounding abundance. More Info

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MARCH 7-9, 2008: “Peace-ing Communities Together”, a peace building conference for young adults. On March 7-9, 2008, the San Diego Council of Hostelling International USA will host “Peace-ing Communities Together”, a peace building conference for young adults (ages 18-29). Workshop topics include leadership, cross-cultural communication, and mediation, with a keynote address by Dr. Joyce Neu, Executive Director of the Joan Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. Participants will also create a “Community Wall” mural in conjunction with the UN Association Art Miles project, and learn about opportunities to become involved with local peace building efforts. Where: House of Pacific Relations and International Cottages in Balboa Park. More Info

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SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2PM: Will There Be Wars Over Water, like Oil? The film "Thirst," which documents the corporate rush to privatize water systems around the world will be shown at the Joyce Beers Community Center, 1220 Cleveland Ave., across from Trader Joes, in Hillcrest. Is water part of a shared "commons," a human right for all people? Or is it a commodity to be bought, sold, and traded in a global marketplace? "Thirst" tells the stories of communities in Bolivia, India, and the United States that are asking these fundamental questions. Suggested donation $5-$10. A discussion will follow the film on the inevitability of the privatization of San Diego water systems. More Info

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SATURDAY, MARCH 15, NOON: March and Peace Rally to end Iraq occupation. Location: Normal Heights community. Schedule: · street rally - noon to 1 PM, University Ave. at 43rd Street · march (less than 1 mile) - 1 PM, from street rally location to TerAlta Park · main rally - TerAlta Park, bounded by Orange Ave. (N), Polk Ave. (S), Central Ave. (E) and 40th St. (W) - speakers, poetry, and organization tables w/information. Eat lunch, and be energized! More Info

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MARCH 19, 2008: 5 YEARS TOO MANY. March 19, 2008: the 5th anniversary of the U. S. invasion of Iraq, the beginning of the 6th year of war and occupation, the 6th year of senseless death and massive destruction. United for Peace and Justice is calling for and supporting a set of activities on and around the 5th anniversary that will manifest the intensifying opposition to the war and help strengthen our movement. We invite you to work with us to ensure the success of these actions. March 13-16, Winter Soldier. March 19, Mass Nonviolent Civil Disobedience in Washington, DC. March 19, Local Actions Throughout the Country. More Info

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THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 6:30PM: Bus Riders Union Rally and Film. It's Time the Transit District Stopped Dumping on Public Transit Riders! Join us for a look at the possibility of forming a San Diego Bus Riders' Union. We will also be showing "The Bus Riders Union" documentary and discussing the options in San Diego to oppose the city's increase of bus riding fares. Members of the Los Angeles Bus Riders' Union will be speaking at the Rally. Donation of $10 is suggested to help pay for the film and attorney fees for a possible legal suit against the elimination of transfers. Film beings at 6:30pm at the Joyce Beers Center. A coalition of groups including the San Diego Renters Union, San Diego Copwatch, the San Diego Peace and Freedom Party, the Green Party of San Diego County, and the San Diego Coalition for Clean and Fair Government will be riding the buses and trolleys from March 7th to March 19th passing out flyers to transit riders. We want this to be a grass-roots organization; so that transit riders can fight their exploitation. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008: Association of Raza Educators (ARE) 2008 Conference held at Lincoln High School, San Diego. A. R. E. San Diego seeks to outreach at least 500 members of the educational community, including, teachers, counselors, parents, students, and so forth. The conference theme is “The Struggle for Social Justice In Education.” More Info

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1PM: WorldBeat Cultural Center Presents Tribute to the Legends 2008. Alpha Blondy, Sly & Robbie, Capleton, Queen Ifrica, Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, Midnite, Gentleman, Martin Campbell, Don Carlos, Cultura Profetica & Tribal Seeds. Venue: San Diego Sports Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego. More Info

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 7:30PM: (President's Day), The Black Ensemble Theatre presents the 'Reading' of August Wilsons' "King Hedley II", at Sews and Shows Community Theatre. Tickets at door only $5.00. Adult audience. wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Wilson

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FEBRUARY 21 – MARCH 16, 2008: Permanent Collection: A play by Thomas Gibbons. Where: Mo`olelo at 10th Avenue Theatre 930 10th Avenue, San Diego (Downtown). Permanent Collection is the story of Sterling North - the African American Director of the Morris Foundation & Museum, and Paul Barrow - the Museum’s Caucasian Education Director. When their conflict over eight important pieces of African art is uncovered by a curious journalist, a complex and bitter clash erupts over race, representation, art and the role of the media. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 7PM: The Centro Cultural de la Raza presents a Book Presentation and Signing with Authors Rita Sanchez, Isidro Ortiz, Maria Luz Ibarra, Emmanuelle LeTexier, Rudy Jacobo, Roberto Martinez and Richard Griswold del Castillo. The Mexican and Chicana/o residents of San Diego have a rich history that has been largely ignored. This book is the first attempt to tell that story. It is collection of essays that show how the Spanish-speaking people of this border city have created their own cultural spaces while struggling for social justice. Centro Cultural de la Raza 2125 Park Boulevard Balboa Park, San Diego. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 7PM: FILM: Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Elections (UCSD’s Multi-Purpose Room). This is a riveting story about the battle for the Presidency in Florida and the undermining of democracy in America. Filmmakers Richard Ray Pérez and Joan Sekler examine modern America's most controversial political contest: the election of George W. Bush. 2005. Always Free! Fridays @ 7:00pm. More Info

