Scooter, Hillcrest (photo: Mike Tidmus)
The week kicks off with a bittersweet Monday. We were cheered, this morning, to learn that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had signed several pieces of GLBT-positive legislation — including the Harvey Milk Day bill — into California law, but tonight we’ll gather to remember the life and tragic loss of gay college student Matthew Shepard.
On deck, later this week, San Diego will peacefully but firmly let anti-gay, anti-you-name-it Baptist preacher Fred Phelps, his charming family, and Jamaican hate-singer Buju Banton know that, as far as we’re concerned, all of San Diego is a Hate Free Zone and they’re not welcome in our town.
Lot’s to do in October, and wait until you get a load of November! Here’s what’s coming up in sunny but it-might-just-be-time-to-think-about-breaking-out-a-flannel-shirt San Diego:
Monday, 12 October:
San Diego Matthew Shepard Remembrance & Vigil
Eleven years after the brutal hate-based murder of Matthew Shepard, it is apparent that hate is still alive. Since Shepard’s death, numerous hate crimes have happened locally and worldwide. We must never forget Matthew Shepard and continue to stand up against all forms of hate.
On October 12, 2009, in commemoration of Shepard’s life and death, we will hold a remembrance and vigil at The Ruby Kitchen in Hillcrest.
Gather at 7 p.m. in front of The Ruby Kitchen for a vigil and procession down University Avenue to the John Wear Memorial Hate Crimes Plaque (outside of Obelisk Bookstore). Afterwards, starting at 8 p.m., there will be an open mic and mixer at The Ruby Kitchen.
Please join us on October 12, 2009 to remember all who have been victimized by hate violence.
Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: The Ruby Kitchen
Street: 1271 University Avenue
City: San Diego, CA
Tuesday, 13 October:
San Diego Alliance for Marriage meeting
The San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality (SAME) is a grass roots, democratically-run organization committed to fighting for LGBT rights including marriage equality. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more information please visit the SAME website.
As the movement continues we encourage everyone with an idea, a hope, a voice, to join us in this struggle. in numbers there is strength, in unity there is hope, and together we WILL realize our goal: equality.
We want to invite LGBTQIQAA activists to become NEW members and NEW organizations to join us in coalition at this SAME membership meeting. Please join our membership meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more info visit SAME online.
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: At a Residential Building on the SE Corner of 4th & Walnut (street parking after 6pm is FREE.) Signs at the gate will guide you to the meeting space which is UPSTAIRS on the 2nd floor. If you need directions contact Cecile: 858 335 6615.
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Hillcrest Town Council Meeting
Join us for the monthly meeting of the Hillcrest Town Council. The HTC exists to provide a voice & enhance the quality of life for Hillcrest renters and homeowners while supporting actions that benefit our neighborhood. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend monthly meetings of the Hillcrest Town Council which feature political leaders, candidate forums and committee updates on area crime, litter, graffiti and development.
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Joyce Beers Community Center
Street: 3900 Vermont Street (across from Trader Joe’s)
City: San Diego
Map
Wednesday, 14 October
Social Media Workshop at The Center
Are you interested in online social networking but not sure how to navigate Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and more? In this series of workshops you’ll be introduced to some of the freely available social media on the web. Each session will involve a presentation of one or two media, discussion and hands-on practice. These workshops are open to everyone – no prior experience is necessary. Bring a laptop with web access to an email account and we’ll show you how it all works. Workshops will be held Oct. 14, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9 at 7pm at The Center. For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or aschwartz [at sign] thecentersd [dot] org.
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Town Hall on City Finances
How to solve the city’s $180 Million deficit
Recently the City disclosed a budget deficit of $180 million – confirming our concerns that the city’s financial problems are worsening.
Some city leaders are suggesting massive tax increases and severe service cuts as the only solutions.
I disagree. I believe there is another option: reforming how the city spends our tax dollars–improving efficiency, reducing waste, and renegotiating unsustainable pension benefits.
I believe it is imperative that we educate and engage the public on the city’s financial problems – and seek their ideas on solutions. That’s why I’m convening a Town Hall discussion to give the public a full and candid briefing on the reality of the city’s finances and what options exist for reforming city government finances.
-City Debt: What financial liabilities face the city?
-Budget Deficit: How big is this year’s budget deficit? What will be the impact on city services?
-Reform Options: What can be done to bring spending in city government back down to sustainable levels?
I hope you can attend the Town Hall as we take the “fiscal reality show” on the road! It’s you’re money and I’m looking forward to hearing your ideas for reform.
Councilmember Carl DeMaio
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: Scripps Ranch Library
Street: 10301 Scripps Lake Drive
City: San Diego, CA
Friday, 16 October:
Westboro Baptist Church/Fred Phelps Counter-Protest for Equal Rights at San Diego High School
There will be a Nonviolent, Peaceful, political Counter-Protest for Equal Rights at San Diego High School on Friday, October 16th from 2:00 – 3:00PM. Organized counter demonstrations will overshadow this hate group’s message with a message of respect, freedom and equality for all people.
