“I am not William F. Buckley Jr..” “I thought he might be allowed up from hell today. But they have their own rules down there, and Bill has got to obey them.”

-- Gore Vidal speaking at 5th anniversary of Iraq invasion rally in City Heights

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

• ASD News and Views
• Food For Thought
• Featured Events
• This Week's Events
• Future Activist Events
• Culture Corner
• Announcements
• Featured Web Sites
• Update Archives

BREAKING NEWS: Senator John McCain, in a dramatic turnaround, announced today that he would now advocate a negotiated political settlement to end the 5 year old war in Iraq. McCain's announcement came as Shite Militia overwhelmed the Iraqi National Army, handing them a string of defeats in Basra and threatening to end the ceasefire that had made the US surge appear successful. Senator McCain, the presidential hopeful, went on to speculate that ending the Iraq occupation would be the fastest way to diminish the threat of terrorism. "America can not afford to extend its dreams of empire, while leaving working Americans with debt, diminished rights and dilapidated social services." In a moment of uncharacteristic reflection and candor he admitted... "I've been a POW, a Prisoner of (white) Priviledge; it's time for the rest of the world to get treated as equals."

Please join ASD at our monthly Activist Film Series on the 1st Friday, 7:30 pm and the ASD membership meeting on the Second Monday at 7 pm - both at Joyce Beers Center. We need activists to help end the war and restore sanity - and that's no joke. April 1, 2008

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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

For all of the above we will need your help and financial support. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the button to the right.

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

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"Forty years after race riots in Detroit, Newark and dozens of other cities stunned the nation, has anything changed?"

-- Bill Moyers Journal Race and Politics

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"it's time for the anti-war movement to change tactics. We should direct our energy where it can still have an impact: the leading Democratic contenders.... It is during a hotly contested campaign that anti-war forces have the power to actually sway US policy. As soon as we pick sides, we relegate ourselves to mere cheerleaders."

-- Naomi Klein and Jeremy Scahill: Antiwar Campaigners Have to Change Electoral Tactics

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"Across America, close to 40 million people are listed as being 'food insecure,' according to the USDA. That means that even if they don't actually go hungry, they constantly worry about how to put food on the table."

-- Sasha Abramsky, reporting for In These Times

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FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego’s Monthly Film Series. Come for the film, stay for the stimulating discussions. Iraq for Sale: War Profiteers… takes you inside the lives of soldiers, truck drivers, widows and children who have been changed forever as a result of profiteering in the reconstruction of Iraq. Iraq for Sale uncovers the connections between private corporations making a killing in Iraq and the decision makers who allow them to do so. Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 7PM: Fundraiser To Send Bus on Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba. GUEST SPEAKER: Alicia Jrapko With The International Committee For The Freedom Of The Cuban Five www.thecuban5.org. World Beat Center 2100 Park Blvd. In Balboa Park, San Diego. Cuban food!* Film! Speakers! Update on the Cuban Five! Review of Candidates’ positions on Cuba! 2008 marks the 19th IFCO/Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba and this year San Diego Friends of Cuba are committed to sending a bus to the Cuban people as a symbol of friendship and ongoing activism to -- Ø End The Embargo!! Ø Lift The Travel Ban!! Ø Free The Five. *Recommended donation for Plate Dinner -- $5.00 minimum. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 7PM: An Unreasonable Woman. Matters of Controversy ~ A Monthly Series. Title: An Unreasonable Woman ~ - Book Signing - A True Story of Shrimpers, Politicos, Polluters, and the Fight for Seadrift, Texas. Guest Speaker: Special Appearance: Peggy Watson. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego 4190 Front Street, Hillcrest, San Diego (opposite UCSD Medical Center). Wheelchair Accessible. Parking: Church parking lot (limited) / Street parking (within 2 blocks). Cost: $10 Donations Requested. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds.). More Info

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FRIDAY, MAY 2, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego’s Monthly Film Series. Come for the film, stay for the stimulating discussions. The End of Suburbia. The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream is a documentary film concerning peak oil and its implications on the suburban lifestyle. Rational & Entertaining! Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 7:30PM: The War on Democracy. John Pilger's first major film for the cinema - in a career that has produced more than 55 television documentaries. Set in Latin America and the US, it explores the historic and current relationship of Washington with countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile. Archival footage demonstrates how democracy has been wiped out in country after country in Latin America since the 1950's. Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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MONDAY, MARCH 31, 6PM: Guerilla Media workshop at Palomar College. Learn How You Can Easily Get Started In Making Your Own Guerilla Media Project! Please join us for this workshop on how to use media outlets as just another tool to express yourself. This workshop is great for film and broadcasting students, or anyone wanting to get involved in film. Room P-32 at Palomar College, San Marcos, 1140 West Mission Road. More Info

