An Exceptional Dying Democracy (Can Be Saved)
Plus: San Diego Resistance Calendar. Every Protest Counts
In the space of one year, the USA’s LDI (Liberal Democracy Index) score has declined by 24%; its world rank dropped from 20th to 51st place out of 179 nations. That’s the bad news quantified. The good news is that declines of this sort can be reversed.
The V-Dem Institute, part of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, publishes an annual report measuring democracy in the nations of the world. Using 134 country coordinators and 4200+ country experts, they have compiled 32 million data points for 202 countries and territories from 1789 to 2025. Involving over 4,200 scholars and other country experts, V-Dem measures over 600 different attributes of democracy.
They rate countries on a scale with varying degrees of autocracies at one end and democracies on the other end. They classified 92 countries as autocracies and 87 as democracies at the end of 2025. The report is extensively footnoted.
The world is experiencing what the V-Dem institute describes as the “Great Reversal”: 2000 vs. 2025. Almost all aspects of democracy have registered far-reaching declines during the last decade – a dramatic reversal compared to 25 years ago.
Freedom of expression is the most hard-hit: 44 countries are declining in 2025
Torture is now increasingly used to suppress political opposition
33 countries were substantially degenerating in 2025
Their 2026 report documents the decline of democracy in the United States, calling our country ‘an exceptional new autocratizer due to the actions of the Trump administration. They say the US rate of decline is comparable to some coups d´états.’
As to the road back toward democracy (it happens) the report says:
Research shows that there is no unique recipe for making a U-turn but a combination of three key factors seem to be important: (i) strong institutional safeguards acting as the “brakes” of autocratization: electoral integrity, judiciary constraints, and legislative constrains; (ii) robust societal action serving as the “engine” of democratic revival: unified opposition, robust and active civil society, independent media, and sustained non-violent mass pro-democracy protests; and (iii) acting early since most U-turns happen around the end of the first electoral cycle.
For the USA, 2026 will be our time to shine if we are to reverse this decline.
A San Diego Resistance Calendar. Every Protest Counts.
Every week I check links & event calendars for announced actions and events, along with surfing the pages of progressive groups and allies. This is a comprehensive list of what’s available to San Diegans who want to be involved. (If I missed an event, reach out to me and I’ll remedy that problem.)
Actions
Organized by Day of the Week
***Daily***
Vigil at Main gate of Camp Pendleton (3-5pm) Right Outside gate at intersection- 20250 Vandegrift Blvd- Oceanside. We will continue to gather until all National Guard and Marine units have been recalled off U.S. streets, and to declare solidarity as well with veterans and service members speaking out with dissent to the attacks of the Veterans Administration staffing and funding. SIGN UP
***Saturdays***
Twice Weekly El Cajon Rallies: Feet on the streets in defense of Democracy (Thursdays & Saturdays, 11am-12:30pm) Fletcher Parkway and Magnolia El Cajon HANDS OFF: Our bodies Our healthcare Our public lands Our education Our human rights. Hosted by Indivisible North County San Diego SIGN UP
Rancho Bernardo Rally for our Rights! (First and third Saturdays each month 11am-12:30pm) Bernardo Center Drive & Rancho Bernardo Road San Diego. Rancho Bernardo and Poway! Join us for a sidewalk rally. Bring signs and a folding chair if you need one. SIGN UP
Chula Vista Feet on the Streets against all things Trump (Saturdays, 10-11am) Birch Road & Millenia Avenue Chula Vista. So many things to protest these days - there is no time to waste - we need to reach our goal of 3.5% of us on the streets, using our First Amendment Right while we still have it! RSVP
Creative Sign Making for No Kings 3 (Saturdays & Wednesdays 1-4pm) RSVP for location. Let’s get together and make signs for No Kings 3! Share your creative energy and ideas. Supplies provided or bring your favorite materials. Create a sign for yourself or make extras to share on March 28. Registration required.
NO KINGS SATURDAY MARCH 28
March 28 will be the largest day of protest in US history!
18 Rally Locations in this region
Waterfront Park - 1600 Pacific Hwy (County Bldg), 10am-Noon
La Jolla- Girard Avenue & Pearl Street, 10-11:30am
Mira Mesa - Corner of Mira Mesa Blvd & Westview Pkwy, 11am-1pm
Temecula - Temecula Duck Pond 28250 Ynez Rd, 11am-1pm
Escondido - 321 North Broadway, 3-5:30pm
Otay Mesa - Birch & Millenia, 10-11:30am
Chula Vista - H Street & Broadway (Downtown) 1-2:30pm
El Cajon - Parkway Plaza, 11am-1pm
Carmel Valley - Del Mar Heights Rd and Carmel Country Rd, 10am-Noon
Carlsbad - The Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall, 2086 Marron Rd, 10am - Noon
Vista - Vista Village & North Santa Fe (Soroptimist Park), 10am-Noon
Oceanside - City Hall, 4-6pm
Fallbrook - South Mission Road & Ammunition Road, 10am-Noon
Ramona - 10th & Main - 4-6pm
Julian- Highway 78/79 in front of Mom’s Pies in Wynola, 4-5pm
El Centro - Main Street & Imperial Avenue 10am- 1pm
Roucco Park SAN DIEGO Parents & Kids Demand: “No Kings - No ICE - No Genocide!” 585 Harbor Ln 9-11:30am, This gathering is geared for young families and people with mobility challenges/disabilities (but all are welcome!) and is happening along the march route for the main rally and march starting at Waterfront Park.
