Newsletter: How Pride in San Diego began and why we celebrate it now
Plus, the local Muslim community criticizes city government following Islamic Center shooting
San Diego’s LGBTQ+ liberation movement dates back to Spanish colonization of California when Spanish Catholic explorers and missionaries observed Native Americans who were proudly Two-Spirit, homosexual and cross-dressing, according to the San Diego History Center.
As California established statehood and San Diego took form, state and local legislation worked to “eradicate” these acts. But from that moment, Native people and other residents of San Diego fought back by openly engaging in LGBTQ+ relationships.
Fast forward to the Stonewall Riots in New York City, LGBTQ+ people and allies fought police who targeted a queer bar there, according to San Diego Pride, igniting a nationwide movement that resulted in today's Pride celebrations and national Pride Month in June.
San Diego's festivities continue into July for the city’s official festival and parade — in which local LGBTQ+ communities honor the pioneers who fought for social and political change.
Students founded the county’s first gay rights club in 1970. The region's first official Pride Parade kicked off in 1975, and international collaborations to expand Pride around the world followed in 1982, according to the San Diego Diplomacy Council.
The fight for LGBTQ+ people to live comfortably and happily continues today.
As the Trump administration continues to erode federal protections for the LGBTQ+ community, basking in what makes San Diego beautifully queer — from our vibrant Hillcrest gayborhood to LGBTQ+ champions during the AIDS epidemic — is a big part of celebrating these next couple months.
— Sam Barney-Gibbs
From city-wide flag raisings and celebrations to drag performances and LGBTQ+ film, music and art shows, there are many local spaces to uplift LGBTQ+ pride this year.
— Sam Barney-Gibbs
Anger at mayor and police chief
Many in the Muslim community are angry at the mayor and police chief for their comments following the attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego. Muslim leaders say Mayor Todd Gloria ignored them prior to the attack and then used their pain as an excuse to defend his unpopular budget cuts.
— Kate Morrissey
People applying for green cards from within the U.S. may have to leave the country, and protesters in New Jersey supported hunger strikers in ICE custody. Here's what happened last week in immigration news.
— Kate Morrissey
Marines cut supportive civilian jobs
Current and former Pentagon staffers have raised concerns about the U.S. Marine Corps’ decision to reduce the number of civilian deployment readiness coordinators who walk families through deployments, crises, financial instability and mental health emergencies.
— Story by Marcus Baram, Capital & Main
Access to cheaper alternative fuel
In the face of the nation’s highest gas prices, California lawmakers approved a bill to ease restrictions on E85 conversion kits — devices that let conventional gasoline cars run on a cheaper, mostly ethanol fuel blend.
— Story by Alejandro Lazo and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters
Tijuana River project could bring some relief
As the U.S. and Mexico pursue $800 million in upgrades to wastewater facilities on the border, local officials are trying to secure about $25 million to repair the road crossing at Saturn Boulevard, where sewage-tainted water is forced through outdated culverts that spew hydrogen sulfide gas and other toxins throughout south San Diego.
— Story by Deborah Brennan, CalMatters
Students struggle with online courses
About 40% of California’s community college courses are online now, redefining education. These courses are more accessible, college officials say, but they come with serious drawbacks including a lack of engagement, community and school counseling.
— Story by Adam Echelman, CalMatters
As Pride month kicks off, San Diegans can attend DJ events, crafting events or even hang out by the beach to learn about the history of Pride.
— Rami Alarian
Other news
Following California midterm primaries this week, with 56% of votes counted as of Thursday morning, Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton leads the governor race, two points ahead of Democrat and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, PBS reported. Democrat billionaire Tom Steyer is currently third.
Voice of San Diego reported that Republican San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones leads the District 5 County Supervisor race, likely facing Democrat Kyle Krahel in November. Republican Jim Desmond and Democrat Marni von Wilpert are headed to a runoff in the 48th Congressional District.