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FEBRUARY 22, 23RD: "The Vagina Monologues" by Eve Ensler. V-Day Chula Vista Joins Global Effort To Stop Violence Against Women And Girls. In association with the V-Day 2008 Worldwide Campaign, OnStage Playhouse is proud to present V-Day Chula Vista 2008, benefit productions of eve ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" on Friday, February 22nd and "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant And A Prayer," Saturday, February 23rd at 8pm at On Stage Playhouse, 291 Third Avenue, Chula Vista. More Info

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 7:30PM: "Creation Science 101" Faulty Intelligence With satirical songwriter Roy Zimmerman. Where: Acoustic Music San Diego, 4650 Mansfield Street San Diego. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 7PM: FILM; All That Remains (UCSD's Multi-Purpose Room). This documentary explores the struggle and the peaceful resistance of the Bedouins of the Negev against policies that intend to strip them of their land and their way of life. Always Free! Fridays @ 7:00pm. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 8PM: Trago & Mym Entertainment Presents: "friday for rock & hip-hop concert! Chicana Perk, 129 25th St., SD $5 Cover / All Age Show! MS. J: myspace. com/la_poetic_vida Big Joe Hurt: myspace. com/bigjoehurt Castillo: myspace. com/castillo Guerrilla Warfare: myspace. com/guerrillaw. Plus Special Guest Speaker: Ms. Janice Jordan, secretary of the san diego/peace & freedom party of california! And Door Prizes For Those Who Pay $5 At The Door! More Info

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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 6:30PM: The Red CalacArts Collective, The Front and El Circulo de Mujeres de Color presents the 8th Annual International Women’s Day Celebration Womyn: Bold as Love. Featuring music, poetry and dance celebrating la mujer. FREE @ Casa Familar’s THE FRONT 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Ysidro. Since 2001 Calaca Press and the Red CalacArts Collective has organized an annual event to celebrate the artistic contributions of women. 2008 marks our 8th annual celebration and we look forward to collaborating with The Front and El Circulo de Mujeres de Color. More Info

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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 7PM: FILM: “Burn” with Marlon Brando (UCSD location TBA). This film offers a striking look at colonization, slavery, and revolt in the Caribbean area, and the manipulation exercised by the economic powers upon each other. Always Free! Fridays @ 7:00pm. More Info

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FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 7PM: FILM; Chicano! (Episode One) in UCSD's Multi-Purpose Room. This film examines the events at Tierra Amarilla, NM, that sparked a national movement for social justice. It focuses on the 1967 struggle by Mexican Americans to regain ownership of New Mexico lands guaranteed them by the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and concludes with the Chicano Moratorium March against the Vietnam War held in East Los Angeles in 1970. More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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Announcements / Workshops

IFCO/Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba. In June/July 2008 14 different routes of the Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba will be on the road visiting more than 120 US and Canadian cities, (including San Diego). We will travel in school buses, trucks, and cars to Cuba via Mexico with medical and educational supplies collected from groups across the US and Canada as a collective challenge to the inhuman and immoral US blockade and travel ban. This year’s caravan will also host our second Hiphop Without Borders Exchange We will take many hiphop artists to participate in an international hiphop festival, as well as carrying turntables, keyboards and other musical equipment to support Cuban hiphop. More Info

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ALTERNATE FOCUS BLACKWATER IN POTRERO DOCUMENTARY: In late 2006, Blackwater USA, now known as Blackwater Worldwide, submitted a proposal to build a training facility called Blackwater West in the rural San Diego County town of Potrero. This documentary tells the story of what followed. Features interviews with Jeremy Scahill, the author of Blackwater: the Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army as well as Brian Bonfiglio, the vice president of Blackwater West; Gordon Hammers, Jan Hedlun, Mary Johnson, Jerry Johnson, and Thell Fowler of the Potrero Planning Board; Raymond Lutz of Citizens Oversight Committee; Rep. Bob Filner, and many others. Producer: Andy Trimlett; Associate Producers: John Odam and Aaron Seeley. Watch Online on Blip.tv or YouTube

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SDCPJ HIGH SCHOOL LEAFLETING PROJECT. The SD Coalition for peace and justice high school leafleting project is still looking for volunteers. Please reply to this e-mailsjagitator@ucsd.edu if you can join us with this special outreach to Latino students as they are heavily targeted by military recruiters. Help deny the military what they need most - young men and women to send to war or call me at 619-237-8870. More Info

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MISCELLANEOUS
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Peace Flags. Excellent for display or for Peace Rallies. Call 858.459.4650 or email TanjaWinter@ActivistSanDiego.org

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The Guerrero Azteca Project ~ www.guerreroazteca.org

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The GI Rights Hotline ~ girights.objector.org

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StopGunDeaths.Org a project of Freedom States Alliance (FSA) ~ Working to reduce gun violence in America: www.freedomstatesalliance.com

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