North County Vista Parents & Kids Demand: “No Kings - No ICE - No Genocide!” Wildwood Park, 651 E Vista Way (10-11:30am)
Choice Voting Volunteer Tabling Shift: No Kings Rally (9am, 11:30am) collect pledges in support of CHOICE VOTING: a proven reform that ensures fair representation, empowers communities, and makes every vote count.
>Volunteers Needed for Escondido Rally<
***SUNDAYS***
Democracy Corner - Chula Vista / Eastlake (Sundays 10-11am) 2255 Otay Lakes Rd Chula Vista. Please join us in front of the Islands restaurant on Otay Lakes Road. Bring a sign & some energy to engage motorists to Honk for Democracy! Beep beep! SIGN UP
Ramona Resist Protest (Sundays, 11am - 1pm) 10th & Main Street, Ramona. Just show up.
POWAY Blue Corner Indivisible Group (Sundays,11am-12:30pm) Poway and Community Roads. Some of us stand on the south-east corner, while others march around to all 4 corners as the light changes, so you can get your steps in for the day or not... It’s up to you! Bring your sign(s) or flag(s) and join us as we defend our democracy. SIGN UP
Julian/ Wynola Rallies (Sundays 1pm) In front of Wynola Mom’s Pies Hwy 78/79 Wynola Brought to everyone by Julian Indivisible SIGN UP
OCCUPY OTAY Sunday Action (Sundays 2-4pm) Otay Mesa Detention Center, 7488 Caizada de la Fuente, San Diego. Come when you can, leave when you must: Bring Tambourines, Maracas, Drums, Bells, water and snacks. Peaceful Gathering. Sponsored by Activist San Diego, Borderlands for Equity, SD BIKE.
Peaceful Protest - At the Kook Statue (Sundays, Noon-2pm) Encinitas
Support Ukraine Rally at Balboa Park: (Sundays 2-4pm) Join Shield of Freedom in front of the El Cid statue and Prado Pavilion; 1549 El Prado. We welcome all individuals who stand with Ukraine. INFO
***TUESDAYS***
ESCONDIDO! Power Of the People (Tuesdays 10:30am - Noon) - Sidewalk at 1485 E Valley Parkway (in front of Starbucks; between Harding & Rose), Bring your flags, signs, statement clothing, and voices to bring light to what is most important to you about the actions of the current administration. Also recommend: water, umbrella and/or hat for sun shade. SIGN UP
La Mesa Protect Social Security Rally & Protest (Tuesdays, 10:30 -11:45am) Social Security Administration Offices, 7961 University Ave La Mesa. We’ll be on the sidewalk in a relatively sunny location, so a hat will make a big difference. RSVP
Mira Mesa Demonstrate for Our Democracy (Tuesdays, 4-6pm) Corners of Mira Mesa Blvd and Westview Pkwy D+ www.BlackMountainDemocrats.org/
Red Hat Knitty Committee (Tuesdays, 4-5:30pm) Location on RSVP Let’s get a little knotty for No Kings 3! Join us for a red resistance hat knitting circle, popularized by Norway in WWII. In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country. Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal and punishable by law to wear, make, or distribute. As purveyors of traditional craft, we felt it appropriate to revisit this design. An Indivisible event. SIGN UP
La Jolla Indivisible (Sundays, 10:30-11:30am) Come help us make our voices heard to combat misinformation, fascism, corruption, etc. we are at the corners of Pearl St and Girard in La Jolla every Sunday (With the exception of the weekend of the No Kings Protest which will be on a Saturday, the 28th.) SIGN UP
***WEDNESDAYS***
Feet on the Streets Santee (Wednesdays, Noon-1:30) Trolley Square at Santee Town Center, 9888 Mission Gorge Rd, NE corner of Mission Gorge Rd and Cuyamaca, Santee. We are a friendly group looking to grow with more Santee residents joining us in standing up for democracy, free speech and the constitution. SIGN UP
Feet on the Streets Wednesday Morning edition Bonita- (10-11am) Otay Lakes Road & Bonita Road. So many things to protest these days - there is no time to waste - we need to reach our goal of 3.5% of us on the streets by the upcoming March 28, 2026 NO KINGS III protest - using our First Amendment Right while we still have it! SIGN UP
ICE Out for Good! Oceanside (Wednesdays, 4-5:30pm) Oceanside Civic Center, 330 North Coast Hwy. Turn Up The Noise: Together We Are Making A Difference. Stand together for justice and our immigrant community! SIGN UP
***THURSDAYS***
ICE OUT OF SAN DIEGO Courage in Community (Thursdays) 880 Front Street, San Diego- a weekly outlet protesting the atrocities of the Trump administration. This is more than a protest! It’s a stand for dignity, justice, and the right of every family to live free from fear. Bring your friends, your signs, and your voice. Together, we can show that San Diego stands for community, not cages. (SD Labor Council Event) SIGN UP
