Take the kids downtown, March 4, 4 - 6 p

My daughters have been to their share of political rallies. When she was just a babe in utero, my oldest marched (inside of me) in the giant worldwide protests against the beginning of the Iraq War.

And when she was just a six month old, my second rode in a baby bjorn as we marched on May Day among 50,000 supporters of immigrant rights here in San Diego from Balboa Park downtown. Someone gave us a sticker that said "yo no soy terrorista!" and we slapped it on the front of the bjorn. Everyone adored the baby.

My girls know how to say "si, se puede." And it sure feels good.

What will your kids remember of the historic struggle for marriage equality?

On Thursday, the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the validity of Proposition 8. People around the state are gathering on Wednesday, March 4, to hold vigils for justice and equality.

Here in San Diego, folks will meet at the Hall of Justice (330 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101) at 4 p.m. for a rally, with a
candelight vigil to follow at 6 p.m. Parking available at Horton Plaza (free with validation).

Members of the Mama Bear Alliance will be there--look for our California bear flag banner, and join us.

Si se puede!

Mama Bears go to Sacramento

Mama Bears, you were heard in Sacramento.

Last week, 40 of you added your names to a collective letter from the Mama Bear Alliance asking our state legislature to support AR -5 (Ammiano) and SR-7 (Leno) calling for the repeal of Proposition 8.

Our Mama Bear Alliance letter was hand-carried to Sacramento last Tuesday by Alliance members Richard and Tom Wilhein.

Richard and Tom, who have been fighting for equality for thirty years, hand delivered our letter to every member of the Assembly Judiciary Committee and entered the letter into the public record, as well as carried our letter to and spoke with San Diego assemblymembers Lori Saldana (D) and staff for Senator Christine Kehoe (D), Joel Andersen (R-La Mesa),

In addition, we have sent our letter to every member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to Assemblymember Marty Block (D), and we are working towards scheduling a meeting with Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R). Senator Hollingsworth was an official co-sponsor of Proposition 8; he represents San Diego from Del Cerro into the East County and north to Temecula. We hope to establish communication with his office, since so many Mama Bears live in his district.

AR-5 (Ammiano) has passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee and will be voted on by the entire Assembly soon. SR-7 is also on its way through the Senate Judiciary Committee and hopefully to the Senate floor for a vote. We'll keep the letter circulating until all the votes are counted.

In the meantime, mark your calendar for our next Mama Bear Alliance activity: Earth Day, Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m., location to be announced.

Meet Richard and Tom, Mama Bears

Two members of the Mama Bear Alliance, Tom and Richard Wilhein, will be traveling to Sacramento on Sunday to take part in a special marriage equality lobby day on Monday. Tom and Richard want to carry our letter with them to Sacramento, to present to our legislators in person. They’ve been together 31 years, and they’ve raised 5 children: Tom and Richard say they are proud to be called “Mama Bears.”

Please add your name to our letter today: email mamabearalliance@gmail.com. Be sure to include your city and zip code, and let me know how many children (if any) you have.

More than 25 Mama Bears have signed our letter in support of SR-7 and AR-5 calling for the repeal of Proposition 8 as an improper revision of the state constitution.

That’s a fantastic start. But we can do more.

Will you join us?

If you have not already done so, please email mamabearalliance@gmail.com to add your name today.

Time to roar, Mama Bears

Hi Mama Bears:  

Our local state senators and assemblymembers need to hear from us now.  They're getting ready to vote on legislation (SR-7, AR-5) to go on record against Proposition 8 as an improper revision of the state constitution.  This legislation could provide a crucial piece of context for the California Supreme Court, which has agreed to hear a giant multi-party lawsuit to overturn Proposition 8.  

We're putting together a letter:

"Dear [Elected Official]:

We are writing as parents and California citizens to respectfully request that you support SR 7 / AR 5.  

We oppose the use of ballot initiative to eliminate the civil rights of minorities in California.

We feel that ballot initiatives like Proposition 8 have been divisive and destructive to feelings of good will, tolerance, mutual respect, and cooperative in our communities.

We believe that every family in California willing to take on the responsibilities of the civil contract of marriage deserves equal protection and equal status under the law.

We want our children to grow up in a California where no family is targeted for the elimination of its civil rights.

We want all young people in California to be able to look forward to a future with full opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (including love and marriage) regardless of whether they turn out to be gay or straight.

Thank you for your consideration."

Will you sign with us?  Will you add your name with all the other mama bears who believe in love, fairness, and understanding?

To add your name, email mamabearalliance@gmail.com.

I'm thinking about delivering a few of these letters in person, with the baby bears in tow.  Who wants to come?