And if God is great and God is good why can't he change the hearts of men?
Well maybe God himself is lost and needs help. He's out upon the road to peace

-- Road To Peace, Tom Waits

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 NEW LOCATION - Joyce Beers Community Center, 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center 619-528-8383. Everyone welcome Please join us

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Inaugurating Change

Coming on the heals of Martin Luther King Day, the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama is truly momentous for an America, that is still coming to grips with its history of slavery, segregation and institutional racism. Could we have imagined that a son of an African, raised by a single mother, son of an immigrant who chose to be being a community organizer among the working class rather than a partner in a top law firm, would become President of the USA in our lifetimes? Barack's election appears to signal movement towards the kind of America we have worked for, we have hoped for.

But our organizing, our dreams, and our hopes for America run much deeper than what the Obama administration will be able to deliver. These critical and tumultuous times can bring us either dramatic progress or... a return to the dark days of endless war, economic depression, growing social inequality, homophobia, environmental degradation, intolerance, internal repression, scapegoating, union busting and religious fanaticism.

Left-progressives have much to offer America. The character of the next four years will be in large part defined by what we communicate and take to the populous. As we remember the movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, we need to challenge ourselves as never before and engage with new constituencies. Without being dramatic, the future of this country and the planet hangs in the balance. Where will we stand?

Activist San Diego invites you on Sat. Jan. 24th to the PEOPLE'S BALL to celebrate the "End of an Error" and the inauguration of grassroots efforts for fundamental change. Our gala fund raising event will gather hundreds of progressives to dance, share, enjoy cultural performances and network with other local activists as we set out to build democracy. See you there!

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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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Among all the gifts he (Pres. GW Bush) gave to Bin Laden the most awful, the most damaging not just to America but to the American ideal was to further Bin Laden's goal by making us act out of fear rather than fortitude leaving us with precious little to cling to tonight save the one thing that might yet suffice: hope.

-- Keith Olbermann. Bush Years: 8 in 8 Minutes.

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Ever on the lookout for the bright side of hard times, I am tempted to delete "class inequality" from my worry list. Less than a year ago, it was the one of the biggest economic threats on the horizon, with even hard line conservative pundits grousing that wealth was flowing uphill at an alarming rate, leaving the middle class stuck with stagnating incomes

-- Rich Get Poorer, Poor Disappear. By Barbara Ehrenreich Huffington Post January 12, 2009

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 7PM: Activist San Diego’s 2009 People’s Ball. A Gala Event to Celebrate The End of an Error! Democracy under construction! Inaugurate grassroots social change! Fabulous Dance Music by Agua Dulce! FREE Food, Entertainment, Cultural presentations Kick your shoes off, get down and party! Dress Eclectic! Shoe Hurling to Shoo Bush! Location: Balboa Park Club Ballroom, 2150 Pan American Road West ~ Presidents Way near Park Blvd., San Diego. Time running out to buy tickets in advance!!! This is an event for all organizations, unions, organizers, media and community members to come together learn about each other and just kick off your shoes and celebrate. More Info

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MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 7:30AM: 21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. All People’s Breakfast. Golden Hall Downtown San Diego. The All People’s Breakfast is a revered event in the weekend celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy. It brings people from all over San Diego together to remember and celebrate one of the most valued and respected peace activists in history. The theme for the 2009 All People's Breakfast is –Why We Can’t Wait a call to action to bring more peace and justice to our community and to the world. This year our program will focus on the situation facing our youth in the world today. More Info

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MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 4PM: On Bush’s Last Day In Office, Give Bush The Boot! Ground Zero Players invite you to celebrate at sunset with a cathartic Shoe Hurling Ceremony. 4 PM to 6 PM On the beach in Ocean Beach. At the end of Newport. Bring shoes! *** Bring shoes! ***Bring shoes! More Info