Weekly San Marcos Rallies (Thursdays, 3-4:30pm) Jack in the Box 717 San Marcos Blvd. Bring a friend or 10! This is a great event for newbies to attend. We will have a good time, make new friends and let off a little built up steam. SIGN UP
Bonita Feet on the Streets Against All Things Trump- Morning Edition (Thursdays, 10-11am) Bonita Road & Otay Lakes Road Bonita. SIGN UP NEW! Evening Edition! (4-5pm) Same location SIGN UP
ESCONDIDO DEFENDS DEMOCRACY! Weekly Protest (Thursdays, 3pm-4:30pm) West Felicita Avenue & South Centre City Parkway, Escondido. Join us in peaceful public protest during evening rush hour to take a stand and Defend Democracy in the United States. Please DO NOT park at the Von’s Fuel Station on the SE corner. RSVP
***FRIDAYS***
ESCONDIDO Democracy Defenders (Fridays, 10:30am - Noon) West Felicita Avenue & South Centre City Parkway. Rallies are a great way to meet other like-minded community members. Action is the antidote to despair. We guarantee you will feel better about the state of affairs when you leave this event. Brought to you by Indivisible North County San Diego SIGN UP
Feet on the Streets - CORONADO Friday morning edition (Fridays, 7:30-8:30am) corner of 3rd and Orange SIGN UP
Weekly Lakeside For Democracy: An Economy and Health Care For All (Fridays 10-11:30am) Wintergardens Blvd. and Wintercrest Dr.(9560 Winter Gdns Blvd) Join us to show we care about Lakeside and everyone who lives here. Bring a poster, sign, flag, and a friend (or make a new friend.) Be prepared to smile and wave at passers-by. Everyone who cares about and respects others is welcome. We are a friendly bunch. SIGN UP
Electoral Activism (Not sorted)
Virtual - Take Back the House Phonebanking: (Every Tuesday and Thursday 5:30-7:30pm) We’re reaching out to voters to hear their issues, concerns, and ideas, and we’ll be using best practices to have engaged and meaningful conversations
Tuesdays against Jim Desmond in CD 48 and for Congressman Derek Tran in CD 45 Thursdays for Congressman Adam Gray in CD 13 and against Congressman Valadao in CD 22. Bring a friend, join us, and help Take Back the House. Democratic Party event. (They don’t usually bite) SIGN UP
Postcarding at the Dove (Thursdays, 9-11am) Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. Save Democracy. Write Postcards. Sign up to write to registered voters in the 48th Congressional District with notification about the new map for the 2026 Elections. We will also create Awareness Whistle Kits and learn about upcoming civic engagement and service opportunities in the area. SIGN UP
Virtual- Weekly Phone Banking: (Every Tuesday and Thursday through April 7th Election Noon-1:30pm PST) Join Activate America in its first phone bank campaign of 2026 as it prepares for an April 7 state election for swing state Wisconsin’s State Supreme Court. The goal is to encourage voters to vote by mail; no experience needed—training, scripts, and support provided. REGISTER
Take Back the House - Flip CD-48, San Marcos. (Saturday, April 4, 10am - 2pm) Woodland Park & Pool, 671 Woodland Pkwy, San Marcos We’re launching our canvass program to reach out to voters early and hear their issues, concerns and ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned canvasser or brand new, you’ll be supported every step of the way. Bring a friend and be part of the movement shaping the future of our state and our country. A California Democratic Party event. SIGN UP
Take Back the House in 2026! Flip CD-48! - Escondido Start times: 10am & Noon. Location on RSVP. A California Democratic Party event. RSVP
(virtual) California can help VIRGINIA - Take Back the House! (Wednesdays, 3-5pm) Virginia volunteers helped us make our California calls to win Yes on 50! Now, let’s help Virginia ... make calls to voters in Virginia who will be voting on a new Congressional District map on April 21st. This map could help them win 4 more democratic seats! A California Democratic Party event. RSVP
Banners
Pre-NoKings -Encinitas Poster Drop - (Thursdays, 3/19 & 3/26, 4-5:30pm) MacKinnon Ave Overpass, Adjacent to Encinitas Community Park. hosted by Democratic Club of Carlsbad and Oceanside (DEMCCO) and Encinitas & North Coast Democrats (ENCD). INFO
Visibility Brigade Downtown (Mondays, 4-5:30pm) 6th Avenue over 1-5 RSVP
Change Begins With ME (CBWM) Overpass Alliance (Mondays, 3 - 4:45pm) Clairemont Drive overpass above I‑5 RSVP
