Newsletter: A warm welcome to our interns Rami and Jenna!
Plus, a commission is asking community members to share feedback on San Diego police.
Early this month, we welcomed our first pair of interns, Rami Alarian and Jenna Ramiscal.
Rami Alarian (they/he) is a recent graduate of San Diego State University, where they studied journalism. With a passion for investigative work, they often cover corruption and accountability stories. They are also particularly drawn to cultural and hyper-local community reporting. For Rami, reporting is a chance to bring media representation to communities that don’t often see their stories told. They have also had the pleasure of reporting with local San Diego publications like Voice of San Diego and inewsource. Learn more about Rami here.
Jenna Ramiscal (she/her/hers) is a Filipino American journalist passionate about covering culture, race and identity. In particular, she loves to cover stories about the Filipino and Asian American Pacific Islander communities. She is a rising senior at San Diego State University, double majoring in journalism and Asian American studies. She is vice president of SDSU’s Asian American Journalists Association and managing editor of the university's newspaper, The Daily Aztec. She has previously interned with EdSource, Voice of San Diego and inewsource. Learn more about Jenna here.
Throughout the summer, Jenna and Rami will share local events through Weekend Energy, keep up with national immigration news in our weekly Beyond the Border newsletter and cover community events throughout San Diego County.
Have an idea for an event you think they should cover? Submit it to our online form.
— Lauren J. Mapp
The San Diego Commission on Police Practices is asking for community member testimonies to put pressure on the city attorney to hold police more accountable. Roger Smith, the first permanent executive director of the commission, says community conversation is key to combatting a complaint system that he says is controlled by the police.
— Rami Alarian
The film “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House,” a documentary about the creation of house music in Chicago, premiered at the San Diego Central Library last week. Music enthusiasts gathered to discuss not only the sounds and racial history of house, but also the culture and community.
— Jenna Ramiscal
SD Melanin held its ninth annual Kinfolk Fest last weekend, a multi-day Juneteenth celebration that featured a free Entrepreneur Workshop, an R&B night, a Black artist exhibition and a festival featuring more than 100 vendors and live music.
— Rami Alarian
Fifteen Minnesotans, part of a coalition for community defense, are being federally charged for impeding on immigration agent and; hundreds of local law enforcement agencies have partnered with ICE. Here's what happened last week in immigration news.
— Jenna Ramiscal
Guatemalan immigrant still fighting for medical care
A year and a half after going into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, José is still experiencing rectal bleeding. José — an immigrant from Guatemala — has been fighting to get medical attention for his condition the entire time he’s been locked up. After pressure from news media and attorneys, he received a colonoscopy last August and later surgery, but he said conditions at Otay Mesa Detention Center have meant that he is not recovering properly.
— Story by Kate Morrissey, Capital & Main
What to know about billionaire tax on November ballot
A union wants California’s billionaires to rescue the state’s healthcare system. The billionaires have other ideas. On June 17, an initiative to tax the state’s wealthiest residents qualified for the ballot, according to the secretary of state’s office, which verifies petition signatures.
— Story by Kristen Hwang, CalMatters
Police shooting investigations backlogged
Under growing pressure from a restive public during the summer of 2020, the legislature passed a bill that put police shootings of unarmed people under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Justice. In the five years since then, the police shooting program has closed 41 cases. It has never recommended charges against an officer who shot and killed an unarmed person.
— Story by Nigel Duara, CalMatters
Weekend Energy: June 25 - July 1
This week San Diegans can socialize at arts and Pride Month mixers; reflect on wellness, mental health and faith; and immerse themselves into nature through gardening activities.
— Jenna Ramiscal
Other news
Following last month’s deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, a UC San Diego survey found that 88% of Muslims in the region feel less safe, KPBS reported. The survey also found that nearly two-thirds of Muslims polled reported facing discrimination over the past year because of their religion.
Nighttime Zoo is back with special snacks, drinks and performances — for its final summer — the San Diego Zoo announced. Through Aug. 9, the park will be open until 8 p.m., but after more than 25 years, the zoo plans to launch a yet-to-be-announced summer festival in 2027, replacing Nighttime Zoo.
Police use of force is on the rise in San Diego despite the city’s crime rate being in decline, Times of San Diego reported. Data shows that compared to White residents, San Diego police are seven times more likely to use force on Black residents and nearly twice as likely to use force on Latino residents.
A new report from Brown’s Promise found that California has more economic-based segregation in schools than 40 other states, and the state ranks 25th for racial segregation. Segregation in schools across the country has increased since the 1980s due to a lack of accountability for integration efforts, the report found.