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009: Obama Inaugural Live @ Malcolm X Library. 9:00 – 11:00 pm – Live Televised Swearing-in Ceremony & Inaugural Speech. 12:00 – 7:00 pm – Hour-by-Hour Community Celebration & Reflection. Malcolm X Library will host an all day Community Inaugural Celebration to mark the momentous occasion of the Inaugural of President-Elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. The Library envisions San Diego residents from all walks of life attending the many events, fostering fellowship and sharing dialogue. Some of the imaginative events planned to celebrate the historic day. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 3PM: Tijuana Estuary Volunteer Open House & Mixer. Have you ever thought about volunteering for the Tijuana Estuary? Are you passionate about preserving and protecting coastal wetlands? Do you have questions about how community members can get involved? Would you like to join a team of people dedicated to helping the environment? If so, grab a friend or two and drop in to the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. This is your chance to learn more about our volunteer opportunities, chat with current volunteers and staff, and meet fellow nature enthusiasts! Snacks and beverages will be provided. More Info

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 11AM: Invitation to Metales y Derivados Cleanup Commemoration Event! Environmental Health Coalition and the Colectivo Chilpancingo Pro Justicia Ambiental invite you to join us at a historic event for environmental justice in the U. S.-Mexico border region: The official celebration of the completion of the Metales y Derivados toxic site cleanup. Where: Metales y Derivados. More Info

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 7PM: Activist San Diego’s 2009 People’s Ball. A Gala Event to Celebrate The End of an Error! Democracy under construction! Inaugurate grassroots social change! Fabulous Dance Music by Agua Dulce! FREE Food, Entertainment, Cultural presentations Kick your shoes off, get down and party! Dress Eclectic! Shoe Hurling to Shoo Bush! Location: Balboa Park Club Ballroom, 2150 Pan American Road West ~ Presidents Way near Park Blvd., San Diego. Time running out to buy tickets in advance!!! This is an event for all organizations, unions, organizers, media and community members to come together learn about each other and just kick off your shoes and celebrate. More Info

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MONDAY JANUARY 26, 7PM: GAZA - The Illegal WAR; Audrey Bomse - Human Rights Lawyer, Coordinator United Against Torture. Come Hear Audrey Bomse about her arrest and detention. Her first hand account of the recent voyage of the Free Gaza Movement. Last month she led the coalition delegation to Geneva to present its Alternative Report on Israel to the UN Committee Against Torture. She has been an active member of the National Lawyers Guild for 25 years, past co-chair of its Prisoners' Rights Committee and current co-chair of the NLG Free Gaza Subcommittee. Four Points Sheraton San Diego 8110 Aero Dr, San Diego. $5 -10 Donation Requested. 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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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 7PM: Revelle Forum Presents Robert Kaiser. Washington Post Associate Editor and Senior Correspondent Robert Kaiser has monitored American politics for nearly half a century. His forthcoming book, So Damn Much Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of American Government, brings a true insider’s perspective to the examination of the historic growth of the power of special interests during the past 50 years. Note location: Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Dr., La Jolla. Please arrive early. Advance registration strongly advised. Registration fee is $25, please refer to section ID 068889. More Info

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 7PM: The San Diego Network of Spiritual Progressives presents An Evening with Rabbi Michael Lerner. Speaking on The Spiritual Challenge of the Next Four Years in US and Global Survival. Suggested Donation of $5 to $10, No One Turned Away. First Unitarian Universalist Church 4190 Front Street, San Diego. Rabbi Michael Lerner, an internationally recognized theologian and psychologist, is the author of the 2006 best seller, The Left Hand Of God. He is also the editor of TIKKUN, the highly respected journal on politics, spirituality and culture. More Info

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MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 11AM; 20th Annual MLK Day. Celebrating the "King of Civil Rights." A Free Community Event. Outdoors & Indoors. Rain or shine! Feat: Yami Bolo from Jamaica X-Clan from NYC Kush from the Ivory Coast River Bottom Rockers African Drum & Dance and more! With Cultural Vendors and Vegetarian Food! at WorldBeat Center, Lawn 2100 Park Blvd. San Diego. More Info

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 7PM: Film and Photographic presentation from 2009 Peace & Dignity Journeys, "Honoring Sacred Sites." The Peace and Dignity Journey is a ceremonial run that has taken place every 4 years since 1992, with the mission of uniting the American continent and fullfill an ancient indigenous prophecy of the Eagle and Condor. Runners embark from Alaska and Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) and end in Kuna Yala (Panama). The 5 core runners from San Diego will gather for the first time since the culmination of the run to share their experiences and their hopes for the next 7 generations. Documentary at 7pm. WorldBeat Center 2100 Park Blvd. San Diego. More Info

