Newsletter: Come party with us! Daylight is turning 1
Plus, the end of the last court case from the Linda Vista ICE arrests of U.S. citizens.
Greetings, buenas and bom dia,
Daylight San Diego is turning one next week! We officially started publishing during Earth Week last year. That's one year of community-centered stories, one year of newsletter roundup reels and one year of us popping up in your inbox every week to share the latest in local news.
I'm really proud of how far we've come — all of us are — and I'm grateful to each of you who has joined our growing Daylight community.
So, come celebrate with us! We'll be partying at the Global Village Event Hall (run by the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans) on May 7 at 6 p.m. Expect good vibes, great people and a chance to celebrate the power of local, community-driven journalism. You can reserve your sliding-scale tickets here.
In case you missed it, here's a little flashback to the fun we had at our launch party last year.
We're currently looking for sponsors for the entertainment, food and drinks at the event as well as donations for our opportunity drawing and silent auction. If you're interested in being a sponsor or donating an item to the cause of community journalism, please reach out to maya@daylightsandiego.org.
— Kate Morrissey
The federal government has agreed to defer charges against the remaining U.S. citizen arrested in Linda Vista by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in July of last year. The U.S. Attorney's Office signed an agreement with Trina Rupley that if she commits no crimes — federal, state, local or foreign — for a year, the prosecutor will drop the charge against her.
— Kate Morrissey
Where to celebrate Earth Month in San Diego
Earth Month is in full swing across San Diego, with festivals, workshops, volunteer opportunities and community gatherings inviting residents to celebrate — and protect — the planet. From hands-on environmental education to dance parties and large-scale festivals in local parks, this year’s lineup blends climate action with creativity, connection and joy.
— Lauren J. Mapp
Immigrant drivers detained at Camp Pendleton
A pilot program launched last year at the gates of Camp Pendleton is trapping people with temporary permission to be in the U.S. so that ICE officers can send them to immigration detention facilities and try to convince them to agree to deportation. According to local attorneys, dozens of people have been detained by ICE at the gates of the U.S. Marine Corps base.
— Kate Morrissey, Capital & Main
The process to formally rename the street is being led by San Diego’s Transportation and Development Services Department. The city is currently conducting outreach to residents and stakeholders, as well as holding public meetings, before a final consideration is made by the city council. Last week, a special public meeting was held by the Barrio Logan Planning Group to discuss the renaming of César E. Chávez Parkway.
— Roberto Camacho, CALÓ News
Increased wages don't reduce employment
In their third report on the subject and second update of data, University of California researchers reach the same conclusions that have twice bedeviled the anti-wage hike sector of the restaurant industry: California’s $20 an hour fast food minimum wage, instituted in 2024, did not reduce employment.
— Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main
Another person died in ICE custody, marking at least 15 this year. An outlet's investigation unmasked Border Patrol agents who used force on Chicagoans, and ICE detained and then released the wife of an Army sergeant when the couple tried to move on base. Here's what happened last week in immigration news.
— Kate Morrissey
This week, San Diegans can check out live music at the Lafayette Hotel, take free yoga classes and visit a family-friendly art night in Encinitas. There are also opportunities to craft in community and a District 8 candidate forum.
— Lauren J. Mapp
Other news
The race for the next California governor is already getting bumpier. Eric Swalwell ended his campaign after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, and then he announced his resignation from Congress. Meanwhile, Republicans failed to agree on a candidate to endorse at their recent convention, CalMatters reported.
According to a KPBS investigation, the San Diego Police Department disqualifies most citizen complaints from getting sent to an independent commission for review by labelling them as “miscellaneous.”
A San Diego County Taxpayers Association review of the city of San Diego budget found that the city is overspending on middle managers while ignoring maintenance costs, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. This comes as Mayor Todd Gloria proposes to increase spending on police and the fire department while the city faces a $120 million budget deficit, the outlet reported.
The San Diego Velodrome recently began hosting races that ban trans women from competing, KPBS reported.
A 19-year-old shot by a Border Patrol agent in 2022 is suing the agent, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The agent is also facing a criminal indictment.
University of California San Diego has moved to discipline two professors in connection to the 2024 on-campus protest against Israel's war in Gaza, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
San Diego and other cities supporting the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles will share about $1 million in funding towards transportation, City News Service reported. Los Angeles is receiving $90 million.
Three San Diego warships are assisting in the naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz with three more local ships carrying U.S. Marines heading to the region, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
San Diego's SHAVONE. released a song for Major League Soccer and San Diego FC called “SDFSHE,” produced by Beazie Beats.
Los Angeles-based Las Cafeteras, who blend traditional elements of Veracruz's son jarocho with Hip Hop and other contemporary genres, released a music video for a pro-worker song partnering with SEIU Local 99.