The same contractor tasked with cleaning the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. earlier this spring was also hired last year to clean the sewage-contaminated Tijuana River, according to Voice of San Diego. Ohio-based Greenwater Services received $4.2 million in no-bid contracts for the two projects and says its environmental ozone “nanobubble” technology removed 90% of harmful bacteria in the Tijuana River, even as the reflecting pool project has come under scrutiny after the water turned bright green with algae.
In Barrio Logan, a group of community members installed street signs for the newly renamed Chicano Park Boulevard, covering the César E. Chávez Parkway signs, as captured by photojournalist Adrian Childress on Instagram. The new signage follows sexual abuse allegations against the deceased labor leader in March, which prompted the renaming of holidays, streets and public buildings that bore his name.
Court records continue to raise concerns about the lack of adequate health care for people detained at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, inewsource reported. Some of the allegations raised include missed surgeries, lack of treatment for neurological issues and reports of detainees experiencing significant weight loss and ongoing gastrointestinal problems while in custody.
Chula Vista artist Michael Leaf has completed his latest piece, “Chameleon IT,” a three-dimensional metal sculpture that wraps around the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Made from 2,000 square feet of hand-cut aluminum, the permanent piece is joined by Leaf’s solo exhibition, which is on display at the museum through June 27.
Corey Heim won the inaugural NASCAR Anduril 250 race at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado last weekend, KPBS and City News Service reported. Celebrities spotted attending the race included Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch and actor Scott Eastwood, son of Clint Eastwood, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Depending on approval from the Navy, the race may return to Coronado next summer, KPBS reported.
Upcoming Events
June 26
San Diego Pride Festival Exhibitor Deadline: San Diego Pride is accepting applications from exhibitors for its 2026 Pride Festival. Apply before the deadline to guarantee a spot. Deadline: June 26, sandiegopride.org
Federal Boulevard Creek Groundbreaking Ceremony: San Diego Chollas Creek and the city of San Diego are breaking ground on an $11 million project converting a concrete flood channel along Federal Boulevard into a naturalized creek with new trees, a pocket park and a walking trail. 11:30 a.m. - noon, Home Avenue and Federal Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92102
Contemporary Thinkers Social Mixer, Vol 3.: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is hosting a members and guests social mixer inspired by its current exhibitions, featuring a tour and a live airbrush activation by artist Mr. Bizar. Tickets are available online, $15 for members and $40 for non-members. 5 - 7 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037
June 27
Sycuan Ipai Tipai Mataayum: The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation is hosting its 18th Annual Traditional Gathering. The day includes a Native baby pageant, lunch and peon, a traditional guessing game played with bones or sticks. Bird songs led by Daniel Murphy, Blue Eagle Vigil and John Christman will be heard throughout the day, followed by a round robin for all bird singers and a contest. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sycuan Recreation Center Ball Field, 5577 Dehesa Road, El Cajon, CA 92019
Chollas Lake Park Fishing Derby: The city of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free fishing derby for kids 15 and under, featuring instructor-led safety lessons, prizes, provided equipment and lunch. Register online or email chollaslake@sandiego.gov for more information. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Chollas Lake Park, 6350 College Grove Drive, San Diego, CA 92115
"deny yourself" Opening Reception: Deixis Gallery presents a solo exhibition by Elizabeth Juarez featuring hand-drawn images and texts on ceramic tiles exploring desire, validation and self-purification. 5 - 8 p.m., Deixis Gallery, 2173 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Improv Know Your Rights: Uprise Theatre is hosting an interactive bilingual know your rights workshop with lawyers, activists and improvisations addressing how to unite and respond to law and immigration enforcement operations. Real-life scenarios will be used to help community members protect one another. Resources and free drinks and refreshments will be available. 6 p.m., The Mental Bar, 6325 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
June 28
Native Plant Scavenger Hunt: San Diego Bird Alliance is hosting a lightly guided Native Plant Scavenger Hunt at Otay Valley Regional Park, with an opportunity to explore the park by learning to identify native plants. RSVP here. 9 a.m., Otay Valley Regional Park, 2369 Beyer Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
Heritage Fire San Diego: A21 is hosting an all-inclusive, walk-around feast featuring local chefs competing in an open-fire cook-off, with wine pairings, whiskey tastings and a vote for the audience's favorite bite. Winners advance to the Heritage Hero Grand Finale. The event is restricted to ages 21 and up; valid photo ID required. General admission tickets $129. Early entry at 3:30 p.m. is available for $159. Tickets are available online. 4:15 - 7 p.m., Ingram Plaza, 2751 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Summer Park Arc New Style Hustle: New Style Hustle San Diego is hosting a weekly outdoor dance session at Liberty Station featuring an advanced hustle combo, beginner class and open social led by Reggie. Donations are welcomed. Adv. Hustle Combo 4:30 p.m., Beginner Class 5:15 p.m., Open Social 6 p.m. – sundown. Every Sunday in June, Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