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 7PM: Activist San Diego’s 2009 People’s Ball. A Gala Event to Celebrate The End of an Error! Democracy under construction! Inaugurate grassroots social change! Fabulous Dance Music by Agua Dulce! FREE Food, Entertainment, Cultural presentations Kick your shoes off, get down and party! Dress Eclectic! Shoe Hurling to Shoo Bush! Location: Balboa Park Club Ballroom, 2150 Pan American Road West ~ Presidents Way near Park Blvd., San Diego. Time running out to buy tickets in advance!!! This is an event for all organizations, unions, organizers, media and community members to come together learn about each other and just kick off your shoes and celebrate. More Info

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 8PM: Tribal Seeds in concert. San Diego Local Favorite back again... in concert. Tribal Seeds with River Bottom Rockers and Hi-Roots. Show starts at 8pm ALL AGES! By your tickets NOW. More Info

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 9PM: Obama Inauguration Reggae/Rock Concert. Obama Inauguration Reggae/Rock Concert! Rhythm Lounge: 3048 Midway Dr., SD. $6 Cover / 21+ With Valid ID! Featuring: 9pm: Blackheart Warriors [1st dj set]. 10pm: Litmore. 11pm: Zinema. 12am: Blackheart Warriors [2nd dj set]. 1am: BYO To The After Party! 1:30 Tailgate To The MYM Crib! More Info

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JANUARY 31 – MARCH 8, 7PM: Visual Migrations. Opening reception. FREE. Deportation Nation: History Repeats A cultural series highlighting the issue of deportation in America presented by USD Ethnic Studies, Calaca Press and the Red CalacArts Collective. Centro Cultural de la Raza 2125 Park Blvd, SD. Art exhibit addressing the issue of deportation. Opening reception music by Gabriel J. Vélez. More Info

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 6PM: Cinematic Migrations. FREE. Deportation Nation: History Repeats A cultural series highlighting the issue of deportation in America presented by USD Ethnic Studies, Calaca Press and the Red CalacArts Collective. USD Mother Rosalie Hill Hall - Warren Auditorium @ Soles 5998 Alcala Park, SD. Movie and lecture by filmmaker Isaac Artenstein and his work: Break of Dawn. Break of Dawn depicts the story of Los Angeles musician, radio personality and activist Pedro J. Gonzalez and his deportation for speaking out against the mass deportations of Mexicans in the 1930's. Introduction by SD Mesa College Chicano Studies chair Mike Ornelas. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 7PM: Spoken Migrations. FREE. Deportation Nation: History Repeats A cultural series highlighting the issue of deportation in America presented by USD Ethnic Studies, Calaca Press and the Red CalacArts Collective. SD Central Library Auditorium 820 E St., SD. Poetry and Spoken Word related to the experience of deportation and migration. Featuring: Francisco J. Bustos (San Diego), Olga Garcia Echeverria (Los Angeles), Ken10 (San Diego), Viet Mai (San Diego) and Amalia Ortiz (Los Angeles). MC’d by Cal A. Vera of the Red CalacArts Collective. A small collection of poetry and prose called Deportation Nation will be given away free to the first 150 Deportation Nation: Spoken Migrations attendees. More Info

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 8PM: Musical Migrations. FREE. Deportation Nation: History Repeats A cultural series highlighting the issue of deportation in America presented by USD Ethnic Studies, Calaca Press and the Red CalacArts Collective. USD University Center 5998 Alcala Park, SD. Musical program featuring Los Alacranes, Quino and Son Sin Fronteras playing the songs of Pedro J. Gonzalez and others related to deportation, including a jam session with all musicians playing the Woody Guthrie classic Plane Wreck at Los Gatos (Deportee). MC’d by USD Ethnic Studies professor Jesse Mills. More Info