CBS 8 published poll counts yesterday showing NICU nurse and community advocate Martha Abraham in first place for District 4’s city council seat with incumbent Henry Foster III trailing behind. City Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee currently has nearly a 10-point lead over business owner, educator and former Reserve Police Officer Mark Powell in District 6. The District 8 race is close with Antonio Martinez leading and Gerardo Ramirez in second. Martinez worked for the previous councilmember, Vivian Moreno, who is termed out.
The Border 6 Fire started Monday near the Tijuana River/Marron Valley area in San Diego County, growing to 2,617 acres and 25% contained as of Thursday morning, CalFire reported. The fire originated in Mexico, crossed into the U.S., and spread rapidly with wind and terrain. Evacuation warnings are being lifted with aid from 130 personnel and 4 helicopters.
Twelve San Diego firefighters earned over $200,000 in overtime last year, with one deputy fire marshal pulling in nearly $1.2 million over five years, Times of San Diego reported.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that four San Diego city council members proposed a compromise budget that would reverse Mayor Todd Gloria's cuts to libraries, recreation centers and arts programs. It's funded mainly by cutting middle manager positions and canceling a police license plate reader contract. The plan needs at least one more council vote to override a potential mayoral veto.
Upcoming Events
June 5
Parks After Dark: Come Play Outside presents a free family event series starting June 5 running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 1 at recreation centers across San Diego. Activities include music and entertainment, youth sports, inflatables, arts and crafts, health and fitness and community resources. Kids eat free while supplies last. No events June 19, July 2, 3 or 4 at all locations. 5 - 8 p.m., Dolores Magdaleno Memorial Recreation Center, 2902 Marcy Ave., San Diego, CA 92113; Skyline Hills Recreation Center, 8285 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114; City Heights Recreation Swim & Tennis Center, 4380 Landis St., San Diego, CA 92105; Linda Vista Recreation Center, 7064 Levant St., San Diego, CA 92111; Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Drive, San Diego, CA 92154
Oceanside Art Walk: This month's edition of Oceanside's monthly art walk features Sambamerica Dance & Drum Collective offering a free community dance class with live drums at 6:30 p.m., following Baba Aki's Drum Circle. 5 - 9 p.m., Civic Center Plaza, 300 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
Virtual First Friday: Mundo Gardens is hosting a virtual community meeting as part of the Reconnecting Southeast San Diego and National City project that will include updates on the Green Corridor and community master plan shaped at prior visioning workshops. Attendees can ask questions, learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities and connect with neighbors. 5:30 - 7 p.m., virtual via Google Meet
Summer Lovin' Singles Night: Commonplace SD and Little Birdie Matchmaking are co-hosting a matchmaker-led singles event for adults ages 25-40 at Mission Brewery in Kensington, featuring activities designed to spark connection. Tickets must be purchased in advance; no door sales. $10. 6 - 8 p.m., Mission Brewery, 4067 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
All Things Rad: Tender Hooligan presents a dance night with Iron Mike and Profile on the decks playing funk, soul, classic Hip Hop, breaks and dance bangers. 8 p.m. - midnight, Tender Hooligan, 221 Third Ave. Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910
June 6
University Heights Garage Sale & E-Waste Recycling: University Heights Community Associate is hosting its annual yard sale and eco-friendly recycling event featuring more than 60 households of the University Heights neighborhood. People can recycle electronics, shop and donate no-longer-used items. Register online to add garage sales to the official map, which is released the morning of the event. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
North Park Mini Book Fair: Verbatim Books and the North Park Community Fair present a curated literary market featuring local bookshops. The event is free and open to all ages. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., North Park Way from 29th Street to Ray Street, San Diego, CA 92104
Drummers Without Borders Workshop: The Front Arte & Cultura in San Ysidro presents a free, beginner-friendly hands-on drumming workshop with Drummers Without Borders, supported by Casa Familiar and the Prebys Foundation. Instruments will be provided. Ages 16 and older, 10 - 11:30 a.m., June 6, 13 and 27, The Front Arte & Cultura, 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