Upcoming Events
April 16
Youth Justice Momentum Team Meeting: Mid-City CAN is hosting a youth-centered, intergenerational organizing meeting focused on justice and community advocacy. Dinner and refreshments will be provided, and childcare and translation services are available upon request. RSVP online. 5:30 - 7 p.m., 4305 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra: Lou Lou’s at The Lafayette Hotel is hosting a live jazz performance featuring Dave Damiani and his orchestra. The show highlights classic and contemporary jazz influences in an intimate supper club setting. Entry is complimentary, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is 21 and over. 7 and 9 p.m., Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Wine Down and Jazz Out: Mixed Grounds in North Park is hosting an evening of jazz, blues and global sounds with $5 wine and food from Good Boy Pizza. 7 - 10 p.m., Mixed Grounds, 4555 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116
April 17
San Diego Arab Film Festival: Films from Palestine, Iran, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen and the U.S. will be featured at the 15th annual event. Cafeteria-style Arabic dinners will be provided each evening. Tickets can be purchased online through various packages and ranging discounts. April 17-19, Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Queer Prom: Project Youth North County and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center are hosting Queer Prom with the theme Out West, featuring drag king performances by Alexander Couture, Medusa Oshumare and Cassius DeVille, a free plated dinner, music and art. For ages 13-18. RSVP online. 6 - 10 p.m. Bellagala Events, Inc1370 West San Marcos Boulevard Suite 102, San Marcos, CA 92078
April 18
Dean Collection Presents: Hometown Heroes: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego opens "Hometown Heroes," a new exhibition presented with the Dean Collection featuring local photographers in dialogue with regional artists from the permanent collection. Free public opening. April 18 through Nov. 8, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037
Girlpower Sidro Saturday: This community pop-up is hosting vendors, music, art and a photo activation with free Polaroids for the first 50 people. Noon - 5 p.m., El Salón Theatre, 114 W Hall Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173
Pilates for Palestine: This all-levels outdoor Pilates class doubles as a community fundraiser, with proceeds supporting healthcare workers in Gaza. After the class, attendees are invited to stay for food, music and community gathering. Participants are encouraged to bring a mat and water, though extras may be available. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park, 5115 Soledad Road, San Diego, CA 92109
Self-defense Class: This beginner-friendly workshop led by Black Girl Collective SD and VictoryInMe focuses on practical techniques to build confidence, awareness and real-life safety skills in a supportive, community-centered space. 1 to 2 p.m., Lindbergh Park, 4141 Ashford St., San Diego, CA 92111
Art Night Encinitas: The city of Encinitas is hosting a free, family-friendly Art Night across four locations — City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library and Pacific View Arts Center — with art, live music and community activities. A free shuttle connects all locations. 6 - 8 p.m., various locations, Encinitas
Harlem of the West: Jazz Night: The San Diego History Center and the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art are hosting an evening of live jazz, spoken-word poetry and celebration honoring the legacy of San Diego's historic Harlem of the West neighborhood, now known as the Gaslamp Quarter. The event will include live music by New Vision Band and spoken-word poetry by Dr. Yolanda Marie Franklin. Members pay $30, and non-members pay $40. Tickets available online. 6 - 8 p.m., San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Trio Borealis: Lou Lou’s presents Trio Borealis, a Hammond organ trio blending traditional jazz with modern groove and improvisation. Entry is complimentary, with first-come, first-served seating. This event is 21 and over. 8 and 10 p.m., Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
April 19
Jewelry Repair Workshop: Commonplace SD is hosting a hands-on workshop where participants can learn basic jewelry repair techniques, including fixing clasps, jump rings and broken chains. Tools and instruction will be provided, and practice materials will be available. RSVP online $40. Noon - 2 p.m., Garden Coffee, 2611 Congress St., San Diego, CA
Decoden Workshop: Embodied Gym is hosting a crafting workshop where guests can decorate a photo frame or mirror using colorful creams, charms and embellishments. Materials, tea and Japanese snacks are included. Free event. Register online. 1 - 3 p.m., Embodied Gym, 2903 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
April 20
Open Closet Free Clothing Event: Hillcrest Youth Center and The Center SD are hosting a free clothing and accessories giveaway open to all ages on a first-come, first-served basis. No donations will be accepted. Bring your own bag. Send questions to HYC@thecentersd.org. 3 - 6:30 p.m., Hillcrest Youth Center, 514 Pennsylvania Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
April 21
Candidate Forum — San Diego City Council District 8: The League of Women Voters of San Diego, Neighbors for a Better San Diego, PANA, MANA and the National Albondigas Political Society are hosting a candidate forum for the San Diego City Council District 8 race. Additional parking will be available at Logan Memorial High School, one block south on 28th St. 5:30 - 7 p.m., Logan Heights Library, 567 S. 28th St., San Diego, CA 92113
April 22
Spring Job Fair: The National City Chamber of Commerce and Southwestern College are hosting a free job fair featuring more than 70 employers across industries including retail, healthcare, hospitality, maritime and technology. Attendees can access on-site applications, computer labs and career resources. Free workshops include a resume workshop and interview tips session. Free parking is available; attendees are encouraged to bring resumes. Reserve a free spot online. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Southwestern College, National City Campus, 880 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950
‘Voice of the Revolution’ Album Listening: The Neighborhood Kids are playing their album “Voice of the Revolution” in full at San Diego Made Factory, followed by a community Q&A. This is not a live performance, but a listening experience designed for reflection and conversation. Tickets are pay what you want and available online. Doors at 6 p.m., event at 7 p.m., San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St. #114, San Diego, CA 92113
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