On the State of Protests in San Diego and the US
A San Diego Resistance Calendar. Every Protest Counts.
The State of the Union speeches are over, and President Trump’s contribution was so fluffy and full of performative nonsense that Vice President Vance was observed fighting off sleep at one point.
Various stunts throughout the 107 minute oratory will be the staging for the Republicans-who-believe campaign ads in the fall. The stand-up/sit-down part of the speech, the White House hopes, will serve to shift public opinion by using the boogeyman next door trigger.
Via Politico:
Conservative group American Sovereignty will today launch the first TV ad featuring the stunt, as part of a seven-figure ad campaign focused on immigration. The ad will run nationally, but especially target key states Michigan, North Carolina and Georgia. As Playbook told you yesterday, you’re going to be seeing that clip all year long.
The 30-second video shows Republicans standing and clapping for Trump, followed by shots of Democrats fixed to their seats. It closes with on-screen text stating: “Democrats Are For Illegal Immigrant Criminals; Republicans Are For You” — a knowing callback to that Trump campaign ad from 2024. Watch the ad here
A wild card headed into the fall will be how the political parties deal with the reality that the US is awash in protests. Those who feed on the teat of legacy media may think that dissent on the streets in Trump 2.0 isn’t that much different than it was during his first term, and they’ll be wrong.
Via Raw Story:
New data revealed a staggering reality: President Donald Trump’s second term triggered more than 40,000 protests by Jan. 31 — quadruple the roughly 10,000 that erupted during the same timeframe of his first presidency, Zack Beauchamp, senior correspondent at Vox, wrote Monday.
According to Harvard political scientist Erica Chenoweth, whose team compiled the figures, these demonstrations represent far more than symbolic marches. Partial data covering just 41 percent of events showed more than 10 million participants flooding streets nationwide.
“The top three claims expressed during the protests are concerns about the presidency, democracy, and immigration. These themes dominate the protest landscape,” Chenoweth said.
Not only are more people airing their grievances, the types of participants have grown. Many of those who have committed to opposing the current regime are making their statements in often unexpected places in unexpected ways. Let’s hear it for secondary school students.
Since early January, I have cataloged more than 1,000 student-led protests (view the map). They account for 9% of the more than 12,200 civil resistance actions taken in 2026.
While a handful of groups have carried their dissent to the steps of Capitol buildings, most have marched through the streets they call home. This movement has brought the fight for freedom from Main Street to the cul-de-sac, from the elected to the electorate—where true power lies.
Their free speech carries a price. In reviewing hundreds of articles, I have noted a wave of pushback. Students have faced disciplinary action, including suspensions and the loss of privileges. There have been arrests and threats. Passersby and peers alike have inflicted violence and harassment.
San Diego is, I’m proud to say, a veritable hotbed for high schoolers walking out to protest ICE. Student walk outs or demonstrations have been reported at High Tech High, Clairemont High, Torrey Pines High, Lewis Middle School, Point Loma High (Go Pointers!), Mira Mesa High, San Ysidro High, Bonita Vista High, Lincoln High, San Dieguito Academy, Torrey Pines High, Mission Bay High, Montgomery High, and Calavera Hills Middle School.
A San Diego Resistance Calendar. Every Protest Counts.
I check links & event calendars for announced actions and events every week, along with surfing the pages of progressive groups and allies. No doubt, some events will get missed. Reach out to me and I’ll remedy that problem.
Actions
Now Organized by Day of the Week
***Saturdays***
Activate!’s Free America El Cajon Rally (Saturday, March 7, 11am) Parkway Plaza, 415 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon. This International Women’s Day, let’s be brave together. Join us for a Brave Women Weekend of Action. Take action in your community to demonstrate women’s collective power to resist, the impact of our noncompliance, and our will to build a better world. Join Activate!’s protest in El Cajon to support the women in your community and to stand up to the injustices committed by this current administration! SIGN UP
ICE Out of Escondido Rally (Saturday, February 28, 10am-Noon) Ash& East Valley Parkway. We will gather to honor Carlos Roberto Montoya, who was killed during an ICE raid at a commercial location in Southern California, and to stand with all those who have been detained, terrorized, or abducted in and around businesses and public spaces nationwide. This day of action is our chance to make our voices heard. SIGN UP
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) 598 H St Chula Vista. RSVP
Pacific Beach: Take Action For Democracy! (Saturday, March 7, 10-11am) Corner of Ingraham St. and Crown Point Drive San Diego. Join us for our monthly Take Action for Democracy sign-waving rally in Pacific Beach! SIGN UP
NO KINGS SATURDAY MARCH 28
March 28 will be the largest day of protest in US history!
12 Rally Locations
Waterfront Park - 1600 Pacific Hwy (County Bldg), 10am-Noon
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
El Cajon - Parkway Plaza, 11am-1pm
Carmel Valley - Del Mar Heights Rd and Carmel Country Rd, 10am-Noon
Carlsbad - Near Harbor Fish Cafe, 3179 Carlsbad Blvd, 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
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.
14 ICE OUT Protests- Saturday, February 28th, San Diegans will take part in a coordinated action at Home Depot stores across San Diego county.