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FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego’s Monthly Film Series. Come for the film, stay for the stimulating discussions. Iraq for Sale: War Profiteers… takes you inside the lives of soldiers, truck drivers, widows and children who have been changed forever as a result of profiteering in the reconstruction of Iraq. Iraq for Sale uncovers the connections between private corporations making a killing in Iraq and the decision makers who allow them to do so. Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 7PM: Fundraiser To Send Bus on Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba. GUEST SPEAKER: Alicia Jrapko With The International Committee For The Freedom Of The Cuban Five www.thecuban5.org. World Beat Center 2100 Park Blvd. In Balboa Park, San Diego. Cuban food!* Film! Speakers! Update on the Cuban Five! Review of Candidates’ positions on Cuba! 2008 marks the 19th IFCO/Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba and this year San Diego Friends of Cuba are committed to sending a bus to the Cuban people as a symbol of friendship and ongoing activism to -- Ø End The Embargo!! Ø Lift The Travel Ban!! Ø Free The Five. *Recommended donation for Plate Dinner -- $5.00 minimum. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 7PM: An Unreasonable Woman. Matters of Controversy ~ A Monthly Series. Title: An Unreasonable Woman ~ - Book Signing - A True Story of Shrimpers, Politicos, Polluters, and the Fight for Seadrift, Texas. Guest Speaker: Special Appearance: Peggy Watson. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego 4190 Front Street, Hillcrest, San Diego (opposite UCSD Medical Center). Wheelchair Accessible. Parking: Church parking lot (limited) / Street parking (within 2 blocks). Cost: $10 Donations Requested. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds.). 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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TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 7PM: Debate: Church and State: How Should They Coexist? Americans United for Separation of Church and State, San Diego Chapter, will sponsor a debate entitled "Church and State: How Should They Coexist?" Panelists include: Rev. Barry Lynn, Executive Director, Americans United for Separation of Church and State; Stanwood C. Johnson, Certified Family Law Specialist and William "Bill" Morrow, Attorney and former California legislator. This event is free and open to the public and all are invited to attend. Following the debate, questions will be taken from the audience. This event is being held in the rehearsal room of the Jewish Community Center at 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla. 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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SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 10AM: Chicano Park Day Celebration. “Our Lives, Culture, And History Are Seen Through Our Murals!” is the theme of the 38th Annual Chicano Park Day Celebration in historic Chicano Park, located in the Barrio Logan community, south of downtown San Diego. This family celebration is free and open to the public. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 7PM: ADC SD Annual Awards Banquet. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, San Diego Chapter Cordially invites you to attend its: Annual Awards Banquet 2008 C O M M E M O R A T I N G A L - N A K B A H 60 YEARS OF PALESTINIAN DISPOSSESSION. Keynote Speaker: Prof. Khalil Barhoum, Stanford University, Ex-President of AAUG. Poetry reading by Seema Sueko Artistic Director, Mo'olelo Performing Arts Company. Annual Awards . Music . Art Exhibit. The Manchester Grand Hyatt One Market Place Downtown San Diego. More Info

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SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 11AM - 6PM: Multi-Cultural Earth Day Indoor / Outdoor event at WorldBeat Cultural Center 2100 Park Blvd. Balboa Park. What: 19th Annual Earth Day! Who: Multi Cultural World Music, Reggae, R&B, AfroBeat, Jazz, African, Latin, Belly Dance, Japanese Tiako Performances International Craft Marketplace. Free Event! More Info

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MONDAY, APRIL 28, 7PM: Ann Wright at Price Center Ballroom. The UCSD Women’s Center California Cultures in Comparative Perspective and the Cross-Cultural Center present: Ann Wright: Peace Activist and retired U. S. State Department Official. “Dissent: Voices of Conscience” Price Center Ballroom. With Guest Panelists: Marjorie Cohn, president of the National Lawyers Guild and professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and Timothy Kahlor, spokesperson for Military Families Speak Out (MFSO). More Info

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FRIDAY, MAY 2, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego’s Monthly Film Series. Come for the film, stay for the stimulating discussions. The End of Suburbia. The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream is a documentary film concerning peak oil and its implications on the suburban lifestyle. Rational & Entertaining! Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 7:30PM: The War on Democracy. John Pilger's first major film for the cinema - in a career that has produced more than 55 television documentaries. Set in Latin America and the US, it explores the historic and current relationship of Washington with countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile. Archival footage demonstrates how democracy has been wiped out in country after country in Latin America since the 1950's. Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 11AM &7PM: Film Maquilapolis @ San Diego City College. Maquilapolis A real life history of the maquiladora workers in Tijuana. Room A-213, San Diego City College (with Q&A afterwards with Maquiladora & community workers). Maquilapolis depicts globalization from the perspective of female Tijuana factory workers. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 8:30PM: Half Pint in Concert. WorldBeat Center 2100 Park Blvd. San Diego. What: Earth Day Pre-Party! Who: Half Pint "No Stress Express Tour" w/ The Yellow Wall Dub Squad & Special Guest Itawe & Stevie Culture. More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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MARCH 7-29TH: Extraordinary Renditions an original satire you can’t afford to miss! The premiere production of Impact Theater, San Diego’s newest irreverent theater company it explores—among other things—the insanity of airport security, the reckless use of tasers, bilingualitis, health insurance that makes you sick, and the selective protections of FEMA. You’ll laugh so hard you’ll cry—and get mad as hell! Impact Theater is proud to present this provocative look at the outrageousness of our society. Ticket purchase at door. Swedenborg Hall is conveniently located just off Washington Street, near the intersection of Cleveland/Tyler in the Hillcrest/University Heights area. More Info

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Announcements / Workshops

EARTH DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! April 20th at Balboa Park. This will be the first year for the San Diego Earth Fair to set a goal to become a Zero Waste Event. More Info

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MONDAY, MARCH 31, 6PM: Guerilla Media workshop at Palomar College. Learn How You Can Easily Get Started In Making Your Own Guerilla Media Project! Please join us for this workshop on how to use media outlets as just another tool to express yourself. This workshop is great for film and broadcasting students, or anyone wanting to get involved in film. Room P-32 at Palomar College, San Marcos, 1140 West Mission Road. More Info

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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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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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video of GORE VIDAL's presentation taped by Drew Searing ~ March 15th in Teralta Park

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Break up the Media Monopoly ~ UnitedBoycott.org

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