Newsletter: Listening session sheds light on deep mistrust between Black women and medical providers
Plus, people in immigration custody across the country are participating in hunger strikes.
Hello everyone!
On Saturday, we gathered for a community listening session at The Block Club to help guide our reporting on Black maternal and infant health in San Diego County.
Several community members shared their experiences in having difficulty finding support for infertility. They also told us how their family members’ and personal experiences with medical professionals impacted their trust in finding primary care physicians and fertility specialists. The women told us that they were looking into non-Western forms of treatment, and that women in their communities trusted the county’s Black Infant Health program over large health care systems, like Kaiser.
A representative from the Black Infant Health program shared the work the county does to support Black birthing parents and infants. She emphasized how bad outcomes continue to be for Black mothers, regardless of their socioeconomic status, pointing to examples like Serena Williams that she often uses when giving presentations to community members and medical professionals.
Compared to San Diego County infants overall, Black infants are nearly six times more likely to die during their first year of life, 60% more likely to be born premature and almost two times more likely to be born with low birth weight, according to county data.
That’s why, with support from the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism 2026 California Health Equity Fellowship and an Engagement Grant, Daylight’s Lauren Mapp will be digging into these disparities for a project on Black maternal and infant health in the county. If you couldn’t make it Saturday, but have an experience you want to share to guide Lauren’s reporting, you can email her at lauren@daylightsandiego.org, or schedule a one-on-one chat with her on Calendly.
Starting on June 18, she will also be holding virtual office hours on Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m. to meet via Zoom with San Diegans who have stories to share about birthing, trying to get pregnant, pregnancy loss, infant care, lactation, pregnancy and prenatal care. Stay tuned for an announcement for in-person office hours later this summer.
— Maya Srikrishnan
Oceanside market supports immigrants
A community market brought vendors, performers and community members together to help support local immigrant justice organizations. Organizers donated a portion of the market’s proceeds to support Human Rights Council of Oceanside and Detention Resistance.
— Jenna Ramiscal
This week, there are multiple watch parties going on around San Diego for the World Cup’s kick off game between Mexico and South Africa. The Collective Coalition is hosting a whacking workshop, Mudd House is organizing a Pride Market with handmade goods and Tierras Indígenas Community Land Trust is screening the documentary "Feminist on Cell Block Y."
— Jenna Ramiscal
Across the nation, people in immigration custody are participating in hunger strikes to shed light on the inhumane living conditions in Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities. They are particularly calling out the lack of proper mental health and medical care. Here's what happened last week in immigration news.
— Jenna Ramiscal
Other news
The San Diego City Council approved a budget on Tuesday that partially restored hours at libraries and recreation centers, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. A proposal to save funds by terminating a license plate reader contract was rejected by five of the nine councilmembers.
San Diego police wrongly jailed a man for a month for a violent crime based on Flock license reader information, Times of San Diego reported. He was actually five miles away from where the crime occurred.
Black San Diegans are nine times more likely to be charged with “resisting an officer” and nothing else, KPBS reported.
Immigration detentions at San Diego’s military bases have increased under the Trump administration, especially impacting rideshare and delivery drivers, KPBS reported.
The San Diego City Council voted to repeal parking fees at Balboa Park and reduce trash fees for single-family homes, NBC 7 reported.
The San Diego Association of Governments, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and the North County Transit District are proposing an increase to transit fees, KPBS reported. If enacted, fees for a one-way ticket would increase from $2.50 to $3 this fall, with another increase to $3.25 next year.