Encinitas 1001 N El Camino Real, 10 - 11:30am
Feet on the Streets - with a twist- CV Eastlake, 1320 Eastlake Pkwy, 11am-12:30pm
Chula Vista 725 Plaza Ct, 11am-12:30pm Home Depot - Chula Vista, SIGN UP
San Diego Imperial Market Place, 355 Marketplace Ave (Off Imperial Ave), 11am-12:30pm
Sports Arena Blvd 3555 Sports Arena Blvd, 11am-12:30pm
Genesee Ave. 4255 Genesee Ave, 11am-12:30pm
Mission Valley, 5920 Fairmount Ave., 10-11:30am
Lemon Grove 7530 Broadway, 10-10:30am
El Cajon 298 Fletcher Pkwy, 11am-Noon
Santee 255 Town Center Pkwy,11am-12:30pm
Mira Mesa 10604 Westview Pkwy, 11am-1pm
Carmel Mtn/Rancho Berardo (Location on RSVP) 11am-Noon
Scripps/Poway Intersection of Scripps Poway Pkwy & Tech Center Dr, 11am-12:30pm
San Marcos 550 W San Marcos Blvd. 10:30am - Noon
Otay Mesa 950 Dennery Rd 11am-12:30pm
***SUNDAYS***
International Women’s Day (Waterfront Park, March 8, 10:30am) We will not gather for symbolic celebration. We gather for freedom, safety, and for justice! RSVP
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) North Broadway & East Lincoln Parkway, Escondido. 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/
***WEDNESDAYS***
Feet on the Street 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
***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 (Thursdays, 10-11am) Bonita Road & Otay Lakes Road Bonita. 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) Corner of Broadway and State Highway 78) 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
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. 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
Choice Voting: Community Action Session (Saturday, February 28, 3:30-5pm) Carmel Valley Branch Library, 3919 Townsgate Dr. San Diego. The Justice Workshop and San Diegans for Justice will host a Choice Voting community action session. 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
“We Are All Protesters” Live Protest Music Event - Benefits The ACLU (Saturday, February 28, 2-5pm) The Soap Factory, 2995 Commercial St, San Diego. Come and join like-minded peaceful activists as many of San Diego’s finest musicians and bands perform live protest music, live protest poster creations, and more. SIGN UP
Take Back the House in 2026! Flip CD-48! - San Marcos or Escondido (Saturdays, 10am-2pm) We’re launching our canvass program to reach out to voters early and hear their issues, concerns and ideas. And we need your help! These conversations matter. Our voices matter. And together, we can build the majority our communities deserve. Hosted by California Democratic Party SIGN UP
Banners
Visibility Brigade - Taylor St / Hotel Circle Bridge Over I-8 ( Saturdays, 10am-Noon, Mondays 3pm) Interstate 8 - Exit 3 4490 Taylor St Taylor Street Park and Ride. SIGN UP
Change Begins With ME (CBWM) Overpass Alliance (Mondays, 3 - 4:45pm) Clairemont Drive overpass above I‑1 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 & Fridays 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. Sign up on site.
Vigil at Main Gate of Camp Pendleton (Daily until further notice, 3-5pm) Meet right outside gate at intersection, 20250 Vandegrift Blvd Oceanside I+ SIGN UP
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
MEET CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS - (Sunday, March 8, 1:30-4pm) Camp Stevens, 1108 Banner Rd, Julian. Julian Indivisible is excited to announce that we are hosting an afternoon with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs who proudly serves California’s 51st Congressional District, which in the new congressional maps includes the greater Julian area! SIGN UP
Pathway to Power San Diego (Friday, March 6, 7-8:30pm) Original 40 Brewing Company, 3117 University Ave. 2026 is a defining moment for working people in California — and California Working Families Party is stepping up to build a new, people-powered political force rooted in working-class leadership. Join us for the San Diego stop of our statewide Pathway to Power tour, and meet the folks organizing for a San Diego where working people can thrive. RSVP
Virtual - Newtown Action Alliance - Lunch and Lobby (Select Mondays, 9-11am PST) A briefing on the latest updates in the gun violence prevention movement followed by calls to Congress. We will provide everything you need in our toolkit and no prior experience is necessary. RSVP
Virtual - What’s the Plan? with Leah and Ezra of Indivisible National (Thursdays Noon - 1pm PST) The chaos out of the White House is meant to overwhelm us. Our antidote is community. 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
Virtual - Take action for AB 1279 California Thursday, March 5, 5:30-6:30pm) There will be an important conversation regarding this Youth Justice Reform bill AB1279, which is designed to stop the system from using juvenile adjudications to enhance adult sentences. The goal of AB 1279 is to ban sentence enhancements for juvenile adjudications that occurred before the offender turned 18. It also provides judicial discretion to overturn an enhancement imposed on individuals with juvenile adjudications upon their petition, under certain conditions. SIGN UP
Critical Incident: Death at the Border - HBO Documentary (Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 2:30pm OR 6:00pm) San Diego City College | RSVP Required | Hosted by Alliance San Diego - Gathering in community in times like these matters more than ever. The 6pm screening will include Spanish subtitles. Afternoon Link | Evening Link