Change Begins With ME Overpass Alliance- (Wednesdays, 3:30-5pm) Clairemont Mesa Blvd overpass at I-15 RSVP
Visibility Brigade - Weekly Bridge Banner Protest over Highway 94 (Wednesdays 7:30-9:30am) 22nd St. Bridge over Hwy 94 F Street & 22nd Street For GPS, use 2202 F St. San Diego SIGN UP
Weekly Meade Ave Bridge Bannering Over I-805 (Thursdays, 5-6pm) Bring a sign for cars on the bridge or just wave to the cars passing below. SIGN UP
Feet on the Streets against all things trump - Bridge Brigade Friday edition (Fridays, 3-4pm) Sampson Street Bridge (between Logan & Kearny) in Barrio Logan! navigate to Fish Guts, 2222 Logan Ave. San Diego SIGN UP
Witnessing/Vigils
KEEP ICE OUT OF COURTROOMS! (Weekdays when court is in session, 7-11am & 1-4pm) Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, 880 Front St, San Diego. Nonviolent collective action is how we overcome Trump’s abuses of power. Agents of the Federal government have been issuing citations for loitering, so be sure to follow instructions. Sign up on site.
Peace Vigil for Palestine (Saturdays 10am-Noon) Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., OB. Join CODEPINK San Diego, Palestine Pals, and other groups. Wear pink and bring a peace-related poster if you have one! SIGN UP
Learning Experiences
(Virtual) Demilitarize Means Recruiters Out (Saturday, March 21, 11am-12:30pm) Military Recruiters are appearing at our schools, community meetings, social media, on our phones, everywhere it seems. The National Network Opposing Militarization of Youth (NNOMY) hopes to push against that trend and spark activist groups into action. This will be a round table discussion of ways in which you can become involved in counter recruiting. RSVP
(Virtual) Know Your Rights: Protest Rights and Safety Practices - for all No Kings Attendees (Monday, March 23, 3-4pm) In this ACLU-led training, participants will learn about the Constitutional right to peacefully protest and about best practices for reducing risks when attending protests like the upcoming No Kings mobilization on March 28. SIGN UP
(Virtual) People Power: How to have conversations about No Kings that move people (Wednesday, March 25, 5-6pm) Learn how to talk to your friends, family and community about No Kings. Share with confidence why they should join you at your local event, why it matters to take action together now, and the vision for America that we’re fighting for together. SIGN UP
(Virtual) - What’s the Plan? with Leah and Ezra of Indivisible National (Thursdays Noon - 1pm PST) Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin every Thursday to break down the week’s biggest political stories, answer your questions, and map out strategies for taking action. This is people-powered politics in real time. Questions can be submitted via the Q&A function during the live event. Register
San Diego Latino Film Festival (March 18th to March 22nd, 2026), at AMC Mission Valley 20 (1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108) and Media Arts Center San Diego’s Digital Gym CINEMA (1100 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101) Through powerful narrative films, documentaries, and artistic experiences, the festival highlights stories of resilience, activism, identity, and hope. These narratives serve as a call to action, encouraging audiences to engage in meaningful dialogue, learn from one another’s journeys, and continue working toward a more just and inclusive society. FILM SCHEDULES
Choice Voting: Community Action Session (Saturday, March 21, 3:30-5pm) Carmel Valley Branch Library, 3919 Townsgate Dr The session will begin with a brief overview of Choice Voting and why it matters for fair representation and accountability in local government. Participants will then have the opportunity to practice real-world organizing by signing up to support the upcoming petition and receiving a personal sharing link they can use to connect with friends, family, colleagues, or others in their communities about Choice Voting. SIGN UP
(Virtual) - Centering Trans Leadership and Accountable Allyship (Monday, March 30, 4:30pmPDT) Honoring Trans Day of Visibility. This virtual event is the latest in Indivisible’s ongoing discussion series, Solidarity in Action: Building Power that Lasts. It will be led by Mandy Giles, CEO and founder of Parents of Trans Children; Alex del Rosario and Devon Ojeda of Advocates for Trans Equality; and public education specialist Tekla Taylor. SIGN UP
TY, Doug, this is invaluable.