Upcoming Events
June 12
Lesbian Cafe: The San Diego LGBT Community Center invites queer folks to gather for a welcoming, inclusive and light-hearted discussion group tailored for women of all ages. 10:30 a.m. - Noon., 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Ono Hawaiian BBQ Grand Opening: Ono Hawaiian BBQ is expanding its San Diego County footprint with the grand opening of its newest location in Vista. It will feature Hawaiian dancer performances, a ribbon cutting ceremony, a raffle for $100 promo cards, and an in-store buy one, get one free offer. 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., 1711 University Dr, Suite 110, Vista, CA 92083
Game Night: Good News, a bar that serves non-alcoholic drinks, is hosting its first Game Night with a wide selection of board and card games available all night, including Scrabble, Cards Against Humanity, Battleship, Clue and more. Attendees are welcome to bring their own games. 4 - 10 p.m., Good News, 3821 Park Blvd., San Diego 92103
Solstice Social Night Market: Sound by the Sea is hosting an all-ages night market in Oceanside featuring more than 30 vendors selling vintage goods, handmade wares and art. 5 - 10 p.m., 325 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
Beats & Bars: Live Hip Hop Sessions with Sojourn: JoDizzle Entertainment presents a live Hip Hop performance by Sojourn, who will play music in tribute to Rob Base, Foster Sylvers, James Gadson, Trugoy the Dove of De La Soul, P.E.A.C.E. of the Freestyle Fellowship and Dilla, among others. The event repeats Aug. 7. 6 - 9 p.m., Felix's BBQ With Soul, 3613 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056
el FUNDango: Somos La Voz Collective hosts a fundraiser jam at Via International featuring son jarocho from Jorge and Luis Castillo, DJs, food, drinks and a tamales sale by Isa's. All proceeds go toward funding a youth trip to Veracruz. Attendees are encouraged to bring jaranas and zapatillas. 6 - 9 p.m., Via International Office, 1955 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Mini Poetry Slam: Poets Underground is hosting an open mic and mini slam competition with a cash prize at Art Produce Garden. RSVP online. 6 - 8 p.m., Art Produce Gallery , 3139 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
Community Yoga: Alchemystic Studio hosts a gentle community yoga session at The Brown Building every Friday. Reserve space online on a pay-what-you-can basis. 6 - 7 p.m., The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, CA 92105
Black Trans & Nonbinary Community Group: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting a space for Black trans, gender nonbinary and gender non-conforming folks to get and provide peer support through discussion. The group meets in person the first and third Fridays of each month. 6:15 - 7:45 p.m., 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
San Diego: Tenant Power & Right to the City: Tenant Councils of San Diego is presenting a talk on the local history of land, development and profiteering, as well as the current wave of tenant union organizing and strategies for fighting evictions, displacement, neglect and exploitation. 6:30 p.m., Burn All Books, 3131 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Sounds of Tomorrow Jazz Jam: Dear Tomorrow presents a jazz night with a three-piece band, curated natural wine pours and a pasta pop-up featuring handmade noodles. The venue is also soft-launching a communal gallery with more than 30 local artists and craft-making stations. Tickets will be available at the door for $12. 7 - 10 p.m., 216 S. Tremont St. Oceanside, CA 92054
MiMi LuV Birthday Show: Singer MiMi LuV is hosting a birthday concert with special guests Soulablaze and DJ Redlite. Reserve tickets online, starting at $10. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., 5046 Newport Ave., San Diego, CA 92107
Cumbias y Wepa Vol. II: Diskos Rayados brings its Fiesta Cumbiera back to Whistle Stop Bar for a second round of pure vinyl cumbia with La Crunchy 619, DJ CatKiller, Pax and Bailando Sin Cesar. 9 p.m., Whistle Stop Bar, 2236 Fern St., San Diego, CA 92104
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Crazed Imaginations hosts a screening and shadowcast performance of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas on the second, fourth and fifth Fridays of each month. The second Friday performance is lingerie night, and fifth Friday shows have a special mashup theme. Tickets can be reserved online and prop bags can be purchased at the theater for $5. 10:30 p.m., La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
June 13
Milkweed Madness: Native West Nursery is hosting a free family event celebrating Monarch butterflies and local pollinators, featuring milkweed and other native plants for sale, local artisan vendors, kids' activities and a pollinator scavenger hunt. RSVP online. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Little Barn at Native West Nursery, 1849 Leon Ave., San Diego, CA 92154
Nature Journaling: City Farmers Nursery is hosting a free nature journaling class. 9 - 10 a.m., 3110 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
Policy by the People: RISE Now Civic Forum: RISE San Diego hosts Session 2 of its 2026 Civic Forum Series, where community members can participate in translating lived experience into policy priorities and learn to navigate the legislative process. Register online. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Water and Kindness Free Store: Every Saturday, Water and Kindness hosts a free store at Popup Winona where visitors can donate items or get needed supplies. The group is seeking donations of baby formula, bags, blankets, diapers, first aid items, harm reduction supplies, hats, gloves, hygiene products, mobility aids, rolling carts or wagons, shoes, sleeping bags, socks, tarps, tents, undergarments and water. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4951 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
After Extremism: Building Bridges and Strengthening Community: The San Diego World Affairs Council and OneSD are hosting a community dialogue featuring former White nationalist turned peace activist Arno Michaelis and peace advocate Tasreen Khamisa, whose work has focused on preventing violence and promoting restorative justice. The conversation will explore radicalization, personal transformation and the role of dialogue in healing divided communities. Register online. 10 a.m. - noon, UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA 92037
