We have brought torture, cluster bombs, depleted uranium, innumerable acts of random murder, misery, degradation and death to the Iraqi people and call it “bringing freedom and democracy to the Middle East.”

-- Harold Pinter, democracynow.org

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

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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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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No, I was really gratified when Obama called for “Let’s tax the rich more, and let’s tax the poor and middle class less.” And they said, “That’s socialism.” And I thought, “Whoa! I’m happy to hear that.

-- Howard Zinn at Binghamton University, Upstate New York.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 7PM: ASD Presents: Understanding the Economic Meltdown Joyce Beers Community Center (across from Trader Joe's) 1220 Cleveland St., Hillcrest. Join Activist San Diego for a teach-in on the deepening economic crisis and Washington's controversial response, termed "the largest single act of class warfare in the modern history of this country" by Dennis Kucinich. Dr. Shahrokh Shahrokhi, Professor of Economics at Grossmont College, will spearhead a discussion on the causes of the current meltdown, the multi-billion dollar bailout, and possible alternatives for approaching the crisis. What would an alternative solution favoring working people and families look like? Join us in addressing this challenging question. More Info

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2009: Save The Date: ASD People's Ball. The "People's Ball" was started in 2000 actually called "The Counter Inaugural Ball" because of the out turn of the 2000 election and the exclusiveness of the Inaugural Ball in Washington. People came dressed in gowns and black tie to costumes of hanging chads. Since the first ball the name has changed to the People's ball. 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. Balboa Park Club Ballroom, Balboa Park, SD (Park Blvd to Presidents Way). More Info

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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 7PM: [SDCPJ] Meeting to plan: March 21 march and rally/6th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. Similar marches will be taking place that day in Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other cites throughout the US. Our current plan is to call for troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan and also for money for healthcare, jobs and education, not for war and occupation. Church of the Brethren, 3850 Westgate Place, San Diego. This is the meeting where we will decide on the themes of the march, and also on the march route and rally site. More Info

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 7PM: Matters of Controversy. The New American Censorship. Special guest: Peter Phillips Professor of Sociology and Director of Project Censored. Project Censored is a media research program to train Sonoma State University students in media research, First Amendment issues and the advocacy for, and protection of free press rights in the United States. Prof. Phillips will be signing "Censored 2009." First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego 4190 Front Street, Hillcrest, San Diego. $5-10 Donation requested. More Info

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 10AM: March for Marriage Equality Unite to Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) at the County Administration Building. Please join us in a march and rally to remind President-elect Barack Obama that he has said he "supports repealing the Defense of Marriage Act." There will be a pre-rally at 10:00am in front of the County Administration Building. Please join us for speakers and music before we march! Step-off will be at 11:00am, as we march through downtown and past the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Representatives from Unite Here will join us there as we continue to march through downtown and back to County Administration for a second rally at County Administration following the march, with additional speakers. More Info

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 6:30PM: America: Freedom to Fascism, please join San Diegans for 9/11 Truth for a screening of this compelling and troubling film which recounts the history of how the wealth of our nation was silently passed from its citizens to a handful of powerful bankers in 1913. That’s the year the Federal Reserve Act and the 16th Amendment were introduced, giving a privately held corporation the means to control our finances while ensuring its interest payments through the strong arms of the newly-formed Internal Revenue Service. Joyce Beers Center 3900 Vermont St., San Diego. More Info

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MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 7PM: ASD Presents: Understanding the Economic Meltdown Joyce Beers Community Center (across from Trader Joe's) 1220 Cleveland St., Hillcrest. Join Activist San Diego for a teach-in on the deepening economic crisis and Washington's controversial response, termed "the largest single act of class warfare in the modern history of this country" by Dennis Kucinich. Dr. Shahrokh Shahrokhi, Professor of Economics at Grossmont College, will spearhead a discussion on the causes of the current meltdown, the multi-billion dollar bailout, and possible alternatives for approaching the crisis. What would an alternative solution favoring working people and families look like? Join us in addressing this challenging question. 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, 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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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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SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2009: Save The Date: ASD People's Ball. The "People's Ball" was started in 2000 actually called "The Counter Inaugural Ball" because of the out turn of the 2000 election and the exclusiveness of the Inaugural Ball in Washington. People came dressed in gowns and black tie to costumes of hanging chads. Since the first ball the name has changed to the People's ball. 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. Balboa Park Club Ballroom, Balboa Park, SD (Park Blvd to Presidents Way). More Info