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MARCH 28, 2009: 11AM: San Diego IndieFest (SDIF)V ~ The Culture of Possibility In San Diego's North Park. 7 Stages on & off University Ave., between Kansas and 30th Streets. $23 General, $20 Students, Seniors and Military w/ Valid IDs, Kids 8 and under FREE. Wildly diverse & exciting independent music, film, art, business and ideas all day long. Rock, Hip Hop, Folk, World, Country, Funk, Punk, Jazz, Latin, Spoken Word... Film, Photography, Dance, Painting Poetry and more. More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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Announcements / Workshops

JANUARY 30,31 and FEBRUARY 1, 2009: WorldBeat Center & Natural Building Network present Cob Building Workshop. Learn to build beautiful and healthy structures with clays, sand and straw. Cob, like adobe, is the ancient art of building and sculpting structures out of clay, sand and straw, all low-cost and non-toxic materials. The building technique can be learned by people of all ages and all skill levels and can be used to build bread ovens, benches garden walls and homes. There is nothing like playing in the mud to heal one's soul. Public lecture Saturday Evening 7 PM "Natural Building Around the World: Solutions for Climate and Culture" Friday in South Park Saturday and Sunday at WorldBeat Center (Lunch included) Saturday night lecture 7PM. More Info

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MARCH 15, 2009: Z-Day; The Zeitgeist Movement. www.thezeitgeistmovement.com to get more info. What we're trying to do is spread the word and have several presentations around the world on 3/15/09. In January 2009 the website will have their movies available for download along with a digital presentation. The digital presentation is to be used to present the idea of the zeitgeist movement to others. More Info

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BLANKETS & WARM CLOTHING URGENTLY NEEDED for farm workers living near Ensenada. It's really cold! PLEASE DROP OFF BEFORE DEC 5. A letter from my friends Omar Clay & Nina Leshan: We are living in Mexico, about 45 minutes south of Ensenada on the peninsula. Many of our neighbors are from the south of Mexico, and are here temporarily here working in agriculture. They have a need for clothes and blankets this winter. Specifically, there are whole families including children. If you have any extra blankets or warm clothes, including children's shoes, I can pick them up at Tanja Winter's house on Saturday, December 5 in the morning. Tanja says that you can leave your contributions on her driveway. Tanja's phone number: 858-459-4650 twinter@san.rr.com. More Info

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Get FREE copy of "A Question of Power", A documentary about the resistance in San Diego against this powerline. Video Link provided here: Also attached are action items for folks to talk once they have seen the documentary. We have complimentary copies of the documentary that can be requested by emailing: thecoane5 <thecoane5@cox.net There is no charge for the DVD or the mailing. More Info

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Activist San Diego INTERNSHIP AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - Call now 619-528-8383. During the summer and fall of 2008 ASD has several projects we need help organizing. o Volunteer Coordinator or volunteer Outreach Assistants. o Grant Coordinator or Assistant Grant writer. o ASD Office and/or Phone manager. o Phonebanking Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator. o Event Coordinator or Events Assistant Coordinator. o Building and construction assistants at the Activist Center. o Activist Film Series Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator. o Stop Blackwater Campaign Coordinator or Assistant. o Website designers and graphic artists. o E-newsletter Editor and Assistant Coordinator. o Youth organizing (call to discuss) ASD will also host a Jan. 2009 People's Ball, a Gala alternative inaugural event. many opportunites (call to discuss). For Building ASD’s new Community FM Radio Station. o Radio Project Outreach. o Radio Technician (To help with antenna, microwave, and studio). o Radio Legal Coordinator o PR and Press Coordinator. LOCATION: ASD’s office is located at 4246 Wightman St, San Diego. Contact us at (619) 528-8383 or info@ActivistSanDiego.org. 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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90.7 KPFK PACIFICA RADIO IS BACK ON THE AIR IN SAN DIEGO.....!!!!!! KPFK is back and it is the only information and cultural programming of it's kind in San Diego. People should listen, tell others and work to keep it here in San Diego and South Orange County. More Info

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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: FRANCE 24 correspondent, Radjaa Abou Dagga with Palestinian medics in Gaza ~ Friday 16 January 2009

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Are the last vestige of people-to-people contact and US-Mexico friendship being destroyed by INS/ Homeland "Security"? Demolition of Friendship Park began Tuesday Jan 6th. These pics and video were taken Jan 7th.
Pictures: www.flickr.com
Videos: www.youtube.com

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