Black Girls Be Wandering: Black Girls Be Well and Black Girls Who Walk San Diego are co-hosting a mindful community walk through Balboa Park designed as an invitation for Black women to slow down, explore and connect with themselves, nature and each other. RSVP online for free. 10 a.m. - noon, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Peace Vigil for Palestine: CODEPINK San Diego, Palestine Pals and other local activism groups host a weekly peace vigil to advocate for peace in Gaza and beyond every Saturday in Ocean Beach. The group invites attendees to wear pink and bring peace-themed posters. For more information, email sandiego@codepink.org. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
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 are welcome to attend. 10 - 11:30 a.m., June 6, 13 and 27, The Front Arte & Cultura, 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
World Cup Watch Party — Brazil vs. Morocco: Samba Futsal Club is hosting an opening weekend watch party for the World Cup matchup between Brazil and Morocco. The event features live samba music from Grupo Resenha, Brazilian DJs and programming on giant LED walls. RSVP online. 11 a.m., FIT Social, 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
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, closing with a community gallery showcasing the artwork. Gallery on June 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Mental Bar, 6325 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92114
Border Tongues Lenguas Fronterizas Writing Workshop: The Front Arte & Cultura is hosting a free bilingual writing workshop led by Angélica M. Yañez and Raquel Reyes-Lopez. The workshop will explore what it means to write in a space between English and Spanish. Email elizabethb@casafamiliar.org to reserve a spot. 1 - 3 p.m., 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
4th Annual Sober Pride: Queer Wellness: The Collective Coalition is hosting a free queer wellness celebration in partnership with Alchemystic Studio. The event includes a workshop introduction to whacking, a dance style that originated in the 1970s in LGBTQ+ bars and the ballroom scene, led by Thomas of Whacking San Diego. 3 - 7 p.m., 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Chill Out Session: New Style Hustle San Diego is hosting an afternoon dance social at Liberty Station. Donations are welcomed. 3 p.m. – sundown, Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Queer Cinema for Palestine: Digital Gym Cinema is hosting a San Diego screening of short films by queer Palestinian and allied filmmakers exploring identity, resistance, memory and displacement, presented as part of the global Queer Cinema for Palestine event series. Tickets are available at the box office or online. $13 general, $11 students/seniors, $9 members, 5 p.m., Digital Gym Cinema, 100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
Ukraine Lives! The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus: This event will feature the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America, under the direction of artistic director Oleh Mahlay, and the one-of-a-kind 60-stringed bandura. General admission tickets are available online for free. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., 2728 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
La Peña de las Penas: Xóchitl Quetzal presents the 5th installment of La Peña de las Penas, a performance evening with invited artist Fredy Gomez Cruz. Free admission, but monetary donations are welcomed. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., 950 S. 26th St., Barrio Logan, San Diego, CA 92113
Open Level Hustle Class: New Style Hustle San Diego hosts a weekly open level class followed by a social at The Dancehouse. $15–25 for class, social included; $5 social only. Class 8 – 9:30 p.m., social 9:30 – 11 p.m. Every Monday in June, The Dancehouse, 2176 Chatsworth Blvd UNIT B, San Diego, CA 92107
June 14
Raising Chickens in San Diego: City Farmers Nursery is hosting a free class on raising backyard chickens. 9 - 10 a.m., 3110 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
Tio's Knife & Tool Sharpening: City Farmers Nursery is hosting a knife and tool sharpening service. Per-item fees apply, starting at $6. 9 - 10 a.m., 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Cuts & Coffee: Night Cap Radio and Braveheart Barbershop are hosting the eighth edition of Cuts & Coffee, featuring a FIFA World Cup 2026 watch party, BBQ and DJ sets. The first 40 cups of coffee from Unico Coffee are free, with bagels by Best Friends Bagels and vinyl from Soul Side Vinyl. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., 972 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
Pride Market at The Mudd House: The Mudd House is hosting a Pride Market with art, handmade goods, vintage, food, sweet treats, face painting and jewelry. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Mudd House, 802 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
KPBS Kids: The San Diego County Fair with Arthur!: KPBS Kids is hosting a meet and greet at the San Diego County Fair with special guest Arthur as well as story times and a book giveaway. Tickets are available online. 2 - 6 p.m., 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Occupy Otay Demonstration: Demonstrators gather every Sunday on the sidewalk outside Otay Mesa Detention Center to protest the Trump administration's increase in arrests and detentions related to immigration enforcement. 2 - 4 p.m., 7488 Calzada de la Fuente, San Diego, CA, 92154
Philippine Independence Day Mini Bakunawa Market: Bakunawa Market and Soul Side Vinyl host a celebration of Philippine Independence Day featuring music, vendors, food, art and community. 2 - 4 p.m., Soul Side Vinyl, 3535 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
"Feminist on Cell Block Y" Screening & Community Dialogue: Tierras Indígenas Community Land Trust is hosting a screening of the documentary "Feminist on Cell Block Y," followed by a panel discussion and community dialogue on patriarchy, toxic masculinity and collective healing. Panelists include Hugo Gonzalez, who is featured in the film. Register for free online. 4 - 7 p.m., 2608 National Ave., Barrio Logan, San Diego, CA 92113
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 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 Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
