Author | Lightnews

Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · 22h

Both proof of whats possible when we come together around a vision rooted in justice, dignity, and REAL democracy.

Prop 50 means CA will lead the way in protecting our elections. THAT MATTERS. The energy in the room reminded me that people power is real—and growing.

Proud to be part of this fight.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · 22h

Tonight was incredible. I’m feeling inspired, electrified, and fired up.

Grateful to share space with loved ones, friends, and fellow organizers to celebrate two powerful wins: a big victory in New York and the passage of Prop 50 here in California.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · 1d

🪧 This is your SIGN to get out and VOTE!

Stop Trump's agenda of rising costs,
healthcare cuts, and ICE raids. Prop 50
is how we fight back! If you’ve been waiting for a sign to vote — this is it.

✅ Vote YES on Prop 50

#WorkingFamiliesParty #YesOn50 #CaliforniaVotes #PeoplePower

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · 11d

And with the holidays around the corner, the risk of food insecurity is only growing.

We need a system that puts people first, where dignity isn’t negotiable.

Because food isn’t a privilege. It’s a fucking right.

Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · 11d

In San Diego, we see families doing everything right: working long hours, caring for loved ones, contributing to our communities, and still struggling to afford groceries.

As we approach the November 1st SNAP funding cutoff, millions of families could face impossible choices: pay rent or buy food.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · 11d

Food is a human right. Period.

A government that can’t guarantee people can eat isn’t doing its job. SNAP isn’t a handout, it’s a lifeline. When Washington plays political games, it’s our friends, families, and neighbors who pay the price.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · 24d

If you couldn’t make it out last night, check them out and give them some love. 👉 Explore their work or order online: chouettedesigns.com

Chouette Designs

Chouette Designs - Size inclusive demi fine jewelry. LGBT and women owned in San Diego, CA. Adornment for everyone.

chouettedesigns.com

Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · 24d

✨ Studio Tour! ✨ So proud of our friends and neighbors Ashley & Marine for the grand opening of their new studio space for Chouette Designs! Chouette Designs is a women and LGBTQ owned jewelry brand, creating size-inclusive, demi-fine adornment for everyone.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · 27d

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈Thank you to the incredible donors, volunteers, and staff who make The Center’s work possible. In a year of real challenges, you’ve shown what love, courage, and solidarity look like in action. Because of you, thousands of San Diegans find safety, belonging, and hope every year.

Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Oct 2

The federal admin and Republican leadership would rather play games than do their jobs. Workers and the people shouldn’t be collateral damage.

Our gov should work for the people. Our gov should put families before fortune, people before profit, and workers before billionaires. #EndTheShutdown

Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Oct 2

Right now, federal workers are on the front lines of this reckless shutdown. Families are missing paychecks. Federal jobs are at risk. Critical programs and services that millions of everyday Americans depend on—everything from food assistance to housing support—are being cut off.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 28

🔥 We showed what San Diego is made of!

@workingfamilies.org is about YOU — the people fighting for affordable housing, healthcare, union jobs, and a democracy that works for the many, not the few.

San Diego is ready to lead & with WFP we’re building a city that truly puts working families first.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 27

And to all the friendly faces, both familiar and new — thank you for bringing your energy, your hope, and your commitment to growing this movement.

This is just the beginning. Together, we’re building a San Diego and a California that puts working families first.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 27

Huge shoutout to our incredible elected officials and community leaders who showed up in solidarity:

▪️ Assemblymember Alex Lee @votealexlee.bsky.social
▪️ Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
▪️ San Diego Unified Trustee Cody Petterson
▪️ Joseph Muro, Vice Chair of the Oceanside Youth Commission

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 27

✨ Last night’s @workingfamilies.org event was everything and more.

Grateful to everyone who came out to learn more about WFP, support working people, and build power together. Special thanks to Jane Kim, WFP State Director, for joining us in SD & @seanelorivera.bsky.social for emceeing the event.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 24

📢 Join the Working Families Party this Friday (Sep 26 | 7–9pm) as we welcome Jane Kim, California WFP State Director to San Diego!

Let’s make this a night of community, connection, and power building for working families. See you Friday!

RSVP 👉 mysandiego.info/wfp

Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 21

🚨 San Diego: We’ve got something SPECIAL coming up!

Join us Friday (Sep. 26) as we welcome Jane Kim, @caworkingfamilies.bsky.social State Director, for a night of community, connection, and celebration.

Whether you’re a member or just curious about WFP, all are welcome! RSVP: mysandiego.info/wfp

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 4

I say all of this knowing I’m one of the worst perpetrators. But… I’m also posting this mid-flight on a mini-vacation, so accountability? 🤷🏽

Alternative opening to this post: “Catching flights, not feelings” -Audre Lorde (probably)

Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 4

It was either the Bob Belcher or Audre Lorde 🤷🏽 (a toss up really) that said: ”Caring for myself, is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Please be kind to yourselves. You deserve rest & recovery. Don’t postpone joy.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 3

This is a HUGE opportunity — a win in Oceanside could pave the way for rent stabilization across San Diego County.

📍 Show up in person: Oceanside City Hall, 6 PM

📲 Take Action NOW: mysandiego.info/oside

TPO Protects Working Families — Just Oceanside

mysandiego.info

Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 3

🚨 FINAL STRETCH: On Wednesday, Sep 3 at 6PM, Oceanside City Council will vote on a Tenant Protection Ordinance that could help stop unfair evictions, stabilize rents, and keep families housed.

MAJOR props to @ericjoyce760.bsky.social, his mighty team, and the coalition of community partners!

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 2

Exhausted? Yes. Inspired? Even more. Days like today remind me why I love this work. Proud to stand alongside so many who are fighting to make San Diego a city that truly works for San Diegans. ✊🏽

Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 2

It’s been a long (and very sweaty 😅) Labor Day out with @seanelorivera.bsky.social, capturing moments of solidarity, joy, and power with workers, community leaders, and organizers. Huge thanks to @sdiclaborcouncil.bsky.social and the coalition that made today possible.

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 1

This Labor Day we’re marching for dignity, justice, and a $25/hr minimum wage for tourism + hospitality workers. TOGETHER, we WILL win a $25/hr minimum wage and show which side we’re on: WORKERS, NOT corporations.

📍 Waterfront Park – 1600 Pacific Hwy
🗓 Mon, Sep 1 | 10AM
🔗 bit.ly/sdlaborday2025

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Ben 🤓 @benmendoza.bsky.social · Sep 1

🔥✊🏽 Fired up for tomorrow’s (Mon, Sep 1) Labor Day Rally & March!

In addition to marching alongside workers, unions, community leaders and (hopefully) YOU, I’ll also be doing some media work around our Hospitality Minimum Wage Ordinance coming to Council on Sep. 16. More Info: mysandiego.info/wage

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