Querida: A Love Letter to Our Neighborhoods: Uprise & Grind is hosting a series of art workshops at The Mental Bar inviting participants to create work honoring the places and communities that raised them. On June 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. a community gallery will showcase the artwork. Workshops June 6 - 7, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., The Mental Bar, 6325 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
EXPO: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is hosting a free two-day expo showcasing publishing, design, music and community vendors. Gallery admission is 50% off all weekend. RSVP online. June 6, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., and June 7, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 650 Coast Blvd. S, La Jolla, CA 92037
North Park Music Fest: This annual event returns with more than 30 live acts spread across venues throughout the neighborhood for an afternoon and evening of music and community. Tickets are available online for $25. Noon - 9 p.m., North Park, San Diego, CA 92104
Pride by the Beach: The History of Pride, Part 1 — Origins: North County's Pride by the Beach returns to the Oceanside Civic Center for a community celebration honoring the origins of the Pride movement. The event is free and open to the public. Noon - 6 p.m., Oceanside Civic Center, 300 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
Ideological Foundations of San Diego's Panther Party: The Panther Party San Diego Chapter presents a political education session on the ideological framework and core beliefs of the organization and how those principles inform its community work. 12:30 p.m., Panther HQ, 6 Hensley St., San Diego, CA 92102
Sky Deck 5th Anniversary at Le Parfait Paris: Le Parfait Paris celebrates five years at Sky Deck with $5 lattes and cappuccinos. 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Le Parfait Paris, Del Mar Sky Deck, 12841 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130
Yap + Scrap: Yap and Scrap SD, a queer art collective, is hosting a free make-your-own carabiner craft event on the second floor of Lestat’s in Hillcrest. Material including carabiners and charms will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their own carabiner or charms to share. RSVP online. 2 - 6 p.m., Lestat's, 1045 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Balboa Park Garden Party: Forever Balboa Park presents its inaugural garden party at Balboa Park, featuring botanical cuisine and cocktails, music and golden hour in the gardens. Ticket proceeds support the care and future of Balboa Park. Tickets available online. 5 - 10 p.m. Botanical Building and Central Gardens, Balboa Park, 1550 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Overeasy: Overeasy returns to Park & Rec for a free night of dancing with DJ sets by Dauché, Virusss and iMagee. Early arrival is suggested; RSVP online here to skip the line. Free, 9 p.m., Park & Rec, 4612 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
June 7
Healing Together Part 2: The Islamic Center of San Diego is hosting a community gathering for support and spiritual renewal following the recent violent attack on the center. The program includes a brunch suhbah, a talk by Dr. Marwa Azab titled "The First Story After Trauma: Resetting the Nervous System for Safety," separate healing circles for men, women, children and youth, art therapy sessions by the Art and Wilderness Institute, and du'a. Brunch will be provided. Register online. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., 7050 Eckstrom Ave., San Diego, CA 92111
Sabor del Barrio: The third annual Neighborhood Taste of Barrio Logan offers a self-guided food tour of Chicano food featuring tastings at more than 35 restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, breweries and distilleries throughout the Barrio Logan Cultural District. Tickets include free entry to the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center, The Atheneum Art Center, Quint Gallery and a tour at Tao Clay, plus free trolley shuttle service throughout the district. All funds are reinvested into the community. Advance tickets are $40; day-of tickets are $55 if available. Noon - 4 p.m., Barrio Logan Cultural District, San Diego, 92113
Blanket Sounds: Blanket Sounds returns to Waterfront Park for a free, all-ages outdoor music event featuring a live saxophone performance by Riva.Sax, a curated DJ set by City Soul Collective SD and artwork by Irlanda Navarro. The event repeats July 26, Aug. 30 and Sept. 20. Vendors can apply online. 3 - 7 p.m., 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Summer Park Arc: 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 with classes 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