Please register at: http://nohate.sdgln.com. Other WBC protest sites are listed when you register for the San Diego High School counter-protest.
Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: San Diego High School
City: San Diego, CA
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Quarterly LGBT Community Coalition Breakfast
Concerned about the city’s growing budget deficit? Any ideas about how the city can reduce it? Join us on Friday, October 16, 7:30am at The Center as Councilmember Todd Gloria explains how we got here and solicits your input on where to go next. Coffee is free, breakfast is $10.00 at the door. For more information, contact Carlos Marquez at (619) 692-2077, ext. 103, or cmarquez [at sign] thecentersd [dot] org.
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No More War in Afghanistan – Troops Out Now!
Join with the San Diego Coalition for Peace and Justice and others around the country to oppose the war and occupation in Afghanistan meet at the Federal Building, Front St. and Broadway, Downtown San Diego. The SDCPJ is calling for- End the Occupations: Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine, Healthcare, Jobs and Education, No to War and Occupation. We urge all groups and individuals opposed to the war in Afghanistan (soon entering its ninth year) to join us. If your group would like to endorse the demonstration, please let us know by contacting the SDCPJ at: aka0001 [at sign] thotmail [dot] com. Decide on your own slogans. Bring your own signs and banners. Bring your friends, fellow students, and coworkers. San Diego Coalition for Peace and Justice.
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: The Federal Building
City: San Diego, CA
Saturday, 17 October:
Protest Buju Banton at the Belly Up Tavern
Jamaican hate singer Buju Banton, who, in his music, advocates the murder of gay and lesbian people, is scheduled to appear at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. If the performance is not cancelled (check back for updates), the San Diego GBLT community and our friends and allies will peacefully and positively protest the singer’s presence with an informational picket and distribution of leaflets.
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Belly Up Tavern
Address: 143 S. Cedros Ave
City: Solana Beach, CA 92075
Directions: Take Hwy 5, exit Lomas Sante Fe Drive in Solana Beach (next exit north of Via de la Valle at Del Mar Racetrack) Go west a short mile to S Cedros Ave. (Street has large metal arches, 1 blk east of Hwy 101) Go south about one city block, the Belly Up Tavern will be on the right.
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U*NI*TY in DIVERSITY
Come join us for U*NI*TY!
EQUALITY FUNDRAISER: % of proceeds go to Marriage of the Minds Building to help house organizations like: Marriage Equality USA, Equality California, Californians Against Hate, San Diego Equality Campaign, and San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality.
U*NI*TY is the ONLY monthly event that brings the LGBTQ community & their allies together through Art+Music+Fashion+Dj’s+Dance Crews+Live Performances. It is a monthly party that occurs Every 3rd SATURDAY @ the Flame. U*NI*TY is for all communities: Artists, Musicians, Dj’s, Dancers, & everyone in between willing to create UNITY.
See the Facebook page for additional information.
Time: 9:00pm – 2:00am
Location: The Flame
Street: 3780 Park Blvd.
City: San Diego, CA
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Immigrant Rights San Diego Regional Conference
From the Facebook page: It’s time for immigrant’s rights activists to come together and raise our voices in unison to make sure the will of the majority is heard. It’s time for us to strategize and develop a plan of action to make sure a progressive and pro-immigrant voice shapes the outcome of the looming showdown over immigration reform.
Join the Si Se Puede Immigrant Rights Organization, Border Angels, Migrant Rights Awareness, International Socialist Organization, San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality, Anakbayan, San Diego Coalition for Peace and Justice, Asociacion de Servicios Integrales a la Comunidad, City College Chicano Studies Department, St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, Gente Unida, Latino Anti-Defamation League, Friends of Friendship Park Coalition, and a growing list of organizations in planning and organizing a San Diego Regional Conference on October 17th at San Diego City College to develop a plan of action for the passage of just, humane, and progressive immigration reform.
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Location: San Diego City College, Room A-213
Street: 1313 Park Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: tianormalita [at sign] hotmail [dot] com
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MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!
Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.
To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org
Saturday, 24 October:
Family Matters Halloween Party & Costume Contest
Don’t miss the fun at this spooktacular Halloween party for families. Join us at The Center on Saturday, Oct. 24, 4-7 pm for board games, dinner, Halloween arts & crafts, a spooky den for kids 9 and up to hang out and watch a Halloween movie, and much more! For more information, contact Jane Schmoll at families [at sign] thecentersd [dot] org
Saturday, 31 October:
Nightmare on Normal Street
Nightmare on Normal Street, Hillcrest’s big Halloween block party, will be held on Saturday, October 31 from 6-10pm on Normal Street between Lincoln and Blaine. The Outrageous Nicole returns as emcee this year for the fabulous costume contest. Tickets are only $5 and are available only at the event. Come join us for the biggest Halloween party in Hillcrest and support The Center! This is a 21+ event and ID is required, website.
Additions and/or corrections to calendar items are welcomed. Drop me an email or add a comment below.
(event descriptions are provided by the event’s organizers)