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JANUARY 31 - MARCH 8TH: USD Ethnic Studies, Calaca Press and the Red CalacArts Collective present: Deportation Nation: History Repeats. A cultural series highlighting the issue of deportation in America. Visual Migrations January 31 – March 8. Opening reception Saturday, January 31, 7pm. FREE. Centro Cultural de la Raza 2125 Park Blvd, SD. Art exhibit addressing the issue of deportation. Thursday, February 5, 6pm FREE. Cinematic Migrations. 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. Spoken Migrations. Friday, February 6, 7pm. FREE. SD Central Library Auditorium 820 E St., SD. Poetry and Spoken Word related to the experience of deportation and migration. Musical Migrations. Saturday, February 7, 8pm. FREE. 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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FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 6PM: Sonia Franko Art Show Reception. Angelita's: 3361 Adams Ave., SD. $5-$10 Suggested Donation / All Ages! Featuring Performances By: 6:30 Big Joe Hurt. 7pm: Chicana Chingona. 7:30 Lady-J. 8pm: Sonia Franko. 8:30 BYO To The After Party! 9pm: At The Mym Crib! 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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ONGOING EVENTS
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Announcements / Workshops

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 6PM: The Case for Socialism. A meeting of the International Socialist Organization. City Heights Recreation Center 4380 Landis St. The recent economic crisis has exposed the barbarism of free-market ideology and capitalism. While major corporations have received billions of dollars in government bailouts, working people around the country increasingly face economic disaster. In this meeting, the ISO will make the case for socialism as an alternative to the disaster of the free market. More Info

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 10AM: Free Grant Writing Workshop w/ The San Diego County Community Coalition. Where Health and Human Services 690 Oxford Street, Chula Vista. We are giving participants the option of joining us in supporting the Food Bank after the Holidays to replenish their shelves, please bring a canned food item or two to contribute to this very worthy endeavor. 2009 Core Classes in the free Demystification of Grant Writing series. Lesson One - Getting Your Ducks in a Row. Learn the difference between a 501(c)(3) and a 509 (a)-- and why knowing that difference is essential. Gather together all the important information you'll need to help your school, church or nonprofit organization carry on a comprehensive grant development program. All in a short two hour fun filled (candy throwing) workshop presented by The Team at Grant Writing Specialists. More Info

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 8PM: San Diego Board Game Benefit for Heifer International. Topic: Micro-Credit. Where: Tea N More 7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Who: Fun-Loving Activists Cost: $10 donation to Heifer International. 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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SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 8:30AM: New Year Awakening Retreat: private retreat in Encinitas. Retreat Leaders: Jan D. Wellik, Director, Eco Expressions www.EcoExpressions.org, Dr. Kayla Smith, Gerson Institute www.Gerson.org. Register by Jan. 1: $100. Space is limited. Register by email: Info@EcoExpressions.org. Purpose: Experience healthy living for the New Year - Awaken to a new you! The focus of the retreat is restorative and creative. It will focus on four pillars: 1) Meditation 2) Movement 3) Art 4) Nutrition.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY, 10, 10AM: Health Care for ALL - San Diego County Chapter will hold a forum on healthcare policy options at the Linda Vista Library 2160 Ulric St San Diego. 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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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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ONGOING EVENTS
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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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Howard Zinn on “War and Social Justice” ~ www.democracynow.org

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The Peoples Email Network ~ usalone.com

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