When nobody was paying attention, Blackwater found another way into San Diego. After watching every friendly politician in Potrero get recalled handily in February, Blackwater West quietly started pursuing permits to open a facility in the City of San Diego just three blocks from the U.S/Mexico border. 61,600 square feet, zoned for a vocational school but which Blackwater plans to use for training Navy personnel in terrorism response. To echo recent comments by Councilmember Ben Hueso to local news, Blackwater has no business in the City of San Diego unless and until someone can say definitively what laws they are bound by. And certainly, setting up shop *on* the border raises all sorts of extra red flags.

The local response has been fast and furious this week. And thanks to leadership from Congressman Bob Filner, there will be a rally at the proposed site of the new Blackwater facility tomorrow (Friday) morning. Rep. Filner will be joined by Councilmember Ben Hueso, San Diego City Council President Scott Peters, Carol Jahnkow of the Peace Resource Center, Raymond Lutz of Citizens' Oversight Projects, and Sierra Club's Jeanette Hartman at 10:45am at 7685 Siempre Viva Road in Otay Mesa in opposition to Blackwater's latest shady dealings.

Among other organizations, the Courage Campaign is encouraging all local San Diegans to attend if they're able. Rick Jacobs' message to folks in San Diego follows:

Have you heard the bad news?

Blackwater is back.

And this time, they are planning to open a 61,600 square-foot "training facility" THREE blocks from the Mexico border in Otay Mesa.

Since the story broke on Tuesday in the local media, the bad news has spread like wildfire through San Diego. Just like the people of Potrero -- the courageous citizens who kicked Blackwater out of their small town in east county-- San Diegans are in shock and looking for answers.

Fortunately, Congressman Bob Filner and grassroots organizers across San Diego are stepping up to stop Blackwater, just like they did when Blackwater tried to invade Potrero. But, to block Blackwater (again) from building a "training facility" on the Mexican border, they need your help ASAP.

Congressman Filner is organizing a rally and press conference on FRIDAY at 10:45 AM.

Can you come and show your support?

WHAT: Rally and Press Conference to block Blackwater

Blackwater recently announced that they plan to open an indoor training center in Otay Mesa to train Navy personnel. Blackwater will operate a 61,600-square-foot building, including an enclosed shooting range, in a business park on Siempre Viva Road, just south of Brown Field. The building has been permitted for use as a vocational trade school.

WHEN: 10:45 a.m., Friday, April 25

WHERE: Blackwater's proposed training facility site
7685 Siempre Viva Road
Otay Mesa

CLICK HERE FOR A MAP AND DIRECTIONS


At this rally and press conference, Congressman Filner will be announcing his opposition to Blackwater Worldwide's proposed training facility. Joining him will be: Councilmember Ben Hueso, District 8; Council President Scott Peters, District 1; Carol Jahnkow, Peace Resource Center; Raymond Lutz, Citizens' Oversight Projects; and Jeanette Hartman, Sierra Club.

As Congressman Filner said in a press release today:

"Residents of San Diego County rejected Blackwater's proposed mercenary training facility in Potrero, and I cannot imagine that San Diegans will feel any differently about Otay Mesa.

The use of civilian-defense contractors is irresponsible, and should be stopped immediately. Not only are they unaccountable to the Military, the State Department and Congress; they are civilians serving in combat and combat-training. Many have been wounded or have wounded others, and yet, they are not veterans; there is no safety net when they come home. It is criminal to ask civilian men and women to perform the role of the military when they lack the support necessary to return to their civilian lives. The paramilitary-style training conducted at these facilities has no place in our backyards!"

Congressman Filner and the grassroots organizers who blocked Blackwater before need your help now to kick them out of San Diego County again. This time, for good.

Please come to Otay Mesa on Friday morning at 10:45 a.m. and show your support. And please forward this email to your friends, family and neighbors before the rally!

Thank you for everything you are doing to make 2008 a new era for progressive politics in California. And the world.

Rick Jacobs
Chair